User Researcher, Chelmsford

We are looking for an experienced User Researcher to work directly with local people across the county on some of the most complex and challenging issues facing public services. The User Researcher will lead on understanding user needs and ensuring that these are intrinsic to the design and implementation of our services. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will contribute throughout the entire design process, demonstrating curiosity and empathy at each phase. The User Researcher will work collaboratively with commissioners, service managers and partner organisations to develop the appropriate research strategies and help build understanding and empathy for the end user. The work is varied; from improving transactional services and contributing to an exciting new Service Patterns Library, to reimagining how public services might look in the future. As a User Researcher, you will: · Define and implement a user research strategy, roadmap and plan which would include defining the research approach, advising on sample size, ensuring users are appropriately represented and recruitment. · Lead and carry out research collaboratively with project teams and communicate findings to colleagues and stakeholders outside of the immediate team. · Lead colleagues on analysing research data and synthesising findings so that research is shareable, traceable and supports the generation of ideas and actions. · Derive insights, themes and user research findings that identify user needs and inform hypothesis driven design. · Deliver actionable insights that lead to valuable product and service features. · Test prototypes with users to inform policy and future investment decisions. About You We're looking for a confident and curious User Researcher or Design Researcher with strong interpersonal skills who wants the opportunity to work in a user-centred environment. You will be able to demonstrate: · A range of approaches using both quantitative and qualitative research methods to working with users to gain a deep understanding of their needs. · A thorough understanding of current user research best practice, including an awareness of Research Ethics and Information Governance regulations. · Experience of communicating complex information and ideas simply in a variety of formats, contexts and to different audiences. · Excellent communication skills and confidence to engage senior stakeholders and users, bringing those who don?t have experience of user-centred design along with you. · An ability to work independently and prioritise your workload · An understanding of agile ways of working