UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Barclays

Location: Northampton, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead comprehensive, end-to-end UX research programs to deeply understand customer needs, behaviors, and pain points, directly informing design decisions and driving insight-led product development.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Product, Channel, Marketing, Transformation, and Technology teams to integrate research findings throughout the entire innovation cycle, ensuring customer voice is central.

• Manage and mitigate all risks associated with the insight process, particularly Data Privacy, ensuring alignment with Chief Controls Office and compliance standards.

• Develop and test prototypes, mock-ups, and value propositions, gathering crucial usability feedback from customers and internal stakeholders to refine concepts.

• Monitor emerging technologies, industry trends, design best practices, and societal/economic shifts impacting the customer landscape and influencing strategic decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Researcher with significant autonomy, indicated by "end to end research programmes" and "self-starter" requirements. The focus on "20m UK customers" and integration across multiple departments suggests a high-impact role within a large, complex financial institution. The emphasis on risk management, particularly Data Privacy, is crucial for operations professionals in regulated industries.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze qualitative and quantitative research studies to uncover deep customer insights for both discovery and concept validation.

• Collaborate closely with UX/UI Designers, Copywriters, Design Ops, and Product Managers to translate research findings into actionable design recommendations.

• Conduct user interviews, surveys, usability testing, focus groups, and contextual inquiries to gather rich qualitative and quantitative data.

• Analyze research data using appropriate methodologies, triangulating insights from various sources (e.g., market research, customer surveys, feedback sessions, AI tools) to identify opportunities and evolving customer needs.

• Develop and present compelling research reports and insights to diverse stakeholder groups, effectively communicating findings and recommendations to drive decision-making.

• Manage research recruitment processes, particularly for challenging-to-recruit B2B segments or niche industries, ensuring high-quality participant pools.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, design trends, and competitive landscape to provide strategic recommendations and inform innovation.

• Ensure all research activities comply with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) and internal risk management policies, working closely with compliance teams.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research methodologies and best practices within the Barclays Insight and Experience Design (BiXD) team.

• Act as a research advocate within the organization, fostering a customer-centric culture and building trust with stakeholders across various departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic influence. The mention of "AI automation and human judgement" points to a modern approach to data analysis. The expectation to "lead and supervise a team" or "act as an advisor" suggests potential for leadership or expert individual contributor growth within the operations framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-10 years of hands-on experience conducting UX research, with a strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end research project execution.

• Proven experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, heuristic evaluations, A/B testing).

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize complex data from multiple sources to generate actionable insights. Required Skills:

• Research Methodology Expertise: Deep knowledge and practical application of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative UX research methods.

• Data Analysis & Triangulation: Proficiency in analyzing research data, identifying patterns, and synthesizing insights from diverse sources, including AI-driven tools.

• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong relationships, gain trust, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels across various departments (Design, Product, Marketing, Technology).

• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional ability to communicate research findings clearly, concisely, and persuasively through presentations, reports, and visual aids to influence decision-making.

• Prototyping & Concept Testing: Experience in developing and testing prototypes, mock-ups, or value propositions to gather user feedback.

• Risk Management & Data Privacy: Understanding of risk management principles and strict adherence to data privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR).

Preferred Skills:

• Research Recruitment: Experience in recruiting participants for research studies, especially within B2B contexts or hard-to-recruit industries.

• Industry Trend Monitoring: Ability to track and analyze emerging technologies, design trends, and market shifts.

• Agile/Scrum Experience: Familiarity with working within Agile development environments and integrating research into iterative product cycles.

• Design Thinking Facilitation: Experience facilitating design thinking workshops or innovation sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is critical for UX roles. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests a need for demonstrated leadership in research execution and strategic thinking, aligning with the "Analyst Expectations" section regarding impacting work of related teams and advising decision-making.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 end-to-end research projects, detailing the problem, research questions, chosen methodologies, execution process, key findings, and impact on product/design decisions.

• Demonstrate the ability to apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques within a single project or across different projects.

• Include examples of how research insights were translated into actionable recommendations and how those recommendations influenced product development or design outcomes.

• Highlight experience in concept testing, prototype validation, and usability testing, with clear evidence of how feedback was incorporated.

• Showcase experience in managing research risks, particularly data privacy considerations, and how these were addressed throughout the research process. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of well-defined research processes, from planning and recruitment to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Illustrate how research findings are documented and communicated to stakeholders to ensure buy-in and facilitate implementation.

• Detail experience in adapting research processes based on project constraints, timelines, and business objectives.

• Show an understanding of how to integrate research findings with other data sources (e.g., analytics, CX tracking) for a holistic understanding of the customer.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills. This section emphasizes the need to showcase a structured approach to research, clear articulation of impact, and risk awareness, which are key indicators of a mature operations professional.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Researcher with 5-10 years of experience in London/South East England (a reasonable proxy for Northampton's cost of living and financial sector standards), the estimated annual salary range is £60,000 - £85,000. This range accounts for the seniority, specialized skills, and the impact expected in a large financial institution like Barclays.

Benefits:

• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Generous annual leave allowance, with options to buy or sell holiday days.

• Comprehensive private medical insurance, including dental and optical cover.

• Life assurance and income protection benefits.

• Access to employee assistance programs for well-being support.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Staff discounts on Barclays products and services.

• Potential for performance-related bonuses.

• Employee share purchase plans (e.g., Barclays ShareSave). Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While on-site presence is required, Barclays often offers flexibility in working hours, allowing for adjustments to accommodate personal needs where feasible and aligned with business requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK financial sector, considering location, experience level, and the demanding nature of the role. Benefits are standard for large UK financial institutions and are tailored to attract and retain talent in specialized roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking)

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1690 (Barclays has a long and established history, implying a culture that values tradition, stability, and long-term growth, while also adapting to modern challenges.)

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher is part of the Barclays Insight and Experience Design (BiXD) team, a multidisciplinary unit.

• This team includes UX Researchers, UX Designers, UI Designers, Copywriters, and Design Operations specialists.

• The BiXD team operates with a unique pan-bank position, working on projects across various business units.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Head of Design, UX Research Lead, or a Senior UX Manager within BiXD. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on leveraging data analytics, customer feedback, and market research to inform strategic and design decisions.

• Customer-Centricity: A core value ("Put the Customer Voice at the heart of everything we do") driving research and design efforts.

• Innovation Cycle Integration: Research findings are expected to be integrated throughout all stages of product and service development.

• Risk and Control Framework: A robust framework for managing risks, particularly Data Privacy, is integral to all operations.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive for operational efficiency and effectiveness, with an expectation for colleagues to consistently improve their performance and processes.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays' status as a major global financial institution means operations roles often involve navigating complex regulatory environments, large-scale projects, and a strong emphasis on risk management and data security. The BiXD team's structure suggests a collaborative, specialized environment focused on enhancing customer experience across a vast customer base.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Analyst / Specialist. This role requires significant hands-on experience and the ability to work independently, manage projects end-to-end, and influence stakeholders. It sits below senior leadership but above junior or entry-level positions.

Reporting Structure:

• Typically reports to a UX Research Lead, Senior UX Manager, or Head of Design within the BiXD team.

• Will collaborate closely with UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, Marketing teams, and Technology leads.

• May have oversight or mentorship responsibilities for junior researchers or interns, as indicated by "lead and supervise a team" or "guiding and supporting professional development." Operations Impact:

• Directly impacts the user experience for millions of UK customers, influencing product adoption, customer satisfaction, and brand perception.

• Insights generated contribute to strategic decisions regarding product development, service improvements, and digital transformation initiatives.

• Helps to identify new market opportunities and mitigate risks by understanding evolving customer needs and behaviors.

• Contributes to operational efficiency by ensuring products and services are intuitive and meet user expectations, reducing support costs and improving conversion rates. Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or customer segments (e.g., B2B, digital banking, financial inclusion).

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Researcher, UX Research Lead, or Managerial roles, overseeing teams and strategic research direction.

• Cross-Functional Moves: Transition into Product Management, Design Strategy, or CX Strategy roles by leveraging deep customer understanding.

• Learning & Development: Access to Barclays' extensive training programs, workshops, and potential for certifications in UX research, data analytics, or project management.

• Pan-Bank Influence: Opportunity to work on high-visibility projects impacting various divisions of Barclays, increasing exposure and career options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Analyst Expectations" section explicitly mentions leading teams or acting as an advisor, pointing to a clear growth path. The role's impact on a large customer base and its integration across multiple departments offer significant visibility and potential for career advancement within a large financial organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Campus Environment. Barclays Campus locations are designed to foster collaboration and provide modern amenities.

Office Location(s): Northampton, UK (Barclays Campus, Pavilion Drive). The mention of Manchester as another potential location indicates flexibility within the UK.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Likely includes open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces designed for team collaboration and brainstorming.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized UX research software and hardware.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with fellow UX researchers, designers, product managers, and other stakeholders within the BiXD team and partner departments.

• Professional Setting: A corporate environment that emphasizes professionalism, adherence to controls, and a focus on delivering high-quality work.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily on-site work, reflecting the "On-site" remote status.

• While the standard working hours are 40 per week, there may be some flexibility in start/end times, subject to team and business needs. This flexibility is often balanced with the need for synchronous collaboration, especially for on-site roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a large corporate campus suggests a structured work environment focused on collaboration and adherence to established protocols, common in the financial services industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and alignment with role expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, research philosophy, problem-solving skills, and alignment with team goals.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present 1-2 key research projects from their portfolio, detailing methodology, findings, impact, and lessons learned. Expect in-depth questions about your process and decision-making.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a case study, a research design exercise, or a discussion about specific methodologies and analytical techniques.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (other researchers, designers, product managers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit within Barclays.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, diverse methodologies, and demonstrable impact. Aim for 2-3 strong, representative projects.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation around a clear narrative: the problem, your approach, the insights, the recommendations, and the outcome/impact. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion").

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Showcase Process: Explain why you chose specific methodologies and how you adapted them to the project context.

• Address Challenges: Be prepared to discuss any challenges encountered during research (e.g., recruitment issues, unexpected findings) and how you overcame them.

• Demonstrate Risk Awareness: If applicable to your projects, discuss how you managed data privacy or other risks.

• Practice: Rehearse your presentation thoroughly to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be ready to design a research study for a given problem or product feature, outlining objectives, participants, methods, and deliverables.

• Problem Solving: Anticipate questions about how you would approach a specific research challenge or how you would interpret ambiguous data.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain how you would communicate complex research findings to non-researchers and gain buy-in for your recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case studies is standard for UX roles. Preparing to articulate "strategy" and "process" in the context of operations is key. Understanding how to present "ROI" and "efficiency" through research outcomes will be highly advantageous.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail, Maze, or similar for remote usability testing, participant management, and insight synthesis.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or specialized market research platforms for designing and distributing surveys.

• Analytics Tools: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal Barclays analytics platforms for understanding user behavior and tracking key metrics.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision for collaborating on and testing prototypes.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Miro for project management, documentation, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or similar tools for creating dashboards and reports to communicate research findings effectively.

• Statistical Software (Optional): SPSS, R, or Python for more advanced quantitative analysis if needed.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM operations, understanding how customer data is managed and accessed within systems like Salesforce or internal Barclays CRM systems is beneficial for context.

• Familiarity with automation tools used in research recruitment or data analysis might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, proficiency and familiarity with a range of tools demonstrate adaptability and efficiency. Highlighting experience with tools that support data analysis, collaboration, and insight synthesis is crucial. The mention of AI automation suggests an interest in leveraging technology to enhance research processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship: These are the core Barclays Values. For a UX Researcher, this translates to:

  • Respect: Valuing diverse user perspectives and colleague contributions.
  • Integrity: Conducting research ethically and transparently, protecting participant data.
  • Service: Committing to understanding and improving the customer experience.
  • Excellence: Striving for high-quality research and actionable, impactful insights.
  • Stewardship: Acting responsibly with company resources and data, and contributing to the long-term success of the organization.

• Empower, Challenge, Drive (Barclays Mindset):

  • Empower: Empowering customers through intuitive design and empowering teams with clear insights.
  • Challenge: Critically evaluating designs and assumptions through rigorous research.
  • Drive: Proactively identifying research needs and driving insight adoption.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on working closely with UX/UI Designers, Product Managers, Marketing, and Technology teams.

• Insight Advocacy: Actively sharing research findings and advocating for user needs within cross-functional discussions.

• Feedback Exchange: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback on research approaches and findings.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of learning within the BiXD team, sharing best practices and new methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with company values is critical for fitting into the operations culture. For a UX Researcher, this means demonstrating ethical conduct, a customer-centric approach, and a commitment to driving positive outcomes through research.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Recruiting Niche Audiences: B2B customer segments or specific demographics can be challenging to recruit for research studies.

• Balancing Research Rigor with Speed: Delivering high-quality insights within fast-paced project timelines and Agile sprints.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in for research recommendations, especially when they challenge existing assumptions or product roadmaps.

• Data Privacy Compliance: Navigating complex data privacy regulations and ensuring all research activities are compliant.

• Integrating AI and Human Insight: Effectively combining automated data analysis with human judgment to derive deeper, more nuanced insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge research methodologies and tools.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to UX/UI design principles, product strategy, and business operations within banking.

• Leadership Development: Training programs focused on mentorship, team management, and strategic influence.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX, CX, or financial services industry events and obtaining professional certifications.

• Internal Mobility: Potential to move into more senior research roles, management positions, or related fields within Barclays.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting potential challenges and how to approach them demonstrates foresight and problem-solving skills, which are vital in operations. Growth opportunities show the long-term potential of the role within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder with your research findings when they initially disagreed. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, data storytelling, and stakeholder management.)

• "How would you approach designing a research study to understand customer adoption of a new digital banking feature, considering both qualitative and quantitative aspects?" (Demonstrate your research design process, methodology selection, and understanding of metrics.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with improving the onboarding experience for new Barclays customers. What research methods would you prioritize, and why?" (Showcase your ability to frame problems, select appropriate tools, and articulate strategic thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Barclays' commitment to customer experience and innovation?" (Research Barclays' recent initiatives, customer-facing products, and stated values.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to Barclays' mission of helping customers, clients, and communities thrive?" (Connect your UX research skills to the company's broader goals and values.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to work with a challenging colleague or cross-functional team. How did you navigate it?" (Assess your collaboration skills and ability to handle interpersonal dynamics.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end research process, impact, and understanding of diverse methodologies. Ensure at least one project highlights collaboration or influencing stakeholders.

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation with a clear beginning (problem/objective), middle (process/insights), and end (recommendations/impact).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to show the tangible results of your research (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased satisfaction scores).

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific methods and how they helped answer your research questions effectively.

• Risk & Privacy: If relevant to your projects, briefly touch upon how you ensured data privacy or managed other research-related risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for operations roles involves demonstrating not just technical skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to integrate into a structured, often regulated, environment. Articulating the "why" behind your methods and the "impact" of your work is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

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

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, data analysis, stakeholder management, and risk mitigation. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "customer needs," "innovation cycle," and "data privacy."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong projects that showcase your end-to-end research process, analytical skills, and demonstrable impact. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., a personal website, PDF document, or dedicated platform).

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your research process, key findings, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate, influence, and manage risks.

• Research Barclays: Familiarize yourself with Barclays' products, services, recent news, and stated values, particularly their focus on customer experience and digital transformation. Understand how your role contributes to their business objectives.

⚠️ 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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