Senior User Researcher in Sheffield

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.

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 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 (as appropriate) 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 - 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.