At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to enhance digital services and advocate for user-centred design.
- Company: Join HM Revenue and Customs, a leader in user research and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and strong pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on user experience while mentoring future researchers.
- Qualifications: Extensive user research experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58541 - 58541 € per year.
As a Senior User Researcher in PTT, you will help shape and lead user‑centred design within Unity Business Services, with a strong focus on improving the guidance used by both Unity customers and internal adviser colleagues.
Leading on planning, recruiting and conducting user research in larger teams and on more complex services, including playing back user research to stakeholders and digital teams.
Understanding the service problem then aligning user research activities to influence and support decision‑making.
Applying a range of techniques to analyse and synthesise user research insights, creating research outputs in an actionable way.
Advocating for, and including, all kinds of users in appropriate research activities to help teams design accessible services for all users.
Contributing to the user research community at HMRC.
Managing and/or mentoring User Researchers.
Participating in HMRC’s cross‑government research and conferences.
Qualifications
- Extensive experience in senior user research, improving digital services and applying GDS standards to meet user needs.
- Skilled in tackling complex problems, aligning research activities to guide decisions and deliver practical solutions.
- Expert in a wide range of research methods, including usability testing, surveys, ethnographic techniques, and data analysis, producing clear, actionable insights.
- Strong advocate for user‑centred design, influencing stakeholders and embedding research practices into agile workflows.
- Excellent communicator, able to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively; supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience.
- Demonstratable experience in coaching and mentoring of team members.
Technical Skills
- User research methods
- Analysis and synthesis
- Research management, leadership and assurance
- Inclusive research
- Stakeholder relationship management
Transitional Sites
If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it’s important to note that these are not long‑term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.
Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
Benefits
- Alongside your salary of £58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments.
- We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
- Family friendly policies.
- Personal support.
- Coaching and development.
Senior User Researcher employer: HM Revenue & Customs
At HM Revenue and Customs, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, particularly for the role of Senior User Researcher. Our commitment to user-centred design is matched by a supportive work culture that values flexibility, professional growth, and inclusivity. With generous leave allowances, robust pension contributions, and opportunities for coaching and development, we empower our employees to thrive while making a meaningful impact in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at HMRC on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising your storytelling skills. Think of examples from your past work that showcase your user research expertise and how you've influenced design decisions. We want to hear about your successes!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for user-centred design! During interviews, make sure to highlight how you advocate for users and include diverse perspectives in your research. This will resonate well with the team at HMRC.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at HMRC.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research and how it aligns with the role. We want to see how your skills can directly impact our user-centred design approach.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Include specific examples of research methods you've used and the insights gained. We love seeing how you’ve tackled complex problems and influenced decision-making.
Communicate Clearly:As an excellent communicator, your application should reflect that. Use clear and persuasive language to convey your ideas. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can present complex concepts simply and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Revenue & Customs
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on a variety of user research methods, especially usability testing and ethnographic techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects and how they can be used to tackle complex problems.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior User Researcher, you'll need to present complex ideas clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated research findings to stakeholders and influenced decision-making in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your experience in managing and mentoring other researchers. Think of specific instances where you've guided team members or contributed to the user research community, as this will show your capability to lead within the organisation.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with HMRC's commitment to user-centred design and inclusivity. Be prepared to discuss how you advocate for all kinds of users in your research activities and how you can help embed these practices into agile workflows.
