At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to shape services and advocate for user-centred design.
- Company: Hippo, a diverse and inclusive digital services partner.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, diverse team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a community that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing services that meet user needs.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and Agile methodologies, with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Hippo is recruiting for talented User Researchers for current and future contractor opportunities. Due to the variety of our projects and clients, we have Inside IR35 positions available on a short-term or long-term basis with fully remote/flexible working arrangements.
User Researchers design, plan and conduct research into what people need from a service and produce recommendations for user-centred service design. Working with designers, product owners, developers and other members of Agile teams, they also test services as they are being designed and use research evidence to help explain design decisions to clients.
What You’ll Do
- Advise clients on how to solve complex problems using research, people‑centred design and Agile methodologies
- Lead multidisciplinary Agile teams to design services that meet identified user needs
- Advocate inclusive approaches within user research
- Build supportive relationships with clients and stakeholders, yet challenge ideas and manage difficult conversations
- Support user researchers and advise other colleagues how to get the best from user research
- Promote Hippo’s people‑centred design offer both internally and externally
About The Candidate
- Expertise in applying user research methodologies across different environments
- Experience of working in multidisciplinary Agile teams to design and deliver people‑centred services
- Working knowledge of how to research accessibility needs or assisted digital needs
- Proven experience of working in the Public Sector
- Proven experience of championing user research / user‑centred design / service design approaches
- Experience of mentoring/training other user researchers
- Advanced communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to manage conflict and convey difficult messages with tact and sensitivity
- A good understanding of other Agile roles across design, product and tech
- Strong consultancy and leadership skills, and confidence in exploring problem spaces with clients to determine the most appropriate way forward
About The Company
At Hippo, we’re dedicated to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that works for everyone. We understand that having a diverse team unlocks our capacity for innovation, creativity and problem solving. Only by building a community of diverse perspectives, cultures and socio‑economic backgrounds can we create an environment where all can contribute and thrive. We actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent and people with disabilities. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process that reflects our workplace culture. We are a registered Disability Confident Employer, Mindful Employer, Endometriosis Friendly Employer and a member of the Armed Forces Covenant. Hippo continually strives to remove barriers, provide accommodations and offer reasonable adjustments to ensure equity throughout our practices.
Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Hippo
At Hippo, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity and problem solving. We are committed to ensuring a workplace inclusive to all, and we actively support candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Hi, we’re Hippo. At Hippo, we design with empathy and build for impact. We do this by combining data‑informed evidence, human‑centred design and software engineering. We’re a digital services partner who is genuinely invested in helping our clients thrive as modern organisations. Our delivery methodology is truly agile, from concept to reality, supporting innovation and continuous improvement to achieve desired outcomes. We firmly believe that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. We take a human‑centred approach to everything we do because we understand that complex problems require a service design approach. This means understanding how users behave and ensuring our solutions work for them in the real world. Our combination of data, design, and engineering delivers bespoke digital services that make a positive and meaningful impact on organisations and society. We’re confident in our abilities, authentic in our approach, and passionate about what we do. If you’re looking for a digital services partner that can deliver real results, let us help you build for the future and make a lasting impact.
Hippo locations
We are headquartered in Leeds and located across the UK in Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Bristol. We’re on the lookout for top talent nationwide, so don’t let location hold you back from applying. We welcome candidates from all over the UK who possess the flexibility to work from any of our locations. It’s worth noting that, given the dynamic nature of our business, you may be required to work on‑site at client locations or from your own home.
User Researchers - Contractors Inside IR35 employer: Hippo
Hippo is an exceptional employer that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a vibrant workplace where every voice is valued. With fully remote and flexible working arrangements, employees enjoy a supportive culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, alongside opportunities for professional growth through mentorship and leadership roles. Join us in making a meaningful impact as we design user-centred services that truly serve humanity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researchers - Contractors Inside IR35
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend virtual meetups, and engage with communities on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a User Researcher role at Hippo!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your user research projects and methodologies. Make sure to include case studies that demonstrate how your work has led to impactful design decisions. This will make you stand out when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on Agile methodologies and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex problems in past roles. Practise articulating your thought process and how you advocate for user-centred design.
✨Tip Number 4
Be yourself! At Hippo, we value diversity and authenticity. Don’t hesitate to share your unique perspective during interviews. It’s all about finding the right fit, so let your personality shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researchers - Contractors Inside IR35
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the User Researcher role. Highlight your experience with user research methodologies and Agile teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've applied them in real-world situations. Whether it’s mentoring other researchers or advocating for inclusive design, we want to see how you’ve made an impact.
Be Authentic:We love authenticity! Share your unique perspective and experiences that shape your approach to user research. This helps us get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role you’re excited about!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hippo
✨Know Your User Research Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on various user research methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in different environments, especially in Agile teams. This will show your expertise and adaptability.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since you'll be advising clients and managing stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your advanced communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've navigated difficult conversations or conveyed complex ideas with tact and sensitivity.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity in Your Approach
Hippo values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you've advocated for inclusive approaches in your past work. Share specific instances where you considered accessibility needs or championed user-centred design.
✨Prepare for Agile Team Dynamics
Familiarise yourself with the roles within Agile teams, as well as how you can lead and support multidisciplinary groups. Think of examples where you've collaborated effectively with designers, developers, and product owners to deliver people-centred services.
