Lead User Researcher

Salary: £75,000 - 75,000 per year

Requirements

• We are looking for an experienced lead user researcher with expertise in research methodologies including usability testing, contextual enquiry, rapid research, survey development, and measurable and evaluative research.
• We need someone who has led user research across GDS delivery stages such as discovery, alpha, and beta; experience with GDS assessments is desirable.
• You should be highly experienced in agile ways of working and confident coaching more junior team members.
• We expect strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to lead team analysis sessions and produce actionable insight reports.
• You should be highly proficient in user research standards, including GDPR, the MRS Code of Conduct, and GDS service standards.
• We are looking for someone who can promote inclusive research practices and help design accessible services for diverse users.
• You should have experience building relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, including influencing at a strategic and commercial level.
• Experience writing or reviewing bids and supporting business development opportunities is required.
• People management experience, including hiring and onboarding researchers, is important.
• SC clearance is required if you are successful.

Responsibilities

• We lead one or more research deliveries and ensure the project team and stakeholders share a clear understanding of successful outcomes.
• We scope research, define objectives, plan activities, and lead overall delivery.
• We ensure a whole-team approach to user research and invite stakeholders and team members to observe research sessions.
• We work with the Discipline Head and peers to set best-practice standards for the User Research team.
• We adhere to GDPR, MRS standards, and GDS service standards in our work.
• We analyse, synthesise, and interpret research findings to produce actionable insights and reports.
• We build relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, understand their needs, and provide advisory support.
• We support bids and business development opportunities.
• We manage and coach user researchers, supporting their professional growth and development.
• We support the hiring and onboarding of colleagues across Strategy & Design.
• We promote user-centred thinking and practices within Made Tech and at client offices.
• We represent the user-centred design community internally and externally.
• We support the Discipline Head in setting direction and strengthening the research community within Made Tech.
• We foster a positive, safe, inclusive, and open culture within the User Research team.

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We are Made Tech, a company committed to positively impacting the countrys future by using technology to improve society. We are design-led and believe this approach creates better outcomes in the public sector through critical services enabled by technology. We are building a community of designers and researchers to meet the growing demand for user-centred public service delivery. We offer a flexible and evolving benefits package, including a Smart Tech scheme, Cycle to Work scheme, an individual benefits allowance that can be used for a healthcare cash plan or pension, 30 days of paid annual leave plus bank holidays, flexible working hours, flexible parental leave, part-time remote working, paid counselling, and optional social and wellbeing events for all employees.

last updated 31 week of 2026