UX Researcher - Manchester, UK

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Capgemini

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience / Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-18

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Implied by responsibilities)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of UX Researchers, ensuring efficient workload distribution and adherence to project timelines.

• Oversee the implementation and management of user research processes and methodologies within an agile development framework.

• Drive user-centered design strategy and champion best practices across digital platforms, with a focus on banking and financial services.

• Conduct and supervise comprehensive user research, including usability testing, ethnography, and persona development, to inform product and service design.

• Provide strategic insights and actionable recommendations to stakeholders to enhance customer experience and achieve business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title "UX Researcher" combined with responsibilities like "managing the research team," "implementation and management of research processes," and "Providing roadmaps and timelines" strongly suggests a senior or lead role, even if not explicitly stated. The emphasis on "banking domain" and "Client channels" indicates a focus on a specific industry vertical within Capgemini's consulting services.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and develop the UX Research team, ensuring high-quality outputs and deliverables.

• Define, implement, and champion user-centered design strategy and research processes in collaboration with Digital Performance Optimization Leads.

• Oversee the recruitment, engagement, and management of the SME Customer Research Panel.

• Design and conduct user-centered research and usability testing for client channels, including identification of user needs, goals, and task workflow modelling.

• Lead the analysis and reporting of user research findings, translating data into strategic insights and actionable recommendations for product and service improvements.

• Collaborate with Content Designers and other stakeholders to test business requirements, design initiatives, and develop optimal customer solutions.

• Promote user-centered design principles and research best practices across digital teams and the wider organization, fostering a "research-first" culture.

• Conduct in-house research for new product and concept development, including user requirements gathering and early-stage prototype testing.

• Ensure adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements, particularly the Consumer Duty within the banking sector.

• Work without direct supervision on multiple concurrent projects, demonstrating initiative and a proactive approach to innovation and change.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed responsibilities highlight a dual focus on team leadership and hands-on research execution. The mention of "SME Customer Research Panel" and "Bank channels" indicates a need for domain expertise and experience with specific client environments. The "Consumer Duty" regulatory requirement is a critical piece for anyone applying to a role involving financial services.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Researcher roles.

Experience: Proven experience in UX research, team management, and working within an agile development environment is essential. Experience specifically within the banking or financial services domain is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in managing, mentoring, and developing a UX Research team.

• Expertise in designing and conducting user-centered research methodologies (e.g., ethnography, persona development, task analysis).

• Strong experience in moderating various types of usability testing, particularly one-on-one sessions.

• Proficiency in experimental design and selecting appropriate research methods.

• Ability to conduct statistical and qualitative/quantitative analysis of research data.

• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly.

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management and building effective relationships with internal teams and external partners.

• Proven ability in time management, workload assessment, and managing delivery expectations and deadlines for self and others.

• High level of customer focus and a deep understanding of customer needs.

• Experience working in an agile development environment with cross-functional teams (UX designers, developers).

• Demonstrable initiative, innovation, and a drive for creating effective change.

• High attention to detail, with a passion for information architecture, usability, and accessibility. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the banking or financial services domain.

• Experience with participant recruiting and screener creation.

• Familiarity with digital performance optimization strategies.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements such as the Consumer Duty.

• Experience in rapid iterative usability testing and formal in-depth testing.

• Ability to work without direct supervision on multiple concurrent projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize both leadership capabilities ("Team member management," "mentor and manage a team") and core UX research skills. The explicit mention of "banking domain" and "Consumer duty" indicates a specialized need for candidates with relevant industry knowledge and compliance awareness.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX research projects, demonstrating a structured approach from problem identification to solution validation.

• Include examples of user research plans, methodologies employed, and the rationale behind their selection.

• Present detailed case studies of usability testing, highlighting the process of designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting on findings.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate research insights into actionable design recommendations and measurable improvements.

• Highlight experience in creating personas, user journeys, and task flow models that inform design decisions. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of implementing and managing research processes, including workflow design and optimization.

• Showcase experience in documenting research findings, methodologies, and recommendations in a clear and accessible format for stakeholders.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how research processes integrate with agile development cycles and sprint planning.

• Illustrate the ability to champion and embed user-centered design principles and research best practices within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly requested, the responsibilities heavily imply the need to showcase past work that demonstrates leadership in research processes, team management, and the application of user research to drive business outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience in these areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Capgemini's typical hiring practices for senior roles in the UK and the specified location (Manchester), the estimated annual salary range for an experienced UX Researcher with team management responsibilities would be between £55,000 and £75,000. This estimate considers the seniority of the role, the required expertise in UX research and team leadership, and the cost of living in Manchester.

Benefits:

• Wellbeing support initiatives and resources.

• Access to trained 'Mental Health Champions' across business areas.

• Investment in wellbeing apps such as Thrive and Peppy.

• Extensive "learning for life" mindset with numerous training and development opportunities.

• Access to over 250,000 courses and numerous external certifications (e.g., AWS, Microsoft, Harvard ManageMentor, Cybersecurity).

• Inclusive recruitment practices as a Disability Confident Employer.

• Opportunity to work for an accredited Great Place to Work for Wellbeing.

• Recognition as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies®.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a blend of office, client site, and home working, with the inability to work from home 100% of the time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is not provided in the job description. The estimation is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX roles in the UK, factoring in the hybrid work model and the significant benefits package offered by a large consultancy like Capgemini. Specific salary will depend on candidate experience and negotiation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Business and Technology Transformation. Capgemini operates as a global leader in AI-powered business and technology transformation, serving a wide range of industries, with a notable emphasis on financial services in this specific role.

Company Size: Large (Capgemini is a global organization with approximately 420,000 team members across more than 50 countries). This size implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for diverse project exposure.

Founded: Capgemini has a strong heritage of nearly 60 years, indicating a stable and experienced organization with a deep understanding of market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team appears to be a dedicated unit within Capgemini's digital transformation services, likely serving various client projects, particularly within the banking sector.

• The role involves managing a team of UX professionals and collaborating closely with Digital Performance Optimization Leads, suggesting a matrixed reporting structure common in consulting.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, involving close partnerships with designers, developers, content designers, and client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Capgemini emphasizes an AI-powered approach to business and technology transformation.

• The role is deeply embedded in user-centered design methodologies, focusing on research, usability testing, and data-driven decision-making.

• Agile development methodologies are central to project execution.

• The company promotes a "research-first" culture, advocating for the integration of user insights into every stage of the service design process.

Company Website: www.capgemini.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Capgemini's description as a global, AI-powered transformation partner highlights its strategic focus. The "research-first" culture and emphasis on user-centered design are key cultural indicators for this role, as is the strong commitment to ethical practices and employee wellbeing.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Researcher, implying a significant level of experience and responsibility. It involves not only individual contribution but also team leadership, process management, and strategic input. The emphasis on mentoring and working without supervision further solidifies its senior standing.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report to a higher-level manager within Capgemini's digital or consulting division, possibly a Head of UX, Digital Transformation Lead, or similar. They will manage a team of UX Researchers and collaborate closely with other leads (e.g., Digital Performance Optimization Lead) and project stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is directly tied to enhancing client digital platforms, particularly in the banking sector. By ensuring user needs are met through rigorous research, they directly influence customer satisfaction, engagement, and ultimately, the success of digital transformation initiatives, contributing to client business growth and Capgemini's reputation for delivering impactful solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance to roles such as Head of UX Research, Director of User Experience, or manage larger research departments within Capgemini.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific domains (e.g., FinTech, digital banking) or research methodologies.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop advanced client management, strategic advisory, and business development skills.

• Learning & Development: Access to Capgemini's extensive training programs, certifications, and internal knowledge-sharing platforms to stay at the forefront of UX and digital transformation trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, established consulting firm, moving from team management to broader strategic leadership and client advisory roles. The emphasis on "learning for life" suggests a strong commitment to continuous professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This means the work environment will be a blend of Capgemini offices, client sites, and home working. The specific Capgemini office in Manchester will likely offer collaborative workspaces designed for team meetings, workshops, and focused individual work. Client site visits are also a possibility, offering exposure to different corporate environments.

Office Location(s): Manchester, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a vibrant business and tech hub within the UK. Specific office details will be provided by Capgemini.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and potentially dedicated project zones.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized UX research software and hardware (e.g., testing labs, recording equipment) depending on project needs.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for interaction with the UX Research team, other Capgemini consultants, and client teams through meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. This offers a degree of flexibility but requires presence in offices and at client sites as dictated by project needs, balancing work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of locations and understand that the "day-to-day" will vary, requiring adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and Capgemini.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager focusing on your experience, leadership capabilities, and understanding of UX research principles, particularly within the banking domain.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with potential team members or peers to assess collaboration style, technical skills, and how you would integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio of your work, detailing a specific research project, its methodology, insights, and impact. This could also involve a practical exercise or a scenario-based challenge.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Organize your portfolio around key projects. For each, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research methodologies used, key findings, and the tangible impact of your work on the product or business.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you managed a team, mentored junior researchers, or led the implementation of research processes.

• Showcase Domain Expertise: If possible, include examples relevant to banking or financial services, demonstrating your understanding of the sector's unique user needs and regulatory landscape.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., reduction in task completion time, increase in user satisfaction scores, impact on conversion rates).

• Tailor to the Role: Focus on aspects of your experience that align with Capgemini's emphasis on user-centered design, agile environments, and client-facing consulting.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Capgemini: Understand their service offerings, client portfolio, company values, and recent projects, especially in digital transformation and financial services.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about team management, conflict resolution, stakeholder communication, and how you handle pressure or ambiguity.

• UX Strategy: Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a UX research strategy for a new digital product or service, considering the banking context.

• Process Improvement: Prepare to discuss how you would implement or improve UX research processes within a large organization or for a specific client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, common for senior roles in large consultancies. A strong portfolio that demonstrates leadership, strategic thinking, and domain relevance will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing (remote and in-person), surveys, and data analysis. Examples might include UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar platforms.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for agile workflow management and documentation.

• Prototyping & Design Tools (for review): Awareness of tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, as researchers often collaborate closely with designers using these.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel for presenting research findings and insights.

• Reporting Software: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) for creating comprehensive reports.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX research tools, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user experience and data collection can be beneficial for a holistic view.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in a range of UX research tools and methodologies. While specific tools aren't listed, candidates should highlight their experience with common industry platforms for user testing, surveys, and data analysis. An understanding of agile project management tools is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value of placing the user at the heart of all design and development decisions, driven by research and empathy.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality research, insights, and recommendations that drive tangible business value for clients.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and contribute to collective success.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and constantly seeking ways to enhance research methodologies and processes.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in research practices and business dealings, as reflected in Capgemini's "World's Most Ethical Companies®" recognition.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Proactively collaborating with designers, developers, product managers, business analysts, and client stakeholders to ensure research findings are understood and integrated into the product lifecycle.

• Data-Driven Communication: Using research data and insights to inform discussions, build consensus, and advocate for user needs.

• Feedback Culture: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve individual performance and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing research findings, best practices, and lessons learned within the team and across Capgemini.

📝 Enhancement Note: Capgemini's stated values (ethical business, wellbeing, innovation) are likely to permeate the team culture. The emphasis on collaboration, user-centricity, and data-driven decision-making are critical for success in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Adapting research strategies and approaches to meet the unique requirements and constraints of various banking clients.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In an agile environment, the challenge is to conduct thorough research efficiently without compromising on quality or depth of insights.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research findings and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholders who may have different priorities or levels of understanding of UX principles.

• Team Development: Mentoring and managing a team of researchers with varying experience levels, ensuring consistent quality and professional growth.

• Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: Staying abreast of and adhering to complex regulations like the Consumer Duty, which impacts user experience and research practices in financial services.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques and tools.

• Domain Specialization: Deepen expertise in the banking and financial services sector, understanding its specific user behaviors, market trends, and regulatory nuances.

• Leadership Skills: Develop advanced team management, strategic planning, and client advisory skills through Capgemini's leadership development programs.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience across a wide range of client projects, exposing you to different challenges and digital transformation initiatives.

• Certifications: Access to numerous external certifications to enhance professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges within the high-stakes financial services sector, driving significant professional growth in leadership, strategic thinking, and specialized domain knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a comprehensive UX research strategy for a new digital banking product. How would you tailor it to meet regulatory requirements like the Consumer Duty?"

  • Preparation: Outline a phased approach, from discovery and user needs analysis to iterative testing and validation. Emphasize how you'd integrate regulatory considerations throughout.

• "How do you manage and mentor a team of UX researchers? Provide an example of a challenging team situation you resolved."

  • Preparation: Discuss your leadership philosophy, methods for performance feedback, skill development, and conflict resolution strategies. Use the STAR method for examples.

• "Imagine a client is hesitant to invest in user research, viewing it as a bottleneck. How would you articulate its value and integrate it efficiently into their agile workflow?"

  • Preparation: Focus on demonstrating ROI, tangible business benefits (e.g., reduced development costs, increased conversion), and flexible research approaches for agile sprints. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Capgemini, and how do you see yourself contributing to our 'Make It Real' philosophy?"

  • Preparation: Research Capgemini's mission, values, and recent work. Connect your aspirations and skills to their client transformation goals and ethical stance.

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your research team and with cross-functional partners like designers and developers?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your communication style, methods for facilitating teamwork, and experience in breaking down silos.

• "How do you measure the impact of your UX research efforts on business outcomes and user satisfaction?"

  • Preparation: Prepare specific examples of metrics you've used (e.g., usability KPIs, conversion rates, NPS improvements) and how you've linked research to business objectives. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your solution (research process), the results, and the impact.

• Focus on "Why": Clearly explain the rationale behind your methodological choices. Why did you choose qualitative over quantitative, or a specific type of usability test?

• Showcase Leadership and Process: Highlight your role in managing the research, not just executing tasks. Emphasize your contribution to process improvement and team development.

• Quantify Success: Use data and metrics to support your claims of success and impact.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, alternative approaches, and how you handle unexpected findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your leadership capabilities, strategic thinking in UX research, and ability to navigate complex client environments, especially within the regulated banking sector. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Capgemini careers portal via the provided URL.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX research leadership, team management, agile methodologies, and specifically, any experience within the banking or financial services domain. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your strongest UX research projects that demonstrate your leadership, process management, and impact. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research Capgemini: Thoroughly understand Capgemini's services, values, and their approach to digital transformation, particularly in the financial services sector.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common UX, leadership, and behavioral questions, using the STAR method and drawing on your portfolio and experience.

⚠️ 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.