Lead User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead User Researcher

Company: Made Tech

Location: Any UK Office Hub (Bristol / London / Manchester / Swansea)

Job Type: Permanent

Category: User Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-05T10:48:11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Inferred)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives within the public sector, driving a user-centred and evidence-based approach to service design and delivery.

• Lead and mentor a team of user researchers, fostering best practices and ensuring adherence to industry standards like GDPR and MRS.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, acting as a trusted advisor on user research strategy and implementation.

• Contribute to business development by reviewing bids and identifying opportunities for user-centred design services.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead User Researcher," the responsibilities heavily lean into a "Lead Researcher" or "Research Manager" capacity within a broader "Strategy & Design" department. This role requires not only deep research expertise but also leadership, client management, and business development acumen, typical of senior operations or leadership roles within a specialized function. The core focus is on embedding user research principles into public sector service delivery, aligning with the company's mission.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead one or more user research deliveries, ensuring project teams and stakeholders have a shared understanding of successful outcomes and research objectives.

• Scope research focus meticulously, defining clear objectives, planning activities, and overseeing the overall delivery of research projects.

• Champion a whole-team approach to user research, actively inviting and involving stakeholders and team members in observing research sessions to foster shared understanding.

• Drive team analysis and synthesis of complex data using mixed methodologies, producing actionable insight reports that inform service design and delivery.

• Build and nurture relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, understanding their needs, providing advisory support, and influencing strategic and commercial decisions.

• Contribute to business development by writing and reviewing bids, and supporting the identification of new opportunities for Made Tech's user-centred design services.

• Provide people management and coaching for user researchers, supporting their professional growth, career development, and aspiration for new challenges.

• Support the hiring and onboarding process for new colleagues within the Strategy & Design department, ensuring cultural and skill alignment.

• Actively promote user-centred thinking and practices both internally at Made Tech and within client organizations.

• Represent the user-centred design community internally and externally, sharing knowledge and advocating for best practices.

• Work with the Discipline Head and peers to establish and maintain best practice standards for the User Research team, ensuring compliance with GDPR, MRS standards, and GDS Service Standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research leadership and strategic management. Emphasis is placed on "leading deliveries," "scoping," "whole team approach," and "client relationship building," indicating a senior role focused on execution excellence and client impact. The inclusion of "business development" and "people management" further solidifies its leadership and operational oversight aspects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related discipline is typically expected for a Lead User Researcher role.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in user research, with a significant portion spent in lead or senior roles, particularly within the public sector or consulting environments.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in diverse research methodologies, including:

  • Usability Testing
  • Contextual Enquiry
  • Rapid Research Techniques
  • Survey Development and Analysis
  • Measurable and Evaluative Research Design

• Proven experience leading user research across all GDS (Government Digital Service) development stages (Discovery, Alpha, Beta).

• Demonstrated expertise in leading user research within agile ways of working and cross-functional teams.

• Confidence and proficiency in coaching and mentoring more junior user researchers and team members.

• Advanced ability to lead teams in analyzing and synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights.

• Skilled in facilitating teams and stakeholders to make informed decisions based on user insights.

• High proficiency and advocacy for research standards, including GDPR and the MRS (Market Research Society) Code of Conduct.

• Commitment to promoting inclusive research practices and designing/delivering accessible services that meet diverse user needs.

• Ability to influence clients at a strategic and commercial level, including improving processes, ways of working, and generating new business opportunities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with GDS assessments is desirable.

• Familiarity with developing and utilizing user needs, personas, and archetypes.

• Experience in writing and reviewing bids and supporting business development initiatives.

• Ability to contribute to setting the strategic direction for the User Research community.

• Experience in fostering a positive, safe, inclusive, and open culture within a research team.

• Proficiency in applying coaching techniques to support colleagues' professional growth and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are highly specialized for user research within a public sector context. The emphasis on GDS stages, agile methodologies, and GDPR/MRS compliance is critical. The preferred skills suggest a move towards team leadership, strategic contribution, and business development, aligning with the "Lead" aspect of the title.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing leadership in user research projects, highlighting your ability to scope, plan, and deliver research across multiple GDS phases (Discovery, Alpha, Beta).

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the research methodologies used, the challenges faced, and the actionable insights generated, with a focus on how these insights informed service design and delivery.

• Show evidence of your ability to lead team analysis and synthesis, presenting complex data into clear, actionable reports, user needs, personas, or archetypes.

• Provide examples of how you have influenced stakeholders and clients at a strategic level, demonstrating impact on process improvements, commercial outcomes, or service adoption.

• Showcase experience in promoting inclusive and accessible research practices, with examples of how diverse user needs were considered and met. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to scoping research, including how you define objectives, identify key stakeholders, and plan research activities to ensure alignment with project goals and business outcomes.

• Illustrate your methods for facilitating whole-team participation in research, from observing sessions to collaborative analysis and synthesis workshops.

• Detail your process for translating raw research data into compelling, actionable insights, and how you present these findings to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders and project teams.

• Outline your strategies for ensuring compliance with GDPR, MRS standards, and GDS Service Standards throughout the research lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating not just research execution but also leadership, strategic thinking, and client influence. The emphasis on "whole-team approach" and "influencing stakeholders" suggests a need for portfolio pieces that detail collaborative processes and impact beyond the research findings themselves.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 - £75,000 per year.

• This range is competitive for a Lead User Researcher position in the UK, reflecting the seniority, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities of the role. It aligns with industry benchmarks for experienced research leaders in consulting or public sector-focused organizations. Benefits:

• Flexible Benefits Platform:

  • Smart Tech scheme
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Individual benefits allowance (investable in Health care cash plan or Pension plan)

• Health & Wellbeing:

  • Paid counselling services
  • Financial and legal advice
  • Optional social and wellbeing calendar of events

• Work-Life Balance:

  • 30 days Holiday (plus bank holidays)
  • Flexible Working Hours
  • Flexible Parental Leave options
  • Part-time Remote Working (Hybrid model)

• Professional Development:

  • Opportunity to contribute to SC clearance, which can be valuable for future public sector roles. Working Hours: Flexible working hours.

• While a standard full-time role likely involves around 40 hours per week, the "Flexible Working Hours" benefit indicates a focus on output and results rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule. This flexibility is common in professional services and consulting, allowing researchers to manage their time effectively around project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided and falls within the expected band for a Lead User Researcher in the UK. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a notable emphasis on flexibility, wellbeing, and professional development, including the valuable "SC clearance" requirement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government & Public Sector Consulting, Design Services. Made Tech operates at the intersection of technology and public service, aiming to improve societal outcomes through well-designed digital services.

Company Size: The input data does not specify company size, but Made Tech is known to be a growing organization with multiple UK offices.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's mission suggests a relatively modern organization focused on digital transformation in the public sector.

Team Structure:

• The Lead User Researcher will be part of the "Strategy & Design" department, which houses designers and researchers focused on a design-led approach to service delivery.

• This role involves people management of other user researchers, suggesting a team structure where junior researchers report to this Lead.

• Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional project teams (developers, product managers, policy advisors) and senior stakeholders within client organizations. Methodology:

• User-Centred Design: This is the foundational methodology, ensuring that all service design and delivery decisions are informed by deep understanding of user needs and behaviours.

• Evidence-Based Approach: Decisions are driven by robust research findings and data analysis, not assumptions.

• Agile Delivery: Research is integrated into agile development cycles, allowing for iterative testing and adaptation.

• GDS Standards: Adherence to Government Digital Service standards is a key part of delivering effective public sector digital services.

Company Website: https://madetech.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is mission-driven, focused on making a positive societal impact through technology and design in the public sector. The "Strategy & Design" department likely operates with a high degree of autonomy and expertise, fostering a collaborative and research-intensive environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Researcher / Senior Practitioner. This role signifies a senior individual contributor with significant leadership and management responsibilities. It's a stepping stone to further leadership within the user research discipline or a broader management role within a design or strategy function.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the "Discipline Head" of User Research and will manage a team of user researchers. Collaboration with project teams and client-side stakeholders is a key aspect.

Operations Impact: The Lead User Researcher directly impacts the success of public sector digital services by ensuring they are user-centred, effective, and accessible. This role influences client strategy, service design, and operational efficiency by championing evidence-based decision-making and user needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Head of User Research or similar senior leadership role, shaping the research practice within Made Tech.

• Strategic Consulting: Develop expertise in strategic consulting within the public sector, advising government bodies on digital transformation and service design.

• Business Development: Gain experience in bid writing, client relationship management, and new business acquisition, potentially leading to commercial leadership roles.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Hone people management and coaching skills, developing future talent within the user research community.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of user research, such as accessibility, ethical design, or complex service ecosystems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression, moving from a lead practitioner to a strategic leadership position. The blend of research, leadership, and client-facing responsibilities provides a well-rounded development trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model with access to UK Office Hubs (Bristol / London / Manchester / Swansea).

• This indicates a flexible work environment where employees can choose to work from a physical office, remotely, or a combination of both. The office hubs likely offer collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and facilities conducive to team work and client engagements.

Office Location(s): Bristol, London, Manchester, Swansea.

• These locations provide geographical flexibility for candidates within the UK. The hybrid nature means employees can choose a hub that is convenient for them or work from home, with occasional travel to client sites or chosen hubs for specific project needs or team events. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Office hubs are expected to provide environments for team collaboration, workshops, and client meetings, facilitating the "whole team approach" to user research.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary research tools, software, and potentially secure environments for handling sensitive government data (requiring SC clearance).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the user research community and cross-functional teams, both virtually and in person, promoting knowledge sharing and a positive team culture.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours.

• This allows individuals to structure their workday to best suit project demands, personal productivity peaks, and work-life balance, while still meeting core responsibilities and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible working environment is a key feature, emphasizing autonomy and work-life balance, which is attractive to experienced professionals. The requirement for SC clearance suggests a highly secure and professional work environment when dealing with public sector clients.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience against the core requirements, particularly in public sector research and leadership.

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior member of the Strategy & Design team. This stage will likely focus on your experience, leadership style, approach to user research methodologies, and understanding of public sector challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation & Practical Exercise: A key stage where you will present a selection of your work, demonstrating your ability to lead research, synthesize data, generate insights, and influence stakeholders. This may also include a practical exercise or case study related to a public sector challenge.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership or a panel, focusing on strategic thinking, business development potential, people management philosophy, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 significant projects that best demonstrate your leadership, impact, and breadth of experience across different GDS stages and research methodologies.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and approach, the research conducted, the key insights, and most importantly, the impact of your work on service design, user outcomes, or business decisions. Quantify impact where possible.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you led a team, mentored junior researchers, managed stakeholders, or contributed to strategic direction.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your research process clearly, including how you adapted methodologies, handled challenges, and ensured compliance with standards (GDPR, MRS, GDS).

• Tailor to Made Tech: Understand Made Tech's mission and their focus on the public sector. Frame your experience and insights in a way that resonates with their values and client needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Public Sector Scenarios: Prepare for case studies or questions related to common public sector service challenges, digital transformation, accessibility, and citizen engagement.

• Practice Synthesis & Insight Generation: Be ready to analyze a dataset or scenario and articulate clear, actionable insights.

• Role-Play Stakeholder Management: Practice explaining complex research findings and recommendations to different stakeholder types (e.g., technical teams, senior policy makers).

• Articulate Leadership Philosophy: Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing and developing research teams, fostering collaboration, and promoting best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and potential case study. Candidates should prepare to articulate not just what they did, but how they did it and the impact it had, with a strong focus on leadership and public sector context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for remote usability testing, session recording, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar).

• Survey & Data Collection Tools: Proficiency in tools like SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform for survey development and data gathering.

• Collaboration & Prototyping Tools: Experience with collaborative platforms such as Miro, Mural, Figma, Adobe XD for workshop facilitation, synthesis, and co-design activities.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with agile project management software like Jira, Trello, Asana for tracking research tasks and deliverables.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data using tools like Excel, Google Sheets, SPSS, NVivo, or specialized qualitative analysis software.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills for creating clear, impactful reports and dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how research insights feed into CRM strategies or product backlogs is beneficial.

• Familiarity with tools that support efficient research operations, such as participant management systems or scheduling tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not listed, but the requirements imply proficiency in a standard user researcher's toolkit that facilitates data collection, analysis, synthesis, and collaboration, with an emphasis on tools used in agile and public sector environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Making a Positive Impact: A core value at Made Tech, focused on improving society through technology and design in the public sector.

• User-Centred: Placing the needs and experiences of users at the heart of all design and delivery processes.

• Evidence-Based: Commitment to making decisions grounded in robust research and data.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive, safe, and open environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone contributes.

• Excellence & Best Practice: Striving for high standards in research methodology, compliance, and service delivery.

Collaboration Style:

• Whole-Team Approach: Actively involving all project team members and stakeholders in the research process to build shared understanding and buy-in.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with designers, developers, product managers, and policy advisors to ensure research insights are integrated into product development.

• Open Communication: Promoting a culture of open feedback, knowledge sharing, and constructive dialogue within the user research team and across project teams.

• Client Partnership: Building strong, collaborative relationships with clients, acting as a trusted partner rather than just a service provider.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes mission, user focus, and collaborative excellence. The "whole-team approach" is a key operational value that influences how research is conducted and integrated.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Complexity: Working within large, complex public sector organizations with diverse stakeholder needs, legacy systems, and established processes can be challenging.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating the return on investment for user research and design initiatives to secure ongoing buy-in and resources.

• Balancing Multiple Projects/Clients: Effectively managing workload and priorities when leading research for one or more projects simultaneously.

• Driving Cultural Change: Promoting a user-centred mindset and new ways of working within client organizations that may be resistant to change.

• Ensuring SC Clearance: The requirement for SC clearance can be a barrier for some candidates and requires a rigorous vetting process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Public Sector Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of government services, policy, and citizen needs.

• Strategic Leadership Skills: Developing expertise in client advisory, business development, and people management.

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to refine and apply advanced research methodologies and stay abreast of emerging trends.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leaders within Made Tech and contributing to the growth of junior researchers.

• Industry Exposure: Representing Made Tech at conferences and events, building professional networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional development by tackling complex challenges within the public sector, honing leadership skills, and contributing to impactful projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex user research project from discovery through to beta. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure a user-centred approach was maintained?" (Focus on GDS stages, methodology, and leadership).

• "How do you foster a 'whole-team approach' to user research, and what are the benefits of this approach for client organizations?" (Focus on collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and insight dissemination).

• "Imagine a public sector client is hesitant to invest further in user research due to budget constraints. How would you build a business case or demonstrate the value of your work to secure continued investment?" (Focus on business development, ROI, and strategic influence).

• "Discuss your experience in coaching and managing user researchers. How do you support their professional development and ensure high-quality research delivery?" (Focus on people management and team leadership). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Made Tech's mission to improve society through technology and design?" (Demonstrate alignment with company values).

• "How do you ensure your research practices are inclusive and contribute to the design of accessible services for all users?" (Focus on specific ethical and accessibility considerations).

• "Describe your experience working with government clients and navigating the unique challenges of the public sector." (Show domain expertise). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and the project's objectives. Then, detail your specific contributions, methodologies, key findings, and—crucially—the impact and outcomes.

• Quantify Success: Use metrics and data whenever possible to demonstrate the effectiveness of your research and the value it delivered.

• Narrate Your Leadership: Clearly explain how you led the research, managed stakeholders, and influenced decisions. Use "I" for your direct actions and "we" for team contributions.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handled setbacks, and how you would apply learnings to future projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of public sector user research. Candidates must be ready to articulate their impact and influence clearly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Made Tech careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate a portfolio that prominently features 2-3 impactful user research projects, emphasizing your leadership, methodology, and demonstrable impact on public sector services. Tailor your portfolio to highlight experience with GDS stages and inclusive design practices.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly articulates your years of experience, leadership responsibilities, specific research methodologies, and achievements in public sector environments. Use keywords such as "User Research," "GDS," "Agile," "GDPR," "Stakeholder Management," and "People Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, impact, and your leadership approach. Prepare thoughtful answers to strategy and behavioural questions, especially those related to public sector challenges and user-centred design principles.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Made Tech's mission, values, and their work in the public sector. Familiarize yourself with the GDS Service Standard and principles of accessible design.

⚠️ 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.

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