User Researcher

User Researcher£45,000 - £55,000paMethods Business and Digital Technology LimitedMethods is a £100M+ IT Services Consultancy who has partnered with a range of central government departments and agencies to transform the way the public sector operates in the UK. Established over 30 years ago and UK-based, we apply our skills in transformation, delivery, and collaboration from across the Methods Group, to create end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred, safe, and designed for the future.Our human touch sets us apart from other consultancies, system integrators and software houses - with people, technology, and data at the heart of who we are, we believe in creating value and sustainability through everything we do for our clients, staff, communities, and the planet.We support our clients in the success of their projects while working collaboratively to share skill sets and solve problems. At Methods we have fun while working hard; we are not afraid of making mistakes and learning from them.Predominantly focused on the public-sector, Methods is now building a significant private sector client portfolio.Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022.Your roleWe are looking for an experienced User Researcher to join our growing team on a permanent basis. You will have a passion for understanding and championing the user.You will have experience of working on products and services in a public sectorenvironment, conducting user research on projects to a high ethical standard, with knowledge of GDS standards.Your responsibilities will include:● Championing the user on services and products● Planning and conducting user research, developing recruitment briefs, conducting analysis and presenting research findings● Appropriate story telling of research findings to different audiences● Collaborating with the product team to turn research findings into prototypes and features that meet the user need● Presenting research findings, user insight and recommendations to the product team and wider stakeholders● Promoting user centered design principles and best practice within government● Applying relevant knowledge in the user-centered design process to product and service design● Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research projects, such as ethnography and usability studiesRequirementsEssential skills● Knowledge, experience and passion for user centered design practices● Experience undertaking user research and using a range of research methods, such as usability testing, interviewing, and surveys, as well as being able to choose an appropriate method for a project● Experience working in agile multidisciplinary teams, including designers and developers, to build digital products and services● Confidence developing user needs, personas/mindsets, user journey maps, and other research artefacts● Experience applying and understanding of ethical research practices and processes, such as consent● Experience gathering evidence to support decision making, and gathering research questions and assumptions from a project team● Confidence championing user-centred design practices for digital products and services● Experience managing stakeholders, building successful relationships, and collaborating with stakeholders and the project team to define research goals and involve them in researchWe know not everyone will have all of the skills we are looking for. We are happy to support you to grow your skill set and experience through our training budget, working with our experienced teams and mentoring.Desirable skillsSkills that would also be useful in this role include:● Advocating for fully accessible and inclusive products and services, along with a working knowledge of applying accessibility and inclusivity to projects● Taking a proactive approach to diversity, equity and inclusion internally and with clients● Experience or a working knowledge of GDS service assessmentsThis role will require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interviewMethods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.By joining us you can expectAutonomy to develop and grow your skills and experienceBe part of exciting project work that is making a difference in societyStrong, inspiring and thought-provoking leadershipA supportive and collaborative environmentDevelopment – access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and trainingWellness – 24/7 confidential employee assistance programmeFlexible Working – including home working and part timeSocial – office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causesTime Off – 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each yearVolunteering – 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisationPension – Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contributionDiscretionary Company Bonus – based on company and individual performanceLife Assurance – of 4 times base salaryPrivate Medical Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)Worldwide Travel Insurance – which is non-contributory (spouse and dependants included)Enhanced Maternity and Paternity PayTravel – season ticket loan, cycle to work schemeFor a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits) #J-18808-Ljbffr