Senior User Researcher

Senior User ResearcherLocation: HybridSalary- £55,000 - £65,000paMethods 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 Senior 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 sector environment, conducting user research on projects to a high ethical standard, with knowledge of government service standards and principles.Your main day to day responsibilities will be to:work with client product managers/owners to devise appropriate research strategies that generate focused insights to support product developmentcollaborate within a multidisciplinary team by including colleagues in research and analysis activitiesadvocate for users, effectively communicating their needs and perspectives to support the design of intuitive and accessible servicesdraw together, present and test reasonable conclusions from a wide range of incomplete and/or complex evidence and datatake appropriate action or make decisions even when details are not clearweigh up data from various sources, recognising when to bring in additional Methods supportidentify the main issues in complex problems; clarify understanding or stakeholder expectations to seek the best optionconvincingly and tactfully persuade sceptical colleagues and stakeholders about the value and purpose of researcheffectively capture, use and share user/customer insight and views from a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure better policy and deliverysupport 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 clientswork closely with colleagues to identify, develop and share good practiceset and monitor standards for research, e.g. in ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentationprovide formalised peer-review to services, for quality assurance or as part of an assessment panel.You will also be expected to carry out the following day to day activities:confidently engage with stakeholders and colleagues at all levels, using strong interpersonal skills to develop and improve relationships with colleagues within and outside of user researchactively build and maintain a network of colleagues and contactsevaluate how Methods’ user research compares to government and competitor best practice and identify necessary and desirable improvementsadvocate for user-centred design and be an active part of the user research community within Methods and across governmenttake responsibility for your own learning and development and seek opportunities to improve your knowledge and experienceproject support, guidance, coaching and mentoring (as appropriate) to less experienced user researcherssupport bids, alongside the Head of User Researchhelp recruit contract or permanent user researchers where more capacity is needed.Essential SkillsYou’ll have a demonstrable passion for behavioural research, with the following skills or proven experience in:strong leadership skillsability to support and develop less experienced colleaguesunderstanding the research question which needs to be answered, and choosing the best way to answer that questioncorrectly applying a variety of research and analysis techniquesensuring research is representative and inclusive, enabling products/services to be designed to work effectively for anyone who may need ittalking about research in a way that other people understandrunning workshops, participating in discussions and assisting in the facilitation of the design of the service through collaboration with other professionsidentifying the ‘so what’ and communicating it in a compelling wayworking in an agile environmentQualificationsRelevant industry experienceMethods 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 - 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