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, and we support 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. There’s never been a better time to join the DVSA. Our Digital-first vision is supported by a clear strategy which allows our staff to develop and grow. Click to find out more the award-winning services we work on and what’s on offer for you, helping drive your career forward. 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 For further information please see the attached Role Profile. Additional Information This role can be based in Bristol, Swansea, Nottingham, Newcastle, Oldham or Birmingham or Leeds your presence at one of these locations will form part of the working arrangements agreed with you. We operate a hybrid working model giving you greater flexibility about where and when you work. Our expectation is that you will spend a minimum 60% of your time at your base location. Visits to other DVSA sites or work locations count towards this. 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. We are committed to encouraging and enabling our staff to develop in and above their role and will support you through further development opportunities/qualifications. Please view the attached role profile for an in depth view of the post. There may be an element of travel associated with this role to other DVSA offices, with some infrequent overnight stays. Please take note that DVSA does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship. 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’re working hard to: * Make roads safer. * Improve services for our customers. * Make road transport greener and healthier. * Harness the potential of technology and data. We’re committed to giving all our colleagues purpose, professionalism and pride in what we do. We work in supportive, diverse and inclusive teams where everyone is valued. You can grow, develop and progress, and make a real difference to society. 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+. To find out more about how we champion diversity and inclusion in the workplace and making DVSA a great place to work visit our Careers website . Benefits * An environment with flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance. * Exceptional pension with an employer contribution of an average of 27%. * Generous Annual Leave - 25 days holiday, increasing by 1 each year of service, up to 30. * 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday. * Latest IT and Tech devices. * A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues. * Excellent learning and development tailored to your role including paid apprenticeships up to Masters level. * Wide range of discounts schemes on high street names. * Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing. * Cycle to work scheme and Gym membership offers