Details:
- Salary: 0 - 515 - Day
- Location: Telford Shropshire
- Date: 1 month ago
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