Senior User Researcher

About Methods

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited is a UK-based IT services consultancy with over 30 years of experience, generating over A3100M in revenue. We partner with various UK central government departments and agencies to help modernise public sector operations through end-to-end business and technical solutions centred on people, safety, and future readiness. Our approach combines technology, data, and human insight to create sustainable value for clients, staff, communities, and the environment. We foster a collaborative environment that encourages learning and innovation, serving both public and an expanding private sector client base. Methods is part of the Alten Group since 2022.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior User Researcher to join our growing team permanently. This role involves championing user needs and conducting ethical, high-quality research predominantly in a public sector context, aligned with government service standards and principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with client product managers and owners to plan effective research strategies that yield targeted insights to inform product development.
• Engage interdisciplinary teams by including colleagues in research and analytical activities.
• Advocate emphatically for users, communicating their perspectives to support designing intuitive, accessible services.
• Analyze and synthesize complex or partial data to draw reasonable, testable conclusions.
• Make informed decisions in uncertain situations and recognize when additional support is necessary.
• Identify core issues in complex problems and clarify understanding or expectations to determine optimal actions.
• Persuade sceptical stakeholders tactfully about the value and objectives of research.
• Effectively collect and disseminate diverse user insights to enhance policy development and service delivery.
• Support the Head of User Research in coordinating quality user research across the digital portfolio via the research community.
• Mentor and coach junior user researchers within Methods and client organisations.
• Collaborate to establish, monitor, and promote research standards including ethics, lab testing, recruitment, and documentation.
• Provide peer reviews for quality assurance or assessment panels.
• Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships across organisational levels.
• Build and sustain a network within and beyond Methods’ user research community.
• Evaluate Methods' research performance against government and industry best practices to suggest improvements.
• Promote user-centred design advocacy internally and across government sectors.
• Take ownership of professional growth and seek continuous learning opportunities.
• Provide project guidance, coaching, and mentoring as needed.
• Assist in bids and recruitment efforts for user research roles.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership capabilities with a track record of supporting and developing junior colleagues.
• Ability to define research questions clearly and select appropriate methodologies.
• Expertise in applying diverse research and analytical techniques.
• Commitment to inclusive, representative research ensuring services meet the needs of all users.
• Strong communication skills to make research understandable to varied audiences.
• Experience facilitating workshops and collaborative design discussions.
• Capability to extract key insights ('so what') and communicate them compellingly.
• Adaptability to work effectively in agile project environments.

Qualifications

Relevant industry experience is required.

Benefits

• Autonomy to develop and enhance your skills and expertise.
• Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects benefiting society.
• Leadership that inspires and challenges staff.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture.
• Structured management development programs and training opportunities.
• Access to a 24/7 confidential employee assistance program.
• Flexible working arrangements including hybrid and part-time options.
• Social events such as office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, pizza Thursdays, and group charity involvement.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to buy up to 5 additional days yearly.
• Two paid volunteering days annually supporting community or charity activities.
• Generous pension scheme with employer and employee contributions.
• Life assurance coverage at four times base salary.
• Comprehensive private medical and worldwide travel insurance including cover for spouse and dependents at no cost to employee.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave benefits.
• Commuter benefits including season ticket loans and cycle to work schemes.