Lead User Researcher

Key responsibilities: User-centred design * Scope and deliver components of end-to-end user research activities in a variety of programme contexts * Recommend and execute appropriate user research activities based on project needs * Create and maintain phase-appropriate user research deliverables * Clearly articulate project problems, scopes, and success criteria to diverse audiences through compelling communication * Respond to challenges, supporting the team to reach a resolution * Support clients through all phases of the design process, from ideation to implementation Stakeholder management * Effectively communicate with stakeholders within your client team, ensuring alignment and buy-in, being seen by the client project team and senior client stakeholders as experienced in your profession and in UCD * Upskill and educate stakeholders and colleagues on user-centred design approaches and methods, and agile approaches to transformation and delivery * Show commercial awareness, looking for new opportunities to deliver for the client or identifying opportunities for cross-selling services * Raise blockers or risks within the delivery for the team, supporting the delivery manager (or project lead) to resolve these Business development * Play a supporting role in creating persuasive business proposals * Apply UCD and agile approaches to bids for transformation projects, ensuring alignment with client needs and expectations Community Development: * Contribute to the evolution of Mastek’s user-centred design and consulting strategy * Support the development of propositions and ‘points of view’ for applying design thinking approaches in new markets and clients * Support the development of the community, applying Design Operations principles Requirements: Experience: * At least 5 years of relevant user research experience within agile teams and complex programmes * Demonstrated application of user research methods and tools * Proven experience in conducting user research and translating findings into actionable insights * Experience in consultancy * Mentoring experience of UCD/research teams * Familiarity with GDS/NHS service standards and assessments and experience of running Discoveries to GDS/NHS Service Standard * Sector experience in healthcare is a bonus Skills: * Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to gain buy-in for approach * Strong facilitation skills for both remote and in-person workshops, meetings and research sessions * Ability to manage complex, ambiguous projects and organizational dynamics * Skills and experience in related disciplines such as service design, and content/communication design are a plus Location: Flexible (Remote, with options to work from offices in Reading and Leeds. You may be required to work part-time from client offices.)