At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research initiatives and shape high-quality practices across the organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on user-centred design and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on advancing user-centred thinking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping consumers avoid financial harm through user research.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in user research and leading teams in dynamic environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Provide professional leadership for the user research community, shaping direction and promoting consistent, high-quality practice across the organisation.
Maintain and continuously evolve standards for user research, ensuring approaches remain relevant, effective and aligned with organisational priorities.
Contribute to the delivery of the user-centred design leadership roadmap in collaboration with Centre of Excellence Leads, aligning activity to strategic outcomes.
Assess and prioritise emerging demand alongside Centre of Excellence Leads, ensuring resources are focused on areas of highest value and impact.
Advance user research practice, building on existing foundations to develop capability and maturity across the community.
Deliver impactful work that supports outcomes focused on helping consumers avoid financial harm and promoting fair, effective markets.
Enable products and services to better meet the needs of firms, consumers and internal users by embedding user‑centred insights into design and delivery.
Engage with and support a collaborative community of practitioners, contributing to a positive culture that advances user‑centred thinking and organisational effectiveness.
Minimum Required Skills
- Relevant user research experience at Lead or Head of Profession level.
- Experience working in project/programme environments involving business & IT change.
- Research experience within financial services, government/regulatory bodies, technology or consultancy (IT consultancy).
Essential Skills
- Prior experience helping adopt a wide range of user research methods organisationally, leading a community of practice to continually assure, improve and innovate user research, and engaging and persuading sceptical colleagues and stakeholders.
- Effectively include all kinds of users in research activities, and advocate inclusive practices to design accessible services that work for everyone.
- Demonstrated experience leading research within a product or technology organisation where user‑centred design is embedded in decision‑making.
- Guiding adoption of effective analysis and synthesis techniques, continually improving practices to deliver clear, meaningful and actionable findings.
- Understanding how digital technology is shaping user behaviour, and identifying the challenges and opportunities this creates for FCA service design and delivery.
- Interpreting organisational goals and challenges, and aligning research across teams to inform policy development and service propositions.
- Knowledge of the technologies used to build and run digital services, and collaborating effectively with colleagues across digital disciplines.
Benefits: 28 days annual leave plus
Contact Details:
Financial Conduct Authority Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher (12 month FTC) in Edinburgh
✨Get Your Work Out There
As a temporary UX/UI designer, it’s crucial to have a solid portfolio that showcases your best projects. Share your designs on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, and don't shy away from seeking feedback in design communities. The more visible you are, the better your chances of snagging that next gig!
✨Join Design Meet-ups
Networking in the UX/UI design field can be a game changer. Attend local design meet-ups or workshops to connect with other designers and potential employers. These casual settings often lead to freelance or temporary job opportunities that are not advertised widely. Plus, it’s a great way to share ideas and get inspired!
✨Flexible Platforms for Temporary Roles
Use job platforms that focus on temporary roles, like Creative Circle or Similar. These sites often have listings specifically for short-term design projects, making it easier for you to find quick gigs. Make sure your profiles on these platforms are up to date and highlight your availability!
✨Slide into Direct Applications
When you see a company like Financial Conduct Authority is looking for a Lead User Researcher (12 month FTC), don’t just rely on job boards. Check out their careers page and apply directly! Companies often prefer candidates who show initiative and genuine interest in their work, plus you might find opportunities that haven't been widely advertised yet.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher (12 month FTC) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your portfolio:Since you're diving into UX/UI design, make sure your portfolio is front and centre. We want to see your design process, not just the final products. Share case studies that explain your thought process, the problems you solved, and how you approached user research!
Tailor your CV for the design world:In UX/UI design, your CV should reflect your creative side! Highlight relevant design skills, software you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and any user experience methodologies you’ve employed. Keep it sleek and visually appealing—after all, we’re in design!
Emphasise your adaptability:Because this is a temporary role with Financial Conduct Authority, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve adapted to tight deadlines or changing project scopes in the past. Showcase that flexibility and eagerness to learn!
Highlight collaboration experience:UX/UI design is all about teamwork. When you’re applying, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with developers, product managers, or other designers. Let Financial Conduct Authority know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Financial Conduct Authority
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at Financial Conduct Authority, your portfolio is your best friend. Bring along a digital copy and be ready to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced in your past projects, and how you solved them. This is a great opportunity to showcase your adaptability and how quickly you can deliver results.
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
In the world of UX/UI design, familiarity with tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is crucial. Make sure you can comfortably talk about projects you’ve completed with these tools and any unique features you’ve leveraged. The interviewer might throw in some technical questions about these tools, so be prepared!
✨Understand the Company’s Design Voice
For a temporary gig at Financial Conduct Authority, it's key to understand their brand and design ethos. Dive into their past projects or any current designs they may have on their website. Showing that you’re aligned with their visual style and user experience approach will help you stand out during the interview.
✨Flexibility is Key
As it’s a temporary position, highlight your ability to adapt and learn quickly. Discuss previous experiences where you’ve had to pivot your design approach or work under tight deadlines. Employers like Financial Conduct Authority will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.
