Senior User Researcher - Day Rate Contract

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior User Researcher - Day Rate Contract

Company: Version 1

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

Job Type: Full-time, Contract

Category: User Research / Service Design Operations

Date Posted: 27 August 2026

Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute comprehensive user research initiatives across complex digital services, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of product and strategy decisions within public sector client engagements.

• Drive evidence-based decision-making by collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, including product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers, throughout the Agile delivery lifecycle.

• Act as a senior consultant, building trusted client relationships, advising on research strategy, and influencing strategic direction at senior levels to ensure successful outcomes aligned with user needs and business objectives.

• Mentor and upskill junior researchers and colleagues, fostering a collaborative, user-centric culture and contributing to the continuous improvement of Version 1's user research practice.

• Ensure all research and service design adheres to stringent GDS Digital Service Standards and accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.2), driving meaningful and accessible service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is structured as a day-rate contract, indicating a need for experienced, autonomous consultants who can quickly integrate into client teams and deliver high-impact research. The emphasis on public sector clients and GDS standards suggests a requirement for deep familiarity with government digital service delivery frameworks and a consultative approach to client engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end user research process for complex digital projects, from initial discovery through to iterative delivery, ensuring robust findings inform product, service, and strategic planning.

• Design, conduct, and analyze a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research studies, including moderated/unmoderated usability testing, depth interviews, surveys, co-design sessions, and diary studies, selecting appropriate methodologies to meet project objectives.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations, effectively communicating these to multidisciplinary teams and senior client stakeholders through compelling presentations and reports.

• Proactively identify research opportunities, advise clients on best practices, and build strong, trusted relationships by demonstrating a deep understanding of user needs and business goals.

• Mentor and coach junior user researchers and other team members, sharing expertise, fostering a collaborative research community, and developing their skills in user-centred design and research methodologies.

• Champion user-centred design principles and accessibility standards (including WCAG 2.2) within client organizations, contributing to the development of inclusive and accessible digital services.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies, providing research-led insights to support backlog refinement, sprint planning, and iteration cycles.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of Version 1's user research capabilities, sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative techniques across the internal community of practice.

• Manage research budgets and timelines effectively, ensuring deliverables are met within agreed parameters.

• Ensure all research activities are conducted ethically, with a particular focus on user privacy and the inclusion of vulnerable users or those with access needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution, strategic consulting, and team leadership. The emphasis on GDS standards and public sector clients implies a need for a strong understanding of government procurement and delivery processes, alongside a proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in a relevant field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Design Research, Computer Science) or equivalent practical experience is expected.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in user research, with a significant portion focused on complex digital services within Agile environments. Proven experience working with UK public sector clients and a deep understanding of government digital service design principles are critical.

Required Skills:

• Extensive User Research Expertise: Proven ability to lead and conduct end-to-end research, encompassing generative (discovery) and evaluative (validation) studies.

• Methodological Breadth: Proficiency in a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, card sorting, journey mapping).

• GDS & Public Sector Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the GDS Digital Service Standard, GOV.UK design system patterns, and public sector service assessment processes.

• Agile Delivery Experience: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within Agile multidisciplinary teams, contributing to ceremonies and providing research insights for iterative development.

• Consultancy & Stakeholder Management: Strong client-facing consultancy skills, including building trusted relationships, advising on research strategy, and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Inclusive Design & Accessibility: Deep understanding and practical application of inclusive design principles and accessibility standards, including familiarity with WCAG 2.2 and research with users with access needs.

• Data Synthesis & Insight Generation: Ability to analyze complex data sets and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights that drive product, service, and strategic decisions.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Experience in coaching, mentoring, and upskilling junior researchers and colleagues.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific government digital platforms or frameworks.

• Familiarity with quantitative research tools for large-scale surveys or data analysis.

• Advanced facilitation skills for workshops and co-design sessions.

• Experience in service design strategy and mapping.

• Knowledge of ethical research frameworks relevant to public services.

• Experience with design systems beyond GOV.UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical research skills, strategic consultancy, and specific domain knowledge (UK public sector, GDS). The "extensive experience" requirement points towards a need for candidates who can operate autonomously and provide immediate value.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse case studies demonstrating end-to-end user research projects, ideally within the public sector or complex digital service environments.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the user research problem, the methodologies employed, the research process followed, key findings, and the tangible impact of the research on product/service outcomes or strategic decisions.

• Highlight specific examples of how your research findings led to measurable improvements in user experience, accessibility, or service effectiveness, quantifying impact where possible (e.g., reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction scores, improved accessibility compliance).

• Include evidence of your contributions to service design strategy, GDS standard compliance, and the application of inclusive design and accessibility principles (WCAG 2.2).

• Demonstrate your ability to present research findings to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders, through examples of reports, presentations, or workshop outputs. Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal research process, including how you select appropriate methodologies, plan research activities, manage ethical considerations, and document findings.

• Provide examples of how you have documented research processes, ensuring consistency, clarity, and traceability for future reference and team collaboration.

• Detail your approach to synthesizing research data from multiple sources and translating it into actionable insights for Agile teams and strategic decision-makers.

• Explain how you ensure research findings are effectively integrated into the product development lifecycle and contribute to iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, acting as tangible proof of the candidate's capabilities, particularly regarding GDS standards and public sector context. The emphasis is on demonstrating impact and strategic influence, not just execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a day-rate contract, the compensation will be negotiated based on experience, expertise, and the specific day rate. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior User Researchers with GDS/Public Sector experience in London and major UK cities, a day rate typically ranges from £450 to £700 per day. This rate reflects the senior level, specialized skills, and contract nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Day Rate Compensation: Competitive daily rate reflecting expertise and market demand.

• Profit Share: Eligibility for Version 1's Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, allowing contract staff to share in the company's success.

• Career Development: Access to Version 1's "Strength in Balance" and "Leadership" schemes for mentorship coaching and a dedicated quarterly "Pathways Career Development" program.

• Flexibility: Opportunities for flexible and remote working arrangements, acknowledging the need for work-life balance.

• Financial Wellbeing: Access to financial advice and Version 1's Employee Discount scheme.

• Wellbeing Initiatives: Participation in various employee wellbeing schemes, including gym discounts, Bike to Work, fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and an Employee Assistance Programme.

• Educational Support: Access to incentivised certifications and accreditations, relevant to technology partnerships (AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, Red Hat).

• Recognition: Eligibility for Version 1's Annual Excellence Awards and quarterly Star Awards.

• Social Impact: Opportunities to engage in Environment, Social, and Community First initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is described as hybrid, specific on-site requirements will depend on the client project and Version 1's internal policies, with flexibility offered where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is estimated based on typical day rates for senior contract roles in the UK tech and consulting sector, specifically for user researchers with public sector experience. The benefits listed are extensive and suggest Version 1 aims to provide a comprehensive package even for contract hires, emphasizing growth and wellbeing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Version 1 operates within the Technology sector, specializing in digital transformation, cloud solutions, and IT services. They are a prominent partner for global technology leaders like Microsoft, AWS, Oracle, Red Hat, OutSystems, and Snowflake. Their work often involves significant engagements within the Public Sector, driving innovation and efficiency for government clients.

Company Size: Version 1 is a substantial organization, with over 3300 employees and revenues in the range of £300m-£350m. This size indicates a well-established company with robust processes and a broad client base, offering stability and significant opportunities for professional development.

Founded: Version 1 celebrated its 30th anniversary, signifying a long-standing presence and deep expertise in the technology and transformation market. This history suggests a stable company culture and a proven track record of client success.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: While not explicitly detailed, it's implied that user researchers will be part of a broader Digital, Data, and Cloud department. They will likely work within project-specific multidisciplinary teams, reporting to project leads or delivery managers, and be part of an internal user research community of practice.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role emphasizes close collaboration with product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers within Agile teams. There's also a strong focus on client-facing collaboration, building relationships with various stakeholders within public sector organizations.

• Methodology: Version 1 champions a values-driven approach, deeply embedding core values into their operations. They focus on delivering technology and transformation solutions, fostering strong partnerships, and prioritizing employee wellbeing and professional growth. For user research, this translates to a user-first mindset, evidence-driven decision-making, and adherence to GDS standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Version 1's strong partnerships and focus on digital transformation, particularly in the public sector, position this role as critical in delivering impactful, user-centric services. The company's size and tenure suggest a professional environment with established practices and a commitment to employee development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior Consultant level within the user research discipline. It requires significant autonomy, the ability to lead complex projects independently, and influence decision-making at senior client levels. It's a step beyond a standard Senior User Researcher, incorporating a strong consultative element and leadership in client engagements.

Reporting Structure: While working on client projects, the Senior User Researcher will operate within multidisciplinary Agile teams, likely reporting to a Project Manager, Delivery Lead, or a senior client representative. Internally, they will be part of the user research community of practice, potentially reporting to a Head of Research or a Practice Lead for professional development and guidance.

Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher's impact is directly tied to shaping meaningful, accessible, and valuable digital services for public sector clients. By ensuring evidence drives decisions, they reduce project risk, improve user satisfaction, and contribute to the successful delivery of government services. Their work directly influences the user experience and effectiveness of critical public sector digital platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2), or public sector digital service design.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with greater strategic oversight, practice management, or client account leadership within Version 1's Digital, Data, and Cloud practice.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain broader experience in service design, product management, or Agile coaching through project work and internal training.

• Mentorship & Training: Formalize mentorship skills and contribute to the development of Version 1's user research talent pool.

• GDS Assessor Path: For individuals with deep GDS expertise, opportunities may arise to become involved in service assessments.

• Further Certifications: Leverage educational assistance to pursue advanced certifications in UX research, accessibility, or Agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for experienced researchers to move into more strategic, client-facing, and leadership-oriented positions. The contract nature might also appeal to those seeking varied project experiences and the ability to leverage their expertise across different public sector challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role involves a Hybrid work arrangement. The specific balance between remote work and on-site presence will be dictated by the client's requirements for specific projects, alongside Version 1's internal policies. This suggests a need for flexibility and the ability to work effectively from various locations.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates based in or willing to travel to major UK cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Edinburgh, and Belfast. This broad geographical coverage indicates that Version 1 serves clients across the United Kingdom and may require travel to client sites.

Workspace Context:

• Client Site Integration: A significant portion of the work will likely involve embedding within client teams, requiring adaptability to different organizational cultures and working environments within the public sector.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect to utilize a range of digital collaboration tools for remote work, alongside standard office-based collaboration methods when on-site. Version 1's partnerships with major tech providers suggest access to modern technology stacks.

• Team Interaction: While remote work is supported, there will be opportunities for in-person collaboration with both client teams and fellow Version 1 colleagues during project phases or internal community events, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour week. However, flexibility is a key offering from Version 1, acknowledging that individual circumstances and client project needs may require adjustments. This flexibility is crucial for balancing demanding project work with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and multi-city coverage mean candidates must be comfortable with a degree of travel and working remotely. The emphasis on client-site integration suggests a hands-on, embedded approach to consultancy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your CV and any initial screening questions. Be prepared to highlight your experience with GDS standards and public sector projects.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your user research portfolio. You will be expected to present 1-2 case studies, detailing your process, methodologies, findings, and the impact of your work. Expect questions about your approach to specific research challenges, ethical considerations, and GDS compliance.

• Consultative/Client-Facing Interview: This interview will assess your ability to consult with clients, build relationships, influence decision-making, and manage stakeholder expectations. You may be presented with a hypothetical client scenario to gauge your problem-solving and communication skills.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: You may meet with potential team members or practice leads to assess your fit within Version 1's values-driven culture and your ability to mentor and collaborate.

• Final Stage: Depending on the specific contract and client, there might be a final interview with a senior client representative or Version 1 leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Public Sector/GDS: Select case studies that most clearly demonstrate your experience with UK public sector clients and adherence to GDS Digital Service Standards.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, data, and clear narratives to illustrate your research process and findings. Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly outline: The Problem, Your Role, The Approach (Methodologies), The Process, Key Findings, Recommendations, and The Impact/Outcome.

• Highlight Consultancy Skills: Emphasize instances where you advised clients, managed complex stakeholder relationships, or influenced strategic decisions.

• Demonstrate Accessibility Expertise: Showcase how you integrated inclusive design and accessibility (WCAG 2.2) into your research and recommendations.

• Be Concise and Focused: Tailor your presentation to the time allotted and focus on the most relevant aspects of your experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Standards: Refresh your knowledge of the GDS Digital Service Standard and how to meet its criteria through user research.

• Research Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach research for common public sector digital services (e.g., citizen portals, internal government systems).

• Ethical Dilemmas: Think about how you would handle ethical challenges in research, especially with vulnerable user groups.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you have managed difficult stakeholders or navigated conflicting requirements.

• Mentorship Approach: Be ready to discuss your philosophy and practical approach to mentoring junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just research skills but also consultancy capabilities, GDS knowledge, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that directly addresses the requirements of public sector digital services is essential.

🛠 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).

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in designing and deploying surveys for data collection (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics).

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: While not a designer, understanding how to interpret and provide feedback on prototypes (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) is beneficial.

• Collaboration Suites: Extensive use of platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, Google Workspace for communication, collaboration, and document sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to analyze qualitative data using affinity mapping, thematic analysis, and potentially basic quantitative analysis using tools like Excel or Google Sheets.

• Reporting & Presentation Software: Proficiency in creating clear, compelling reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, and potentially data visualization tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM management might not be the focus, understanding how user research insights can feed into CRM strategies or inform customer journey mapping within CRM systems is valuable.

• Familiarity with project management tools used in Agile environments (e.g., Jira, Confluence) is essential for team collaboration and tracking research activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for remote collaboration, research execution, data analysis, and reporting. Proficiency in Agile project management tools is also key for seamless integration into client teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Version 1 emphasizes core values that drive their business. For a Senior User Researcher, these likely translate to:

• Integrity & Trust: Building genuine relationships with clients and colleagues, acting ethically, and delivering on promises.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for high-quality research outputs, continuously learning, and applying innovative approaches to solve user problems.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment, sharing knowledge, and working effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve collective goals.

• Customer Focus: Placing the user at the heart of all decisions and ensuring that research directly contributes to client success and positive user outcomes.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking full responsibility for research deliverables, proactively managing challenges, and driving projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style: Version 1 promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive culture. Expect an environment where:

• Cross-functional Integration: User researchers are integral members of multidisciplinary teams, actively participating in all project phases and ceremonies.

• Open Communication: Feedback is encouraged, and knowledge sharing is facilitated through internal communities of practice, workshops, and informal discussions.

• Values-Driven Interactions: Interactions are guided by the company's core values, promoting respect, trust, and a shared commitment to delivering excellence.

• Mentorship and Development: There's a strong emphasis on supporting colleagues' growth through coaching, knowledge sharing, and development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as values-driven and employee-centric, even extending to contract roles through profit-sharing and development opportunities. This suggests a professional yet supportive environment where collaboration and continuous improvement are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Bureaucracy: Public sector organizations can have complex decision-making processes and established protocols, requiring patience and strong stakeholder management skills to drive change through research.

• Balancing GDS Standards with Client Needs: Ensuring strict adherence to GDS standards while also meeting specific client objectives and constraints can be challenging, requiring diplomatic negotiation and evidence-based justification.

• Remote & Hybrid Working Dynamics: Effectively leading research and fostering team cohesion in a hybrid or remote environment requires proactive communication and strong facilitation skills.

• Demonstrating ROI for Research: Articulating the tangible business value and return on investment of user research to stakeholders who may not be fully familiar with UX principles.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Continuously updating knowledge of GDS guidelines, accessibility standards, and emerging research methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced GDS Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in GDS standards, service assessments, and government digital strategy.

• Accessibility Specialization: Focused training and certifications in accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

• Consultancy Skills Enhancement: Formal training and on-the-job experience in client management, strategic advising, and business development.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship from senior researchers and leaders within Version 1.

• Community of Practice: Active participation in Version 1's user research and digital transformation communities to share knowledge and learn from peers.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of public sector projects provides broad exposure to different challenges, user groups, and service types.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior consultants working in the public sector, requiring strong interpersonal skills, domain knowledge, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are robust, offering paths for specialization, leadership, and continuous learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led user research for a complex digital service in the UK public sector. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure adherence to GDS standards?" (Focus on your process, GDS knowledge, and problem-solving).

• "How would you approach building trust and influencing senior stakeholders within a government department that is resistant to user-centred design?" (Highlight your consultancy, communication, and stakeholder management skills).

• "Walk us through a project where your research findings directly led to a significant improvement in service accessibility or inclusivity. What methods did you use, and how did you measure the impact?" (Emphasize your accessibility expertise and impact-driven approach).

• "Imagine you're tasked with conducting discovery research for a new citizen-facing government portal. What would be your initial steps, key research questions, and preferred methodologies?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking and research planning capabilities). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Version 1's work in the public sector, and why are you interested in this contract role?" (Showcase your research into the company and your alignment with their values and mission).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior researchers, and what is your philosophy on building a strong research community?" (Assess your leadership and collaborative potential).

• "How do you stay current with evolving GDS standards, accessibility guidelines (WCAG), and user research best practices?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research process, key findings, recommendations, and most importantly, the measurable impact of your work. Use data and concrete examples.

• Highlight GDS & Accessibility: Explicitly point out how your research and recommendations contributed to meeting GDS standards and improving accessibility (WCAG 2.2).

• Showcase Consultancy Skills: Be ready to discuss how you managed client relationships, navigated challenges, and influenced decisions.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodologies, data analysis, and how you translated insights into action.

• Practice Your Narrative: Ensure your presentation flows logically and tells a compelling story about your contributions and the value you delivered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of GDS, public sector digital delivery, and consultancy skills, supported by concrete examples from your portfolio.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior User Researcher contract position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply directly through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight your extensive experience (5+ years) in user research, specifically mentioning projects within the UK public sector and your familiarity with GDS Digital Service Standards and Agile methodologies. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio that prominently features 2-3 strong case studies demonstrating your end-to-end research process, impact, and expertise in GDS standards and accessibility (WCAG 2.2). Be ready to present these in detail.

• Research Version 1: Familiarize yourself with Version 1's work, particularly their public sector engagements and their company values. Understand their position as a partner to major tech leaders.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer strategy, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on your experience with GDS, public sector challenges, consultancy, and mentorship. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ 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.