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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research activities to uncover user needs in Defence & Security.
- Company: Join a top-tier team delivering critical digital products for national security.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid work model, and impactful assignments.
- Why this job: Shape user experiences in high-stakes environments while mentoring fellow researchers.
- Qualifications: Active UK Security Clearance and proven experience in user research required.
- Other info: Flexible remote collaboration with occasional office presence in Bristol or London.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Lead User Researcher – Defence & Security (Bristol or London)
Salary: £75,000 – £120,000 per annum (dependent on experience and clearance level)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Bristol or London)
Security Requirement: Active UK Security Clearance (SC or DV)
Role Overview
Join a high-performing, interdisciplinary team focused on delivering critical digital products for Defence & Security clients. As Lead User Researcher, you\’ll champion user-centred insights while shaping research strategy, processes, and standards across enterprise-level programmes.
Responsibilities
- Plan and facilitate user research activities-interviews, usability testing, workshops, surveys-to uncover user needs and behaviours across complex environments
- Develop and maintain research artefacts and outputs, including user personas, journey maps, experience maps, and design recommendations
- Advocate for user needs throughout the lifecycle, partnering closely with designers, product owners, developers, and senior stakeholders
- Interpret, synthesise, and present actionable insights to non-specialist and executive audiences
- Mentor and coach less experienced researchers to build research capability and consistency across teams
Required Experience & Qualifications
- UK national with an active Developed Vetting (DV) or Security Check (SC)
- Proven experience leading user research programmes within the public sector or regulated industries (Defence, Justice, Government, etc.)
- Deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods; ability to derive actionable insight from complex datasets
- Strong storytelling ability, confident in presenting findings to senior decision-makers and product teams
- Proficiency with research tools like usability testing platforms, survey tools, analytics software, and experience methods aligned with user-centred design frameworks
- Experience working in agile delivery environments alongside designers, developers, and product owners, with a user-centred mindset
What\’s On Offer
- Competitive remuneration up to £120k, aligned with veteran user research professionals in Defence & Security fields
- Hybrid working model based in Bristol or London, with flexibility for remote collaboration and occasional in-office presence
- High-impact, high visibility assignments across high-stakes national security programmes
- Significant influence over team practices and enterprise-level research capability building
How to Apply
If you hold active SC or DV clearance, and are passionate about defining user experiences at scale in sensitive environments, we would welcome your application. Please provide your CV along with a summary of your relevant experience, clearance level, and preferred location.
People Source Consulting Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. People Source specialise in technology recruitment across niche markets including Information Technology, Digital TV, Digital Marketing, Project and Programme Management, SAP, Digital and Consumer Electronics, Air Traffic Management, Management Consultancy, Business Intelligence, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Oil & Gas.
User Researcher employer: Experis UK
Contact Detail:
Experis UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific user research methodologies that are prevalent in the Defence and Security sectors. Understanding how to apply both qualitative and quantitative methods in these contexts will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in Defence and Security roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences, which can provide valuable insights into the role and its expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with agile methodologies during interviews. Highlight any past projects where you collaborated closely with designers, developers, and product owners, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your storytelling skills by preparing examples of how you've presented research findings to non-specialist audiences. Being able to communicate complex insights clearly is key for influencing decision-makers in this role.
We think you need these skills to ace User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in user research, particularly within the public sector or regulated industries. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide a summary of your relevant experience, especially focusing on your expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Mention any specific tools you have used that are relevant to the role.
Highlight Security Clearance: Clearly state your active UK Security Clearance level (SC or DV) in your application. This is a crucial requirement for the role, so make it prominent to ensure it catches the employer's attention.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only summarises your qualifications but also demonstrates your passion for user-centred design in sensitive environments. Use storytelling to convey how your insights have positively impacted previous projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Experis UK
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Lead User Researcher. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as planning user research activities and advocating for user needs. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their expectations.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Highlight specific projects where you've successfully derived actionable insights from complex datasets. Use examples that demonstrate your storytelling ability when presenting findings to non-specialist audiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Security Requirements
Since this role requires active UK Security Clearance, be ready to discuss your clearance level and any relevant experience in regulated industries like Defence or Government. Understanding the importance of security in user research will show your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
The job involves working closely with designers, product owners, and developers. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in agile environments. Be ready to discuss how you advocate for user needs while balancing the demands of various stakeholders.
