Lead User Researcher

Location

Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Nottingham, Oldham, Swansea

About The Job

Job summary

It's a great time to join DVSA as we look to expand the User Research function in our growing User Centred Design team. We work in established multidisciplinary continuous improvement teams and also in the early stages of change delivery, supporting services across the organisation to provide better experiences for our users.

This is an exciting opportunity to build upon your skills and experience in an evolving team while working on high-profile digital services that are used by millions of people every day.

You will play a pivotal role in developing the User Research profession within DVSA through setting and assuring research standards, managing and developing researchers, developing ways of working that meet the needs of our service teams and stakeholders, and championing user-focused and inclusive research and design.

Your work will help ensure the safety of citizens on Great Britain’s roads and contribute to keeping Britain moving safely and sustainably.

Job Description

You will

• Lead a team of user researchers working across key government services
• Set and assure standards for research quality, output and impact
• Advocate for inclusive research and design
• Evaluate the maturity of User Research at DVSA and recommend steps to develop our practices
• Play an important role in the development of our User Centred Design community of practice

Person specification

We are looking for someone with a deep understanding of user research methodologies, and experience overseeing the development and delivery of research plans and programmes.

You will bring experience of managing and mentoring or coaching junior researchers and take a hands-on approach to providing leadership. You’ll also have experience championing user-focused research and design and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

With strong communication and interpersonal skills, you will proactively engage and build relationships with service teams and stakeholders to understand their needs and to align research activities to influence decision making.

There may be an element of travel associated with this role to other DVSA offices, with some infrequent overnight stays.

About Us

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) helps keep Britain moving, safely and sustainably. We do this by helping people through a lifetime of safe and sustainable journeys, helping them keep their vehicles safe to drive, and protecting them from unsafe drivers and vehicles.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice and welcome and encourage applications from everyone, such as ethnic minorities, women, disabled people and those who identify as LGBT+.