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- Tasks: Lead user research to shape digital services and enhance user experiences.
- Company: De Montfort University, a value-led organisation focused on collaboration and community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on digital transformation and user-centred design in higher education.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in user research and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during an exciting Agile transformation journey.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 68900 £ per year.
Head of User Research Location: Leicester, East Midlands hybrid working Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week) Salary: Grade H £58,225
Interested in this role You can find all the relevant information in the description below.
- £67,468 excellent benefits Are you passionate about championing user-centred design and driving digital excellence? We are exclusively partnered with De Montfort University to recruit an experienced Head of User Research to lead and develop research practices that will shape the future of digital services at the university.
About the Role As Head of User Research , you will play a pivotal role in embedding user-centred thinking at the heart of the universitys Digital and Technology (D&T) Directorate.
Youll define and deliver a vision for user research that directly informs digital transformation and service design, ensuring all digital products and services are accessible, inclusive, and shaped by genuine user needs .
The university is currently embarking on its Agile transformation journey , and this role will be central to embedding agile, user-focused practices into project and product delivery.
Youll ensure that research insights drive decision-making within agile teams, helping to create digital services that are responsive, inclusive, and impactful.
Key Responsibilities Define and communicate a clear vision and strategy for User Research, aligned to university priorities Champion and embed a broad range of research methodologies, ensuring user insights guide agile decision-making Establish and maintain standards for ethics, safeguarding, and accessibility in research practice Lead the creation of research tools, resources, and repositories to support consistent, high-quality research Translate findings into actionable insights that inform strategic recommendations and improve user journeys Define and track KPIs related to user outcomes, measuring impact and success across projects Mentor, lead, and grow the user research team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture Collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, influencing product and service decisions with evidence-based insights About You Were looking for a dynamic, collaborative leader with: Extensive experience designing, managing, and delivering large-scale research programmes (qualitative & quantitative) A proven ability to translate insights into strategic decisions that improve services In-depth knowledge of user-centred design principles and a wide range of research methodologies Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage senior stakeholders Expertise in accessibility and inclusive design, ensuring services meet the needs of all users Demonstrable leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and develop high-performing teams Experience within Higher Education is desirable, but not essential.
Why Join DMU? Youll have the opportunity to shape the universitys approach to user research and service design , play a key role in the universitys Agile transformation, embedding user research at the core of agile product delivery.
You will lead on inclusive, impactful digital change that improves the experience for staff, students, and wider stakeholders.
This is a chance to work within a value-led organisation committed to collaboration, creativity, compassion, and community .
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Head of User Research employer: MindMatch
Contact Detail:
MindMatch Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of User Research
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at De Montfort University. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to user research and agile methodologies. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for user-centred design in every conversation. Share examples of how you've driven digital excellence in past roles – it’s all about demonstrating your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you're serious about joining the team at DMU.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of User Research
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in user research and agile methodologies. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for user-centred design shine through! Share examples of how you've championed user needs in past projects. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in digital services.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
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 ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MindMatch
✨Know Your User-Centred Design
Make sure you brush up on user-centred design principles before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles, especially in leading research programmes. This will show that you understand the core of what the university is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Research Methodologies
Prepare to talk about the various research methodologies you've championed. Whether it's qualitative or quantitative, be specific about how you've used these methods to drive decision-making and improve services. This will demonstrate your expertise and adaptability.
✨Communicate Your Vision
Think about how you would define and communicate a vision for user research at the university. Be ready to share your ideas on embedding user insights into agile practices. This shows that you're not just a doer but also a strategic thinker.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborating with stakeholders at all levels. Share examples of how you've influenced product and service decisions using evidence-based insights. This will highlight your strong communication and influencing skills, which are crucial for this role.