Senior User Researcher . Methods

Design Better Podcast; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Volunteer days

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Private medical insurance

Travel insurance

Maternity/Paternity pay

Employee assistance program

Season ticket loan

Cycle-to-work

Training & development

Job summary

Hard Problems is seeking a Senior User Researcher to support the Capabilities, IT Digital Advisory practice in Manchester with hybrid working options across several UK cities. You will lead a growing user research team, coordinate quality research, and mentor colleagues while shaping research strategy for public sector services.

You will collaborate with product managers and owners, advocate for users, and test conclusions from diverse evidence to influence policy and delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting user research on public sector products and services to a high ethical standard.
• Ability to identify the right research question and select appropriate methods.
• Capability to communicate research findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.
• Experience running workshops and facilitating collaborative design activities.

Responsibilities

• Work with client product managers to devise research strategies that generate insights to support product development.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and mentor other researchers.
• Advocate for users by communicating their needs to inform accessible services.
• Guide research ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentation standards.
• Support bids and recruit researchers when capacity is needed.

Job description

# Senior User ResearcherMethods, Manchester, UKGood gov## Why this work mattersMethods helps modernise UK public sector services by delivering citizen-centred digital transformation for central government departments and agencies, improving efficiency and public service delivery.View the full listing and apply →Listed 27 Oct 2026Applications are handled by Methods, not by Hard Problems.## About MethodsMethods Business and Digital Technology is a £100M+ IT services consultancy established over 30 years ago in the UK. It partners with central government departments and agencies to transform how the public sector operates, delivering end-to-end business and technical solutions that are people-centred and designed for the long term. Methods was acquired by the Alten Group in early 2022 and is now also building a private sector client portfolio.### The roleThis is a permanent Senior User Researcher position within the Capabilities, IT Digital Advisory practice. You would join a growing user research team, supporting the Head of User Research in coordinating quality research across the Digital Delivery portfolio. The role spans client-facing delivery, community building, mentoring, and quality assurance.### What you would do* Work with client product managers and owners to devise research strategies that generate focused insights to support product development.* Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams by involving colleagues in research and analysis activities.* Advocate for users, communicating their needs and perspectives to support the design of intuitive and accessible services.* Draw together, present and test conclusions from complex or incomplete evidence and data, and make decisions when details are not fully clear.* Identify the main issues in complex problems and clarify stakeholder expectations to find the best path forward.* Persuade sceptical colleagues and stakeholders about the value and purpose of research.* Capture and share user insight from a diverse range of stakeholders to improve policy and delivery.* Guide, coach and mentor other user researchers within Methods and at client organisations.* Set and monitor standards for research ethics, lab testing, recruitment and documentation.* Provide peer review of services for quality assurance or as part of assessment panels.* Evaluate Methods' user research practice against government and competitor best practice and identify improvements.* Support bids alongside the Head of User Research, and help recruit contract or permanent researchers when additional capacity is needed.### What they are looking for* Strong leadership skills and the ability to support and develop less experienced colleagues.* Experience conducting user research on public sector products and services to a high ethical standard.* Knowledge of government service standards and principles.* Ability to identify the right research question and choose the most appropriate method to answer it.* Competence applying a variety of research and analysis techniques correctly.* Commitment to inclusive and representative research so that services work for all potential users.* Ability to communicate research findings clearly to non-specialist audiences.* Experience running workshops and facilitating collaborative design activities across professions.* Comfortable working in an agile environment.* Relevant industry experience (formal qualifications not specified beyond this).### Working arrangementsThe role is hybrid and can be based from Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, or Sheffield. Flexible working, including home working and part-time arrangements, is available.### Pay and benefits* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 additional days per year.* 2 paid volunteering days per year.* Salary Exchange pension scheme with 4% employer and 5% employee contributions.* Life assurance of 4 times base salary.* Non-contributory private medical insurance (spouse and dependants included).* Non-contributory worldwide travel insurance (spouse and dependants included).* Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.* 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme.* Season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.* Management development programme and training support.## DetailsLocation: Manchester, UKOn-site or remote: HybridSalary: n/aSector: Good govRole: User researchSeniority: SeniorOrganisation: For-profitThis job is listed on the Hard Problems job board, but details come from the employer’s own listing and may have changed — always check the original posting.