At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to shape impactful digital services across diverse sectors.
- Company: Join an award-winning tech company with a strong focus on employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by influencing service strategies and enhancing user experiences.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of research experience in Agile environments with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Company Description
Version 1 has celebrated over 28 years in Technology Services and continues to be trusted by global brands to deliver solutions that drive customer success. Our expertise enables our customers to navigate the rapidly changing Digital-First world we live in. We foster strong partnerships with leading technology giants including Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, Snowflake, ensuring that our customers are provided with the highest quality solutions and services.
We’re an Award-winning Employer Reflecting How Our Employees Are At The Very Heart Of Version 1 And What We Do.
- UK & Ireland's premier AWS, Microsoft & Oracle partner
- €350 million revenue business with 3300+ employees
- 10+ years as a Great Place to Work in Ireland & UK
- Best Workplace for Women in the UK & Ireland by GPTW
- Best Workplace for Wellbeing in the UK by GPTW
Job Description
As a User Researcher Consultant at Version 1, you will shape meaningful, accessible services that deliver lasting value across both public and private sectors. You will lead research across the full delivery lifecycle, help agile teams validate assumptions, reduce risk, and prioritize work based on real user needs. You will work autonomously within multidisciplinary teams—collaborating with product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers—to ensure evidence drives decision-making at every stage. Beyond projects, you’ll influence service strategy, foster a user‑first mindset in client organisations, and strengthen Version 1’s user research practice by collaborating with colleagues and sharing your experience across our community of practice.
Responsibilities
- Deliver user research for digital projects, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategy decisions.
- Proactively contribute to client meetings, workshops, and presentations, building strong relationships and providing actionable recommendations.
- Develop strong client relationships by anticipating client needs, advising on research opportunities, and driving outcomes that align with both user needs and business objectives.
- Collaborate with team members to foster a supportive and positive working environment.
Qualifications
- Broad experience (at least 2‑3 years) as a researcher, leading research—including in digital services in Agile environments.
- End‑to‑end research capability: designing and running generative and evaluative studies, analysing and synthesising findings into clear, actionable insights.
- Broad methodological expertise and the ability to select and apply a range of qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., usability testing, depth interviews, surveys, co‑design, diary studies) to meet project needs.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to present findings with clarity and impact to senior stakeholders.
- Proven impact, demonstrated through a portfolio or case studies showing how your research has informed successful product, service, or strategic outcomes.
- Thorough understanding of ethical considerations in user research, particularly when working with vulnerable users or those with access needs.
- Working understanding of inclusive design and accessibility, including conducting research with users with access needs and familiarity with WCAG 2.2.
- Working knowledge of UK public sector service design, including GDS service standards, GOV.UK design system patterns, and assessment processes.
- Experience working within Agile teams, actively contributing to ceremonies and supporting iterative, user‑centred delivery.
Expected Behaviours
- Takes ownership of research deliverables, ensuring they are high quality and aligned with project objectives and client needs.
- Anticipates challenges and delivers proactive, evidence‑based solutions to problems.
- Communicates confidently and effectively, acting as a trusted research voice in meetings and workshops.
- Fosters a collaborative, inclusive team culture, actively supporting colleagues’ development.
- Brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, helping to build a positive and supportive working environment.
Additional Information
Why Version 1? We believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises wellbeing, professional growth, and financial stability.
- Quarterly Performance‑Related Profit Share Scheme.
- Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes and dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme.
- Flexible/remote working and support for life events.
- Financial wellbeing initiatives: pension, private healthcare cover, life assurance, financial advice, employee discount scheme.
- Employee wellbeing schemes: gym discounts, bike‑to‑work, fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, employee assistance programme, generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies.
- Educational assistance, incentivised certifications and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat.
- Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call‑Out’ platform.
- Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow involvement in local fundraising and development opportunities.
Contact us for more information about our benefits package.
Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Information Technology
Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting
User Researcher in Manchester employer: Version 1
Contact Detail:
Version 1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, or even just grab a coffee with someone who works at Version 1. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best user research projects. Make sure to include case studies that demonstrate how your work has made a real impact. This will give you an edge when chatting with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to user research. Think about how you can showcase your experience with Agile teams and your understanding of inclusive design. Confidence is key!
✨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 being part of the Version 1 team.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the User Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with what we’re looking for, especially in user research and Agile environments.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Don’t forget to include a portfolio or case studies that demonstrate your impact as a researcher. We want to see how your work has influenced product or service outcomes, so make it clear and compelling!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to presenting your findings and insights.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Version 1!
How to prepare for a job interview at Version 1
✨Know Your Research Methods
Make sure you brush up on your qualitative and quantitative research methods. Be ready to discuss how you've applied techniques like usability testing or depth interviews in past projects. This will show that you can adapt your approach based on project needs.
✨Showcase Your Impact
Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight how your research has influenced product or service decisions. Be specific about the outcomes and how your insights led to successful results. This will demonstrate your ability to drive value through user research.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice presenting your findings clearly and effectively. You might be asked to explain complex concepts to senior stakeholders, so being able to communicate your insights with clarity is crucial. Consider doing mock presentations to get comfortable.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Version 1 values teamwork, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked within multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've fostered a positive working environment and supported your colleagues, as this aligns with their culture.