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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to create impactful, user-centred products and services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a difference in society.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advocating for users and shaping accessible services.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Senior 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 government service standards and principles.
Responsibilities
- Work with client product managers/owners to devise appropriate research strategies that generate focused insights to support product development.
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team by including colleagues in research and analysis activities.
- Advocate for users, effectively communicating their needs and perspectives to support the design of intuitive and accessible services.
- Draw together, present and test reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and/or complex evidence and data.
- Take appropriate action or make decisions even when details are not clear.
- Weigh up data from various sources, recognising when to bring in additional Methods support.
- Identify the main issues in complex problems; clarify understanding or stakeholder expectations to seek the best option.
- Convincingly and tactfully persuade sceptical colleagues and stakeholders about the value and purpose of research.
- Effectively capture, use and share user/customer insight and views from a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure better policy and delivery.
- Support the Head of User Research in coordinating quality user research across the Digital Delivery portfolio through the research community.
- Guide, coach and mentor other user researchers in Methods and our clients.
- Work closely with colleagues to identify, develop and share good practice.
- Set and monitor standards for research, e.g. in ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentation.
- Provide formalised peer-review to services, for quality assurance or as part of an assessment panel.
Day-to-day activities
- Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, using strong interpersonal skills to develop and improve relationships with colleagues within and outside of user research.
- Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts.
- Evaluate how Methods' user research compares to government and competitor best practice and identify necessary and desirable improvements.
- Advocate for user-centred design and be an active part of the user research community within Methods and across government.
- Take responsibility for your own learning and development and seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and experience.
- Provide project support, guidance, coaching and mentoring to less experienced user researchers.
- Support bids, alongside the Head of User Research.
- Help recruit contract or permanent user researchers where more capacity is needed.
Essential Skills
- Leadership skills.
- Ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues.
- Understanding the research question which needs to be answered, and choosing the best way to answer that question.
- Correctly applying a variety of research and analysis techniques.
- Ensuring research is representative and inclusive, enabling products/services to be designed to work effectively for anyone who may need it.
- Talking about research in a way that other people understand.
- Running workshops, participating in discussions and assisting in the facilitation of the design of the service through collaboration with other professions.
- Identifying the ‘so what' and communicating it in a compelling way.
- Working in an agile environment.
Qualifications
- Relevant industry experience.
Benefits
- 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 opportunities through 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 plus bank holidays, with option to buy 5 extra days.
- Volunteering: 2 paid days per year to volunteer.
- Pension: Salary Exchange Scheme with employer contribution.
- Discretionary Company Bonus.
- Life Assurance: 4x base salary.
- Private Medical Insurance and Worldwide Travel Insurance (non-contributory, 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).
Senior User Researcher in Birmingham employer: Methods
Contact Detail:
Methods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Methods or similar companies on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in user research during interviews. Bring examples of past projects where you’ve made a real impact. We want to see how you advocate for users and tackle complex problems!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about how you’d communicate research findings to sceptical stakeholders. We love candidates who can persuade and clarify with confidence.
✨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.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior User Researcher role. Highlight your experience in user research, especially in public sector environments, and show us how you can champion user needs.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your leadership skills and ability to mentor others. Include examples of how you've supported less experienced colleagues or led research projects that made a real impact.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your research strategies and how you've effectively communicated user insights to stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into our system quickly. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Methods
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in user research methodologies, especially those relevant to the public sector. Brush up on government service standards and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams. Highlight your ability to engage with stakeholders and communicate user needs effectively, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready to Advocate for Users
Think about how you can convincingly present user insights to sceptical colleagues. Practice articulating the value of user-centred design and how it impacts product development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship
Since the role involves guiding less experienced researchers, come prepared with examples of how you've mentored others. Discuss your approach to fostering a supportive research environment.
