At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research projects and ensure team alignment on outcomes.
- Company: Made Tech uses technology to improve public services and create positive societal impacts.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible benefits, social events, and support for health and wellbeing.
- Other info: Candidates must undergo SC clearance; our recruitment process is transparent and supportive.
- Why this job: Join a community focused on user-centred design and make a real difference in the public sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research methodologies and leading teams in agile environments required.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Made Tech wants to positively impact the country's future by using technology to improve society. We believe being design-led can create positive outcomes in the public sector through critical services enabled by technology. We are building a community of designers and researchers to support the public sector growing demand for a design-led approach to service delivery.
Lead User Researchers are expert practitioners who influence and mentor others. They work with teams to deeply understand people’s lives, services, organisations, and outcomes for the public sector. They do this by ensuring that teams take a user‑centred, evidence-based approach to service design and delivery.
Key responsibilities
- Leads one / more research deliveries, ensuring all project team & stakeholders have a shared understanding of successful outcomes.
- Scope focus of research, so everyone involved has a shared understanding of successful outcomes
- Takes responsibility for ensuring a whole team approach to user research. Ensuring all stakeholders & team members are invited to participate in observing user research sessions.
- Leads the scoping of one or more research deliveries, defining research objectives, planning activities and leading the overall delivery of research.
- Works with Discipline head and peers to set best practice standards for the User Research team. This includes adhering to GDPR, MRS standards & GDS Service standards.
- Proficient mixed methodology researcher, is able to lead team analysis sessions, synthesis with the production of actionable insight reports.
- Build relationships with clients & senior stakeholders, understanding their needs and providing advisory support.
- Has experience in writing / reviewing bids & supporting business development opportunities
- People management of user researchers
- Support the hiring and onboarding of colleagues across Strategy & Design
- Promote user centred thinking / practices at Made Tech and client offices
- Represent user‑centred design community internally & externally
Skills, knowledge and expertise
- Experienced in research methodologies including:
- Usability testing
- Contextual enquiry
- Rapid research
- Survey development
- Measurable and evaluative research
- Has experience of leading user research across GDS development stages e.g. discovery, alpha, beta. Experience in GDS assessments is desirable.
- Highly experienced at leading user research through agile ways of working
- Confident with coaching more junior members of the team on delivery
- Proficient in leading a team in analysing and synthesising complex data and can help the organisation adopt a wide range of techniques to continually assure, improve and generate valuable findings
- Analyse and interpret research findings so that teams can confidently confirm or challenge their understanding of problems and ideas.
- Leads the team in creating actionable insights through a multitude of outputs including reports, user needs, personas, archetypes and is confident at presenting findings to project teams & senior stakeholders.
- Facilitate teams and stakeholders to make decisions based on user insights
- Highly proficient and advocates for research standards including GDPR / MRS Code of Conduct
- Promotes inclusive research practices and helps teams design and deliver accessible services to meet the needs of the diverse range of users of government services
- Influence the client at a strategic and commercial level e.g. improving processes, ways of working, generating more work
Community
- Support Discipline head in setting direction and supporting the research community in Made Tech
- Promotes a positive, safe, inclusive & open culture within the User Research team
- Promotes a positive, safe, inclusive & open culture within the User Research team
- Understand that a balance of positive and constructive feedback is the most effective way to work
People Management
- Supports in hiring and onboarding researchers
- People management of user researchers
- Applies coaching techniques to people management to support colleagues' professional growth to build careers, take on new challenges and opportunities which match their aspirations.
Benefits
- Paid counselling - we offer paid counselling as well as financial and legal advice
We are always listening to our growing teams and evolving the benefits available to our people. As we scale, as do our benefits and we are scaling quickly. We've recently introduced a flexible benefit platform which includes a Smart Tech scheme, Cycle to work scheme, and an individual benefits allowance which you can invest in a Health care cash plan or Pension plan. We’re also big on connection and have an optional social and wellbeing calendar of events for all employees to join should they choose to.
If successful, you will be required to undertake an SC clearance.
Location
Any UK Office Hub (Bristol / London / Manchester / Swansea)
Lead User Researcher employer: Made Tech Limited
Made Tech is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers employees to grow and thrive. With a focus on professional development, we offer tailored benefits such as paid counselling, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities to attain recognised cyber certifications, all while working on impactful projects that enhance public services across the UK. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise will shape the future of security assurance in government programmes, making a real difference in the lives of citizens.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest user research methodologies and best practices, especially those relevant to the public sector. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the user research field, particularly those who have experience in GDS development stages. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences leading user research projects, focusing on how you aligned team expectations and delivered actionable insights. Real-life examples will help you stand out during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to foster a positive team culture by sharing examples of how you've mentored junior researchers or contributed to team dynamics. This aligns well with Made Tech's emphasis on community and people management.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Lead User Researcher position at Made Tech. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with user research methodologies, particularly in agile environments. Provide specific examples of projects where you led research efforts and how they positively impacted outcomes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since the role involves managing and mentoring other researchers, make sure to highlight any previous leadership or coaching experiences. Discuss how you've fostered a positive team culture and supported professional development.
Tailor Your Application:Customise your cover letter to reflect your understanding of Made Tech's mission and values. Explain how your approach to user-centred design aligns with their goals of improving public sector services through technology.
How to prepare for a job interview at Made Tech Limited
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Before your interview, make sure you understand Made Tech's mission to leverage technology for societal improvement. Familiarise yourself with their design-led approach and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Research Methodologies
Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in various research methodologies. Highlight specific examples of usability testing, contextual inquiry, or any mixed methodology research you've led, especially within GDS development stages.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship Skills
As a Lead User Researcher, you'll need to manage and mentor others. Share experiences where you've coached junior team members or led research projects, emphasising your ability to foster a collaborative environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about how you would handle stakeholder relationships, promote user-centred practices, and ensure adherence to research standards in your responses.
