At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to improve services in the arts and culture sector.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive team at Arts Council.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advocating for user-centred design.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38689 - 38689 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term until 30 June 2028, working 35 hours per week. Flexible working options welcomed.
Salary: £38,689 per annum plus benefits including final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.
Location: Birmingham, Manchester or Nottingham. The role will be based in one of the listed locations, with hybrid working and remote options, requiring 1‑2 on‑site days per week.
As a User Researcher, you will plan and conduct user research across a range of projects, using methods such as interviews, focus groups, roundtables and usability testing. You will engage with a diverse range of users across the arts and culture sector, including individuals, organisations and underrepresented communities, designing inclusive and accessible research approaches to ensure participation from people with different backgrounds and access needs.
Working closely with service designers, product managers and delivery teams, you will help define research questions, analyse findings and translate evidence into actionable recommendations. You will evaluate user journeys and experiences, identifying opportunities to improve services and remove barriers for users. You will advocate for user‑centred design across the organisation, communicate insights through compelling reports and presentations, and contribute to developing research capability and good practice. The role also includes managing research logistics and working with external suppliers where required.
Requirements:
- Experience planning and conducting user research using a range of qualitative research methods.
- Strong ability to analyse and synthesise findings into clear, evidence‑based insights.
- Skilled at engaging diverse audiences and designing inclusive research approaches.
- Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and ability to communicate findings to stakeholders at all levels.
- Understanding of user‑centred design principles and ability to work across multiple projects in a structured and organised way.
- Experience of public sector services, the arts and culture sector, or Government Digital Service (GDS) approaches would be beneficial.
- Curious, empathetic and motivated by improving services through evidence and insight.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We welcome candidates of all backgrounds and encourage you to apply. If you need adjustments to support you in your application, please let us know. Disabled candidates are supported by Evenbreak during the application process.
User Researcher in Manchester employer: Arts Council England
As a User Researcher with Arts Council, you will join a forward-thinking organisation that values inclusivity and diversity, fostering a collaborative work culture where your insights can drive meaningful change in the arts and culture sector. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth, this role offers a unique opportunity to engage with diverse communities while contributing to impactful projects in vibrant locations like Birmingham, Manchester, or Nottingham. Arts Council is dedicated to supporting your professional development and ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about user-centred design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the arts and culture sector on LinkedIn or at local events. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that User Researcher role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your user research projects, especially those involving diverse audiences. We want to see how you’ve made an impact through your work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common questions about user-centred design and your research methods. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the User Researcher role. Highlight your experience with user research methods and how you've engaged diverse audiences in the past. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Showcase Your Empathy:As a User Researcher, empathy is key! Share examples of how you've designed inclusive research approaches or improved services for underrepresented communities. This will show us that you understand the importance of user-centred design.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your insights and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your strengths!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arts Council England
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in the qualitative research methods mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with interviews, focus groups, and usability testing. Prepare examples of how you've used these methods to gather insights and improve user experiences.
✨Showcase Your Inclusivity Skills
Since the role emphasises engaging diverse audiences, think about how you can demonstrate your ability to design inclusive research approaches. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully included underrepresented communities in your research and how that shaped your findings.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to communicate findings to various stakeholders, so practice summarising complex insights into clear, actionable recommendations. Consider preparing a mock presentation or report based on past research to showcase your ability to translate data into compelling narratives.
✨Collaborate and Connect
Highlight your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with service designers and product managers in the past. Think of examples where teamwork led to successful outcomes and how you advocate for user-centred design within those collaborations.
