Lead User Researcher

Made Tech aims to positively impact the country\’s future by leveraging technology to improve society. We believe that a design-led approach can create significant positive outcomes in the public sector by enabling critical services through technology. We are building a community of designers and researchers to support the growing demand for a design-led approach to service delivery in the public sector.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead one or more research projects, ensuring all team members and stakeholders share a common understanding of successful outcomes.
2. Define the focus of research efforts, aligning team understanding and expectations.
3. Ensure a whole-team approach to user research, inviting all stakeholders and team members to observe research sessions.
4. Scope research projects by defining objectives, planning activities, and overseeing delivery.
5. Collaborate with the Discipline head and peers to establish best practice standards, including adherence to GDPR, MRS standards, and GDS Service standards.
6. Conduct and lead mixed methodology research, facilitating analysis sessions and synthesizing insights into actionable reports.
7. Build relationships with clients and senior stakeholders to understand their needs and provide advisory support.
8. Assist in writing and reviewing bids and support business development initiatives.
9. Manage and mentor user researchers within the team.
10. Support hiring and onboarding of new team members across Strategy & Design.
11. Promote user-centered thinking and practices within Made Tech and client organizations.
12. Represent the user-centered design community both internally and externally.

Skills, Knowledge, and Expertise

1. Proficiency in research methodologies such as usability testing, contextual inquiry, rapid research, survey development, and evaluative research.
2. Experience leading user research across GDS development stages (discovery, alpha, beta), with GDS assessments being desirable.
3. Ability to lead user research within agile environments.
4. Experience coaching junior team members on research delivery.
5. Proficiency in analyzing complex data, synthesizing findings, and helping organizations adopt various research techniques.
6. Skill in interpreting research findings to validate or challenge team understanding.
7. Ability to create and present insights through reports, personas, archetypes, and other outputs to project teams and stakeholders.
8. Facilitation skills to help teams and stakeholders make decisions based on user insights.
9. Strong advocacy for research standards, including GDPR and MRS Code of Conduct.
10. Promotion of inclusive research practices and designing accessible services for diverse users.
11. Ability to influence clients strategically and commercially, improving processes and generating new opportunities.

Community and People Management

1. Support the Discipline head in guiding the research community within Made Tech.
2. Foster a positive, inclusive, and open culture within the User Research team.
3. Support hiring, onboarding, and professional development of team members using coaching techniques.

Additional Information

We offer flexible benefits, including a Smart Tech scheme, Cycle to Work, and a benefits allowance for health or pension plans. We value connection and wellbeing, providing social and wellbeing events for employees.

Benefits include paid counselling, financial and legal advice. Successful candidates will be required to undertake SC clearance.

Our recruitment process is transparent and supportive, with regular updates and feedback. Register your interest to be notified of future roles that match your criteria.

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