Design Researcher (12 Month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher (12 Month FTC)

Company: Lloyds Banking Group

Location: Leeds Wellington Place, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary

Category: UX Research & Design Operations

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on enhancing customer experience within investments and pensions by integrating robust user research into product development cycles.

• The Design Researcher will be instrumental in shaping product strategy and design decisions through rigorous qualitative research and insightful data synthesis.

• This position requires a strong collaborator who can bridge the gap between user insights and actionable product improvements across the entire customer lifecycle.

• The role involves working within a regulated financial services environment, emphasizing responsible research practices and customer outcome focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a financial services organization, implying a need for meticulous research governance and a focus on customer financial well-being and regulatory compliance. The "FTC" (Fixed-Term Contract) nature suggests a project-driven or temporary need for specialized research expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute a range of qualitative research methodologies, including in-depth interviews and usability testing, tailored to specific research questions within the investments and pensions domains.

• Conduct rigorous research design and analysis to test hypotheses, increase confidence in strategic decisions, and triangulate diverse data sources into clear, actionable evidence for product teams.

• Collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to define research objectives, refine research questions, and maintain a focused research plan that aligns with delivery timelines and product roadmaps.

• Facilitate the application of research insights across the entire customer lifecycle by mapping key customer journey moments, identifying interconnected touchpoints, and highlighting areas for improvement in end-to-end customer experiences.

• Translate research findings into clear, concise, and easily digestible outputs that empower teams to make rapid, informed decisions and drive immediate product improvements.

• Effectively communicate insights and findings to stakeholders, fostering shared understanding and influencing prioritization of initiatives based on user needs and evidence.

• Ensure adherence to research governance best practices, including responsible handling of participant data and ethical research conduct within a regulated financial services context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "applying insight to the moments that matter across the customer lifecycle" and "mapping key moments, joining up journeys, and making it easier to spot where experiences break down across the end to end flow" highlights a strategic focus on holistic customer experience design and optimization, not just isolated feature improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in qualitative research, with a proven track record of planning and conducting user research initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of qualitative research experience, encompassing the full research lifecycle from planning to reporting.

• Proficiency in selecting and applying appropriate research methods, including in-depth interviews and usability testing, based on project objectives and research questions.

• Strong capability in research design and analysis, with the ability to rigorously test assumptions, manage complex findings, and generate clear, defensible insights.

• Excellent synthesis and storytelling skills, effectively translating raw data into compelling narratives that drive product decisions and shape strategic priorities.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, and engineers, to embed research into the product development process.

• Experience in applying research insights to improve end-to-end customer journeys and lifecycle experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in service design, including the creation or contribution to journey maps and service blueprints to visualize customer experiences.

• Familiarity with a broader range of exploratory research methods such as contextual inquiry, diary studies, and co-creation workshops.

• Experience using unmoderated research tools like Maze or Qualtrics for efficient data collection and analysis.

• Knowledge or direct experience within the investments, pensions, or other regulated financial product sectors, understanding the specific nuances of customer needs and outcomes in these areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention that "we recognise that skills are developed in many ways, so if you have relevant, transferable experience, we encourage you to apply" suggests a flexible approach to formal educational qualifications, prioritizing practical experience and demonstrated skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of end-to-end research projects, clearly outlining the research problem, methodology, execution, key findings, and impact.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to apply research insights to improve specific product features or customer journeys, with measurable outcomes.

• Examples of how research has directly influenced design decisions, product strategy, or prioritization within a team context.

• Evidence of strong qualitative research design and analytical rigor, including how assumptions were tested and complex data was synthesized.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase the ability to design structured research plans that align with business objectives and delivery cadences.

• Provide examples of how research findings were translated into actionable recommendations and user stories.

• Illustrate methods for communicating research insights effectively to diverse stakeholders, ensuring clarity and driving adoption.

• Demonstrate experience in managing participant recruitment, data collection, and ethical considerations within a research process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement" in the job description, the emphasis on "turning findings into clear, usable outputs that teams can act on quickly" and "share insights in a way that brings people with you" strongly implies the need for a portfolio that demonstrates these communication and actionability skills. For a Design Researcher, this would typically involve case studies and visual examples of research outputs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £61,344 - £68,160 per annum.

Benefits:

• A generous pension contribution of up to 15% from the employer.

• An annual performance-related bonus, rewarding individual and company achievements.

• Access to share schemes, including free shares, allowing employees to benefit from the company's success.

• A range of benefits adaptable to personal lifestyle needs, such as discounted shopping and other perks.

• 30 days of annual holiday, in addition to bank holidays, providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.

• A comprehensive suite of wellbeing initiatives designed to support employee health and mental wellness.

• Generous parental leave policies to support employees through significant life events.

Working Hours: Full-Time, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. The work style is hybrid, requiring at least two days per week (or 40% of time) in the Leeds Wellington Place office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a senior-level Design Researcher role in the UK financial sector. The benefits package is extensive and aligns with typical offerings from large, established financial institutions, emphasizing long-term employee value and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking, Investments, Pensions). Lloyds Banking Group is a major UK financial institution with a long history, focused on serving retail and business customers. The context of investments and pensions implies a strong emphasis on customer trust, long-term financial planning, and regulatory compliance.

Company Size: Large (as indicated by being a major banking group, likely employing tens of thousands of individuals globally and within the UK). This scale means established processes, opportunities for specialized roles, and a structured approach to operations and product development.

Founded: The origins of Lloyds Banking Group trace back to the late 18th century, signifying a deep-rooted history and stability.

Team Structure:

• The Design Researcher will be part of a multi-disciplinary team focused on investments and pensions digital experiences.

• This team likely includes designers, product managers, and engineers, fostering a collaborative "squad" or "tribe" model common in agile environments.

• The role will work closely with an existing Design Researcher, suggesting a growing or established research function within the product development area.

Methodology:

• The team operates with a hybrid working model, balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

• A strong emphasis is placed on agile product development, where research insights are integrated iteratively into the product lifecycle.

• The core methodology revolves around user-centered design, driven by evidence-based decision-making derived from qualitative research and data analysis.

• A key focus is on translating research into tangible product improvements and ensuring these insights inform end-to-end customer journeys.

Company Website: https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "helping Britain prosper" and its long history suggest a culture that values stability, customer service, and ethical conduct. The specific mention of "investing billions in our people, data and tech" indicates a commitment to modernization and innovation within a traditional industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior level position within the UX Research and Design discipline, specifically focused on product development. It requires significant autonomy in research planning and execution, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to influence product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will report into a senior leader within the product or design function, likely a Head of Product, UX Lead, or Senior Design Manager. They will work closely with product managers, designers, and engineers in a cross-functional team setting.

Operations Impact: The Design Researcher's impact is directly tied to improving the usability, effectiveness, and customer satisfaction of digital products within investments and pensions. By providing evidence-based insights, they enable the organization to make better product decisions, reduce risks associated with product launches, and ultimately enhance customer outcomes and loyalty. This role contributes to operational efficiency by ensuring that product development efforts are aligned with genuine user needs, minimizing costly rework and maximizing the impact of design and engineering resources.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX research methodologies, particularly within the complex domain of financial services, investments, and pensions.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Design Researcher or Research Lead role, potentially managing junior researchers or overseeing larger research programs.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain broader exposure to product management, service design, and agile development processes, potentially leading to roles in product strategy or UX leadership.

• Mentorship: Contribute to the growth of the research practice within Lloyds Banking Group, mentoring junior team members and sharing best practices.

• Project Scope: Take on research for more complex, strategic initiatives or lead research across multiple product areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 12-month FTC, this role offers a unique opportunity to gain in-depth experience within a major financial institution on specific projects, potentially leading to further opportunities or serving as a significant addition to a candidate's resume for future permanent roles. The emphasis on applying research to "customer lifecycle" and "end-to-end flow" suggests growth opportunities in service design and journey orchestration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of two days per week (40% of time) at the Leeds Wellington Place office. This indicates a modern, collaborative office space designed to support teamwork and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): Leeds Wellington Place, United Kingdom. This is a prominent business district in Leeds, accessible via public transport and likely offering amenities for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration with designers, product managers, and engineers for brainstorming, workshops, and team alignment.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and specialized UX research software (as mentioned in preferred skills, e.g., Maze, Qualtrics).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with colleagues across the design and product teams, fostering a shared understanding of user needs and product goals. The presence of an existing Design Researcher provides a peer to collaborate with and learn from.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid arrangement requiring specific days in the office. This structure allows for focused individual work at home while ensuring dedicated time for team collaboration and in-person engagement at the office. The flexibility within the hybrid model is designed to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Leeds Wellington Place location is a well-known hub for businesses in Leeds, suggesting a professional and well-connected work environment. The hybrid approach is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the hiring manager to discuss experience, research philosophy, and suitability for the role and team dynamics.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, key findings, and impact. This is a critical step for a Design Researcher.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An interview with potential team members (designers, product managers, engineers) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and how the candidate would integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or panel to discuss strategic thinking, problem-solving, and overall fit with the organization's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies that highlight the problem, your role, the research process, key insights, and the impact of your work.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research and its contribution to business outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased customer satisfaction scores).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, journey maps, personas, research artifacts) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with financial services, customer lifecycle research, or complex problem-solving. Highlight your ability to work in regulated environments.

• Storytelling: Present your work as compelling narratives that showcase your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Explain why you made certain methodological choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem relevant to investments or pensions.

• Practice articulating your research process and findings concisely and persuasively.

• Think about how you would integrate research into an agile workflow and collaborate with engineers and product managers.

• Prepare to discuss ethical considerations and data governance in a financial services context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "applying insight to the moments that matter across the customer lifecycle" and "making it easier to spot where experiences break down across the end to end flow" means interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic, holistic thinking in your portfolio and interview responses, not just isolated usability tests.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Proficiency in tools for conducting interviews and usability testing (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams for remote sessions).

• Unmoderated Research Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Maze or Qualtrics for conducting asynchronous user testing and surveys.

• Prototyping & Design Tools: While not the primary focus, understanding of tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD used by designers is beneficial for collaboration and reviewing prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Ability to analyze qualitative data using methods like thematic analysis, affinity mapping, and potentially qualitative data analysis software (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo).

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data organization and basic analysis.

• Presentation Software: Strong skills in creating clear and impactful presentations using tools such as Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM or automation systems, understanding how user research feeds into customer journey mapping and potential automation opportunities is valuable. Experience with customer journey mapping tools or service blueprinting software would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "Maze or Qualtrics" in preferred skills directly indicates a desire for familiarity with specific unmoderated research tools, suggesting these might be part of the team's existing stack or a desired capability for efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs, with an emphasis on positive customer outcomes, especially critical in regulated financial products.

• Integrity & Responsibility: Adherence to high ethical standards, responsible data handling, and conducting research in a compliant manner within a regulated industry.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to learn, adapt, and enhance processes and products based on evidence and feedback, promoting a culture of iterative development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence from research and data to inform strategic choices and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure research is relevant, timely, and actionable.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent sharing of insights, challenges, and feedback within the team.

• User Advocacy: Acting as a strong voice for the user, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to product discussions and decisions.

• Iterative Process: Working within agile frameworks that involve continuous feedback loops and adjustments based on research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated overarching purpose "to help Britain prosper" and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion are likely to permeate the team culture, emphasizing a shared sense of purpose and a supportive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Regulated Environment: Navigating the complexities of financial services regulations and ensuring research practices are compliant and customer outcomes are prioritized.

• Data Synthesis: Integrating findings from various research methods and data sources to form a cohesive and actionable understanding of user needs, especially in complex product areas like investments and pensions.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights to diverse stakeholders and gaining buy-in for design and product decisions, particularly when challenging existing assumptions.

• Pace of Change: Balancing rigorous research practices with the fast-paced nature of agile product development and business transformation.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Adapting quickly to a new team and project within a 12-month timeframe, delivering significant impact in a limited period.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Developing in-depth knowledge of the investments and pensions sector, understanding customer financial behaviors and needs.

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunity to explore and apply a wider array of qualitative and potentially mixed-methods research techniques.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights into product management, agile development, and service design principles from team members.

• Process Improvement: Contributing to the refinement of research processes and best practices within the team and organization.

• Networking: Building a professional network within a large, established financial institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenge of working within a regulated environment is significant and requires a candidate who is not only skilled in research but also conscientious and aware of compliance needs. The FTC nature itself is a challenge that requires rapid onboarding and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research in a highly regulated industry. What were the unique challenges, and how did you navigate them?" (Focus on research governance, ethical considerations, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you approach understanding customer needs for a new investment product, considering different risk appetites and financial literacy levels?" (Demonstrate your process for exploratory research and segmentation).

• "Imagine a product feature is not performing as expected. How would you use research to diagnose the problem and propose solutions?" (Showcase your problem-solving approach and ability to translate data into actionable insights).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Lloyds Banking Group, specifically within our investments and pensions division?" (Research the company's purpose, values, and recent initiatives).

• "How do you see your role contributing to our goal of making investments and pensions simpler, clearer, and more usable for customers?" (Connect your skills to the company's mission).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you maintain collaboration and productivity?" (Address the specific work arrangement).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your core skills and address aspects of the job description (e.g., end-to-end journey research, complex problem-solving, regulated environment experience).

• For each case study:

  • Context & Problem: Clearly define the business challenge or user problem.
  • Your Role: Specify your contributions, especially if working in a team.
  • Methodology: Explain why you chose specific methods and how they addressed the research questions.
  • Process: Briefly outline your execution steps.
  • Key Findings & Insights: Present the most critical learnings clearly and concisely.
  • Impact & Recommendations: Detail how your insights influenced design/product decisions and any measurable outcomes.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to elaborate on your choices, challenges, and how you'd approach similar problems in the future.

• Focus on Actionability: Emphasize how your research translated into practical improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "12 Month FTC" nature, interviewers will likely be looking for candidates who can "hit the ground running" and demonstrate immediate value. Highlighting your ability to quickly understand a new context and deliver impact will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Lloyds Banking Group careers portal.

• Tailor your CV/Resume: Ensure your CV clearly highlights your 5+ years of qualitative research experience, specific methodologies used, and achievements relevant to user experience in financial services or complex product domains. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio with 2-3 strong case studies that exemplify your research design, analysis, synthesis, and impact. Focus on demonstrating how your research influenced product decisions and improved customer experiences, particularly in complex or regulated environments.

• Practice your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your process and impact, and being ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and decision-making.

• Research Lloyds Banking Group: Familiarize yourself with their purpose, values, recent news, and the specific challenges and opportunities within their investments and pensions digital offerings. Understand their commitment to customer outcomes and responsible business practices.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

---