At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research to enhance government services and champion inclusive practices.
- Company: Join the Department for Business and Trade, a top public sector employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how citizens interact with government services.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and a passion for inclusive design.
The predicted salary is between 44586 - 59466 € per year.
£44,586 to £59,466 per year, London: £48,485 to £59,466 / National: £44,586 - £55,649 (including allowance). Your salary will be determined by your skills and capability as assessed at interview.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time
Disability Confident: Yes
Closing Date: 18/01/2026
About us
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has a clear mission to grow the economy. Our role is to help businesses invest, grow and export to create jobs and opportunities right across the country. We do this in three ways:
- We help to build a strong, competitive business environment, where consumers are protected and companies rewarded for treating their employees properly.
- We open international markets and ensure resilient supply chains through Free Trade Agreements, trade facilitation and multilateral agreements.
- We work in partnership with businesses every day, providing advance, finance and deal-making support to those looking to start up, invest, export and grow.
The Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) directorate develops and operates tools and services to support us in this mission. The team have been nominated four times in a row for ‘Best Public Sector Employer’ at the Women in Tech awards.
As a Senior User Researcher, you'll play a key leadership role in our User Centred Design Community working as part of a multidisciplinary team collaborating with teams across DBT. You will be conducting your own research, championing quality, innovation, and creativity in how we approach all aspects of design and how we bring concepts to life for stakeholders to effect change.
Within your role you will understand the importance of inclusive research practices, taking pride in ensuring research is representative of a wide range of people and communities that DBT serve. Senior User Researchers at the Department for Business and Trade plan, design and carry out research activities with users that help teams develop a deep understanding of the people that use government services, citizens, businesses, and government. User research informs policy, proposition, service, content, and interaction design so that services work well for users and achieve policy intent.
As a Senior User Researcher, reporting to a Lead User Researcher, you will need to be an experienced practitioner who can plan, design, and conduct user research activities in larger teams and on complex government services.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct user research in complex subject areas.
- Supervise and develop other user researchers to ensure research practice is high quality, ethical, and safe.
- Build user‑centred practices in multi‑disciplinary teams using agile and iterative user‑centred design methods.
- Effectively communicate user research findings to the team and the wider organisation, to influence delivery.
- Help teams to research inclusively with a wide range of users, including those with additional needs and other hard‑to‑reach groups.
- Take a dynamic role in the DBT user research community, helping develop and improve our practice across the department.
- Help teams build services that apply the Government Service Standard, supporting teams to prepare for service assessments in line with GDS guidelines for building a good service.
- Identify metrics and other data that’s available to support user research and use this data to enhance your team’s understanding of user needs.
- Lead on planning, designing and preparing a range of user research activities to support the design, development and continuous improvement of our services.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Senior User Researcher in Cardiff employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation and inclusivity are at the forefront of our mission to grow the economy. As a Senior User Researcher, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful research initiatives while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to enhancing government services for all citizens. With a strong commitment to employee development and recognition as a top public sector employer, DBT provides a supportive culture that values creativity and ethical practices, ensuring your contributions make a meaningful difference.
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior User Researcher in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their mission, and think about how your skills align with their goals. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your user research expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your portfolio! Make sure it highlights your best work and demonstrates your user-centred design approach. Tailor it to the role you're applying for, showcasing relevant projects that align with DBT's mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at DBT and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior User Researcher in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior User Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in user research and how it aligns with DBT's mission. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your ability to conduct user research and lead teams. We love seeing how you've made an impact in previous roles.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value creativity and innovation, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what makes you passionate about user research. We’re looking for genuine enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in user research methodologies and best practices. Brush up on your experience with inclusive research techniques, as this role emphasises the importance of representing diverse user groups. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented these methods.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior User Researcher, you'll be expected to supervise and develop other researchers. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a collaborative environment and how you’ve influenced design decisions through effective communication of research findings.
✨Familiarise Yourself with DBT's Mission
Understand the Department for Business and Trade’s goals and how user research fits into their mission. Be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to creating better services for citizens and businesses. This shows your alignment with their objectives and your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in complex situations. Think about challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
