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- Tasks: Lead user research activities and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Company: User Centred Design Consultancy focused on impactful government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, remote work, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Collaborative agile environment with opportunities to influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Make a difference in government services while working with sensitive data.
- Qualifications: Active SC Clearance and experience in user research within secure environments.
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
User Researcher - Remote in Kent, Maidstone employer: IO Associates
Contact Detail:
IO Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher - Remote in Kent, Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the user research field, especially those who have experience in government or secure environments. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your storytelling skills. You’ll need to present your findings and insights clearly, so think of examples from your past work that showcase your ability to influence stakeholders and shape strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of online presence! Update your LinkedIn profile and share relevant content about user research, especially in complex environments. This can attract recruiters and show off your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people quickly.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher - Remote in Kent, Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research, especially in government or secure environments. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant projects!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be engaging with a variety of stakeholders, it's crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication and storytelling abilities. Use examples from your past work where you’ve effectively presented findings or influenced decisions.
Highlight Your Research Methods: Be specific about the research methods you've used in previous roles. Whether it’s interviews, workshops, or contextual inquiries, we want to know how you’ve applied these techniques to gather insights and shape strategies.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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, especially those relevant to government and secure environments. Be ready to discuss how you've led end-to-end research activities and the specific methods you've used, like interviews or workshops.
✨Understand the Stakeholder Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the types of stakeholders you might encounter in this role. Think about how you can engage with operational users, policy teams, and technical staff. Prepare examples of how you've influenced senior stakeholders in the past.
✨Translate Insights into Action
Be prepared to showcase your ability to turn complex user needs into clear insights. Think of specific instances where your findings shaped strategy or improved user journeys, and be ready to present these in a compelling way.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since excellent communication is key, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use storytelling techniques to make your experiences relatable and engaging. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your facilitation skills.