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- Tasks: Champion user needs through research and collaborate on impactful public sector projects.
- Company: Join a leading IT consultancy transforming the public sector with a human touch.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, wellness support, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and a passion for user-centred design practices.
- Other info: Access to training, mentoring, and exciting project work with a collaborative team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Your role
We are looking for an experienced User Researcher to join our growing team on a permanent basis. You will have a passion for understanding and championing the user. You will have experience of working on products and services in a public sector environment, conducting user research on projects to a high ethical standard, with knowledge of GDS standards.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Championing the user on services and products
- Planning and conducting user research, developing recruitment briefs, conducting analysis and presenting research findings
- Appropriate story telling of research findings to different audiences
- Collaborating with the product team to turn research findings into prototypes and features that meet the user need
- Presenting research findings, user insight and recommendations to the product team and wider stakeholders
- Promoting user centered design principles and best practice within government
- Applying relevant knowledge in the user-centered design process to product and service design
- Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research projects, such as ethnography and usability studies
Essential skills
- Knowledge, experience and passion for user centered design practices
- Experience undertaking user research and using a range of research methods, such as usability testing, interviewing, and surveys
- Experience working in agile multidisciplinary teams, including designers and developers, to build digital products and services
- Confidence developing user needs, personas/mindsets, user journey maps, and other research artefacts
- Experience applying and understanding of ethical research practices and processes, such as consent
- Experience gathering evidence to support decision making, and gathering research questions and assumptions from a project team
- Confidence championing user-centred design practices for digital products and services
- Experience managing stakeholders, building successful relationships, and collaborating with stakeholders and the project team to define research goals and involve them in research
We know not everyone will have all of the skills we are looking for. We are happy to support you to grow your skill set and experience through our training budget, working with our experienced teams and mentoring.
Desirable skills
- Advocating for fully accessible and inclusive products and services, along with a working knowledge of applying accessibility and inclusivity to projects
- Taking a proactive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion internally and with clients
- Experience or a working knowledge of GDS service assessments
Benefits
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 – access to LinkedIn Learning, 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
- 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)
User Researcher in Sheffield employer: Methods Business and Digital Technology
Contact Detail:
Methods Business and Digital Technology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Methods on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in user research during interviews. Bring examples of your past work, especially those that align with public sector projects. We love seeing how you've championed the user in your previous roles!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for behavioural questions! Think about times you've collaborated with teams or tackled challenges in user research. We want to see how you handle real-world situations, so have those stories ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Methods.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Users: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for user research shine through! Share specific examples of how you've championed user needs in past projects, especially in public sector environments.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that align with our job description. Use keywords from the listing to demonstrate that you understand what we're looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for user-centred design comes across!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find more info about us and our culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Methods Business and Digital Technology
✨Know Your User Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on various user research methods like usability testing, interviews, and surveys. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in a public sector context. This shows that you not only understand the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills
Prepare to present your research findings in a compelling way. Think about how you can tailor your insights for different audiences, whether it's the product team or stakeholders. Practising this will help you communicate effectively and demonstrate your ability to champion the user.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working with multidisciplinary teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with designers and developers. Highlight your experience in turning research findings into actionable prototypes and features, as this is key to the role.
✨Emphasise Ethical Research Practices
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of ethical research practices, including consent and inclusivity. This is crucial in user research, especially in the public sector. Showing that you prioritise ethics will resonate well with the company's values.
