At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research programmes and mentor junior researchers in a dynamic public sector team.
- Company: Join a high-impact team focused on transforming government and healthcare services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible UK-wide working, supportive benefits, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence service design and advocate for inclusive, ethical research.
- Why this job: Shape user research practices that affect millions and work in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
- Qualifications: Strong consulting experience in public sector user research and SC clearance required.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 95000 £ per year.
£95,000 GBP
Onsite WORKING
Location: Manchester, North West - United Kingdom Type: Permanent
Anson McCade is delighted to be partnering with a a leading digital transformation consultancy as they seek to appoint to a Lead User Researcher to their dynamic team. This organisation is home to problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators, all united by a shared mission to deliver meaningful impact. Whether transforming digital services for millions, shaping cutting-edge solutions, or exploring new possibilities in technology, every achievement is made possible through teamwork.
The culture is firmly people-first - ideas are valued, professional growth is encouraged, and every contribution is recognised. The team is diverse, ambitious, and passionate, celebrating creativity and collaboration at every stage of the journey.
Role overview
The User Researcher will play a pivotal role in delivering actionable insights that shape effective digital services focused on real user needs. Acting as an advocate for needs-based design, design thinking, and service design, they will champion best-practice user research and mentor others in the discipline.
Working as part of a growing Experience Design capability, this role will contribute to the creation of high-quality, user-centred services that make a measurable difference to millions of people. The team takes pride in designing with integrity - prioritising positive user experiences over marketing gimmicks or dark patterns.
Key responsibilities
- Lead, plan, develop, and conduct design research using the most suitable methods for each project.
- Produce robust, data-driven artefacts that inform design decisions.
- Collaborate with client teams to deliver relevant and practical research plans.
- Apply both qualitative and quantitative research techniques effectively.
- Provide coaching and guidance to other researchers.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles.
- Operate effectively within Agile delivery environments.
- Communicate clearly with stakeholders at all organisational levels.
- Apply strong commercial awareness to all activities.
- Manage stakeholder relationships with confidence and professionalism.
- Background in a full-service digital agency environment.
- Proven knowledge of user-centred design practices.
- Recognised thought leadership in a specialist area of research.
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Lead User Researcher in Preston employer: Anson McCade
Join a dynamic and mission-driven team as a Lead User Researcher, where your expertise will directly influence the design of critical public sector services that impact millions. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior researchers while working in a flexible UK-wide environment that champions inclusive and ethical design practices. Our supportive work culture and commitment to high-impact projects make us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful difference in government and healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public sector and user research communities. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in user research, which can help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've mentored junior researchers or led successful projects. This will demonstrate your capability to influence and guide teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the UK Government Service Standard and GDS practices. Understanding these frameworks will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss specific user research methodologies you've employed in past projects. Be ready to explain how these methods led to actionable insights that shaped service design, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your consulting experience and any relevant user research projects you've led. Emphasise your ability to deliver actionable insights and your understanding of user-centred design principles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, explain why you're passionate about user research in the public sector. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've influenced stakeholders in previous roles.
Showcase Your Research Methodologies:Detail the research methodologies you are familiar with and how you've applied them in past projects. Highlight any experience with inclusive and ethical design practices, as this is crucial for the role.
Prepare for Potential Questions:Think about how you would approach leading a user research programme in a public sector context. Be ready to discuss your strategies for mentoring junior researchers and driving best practices in user research.
How to prepare for a job interview at Anson McCade
✨Showcase Your Consulting Experience
Make sure to highlight your consulting background during the interview. Discuss specific projects where you delivered user research in the public sector, government, or healthcare, and how your insights led to actionable outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Lead User Researcher, you'll be expected to mentor junior researchers. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to influence and guide others towards achieving common goals.
✨Understand User-Centred Design Principles
Familiarise yourself with user-centred design principles and research methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these concepts in previous roles and how they can be used to drive best practices in user research.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience with stakeholder management. Think of instances where you've influenced decisions at various levels and how you ensured that user insights were integrated into service design.
