Midweight User Researcher with UX or SD background

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Midweight User Researcher with UX or SD background Company: NTT DATA UK Location: London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience / Service Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-23 Experience Level: Midweight (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on embedding human-centered design principles into critical sectors like banking, insurance, and public services through rigorous user research.
• You will lead end-to-end research projects, translating complex organizational challenges into actionable, evidence-based insights that guide strategic design and delivery for digital and service touchpoints.
• The position requires a strong portfolio demonstrating impact, storytelling, and end-to-end project involvement, with a keen eye for inclusive design and accessibility standards.
• Collaboration within agile, cross-functional teams is key, working closely with designers, product managers, and developers to ensure user-centric solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed within the context of operations by emphasizing the systematic application of research methodologies to inform and optimize design and delivery processes, thereby driving efficiency and user satisfaction. The emphasis on GDS standards and specific sectors suggests a focus on structured, compliant, and impactful operations within public and regulated industries.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive user research initiatives, from initial scoping and planning through to the synthesis and communication of findings, ensuring direct impact on UX and service design strategies.
• Employ a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including depth interviews, contextual inquiries, diary studies, usability testing, and surveys, to deeply understand user needs, motivations, and behaviors.
• Actively contribute to UX and Service Design streams by co-creating essential artifacts such as personas, journey maps, blueprints, and behavioral frameworks that translate research insights into tangible design opportunities.
• Synthesize complex research data into clear, concise, and actionable insights, developing strategic recommendations that effectively shape both user experience and broader service delivery.
• Facilitate interactive workshops, research playback sessions, and alignment meetings to foster a shared understanding of user needs and to influence decision-making across cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
• Conduct rigorous testing of early concepts, prototypes, and service interactions to validate assumptions, mitigate project risks, and drive iterative improvements based on empirical evidence.
• Champion and embed inclusive design and accessibility principles throughout the research and design lifecycle, ensuring solutions cater to a diverse user base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities are geared towards operationalizing research findings. The emphasis on "end-to-end projects," "synthesizing complex findings," and "communicating strategic recommendations" highlights the operational aspect of transforming raw data into actionable business intelligence that drives strategic outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in User Research, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Service Design, or a closely related discipline is a "Nice to Have." However, equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant professional experience in user research, UX design, or service design.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, conduct, and analyze research independently, covering the entire project lifecycle from discovery to validation.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing research impact, effective storytelling, and experience with end-to-end research projects.
• Proven expertise in user-centered design principles, a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods, and the ability to translate insights into concrete design opportunities.
• Exceptional ability to communicate research findings clearly and persuasively, influencing decisions at all levels of an organization.
• Confidence in facilitating workshops and engaging effectively with senior stakeholders.
• In-depth knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and proven experience adhering to GDS (Government Digital Service) standards.
• Eligibility for SC clearance (requiring British citizenship or equivalent, and 5 years of continuous UK residency).
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within complex, regulated sectors such as banking or insurance.
• A demonstrated interest in systems thinking or organizational design, with an ability to apply service design principles to drive broader organizational transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must Have" and "Nice to Have" sections are structured to clearly delineate essential operational capabilities from those that enhance the candidate's suitability. The requirement for SC clearance and GDS standards indicates a focus on operational security and compliance within government-related projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end research projects, clearly articulating the problem, your role, the methods used, and the tangible impact of your insights on design and business outcomes.
• Demonstrate storytelling capabilities by framing research findings within a narrative that highlights user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
• Evidence of applying a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to digital and service design challenges.
• Examples of how research insights were translated into actionable design artifacts (e.g., personas, journey maps, blueprints) and influenced strategic decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear and structured manner, suitable for cross-functional team consumption and stakeholder review.
• Experience in creating and maintaining documentation for user-centered design processes, ensuring consistency and adherence to standards like GDS.
• Showcase how you have used research to validate concepts and iterate on designs, demonstrating a systematic approach to product and service development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critically important for this role, serving as the primary mechanism to assess a candidate's operational capability in applying research methodologies to achieve tangible outcomes. Demonstrating GDS standards compliance within the portfolio is a key operational indicator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a Midweight User Researcher with 5+ years of experience in London, UK, typical salary expectations would range from £50,000 to £70,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for UX/Service Design roles in major UK cities, considering the required experience level, specific sector experience (banking, insurance, public services), and the need for SC clearance, which often commands a premium.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive learning and development opportunities to foster continuous professional growth.
• Flexible work options to support work-life balance.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment with various employee networks (Women's Business Network, Cultural and Ethnicity Network, LGBTQ+ & Allies Network, Neurodiversity Network, Parent Network).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on creating an accessible workplace.
• Potential for flexible work arrangements, supporting various personal needs.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as FULL_TIME, with a standard expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. While flexible work options are mentioned, the role is primarily on-site in London, suggesting a structured work schedule with potential for occasional flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from an analysis of comparable roles in London, accounting for the specified experience level and the added complexity of SC clearance and GDS standards. The benefits highlight NTT DATA's commitment to employee well-being and professional development, crucial for retaining talent in specialized operational roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: NTT DATA operates across multiple sectors including Telecommunications, Financial Services, Manufacturing, and the Public Sector. Tangity, as part of the NTT DATA Design Network, specializes in Strategy, Technology, and Design for creating meaningful and impactful services.

Company Size: NTT DATA is a large global organization with over 100,000 professionals worldwide. Tangity, as a design studio within this network, likely operates with a more focused, agile team structure, benefiting from the resources of a global enterprise.

Founded: NTT DATA was founded in 1949 in Tokyo, Japan, bringing a heritage of precision, long-term thinking, and social responsibility. Tangity's integration into NTT DATA leverages this established foundation to drive innovative design solutions.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be part of Tangity, a global design studio, and will work within agile, cross-functional teams.
• These teams typically include designers, product managers, and developers, fostering a collaborative environment.
• The role involves working closely with senior stakeholders and clients across various sectors, indicating a matrixed reporting structure depending on project assignments.

Methodology:

• Tangity emphasizes a human-centered approach, combining Strategy, Technology, and Design.
• The work involves systematic research to understand user needs and translate them into evidence-based insights that guide design and delivery.
• Agile methodologies are employed, ensuring iterative development and close collaboration.

Company Website: https://uk.nttdata.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as a blend of Japanese heritage (precision, long-term thinking) with a modern, agile, and inclusive approach to design and service delivery. This context is vital for understanding how operations are conducted, emphasizing structured processes within a collaborative framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Midweight" role, positioned between junior and senior levels. It implies a level of autonomy in executing research tasks and a developing capacity to influence strategic decisions. The focus is on leading end-to-end research projects and synthesizing insights, with expectations of growing towards more complex strategic leadership.

Reporting Structure: The role will operate within agile, cross-functional teams, collaborating closely with designers, product managers, and developers. Direct reporting lines will likely be within the Tangity design studio structure, with project-specific reporting to client or program leads.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is central to ensuring that products and services are effective, user-friendly, and meet genuine user needs. This operational function directly influences customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and ultimately, the success and efficiency of service delivery within client organizations. The adherence to GDS standards further emphasizes a commitment to operational excellence and public service impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, as well as gain proficiency in more complex service design and strategic consulting methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Progression to Senior User Researcher or Service Designer roles, leading larger projects, mentoring junior researchers, and playing a more significant role in shaping client strategies.
• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific sectors (e.g., complex financial services, critical public sector projects) or research methodologies, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining experience by working on diverse projects across different industries, enriching understanding of varied operational landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the role's progression within an operational framework, highlighting how the skills developed directly contribute to the advancement of user-centric operational practices within NTT DATA and its clients.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London and is described as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This setup facilitates in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and access to office resources.

Office Location(s): Based in London, England, United Kingdom. Specific office address details would be provided upon further inquiry or during the application process.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration within agile, cross-functional teams, encouraging direct interaction with designers, product managers, and developers.
• As part of NTT DATA, the environment likely provides access to modern technology and tools necessary for user research and design operations.
• The emphasis on inclusive design and accessibility suggests a workspace that values diverse perspectives and accommodates varied working needs.

Work Schedule: The role is FULL_TIME, with an expectation of standard working hours (approximately 40 hours/week). While flexible work options are mentioned, the on-site nature of the role suggests a primary commitment to the office environment, with potential for some flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key operational characteristic, emphasizing direct collaboration and the structured workflow inherent in a physical office setting, which can be beneficial for team alignment and project momentum.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly the 5+ years of experience and GDS standards knowledge.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present your portfolio, detailing specific case studies. Expect in-depth questions about your research process, methodologies, stakeholder engagement, and the impact of your work on design decisions and business outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how you adhered to accessibility and GDS standards.
• Skills-Based Interview: Behavioral and situational questions designed to assess your problem-solving skills, collaboration approach, ability to handle complex challenges, and your understanding of inclusive design principles.
• Team Fit & Cultural Alignment: Discussions to gauge how well you would integrate into Tangity's agile, cross-functional teams and NTT DATA's broader company culture.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term career aspirations within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the "so what?" of your research – how did it lead to tangible improvements, better user experiences, or informed strategic decisions? Quantify impact where possible.
• Showcase Process: Detail your research planning, methodology selection (and justification), synthesis process, and how you communicated findings. Highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Demonstrate GDS & Accessibility: Explicitly showcase projects where you applied GDS standards and considered accessibility. Explain how these considerations shaped your research and recommendations.
• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives. Start with the problem, explain your approach, highlight key insights, and conclude with the outcomes and learnings.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the sectors mentioned (banking, insurance, public services) and highlight experience with complex organizational challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for potential practical exercises or case studies that simulate real-world research challenges. This could involve analyzing a dataset, sketching out a research plan for a given scenario, or critiquing an existing design from a user research perspective.
• Prepare to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating how you would apply user research principles to solve business problems efficiently.
• Practice explaining complex research concepts in simple terms, as you will need to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including those without a research background.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong focus on practical application and demonstrable impact, particularly concerning GDS standards and accessibility. The portfolio review is positioned as a critical operational assessment tool.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting online surveys, usability testing, and remote interviews (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
• Design & Prototyping Tools: While not a designer, understanding and interacting with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is beneficial for reviewing prototypes and collaborating effectively with designers.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with project management and collaboration software such as Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, and Miro for workshop facilitation and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced skills in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis and basic reporting.
• Presentation Software: Expertise in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling research playback decks and communicating findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and data collection can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are essential for operationalizing user research. Proficiency in these technologies ensures efficient data collection, analysis, synthesis, and communication of findings, directly supporting the operational workflow of the UX/Service Design team.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centricity: A core value driving all research and design efforts, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of every decision.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of robust research data to inform strategy and design, minimizing assumptions and reducing risk.
• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Learning & Improvement: Encouraging ongoing professional development, exploration of new methodologies, and a commitment to staying abreast of industry best practices in research and design.
• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for the entire research process, from planning to delivering actionable insights that drive tangible outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working within agile frameworks means embracing flexibility, rapid iteration, and continuous feedback loops.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactively engaging with designers, product managers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure research is integrated into the entire product development lifecycle.
• Workshop Facilitation: Leading and participating in collaborative workshops to co-create solutions, align teams, and disseminate research findings.
• Transparent Communication: Maintaining open and honest communication channels to share insights, challenges, and progress effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style described are crucial for effective operations within a design and research context. They highlight a structured yet adaptive approach to problem-solving, emphasizing teamwork and data-driven insights.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Insights into Action: The ongoing challenge of ensuring that research findings are not just delivered but are actively understood, embraced, and implemented by design and development teams, especially within complex client organizations.
• Navigating Stakeholder Agendas: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder expectations and priorities, and influencing decisions when faced with conflicting viewpoints or resistance to user-centered approaches.
• Adhering to GDS and Accessibility Standards: Ensuring consistent and comprehensive application of specific government and accessibility standards across all projects, which requires meticulous attention to detail and ongoing learning.
• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In fast-paced agile environments, maintaining the rigor of research methodologies while meeting tight project deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master specialized research methods, potentially including ethnographic studies, advanced statistical analysis, or generative AI in research.
• Service Design Expansion: Developing skills in broader service design thinking, systems mapping, and organizational transformation, moving beyond discrete UX research.
• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise within specific sectors like FinTech or Public Sector digital transformation, becoming a go-to expert.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior researchers and designers for guidance, career advice, and skill development.
• Training & Certifications: Pursuing relevant certifications or attending industry conferences to enhance knowledge and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and opportunities is key for candidates to understand the operational realities of the role and how they can strategically develop their careers within NTT DATA.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research to solve a complex business problem in the banking or public sector. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your end-to-end process, GDS/accessibility considerations, and quantifiable impact.)
• "How do you decide which research methods to use for a given project? Walk me through your decision-making process." (Demonstrate your understanding of qualitative vs. quantitative trade-offs and how they align with project goals.)
• "Imagine you've uncovered insights that contradict a key stakeholder's long-held belief. How would you present these findings and influence their perspective?" (Prepare examples of persuasive communication and stakeholder management tactics.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NTT DATA and Tangity specifically, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Research their work, values, and recent projects. Connect your experience to their stated goals.)
• "How do you approach collaboration within an agile, cross-functional team? What is your role in ensuring effective teamwork?" (Highlight your experience with designers, PMs, and developers, and your proactive communication style.)
• "Our work often involves strict adherence to GDS and accessibility standards. How do you ensure these are integrated into your research process?" (Be ready to speak about specific practices and your commitment to inclusive design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps chronologically by project or thematically by skill. Clearly state the project objective, your role, the methods, key insights, recommendations, and the impact.
• Visuals Matter: Use visuals (screenshots, journey maps, personas, charts) to illustrate your points and make your presentation engaging. Ensure all visuals are clear and easy to understand.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making, and the challenges you faced. Have specific examples ready to support your answers.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "improved task completion rate by X%", "reduced support queries by Y%").
• Highlight Adaptability: Showcase how you adapted your approach to different project constraints or client needs, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This preparation guide is tailored to the specific demands of the role, emphasizing the operational aspects of user research, GDS compliance, and effective communication of impact within the NTT DATA framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Midweight User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the official NTT DATA careers portal using the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience with end-to-end user research, your application of qualitative and quantitative methods, and your understanding of GDS and accessibility standards. Highlight projects within sectors like banking, insurance, or public services if available.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of relevant experience, highlighting specific achievements and responsibilities related to user research, UX, or service design. Integrate keywords such as "User Research," "UX Design," "Service Design," "GDS Standards," "Accessibility," and "Qualitative/Quantitative Methods."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, storytelling, and demonstrating actionable insights.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with NTT DATA's values, Tangity's design philosophy, and their work in key sectors. Understand their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and GDS standards to demonstrate cultural fit and strategic alignment.

⚠️ 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.