Hybrid Senior User Researcher

at Methods

• Job title: Senior User Researcher
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: Not specified
• Degree requirement: High School Diploma
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Manchester, United Kingdom

About the role

• Senior User Researcher joining Methods, an IT consultancy, focusing on public sector project research. The role entails understanding users and championing their needs in service development.

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 (“delivery through people”)
• 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

Requirements

• Relevant industry experience
• strong 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

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
• a management development programme, and training
• 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme
• including home working and part time
• office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes
• 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year
• 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation
• Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution
• based on company and individual performance
• of 4 times base salary
• which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme