User Researcher

About Methods

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited is a UK-based IT services consultancy with over 30 years of experience, supporting public sector transformation and expanding into private sector clients. The company focuses on delivering business and digital solutions founded on collaboration, technology, and data, with a strong commitment to people, sustainability, and community impact. Methods joined the Alten Group in early 2022.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced User Researcher passionate about championing the user perspective in the public sector. The successful candidate will lead user research on products and services, ensuring high ethical standards and compliance with Government Digital Service (GDS) guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Advocate for users throughout product and service development.
• Plan and execute user research activities including creating recruitment specifications, conducting data analysis, and communicating findings.
• Effectively tailor presentation of research insights for various audiences.
• Work collaboratively with product teams to translate user feedback into prototypes and feature improvements.
• Share research insights, user data, and strategic recommendations with stakeholders and product teams.
• Promote user-centered design principles and best practices within government settings.
• Utilize knowledge of user-centered design processes in the development of services and products.
• Conduct diverse qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, such as ethnographic studies and usability testing.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Expertise in user-centered design philosophies and practices.
• Skilled in diverse user research methods including usability testing, interviews, and surveys, with the discernment to select appropriate techniques per project.
• Experience working within agile, multidisciplinary teams involving designers and developers.
• Ability to develop user personas, journey maps, and other user research deliverables.
• Understanding and application of ethical research standards like informed consent.
• Capability to gather evidence to inform decision-making processes and extract relevant research questions from project teams.
• Ability to advocate effectively for user-centered design in digital products and services.
• Proven skill in stakeholder engagement and collaboration to align on research objectives.

Desirable Attributes

• Advocacy for accessibility and inclusive design with working knowledge in applying these principles.
• Proactive stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion within the workplace and client engagements.
• Familiarity with Government Digital Service (GDS) service assessment processes.

Employee Benefits

• Opportunity for autonomy and professional growth.
• Engagement in impactful projects benefitting society.
• Leadership that is inspiring and thought-provoking.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to professional development resources such as LinkedIn Learning and management training.
• Confidential 24/7 employee assistance program.
• Flexible working arrangements including remote work and part-time options.
• Social events including office parties and regular team gatherings.
• Generous leave policies: 25 annual leave days plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Two paid volunteer days annually.
• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Life insurance coverage at four times the base salary.
• Comprehensive private medical insurance for employees and their families.
• Worldwide travel insurance coverage.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits.
• Travel support options such as season ticket loans and cycle to work schemes.