User Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher

Company: Olive Jar Digital

Location: United Kingdom (Remote)

Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: December 09, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive user research initiatives across the entire project lifecycle, from initial discovery to live service optimization, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of digital service design.

• Plan and execute a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews, usability testing, surveys, observations, and diary studies, to gather actionable insights.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and compelling recommendations that directly inform product strategy, service design, and decision-making for multidisciplinary delivery teams.

• Foster a strong user-centred design culture by collaborating closely with designers, product managers, developers, and stakeholders, advocating for accessibility and evidence-based decision-making.

• Contribute to continuous discovery practices and support iterative service development by translating research insights into tangible improvements and usability enhancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is titled "User Researcher," its responsibilities within "Professional Services" and "digital delivery teams" strongly align with aspects of Design Operations and UX Strategy. The emphasis on influencing service design, advocating for user-centred principles, and working with multidisciplinary teams suggests a role that bridges direct research with operationalizing user insights into practical application within an agency or consultancy context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead user research planning and execution for digital service projects, spanning discovery, design, development, and ongoing optimization phases.

• Select and implement appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys, contextual inquiry, diary studies) tailored to project objectives and constraints.

• Manage user recruitment processes, ensuring ethical research practices and the engagement of representative participant pools.

• Analyze and synthesize complex research data to identify user needs, pain points, behaviours, and opportunities for improvement.

• Translate research insights into actionable recommendations and compelling artefacts such as user personas, journey maps, and service blueprints for delivery teams.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including UX/UI designers, product managers, developers, and business stakeholders, to integrate user insights into service design and strategic decisions.

• Champion user-centred design principles, accessibility standards, and data-driven decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Support continuous discovery efforts and facilitate iterative service improvements based on ongoing research and usability testing feedback.

• Ensure all research activities comply with relevant ethical guidelines, data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to research, not just execution but also strategic advocacy and integration into the delivery process. This suggests a need for researchers who can influence without direct authority and effectively communicate complex findings to diverse audiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field is often preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be considered.

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) conducting user research within agile, multidisciplinary digital delivery teams, ideally in complex or large-scale environments such as public sector, healthcare, or enterprise.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in planning and conducting a variety of qualitative and quantitative user research methods (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys, observational studies).

• Strong understanding of user-centred design (UCD) principles and methodologies, with practical application in digital product/service development.

• Proficient in analyzing complex qualitative and quantitative data, synthesizing findings into actionable insights, and communicating them effectively.

• Familiarity with iterative and agile development methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) and how user research integrates within these frameworks.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, capable of engaging confidently with diverse stakeholders, from delivery teams to strategic leadership.

• Experience in creating and utilizing user research artefacts such as personas, journey maps, and service blueprints to inform design decisions.

• Ability to manage multiple research projects concurrently, prioritize tasks, and work autonomously in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific user research tools for usability testing, survey creation, or data analysis.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and how to incorporate them into research and design.

• Experience working with clients in the public sector, healthcare, or other regulated industries.

• Familiarity with service design principles and mapping complex service ecosystems.

• Experience contributing to or leading discovery phases of digital transformation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-5 years positions this as a mid-level role, expecting a solid foundation in research methodologies and practical application, but also room for growth. The emphasis on complex environments and specific industries suggests a need for adaptable researchers who can navigate varied client needs and project scales.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of user research projects, demonstrating your end-to-end research process, methodologies used, and the impact of your insights.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, your approach, the challenges faced, and the tangible outcomes or recommendations delivered.

• Evidence of how your research directly influenced design decisions, product strategy, or service improvements, ideally with measurable results.

• Examples of research artefacts created (e.g., personas, journey maps, usability reports) and how they were utilized by delivery teams.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear, organized, and accessible manner.

• Experience in synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and concise reports suitable for various stakeholders.

• Documentation of user journeys, service processes, and behavioural patterns to support service design and improvement initiatives.

• Adherence to ethical research protocols and data privacy documentation requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a User Researcher role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just list projects but tell a story about the researcher's problem-solving approach and the impact of their work. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating how research insights translate into concrete actions and improvements, a key requirement in a consultancy setting focused on delivering client value.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level User Researcher (2-5 years experience) working remotely in the UK, a competitive salary range is estimated between £45,000 and £65,000 per annum. This estimate considers the demand for skilled UX researchers, the consultancy sector, and the remote work arrangement, which can sometimes command a premium or vary based on regional cost of living within the UK.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working: Fully remote position offering significant flexibility in work location within the UK.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, courses, and conferences to enhance research skills and stay updated on industry best practices.

• Pension Scheme: Contribution to a company-backed pension plan.

• Holiday Allowance: Generous annual leave entitlement.

• Team Collaboration: Access to a supportive and collaborative Professional Services team.

• Client Exposure: Opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects across various sectors.

• Fixed Term Contract: While a fixed-term contract, Olive Jar Digital is a growing consultancy, potentially offering future opportunities.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The remote nature of the role allows for some flexibility in structuring these hours, provided project deadlines and team collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for UX Researchers in the UK with 2-5 years of experience in a remote capacity. Actual compensation will depend on the specific candidate's experience, qualifications, and the duration/scope of the fixed-term contract. Benefits are typical for a full-time role in the UK consultancy sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Consultancy / Professional Services. Olive Jar Digital operates within the fast-growing digital transformation and consultancy sector, serving clients across public sector, healthcare, and private enterprises. This industry context means a focus on client outcomes, agile delivery, and adapting to diverse client needs.

Company Size: Olive Jar Digital is described as "one of the UK's fastest-growing, award-winning digital consultancies." While an exact employee count isn't provided, this suggests a dynamic, scaling organization, likely with a few hundred employees, offering a mix of start-up agility and established professionalism.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company's rapid growth and award-winning status imply a relatively established presence, likely several years in operation, giving them a track record of successful project delivery.

Team Structure:

• The User Researcher will be part of the "Professional Services team," working alongside "multidisciplinary colleagues" such as designers, product managers, and developers.

• This team structure emphasizes collaboration and cross-functional project delivery, common in agile digital agencies.

Methodology:

• The company focuses on "managed digital delivery services" and "delivering solutions that meet real user needs and drive meaningful impact."

• This implies a strong adherence to user-centred design, agile methodologies, and a data-driven approach to problem-solving and service improvement.

• Continuous discovery and iterative development are key components of their service offering.

Company Website: https://www.olivejar.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Olive Jar Digital's positioning as a fast-growing, award-winning consultancy suggests a culture that values innovation, client success, and professional excellence. The emphasis on multidisciplinary teams and user needs indicates a collaborative environment where research insights are integral to the delivery process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level User Researcher, typically requiring 2-5 years of dedicated experience. It involves leading research activities and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, indicating a level of autonomy and responsibility beyond junior roles. The focus is on contributing to project success and influencing design through research.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will report into the Professional Services team, likely under a senior UX lead or a project/delivery manager. This structure facilitates integration into project teams and ensures alignment with client objectives and company standards. Collaboration will be a key aspect, working closely with designers, product managers, and developers.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is directly tied to ensuring that digital services are user-centred, effective, and meet genuine user needs. By providing evidence-based insights, they enable clients to make informed decisions, reduce the risk of developing unsuitable solutions, and ultimately drive user adoption, satisfaction, and the achievement of business objectives for the client. In a consultancy, this impact is amplified by working across multiple client projects.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, user segments, or industries (e.g., public sector, healthcare).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior User Researcher or UX Lead roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to research strategy.

• Cross-functional Skills: Develop skills in service design, UX strategy, or even product management by working closely with these functions.

• Consultancy Expertise: Gain experience in client management, proposal writing, and business development within the consultancy domain.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training and development programs to stay at the forefront of UX research best practices and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term contract nature of this role, combined with Olive Jar Digital's growth trajectory, suggests potential for conversion to a permanent position or opportunities on subsequent projects. The role offers a solid platform for a researcher looking to gain diverse client experience and advance within the consultancy sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. The company operates as a digital consultancy, meaning the "office" for this role is the researcher's own remote workspace.

Office Location(s): The role is designated as "UK-wide, Remote." This means candidates must be based within the United Kingdom to comply with employment regulations and potential client site requirements (though this role is fully remote, some client-facing consultancies may have geographical limitations for remote workers).

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy and Flexibility: Researchers will manage their own work environment, benefiting from the flexibility of remote work.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: The role will heavily rely on digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace) for communication, meetings, and sharing research outputs.

• Project-Specific Tools: Access to and proficiency with a range of digital tools for research, design, and project management will be essential.

• Independent Work: While collaboration is key, a significant portion of the work will involve independent research, analysis, and documentation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. The remote nature allows for some flexibility in how these hours are structured, but requires strong self-discipline and time management to meet project deadlines and participate in synchronous team meetings or client calls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant aspect of this role. Candidates should be comfortable and productive working from home, possessing a suitable home office setup and strong self-management skills. The "UK-wide" designation is important for compliance and potential tax/employment considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess initial fit for the role and experience level.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior member of the Professional Services team. This will focus on your background, experience with user research methodologies, understanding of UCD principles, and motivation for the role. Expect behavioural questions and discussions about past projects.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You will likely be asked to present a case study from your portfolio. This is a critical stage to demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, communication abilities, and the impact of your work.

• Practical Exercise (Optional): A short take-home exercise or a live problem-solving task related to user research might be given to assess your approach to a specific challenge.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional team members or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the consultancy environment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and methodology, the challenges, your process, the insights gained, and the resulting impact or recommendations.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with designers, developers, and stakeholders to integrate research findings.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience in complex environments, agile delivery, and working with diverse client types (public sector, healthcare, etc.), as per Olive Jar Digital's client base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Methodologies: Be ready to discuss why you chose specific research methods for given problems and how you adapted them.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare to walk through how you would approach a new research problem, from defining objectives to planning and execution.

• Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings clearly and concisely for different audiences. Focus on actionable insights.

• UCD Advocacy: Be prepared to discuss how you champion user-centred design principles within a team or client setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely to be a highly significant part of the interview process. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative that showcases not just their research skills but also their ability to translate those skills into tangible business value for clients, a key differentiator in consultancy roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with various qualitative and quantitative research tools is essential. This could include:

  • Usability Testing: Lookback, UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop.
  • Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, Qualtrics.
  • Recruitment Platforms: User Interviews, Respondent.io, or direct recruitment methods.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides).

• Prototyping & Design Review: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (for reviewing and providing feedback on designs).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Proficient in analyzing qualitative data (thematic analysis, affinity mapping) and quantitative data (basic statistical analysis, survey data interpretation). Tools like Excel or Google Sheets are fundamental; knowledge of more advanced analytics platforms might be beneficial.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to create clear, visually appealing reports and presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or dedicated reporting software.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, familiarity with how user research integrates with CRM data (e.g., understanding customer segments, feedback loops) and product development workflows is advantageous. Understanding of agile project management tools like Jira or Asana would also be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the description implies a need for a researcher adept at using a wide array of digital tools common in remote, agile UX environments. Proficiency with standard collaboration suites and dedicated user research platforms is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value of placing the user at the heart of all digital service design and development.

• Evidence-Based Decision-Making: A commitment to using research and data to inform all strategic and tactical choices.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing the contribution of all multidisciplinary team members and fostering a collaborative environment.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to iterate, learn, and optimize services based on user feedback and performance data.

• Impact & Value: A focus on delivering meaningful impact and tangible value for clients through effective digital solutions.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and client interactions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers are expected to work seamlessly within multidisciplinary teams, acting as the voice of the user and facilitating understanding across disciplines.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of research findings and insights.

• Agile Partnership: Collaborating closely with product managers and development teams in agile sprints, providing timely research support and insights for iterative development.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, presenting research effectively, and guiding them towards user-centred solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Olive Jar Digital's emphasis on client impact and user needs suggests a culture that is results-oriented, collaborative, and driven by expertise. Researchers are expected to be not just executors but also influential advocates for the user within the project lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Project Constraints: Effectively managing research scope, timelines, and budgets within fast-paced agile projects and client demands.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating qualitative and quantitative findings from various sources into a cohesive and actionable narrative.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights to diverse audiences (technical, non-technical, senior leadership) and driving adoption of recommendations, especially when they challenge existing assumptions.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote work setting.

• Navigating Complex Client Environments: Adapting research approaches and communication styles to suit different organizational cultures, industries, and project complexities (e.g., public sector vs. private sector).

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Expansion: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques or explore new methodologies as they emerge.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining broad experience across diverse sectors (public, healthcare, private), enhancing adaptability and understanding of varied user needs.

• Consultancy Skills: Developing client management, presentation, and strategic advisory skills critical for career progression in a consultancy.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior UX professionals within Olive Jar Digital.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to focus on areas like service design, UX strategy, or accessibility research, depending on project needs and personal interests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for adaptable, resilient, and highly communicative researchers. The growth opportunities point towards a role that can serve as a strong stepping stone for those looking to build a robust career in UX research and digital consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user research project you led from start to finish. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you decide which research methods are most appropriate for a given project? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your methodological understanding and adaptability.)

• "Imagine a client is resistant to user research findings that contradict their assumptions. How would you approach this situation?" (Assess your stakeholder management and advocacy skills.)

• "How do you ensure your research remains ethical and inclusive, particularly regarding participant recruitment and data handling?" (Highlight your understanding of ethical best practices.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Olive Jar Digital and this specific role?" (Research the company's projects, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you contribute to a user-centred culture within a multidisciplinary team?" (Align your approach with their stated values.)

• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment." (Highlight your self-management and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Use a clear narrative arc: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Methodology -> Process & Execution -> Key Insights -> Recommendations/Impact -> Learnings.

• Visuals Matter: Use clear, concise slides with visuals (screenshots, anonymized quotes, journey maps) to illustrate your points. Avoid dense text.

• Focus on "Why" and "So What": Explain why you chose certain methods and what the impact of your research was.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, challenges, and how you measured success.

• Showcase Adaptability: If possible, include examples of how you adapted your approach due to constraints or evolving project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to be tested on their practical application of research, their ability to communicate complex ideas simply, and their understanding of how research drives business outcomes within a consultancy context. The portfolio presentation is the prime opportunity to demonstrate this.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link (JazzHR portal).

• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your experience in user research, user-centred design, qualitative/quantitative methodologies, data analysis, and agile environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end research process, impact, and collaboration skills. Ensure it's easily accessible online.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare answers to common user research interview questions, focusing on impact and problem-solving.

• Research Olive Jar Digital: Understand their client work, values, and approach to digital delivery to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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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