At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research and design services to improve housing experiences.
- Company: Dynamic public sector organisation based in Surrey.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive day rate, and exposure to senior stakeholders.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional growth and mentoring.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing services while working with diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in user research and service design, especially in public sectors.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our client, based in Surrey, is currently recruiting for a Senior User Researcher / Service Designer on a 3-month contract. The position is due to start immediately on a part-time basis (2.5-3 days per week) and offers a negotiable day rate.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience delivering user research and service design projects within complex public sector environments, with a strong background in qualitative research, customer journey mapping and stakeholder engagement. Experience working within housing, local government or related sectors is highly desirable.
Duties will include (but are not limited to):
- Conducting qualitative research with social housing tenants through interviews and focus groups
- Developing and refining eight tenant personas that reflect a range of diverse needs and lived experiences
- Mapping key customer journeys across housing repairs, digital services and customer contact channels
- Identifying customer pain points and opportunities for service improvement
- Reviewing existing customer insight data, process maps, case studies and service information
- Producing research reports, customer journey maps and actionable recommendations
- Delivering training and upskilling sessions on user research and service design methodologies
- Developing a customer journey mapping toolkit, including templates and documented methodologies
- Working closely with housing, research and transformation teams to build internal capability
- Presenting findings and recommendations to a range of stakeholders across the organisation
Experience required:
- Minimum five years' experience delivering user research and/or service design projects
- Experience conducting primary qualitative research with residents, tenants or service users
- Experience developing personas, customer journey maps and insight reports
- Experience working within public sector, housing, health or similarly complex service environments
- Experience mentoring, coaching or upskilling staff in user research and service design approaches
Skills, knowledge and expertise required:
- Strong qualitative research skills including interviews, focus groups and co-design workshops
- Expertise in customer journey mapping and service blueprinting
- Knowledge of inclusive and accessible research practices
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesise complex data into actionable insights
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
- Understanding of GDPR, informed consent, safeguarding and ethical research practices
- Proficiency with tools such as Miro, FigJam, PowerPoint and Excel
Rewards and Benefits:
- Flexible hybrid working arrangement
- Mostly remote working
- Opportunity to influence a strategic housing improvement programme
- Exposure to senior stakeholders across housing and local government services
Working hours:
- 2.5-3 days per week
- Flexible working pattern
- Some face-to-face research required in Guildford during June and July
Please note that you require recent relevant experience to apply for this role.
User Researcher in Woking employer: James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Join a forward-thinking organisation in Surrey that values flexibility and innovation, offering a part-time role as a Senior User Researcher / Service Designer. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic housing improvements while working closely with diverse stakeholders in a supportive environment. Enjoy the benefits of mostly remote work, a flexible schedule, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the public sector.
Contact Details:
James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in Woking
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage with others, the better your chances of landing that User Researcher gig.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in qualitative research and customer journey mapping. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles to really impress them!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every job is different, so don’t be afraid to tweak your pitch for each opportunity. Focus on how your background in public sector environments aligns with their needs, especially if you have experience in housing or local government.
✨Apply Through Us!
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings. Applying through us not only gives you access to exclusive roles but also means we can support you throughout the process!
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in Woking
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 service design, especially within public sector environments. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your past jobs; share specific examples of projects where you’ve conducted qualitative research or developed customer journey maps. We love seeing real-life applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and make sure to address all key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Andrews Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your user research methodologies, especially qualitative techniques like interviews and focus groups. Be ready to discuss your past projects in detail, particularly those that involved social housing tenants or similar demographics.
✨Showcase Your Customer Journey Mapping Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with customer journey mapping. Bring examples of how you've developed personas and identified pain points in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
✨Engage with Stakeholders Effectively
Since stakeholder engagement is key for this role, think of examples where you've successfully communicated findings or recommendations. Practice articulating how you can build relationships and influence decision-making within a public sector context.
✨Be Ready for Ethical Discussions
Familiarise yourself with GDPR and ethical research practices, as these are crucial in the public sector. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure informed consent and safeguard participants during your research processes.
