Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Scrumconnect Limited

Location: Remote (United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Research / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive user research programs within the UK public sector, focusing on understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• Design and implement research strategies for Discovery phases, ensuring alignment with GDS Service Standards and ethical research practices.

• Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights that directly inform the design and development of new digital services.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Business Analysts and Service Designers, to define user needs and prioritize features.

• Mentor junior researchers, contributing to the overall growth and standardization of research practices within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior User Researcher within a digital consultancy focused on the UK public sector. The emphasis on "Discovery" and "GDS Service Standard" indicates a need for expertise in early-stage service design and a deep understanding of government digital standards. The "Outside IR35" and "SC Clearance Required" (or willingness to obtain) are critical for UK public sector roles and suggest a focus on sensitive government projects. While not strictly a Revenue or Sales Operations role, the user research directly impacts the success and adoption of digital services, which is a critical component of GTM (Go-To-Market) operations by ensuring product-market fit and user adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and lead the end-to-end user research strategy for the Discovery phase of digital projects, including defining research questions, selecting methodologies, and managing participant recruitment.

• Plan, facilitate, and analyze in-depth interviews, focus groups, contextual inquiries, and usability testing sessions with diverse user groups.

• Develop and deploy mixed-methods research instruments such as surveys, diary studies, and card sorting exercises to gather comprehensive user data.

• Synthesize and analyze large volumes of qualitative and quantitative research data to identify key themes, user needs, and behavioral patterns.

• Produce high-quality, evidence-based research outputs, including detailed findings reports, insight packs, affinity diagrams, personas, and user journey maps.

• Contribute to 'as-is' process mapping, documenting how users currently interact with existing systems and processes.

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

• Present research findings clearly, persuasively, and concisely to senior stakeholders, including government officials and project sponsors.

• Ensure all research activities comply with GDPR, ethical research standards, and the Government Social Research framework.

• Mentor and guide junior user researchers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and elevating research standards across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic and autonomous role, requiring the Senior User Researcher to not only execute research but also to define its direction and ensure its impact on service design. The focus on GDS standards and public sector context is paramount.

🎓 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 highly advantageous. Professional research accreditations, such as Government Social Research (GSR), are considered desirable.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience as a User Researcher, with a significant portion dedicated to the UK public sector or government digital delivery environments. This includes demonstrated experience in leading research programs and mentoring junior team members.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience as a User Researcher within the UK public sector or government digital delivery projects.

• Advanced qualitative research skills, including expertise in interview design, facilitation, data analysis, and synthesis.

• Demonstrated ability to design and execute large-scale research programs involving diverse and geographically distributed participant groups.

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

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

• Exceptional ability to communicate complex research findings in plain English, effectively translating insights for non-specialist audiences.

• Solid understanding of the GDS Service Standard and the role of user research across all project phases (Discovery, Alpha, Beta). Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching services within local authorities or regulatory bodies.

• Knowledge of quantitative research methods, including survey design and statistical analysis.

• Proven experience with both remote and in-person research facilitation within public sector contexts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize hands-on research expertise and a deep understanding of the UK public sector's digital landscape and standards. The preferred skills indicate areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive user research case studies from UK public sector or government projects.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the research problem, the methodology employed, the challenges faced, and the impact of the research on service design and user outcomes.

• Demonstrate proficiency in synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, presenting findings through clear reports, personas, and journey maps.

• Include examples of research outputs that align with GDS standards, such as needs registers or detailed findings reports.

• Highlight experience with collaborative tools (e.g., Miro) and research repositories (e.g., Dovetail) used in project delivery. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented research processes, including participant recruitment strategies, ethical review procedures, and data management plans.

• Showcase experience in contributing to 'as-is' process mapping, illustrating user workflows and pain points.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how research findings are translated into actionable requirements and design decisions within an Agile or GDS framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will be the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to deliver impactful user research within the specific constraints and standards of the UK public sector. The emphasis is on demonstrating practical application and adherence to GDS guidelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Outside IR35" status and the requirement for SC Clearance, this role is likely to be contracted. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers with public sector experience and SC clearance in the UK, a day rate of £400 - £550 is a reasonable estimate. This range reflects the specialized skills, experience level, and security clearance required.

Benefits: As this is likely an "Outside IR35" contract role, standard employee benefits may not apply. However, contract roles often offer:

• Competitive daily/hourly rate.

• Opportunity to work on high-impact public sector projects.

• Remote working flexibility.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

• Exposure to cutting-edge digital transformation initiatives within government.

Working Hours: Standard professional working hours are typically expected, often around 37.5 to 40 hours per week. Given the remote nature, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team coordination and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical day rates for senior-level contractors in the UK public sector with SC clearance, a highly specialized and in-demand profile. The "Outside IR35" designation is critical for understanding the compensation structure and benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Consultancy / Technology Services. Scrumconnect Limited operates within the technology and consulting sector, specializing in digital transformation for the UK public sector. Their awards highlight a focus on delivering impactful, large-scale public services.

Company Size: Scrumconnect Limited is part of a growing digital consultancy, likely employing between 50-250 employees, based on common digital consultancy structures. This size typically allows for a blend of agility and established processes.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, their multi-award-winning status and significant impact on UK citizens suggest a well-established presence and a track record of successful project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The User Research function is likely integrated within project delivery teams, working closely with Service Designers, Business Analysts, Product Managers, and Developers.

• The Senior User Researcher will likely lead the research stream for a specific project or program, reporting to a Project Lead or Programme Manager, while also potentially having a functional reporting line to a Head of Research or similar role within Scrumconnect.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring effective communication and partnership with various disciplines to ensure user insights are embedded throughout the service design lifecycle. Methodology:

• Scrumconnect emphasizes Agile methodologies, likely adhering to the Government Digital Service (GDS) framework for public sector projects.

• Data analysis and insights are central, with a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making derived from rigorous user research.

• Workflow planning and optimization are driven by understanding user needs and current process pain points.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implicitly encouraged through the design of user-centered digital services.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on public sector digital transformation and its award-winning status suggest a culture that values impact, innovation, and adherence to high standards like GDS. The "Outside IR35" nature implies a project-based, outcome-focused work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level User Researcher role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and autonomy. It requires not only expert research skills but also the ability to strategize, lead research programs, mentor others, and effectively communicate with senior stakeholders. This level is critical for driving user-centricity in complex public sector digital projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher will likely report to a Project Manager, Programme Manager, or a dedicated Lead User Researcher within Scrumconnect, depending on the project structure. They will work closely with a multidisciplinary project team.

Operations Impact: The direct impact of this role on "operations" is through ensuring the usability, accessibility, and adoption of digital services. By deeply understanding user needs and pain points, the researcher influences product strategy, feature prioritization, and overall service design, thereby impacting user satisfaction, efficiency of public services, and ultimately, the success of the digital transformation initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or public sector domains (e.g., local government, regulatory services).

• Leadership: Progress to Lead User Researcher roles, managing larger research teams or programs, or moving into Product Management or Service Design leadership.

• Mentorship: Develop strong mentoring skills by guiding junior researchers, contributing to a knowledge base, and potentially leading research communities of practice.

• Broader Impact: Gain exposure to strategic decision-making by influencing service design and policy through robust research evidence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within the specialized field of public sector digital research, with clear pathways to leadership and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily remote, with the possibility of occasional on-site presence for specific project needs or team collaboration, especially if SC Clearance requires some level of physical presence or specific project sites. The "remote position" tag is prominent.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the "SC Clearance Required" and the focus on UK public sector projects imply that the primary work will be for UK-based government departments. The candidate must be eligible to work in the UK and able to obtain the necessary clearance.

Workspace Context:

• Candidates will need a suitable home office setup conducive to focused research work, virtual meetings, and secure data handling.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools, requiring strong virtual communication and teamwork skills.

• Access to necessary software and platforms will be provided by Scrumconnect, but reliable internet connectivity is essential.

• The environment is likely fast-paced and project-driven, typical of digital consultancies working on government initiatives.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate team collaboration and participant availability. Adherence to project timelines and potential client demands will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote aspect is a significant advantage, but the SC Clearance requirement and public sector focus mean that location eligibility and security protocols are paramount.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, GDS knowledge, and public sector background.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on user research methodologies, case studies, and problem-solving scenarios. Expect questions on how you've handled complex research challenges, synthesized data, and communicated findings to stakeholders.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present 1-2 key case studies from their portfolio, detailing their approach, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage to demonstrate practical application of skills.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An opportunity to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to mentor junior researchers. Questions may focus on teamwork, handling feedback, and navigating project dynamics.

• SC Clearance Vetting: If successful, the process of obtaining or transferring SC Clearance will commence, which can be time-consuming.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best demonstrate your experience in the UK public sector, GDS standards, and handling diverse user groups.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your research approach (methodologies, tools), key findings, insights derived, and the tangible impact on the service design or product. Quantify impact where possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals like journey maps, personas, affinity diagrams, and report excerpts to illustrate your work.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams (BAs, Designers, Developers) and presented findings to stakeholders.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your methodology, ethical considerations, and data synthesis process.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Framework: Refresh your knowledge of the GDS Service Standard and its implications for user research at each stage (Discovery, Alpha, Beta).

• Research Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach research for a hypothetical public sector digital service, including defining objectives, choosing methods, and identifying user groups.

• Data Synthesis: Practice articulating how you would synthesize conflicting or complex research data into clear, actionable insights.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you've successfully influenced decision-making through research findings, particularly with non-research audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application, GDS knowledge, and the ability to present compelling research evidence. The SC Clearance process is a significant factor that requires transparency and patience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research & Analysis Platforms: Dovetail, Lookback, NVivo (for qualitative data analysis).

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural (for affinity mapping, journey mapping, workshops).

• Survey & Data Collection: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, Qualtrics.

• Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze.

• Design & Prototyping Tools (for context): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (understanding how research informs these).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Synthesis Tools: Excel, Google Sheets, potentially R or Python for more advanced quantitative analysis.

• Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI (less common for direct researcher use, but understanding their output is beneficial).

• Reporting Software: Proficiency in creating clear, visually appealing reports using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides).

CRM & Automation:

• Participant Management: Potentially using CRM-like tools or spreadsheets for managing participant databases and recruitment efforts.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello (for tracking research tasks and progress within project sprints).

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in common user research tools is essential, with a particular emphasis on those used for qualitative data synthesis and collaborative ideation. Familiarity with the broader tech stack used in digital delivery is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Evidence-Based Practice: Decisions are driven by robust data and insights, not assumptions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines to achieve shared project goals.

• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible improvements to public services and citizens' lives.

• Continuous Improvement: An ethos of learning, iteration, and refining processes and services.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teamwork: Researchers are embedded within multidisciplinary teams, working closely with designers, developers, and business analysts.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing.

• Iterative Process: Research findings are continuously fed back into the design and development cycles, fostering an agile and responsive approach.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive engagement with stakeholders to ensure research is relevant and findings are understood and acted upon.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely reflects the values of effective public service delivery, emphasizing user needs, data integrity, and collaborative problem-solving within a structured GDS/Agile framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• SC Clearance: The process of obtaining or transferring SC Clearance can be lengthy and requires strict adherence to eligibility criteria.

• Diverse User Groups: Researching across a wide range of users with varying technical proficiencies, accessibility needs, and geographical locations can be complex.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating complex research findings and influencing decisions among diverse stakeholders, some of whom may be resistant to change or unfamiliar with research principles.

• Data Volume: Synthesizing and making sense of large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data from multiple research activities.

• Project Pace: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of digital delivery projects, ensuring research remains timely and relevant.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Advancement: Opportunities to explore and implement new research techniques and tools.

• Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of specific public sector domains and their unique user challenges.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers and potentially leading research streams.

• GDS Best Practices: Deepening understanding and application of evolving government digital standards and best practices.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Learning from experts in Service Design, UX/UI Design, and Business Analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior public sector roles, particularly those requiring security clearance. The growth opportunities are substantial for individuals looking to specialize and lead within this impactful sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a research strategy for a complex public sector service. What were your key considerations, and how did you tailor your approach?" (Focus on GDS alignment, user diversity, and research objectives.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon by non-research stakeholders, such as senior civil servants or developers?" (Emphasize communication techniques, data visualization, and building consensus.)

• "Walk us through a challenging research project where you had to overcome significant obstacles (e.g., recruitment issues, conflicting data). What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about the GDS Service Standard, and how has it influenced your research practice?" (Demonstrate knowledge and practical application.)

• "How would you approach mapping the 'as-is' processes for a government service based on user research?" (Focus on methodology and collaboration with BAs.)

• "What is your experience with GDPR and ethical research practices, particularly in a public sector context?" (Showcase awareness and compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate how your research directly led to improvements in service design, user experience, or policy.

• Quantify When Possible: Use metrics or specific examples to demonstrate the scale of impact.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your methodology, participant selection, data synthesis, and how you translated insights into actionable recommendations.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your work that align with the job description, such as public sector experience and GDS familiarity.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate deep dives into your methods, challenges, and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating expertise in public sector research, GDS standards, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for a government context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

• Submit your CV and a strong portfolio through the provided link on the Zoho Recruit platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies from UK public sector or government projects, highlighting your experience with GDS standards and diverse user groups.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in Discovery phases, qualitative research methodologies, stakeholder communication, and any relevant public sector certifications or clearances.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, findings, and impact using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, and prepare to present 1-2 key case studies.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Scrumconnect Limited's work, particularly their public sector projects, and understand the importance of the GDS framework in government digital delivery.

⚠️ 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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