User Researcher

Farsight Consulting

London, Hybrid

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At Farsight, we help our clients design and deliver digital, technology and organisational transformation - solving real problems for real people. We research, design and build things: better services and products, better ways of working, better user experiences and better organisations and culture. Our core areas of expertise are analysis, research, analytics, data; user-centred design (service design, content design, interaction design and user research); product management and delivery; business change and people development.

We work in the public sector, supporting initiatives that improve society and the lives of citizens; with not-for-profit organisations, charities and social enterprises; and with some private-sector companies. The key sectors we're working in now include education, apprenticeships & skills development, social care and criminal justice - but we're always growing, developing and finding out about new things.

The role

As a Consultant User Researcher, you will plan and conduct user research on service design projects for a range of clients, primarily within the public sector. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary team alongside product managers, service and interaction designers, business analysts and developers.

As well as client projects, you’ll be expected to contribute to the Farsight user research community of practice by sharing your expertise.

A successful user researcher will have a combination of technical and soft skills.

The soft skills we look for include

  • Understanding and engaging with people to build relationships quickly with lots of people from different backgrounds.

  • Presenting your findings and ideas (both verbally and visually) in a structured way that sets out complex issues very simply.

  • Communicating information effectively across organisational, technical and political boundaries, understanding the context.

  • Well organised and good at working independently as well as with other people.

  • An ability to extract and interpret information from a user centred perspective to help teams develop logical, and creative solutions for users.

  • Excellent listening skills, with a curious and flexible mindset.

  • A positive outlook, enthusiasm and willingness to learn are essential.

The technical skills we look for include

  • 2-4 years as a user researcher, with solid knowledge and experience of a wide range of research methodologies, techniques and tools.

  • Understanding of all phases of user research from generative, exploratory discovery research through to evaluation of live services, with demonstrated experience in at least two of the phases.

  • Previous experience including users with access needs in research is desirable.

  • Demonstrated ability to run research projects end-to-end, from planning and designing rigorous studies through analysis and synthesis of data, to delivery of persuasive research insights and recommendations.

  • Ability to choose the best approaches and methodologies for a research study, and to explain the reasoning for your choices.

  • Engaging and involving multi-disciplinary colleagues and stakeholders in the research process.

  • Ability to defend user research insights and persuade colleagues and stakeholders of the value of user research in a confident but diplomatic manner.

  • Forming and managing positive and constructive stakeholder relationships.

  • Pragmatic approach to user research and product development in a public sector context, balancing rigour with what is achievable within budget, time and technical constraints.

  • Analysing research findings and synthesising into actionable outputs with an understanding of how this impacts design decisions.

  • Awareness and understanding of ethical considerations related to research.

  • Some knowledge of Agile product development ways of working, with experience working in Agile teams preferred.

  • Previous experience working in the public sector to GDS standards is desirable.

Benefits

Our environment is supportive, collaborative and ‘ego-less’. We offer a best in class learning & development programme to help you grow your career. New ideas are encouraged and there’s plenty of opportunities to innovate and make an impact.

As well as a competitive base salary, you will receive a 5% employer pension contribution, two promotion windows each year, discounted gym membership, Employee Assistance Programme, smart health programme, regular events & parties throughout the year, home working equipment, flexible working model, student loan contributions and enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption pay amongst other things.

The interview process will consist of two stages:

  • An initial screening interview with a member of our People team

  • A panel interview, including a task and a short presentation which demonstrates your end-to-end research process on a previous project.

In exceptional cases, you may be invited to a final, third short interview, in case there are any further questions.

This is a UK based role. We offer a Hybrid working model - happy to discuss flexibility/remote arrangements.

Farsight Consulting is committed to providing equal opportunities and creating a diverse & inclusive place of work where everyone feels welcome.