At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research for a major data platform migration, shaping it around user needs.
- Company: Join DWP, a key player in transforming public services through technology.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and opportunities to mentor and grow.
- Other info: Champion a user-centred approach while working with diverse teams across the UK.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing user-centred design in a complex technical environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in user research and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
On behalf of DWP, we are looking for a Senior User Researcher for a 6 month (Inside IR35) contract based Hybrid in Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield.
About The Role
We’re looking for a Senior User Researcher to lead research on a major data platform migration programme within DWP. This role sits at the heart of a transformation moving from legacy systems to a modern platform (SAS Viya), ensuring the new environment is shaped around the needs of its users. You’ll work closely with internal users (primarily analysts and data professionals) to understand how they use data day to day, what challenges they face and how the new system should be designed to support both current and future needs. This is a hands on, senior role where you’ll own the research strategy end to end, working closely with stakeholders to drive user‑centred decision making and influence outcomes across a complex, technical programme.
Responsibilities
- Lead end to end user research across a complex data platform migration
- Define and deliver research strategies aligned to programme goals
- Engage with internal users (analysts, data teams) to understand workflows, needs and pain points
- Conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g. interviews, usability testing, surveys)
- Translate research insights into clear recommendations and actionable requirements
- Influence product, design, and technical teams to ensure user‑centred outcomes
- Support the migration by identifying current vs future user needs
- Recruit and engage internal stakeholders and users for research activities
- Champion a user‑centred approach across teams, particularly in technical environments
- Mentor junior researchers and support the wider user research community
Essential Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Senior User Researcher, owning research across complex projects
- Experience working on technical or data‑driven environments (e.g. analytics platforms, internal tools, enterprise systems)
- Strong understanding of how users interact with data and analytical systems
- Demonstrable ability to turn research insights into requirements and influence delivery decisions
- Experience engaging and recruiting internal users and stakeholders for research
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively
- Experience selecting and applying the right research methods for complex problems
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience working on platform migrations or transformation programmes
- Exposure to data platforms or analytics tools (e.g. SAS, BI tools, data environments)
- Public sector / government digital experience
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, DWP guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
DWP guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Senior User Researcher in Birmingham employer: Public Sector Resourcing
DWP is an exceptional employer that prioritises user-centred design and innovation, making it an ideal place for a Senior User Researcher to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to influence significant transformation projects, you will be part of a team that values your insights and contributions. The hybrid working model across vibrant cities like Birmingham, Blackpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, and Sheffield further enhances work-life balance, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding career.
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 or former employees at DWP on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the role and help us stand out when we apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common user research scenarios. We should be ready to discuss how we've tackled complex projects and influenced stakeholders in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase our research skills! Bring examples of our work to the interview, especially those that highlight our ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed and shows we’re serious about joining the DWP 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 to highlight your experience as a Senior User Researcher. Focus on your past projects, especially those involving data platforms or technical environments, to show us you’re the right fit for this role.
Showcase Your Research Skills:We want to see your expertise in action! Include specific examples of qualitative and quantitative research methods you've used. Talk about how you’ve influenced design decisions based on user insights, as this is key for the role.
Engage with Stakeholders:Demonstrate your strong stakeholder management skills by mentioning how you've successfully engaged and recruited internal users for research activities. This will show us that you can navigate complex environments and drive user-centred outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the various user research methods, especially those relevant to data platforms. Be ready to discuss how you've applied qualitative and quantitative techniques in past projects, and think about specific examples that showcase your ability to influence design decisions.
✨Understand the Technical Landscape
Since this role involves working with complex data systems, brush up on your knowledge of analytics platforms and enterprise systems. Familiarise yourself with SAS Viya and similar tools, so you can speak confidently about how users interact with these technologies and what challenges they face.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Prepare to discuss your experience in engaging and recruiting internal users for research activities. Think of strategies you’ve used to build rapport with stakeholders and how you’ve influenced their decision-making processes. This will show your ability to champion a user-centred approach.
✨Showcase Your Mentorship Skills
As a senior researcher, you’ll likely be mentoring junior team members. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve supported others in their research journeys, and how you foster a collaborative environment. This demonstrates not only your expertise but also your leadership qualities.
