User Researcher for NOMS Digital Studio

About the work

Who the specialist will work with 

We're building a team of around 70 experts in Web Development, Design and User Research. This is a brilliant opportunity to be part of a growing team from its nascent stage and play an active and continued role in the strategic development of both the team and the studio approaches. Immediate team: Service design team of a Technical Architect, Service Designer and Service Manager- based in Sheffield. Wider Service Area team: Service design team working across up to 3 Product Delivery Teams- based in Sheffield. Community of User Researchers, 3 based in London and Head of User Experience in Sheffield

What the specialist will work on 

The Digital Studio is planned to deliver, over the next 5 years, modern and mobile technology products quickly, responsively and flexibly. Our aim is to reduce re-offending by introducing products that reduce violence, improve employability, reduce self-harm and improve offender-family relationships. This role includes - 1. Leading research across the Prison and Probation Service to build a picture of the system, identifying the actors and the opportunities for service improvements 2. Leading Discovery work to inform the development of new products to reduce re-offending 3. Leading on the development of User Research and User Experience practices across the programme

Work setup

Address where the work will take place Furnace Hill, Sheffield & St James' Park, London

Working arrangements 

The role includes travel across the UK to conduct research in prisons and probation offices. When not engaged in off-site research, you will be working on-site in Sheffield and London, with at least 2-3 days per week based in Sheffield, so as to have face to face engagement with the rest of the team. There is a £5,000 limit on travel expenses. Expenses will only be covered for research trips/meetings outside of Sheffield. Travel between Sheffield and the Supplier's location is not covered.

Security clearance Basic Clearance is required.

Skills and experience

Essential skills and experience

• Have 5+ years conducting user experience research
• Have Degree Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, Cognitive Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or related field
• Have In-depth understanding of user-centered design principles and tools
• Have Excellent written and verbal communication
• Be Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Have demonstrable 3+ years experience planning and building digital products.
• Have Proven experience of stakeholder management; Strong negotiation skills to ensure that design thinking is intrinsic to delivery, but also taking a pragmatic approach to design where needed
• Have Experience leading (defining scope, approach and carrying out delivery of) end to end service transformation work, using user-centred, agile approaches
• Have Demonstrable 3+ years experience in working effectively with cross-disciplinary teams (with Design, Software, Content and Product team members)
• Have Demonstrable 3+ years experience with ensuring that appropriate user research is part of the process for making design decision

Nice-to-have skills and experience 

• Have A broad understanding of visual design, interaction design, content design and service design.
• Have Previous experience of leading mixed teams of designers and researchers.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.