Senior User Researcher

Company Overview

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited is an established UK-based IT Services Consultancy, generating over A3100M in revenue. With a 30-year history, Methods partners with various central government departments and agencies to revolutionize public sector operations. The company focuses on people-centred, safe, and future-oriented end-to-end business and technical solutions. Methods emphasizes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning, cultivating a supportive work environment. Recently acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022, Methods is expanding its private sector client base alongside public sector engagements.

Role Summary

We seek an experienced Senior User Researcher to join Methods' growing team on a permanent basis. The ideal candidate is passionate about understanding and advocating for users and has a background conducting user research within public sector projects, adhering to high ethical standards and familiarity with government service standards and principles.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with client product managers and owners to develop suitable research strategies yielding focused and actionable insights for product development.
• Engage in multidisciplinary teamwork, involving colleagues in research and analytical activities.
• Act as a user advocate by communicating user needs and perspectives to help design intuitive and accessible services.
• Analyze and synthesize complex, incomplete data to draw reasoned conclusions.
• Make informed decisions when faced with ambiguous or incomplete information.
• Recognize when to involve additional Methods resources based on data from diverse sources.
• Identify major issues in complex problems and clarify stakeholder expectations to identify optimal solutions.
• Persuade skeptical colleagues and stakeholders tactfully regarding the value and purpose of research.
• Effectively collect, utilize, and share user insights from diverse stakeholders to enhance policy and delivery.
• Assist the Head of User Research in coordinating quality across Digital Delivery through community engagement.
• Mentor, coach, and guide junior user researchers within Methods and client organizations.
• Collaborate with colleagues to identify, develop, and propagate best practices.
• Define and monitor research standards related to ethics, lab testing, recruitment, and documentation.
• Conduct formal peer reviews for quality assurance or service assessments.

Daily Activities

• Engage confidently with stakeholders and teammates at all levels to foster and improve relationships within and beyond the user research community.
• Build and maintain a network of professional contacts.
• Assess how Methods' research compares with government and industry standards, identifying areas for enhancement.
• Promote user-centred design and participate actively in the user research community internally and across government.
• Take ownership of personal learning and seek opportunities for skill and knowledge enhancement.
• Provide project support, guidance, coaching, and mentoring to less experienced user researchers.
• Support bidding processes alongside the Head of User Research.
• Assist in recruiting contract or permanent user researchers to meet capacity needs.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable enthusiasm for behavioural research.
• Strong leadership capabilities.
• Ability to nurture and develop junior colleagues.
• Competent in identifying research questions and selecting appropriate methodologies.
• Proficient application of a broad range of research and analytical techniques.
• Commitment to inclusive and representative research to ensure products/services meet diverse user needs.
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly and understandably.
• Experience facilitating workshops and collaborating cross-functionally to design services.
• Skilled at highlighting key insights and presenting compelling narratives.
• Experience working in agile environments.

Qualifications

Relevant industry experience is required.

Employee Benefits

• Autonomy to grow skills and experience.
• Involvement in impactful projects contributing positively to society.
• Inspirational leadership and a supportive team atmosphere.
• Management development programs and training opportunities.
• 24/7 confidential employee assistance program for wellness support.
• Flexible working options, including home working and part-time schedules.
• Social activities including office parties and themed days.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with option to purchase additional leave.
• Two paid days yearly for volunteering in community or charitable causes.
• Pension scheme with employer and employee contributions.
• Life assurance at four times base salary.
• Non-contributory private medical and worldwide travel insurance covering spouse and dependents.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.