Lead User Researcher

Lead User Researcher: Up to 77,740, plus 28.97% pension, hybrid working, flexible hours and guaranteed learning and development.

DWP. Digital with Purpose.

DWP Digital is looking for a Lead User Researcher to join our Leadership Team in Retirement Services.

In Retirement Services, we are responsible for running and transforming digital services which make sure people over state pension age can plan for and secure all the support and payments they need, like State Pension, and Pension Credits.

Nearly every person in the UK will use these services at some point in their lives. We need to make sure it works well for everyone.

You and your role:

You'll oversee user research activities within Retirement Services.

That means:

• ensuring best practices are defined and followed
• delivering high-quality research is delivered
• influencing research strategy at both the organisational and program levels
• promoting diverse user research methods to address user needs.

You'll mentor and support other User Researchers, helping them to grow as practitioners and deliver top-tier research services. You will advocate for user-centered design and champion its value within the department.

And you'll proactively collaborate and build relationships with key stakeholders to shape service vision, share insights and educate on the power of user research.

If you are passionate about understanding users and turning research into impactful design decisions, this role is for you.

Essential criteria:

• Extensive experience as a User Researcher or appropriate experience of other fields of research.
• Extensive understanding of research ethics, safeguarding and data management.
• Experience building and leading a research team and expert understanding of different research methods.
• Strong analytical ability to identify patterns and connections in research outcomes.
• Expertise in designing, facilitating, and analysing a wide range of research using a variety of methods to build a rich picture of users.
• Expertise in user centred design practices and embedding them into an agile workflow.
• Experience of advocating for inclusive practices - conducting research that includes all kinds of users.
• Experience in building skills and capability successfully in large, complex public or private sector organisations.

Details. Wages. Perks.

Location: You'll be based in our Newcastle hub. We're just across the road from Longbenton Metro.

Hybrid Working: We operate a hybrid working model, with some time in the office and some time at home.

Pay: We offer competitive pay of up to 77,740 per annum.

Pension: You'll be eligible for a brilliant civil service pension with employer contributions of over 28.97%, worth up to 22,521 per year.

Holidays: You'll get a generous leave package starting at 26 days, rising to 31 over time.

Plus, all the usual bank holidays, and the option to take up to 3 extra days off a month on flexi leave.

We have a benefits package built around your work-life balance, which includes:

• Flexible working, flexi hours and flexi days
• Hybrid working: some time in a hub with the team, some time at home
• Family-friendly policies
• Time off for volunteering and charitable giving
• Bring your authentic self to work with 'I Can Be Me in DWP'
• Discounts and savings on shopping, fun days out and more
• Interest-free loans to buy a bike or a season ticket
• Working in an award-winning environment and culture
• Professional development, coaching, mentoring and career progression opportunities

Click 'Apply' for more information and to start an application on Civil Service Jobs.