User Researcher

Methods; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based IT consultancy is seeking an experienced User Researcher to join their team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for user-focused design and experience in public sector projects. Responsibilities include planning user research and collaborating with product teams. The organization offers numerous benefits such as flexible working, 25 days of annual leave, and a training budget.

Benefits

Access to LinkedIn Learning

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• Experience conducting user research in public sector environments.
• Strong knowledge of ethical research practices.
• Ability to develop personas and user journey maps.

Responsibilities

• Champion user needs in all services and products.
• Plan, conduct user research, and present findings.
• Collaborate with product teams to create user-centric features.

Skills

User centred design practices

Usability testing

Interviewing skills

Surveys

Stakeholder management

Job description

Methods Business and Digital Technology Limited

Methods 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 role

We 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 sector environment, conducting user research on projects to a high ethical standard, with knowledge of GDS standards.

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 centred design principles and best practice within government
• Applying relevant knowledge in the user‑centred design process to product and service design
• Undertaking qualitative and quantitative research projects, such as ethnography and usability studies

Requirements

Essential skills

• Knowledge, experience and passion for user centred 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 research

We 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 Skills

• 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 assessments

Benefits

Methods is passionate about its people; we want our colleagues to develop the things they are good at and enjoy.

By joining us you can expect

• 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 - access to LinkedIn Learning, a management development programme, and training

Wellness - 24/7 confidential employee assistance programme

Flexible Working - including home working and part time

Social - office parties, breakfast Tuesdays, monthly pizza Thursdays, Thirsty Thursdays, and commitment to charitable causes

Time Off - 25 days of annual leave a year, plus bank holidays, with the option to buy 5 extra days each year

Volunteering - 2 paid days per year to volunteer in our local communities or within a charity organisation

Pension - Salary Exchange Scheme with 4% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution

Discretionary Company Bonus - based on company and individual performance

Life Assurance - of 4 times base salary

Private 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 Pay

Travel - season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme

For a full list of benefits please visit our website (www.methods.co.uk/careers/benefits)