Senior User Researcher

Role Overview The Senior User Researcher will report directly to Lead User Researcher. Expectations for the role are aligned to the DDAT capability framework, User researcher - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework.In this role, you will be responsible for:Key Responsibilities: Lead collaborative research programmes for complex projects to uncover user needs.

• Support GDS service assessments
• Conduct workshops, debriefs, group note-taking, and results presentations.
• Utilise analytics, customer feedback, and other data sources to inform research priorities and approaches.
• Evolve and champion user-centred design practices within the organisation.
• Work within cross-functional teams to challenge assumptions and ensure user needs are met through coherent propositions, content, and designs.
• Advise and educate colleagues across all levels in areas of special expertise.
• Communicate with designers and researchers on other programmes to avoid duplication, maximise learning, and ensure consistency across digital experiences.
• Assist internal colleagues and external partners in defining and evolving agile methodologies.
• Identify and mitigate potential negative impacts of research activities on users, particularly those who are vulnerable or experience exclusion.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, Policy and Proposition Managers, and product owners to align business needs with research plans.
• Define user needs, use cases, personas, customer profiles, and scenarios as required.

Create and disseminate research reports, presentations, and other artefacts to communicate research outcomes to diverse audiences You will need to demonstrate the following skills and experience. To excel in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Experience in leading research design, production and analysis to inform user-centred design in a delivery-focussed environment.
• Ability to lead and support others in utilising a wide range of qualitative, quantitative, and observational methodologies, and experience of learning and adopting new methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of GDS service standards and assessments.
• Experience researching diverse audiences using inclusive, ethical approaches to deliver accessible and inclusive services.
• Expertise in managing, analysing, and reporting on usability testing and qualitative discovery research.
• Ability to communicate research findings compellingly to drive user-centred decision-making.
• Experience of proactive stakeholder management and problem solving within an agile environment.

About Us The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is based in Bedford, in a recently renovated modern office. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to become an integral part of a dynamic organisation, working to help people across the UK.At the heart of the Money and Pensions Service are our values – caring, connecting, and transforming, which are the foundation of our success. They permeate every area of our work and define all our business relationships and the way we work with each other. We’re not only looking for the best people to come and work for us, but we need people who align themselves with our values:

• Caring We care about our colleagues and the people whose lives we are here to transform.
• Connecting We will transform lives through our ability to make positive connections.
• Transforming We are committed to transforming lives and making a positive societal impact.

Our Inclusive Working Environment By fostering our values, we are immensely proud of the inclusive working environment that we have created. The diversity of our people is a strength that we embrace and wish to build upon, so we are committed to attracting people of all backgrounds. We work hard to ensure that we have a progressive approach to inclusion, equity, and belonging. We really do want our colleagues to “bring their whole selves to work.”Our colleague and ally networks encompass LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, women’s health, men’s health, ethnicity, and diversity.What We Offer

• Generous Annual Leave – 30 days plus Bank Holidays
• Pension scheme – contributions matched 2 to 1 (up to 10% of your salary)
• Interest-free loan for season tickets for buses and trains
• Cycle to work Scheme
• Subsidised eye tests & flu jabs
• Life assurance scheme
• Give as you earn scheme
• Employee assistance programme (EAP)
• PAM Assist and PAM Life scheme (Wellbeing)
• Enhanced family and sick pay
• Paid volunteering (2 days a year)
• Recognition Scheme
• Discounts portal to numerous retailers

Flexible Working At MaPS, we take pride in our flexible approach to work. As standard, we work on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week. Hybrid working is a voluntary, non-contractual arrangement and our headquarters in Bedford will be your contractual place of work. The number of days that anyone will be able to work at home will be determined primarily by business needs, but personal and other relevant circumstances will also be considered. If you are successful, any opportunities for hybrid working, including whether a hybrid working arrangement is suitable for you, will be discussed with you prior to you taking up your post.Career Development In MaPS, we take career development seriously. We actively encourage and support applications from our existing MaPS colleagues. However, we do follow the Civil Service Commissioner recruitment principles, which means that you will be required to participate in a full, open, and fair process.Reserve List If you are successful at interview, we operate a reserve list where your details will be held for up to 6 months. Should a...