Senior Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Researcher Company: Barclays Location: Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Glasgow, Knutsford, Northampton) Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Research / Design Operations Date Posted: December 15, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end mixed-methods research programs to deeply understand customer needs, experiences, and interactions, directly informing the creation of innovative and user-centric products and services.
• Act as the "Customer Voice," ensuring that research findings are integrated across all stages of the innovation and product development lifecycle, from concept to delivery.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Design, Product, Channel, Marketing, Transformation, and Technology, to drive innovative design concepts and strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and analyze emerging technologies, industry trends, design best practices, societal changes, and economic shifts to anticipate future customer needs and influence Barclays' strategic direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Design Researcher," the responsibilities and expected skills, particularly around data analysis, risk management, and influencing strategic decisions, strongly align with a Senior User Experience (UX) Researcher or a Design Operations specialist focused on research strategy. The role requires a blend of deep user understanding and strategic business acumen, positioning it within a critical GTM support function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute comprehensive research programs, ensuring synergy with other business research and analytics activities (e.g., Design/UX Research, Colleague research, quantitative research, CX tracking).
• Develop and test prototypes, mock-ups, and value propositions, gathering crucial usability feedback from customers and internal stakeholders to refine concepts.
• Utilize advanced data analytics tools to extract actionable insights from market research, customer surveys, and feedback sessions, identifying new opportunities and evolving customer needs.
• Proactively manage all risks associated with the insight process, particularly Data Privacy, including identification, mitigation strategies, and alignment with Chief Controls Office and Data Privacy Compliance.
• Oversee and manage all research programs, including the performance and development of team members, implementation of departmental goals, and ensuring overall department efficiency and effectiveness.
• Actively advise and influence decision-making at senior levels, contributing to policy development and taking responsibility for operational effectiveness within the research function.
• Lead collaborative assignments, guiding team members, and identifying the need for specialized expertise to achieve complex project outcomes.
• Consult on complex issues, providing expert advice to leadership to resolve escalated challenges and drive strategic initiatives.
• Identify and develop new policies and procedures to mitigate risk and strengthen controls within the research function, aligning with the company's governance agenda.
• Engage in complex analysis of data from diverse internal and external sources to creatively and effectively solve problems.
• Communicate complex information clearly and effectively to various audiences, including sensitive or challenging content.
• Influence and convince stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes, driving customer-centric strategies and brilliant customer outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section outlines a leadership and strategic influence component that elevates this role beyond a typical individual contributor researcher. It emphasizes responsibility for operational effectiveness, coaching, and risk management, suggesting a senior leadership or management track within the research function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is highly recommended. Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in these areas are often advantageous for senior research roles.

Experience:

• Extensive experience (5-10 years suggested by AI assessment) in Design Research, applying a broad range of research disciplines to create world-class products and services.
• Proven track record of leading and delivering end-to-end research programs.
• Demonstrated experience in dissecting complex research questions and briefs, challenging business assumptions to prioritize customer interests.
• Experience in managing research budgets and vendor relationships, if applicable.

Required Skills:

• Holistic Research Design: Ability to design high-quality research programs that meet both business and customer needs, applying a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies.
• Mixed-Methods Proficiency: Expertise in both quantitative (e.g., MaxDiff, conjoint studies, surveys) and qualitative methodologies (e.g., interviews, focus groups, usability testing), understanding when and how to apply each.
• Customer Empathy & Insight: Deep understanding of customers' personal context and mental models, skilled at interpreting verbal and non-verbal cues to identify clear customer needs and wants.
• Commercial & Strategic Acumen: Ability to understand Barclays' strategy and goals, translating research findings into value-generating recommendations and strategically impactful insights.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear, targeted messages and effectively challenge the status quo at all levels.
• Data Analysis: Demonstrated ability to analyze complex quantitative and qualitative data using tools like Excel and/or Python, and to draw confident conclusions.
• Risk & Controls Management: Strong understanding of risk management principles, particularly Data Privacy, and the ability to implement mitigation strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Digital Transformation Expertise: Understanding of evolving technologies and their potential to drive market-leading digital adoption and transformation for customers and the business.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and peers, effectively managing expectations throughout project delivery.
• Proficiency with AI Tools: Comfort and experience using AI tools to augment research processes and analyze complex data sets.
• Prototyping & Usability Testing: Experience in developing and testing prototypes, mock-ups, or value propositions.
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Capability to identify new directions for assignments and projects, employing creative problem-solving techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI's experience level assessment of "5-10 years" is a reasonable inference for a "Senior" role with significant leadership and strategic responsibilities. The listed skills directly map to the core accountabilities and expectations outlined in the job description.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of End-to-End Research Programs: Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to manage research from initial brief to actionable insights and impact. Each case study should highlight the research question, methodologies used, key findings, and demonstrable business impact.
• Demonstration of Mixed-Methods Application: Include examples where you successfully applied both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to solve a complex problem, explaining the rationale behind your methodological choices.
• Impact and ROI Articulation: For each case study, clearly articulate the business impact of your research. Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved customer satisfaction scores, cost savings from identified issues) to demonstrate Return on Investment (ROI).
• Prototyping and Testing Examples: If applicable, include examples of prototypes or mock-ups you developed or tested, along with the usability feedback and subsequent design iterations.

Process Documentation:

• Research Program Design: Examples of how you structure and document research plans, including objectives, methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and ethical considerations (e.g., Data Privacy).
• Insight Synthesis & Reporting: Showcase your approach to synthesizing complex data into clear, concise, and actionable insights, likely in the form of reports, presentations, or dashboards.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Workflows: Illustrate how you collaborate with Design, Product, Marketing, and Technology teams, detailing communication protocols and integration points within the product development lifecycle.
• Risk Mitigation Documentation: Provide an example of how you identified and managed a significant risk (especially Data Privacy) within a research project, including any policy or procedure adjustments made.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Design Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. It needs to demonstrate not just research execution but strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to drive tangible business outcomes. The emphasis on risk management and cross-functional collaboration is key for a role within a large financial institution like Barclays.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on the Senior level, extensive experience required, and the financial sector in London, UK, a typical salary range for a Senior Design Researcher would be between £65,000 - £90,000 per annum. This range accounts for the blend of research expertise, strategic influence, and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Barclays typically offers a strong pension contribution plan, reflecting its commitment to long-term employee financial well-being.
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme: Senior roles often include eligibility for performance-based bonuses, rewarding contributions to business objectives.
• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs: This may include private medical insurance, mental health support, and wellness initiatives.
• Generous Annual Leave Allowance: Typically starting at 25 days per year, with potential for increases based on tenure, plus public holidays.
• Employee Share Schemes: Opportunities to invest in the company through share purchase plans or long-term incentive plans.
• Professional Development & Training: Support for continuous learning, including access to courses, conferences, and certifications relevant to design research, data analysis, and leadership.
• Flexible Working Options: While the role is hybrid, Barclays often offers flexibility in working hours and days, supporting work-life balance.
• Employee Discounts: Access to various discounts on Barclays products and services, as well as partnerships with other retailers and service providers.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours for a full-time role at Barclays are typically 40 hours per week, inclusive of a lunch break. The role is designated as Hybrid, implying a combination of on-site presence (likely 2-3 days per week in one of the specified office locations) and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior research roles in the UK financial services sector, considering the specified locations and experience level. Benefits are typical for large, established organizations like Barclays.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) Company Size: Large Enterprise (Barclays is a global financial services giant with over 100,000 employees worldwide). Founded: 1824, with roots tracing back to 1803. This long history signifies stability, deep-rooted expertise, and a significant presence in the financial landscape.

Team Structure:

• Decision Intelligence Team: This role sits within the Barclays UK Decision Intelligence team, suggesting a focus on leveraging data and insights to drive informed strategic and operational decisions.
• Cross-Functional Integration: The team likely operates with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, working closely with Design, Product Management, Marketing, Technology, and Transformation departments.
• Reporting Hierarchy: As a Senior role, you would likely report to a Head of Research, Director of UX, or a similar senior leadership position within the Decision Intelligence or Customer Experience function. You are also expected to lead and coach junior researchers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The team's core function, "Decision Intelligence," implies a strong reliance on data analysis, research insights, and quantitative evidence to guide strategic choices.
• Customer-Centric Approach: A clear mandate to "put the Customer Voice at the heart of everything we do" indicates a culture that values deep customer understanding and advocates for customer needs.
• Agile & Iterative Processes: Given the involvement in innovation and product development, the team likely employs agile methodologies, with research integrated iteratively into design and development cycles.
• Risk & Compliance Focus: As a financial institution, there's an inherent emphasis on robust risk management, data privacy, and regulatory compliance in all research activities.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' status as a major global bank means operations roles are critical for efficiency, compliance, and customer trust. Understanding this context is vital for any applicant. The "Decision Intelligence" team name suggests a sophisticated approach to leveraging data for strategic advantage.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Emerging Leader. This role sits at a senior individual contributor level, with clear expectations for leadership through influence, coaching, and the management of research programs. It offers a pathway towards people management or specialized strategic research leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a senior leader within the Decision Intelligence or Customer Experience division. You are expected to collaborate closely with peers across various business units and potentially lead or mentor junior researchers or analysts within your projects.

Operations Impact: The Senior Design Researcher's primary impact is on shaping customer experience and informing strategic business decisions. By uncovering customer needs and validating innovative concepts, this role directly contributes to:

• Revenue Growth: By identifying opportunities for new products, services, or improvements that drive customer acquisition and retention.
• Customer Loyalty & Retention: By ensuring products and services meet evolving customer expectations and solve real problems.
• Operational Efficiency: By identifying usability issues or friction points that, if addressed, can reduce customer service inquiries and streamline processes.
• Risk Mitigation: By ensuring products and communications are clear, compliant, and meet customer needs, thereby reducing regulatory and reputational risk.
• Brand Enhancement: By contributing to the creation of beautiful, useful, and innovative experiences that strengthen Barclays' brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Transition into a People Leader role, managing a team of researchers, or a Lead Researcher role, overseeing strategic research initiatives.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, customer segments (e.g., business banking, retail), or emerging areas like AI ethics in research.
• Strategic Influence: Grow into a strategic advisor role, influencing product roadmaps and company-wide customer experience strategies.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within Product Management, UX Strategy, or broader Customer Experience functions.
• Continuous Learning: Access to internal training, external conferences, and certifications to stay at the forefront of design research and data analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AVP expectations section heavily implies a growth trajectory. This role is positioned as a stepping stone for individuals looking to either deepen their research expertise or move into leadership within a large, structured organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a blend of on-site work at one of Barclays' major UK campuses (Canary Wharf, London; Glasgow Campus; Radbroke Hall, Knutsford; or Pavilion Drive, Northampton) and remote working. The specific office location can be chosen from the listed options.

Office Location(s):

• Canary Wharf, 1 Churchill Place, London, E14 5EU: A prominent financial district location, offering excellent transport links and a vibrant working atmosphere.
• Glasgow Campus, G2 1AH: A significant hub for Barclays, likely offering modern facilities and a strong community.
• Knutsford, Radbroke Hall, WA16 9HL: A large campus environment, often associated with technology and operations teams.
• Northampton, Pavilion Drive, NN4 7SL: Another key Barclays location, likely providing a comprehensive campus experience.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Barclays campuses are designed with collaboration in mind, featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and informal breakout spaces to facilitate interaction with colleagues from various departments.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Expect access to modern IT infrastructure, collaboration tools, and specialized research software to support your work.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely, balanced with in-person collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team meetings on campus.

Work Schedule:

• The hybrid arrangement typically involves a set number of days in the office (e.g., 2-3 days per week) and the remainder remote. Flexibility may be offered within the standard 40-hour work week, allowing for effective management of research activities, data analysis, and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility offered by the hybrid model and the choice of multiple office locations are significant advantages for candidates seeking work-life balance while contributing to a major financial institution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and CV. Be sure to highlight relevant experience in design research, mixed-methods, stakeholder management, and impact.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation focused on your experience, motivations, and fit for the Senior Design Researcher role. Expect questions about your approach to research, problem-solving, and leadership.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your best work. Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, methodologies, insights, and business impact. Be ready to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes.
4. Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: This could involve a take-home assignment or an in-person exercise to assess your ability to analyze data, design a research plan, or solve a simulated customer problem. Focus on demonstrating your strategic thinking and methodological rigor.
5. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meet with potential colleagues and stakeholders from Design, Product, or other business units. This assesses your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to influence.
6. Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader, focusing on strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Barclays' culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the "Problem," your "Approach" (methodologies), "Key Findings," and "Impact/Outcome." Use a story-telling approach to make it engaging.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., % increase in satisfaction, $ saved, % reduction in errors) to demonstrate the tangible value of your research.
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.
• Showcase Methodological Rigor: Explain why you chose certain methods and how they addressed the research objectives.
• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss challenges faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Tailor to Barclays: If possible, subtly tailor your examples to demonstrate experience relevant to financial services or large-scale customer bases.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Research Design Questions: Be ready to design a research plan for a hypothetical Barclays product or service, considering mixed-methods and strategic objectives.
• Practice Data Synthesis: Prepare to interpret mock data (qualitative or quantitative) and draw actionable insights.
• Prepare for Influence Scenarios: Think about how you would communicate complex findings to resistant stakeholders or advocate for customer needs.
• Understand Barclays' Business: Research Barclays' current strategic priorities, products, and customer segments to contextualize your answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Barclays will be thorough. A strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic impact and cross-functional collaboration is paramount, alongside the ability to articulate your thought process clearly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Software: Tools like Dovetail, UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting and analyzing interviews, usability tests, and diary studies.
• Quantitative Research Platforms: Experience with survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Typeform) and potentially platforms for running MaxDiff or conjoint studies.
• Data Analysis & Visualization:
  • Excel: Essential for data manipulation, basic analysis, and reporting.
  • Python: Highly valued for advanced statistical analysis, data wrangling, and potentially scripting research tasks, especially with the mention of AI tools. Libraries like Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, and Scikit-learn would be relevant.
  • BI Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): For creating impactful dashboards and visualizations to communicate insights to stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Project Management:
  • Microsoft Office Suite: Word, PowerPoint, Outlook are standard.
  • Microsoft Teams: For communication and collaboration.
  • Jira/Confluence: Likely used for project tracking and documentation, especially in product development contexts.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies and customer journey mapping is beneficial. Familiarity with how customer data is collected and utilized is a plus.

AI & Emerging Technologies:

• Experience or familiarity with AI tools for data analysis, sentiment analysis, or automating parts of the research process is a significant advantage, as mentioned in the preferred skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Python and AI tools alongside Excel indicates a move towards more sophisticated, data-intensive research practices within Barclays. Candidates with these skills will be highly competitive.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, treating colleagues and customers with dignity, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Integrity: Acting ethically and transparently in all dealings, upholding the highest standards of honesty and trustworthiness.
• Service: Committing to delivering exceptional service to customers and supporting colleagues, with a focus on meeting needs effectively.
• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards of performance, quality, and innovation in all aspects of work.
• Stewardship: Acting responsibly with company resources, customer data, and the company's reputation, ensuring long-term sustainability and positive impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The research team is expected to work seamlessly with Product, Design, Marketing, and Technology. This involves proactive communication, shared understanding of goals, and joint problem-solving.
• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions are likely to be evidence-based, with research findings serving as a foundation for strategic conversations and decision-making.
• Constructive Challenge: A culture that encourages healthy debate and constructive challenge to ensure the best outcomes for customers and the business, aligning with the "Empower, Challenge, Drive" mindset.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that promotes sharing of best practices, learnings, and insights across teams to foster continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' core values are deeply ingrained in their culture. Demonstrating how your research approach aligns with these values, especially Integrity, Service, and Excellence, will be crucial for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding complex organizational structures, influencing diverse stakeholders across departments, and gaining buy-in for research initiatives can be challenging in a large enterprise.
• Balancing Research Rigor with Business Agility: The need to deliver timely insights for fast-paced product development while maintaining methodological soundness requires careful planning and prioritization.
• Data Privacy and Security: Adhering to stringent data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) and internal security protocols in all research activities is a constant, critical challenge.
• Quantifying Impact: Effectively demonstrating the ROI and strategic impact of research, especially for qualitative findings, requires strong analytical and communication skills.
• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: Continuously learning and integrating new research tools, AI capabilities, and analytical techniques to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Analytics Training: Opportunities to deepen skills in Python, statistical modeling, and AI-driven research techniques.
• Leadership and Management Courses: Development programs designed to prepare individuals for people leadership roles or strategic program management.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending leading UX research and data science conferences (e.g., CHI, UXRConf, ODSC) and obtaining relevant certifications.
• Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders within Barclays for guidance and career development advice.
• Internal Mobility: Opportunities to explore different research areas or related functions within Barclays, broadening your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for resilience, adaptability, and strong stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities point to a company invested in developing its talent pipeline.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who was resistant to your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data presentation, and stakeholder management.)
• "How do you decide which research methodologies to employ for a complex project? Walk us through your process." (Demonstrate your understanding of mixed-methods and strategic alignment.)
• "Imagine we are launching a new digital banking feature. Outline a research plan to ensure its success from a customer perspective." (Assess your ability to design end-to-end research programs.)
• "How do you ensure your research insights translate into actionable product or strategic decisions?" (Focus on impact, collaboration, and follow-through.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Barclays, what do you see as our biggest customer experience challenges or opportunities?" (Shows you've done your research.)
• "How do you embody the Barclays values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship in your work?" (Connect your personal values and work ethic to the company's.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to manage significant risk (e.g., data privacy) within a research project." (Highlights your control and compliance awareness.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise & Impactful: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your range, strategic thinking, and ability to drive impact. Aim for a 15-20 minute presentation per project.
• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative – the challenge, your unique approach, the key insights, and the tangible results.
• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and the implications of your findings for Barclays.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your process, data analysis, and decision-making at each stage.
• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with cross-functional teams and managed stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, rigorous methodology, strong communication, and a clear understanding of how research drives business value within a regulated financial environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Barclays Careers portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful research projects. Prioritize those demonstrating end-to-end execution, mixed-methods application, significant business impact (quantified if possible), and strong stakeholder collaboration. Ensure it highlights your strategic thinking.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your CV clearly articulates your experience in design research, customer insight generation, data analysis (mentioning Python/Excel/AI tools if applicable), stakeholder management, and risk awareness. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies. Focus on a clear narrative, highlighting your role, methodology, key insights, and demonstrable business outcomes. Be ready for detailed Q&A.
• Research Barclays: Familiarize yourself with Barclays' current strategic initiatives, customer segments, digital offerings, and recent news. Understand their values and consider how your experience aligns with their mission. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges, specific benefits, and interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or during the interview stages before making application decisions.