Senior User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher

Company: Version 1

Location: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, Belfast, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Research / Service Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and deliver end-to-end user research for complex public sector projects, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategy decisions.

• Proactively contribute to client meetings, workshops, and presentations, building strong relationships and providing actionable recommendations.

• Develop strong client relationships by anticipating client needs, advising on research opportunities, and driving outcomes that align with both user needs and business objectives.

• Mentor and guide team members, upskilling junior researchers and fostering a collaborative, supportive working environment.

• This role is ideal for a consultant who thrives in client-facing settings, can confidently lead discovery and delivery activities, and has a proven track record of working to the GDS Digital Service Standard.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly client-facing and focuses on the UK Public Sector, emphasizing adherence to the GDS Digital Service Standard. This implies a need for strong consultancy skills, an understanding of government procurement and assessment processes, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes within public bodies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver comprehensive user research initiatives across the full project lifecycle, from discovery to delivery, ensuring evidence-based decision-making.

• Design, plan, and execute a range of qualitative and quantitative research studies, including moderated/unmoderated usability testing, depth interviews, surveys, co-design sessions, and diary studies.

• Analyze and synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights and compelling narratives that drive product, service, and strategic improvements.

• Proactively engage with clients, facilitating workshops, presenting research findings, and building trusted advisor relationships to influence strategy and outcomes.

• Mentor and coach junior researchers and other team members, fostering a collaborative environment and promoting best practices in user research and inclusive design.

• Champion user-centric principles and a user-first mindset within client organizations, contributing to the development of meaningful and accessible services.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary agile teams, including product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers, to ensure research insights are integrated effectively into the development process.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Version 1's user research practice by sharing expertise, developing new methodologies, and participating in the internal community of practice.

• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines, data privacy regulations, and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize end-to-end research capability and a strong consultancy approach, requiring the candidate to not only execute research but also to strategically advise clients and mentor colleagues. The mention of GDS Digital Service Standard and WCAG 2.2 indicates a significant focus on government digital service delivery standards and accessibility.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related discipline is highly advantageous.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as a User Researcher, with a significant portion focused on complex digital services within Agile environments. Experience specifically within the UK Public Sector is a strong preference.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience (5+ years) leading user research projects, particularly within complex digital service environments and Agile frameworks.

• Strong knowledge of UK public sector service design principles, including the GDS Digital Service Standard, GOV.UK design system patterns, and associated assessment processes.

• Proven end-to-end research capability, encompassing the design, execution, analysis, and synthesis of both generative and evaluative studies.

• Broad methodological expertise, with the ability to confidently select and apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to meet diverse project needs.

• Strong consultancy and client-facing skills, including building trusted relationships, advising on research strategy, and influencing decisions at senior stakeholder levels.

• Expertise in stakeholder management, including engaging senior stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and driving alignment across multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated impact through a strong portfolio or case studies showcasing how research has informed successful product, service, or strategic outcomes.

• Experience in mentoring and coaching junior researchers and colleagues, fostering skill development and confidence.

• Thorough understanding of ethical considerations in user research, especially with vulnerable users or those with access needs.

• Deep understanding of inclusive design and accessibility principles, including conducting research with users with access needs and familiarity with WCAG 2.2 guidelines.

• Experience working effectively within Agile teams, actively participating in ceremonies and supporting iterative, user-centred development. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific GDS assessment processes and criteria.

• Familiarity with a variety of analytics and data visualization tools to complement qualitative findings.

• Experience in service blueprinting and user journey mapping.

• Knowledge of Lean UX principles and their application in research.

• Experience with remote research tools and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications heavily emphasize public sector experience and adherence to GDS standards, which are critical for success in this role. The requirement for a strong portfolio is a key indicator of the practical, outcome-driven nature of the position. The experience level suggests a need for strategic thinking and leadership beyond just execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of case studies demonstrating a range of research projects, ideally including examples from the UK Public Sector or complex digital service environments.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, research objectives, methodologies employed, your specific role and contributions, key findings, and the resulting impact on product, service, or strategy.

• Evidence of end-to-end research capability, showcasing experience from initial discovery through to evaluative testing and synthesis.

• Demonstrations of how research insights were translated into actionable recommendations and how these recommendations influenced decision-making.

• Examples of applying inclusive design and accessibility principles in research, with specific mention of WCAG 2.2 understanding where applicable.

• Documentation of collaborative work within multidisciplinary Agile teams. Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of your personal research process, from planning and recruitment to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Examples of how you adapt your research process to suit different project constraints, methodologies, and client needs.

• Documentation of how you ensure research findings are communicated effectively and actionably to diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leadership.

• Evidence of how you mentor or guide others in research processes and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to deliver impactful research and consult effectively within government contexts. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just research skills but also strategic thinking, client influence, and mentorship capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior User Researcher title, 5+ years of experience, and the UK market for specialized consultancy roles in the public sector, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for London and other major UK cities for similar roles, the estimated range is approximately £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This can vary based on specific experience, client project demands, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme: A significant incentive reflecting the company's success and employee contribution.

• Strong Career Progression & Mentorship Coaching: Structured development through "Strength in Balance & Leadership" schemes and a dedicated quarterly "Pathways Career Development" program.

• Flexible/Remote Working: Acknowledgment of work-life balance needs with understanding for individual circumstances.

• Financial Wellbeing:

  • Version 1 Pension with a 5% employee-matched contribution.
  • Private Healthcare Cover.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Financial advice services.
  • Employee Discount scheme.

• Employee Wellbeing:

  • Gym Discounts.
  • Bike to Work scheme.
  • Fitness classes.
  • Mindfulness Workshops.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 24 days holiday plus Public Holidays.

• Enhanced Leave Policies: Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave, and special leave policies.

• Educational Assistance: Incentivised certifications and accreditations (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat) and general educational support.

• Reward Schemes: Version 1's Annual Excellence Awards and quarterly Star Awards to recognize outstanding contributions.

• Community Engagement: Opportunities to get involved in Environment, Social, and Community First initiatives, fostering diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with flexibility offered to support work-life balance, aligning with the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on the "Senior" title, the required experience (5+ years), the critical UK public sector and GDS expertise, and location (major UK cities). The benefits package is extensive and highlights Version 1's commitment to employee wellbeing, professional development, and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Version 1 operates primarily within the Technology and Digital Transformation sector, with a significant focus on Public Sector clients in the UK and Ireland. They are a key partner for global technology leaders like Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Snowflake, indicating a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology.

Company Size: With 3300+ employees and revenues of £300m/€350m, Version 1 is a substantial, established player in the IT services and consulting market. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes, but also enough agility to foster innovation and personal development.

Founded: Celebrating 30 years in business, Version 1 has a long and stable history, indicating a reliable and experienced organization. This longevity is a testament to their adaptability and consistent delivery of value.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is likely part of a broader Digital, Data, and Cloud department. It's a community of practice that fosters expertise sharing.

• The Senior User Researcher will work autonomously within multidisciplinary teams on client projects, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, Business Analysts, and Developers.

• The reporting structure would typically involve reporting to a Head of User Research, a Design Lead, or a Digital Delivery Lead, with direct client-facing work and collaboration. Methodology:

• Version 1 emphasizes a user-centric approach, driven by evidence and aligned with client objectives.

• They work with Agile methodologies, supporting iterative development and continuous improvement.

• A strong partnership model with major technology leaders suggests a focus on delivering high-quality, best-in-class solutions.

• The company culture is described as "core values driven," with a focus on investing in employees and fostering a positive, supportive environment.

Company Website: https://www.version1.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's strong partnerships with major tech vendors and its significant presence in the public sector mean the company operates at the forefront of digital transformation initiatives. The culture is explicitly value-driven and employee-focused, which is a key differentiator for attracting talent in the competitive tech consulting space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Senior" level within the User Research discipline. This implies a significant degree of autonomy, responsibility for leading projects, influencing client strategy, and mentoring junior team members. It signifies a move beyond execution-focused roles towards strategic contribution and leadership within the research domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior User Researcher is expected to work autonomously within multidisciplinary client teams. They will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of User Research, or a relevant Digital Delivery Manager within Version 1. They will also have direct interaction with senior client stakeholders, acting as a key research advisor.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. By leading user research, the Senior User Researcher directly influences the design and delivery of critical public sector digital services. Their work helps reduce project risk, ensure services meet genuine user needs, and ultimately contribute to the effectiveness and accessibility of government services. This influence extends to shaping client organizational mindsets towards user-centricity and strengthening Version 1's reputation in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex research programs, manage research streams within major transformation projects, and potentially step into team leadership roles.

• Strategic Influence: Deeper engagement in service strategy, advising senior clients on research opportunities, and shaping the direction of digital services.

• Mentorship & Practice Development: Taking a lead role in mentoring junior researchers, contributing to the development of Version 1's user research methodologies, and potentially specializing in areas like accessibility or specific public sector domains.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing expertise in managing key client accounts and becoming a trusted advisor for digital transformation initiatives.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to deepen expertise in quantitative methods, data analysis, and service design, potentially cross-skilling into related areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation is key here, indicating a role that requires not only advanced research skills but also strategic thinking, client management, and mentorship capabilities. The growth opportunities are focused on expanding influence, leadership, and strategic impact within both Version 1 and its client organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Version 1 offers a hybrid work model. This means the role involves a blend of remote work and on-site presence, likely at client locations or Version 1 offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, or Belfast, depending on project assignment and team needs.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates located in or willing to work from any of the major UK cities listed: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, or Belfast. This widespread presence allows for flexibility in team assembly and client proximity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model supports both focused independent work (remote) and collaborative team activities (on-site). This includes client workshops, team meetings, and co-design sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard collaborative tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence) and specialized user research software. Version 1's partnerships with tech leaders suggest an environment that embraces modern technology stacks.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with multidisciplinary project teams, as well as opportunities to connect with the broader user research community of practice within Version 1, fostering knowledge sharing and support.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility built-in to accommodate project deadlines and personal circumstances, aligning with the hybrid and remote-friendly approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant factor, requiring candidates to be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively across different locations. The distributed office presence means project teams might be geographically dispersed, demanding strong communication and remote collaboration skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and, crucially, your portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, particularly public sector experience and GDS standards.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior member of the user research/design team. This will focus on your experience, research philosophy, consultancy approach, and how you've applied research to solve problems in complex environments. Expect questions about your portfolio.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to present a detailed case study from your portfolio, explaining your process, findings, and impact. Alternatively, a short, timed exercise might be given to assess your problem-solving and research design skills.

• Final Interview: This may involve meeting with a more senior leader or client representative to assess strategic thinking, stakeholder management capabilities, and cultural fit within Version 1 and its client organizations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best highlight your experience with complex digital services, GDS standards, public sector clients (if possible), and your end-to-end research process.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline: the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the research questions, methodologies used, your process, key insights, recommendations, and measurable outcomes/impact. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Quantify Outcomes: Wherever possible, demonstrate the tangible impact of your research. This could be in terms of user satisfaction, task success rates, cost savings, or improved service efficiency.

• Highlight Consultancy & Mentorship: Explicitly showcase instances where you advised senior stakeholders, influenced strategy, or mentored junior team members.

• Showcase GDS/Accessibility: If you have direct experience with GDS standards or accessibility research (WCAG 2.2), make this prominent.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Standards: Refresh your knowledge of the GDS Digital Service Standard and how user research contributes to meeting each criterion.

• Research Methods: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of various qualitative and quantitative methods in different contexts.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you manage difficult stakeholders, present challenging findings, and build consensus.

• Problem-Solving: Think about common challenges in public sector digital projects and how user research can address them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio and demonstrable impact, especially concerning GDS standards, is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work in detail, demonstrating not just technical research skills but also strategic thinking and client advisory capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing, session recording, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Dovetail for synthesis).

• Survey Tools: For quantitative data collection and analysis (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

• Collaboration Suites: Essential for multidisciplinary team work (e.g., Microsoft 365 suite including Teams, SharePoint; potentially Google Workspace).

• Agile Project Management: Tools used by client teams (e.g., Jira, Confluence).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not the primary focus, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to contextualize user behavior and measure impact is beneficial.

• Tools for creating compelling reports and presentations (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, potentially tools like Tableau for data visualization). CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant to the core research function, but understanding how user research feeds into CRM strategies or product backlogs managed through automation tools can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are less critical than the candidate's ability to select and apply appropriate methodologies and synthesize findings. However, familiarity with common digital product development and collaboration tools is expected, especially within an Agile context. The emphasis is on research execution and insight generation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Version 1 emphasizes a "core values driven" culture. While not explicitly detailed for the research team, these likely translate to:

• Client Focus: Delivering exceptional value and driving customer success through insightful research.

• Excellence: Maintaining high standards in research quality, methodology, and reporting.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering a supportive community of practice.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical research practices and building trusted relationships.

• Innovation: Embracing new methodologies and technologies to enhance research impact.

• Respect & Inclusion: Fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for both colleagues and research participants.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Proactive collaboration with designers, developers, product managers, and business analysts to integrate user insights seamlessly into the development lifecycle.

• Client Partnership: Building strong, trusting relationships with clients, acting as a strategic advisor rather than just a service provider.

• Community of Practice: Active participation in internal user research forums, sharing knowledge, and collectively improving research standards and practices.

• Mentorship: A culture of supporting and developing colleagues, particularly junior researchers, through guidance and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "core values driven" aspect suggests a company culture that prioritizes relationships, integrity, and employee investment. For a Senior User Researcher, this means being able to operate both as an independent consultant and a collaborative team member who champions ethical and inclusive practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Working within government organizations can involve complex procurement processes, established hierarchies, and potentially slower decision-making cycles. Understanding how to navigate these effectively is key.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and influencing strategic decisions from senior client leaders who may not be familiar with or fully appreciate the value of user research.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Agile Speed: Ensuring research remains robust and insightful while fitting within fast-paced Agile development sprints and project timelines.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating the tangible business value and return on investment of user research activities to justify resources and effort.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Each public sector client may have unique challenges, existing processes, and technological landscapes, requiring adaptability in research approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Public Sector Expertise: Deepening knowledge of UK government digital strategy, policies, and specific departmental needs.

• Service Design Integration: Expanding skills in service blueprinting, user journey mapping, and broader service design methodologies.

• Advanced Methodologies: Exploring and implementing more complex research techniques, including longitudinal studies, diary studies at scale, and advanced quantitative analysis.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing coaching and team leadership skills through formal and informal opportunities within Version 1.

• Accessibility Specialization: Becoming a subject matter expert in inclusive design and accessibility research, aligning with WCAG standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the nuanced environment of public sector consulting. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in specialized areas and developing leadership capabilities, aligning with the senior nature of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led user research for a complex digital service in an Agile environment. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on end-to-end research, GDS alignment, and impact.)

• "How would you approach building trust and influencing senior stakeholders within a public sector client organization, especially if they are new to user-centered design?" (Prepare examples of stakeholder management and consultancy.)

• "Walk me through a research project where your findings led to a significant change in product strategy or service design. What was your role in ensuring those changes were implemented?" (Demonstrate impact and your ability to drive action.)

• "How do you ensure your research is inclusive and meets accessibility standards, particularly with users who have specific needs or require adherence to WCAG 2.2?" (Showcase your understanding of inclusive design principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Version 1's work in the public sector, and why are you interested in working with our clients?" (Research Version 1's public sector case studies.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior researchers or sharing your expertise with colleagues?" (Prepare examples of your mentorship style and contributions to a community of practice.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment when working with multidisciplinary teams." (Align your answer with Version 1's emphasis on teamwork and client focus.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Research Process -> Key Insights -> Recommendations -> Impact.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify outcomes whenever possible. If quantitative data isn't available, clearly articulate the qualitative impact and strategic shifts driven by your research.

• Showcase Methodology: Be ready to explain why you chose specific research methods and how they addressed the research questions.

• Highlight Consultancy: Emphasize your advisory role, how you communicated with stakeholders, and how you influenced decisions.

• GDS/Accessibility: If presenting a relevant project, explicitly tie your work to GDS principles or accessibility requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly focus on demonstrating practical experience with GDS standards, public sector context, consultancy skills, and the ability to translate research into actionable, impactful outcomes. The portfolio is your primary tool for this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher position:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 3-4 high-impact case studies that best showcase your experience in complex digital services, public sector work (if applicable), and your end-to-end research process. Ensure each case study clearly details the problem, your approach, key insights, recommendations, and demonstrable impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight experience relevant to public sector digital services, GDS Digital Service Standards, Agile methodologies, and consultancy. Use keywords from the job description such as "User Research," "GDS," "Agile," "Stakeholder Management," and "Inclusive Design."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through one of your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking, consultancy skills, and ability to drive outcomes. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and decision-making.

• Research Version 1 & GDS: Familiarize yourself with Version 1's public sector projects and clients, and refresh your understanding of the GDS Digital Service Standard and its implications for user research.

⚠️ 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.