At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to generate insights for product decisions in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Innovative technology consultancy with a focus on custom software solutions.
- Benefits: Remote-first work, flexible hours, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to fair and inclusive hiring practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping user experiences in public sector projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in diverse user research methods and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68205 £ per year.
Location: Remote-first, with one day per month required on-site (Manchester or London)
Industry: Technology Consultancy
Employment type: Contract (Outside IR35), initial 4-month term, with high chance of extension
Highly desirable: GDS experience
Our client is an innovative technology consultancy that has just been awarded an exciting new piece of work with a public sector organisation. They specialise in the delivery of custom software solutions for private and public sector clients. They are looking for a Lead User Researcher with proven senior-level experience to join the project and help stand up this new engagement from the ground up.
This role involves working in teams using modern agile technical practices including continuous integration, continuous deployment and fast feedback loops to deliver timely and pragmatic solutions, as well as helping others to improve how they work by embedding user research into everyday delivery.
The Role
Working closely with a multi-disciplined team, you will lead on generating actionable insights through research to help teams make evidence-based product decisions, right from the start of a brand-new public sector engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Owning the user research process in a rapidly iterative development environment
- Choosing the right research method to understand user needs and behaviours across all stages of the product life cycle, from discovery through to live evaluation
- Identifying appropriate participant samples for testing
- Planning research sessions and defining research roadmaps
- Supporting Research Operations, including facilitating recruitment and incentives, and advising on software and tooling when required
- Analysing data and communicating clear, actionable insights to the team and stakeholders
- Demonstrating the value of user research by engaging sceptical clients and team members
- Helping immature teams to embed user research practices into their agile workflow
- Collaborating with the team and stakeholders to set objectives and hypotheses for research
Required Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate strong capability across a wide range of user research approaches, including:
- Application of methods beyond usability testing, including formative discovery methods, ethnographic observation, diary studies, in-depth interviews, card sorting, A/B testing and multivariate testing
- Collecting, storing and managing research data in line with GDPR and ethical research practices, including Market Research Society guidelines
- Communicating research in a way that helps development teams and clients understand what users need, through outputs such as customer journey maps, highlight reels, playbacks and personas
- Working closely with designers to explore user needs through wireframes and prototypes
- Running workshops that bring clients and team members together to converge on research questions and objectives
- Conducting inclusive research, including understanding how and when to engage people with accessibility needs, low digital skills or other access needs
- Supporting rapid set-up and delivery of research in environments where clients are new to user research
At Inara Talent, we believe everyone deserves a fair chance to shine. We connect great people from all backgrounds with opportunities where they can thrive, making sure hiring is fair, inclusive, and truly diverse. No matter your race, gender, age, ability, or background—we focus on what really matters: your talent.
User Experience Researcher in Manchester employer: Inara
Inara is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture, encouraging innovation and collaboration among its team members. With a focus on employee growth, Inara offers ample opportunities for professional development in the rapidly evolving field of digital workplace solutions. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values work-life balance and provides access to cutting-edge technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Experience Researcher in Manchester
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Inara for a User Experience Researcher, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Inara before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace User Experience Researcher in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like User Experience Researcher at Inara, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Inara does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Inara. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Inara.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inara
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Inara, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Inara might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Inara!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Inara is looking for.
