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- Tasks: Lead user research to shape a data-sharing product for government departments.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy with a focus on impactful projects.
- Benefits: £500 per day, largely remote work, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborate with diverse stakeholders and influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in government operations while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and experience in user research within secure environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Initial 3 month contract with a 6 month extension likely. Largely remote with some expensed travel.
iO Associates are working on an exclusive basis with a User Centred Design Consultancy to search for 2 x experienced SC Cleared User Researchers for 2 x discovery phase workstreams for a data-sharing product spanning two government departments. The product will inform and shape operational strategy, requiring a strong understanding of complex, sensitive environments and stakeholder landscapes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver end-to-end user research activities during discovery.
- Design and execute appropriate research methods (e.g. interviews, contextual enquiries, workshops).
- Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including operational users, policy, and technical teams.
- Translate complex user needs into clear, actionable insights.
- Support the definition of user journeys, pain points, and opportunities across departmental boundaries.
- Present findings in a compelling and accessible way to inform strategic decision-making.
- Collaborate closely with product, design, and delivery teams in an agile environment.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Active SC Clearance (UKSV Security Clearance).
- Proven experience delivering user research in government or highly secure environments.
- Strong discovery-phase experience, particularly in complex or cross-organisational services.
- Ability to work with sensitive data and navigate constrained research environments.
- Experience influencing senior stakeholders and shaping strategy through insights.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills.
Desirable
- Experience working on data-sharing, interoperability, or cross-departmental services.
- Familiarity with GDS standards and service design principles.
Please don't hesitate to apply if you're an SC Cleared User Researcher as my client wants to interview WC 11th May.
Locations
Design & Usability Analyst in Chelmsford, Essex employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design & Usability Analyst in Chelmsford, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design and usability field. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, especially in user research roles. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their projects, especially if they’re working on data-sharing products. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can contribute to their user-centred design approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best user research projects. Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to translate complex user needs into actionable insights, especially in sensitive environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Design & Usability Analyst in Chelmsford, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Design & Usability Analyst. Highlight your experience in user research, especially in government or secure environments, and showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your SC Clearance and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use straightforward language and structure your application logically to make it easy for us to follow.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at IO Associates
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your user research methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've led end-to-end research activities in the past, especially in complex environments. Think about specific examples where your insights shaped strategy and influenced stakeholders.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the types of stakeholders you might encounter in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've engaged with operational users, policy teams, and technical staff. Highlight your experience in navigating sensitive environments and how you’ve successfully communicated findings to diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Since presenting findings is key, practice how you can translate complex user needs into clear, actionable insights. Use storytelling techniques to make your examples compelling. Think about how you can present data in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
✨Be Agile and Collaborative
This role requires working closely with product, design, and delivery teams. Be prepared to discuss your experience in agile environments and how you’ve collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams. Share examples of how you’ve adapted your approach based on team feedback or project needs.