Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Scrumconnect Limited

Location: United Kingdom (Remote)

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Research / UX Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end user research program for a critical UK government digital discovery phase, focusing on understanding the needs of Building Control Authority (BCA) teams.

• Design, plan, and execute a comprehensive research strategy using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to gather deep insights into user behaviors, pain points, and requirements for a new digital notification system.

• Synthesize complex research data into actionable findings, delivering high-quality, evidence-based outputs such as personas, journey maps, and insight packs that directly inform service design and policy decisions.

• Operate autonomously at SFIA Level 5, providing expert advice on research strategy and methodology, and mentoring junior researchers to elevate research standards within the team.

• Ensure all research activities adhere to GDPR, ethical standards, and the Government Social Research framework, contributing to impactful digital solutions for millions of UK citizens.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior User Researcher within the UK public sector, specifically for a government digital discovery project. The SFIA Level 5 designation indicates a senior, advisory capacity, requiring independent work and strategic input. The emphasis on GDS standards and public sector experience is a critical qualifier.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of the user research strategy for the SCS-N discovery phase, defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and managing participant recruitment.

• Plan and facilitate in-depth interviews, focus groups, contextual inquiries, and usability sessions with a representative sample of Building Control Authority (BCA) teams across various local authorities.

• Design and deploy mixed-methods research instruments, including surveys, diary studies, and other data collection tools to capture a holistic view of user needs.

• Synthesize and analyze large volumes of qualitative and quantitative research data to identify key themes, insights, and user needs for the new digital notification system.

• Produce clear, compelling, and high-quality research outputs, including findings reports, insight packs, affinity diagrams, personas, and user journey maps, adhering to GDS standards.

• Contribute to the 'as-is' process mapping of how BCA teams currently manage SCS-N notifications, identifying current workflows and pain points.

• Define and prioritize user needs (essential vs. desirable) for the new system in collaboration with Business Analysts and Service Designers.

• Present research findings clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) and the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

• Ensure all research is conducted in accordance with GDPR, ethical research standards, and the Government Social Research framework.

• Mentor junior researchers, contributing to the overall advancement of research practices and standards within the Scrumconnect Consulting team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the scope of work for a Senior User Researcher in a government digital context, emphasizing end-to-end research ownership, stakeholder communication, and adherence to specific public sector frameworks like GDS and GSR.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, or a related field is typically expected for senior research roles. Professional certifications or accreditations (e.g., Government Social Research - GSR) are highly valued.

Experience: Significant professional experience as a User Researcher, with a proven track record in the UK public sector or government digital delivery environments. Experience operating at SFIA Level 5 or equivalent, demonstrating autonomy and strategic advisory capabilities.

Required Skills:

• Significant experience as a User Researcher in UK public sector or government digital delivery.

• Strong qualitative research skills, including interview design, facilitation, analysis, and synthesis of complex data.

• Proven experience designing and executing large-scale research programs involving diverse and geographically distributed participant groups.

• Proficiency in key research tools such as Dovetail, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, Miro, or equivalent platforms for data analysis and synthesis.

• Experience producing GDS-standard research outputs, including needs registers, comprehensive research findings reports, and detailed user journey maps.

• Ability to communicate complex research findings in plain English to non-specialist audiences, including senior stakeholders.

• Solid understanding of the GDS Service Standard and the integral role of research across the Discovery, Alpha, and Beta phases of digital service development.

• Demonstrated SFIA Level 5 competencies, including the ability to ensure quality and advise on research strategy and methodology. Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching local authority functions, building control, or regulatory services.

• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and advanced survey design techniques.

• Experience with both remote and in-person research facilitation across diverse public sector contexts.

• Government Social Research (GSR) accreditation or equivalent professional research qualification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential Skills & Experience" section is detailed, focusing on public sector/GDS experience, qualitative methods, and specific tools. The preferred skills highlight domain-specific knowledge and formal accreditations, suggesting a competitive edge for candidates possessing them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies of End-to-End Research Programs: Detailed examples of leading research initiatives from inception (strategy and planning) through execution, analysis, and delivery of actionable insights. Showcase the impact of your research on service design and user outcomes.

• GDS-Standard Deliverables: Examples of research outputs that align with Government Digital Service (GDS) standards, such as needs registers, comprehensive research findings reports, user personas, and detailed user journey maps.

• Data Synthesis and Insight Generation: Demonstrations of how you have synthesized large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data to identify critical themes, user needs, and actionable insights.

• Stakeholder Communication: Evidence of effectively communicating complex research findings to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders, through compelling presentations, reports, and workshops.

• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Examples of how you have leveraged research tools (e.g., Dovetail, Miro, Optimal Workshop) to enhance research efficiency, analysis, and output quality.

Process Documentation:

• Research Strategy and Planning: Documentation demonstrating your ability to define research questions, select appropriate methodologies, and plan comprehensive research programs tailored to project objectives and constraints.

• Methodology Application: Examples showcasing the application of various qualitative and quantitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, surveys, diary studies, usability testing) in real-world projects.

• Data Analysis and Synthesis: Evidence of rigorous data analysis techniques and synthesis processes used to derive meaningful insights from raw research data.

• Ethical Research Practices: Confirmation of adherence to ethical research standards, including GDPR compliance and best practices for participant recruitment and data handling.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the responsibilities and skills sections strongly imply the need for candidates to demonstrate proficiency through a portfolio. This section outlines what such a portfolio should contain, focusing on GDS standards and public sector experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the contract nature, SFIA Level 5 designation, and the UK public sector context, a daily rate is anticipated. Research into similar Senior User Researcher contract roles within UK government digital projects suggests a range of £350 - £400 per day. This rate reflects the seniority, specialized skills (GDS, public sector), and the contract engagement model.

Benefits: As this is a contract position, traditional employee benefits may not apply. However, typical contractor benefits and advantages include:

• Flexibility: Ability to set working hours and location (fully remote in this case).

• Exposure to High-Impact Projects: Opportunity to work on significant digital transformation initiatives with a large public impact.

• Professional Development: Potential for continuous learning through exposure to government digital standards and complex project environments.

• Outside IR35: While not explicitly stated, contract roles in this domain often operate outside IR35, allowing for potential tax efficiencies for the contractor.

• Potential for Contract Extension: Successful performance may lead to contract extensions.

Working Hours: The role is likely based on a standard 40-hour work week, typical for contract roles in the UK public sector. Flexibility within these hours may be possible, subject to project demands and team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar contract roles in the UK public sector. Benefits are described from a contractor's perspective, acknowledging the nature of the employment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Consultancy, Technology Services, Government & Public Sector. Scrumconnect Consulting specializes in delivering digital transformation solutions, particularly for UK government departments, focusing on user-centered design and agile delivery.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Scrumconnect Consulting is described as "multi-award-winning" and having "teams" working on significant projects, suggesting a medium to large-sized consultancy. LinkedIn data indicates a company size of 51-200 employees.

Founded: The company was founded in 2014, indicating a decade of experience in the digital consultancy space, with a strong focus on public sector transformation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The User Researcher will likely be part of a broader project delivery team, which typically includes Product Managers, Business Analysts, Service Designers, Developers, and Testers. They may also be part of a larger UX/Research practice within Scrumconnect.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The role reports to a project lead or a research lead within the Scrumconnect organization, with direct interaction and accountability to senior stakeholders within the government client organization (BSR/MHCLG).

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is central, requiring close working relationships with BA's, Service Designers, and the client's policy and operational teams to integrate research findings into the service design and development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data analysis and insights methods will be paramount, focusing on synthesizing qualitative and quantitative user research to drive evidence-based decision-making.

• Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be applied to the research process itself, ensuring efficiency and rigor, and to informing the optimization of existing government processes through the new digital system.

• Operations Process 3: Automation and efficiency practices are indirectly relevant, as the research aims to inform the creation of automated or streamlined digital services. The researcher will utilize various digital tools for efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.scrumconnect.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes their public sector focus and user-centered approach, which is crucial for understanding the environment this Senior User Researcher will operate within. The team structure is inferred based on typical digital project delivery models.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior User Researcher, operating at SFIA Level 5. This signifies a highly experienced individual who takes responsibility for the quality and rigour of a research program, advises on strategy, works autonomously, and influences decisions through evidence. It’s a leadership role within the research domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will report to a project lead or a research manager within Scrumconnect Consulting. They will also have significant interaction and accountability to senior stakeholders within the client organization (e.g., BSR, MHCLG). The role involves mentoring junior researchers, indicating a leadership aspect within the research function.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is to ensure that the new digital notification system is designed based on a deep understanding of user needs, behaviors, and pain points of Building Control Authority (BCA) teams. This directly influences the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of the system, ultimately aiming to improve the efficiency of regulatory processes and positively impact millions of UK citizens. The research directly informs service design, policy, and development priorities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in complex public sector research, advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies, and GDS standards.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers, lead research strategy for significant projects, and influence senior stakeholders, potentially leading to Lead User Researcher or Research Manager roles.

• Domain Specialization: Gain specialized knowledge in government digital services, building control regulations, and public sector transformation, which are highly valuable skill sets.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead research streams on future large-scale government digital projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis focuses on the seniority and impact of the role, linking SFIA Level 5 to specific responsibilities and growth trajectories within the user research and public sector digital delivery domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description explicitly states, "This is a remote position." Therefore, the work environment is fully remote, offering significant flexibility.

Office Location(s): While the company is based in the UK and serves UK government departments, the Senior User Researcher role is designated as remote, implying that the candidate can work from anywhere within the UK, or potentially a wider geographic area if not restricted by client requirements (though UK public sector roles often have domicile restrictions).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the role necessitates strong collaboration through virtual means. This includes active participation in virtual meetings, workshops, and using collaborative tools like Miro for co-creation and insight sharing.

• Operations Tools and Technology: The researcher will utilize a suite of digital tools for remote collaboration, research execution, data analysis, and reporting. This includes video conferencing, project management tools, and specialized research software.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the project team (BAs, Service Designers, developers), Scrumconnect management, and client stakeholders will occur via digital channels.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is standard for a contract role, typically 40 hours per week. While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core UK working hours is expected to facilitate collaboration with teams and stakeholders. Flexibility may be offered, but responsiveness and meeting attendance are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role is emphasized, with context provided on how collaboration and work are managed in a distributed environment, including the types of tools and interactions expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and application, focusing on UK public sector/GDS experience, SFIA Level 5 competencies, and core research skills.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A detailed discussion of the candidate's experience, often involving a deep dive into specific case studies from their portfolio. This stage assesses research methodology, data synthesis, stakeholder management, and GDS understanding.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a short research exercise or present a solution to a hypothetical research problem relevant to the project, demonstrating their approach to strategy, methodology, and analysis.

• Stakeholder/Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, leadership potential (mentoring), and alignment with Scrumconnect's values and the client's needs.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize GDS Standards: Showcase examples that clearly demonstrate adherence to GDS research principles and output formats.

• Highlight Public Sector Experience: Emphasize projects within UK government or public sector bodies, detailing the specific challenges and impact.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project or by research competency. For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodology used, the insights generated, and the impact of your research.

• Demonstrate Synthesis and Impact: Focus on how you translated raw data into actionable insights that led to tangible improvements or informed critical decisions. Use metrics where possible.

• Showcase Collaboration and Communication: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and presented findings to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools used and how they facilitated your work, especially if they are listed as essential (Dovetail, Miro, etc.).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Project Context: Research the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), MHCLG, and the specific aims of the SCS-N discovery project.

• Prepare for GDS Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would apply GDS principles to research challenges.

• Articulate Research Strategy: Practice explaining how you would design a research program for a new digital service discovery phase, considering user groups, methods, and timelines.

• Data Synthesis Examples: Prepare to walk through how you would analyze and synthesize data from interviews, surveys, and other sources to identify key user needs.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would manage expectations and communicate findings to senior government officials.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice on preparing for the interview process, specifically tailored to the requirements of a Senior User Researcher in a UK government digital project, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Data Analysis & Synthesis: Dovetail (highly likely given the mention), alongside collaborative whiteboarding tools like Miro or Mural for affinity mapping, journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

• Research Participant Management: Tools for recruitment, scheduling, and potentially consent management. This might involve bespoke government platforms or standard recruitment agency tools.

• Survey Tools: For quantitative data collection and user feedback, tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Lookback, UserTesting.com, or similar for remote moderated or unmoderated testing.

• Data Visualization/Reporting: Tools like Excel, Google Sheets, potentially Tableau or Power BI for presenting quantitative findings, and presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides) for reports.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While the primary focus is qualitative, understanding how to interpret basic analytics from user testing sessions or survey data is beneficial. The role focuses on generating research findings reports rather than deep analytics dashboard creation. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core function of a User Researcher, but understanding how user insights feed into CRM strategies or automated user journeys is a plus. The researcher's outputs will inform the design of systems that may include these components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed essential skills and responsibilities directly inform the expected technology stack, with specific tools like Dovetail and Miro highlighted.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centred Design: A core value at Scrumconnect, meaning all decisions are grounded in understanding and meeting user needs. This researcher is the primary advocate for the user.

• Impact and Innovation: A drive to deliver solutions that have a real, positive impact on citizens' lives and embrace innovative approaches to digital delivery.

• Agile Delivery: Commitment to agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and adaptability.

• Quality and Rigour: A dedication to high standards in research, analysis, and delivery, ensuring evidence-based decision-making.

• Collaboration and Transparency: Fostering an open environment where teams work together, share knowledge, and communicate transparently.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The researcher will work closely with Business Analysts, Service Designers, Developers, and Product Managers, acting as a bridge between user needs and technical/design implementation.

• Process Review and Feedback: A culture of continuous improvement, where research processes are reviewed, and feedback is actively sought and given to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of research findings, methodologies, and insights across the project team and potentially the wider organization to build collective understanding and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values are inferred from Scrumconnect's description and the nature of public sector digital transformation projects, focusing on user impact, agility, and quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Complexity: Understanding the intricacies of government processes, stakeholder landscapes (multiple departments, levels of authority), and procurement cycles.

• Recruiting Representative Participants: Sourcing and engaging with a diverse and representative sample of Building Control Authority teams across potentially varied local authority structures.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Managing and synthesizing large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data from various sources to extract clear, actionable insights.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex research findings and advocating for user needs to senior decision-makers who may have differing priorities or perspectives.

• Adhering to Strict Frameworks: Ensuring all research aligns with GDS Service Standards, Government Social Research framework, and GDPR regulations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced GDS Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical application of GDS principles across different project phases.

• Public Sector Digital Transformation: Gain invaluable experience in the unique challenges and rewards of transforming public services through digital means.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research streams.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Work closely with BAs, Service Designers, and developers, expanding understanding of the broader digital delivery lifecycle.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential opportunities to attend relevant conferences or training sessions focused on user research, public sector digital, or UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific context of UK public sector digital research, while growth opportunities focus on skill enhancement and career progression within this specialized field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex user research program for a public sector digital service. What was your strategy, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Focus on a project with clear objectives, a well-defined strategy, your specific role in leading it, how you navigated public sector constraints, and the measurable impact of your research. Highlight GDS alignment.

• "How would you approach designing a research strategy for a 'Discovery' phase focused on understanding the needs of Building Control Authority teams for a new notification system?"

  • Preparation: Outline your process, including defining research questions, identifying key user groups, selecting appropriate mixed methods (interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries), participant recruitment strategies, and how you'd ensure GDS compliance.

• "Walk us through how you synthesize large volumes of qualitative data. What tools and techniques do you use, and how do you ensure your insights are actionable and evidence-based?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss affinity mapping, thematic analysis, persona development, and journey mapping. Mention tools like Dovetail or Miro and explain how you translate raw data into clear findings and recommendations. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about Scrumconnect Consulting and our work in the UK government sector?"

  • Preparation: Research Scrumconnect's website, case studies, and mission. Understand their focus on user-centred design and agile delivery in public services.

• "How do you ensure your research aligns with the GDS Service Standard and ethical research practices, particularly within a government context?"

  • Preparation: Be prepared to discuss specific GDS principles and how you embed them in your work. Mention GDPR and the Government Social Research framework.

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior researchers. What is your approach to guiding and developing others?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of how you have supported junior colleagues, shared knowledge, and helped them develop their research skills. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the problem or opportunity your research addressed and the overall goal.

• Define Your Role and Scope: Explain your specific responsibilities within the project, especially if part of a larger team.

• Detail Your Methodology: Justify your choice of research methods and tools, explaining why they were appropriate for the context and objectives.

• Showcase Insights and Deliverables: Present key findings and research outputs (personas, journey maps, reports) clearly. Focus on the insights derived, not just the data.

• Demonstrate Impact and Recommendations: Crucially, explain how your research influenced decisions, design, or policy. Quantify impact where possible.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and how your work aligns with GDS and public sector requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is highly specific to the role, emphasizing GDS, public sector context, and the need for a strong, relevant portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Zoho Recruit.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and portfolio to highlight your most relevant experience in UK public sector/government digital projects, GDS standards, and your SFIA Level 5 capabilities. Ensure your portfolio showcases GDS-standard deliverables and impactful case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods, proficiency in tools like Dovetail and Miro, and your ability to work autonomously and advise on research strategy. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, strategy development, data synthesis, and stakeholder communication skills. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions, focusing on your public sector experience.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Scrumconnect Consulting, their work with UK government clients, and the broader context of the Building Safety Regulator and the SCS-N project to demonstrate your understanding and interest.

⚠️ 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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