Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher Company: Version 1 Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: User Research / Service Design Operations Date Posted: August 5, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years implied) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute end-to-end user research initiatives for complex digital services within Agile delivery frameworks, ensuring user insights are central to product strategy and decision-making.
• Drive user-centricity and evidence-based practices within client organizations by acting as a trusted advisor, influencing senior stakeholders, and fostering a user-first mindset.
• Mentor and develop junior researchers and cross-functional team members, contributing to the growth and expertise of Version 1's user research community of practice.
• Champion inclusive design and accessibility principles, ensuring research methodologies and outcomes cater to diverse user needs and adhere to standards like WCAG 2.2.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input data specifies "Senior User Researcher," the description strongly implies a consultant-level role within Version 1's service delivery model. The emphasis on client-facing responsibilities, influencing strategy, and leading research across diverse sectors points to a senior individual contributor with client management and advisory capabilities, rather than a purely internal research role. The "10+ years" experience level is inferred from "Senior User Researcher" and the expectation for leading complex projects and influencing senior stakeholders.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead generative and evaluative user research studies across the full project lifecycle, from discovery to iteration, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategic decisions.
• Proactively engage with clients, contributing to meetings, workshops, and presentations to build strong relationships and deliver actionable, data-driven recommendations.
• Develop and maintain robust client relationships by anticipating their needs, advising on optimal research strategies, and ensuring successful outcomes that align with both user needs and business objectives.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers and team members, facilitating skill development, knowledge sharing, and fostering a collaborative, supportive working environment within project teams and the wider practice.
• Influence service strategy and foster a user-first mindset within client organizations by effectively communicating research insights and advocating for user-centered design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct research execution and strategic client advisory. The emphasis is on leadership within research projects, client engagement, and internal mentorship, aligning with a senior consultant role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in HCI, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: Extensive experience as a user researcher, with a strong track record of leading complex digital service research within Agile environments. Demonstrated ability to influence decision-making at senior levels and a portfolio showcasing impactful research outcomes.

Required Skills:

• End-to-End User Research: Proven ability to design, plan, and conduct both generative (e.g., user interviews, contextual inquiry, diary studies) and evaluative (e.g., usability testing, heuristic evaluations) research studies.
• Methodological Expertise: Proficiency in selecting and applying a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to suit diverse project needs and research questions.
• Consultancy & Client Management: Strong skills in building trusted client relationships, advising on research strategy, and influencing decisions at senior levels within client organizations.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Experience in engaging senior stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and driving alignment across multi-disciplinary teams through effective communication and collaboration.
• Actionable Insights & Impact: Ability to synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights that demonstrably inform product, service, or strategic outcomes, supported by a strong portfolio or case studies.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Experience in coaching and supporting junior researchers and colleagues to develop their user research skills and confidence.
• Inclusive Design & Accessibility: Deep understanding of inclusive design principles and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.2), with experience conducting research with users with access needs.
• Agile Team Contribution: Proven experience working within Agile teams, actively participating in ceremonies and supporting iterative, user-centered delivery processes.

Preferred Skills:

• UK Public Sector Service Design: Working knowledge of UK public sector service design principles, including GDS service standards, GOV.UK design system patterns, and assessment processes.
• Ethical Research Practices: Thorough understanding of ethical considerations in user research, particularly when working with vulnerable users or those with specific access needs.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Proficiency in analyzing and synthesizing both qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful insights.
• Workshop Facilitation: Skill in designing and facilitating productive workshops for activities like co-design, journey mapping, and requirements gathering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "extensive experience" and requirement to "lead high-impact projects" and "influence decision-making at senior levels" strongly suggest a need for 7-10+ years of dedicated user research experience, with a significant portion in senior or lead roles. The inclusion of public sector standards like GDS and WCAG indicates a potential focus on government or regulated industry projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Impact: A portfolio showcasing a range of projects, with a clear emphasis on how research initiatives led to tangible improvements in product usability, service effectiveness, or strategic direction.
• End-to-End Process: Examples that illustrate your complete research process, from defining research questions and selecting methodologies to data collection, analysis, synthesis, and the presentation of actionable insights.
• Methodological Breadth: Inclusion of diverse research methods (qualitative and quantitative) applied to different project phases and objectives.
• Client/Stakeholder Engagement: Evidence of how you collaborated with and influenced stakeholders, including senior management, to drive user-centered decisions.
• Problem-Solving: Case studies that highlight complex challenges you faced and how your research provided solutions or de-risked product development.
• Inclusive Design Focus: Examples demonstrating your commitment to and application of inclusive design and accessibility principles in your research and recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Clear documentation of how research plans are developed, including objectives, target participants, methodologies, timelines, and ethical considerations.
• Data Synthesis: Examples of how qualitative and quantitative data are analyzed and synthesized into clear, compelling insights and recommendations.
• Insight Communication: Evidence of presenting research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders, through reports, presentations, and workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior User Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but tell a story about the research process, the challenges faced, the methods used, and, most importantly, the impact and outcomes achieved. The emphasis on influencing senior stakeholders and client relationships means the portfolio should also demonstrate strong communication and consultancy skills.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior User Researcher title, multiple UK locations, and the nature of consultancy services, the salary range is likely competitive. Based on industry benchmarks for senior user researchers in London and other major UK cities, a range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum is a reasonable estimate. This can vary based on specific experience, the client sector, and the exact location within the UK.

Benefits:

• Profit Share Scheme: Quarterly performance-related profit share, indicating a culture of shared success.
• Career Progression & Mentorship: Dedicated quarterly career development programs, leadership schemes, and mentorship coaching to support professional growth.
• Flexible/Remote Working: Acknowledgment of work-life balance with flexible and remote working options.
• Financial Wellbeing: Comprehensive package including Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial Advice, and an Employee Discount scheme.
• Employee Wellbeing: Initiatives such as Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Generous Leave: Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave, special leave policies, and a generous holiday allowance.
• Educational Assistance: Support for certifications, accreditations, and continuous learning in relevant technologies (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat).
• Reward Schemes: Annual Excellence Awards and an employee 'Call-Out' platform to recognize contributions.
• Social & Community Focus: Opportunities to get involved in Environment, Social, and Community First initiatives, promoting diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week is standard, with flexibility offered to support work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of benefits suggests a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and professional development. The "Flexible/remote working" benefit is particularly relevant for a role that might involve travel to client sites, offering balance. The salary estimate is based on similar roles in the UK tech and consulting sector, considering the seniority and location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services, Digital Transformation, Cloud Services, Software Delivery. Version 1 is a major partner for leading technology giants like Microsoft, AWS, and Oracle, indicating a strong focus on modern technology stacks and digital solutions. Company Size: 3300+ employees, revenue of €350m/£300m. This positions Version 1 as a large, established, and successful technology consultancy. Founded: Over 28 years ago, signifying a long history and stability in the technology services market.

Team Structure:

• User Research Practice: While not explicitly detailed, Version 1 has a "community of practice" for user research, suggesting a dedicated group of researchers who collaborate, share knowledge, and maintain standards.
• Project Teams: Senior User Researchers will work within multidisciplinary teams composed of product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers, operating in Agile environments.
• Reporting: The role likely reports to a Head of User Research, Practice Lead, or a senior delivery manager, with direct client engagement and influence over project direction.

Methodology:

• Agile & User-Centred: The company emphasizes agile methodologies and a user-first approach, integrating research throughout the delivery lifecycle.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Research findings are expected to drive product, service, and strategy decisions, highlighting a commitment to evidence-based practices.
• Consultative Approach: A strong emphasis on client relationships and providing consultative advice on research strategy and outcomes.

Company Website: version1.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's culture appears to be values-driven, emphasizing employee well-being, professional growth, and strong partnerships with technology leaders. The "Great Place to Work" accolades reinforce a positive and supportive work environment. The user research function is likely integrated into their broader digital transformation and service delivery offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Consultant. This role is positioned as a senior expert responsible for leading significant research initiatives, mentoring others, and influencing client strategy. It's a step towards potential team leadership or specialization within the user research practice. Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Head of User Research or a senior management figure within the consulting practice. Collaboration will be extensive with project teams and client stakeholders across various levels. Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher directly impacts the success of digital transformation projects by ensuring solutions are user-centered, effective, and meet real needs. This translates to improved customer satisfaction, reduced development risk, and successful adoption of services, ultimately contributing to Version 1's client success and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects, manage research streams, and take on formal leadership roles within the user research practice.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific methodologies, industries (e.g., public sector), or areas like accessibility and inclusive design.
• Client Advisory: Advance to a more senior consulting role, focusing on strategic client engagement and influencing organizational change.
• Mentorship & Training: Continue to mentor junior staff, contribute to training programs, and potentially lead internal capability development initiatives.
• Industry Recognition: Contribute to thought leadership, case studies, and potentially speak at industry events, enhancing personal and company brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the emphasis on consultancy and mentorship suggest clear pathways for career progression within Version 1's operations and service delivery framework, potentially into lead researcher, practice management, or senior consultant roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Version 1 offers flexibility, allowing employees to work remotely and from various office locations across the UK (London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast). This suggests a modern, adaptable work environment designed to support different working styles and client needs. Office Location(s): London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast. These are major business hubs, offering accessibility and professional environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: The role requires close collaboration within multidisciplinary project teams and the user research community of practice.
• Client-Focused: Significant interaction with clients, potentially involving on-site work at client locations, in addition to remote collaboration.
• Tool-Rich: Access to standard user research tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially company-specific knowledge management systems.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines, client needs, and personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and multiple office locations provide flexibility, catering to both remote work preferences and the need for in-person collaboration or client engagement. The emphasis on community of practice indicates internal networking and knowledge sharing opportunities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: An HR or Talent Acquisition screening to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (Ashley Smith) and potentially other senior researchers or team leads to delve into experience, methodologies, and leadership capabilities. Expect questions on your approach to complex research problems.
• Portfolio Presentation & Practical Exercise: A key stage will likely involve presenting a portfolio of your work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate impact, process, and stakeholder influence. You might also be given a practical exercise or a hypothetical scenario to assess your research design and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder/Client Scenario Interview: Potentially an interview simulating a client interaction or a discussion about how you would approach a specific client challenge, assessing your consultancy and communication skills.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a panel to confirm overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your senior-level capabilities, focusing on projects with clear outcomes and demonstrable impact.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research approach (methods, participant selection), key insights, how you influenced stakeholders, and the resulting outcomes (metrics, improvements).
• Showcase Process: Detail your research planning, execution, analysis, and synthesis processes. Highlight how you adapted methods to project needs.
• Highlight Consultancy: Emphasize your client relationship management, stakeholder engagement, and ability to translate research into strategic recommendations.
• Address Inclusive Design: Ensure at least one case study demonstrates your expertise in accessibility and inclusive design research.
• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio concisely and answer detailed questions about your contributions and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be ready to propose a research plan for a given scenario, justifying your methodological choices.
• Problem-Solving: Prepare to tackle hypothetical user research challenges, demonstrating critical thinking and creative solutions.
• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner for different audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on consultancy, client relationships, and influencing senior stakeholders means the interview process will likely assess not just research skills but also business acumen and interpersonal effectiveness. The portfolio is the primary tool to demonstrate these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Proficiency with various user research tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze), survey administration (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), and interview/workshop facilitation (e.g., Zoom, Miro, Mural).
• Analytics & Reporting: Experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for quantitative data) and qualitative analysis software (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo).
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with collaborative platforms like Miro, Mural, Confluence, Jira, and Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.
• CRM & Automation: While not directly user research tools, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms are used can provide valuable context for service design.
• Design Systems & Accessibility Tools: Familiarity with design systems (e.g., GOV.UK Design System) and accessibility testing tools/checklists.

Analytics & Reporting: Tools for synthesizing qualitative feedback, quantitative survey data, and potentially web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to provide a holistic view of user behaviour and needs. CRM & Automation: Understanding of how user data is managed within CRM systems and how automation impacts user journeys can inform research and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core tools are research-specific, a Senior User Researcher in a consultancy context benefits from an understanding of the broader technology ecosystem their clients operate within, including CRM, analytics, and cloud platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Success: A core value, driving the commitment to delivering solutions that ensure client success, with user research playing a pivotal role in achieving this.
• Integrity & Trust: Building and maintaining trust with clients and colleagues through transparent and ethical practices.
• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality services, with user research ensuring that solutions are user-centered and effective.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared, and team members support each other's growth and project success.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams, bridging the gap between user needs and technical/business requirements.
• Client-Centric Partnership: Operating as a trusted partner to clients, actively listening to their needs and co-creating solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in the user research community of practice, sharing insights, best practices, and learning from peers.
• Mentorship & Development: A culture of supporting and developing colleagues, fostering a growth mindset across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's values (likely including integrity, customer success, and collaboration) will shape how user research is conducted and how researchers interact with clients and internal teams. The emphasis on mentorship suggests a supportive internal culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Client Alignment: Navigating diverse client priorities and ensuring user research insights gain traction and drive change within organizations that may have varying levels of user-centricity maturity.
• Complexity of Projects: Leading research for complex digital services requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage ambiguity.
• Balancing Methodologies: Selecting and applying the most appropriate research methods for each unique project and client context.
• Data Synthesis & Communication: Effectively synthesizing large volumes of both qualitative and quantitative data and communicating key insights clearly to diverse, often non-research-oriented, stakeholders.
• Public Sector Nuances: Understanding and applying UK public sector service design standards and assessment processes, particularly for government clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and master advanced research techniques, including ethical considerations with vulnerable users and specialized accessibility research.
• Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge in specific sectors or technologies through client engagements.
• Leadership Training: Access to formal leadership development programs and mentorship to hone consultancy and team management skills.
• Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant industry certifications.
• Community of Practice: Continuous learning through internal knowledge sharing sessions, workshops, and peer feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges for a Senior User Researcher in a consultancy often revolve around influencing stakeholders, managing client expectations, and adapting to varied project complexities and organizational maturity levels. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise and expanding leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading user research for a complex digital service from discovery to launch. What key phases and methods would you prioritize?" (Focus on your end-to-end process, risk mitigation, and iterative approach).
• "How do you build trust and influence senior stakeholders within a client organization to adopt user-centered recommendations, especially when there's resistance?" (Highlight your consultancy skills, communication strategies, and how you frame insights for business impact).
• "Walk us through a time your user research uncovered a critical insight that significantly changed a product or service direction. What was the challenge, your method, and the outcome?" (Prepare a strong portfolio case study emphasizing impact and your role).
• "How do you ensure your research is inclusive and accessible? Provide an example of research you conducted with users with access needs." (Demonstrate your understanding of WCAG and ethical research).
• "How do you mentor junior researchers? Describe a situation where you helped a colleague develop their skills." (Showcase your leadership and team development capabilities).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Version 1's approach to client service and digital transformation?" (Research their website, case studies, and values).
• "How do you see user research contributing to Version 1's success as a technology partner?" (Connect your role to the company's mission and client outcomes).
• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you collaborate within a multidisciplinary team." (Align your preferences with Version 1's described culture).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narratives: For each case study, aim for a 3-5 minute explanation covering the problem, your role/process, key insights, and impact.
• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides that highlight key data points, user quotes, and outcomes. Avoid dense text.
• Focus on Impact & Influence: Clearly articulate the business or user value derived from your research and how you influenced decisions.
• Anticipate Questions: Be prepared for deep dives into your methods, decision-making process, and how you handled challenges.
• Showcase Adaptability: Demonstrate how you tailored your approach to different project constraints and client contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only strong research craft but also consulting acumen, client management skills, and the ability to influence strategic decisions. Portfolio case studies are paramount for substantiating these claims.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to leading complex projects, client consultancy, stakeholder management, and mentorship. Quantify achievements where possible, linking your research to tangible outcomes.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your strongest 3-4 case studies that showcase your end-to-end research process, methodological breadth, impact, and ability to influence decisions. Ensure it's easily shareable (e.g., PDF, private link).
• Research Version 1: Understand their services, client base, and company values. Familiarize yourself with their "Great Place to Work" status and focus on client success.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common user research interview questions, focusing on clear communication and demonstrating your senior-level expertise.

⚠️ 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.