Lead User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead User Researcher

Company: Local Peoples

Location: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia & Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-14

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive, end-to-end user research initiatives within complex digital environments, driving the discovery, design, and delivery phases of government digital platforms.

• Champion human-centred design principles and advocate for robust user experience, accessibility, and usability across digital services, directly influencing product and policy decisions.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations for multidisciplinary teams and senior government stakeholders.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research standards, tools, and methodologies within a strategic design consultancy known for its B-Corp certification and social impact focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within a strategic design consultancy that partners with government agencies. While the title is "Lead User Researcher," the responsibilities and required SFIA Level 5 indicate a senior individual contributor or team lead role focused on operationalizing research into impactful design and policy outcomes. The emphasis on "operations" here relates to the systematic execution of research processes to achieve tangible business and public service improvements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Orchestrate and execute user research activities from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring user needs are central to all project phases.

• Design and implement a variety of research methodologies, including in-depth user interviews, rigorous usability testing, detailed workflow mapping, and comprehensive analysis of existing data sets.

• Transform raw research data into compelling narratives, actionable insights, and strategic recommendations that directly inform design iterations, product roadmaps, and policy development.

• Develop high-quality, impactful deliverables such as detailed user personas, intuitive journey maps, functional wireframes, and comprehensive research reports.

• Foster strong, collaborative partnerships with designers, product managers, policy advisors, and other multidisciplinary team members to embed user-centred design practices across projects.

• Proactively engage with and manage senior stakeholders, facilitating clear communication, building consensus, and driving informed decision-making processes.

• Act as a vocal advocate for accessibility standards, optimal usability, and superior user experience, ensuring these are prioritized in the development of all digital services.

• Drive the enhancement and refinement of research standards, best practices, and tooling within the team, contributing to the overall excellence of the consultancy's research capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full lifecycle approach to user research, requiring not just execution but also strategic planning, stakeholder management, and process improvement. The SFIA Level 5 requirements for User Research, Stakeholder Relationship Management, and User Experience Analysis highlight the senior and influential nature of this role, demanding leadership in research execution and its translation into business impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Design, or a related field is typically expected for senior research roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience leading user research within complex digital environments, with a strong track record of influencing product and policy decisions. Experience in agile, multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Required Skills:

• User Research Leadership (SFIA Level 5): Proven ability to lead all phases of user research, from planning and execution to synthesis and strategic recommendation, at a senior level.

• Human-Centred Design Expertise: Deep theoretical and practical understanding of human-centred design principles and a wide array of UX research methodologies.

• Actionable Insight Generation: Demonstrated ability to translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights that directly influence product development, design iterations, and policy outcomes.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management (SFIA Level 5): Expertise in engaging, managing, and influencing senior stakeholders, facilitating communication, and aligning diverse perspectives towards common goals.

• User Experience Analysis (SFIA Level 5): Competence in analyzing user experience data, contributing to UX frameworks, and ensuring adherence to accessibility and usability standards.

• Methodological Proficiency: Skilled in conducting user interviews, usability testing, workflow mapping, and analyzing existing data sources.

• Deliverable Creation: Proficient in producing high-quality research outputs, including personas, journey maps, and wireframes.

• Agile Team Collaboration: Experience working effectively within multidisciplinary, agile project teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Government Sector Experience: Prior experience working with Australian Government agencies or on similar public sector digital transformation projects.

• Service Design Acumen: Understanding of service design principles and how user research integrates into broader service delivery improvements.

• Data Synthesis and Visualization: Advanced skills in synthesizing large datasets and presenting findings through compelling visualizations.

• Accessibility Standards Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and other relevant accessibility standards.

• Policy Analysis: Familiarity with policy development processes and how research can inform policy creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The SFIA Level 5 requirements are critical and should be highlighted. These indicate a senior practitioner level, implying responsibility for complex projects, significant stakeholder engagement, and contribution to research strategy and standards, rather than just task execution. The "Lead" in the title is supported by these higher-level SFIA descriptors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of End-to-End Research Projects: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating leadership in user research from discovery through to delivery. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, research questions, methodologies employed, key findings, actionable insights, and the impact on design, product, or policy decisions.

• Methodological Diversity: Highlight experience with a broad range of research methods (e.g., interviews, usability testing, diary studies, surveys, contextual inquiry, workflow mapping).

• Deliverable Examples: Include examples of high-quality deliverables such as personas, user journey maps, usability reports, and wireframes that clearly illustrate user needs and proposed solutions.

• Stakeholder Engagement Evidence: Provide examples or descriptions of how you have managed and influenced senior stakeholders, facilitating buy-in and decision-making based on research findings.

• Impact and ROI Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your research where possible, demonstrating how your insights led to measurable improvements in user experience, conversion rates, efficiency, or cost savings.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan & Protocol Examples: Demonstrate experience in developing comprehensive research plans, outlining objectives, target participants, methodologies, and ethical considerations.

• Synthesis and Analysis Frameworks: Showcase your approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, including any frameworks or templates used for thematic analysis, affinity mapping, or insight generation.

• Collaboration and Communication Processes: Illustrate how you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including non-researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead User Researcher role, a portfolio is paramount. It should not just list skills but actively demonstrate the ability to lead complex research projects, synthesize findings into strategic inputs, and manage senior stakeholders. The emphasis on SFIA Level 5 implies a need to showcase strategic thinking and leadership in research operations, not just tactical execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead User Researcher with 5-10 years of experience in Canberra or Sydney, Australia, with an active Baseline Security Clearance, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $130,000 - $170,000. This estimate is based on market data for senior UX/User Research roles in major Australian cities, considering the required security clearance, and the consultancy's stated commitment to "market rate salaries."

Benefits:

• Inclusive & Diverse Workplace: Commitment to building an inclusive and accessible environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Impact-Driven Work: Opportunity to contribute to meaningful digital transformation projects that significantly improve public services and user experiences.

• Collaborative Culture: A welcoming, supportive, and collaborative team environment that fosters professional growth and knowledge sharing.

• Professional Development: Access to professional support for design excellence, including opportunities for learning and skill enhancement within a growing design community.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options for hybrid work and the ability to work remotely, promoting work-life balance.

• Market Rate Remuneration: Competitive salary packages that align with industry standards for experienced professionals.

• B-Corp Certified Company: Opportunity to work for an organization committed to social, environmental, and economic impact.

• Matters Journal Community: Engagement with a large publication and community focused on design-led social innovation.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are 8 hours per day, up to 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through hybrid and remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on common Australian market rates for similar roles and experience levels in major cities. The company explicitly mentions "Market rate salaries" and "Flexible working arrangements," which are incorporated into this estimate. The specific salary will depend on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Strategic Design Consultancy, Technology, Government Services, and Social Innovation. Local Peoples operates at the intersection of design, research, and public sector transformation, focusing on creating positive social and environmental impact.

Company Size: Small to Medium Enterprise (SME) – described as a "strategic research and design studio" and one of "Australia’s fastest growing design and delivery communities." This suggests a team size likely ranging from 20-100 employees, allowing for close-knit collaboration and significant individual impact.

Founded: Local Peoples was founded with a mission to design healthy, resilient, and resourceful communities, and is a certified B-Corporation. This founding ethos drives their commitment to social impact, environmental responsibility, and ethical business practices. This context is crucial for understanding their approach to research and design.

Team Structure:

• Multidisciplinary Teams: The role involves embedding within a multidisciplinary research team at the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA), working alongside designers, product managers, and policy experts.

• Consultancy Framework: Within Local Peoples, expect collaboration with a diverse team of designers, researchers, strategists, and community engagement specialists.

• Reporting: While not explicitly stated, a Lead User Researcher typically reports to a Head of Research, Design Director, or Operations Manager within a consultancy, and to a Project Lead or Program Manager when embedded within a client agency.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on collaborating with designers, product teams, and policy stakeholders to ensure user insights are integrated into all aspects of service delivery.

Methodology:

• Human-Centred Design: Core to their approach, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of all design and research activities.

• Agile Principles: Work is conducted within agile frameworks, emphasizing iterative development and continuous feedback loops.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research findings are synthesized to provide evidence-based insights that inform strategic decisions.

• Impact Measurement: A strong focus on achieving tangible social, environmental, and economic impact, aligning with their B-Corp status.

Company Website: https://careers.localpeoples.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's identity as a B-Corp and its mission around social impact are significant differentiators. This informs their approach to research, emphasizing not just user satisfaction but also the broader societal benefits and ethical considerations of digital services. The embedded nature of the role within the DTA is also a key aspect of the work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor or potential team lead level, indicated by "Lead User Researcher" and SFIA Level 5 competencies. The focus is on independently leading complex research projects, influencing strategy, managing senior stakeholders, and contributing to research best practices. It requires a blend of deep research expertise and strategic thinking, with the potential to mentor junior researchers.

Reporting Structure: Within the DTA project, the Lead User Researcher will likely report to a Project Lead, Program Manager, or Senior Product Manager. Within Local Peoples, they would report to a senior leader overseeing research or design operations.

Operations Impact: The Lead User Researcher will have a direct impact on the success of digital transformation initiatives, particularly the BuyICT platform. By ensuring user needs are understood and addressed, they will influence the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of government services, leading to improved public outcomes and potentially greater efficiency in government procurement. Their work directly supports the operational efficiency and user adoption of digital platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Research Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead larger, more complex research programs, manage a team of researchers, and contribute to the strategic direction of research capabilities within Local Peoples.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, government sector challenges, or particular user groups through project work and professional development.

• Service Design Integration: Develop skills and experience in service design, bridging user research with broader service delivery improvements.

• Mentorship and Training: Take on a mentorship role for junior researchers and contribute to developing internal training programs for research skills and human-centred design.

• Client Relationship Management: Grow capabilities in managing client relationships and contributing to business development within the consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and SFIA Level 5 designation suggest this role is beyond entry-level or mid-level researcher. It implies strategic contribution, mentorship, and the ability to drive research operations independently. Growth opportunities will likely involve expanding leadership scope, strategic influence, and potentially specializing in high-impact areas.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring presence in both ACT and NSW locations (Canberra and Sydney). This suggests a blend of on-site collaboration and remote work flexibility. The consultancy aspect implies working from Local Peoples' offices when not embedded with the client, and potentially from client offices (DTA) during project phases.

Office Location(s): The primary work locations are Canberra (specifically mentioning London Cct, Level 11) and Sydney. This means candidates should be able to commute to or relocate to one of these major Australian cities.

Workspace Context:

• Client Embeddedness: A significant portion of the work will involve being embedded within the Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) team, requiring on-site presence and integration into their operational environment.

• Consultancy Collaboration: When not embedded, the workspace will be within Local Peoples' studio environments in Canberra or potentially Melbourne (though not explicitly stated for this role, they have studios there), fostering a collaborative and creative atmosphere.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard research tools, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized government systems or networks will be provided. The environment is expected to be equipped for modern UX research and design practices.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with a diverse range of professionals, including designers, product managers, policy advisors, and fellow researchers, both within the DTA and Local Peoples.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 8 hours per day, up to 40 hours per week. The hybrid model and the nature of consultancy work may offer some flexibility in daily hours, but core availability during business hours, especially for client-facing activities, will be essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, spanning both client-site (DTA) and consultancy office environments, is a key aspect. Candidates should be comfortable with this blended approach and the requirement for physical presence in both Canberra and Sydney at different times.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of applications, focusing on CVs and portfolios, to assess experience, qualifications, and alignment with SFIA Level 5 requirements and essential criteria.

• First Interview (Hiring Manager/Recruiter): Discussion around your experience in user research leadership, human-centred design, stakeholder management, and your understanding of the role's responsibilities. This stage will also assess your cultural fit with Local Peoples and your motivation for the role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A crucial stage where you will present a selection of your best work, showcasing 2-3 detailed case studies. Expect in-depth questions about your research methodologies, synthesis process, stakeholder engagement strategies, and the impact of your work. This will be with senior members of the research or design team.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and senior stakeholders from the DTA or Local Peoples. This interview will assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your leadership in user research, your ability to handle complex digital environments, and your impact on design and policy.

Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, robust methodologies, insightful findings, and demonstrable outcomes.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Challenge: What was the problem or opportunity?
  • Your Role: What was your specific contribution as a Lead Researcher?
  • Methodology: What research methods did you employ and why?
  • Process: How did you conduct the research and collaborate with teams?
  • Findings & Insights: What were the key takeaways?
  • Recommendations: What actions did you propose?
  • Impact: What was the result of your work (quantify if possible)?

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in planning, leading, and synthesizing research, as well as your experience managing stakeholders and improving research processes.

• Showcase Deliverables: Include clear examples of your outputs (personas, journey maps, wireframes, reports) and explain how they informed decisions.

• Be Prepared for SFIA Level 5 Questions: Anticipate questions probing your ability to operate at this senior level, including strategic decision-making, managing ambiguity, and influencing organizational practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Simulated Research Scenario: You may be given a brief to outline a research plan for a hypothetical government digital service. Focus on defining clear objectives, appropriate methodologies, participant recruitment strategies, and how you would synthesize and present findings.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would handle conflicting stakeholder opinions or advocate for user needs when faced with resistance.

• Process Improvement Discussion: Be ready to discuss how you have improved research processes, tools, or standards in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates must be able to articulate their process, demonstrate leadership, and quantify impact. The SFIA Level 5 requirements will heavily influence the expectations during the interview and portfolio review.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting online interviews and usability testing (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com, Maze, Zoom, Google Meet).

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Software for creating visual representations of user interfaces (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Axure RP).

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

• Qualitative Data Analysis Tools: Software to assist with coding, theming, and synthesizing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Miro for affinity mapping).

Analytics & Reporting:

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

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience using tools to present research findings clearly (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or advanced charting within presentation software).

• Survey Tools: Platforms for creating and distributing surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this research role, an understanding of how user research integrates with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation processes could be beneficial for understanding the broader user journey.

• Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) Platforms: Familiarity with specific platforms, tools, or systems used by the Australian Government for digital service delivery and procurement (e.g., BuyICT platform itself).

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Lead User Researcher, proficiency in a wide range of qualitative research tools is expected. While direct CRM/automation tool experience might be less critical than for a RevOps role, understanding how user insights feed into these systems is valuable. The specific mention of the BuyICT platform suggests potential familiarity with government digital environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user in all design and development processes.

• Impact & Purpose: A drive to create meaningful change and contribute positively to public services and societal well-being, reflecting their B-Corp status.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: A belief in the power of diverse perspectives and a commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and respectful workplace for all.

• Excellence & Rigor: A dedication to maintaining high standards in research practice, data analysis, and the delivery of actionable insights.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of constantly seeking to refine research methodologies, tools, and processes to enhance effectiveness and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Proactive engagement with designers, product managers, policy advisors, and developers to ensure research is integrated throughout the project lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of insights and challenges.

• Facilitation & Advocacy: The Lead Researcher will often act as a facilitator, guiding discussions and advocating for user needs, particularly with senior stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing learnings, best practices, and research techniques across the team and the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values as a B-Corp and their mission are central to their culture. This role requires someone who is not only skilled in research but also passionate about using research to drive positive social impact and improve public services.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy: Working within a large government agency like the DTA may involve navigating complex processes, policies, and stakeholder landscapes, requiring patience and strong influencing skills.

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: Government platforms often serve a wide spectrum of users with varying needs, technical abilities, and accessibility requirements, necessitating robust and inclusive research strategies.

• Translating Insights into Action: Ensuring that research findings are not just reported but are effectively understood and acted upon by diverse teams and senior decision-makers, especially under project deadlines.

• Maintaining Research Standards in a Hybrid/Embedded Model: Ensuring consistent research quality and ethical practices when working across different organizational contexts (DTA and Local Peoples) and potentially remotely.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies and Methodologies: Continuously learning and adapting research approaches to incorporate new tools, techniques, and best practices in UX research and digital transformation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Government Digital Services: Gain extensive experience with the unique challenges and opportunities of designing and researching for public sector digital transformation.

• Advanced Stakeholder Management: Hone skills in influencing and collaborating with senior government officials and navigating complex organizational dynamics.

• Service Design Acumen: Develop a deeper understanding of how user research contributes to broader service design strategies and policy outcomes.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, and contribute to the strategic development of Local Peoples' research practice.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to represent Local Peoples at industry events, contribute to publications like Matters Journal, and stay abreast of cutting-edge research trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding these challenges and framing them as opportunities for growth and skill development will be key for candidates. The "Lead" role implies a capacity to overcome these hurdles and drive positive change.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex user research initiative from discovery to delivery. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on leadership, methodology, and impact)

• "How do you approach synthesizing research findings to influence senior stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities?" (Highlight communication, persuasion, and data-driven advocacy)

• "Imagine you are tasked with improving the user experience of a government procurement platform like BuyICT. Outline your proposed research strategy, including key methods and expected outputs." (Demonstrate strategic thinking, methodological breadth, and understanding of the context)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Local Peoples, and how do your values align with our mission as a B-Corp focused on social impact?" (Research their mission, B-Corp status, and Matters Journal)

• "How would you contribute to improving research standards and practices within a consultancy environment?" (Highlight your proactive approach to process improvement and knowledge sharing)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative, guiding the interviewers through the project journey.

• Focus on Leadership and Impact: Clearly articulate your role as a leader in the research process and emphasize the tangible outcomes and impact of your work. Use data and metrics where possible.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, decision-making rationale, and how you handled challenges.

• Showcase Deliverables: Visually present your key outputs (personas, journey maps, wireframes) and explain their significance.

• Connect to the Role: Explicitly link your experience and portfolio examples to the requirements of this Lead User Researcher position and the context of working with government agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize leadership capabilities (SFIA Level 5), strategic thinking, and the ability to translate research into actionable outcomes for government projects. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a compelling story of impact is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Local Peoples careers website.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience in leading end-to-end user research, human-centred design, stakeholder management, and working within complex digital environments. Explicitly mention SFIA Level 5 competencies if applicable.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your leadership, methodological breadth, synthesis skills, and impact. Ensure they clearly articulate the problem, your approach, findings, and outcomes.

• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating how your work influenced decisions and achieved results. Be ready to discuss your process and rationale in detail.

• Research Local Peoples and the DTA: Understand their mission, values, B-Corp status, and the context of government digital transformation. Familiarize yourself with the BuyICT platform if possible.

⚠️ 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.