At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to enhance public services and improve user experiences.
- Company: Join hedgehog lab, a trusted consultancy with 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, supportive community, and opportunities for meaningful impact.
- Other info: Work from home with occasional office days in Manchester or Newcastle.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public services while collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector digital services and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Overview Lead User Researcher for hedgehog lab, permanently embedded in government projects that affect people at scale.
This role focuses on improving public services by planning and running end-to-end research from discovery through usability testing, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ground decisions in evidence.
Ability to operate in complex, regulated environments and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations that shape product direction.
Responsibilities Plan and run end-to-end user research from discovery to usability testing.
Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations for product direction.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure decisions are evidence-based.
Operate effectively in complex, regulated environments.
Qualifications Experience working on government or public sector digital services.
Experience working to the GDS Service Standard.
Proficiency across a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.
Ability to recruit and research with diverse and potentially vulnerable user groups.
User-first mindset with strong stakeholder communication skills; ability to make research compelling to non-researchers.
Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams.
Location and hybrid work This is a hybrid role.
You’ll work from home most of the week, with two days on site at our client’s Manchester or Newcastle office, whichever is closest to you.
We’re looking for candidates based within 50 miles of either location.
About hedgehog lab You’ll be joining a consultancy with 20 years of experience trusted by global brands, working at the intersection of AI and software engineering.
You’ll be part of a community of talented, supportive people who challenge each other, share knowledge, and care about delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients and the citizens they serve.
How to apply To apply, please submit your CV along with your expected salary. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead User Researcher - Public Sector in Manchester employer: hedgehog lab
As an AI Transformation Architect, you'll join a forward-thinking company that prioritises innovation and employee autonomy. With a flexible hybrid working environment across major UK cities, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of AI development while enjoying generous benefits like 28 days of annual leave, wellbeing support, and dedicated Impact Days for personal growth. This is a place where your contributions are valued, and you can truly make a difference in both client projects and internal practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher - Public Sector in Manchester
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like hedgehog lab. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like hedgehog lab, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research hedgehog lab inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher - Public Sector in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of hedgehog lab. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at hedgehog lab.
How to prepare for a job interview at hedgehog lab
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.