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- Tasks: Lead user research projects and deliver actionable insights for digital transformation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on impactful digital initiatives.
- Benefits: Flexible contract work with opportunities to shape user research strategies.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public sector projects while honing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Extensive user research experience and strong leadership in multidisciplinary teams.
- Other info: Engage with diverse clients and enjoy a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are building a talent pool of experienced user research contractors to support increasing demand across a range of digital transformation initiatives. Contractors in this pool will be engaged on delivery-focused project work across a mix of commercial and UK Government clients, supporting initiatives of varying scale and complexity. Engagements will differ in length and scope depending on project requirements and will be agreed on a project-by-project basis.
Contract Type: Independent contractor - outside IR35. This role does not include formal line management or responsibility for internal capability development.
Key responsibilities:
- The Lead User Researcher contractor will be accountable for delivering agreed user research outcomes within the scope of each project, which may include:
- Providing day-to-day research leadership within delivery teams.
- Coaching and supporting other researchers working on the same programme as part of delivery activities.
- Leading the definition and execution of user research activities aligned to relevant project phase objectives.
- Shaping research strategy and plans in response to project constraints, risks and decision needs.
- Selecting and applying appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform service and solution direction.
- Coordinating research activities across multidisciplinary delivery teams and partner organisations.
- Synthesising insights into clear, actionable findings that inform design, product, policy and technical decisions.
- Presenting research findings to senior stakeholders to support evidence-based decision making.
- Ensuring research activities meet accessibility, inclusion, and ethical standards.
Qualifications:
- The successful contractor will demonstrate:
- Extensive experience leading user research on complex digital programmes, ideally within public sector or large enterprise environments.
- Strong judgement in planning and executing user research activities to support decision-making across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live phases.
- Practical expertise in selecting and applying a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform service, product and solution design.
- Experience providing research leadership within multidisciplinary delivery teams, including coordinating the work of other researchers on the same programme (no formal line management responsibilities).
- Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable insights that influence decisions.
- Strong experience working to the GDS Service Standard.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive research practices, including recruiting diverse participants and advocating accessibility best practice.
- Ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders and clearly articulate the value of user research in complex delivery contexts.
- A solid understanding of how modern digital services are built, and experience working closely with designers, engineers, product managers and delivery roles.
Additional Information:
In applying for a role with Hitachi Solutions Europe Limited and/or its affiliates ("Hitachi") you consent to Hitachi collecting and storing your personal information (including your name, job title and email address) in relation to this role and any others that may be suitable in the future.
Lead User Researcher Contractor in England employer: Hitachi Solutions
Contact Detail:
Hitachi Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher Contractor in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the user research field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best user research projects. Make sure to include case studies that demonstrate how your insights led to impactful decisions. This will make you stand out when chatting with potential clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your storytelling skills. Be ready to discuss your research methods and how you've influenced project outcomes. Remember, it's all about showing how you can add value to their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for talented user researchers like you. Keep an eye on our listings and get your application in – we’d love to see what you can bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher Contractor in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in user research, especially in complex digital programmes. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Lead User Researcher, you'll be guiding teams and influencing decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience, particularly in multidisciplinary settings. Share examples of how you've coached others or led research initiatives.
Highlight Your Research Methods: We’re keen on seeing your expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be specific about the techniques you’ve used and how they’ve informed design and decision-making in past projects. This will help us understand your approach!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Solutions
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you’re well-versed in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in complex digital programmes. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to adapt to different project needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Even though this role doesn’t involve formal line management, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you’ve coached and supported other researchers in multidisciplinary teams, highlighting your ability to guide and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You’ll need to present findings to senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your insights clearly and concisely. Think about how you can translate complex research into actionable recommendations that resonate with decision-makers, showcasing the value of user research.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Accessibility
Given the importance of inclusive research practices, be prepared to discuss how you’ve recruited diverse participants and ensured accessibility in your research. This will demonstrate your commitment to ethical standards and your understanding of the broader impact of your work.
