Job Description

Lead User Researcher

Rate: £515 per day Inside IR35

Contract length - 4-month discovery phase then transitioning into a long-term engagement via rolling 6-month SOWs

Location - Primarily remote, Occasional ad hoc travel required to Telford

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model

BPSS clearance is required

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lead User Researcher to drive and coordinate research across complex programmes and services. This role will ensure that service design is grounded in real user needs while aligning with policy and service outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Strategy

Define and own the overall research strategy, standards, and governance

Lead multi-team research initiatives across programmes

Ensure a consistent and scalable research approach across squads and workstreams

End-to-End Research Delivery

Plan, design and execute end-to-end research (discovery through to live)

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, including:

User interviews

Usability testing

Surveys

Manage:

Participant recruitment

Research planning and documentation

Ethical considerations

Research tooling

Insight & Decision Support

Analyse and synthesise research findings into clear, evidence-based insights

Translate research outcomes into actionable service and product improvements

Influence product, policy and delivery decisions using data-driven evidence

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including:

Product Owners

Delivery Managers

Designers

Analysts

Engage and influence senior stakeholders

Communicate findings via:

Reports

Presentations

Show & tells

Leadership & Capability Building

Mentor and coach junior and mid-level user researchers

Champion User-Centred Design (UCD) best practices

Build research capability and communities of practice

Inclusive & Accessible Research

Embed inclusive and accessible research practices aligned to GDS standards

Ensure services meet the needs of diverse user groups

Key Skills & Experience

Strong experience operating at SFIA Level 5 (Senior / Lead Practitioner)

Proven ability to lead research across multiple agile teams

Deep expertise in:

Research planning and execution

Qualitative and quantitative methodologies

Insight synthesis and storytelling

Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills

Experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams

Prior experience delivering within UK Government or Public Sector (GDS-aligned) environments