Content Designer in Manchester

Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people‑centred, safe, and designed for the future.

Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet. We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems.

At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them. Predominantly focused on the public‑sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.

About The Role

Methods Ltd is looking for consultants who specialise in creating clear and helpful content. Content designers make sure that people can find the information they need easily, when and where they need it, and in a way that makes sense to them. They work closely with user researchers, interaction designers and other members of a multidisciplinary team to understand what users need from a service. Once they know the user needs, they develop content to meet those user needs.

If you're a mid‑level content designer, you should be able to craft user‑friendly content and have experience of guiding others to meet user needs.

As a content designer at Methods Ltd, you will:

• create usable and accessible content
• solve problems in multi-disciplinary teams using Agile methodologies
• have experience in rapidly changing deadlines, workloads and goals
• design products, services and websites that meet identified user needs
• follow user‑centred design practices for public facing and internal services and applications
• champion inclusive approaches and styles within content design
• understand user needs by analysing user research findings and analytics data
• use analytical and problem‑solving skills to help the team solve and challenge assumptions
• address the needs of all users, by writing content that meets WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines
• participate in communities of practice
• establish and manage relationships with clients and stakeholders

Ideal candidates will have:

• practical experience and knowledge of Agile practices
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• excellent stakeholder management skills
• knowledge and understanding of GDS guidelines and service standards
• strong writing skills with the ability to refer to and contribute to style guides
• the proven ability to make complicated information easy to understand
• experience of working with other roles within a multidisciplinary Agile team (for example UX designer, user researcher, product owner, delivery manager, developer)
• a good understanding of the user research process, and how you can contribute to research activities such as note taking and reviewing discussion guides
• the skill to apply content strategy to your user centred work
• experience of designing accessible, inclusive content
• the necessary skills to use data, and user insight to plan, manage and review content
• experience of using a content management system
• experience of sharing your work through peer reviews, content crits, show and tells and meetups
• good consultancy skills such as managing stakeholders and guiding colleagues on how content design can help them solve complex problems
• the ability to champion content design and Agile methodologies

We're looking for:

• resilience
• strong collaboration and team working
• good communication skills
• genuine passion and commitment to improving public services
• a determined and tenacious approach to work
• a creative approach to problem solving
• good listening and comprehension
• great stakeholder management

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy. By joining us you can expect:

• Autonomy to develop and grow your skills and experience
• Be part of exciting project work that is making a difference in society
• Strong, inspiring and thought‑provoking leadership
• A supportive and collaborative environment
• Development – A management development programme, and training
• Wellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme
• Flexible Working – including home working and part time
• Social – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes
• Time Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year
• Volunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation
• Pension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
• Discretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performance
• Life Assurance – of 4 times base salary
• Private Medical Insurance – which is non‑contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non‑contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Travel – season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website: www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits