UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: AJ Bell

Location: Exchange Quay, Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: March 10, 2026

Experience Level: Midweight (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end generative and tactical discovery research initiatives to shape product direction and inform strategic business decisions within a FTSE 250 financial services organization.

• Independently plan, execute, and deliver high-quality qualitative and quantitative research studies, including moderated discovery interviews, unmoderated think-aloud studies, surveys, and in-person observations.

• Partner closely with UX Designers and product teams in an agile, iterative environment to support early exploration and refine product ideas before evaluative testing.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling recommendations, effectively communicating value to diverse stakeholder audiences to drive confident decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as UX Researcher, the emphasis on "product direction," "shared confidence," and "making better decisions earlier" strongly indicates this role contributes to the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) strategy by ensuring product-market fit and user-centric development. The financial services context and FTSE 250 status suggest a need for rigorous, data-backed research with a focus on compliance and user trust.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently lead the full lifecycle of generative and tactical discovery research projects, from initial problem framing and research design through to synthesizing insights and delivering actionable recommendations.

• Select and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to effectively meet research goals, demonstrating autonomy and confidence in methodological decision-making.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers on tactical discovery efforts, supporting early-stage ideation, concept testing, and user flow validation before formal evaluative testing phases.

• Conduct a diverse range of qualitative research methods, including moderated discovery interviews, unmoderated think-aloud studies, and in-person observations, where appropriate.

• Apply quantitative research techniques, such as surveys, to gather broader user data and validate qualitative findings, contributing to a holistic understanding of user needs.

• Synthesize complex research data from multiple sources into clear, concise, and actionable insights that product and design teams can implement immediately to improve user experience and product efficacy.

• Present research findings, insights, and strategic recommendations to a variety of stakeholders, including product managers, designers, engineers, and senior leadership, tailoring communication styles and content to suit different audiences.

• Provide robust, evidence-based rationale to support product development decisions, enabling teams to move forward with confidence and mitigating risks associated with user adoption and satisfaction.

• Contribute actively to the ongoing development and maturation of research practices, methodologies, and tooling within the growing central UX Research team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a researcher who can operate autonomously and influence product strategy. The emphasis on "shaping product direction" and "contributing to the development of research practices" suggests this role will evolve and potentially influence the team's future direction, aligning with a midweight to senior researcher profile.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience working as a UX Researcher, with a minimum of 2-5 years of hands-on experience leading independent research studies. Experience in financial services or regulated environments is considered helpful but not essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience independently leading generative and tactical discovery research studies from inception to completion.

• Strong foundation in qualitative research methodologies, with demonstrable experience applying quantitative methods where appropriate.

• Confidence in selecting and applying a range of research methods to address specific product and business questions.

• Experience collaborating effectively with UX Designers, Product Managers, and cross-functional teams within agile or iterative development environments.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative findings into clear, compelling, and actionable insights.

• Comfort and proficiency in presenting research outputs and recommendations to diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leadership.

• Ability to adapt research plans and methodologies when faced with changing project requirements or unexpected outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the financial services industry or other regulated sectors.

• Familiarity with user research tooling and platforms for remote and in-person studies.

• Experience contributing to the establishment and refinement of research operations and best practices within a growing team.

• Understanding of how UX research integrates with broader Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies and product-led growth initiatives.

• Experience in mentoring junior researchers or contributing to team knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "midweight" descriptor, combined with the expectation of leading studies independently and contributing to practice development, suggests a candidate who is proficient in core research skills and beginning to show strategic thinking and leadership potential within their domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 distinct UX research projects, demonstrating end-to-end ownership and impact.

• Each project should clearly articulate the research problem, the methodologies employed (qualitative and/or quantitative), the research process, key findings, and the resulting impact on product design, user experience, or business outcomes.

• Evidence of adapting research methods to meet specific project goals or overcome challenges, showcasing flexibility and problem-solving skills.

• Clear demonstration of how research insights were synthesized and communicated to stakeholders, influencing decision-making and driving product improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their personal research process and how they document their work, including methods for planning, conducting, synthesizing, and reporting on research.

• Understanding of agile research workflows and how to integrate research activities seamlessly within sprints and product development cycles.

• Familiarity with documenting research plans, participant recruitment criteria, discussion guides, and synthesis frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. It serves as the primary evidence of their ability to execute research. The emphasis on "end-to-end," "impact," and "influencing decision-making" means the portfolio needs to go beyond just detailing methods and show tangible results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a midweight UX Researcher in Manchester, UK, with 2-5 years of experience in the financial services sector, the estimated salary range is between £45,000 and £65,000 per annum. This range accounts for the cost of living in Manchester, the FTSE 250 company status, and the specialized nature of UX research within a regulated industry.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days, increasing to 31 days with length of service.

• Holiday buy and sell scheme for added flexibility.

• Competitive pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%.

• Discretionary bonus scheme, rewarding individual and company performance.

• Annual free share awards scheme, aligning employee interests with company success.

• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme for share acquisition.

• Health Cash Plan provided by Medicash for everyday healthcare expenses.

• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan for comprehensive health coverage.

• Free gym membership with an on-site gym offering a range of free classes.

• Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential support for personal and professional challenges.

• Bike loan scheme to encourage sustainable commuting.

• Sick pay+ pledge ensuring support during periods of illness.

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave to support new parents.

• Discounted nursery fees at Kids Planet on Exchange Quay for employees with young children.

• Loans for travel season tickets to assist with commuting costs.

• Death in service scheme providing financial security for families.

• Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new technologies.

• Support to attend conferences, events, and meet-ups for professional development.

• Paid time off for volunteer work, encouraging community engagement.

• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice.

• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual parties, and more, fostering team cohesion.

• Convenient parking at Exchange Quay.

• Personal development programmes built around career goals, including access to personal skills workshops.

• Ongoing technical training and professional qualification support.

• Talent management programmes and a peer recognition scheme with rewards.

• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches for networking and insights.

• Casual dress code for a comfortable work environment.

• Access to benefits from sponsorship deals.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are 40 hours per week. The role operates within a hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 50% of working time to be spent in the office per month. An initial period may require full-time office presence for onboarding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on a blend of industry salary data for UX Researchers in the UK, adjusted for the specific location (Manchester), company size (FTSE 250), and industry (financial services). The benefits package is extensive and highlights AJ Bell's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Investment Platforms). AJ Bell is a leading investment platform provider in the UK, offering a range of solutions for financial advisers and individual investors. This context implies a focus on reliability, security, and user trust, which will influence research priorities and methodologies.

Company Size: Over 1,500 employees. As a FTSE 250 company, AJ Bell is a large, established organization. This size offers stability and resources but also means navigating established processes and potentially larger organizational structures.

Founded: December 2018 (as a listed company). While the company has a longer operational history, its listing in 2018 marks a significant phase of growth and public scrutiny. This suggests a dynamic environment focused on shareholder value and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will align to a specific business area (Direct to Consumer or Advised) but will sit within a growing central UX Research team. This structure provides both specialized focus and a supportive community of practice.

• The central UX Research team is in its foundational stages, implying opportunities to shape its direction and processes.

Methodology:

• The company is establishing a research culture that values "thoughtful execution" – performing sufficient research to make confident decisions without impeding team velocity.

• Emphasis is placed on using "strong evidence" to challenge norms gently and embedding research as a strategic partner.

• The approach favors pragmatic research practices over over-engineering processes.

Company Website: https://www.ajbell.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at AJ Bell is described as friendly, with a strong sense of teamwork and pride in their work. Being named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For' and a Great Place to Work® indicates a positive and supportive work environment. The research culture emphasizes efficiency and impact, which is crucial for operations-focused roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Midweight UX Researcher. This level signifies a professional who can work independently, lead projects, and contribute to team best practices. They are beyond entry-level but not yet in a senior leadership or management role.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will report into the central UX Research team lead or a manager overseeing UX/Product Design functions. They will work closely with UX Designers and Product Managers within their aligned business area.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts product strategy and development by providing user insights that inform design decisions, feature prioritization, and overall product direction. By ensuring products meet user needs and are intuitive to use, the UX Researcher contributes to customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction, ultimately driving revenue and market share for AJ Bell's investment platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative methods, longitudinal studies) or focus on particular product areas within financial services.

• Leadership: As the central UX Research function matures, there will be opportunities to take on more complex projects, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to defining research strategy and standards.

• Cross-functional Influence: Develop skills in stakeholder management and influence, becoming a key advisor to product and business leaders on user-centric strategies.

• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of the financial services industry, user behaviors, and regulatory considerations specific to investment platforms.

• Skill Development: Access to personal development programs, technical training, professional qualification support, and opportunities to attend conferences and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a midweight UX Researcher at a company like AJ Bell typically involves increasing autonomy, project complexity, and strategic influence. The emphasis on developing research practices suggests a proactive individual can shape their career path within the growing team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AJ Bell offers a hybrid working model, with a minimum of 50% of working time spent in the office. The primary office location is Exchange Quay in Manchester, with additional offices in London and Bristol.

Office Location(s): Exchange Quay, Manchester, England, United Kingdom. This location is well-connected and provides access to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The Manchester office is likely a modern, professional environment designed to support collaboration.

• The hybrid model encourages a balance between focused individual work and in-person team interaction.

• The emphasis on "building strong connections by working together" suggests a collaborative office culture where teams regularly interact.

• The company provides a range of amenities, including parking and potentially on-site facilities, to enhance the employee experience.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in terms of where work is performed, but the expectation is a minimum of 50% in-office time, allowing for synchronous collaboration and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, catering to modern work preferences while maintaining in-person collaboration essential for research and design teams. The initial full-time office period for new hires is a common practice to facilitate integration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely head of UX Research or Product) to delve into experience, research philosophy, and alignment with team goals.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents 1-2 key research projects from their portfolio, detailing their process, findings, and impact. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical skills.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a short take-home exercise or participate in a live case study exercise focused on a research problem. This assesses problem-solving skills and research approach.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on projects where your research directly influenced product decisions, led to measurable improvements, or solved significant user problems. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in task completion rate").

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations as narratives. Clearly outline the problem, your approach, the challenges, your key insights, and the outcomes.

• Highlight Methodology Choice: Explain why you chose specific research methods for each project, demonstrating strategic thinking about research design.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with designers and product teams, showing your ability to integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting findings, and how you communicate difficult insights constructively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly research AJ Bell, its products, and its target audience.

• Focus on Process: For research exercises, clearly articulate your research plan, including objectives, target participants, methods, and analysis approach.

• Pragmatism: Demonstrate an understanding of agile constraints and the need for timely, actionable insights rather than exhaustive research.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to stakeholders under time pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a UX Researcher heavily relies on a strong portfolio. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects in detail, emphasizing their thought process, methodological choices, and the tangible outcomes of their research.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for conducting unmoderated studies, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers to understand prototypes and user flows (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Data Analysis Tools: Software for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and potentially basic quantitative analysis (e.g., Excel, Google Sheets, basic statistical software).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• BI Tools: While not primary research tools, an understanding of how to access or interpret data from business intelligence dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) can be beneficial for contextualizing research.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly used for research execution, understanding how customer data is managed in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and how marketing automation platforms are used can provide context for user segmentation and outreach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are less critical than the candidate's understanding of research methodologies and their ability to select and adapt tools to fit research needs. However, familiarity with common platforms demonstrates practical experience.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Thoughtful Execution: Prioritizing research that delivers maximum impact with efficient effort, avoiding unnecessary complexity.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Championing the use of user data and insights to guide product strategy and design choices.

• Collaboration: Working as a partner with design, product, and engineering teams to ensure user needs are integrated throughout the development process.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively contributing to the refinement of research practices and methodologies as the central team grows.

• Pragmatism: Focusing on practical solutions and delivering value within agile constraints.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Researchers are expected to work closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers, acting as a bridge between user needs and product development.

• Constructive Challenge: Encouraged to gently challenge assumptions and norms with evidence, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the central UX Research team's knowledge base and best practices, helping to build a strong research community.

• Agile Integration: Seamlessly integrating research activities into agile workflows to provide timely insights without disrupting development momentum.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a practical, impact-driven approach to research, fitting well within a fast-paced financial services environment. The collaborative style is key to ensuring research insights are acted upon.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Research Maturity: As the central UX Research function is in its foundational stages, there will be challenges in defining processes, gaining buy-in, and demonstrating research's strategic value across the organization.

• Balancing Rigor and Velocity: Striking the right balance between conducting thorough, high-quality research and meeting the fast-paced demands of agile development cycles.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights and persuading stakeholders to act on recommendations, especially when findings challenge existing assumptions or strategic directions.

• Scope Management: Navigating research requests from different business areas and ensuring focus on the most impactful projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Advancement: Opportunities to explore and implement more advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques.

• Industry Specialization: Developing deep expertise in user research within the financial services sector, understanding user needs related to investing and financial planning.

• Process Development: Playing a key role in shaping and refining research processes and best practices for the growing UX Research team.

• Cross-functional Skill Building: Enhancing skills in stakeholder management, strategic communication, and product strategy through close collaboration.

• Formal Training & Conferences: Access to company-sponsored training, professional qualifications, and opportunities to attend industry conferences and events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a growing function within a large company. They present significant opportunities for a proactive researcher to make a substantial impact and grow their career.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to adapt your research plan mid-project due to unexpected circumstances. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses flexibility, problem-solving, and methodological decision-making)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively communicate their value to diverse stakeholders, from designers to senior leadership?" (Assesses synthesis, communication, and stakeholder management skills)

• "Walk us through a generative research project you led. What was the initial problem, how did you frame your research questions, what methods did you use, and what was the impact on the product?" (Assesses end-to-end research ownership and impact demonstration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AJ Bell and our role in the financial services industry? How do you see UX Research contributing to our business goals?" (Assesses research and preparation)

• "Our research culture values 'thoughtful execution.' What does this mean to you, and how would you embody this principle in your daily work?" (Assesses understanding of company values and pragmatic approach)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose projects that clearly demonstrate your ability to lead research independently, synthesize complex data, and drive tangible outcomes.

Prioritize projects with measurable impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline:

  • The Problem/Opportunity: What was the core issue or question?
  • Your Role & Objectives: What was your specific responsibility and what did you aim to achieve?
  • Methodology: Why did you choose these specific methods (qualitative/quantitative)?
  • Process: How did you execute the research (recruitment, data collection, analysis)?
  • Key Insights: What were the most critical discoveries?
  • Recommendations: What specific actions did you propose?
  • Impact: What was the result of implementing your recommendations? (Quantify if possible)

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your methodological choices, how you handled challenges, your collaboration with designers, and how you synthesized findings.

• Focus on the 'Why': Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your decisions at every stage of the research process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation aims to equip candidates with strategies to showcase their core competencies in UX research, specifically highlighting their ability to work independently, influence product strategy, and contribute to a growing research function within a regulated industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in generative and tactical discovery research, qualitative and quantitative methods, and stakeholder communication. Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and showcases projects with clear impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience in leading research independently and collaborating with design/product teams. Use keywords from the job description such as "generative research," "tactical discovery," "qualitative methods," "stakeholder presentation," and "agile environment."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on the narrative structure, your methodological rationale, and the impact of your research. Prepare to discuss how you would contribute to establishing research practices within AJ Bell.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AJ Bell's products, services, and recent company news. Understand their position in the financial services market and how UX research contributes to their customer-centric approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with AJ Bell's recruitment team.