Senior User Researcher

Overview

Senior User Researcher – Methods, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom. Hybrid location. This role is advertised by Methods and reflects the salary range discussed with the recruiter.

• 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 involving 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
• 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 (ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentation)
• Provide formalised peer-review to services, for quality assurance or as part of an assessment panel

• Confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, using strong interpersonal skills to develop and improve relationships
• Actively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contacts
• Evaluate how Methods' user research compares to government and competitor best practice and identify improvements
• Advocate for user-centred design and be an active part of the user research community within Methods and across government
• Take responsibility for personal learning and development
• Provide project support, guidance, coaching and mentoring 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

• Demonstrable passion for behavioural research
• Strong leadership skills
• Ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues
• Understanding the research question and choosing the best method to answer it
• Correct application of a variety of research and analysis techniques
• Ensuring research is representative and inclusive for broad usability
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly to non-experts
• Experience running workshops and facilitating service design discussions
• Ability to identify the ‘so what’ and present it compellingly
• Experience working in an agile environment

• Relevant industry experience

• 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 programmes and training
• Wellness benefits including 24/7 confidential employee assistance
• Flexible working including home working and part-time
• Social events and a commitment to charitable causes
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, with option to buy 5 extra days
• Volunteering: 2 paid days per year
• Pension:
  Salary Exchange Scheme with employer/employee contributions
• Discretionary company bonus
• Life assurance, private medical insurance (spouse and dependants included)
• Worldwide travel insurance
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• Travel: season ticket loan, cycle-to-work scheme

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Information Technology

• IT Services and IT Consulting

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Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

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