Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to create impactful, user-centred designs for public sector projects.
- Company: Join Methods, a £100M+ IT consultancy transforming the UK public sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for behavioural research and experience in user research methodologies.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 78000 £ per year.
Overview
Senior User Researcher at Methods, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom. This role is hybrid.
Base pay range: £55,000 - £65,000 per year
About Methods
Methods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy focused on transforming the public sector in the UK. We partner with central government departments and agencies to deliver end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future. We work across transformation, delivery, and collaboration, with a focus on value, sustainability, and learning from mistakes. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.
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.
You will also be expected to carry out the following day-to-day activities:
- Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, using strong interpersonal skills to develop and improve relationships 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 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
- Demonstrable passion for behavioural research with leadership potential.
- Ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues.
- Understanding the research question and how to answer it.
- Correctly applying a variety of research and analysis techniques.
- Ensuring research is representative and inclusive, enabling products/services to work for anyone.
- Communicating research in a way that others understand.
- Running workshops and facilitating design of the service through collaboration with other professions.
- Identifying the 'so what' and communicating it persuasively.
- Working in an agile environment.
Qualifications
Relevant industry experience.
Benefits
- Autonomy to develop and grow your skills.
- Be part of exciting project work that makes a difference in society.
- Strong, inspiring leadership.
- A supportive and collaborative environment.
- Development programmes and training.
- Wellness: 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme.
- Flexible working, including home working and part-time options.
- Office social events and charitable commitments.
- Generous leave—25 days plus bank holidays, with option to buy 5 extra days.
- Volunteering: 2 paid days per year.
- Pension with employer/employee contributions.
- Discretionary company bonus.
- Life and private medical insurance for employees and dependants.
- Worldwide travel insurance.
- Travel benefits: season ticket loan, cycle to work.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
Senior User Researcher employer: Methods
Contact Detail:
Methods Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher
✨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 is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into user research methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in real-world scenarios. Show us your passion for behavioural research and how it can make a difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your skills; demonstrate them! Bring examples of your past work to the interview. Whether it's a case study or a project, showing us what you can do speaks volumes.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher
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 relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your passion for behavioural research and user-centred design.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to apply various research techniques and how you've successfully communicated insights in the past. We want to see how you advocate for users and make data-driven decisions!
Be Personable: Don’t shy away from showing a bit of personality in your written application. We value strong interpersonal skills, so let your communication style reflect your ability to engage with stakeholders and colleagues effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Methods!
How to prepare for a job interview at Methods
✨Know Your Research Techniques
Make sure you brush up on various research and analysis techniques relevant to user research. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these methods in past projects, especially in a collaborative environment.
✨Showcase Your Advocacy Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated user needs to stakeholders. Highlight instances where your advocacy led to improved product design or user experience, as this will resonate well with the role's focus on user-centred design.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice your interpersonal skills by simulating conversations with different stakeholders. Being able to confidently engage and build relationships is key, so think about how you can demonstrate this during your interview.
✨Prepare for Complex Problem-Solving
Anticipate questions that assess your ability to identify and clarify complex issues. Think through examples where you've navigated ambiguity and made decisions based on incomplete data, as this aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
