Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Barclays

Location: Glasgow Campus, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-05T00:00:00

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead user research initiatives to inform the design and development of digital banking products, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Execute a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather actionable insights into customer needs, pain points, and preferences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and designers, to translate research findings into product strategy and design decisions.

• Design and maintain intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing user interfaces for digital banking platforms, aligning with brand identity and accessibility standards.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of digital banking products by influencing business and product strategy through compelling user insights and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Senior UX Researcher," its responsibilities heavily overlap with core GTM operations functions, particularly in product strategy, user feedback integration, and cross-functional alignment. The emphasis on influencing strategy and working within a large financial institution suggests a role that bridges research insights directly into operational product development and GTM execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including usability testing, interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to deeply understand customer needs, behaviors, and pain points within the digital banking context.

• Translate complex user research findings into clear, actionable insights and recommendations for product managers, designers, and development teams, effectively communicating user needs and their implications for product strategy.

• Design and create detailed user personas, journey maps, and user flows to visualize and communicate user experiences and identify areas for improvement.

• Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and mockups to effectively communicate design concepts, test product ideas, and gather early user feedback before full-scale development.

• Ensure all digital banking products and interfaces adhere to relevant accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and best practices, promoting an inclusive and equitable user experience for all customers.

• Monitor and analyze industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor offerings in digital banking and UX design to drive innovation and continuously enhance the quality and effectiveness of Barclays' digital products.

• Collaborate with stakeholders across various business divisions, including product, technology, marketing, and operations, to champion user-centric design principles and ensure alignment on product vision and execution.

• Contribute to the development and enforcement of design guidelines and brand consistency across all digital touchpoints to maintain a cohesive and recognizable brand experience.

• Support the Assistant Vice President in policy development, operational effectiveness, and strategic decision-making by providing data-driven research insights and user advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong strategic component, moving beyond pure research execution to influencing product roadmaps and business strategy. This indicates a need for candidates who can not only conduct research but also effectively present and advocate for user needs within a complex organizational structure, a critical aspect of GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 5-10 years of proven experience in UX research, user interface design, and user experience design, preferably within the financial services or a large, complex organizational environment.

• Demonstrated experience in leading research projects from conception to completion, including defining research objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and synthesizing findings.

• Proven track record of influencing product strategy and decision-making through compelling user insights and data-driven recommendations. Required Skills:

• Qualitative Research Methodologies: Deep expertise in conducting user interviews, focus groups, ethnographic studies, and usability testing.

• Quantitative Research Methodologies: Proficiency in designing and analyzing surveys, A/B tests, and analyzing user data to identify trends and measure impact.

• User Interface (UI) & User Experience (UX) Design Principles: Strong understanding of design best practices, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.

• Wireframing and Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision) for creating low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Accessibility Standards: In-depth knowledge of WCAG guidelines and experience in designing accessible digital products.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and influence diverse stakeholders.

• Product Strategy Influence: Demonstrated ability to connect user insights with business objectives and shape product roadmaps and strategies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with data platforms and analytics tools to derive insights from user behavior data.

• Experience in shaping product propositions and go-to-market strategies based on user needs.

• Financial services industry experience, with an understanding of banking products, regulations, and customer segments.

• Experience working within large, matrixed organizations and navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working in cross-functional agile teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on influencing strategy, experience in large organizations, and financial services background are critical for operations roles. Candidates should highlight their ability to connect research outcomes directly to business impact and operational efficiency within such environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Detailed case studies showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, clearly outlining the problem, research objectives, methodologies used, key findings, and the impact of the research on product development and business outcomes.

• Design Deliverables: Examples of wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate your ability to translate research insights into tangible design solutions.

• Data Synthesis & Insights: Presentation of how you synthesized qualitative and quantitative data, highlighting your analytical process and the clarity of insights delivered to stakeholders.

• Impact Demonstration: Specific examples of how your research and design contributions led to measurable improvements in user satisfaction, engagement, conversion rates, or operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Research Process Documentation: Examples of how you document your research plans, methodologies, participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis processes to ensure rigor and reproducibility.

• Design System Contribution: Evidence of contributions to or utilization of design systems, demonstrating an understanding of consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design operations.

• Cross-functional Collaboration Workflows: Documentation or descriptions of how you collaborate with product managers, developers, and other operational teams, including feedback loops and iteration processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio should not just showcase design but also the process and impact. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work directly contributed to operational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and measurable business results, aligning with GTM and operations objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Researcher role with 5-10 years of experience in a major financial institution in Glasgow, Scotland, the estimated salary range is £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, the strategic impact required, and the cost of living in Glasgow. Note: This is an estimate and actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the specific internal pay bands at Barclays. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness: Access to private medical insurance, dental care, and potentially optical coverage.

• Financial Security: Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions, life assurance, and potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave allowance, with options for flexible working arrangements where applicable, and potential for sabbaticals.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, including access to training programs, conferences, workshops, and certifications relevant to UX research, design, and financial services.

• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Other Benefits: Potential for discounted financial products, employee share purchase plans, and other Barclays-specific perks.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in start and end times, subject to team and business needs. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or critical business events, particularly during product launches or major system updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on standard UK financial sector compensation for senior UX roles. Benefits are typical for large financial institutions and are presented to highlight the comprehensive package offered to attract and retain talent in specialized roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees)

Founded: 1836

Company Description: Barclays is a British multinational universal bank headquartered in London. It is a universal bank with operations in retail banking, wholesale banking, and investment banking. Barclays offers a wide range of financial products and services, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, loans, credit cards, investment management, and corporate banking services. The organization is committed to innovation and digital transformation to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher will likely be part of a dedicated UX/Product Design team within the Personal, Business and Corporate Banking (PBWM) division.

• This team is expected to be composed of UX researchers, UI designers, UX writers, and potentially UX strategists, reporting to a Head of UX or similar leadership role.

• Close collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Data Analytics, and Marketing teams is a fundamental aspect of the team's operational model. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging user research, analytics, and market data to inform all design and product development decisions.

• Agile Development: The team likely operates within an agile framework, involving iterative design, continuous feedback, and close collaboration with development sprints.

• User-Centric Design: A core principle is placing the user at the center of all design processes, ensuring products are intuitive, effective, and meet customer needs.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of ongoing evaluation, testing, and iteration to refine digital products and user experiences post-launch.

Company Website: https://home.barclays

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' status as a large, established financial institution implies a structured environment with established processes. For operations candidates, this means understanding and potentially improving existing workflows, navigating corporate governance, and contributing to large-scale digital transformation initiatives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Emerging Team Leadership

This role represents a senior individual contributor position, with significant autonomy and responsibility for driving UX research strategy and execution within the PBWM division. It provides a pathway towards potential leadership roles, such as a UX Research Manager or Head of UX, where one would be responsible for managing a team, setting departmental strategy, and overseeing larger research programs.

Reporting Structure:

The Senior UX Researcher will report to a Head of UX or a Director of Product Design within the PBWM division. They will work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and other senior stakeholders across various business units. The role involves significant cross-functional collaboration without direct line management responsibilities, though mentoring junior researchers is expected.

Operations Impact:

The insights and designs generated by this role have a direct impact on the customer experience of Barclays' digital banking platforms. This translates into tangible business outcomes such as increased customer acquisition and retention, higher engagement rates, improved customer satisfaction, reduced support costs, and ultimately, enhanced revenue generation and market share. The role is critical in ensuring Barclays' digital offerings remain competitive and meet the evolving needs of its customer base.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into a management role, leading a team of UX researchers and designers, and contributing to higher-level strategic planning for the UX function.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research areas (e.g., behavioral economics, advanced analytics, accessibility auditing) or product domains.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into related roles such as Product Management, UX Strategy, or GTM Operations, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development cycles.

• Industry Exposure: Involvement in high-profile digital transformation projects within a leading global financial institution, providing valuable experience and networking opportunities.

• Continuous Learning: Access to internal training, external conferences, and certifications to stay abreast of the latest advancements in UX research, design, and financial technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" section is crucial for GTM roles. It highlights how UX research directly contributes to revenue, customer retention, and cost reduction – key metrics for operations professionals. The growth opportunities emphasize career progression within a large, stable organization, a common draw for operations talent.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Campus / Modern Office Environment

The role is based in Glasgow Campus, a significant hub for Barclays, suggesting a modern, well-equipped office environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s):

Glasgow Campus, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office layout, amenities, and proximity to public transport would typically be available upon request or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment will likely feature a mix of open-plan work areas, private offices for focused work, and numerous meeting rooms equipped with technology for presentations and remote collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Access to high-speed internet, state-of-the-art hardware and software (including design and research tools), and robust IT support.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues within the UX team, product teams, and other departments, fostering a strong sense of teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

The standard work schedule is on-site, reflecting a commitment to in-person collaboration and team cohesion. While primarily office-based, the role may offer some degree of flexibility in daily working hours, which can be discussed during the interview process. The emphasis is on delivering results and meeting project timelines, with the understanding that occasional adjustments may be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, the work environment section is important for understanding the practicalities of the role. The emphasis on collaboration and the availability of tools suggests an environment conducive to efficient workflow and process improvement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience in UX research and design, particularly within financial services or large organizations.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, skills, and understanding of UX research methodologies. You'll be asked to provide examples of past projects and how you've handled specific challenges.

3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present a selection of your work, typically 2-3 detailed case studies showcasing your research process, insights, and impact. This is a critical stage.

4. Skills-Based Assessment/Workshop: This may involve a practical exercise, such as a mini-research plan development, a usability critique, or a problem-solving scenario related to digital banking.

5. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential peers and key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Lead Designers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to influence.

6. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Director/VP level) to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for Barclays.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that demonstrate a full research lifecycle and quantifiable impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate:

  • The Business/User Problem
  • Your Role and Responsibilities
  • The Research Questions/Objectives
  • Methodologies Used (and why)
  • Your Process (from planning to synthesis)
  • Key Insights and Findings
  • The Design Solutions/Recommendations Derived
  • The Impact/Outcome (quantify where possible – e.g., % improvement, cost savings)

• Highlight Operations Alignment: Emphasize how your research informed strategic decisions, improved operational efficiency, or contributed to business goals.

• Showcase Tools & Techniques: Briefly mention the tools and techniques you employed, demonstrating your technical proficiency.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflicting feedback, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Barclays' Business: Research Barclays' current digital offerings, strategic priorities, and recent news. Familiarize yourself with common challenges in the banking sector (e.g., digital adoption, security, regulatory compliance).

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical UX challenges related to banking products. Think about how you would approach understanding the problem, defining research questions, selecting methods, and proposing solutions.

• Articulate Your Process: Practice explaining your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on user-centered principles and data-driven rationale.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams and influenced stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is detailed to provide a roadmap for candidates. The portfolio review tips are critical for operations roles, emphasizing the need to demonstrate not just research skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and measurable business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (proficient in at least one, familiarity with others is a plus).

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing), Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (understanding how to interpret data from these tools is key).

• Internal Data Tools: Familiarity with Barclays' internal data platforms and reporting mechanisms would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how user feedback and behavior data feeds into CRM systems and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Adobe Experience Cloud) is beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey.

• Data Management: Proficiency in managing and organizing research data, ensuring data privacy and security.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting proficiency in specific UX research and design tools is essential. For operations roles, understanding how these tools integrate with broader data analytics, CRM, and project management systems used within a large enterprise like Barclays is also crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, including those of customers and colleagues, and fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical research practices, ensuring data privacy, and acting with honesty and transparency in all interactions.

• Service: A commitment to serving customers by creating intuitive, effective, and accessible digital experiences that meet their needs and build trust.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in research, design, and analysis, continuously seeking to improve processes and outcomes.

• Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the impact of designs on customers and the business, ensuring long-term sustainability and positive brand perception.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active participation in cross-functional teams, working collaboratively with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to ensure research insights are understood and acted upon.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages open and honest feedback on research plans, designs, and insights, fostering continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings, best practices, and learnings across teams to build collective understanding and elevate the UX practice within Barclays.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development and adapting research approaches to fit agile sprints and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with these values is key for cultural fit. For operations professionals, the emphasis on "Service," "Excellence," and "Stewardship" directly relates to delivering value, optimizing processes, and managing resources effectively within the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to the complexities of a large, established financial institution with potentially entrenched processes and diverse stakeholder needs.

• Data Silos: Overcoming challenges related to accessing and integrating data from various internal systems to gain a holistic view of customer behavior.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Effectively advocating for user needs while navigating technical limitations, regulatory requirements, and business priorities.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research and design on business metrics and operational efficiency in a complex environment.

• Pace of Change: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations in the digital banking landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to train in cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research methods, including AI-driven insights generation.

• Financial Services Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the financial services industry, regulatory landscape, and customer behaviors specific to banking.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through mentoring junior team members and potentially leading research initiatives, with pathways to management roles.

• Digital Transformation Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in large-scale digital transformation projects within a leading global bank.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending key UX and financial technology conferences and pursuing relevant professional certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section provides foresight into potential hurdles, allowing candidates to prepare strategies. For operations candidates, framing these challenges in terms of process improvement, risk mitigation, and efficiency gains is key. Growth opportunities should be viewed through the lens of advancing operational expertise and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the core user needs for a new digital savings product at Barclays, considering our existing customer base and competitive landscape?" (Focus on research planning, methodology selection, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence a team or leadership to adopt a user-centered recommendation that was initially met with resistance. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, and achieving buy-in.)

• "Imagine we're seeing a drop in engagement on our mobile banking app. How would you diagnose the potential causes using UX research methodologies, and what steps would you take to propose solutions?" (Focus on problem-solving, analytical thinking, and research execution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Barclays' digital banking strategy, and how do you see UX research contributing to its success?" (Demonstrate research into the company and its strategic objectives.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively integrated into the product development lifecycle within a large organization?" (Focus on collaboration, communication, and process integration.)

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your UX research work within a business context?" (Focus on metrics, ROI, and linking research to business outcomes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your process and insights), and end (solution and impact).

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the tangible business value of your work (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%", "identified $Z in potential cost savings"). This is crucial for operations alignment.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked effectively with product managers, developers, or other stakeholders to bring user insights to life.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making rationale, and how you handled specific challenges within your projects.

• Connect to Barclays: If possible, subtly tailor your examples to resonate with the financial services context or the scale of Barclays' operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just UX expertise but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to drive operational improvements through user insights – key attributes for success in operations-aligned roles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position at Barclays:

• Submit your application through the official Barclays careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research case studies that clearly demonstrate your process, insights, and quantifiable business impact. Ensure these highlight your ability to influence strategy and drive operational improvements.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords relevant to UX research, product strategy, financial services, and operational efficiency. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your process, and the business value of your contributions. Be ready to discuss how your work aligns with Barclays' values and strategic goals.

• Research Barclays: Thoroughly research Barclays' digital banking products, recent news, and strategic initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of their business context and potential challenges.

⚠️ 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.