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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to transform services and enhance user experiences.
- Company: Join a passionate team at the Intellectual Property Office in Newport.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on user-centred design in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and understanding of AGILE methodologies required.
The predicted salary is between 36736 - 36736 £ per year.
About the job
As a Senior User Researcher, you will be a key member of the user research team, working at the forefront of our digital Transformation program. You will work to deliver radical changes to our services that meet the needs of our customers and our colleagues. You will have experience of practical user research and an understanding of different methodologies. You will be able to plan, lead and execute user research activities in your allocated project and be able to collaborate across projects and professions when needed.
You will be joining a well-established, inclusive and close-knit team of professionals who are passionate about improving the experiences of our users. You can expect a warm welcome, and to be supported in all aspects of personal and professional development. You'll be encouraged to spend time developing your skills and supported to gain or maintain professional qualifications and accreditations.
Working Style
This role will be carried out in-line with IPO Hybrid working arrangements where staff are currently expected to spend at least 20% of their time working onsite from one of our offices. This role is based in our Newport Office. The requirement for attendance at an office location can vary by role so we would encourage candidates to discuss working arrangements with the recruiting manager to agree a reasonable balance between working from home and the office.
Main duties consist of but are not limited to:
- Plan and deliver user research to support your allocated project.
- Support and champion user-centred practices in teams to ensure that teams take a user-centred approach to service design and delivery.
- Work with others to align user research activities with wider plans to inform a service proposition.
- Mentor, coach and train B1 (junior)/B2 (mid-weight) User Researchers (line management is not currently required, but may feature as the team grows).
- Be proactive in user research planning - define research objectives, methodology, sampling approach and give recommendations, ensuring that the needs of all users are considered in design and delivery.
- Be confident to apply user research methods in practice and seek support and advice from colleagues on choice of methods where required to increase your user research toolkit.
- Support the development and promotion of research strategies to understand user needs for a service, and continually test and improve the service.
- Present findings that inform wider decisions to key internal and external stakeholders and support at departmental service assessments.
- Contribute to the user research community across government.
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Experience in delivering user research in an AGILE project environment.
- Strong understanding of user-centred practices.
- Strong understanding of the GDS Service Manual.
How to Apply
Click the 'Apply now' button and complete the application form by providing the following:
- Your CV - Upload an anonymised copy of your current CV. Please remove all identifying markers such as name, title, education institution etc. Make sure it clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification.
- 750-word Personal Statement - Use this to explain why you're suitable for the role. Structure your statement around the essential criteria in the Person Specification. Make sure to provide clear examples to show how you meet each requirement.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: At interview you will be assessed on technical criteria.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £36,736, Intellectual Property Office contributes £10,642 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. A flexible working scheme with excellent development opportunities, 25 days annual leave moving to 30 days in annual increments (1 day per year) over 5 years of reckonable service. You will also get 8 days public leave and 1 day privilege leave. Family friendly policies that support modern working families and individuals with caring responsibilities. A variety of support functions; Staff Counselling Service, Peer to Peer Support Group. Eligibility for special and office-wide bonus payments. The opportunity to form part of our many inclusive network groups. A range of wellbeing initiatives; Onsite Gym (Newport office), Eye Care Scheme, Volunteering Programme, Cycling facilities. Free car parking is available on site at our Newport office. On-site shop, restaurant and coffee shop at our Newport office.
Please note that benefits may be subject to change.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to UK nationals, nationals of the Republic of Ireland, nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK, nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found.
Senior User Researcher - Newport in Kingston employer: Intellectual Property Office
Contact Detail:
Intellectual Property Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher - Newport in Kingston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the IPO on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to user research methodologies. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with your responses.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for user-centred design! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've applied user research in past projects. This will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨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 our awesome team at the IPO.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher - Newport in Kingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior User Researcher. Highlight your experience in user research and AGILE environments, and don’t forget to showcase how you meet the essential criteria listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Personal Statement: Your personal statement is your chance to shine! Structure it around the essential criteria and provide clear examples of your past experiences. Show us why you're the perfect fit for the team and how you can contribute to our digital transformation.
Be Authentic: While it’s tempting to use fancy language or buzzwords, we want to hear your genuine voice. Be honest about your experiences and skills, and make sure everything you write reflects your true self. Remember, authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Intellectual Property Office
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on various user research methodologies before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in an AGILE environment. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Align with User-Centred Practices
Familiarise yourself with user-centred design principles and be prepared to share examples of how you've championed these practices in your previous roles. Highlighting your commitment to putting users first will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since you'll be assessed on technical skills, review the GDS Service Manual and be ready to discuss how it informs your approach to user research. Think about specific scenarios where you've used this knowledge to influence service design.
✨Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Your 750-word personal statement is crucial. Structure it around the essential criteria and provide clear, concise examples that demonstrate your experience and suitability for the role. This is your chance to shine, so make it count!