At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user research initiatives and shape digital products for diverse clients.
- Company: Join Mastek, a dynamic company focused on user-centred design.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by influencing user experiences across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in user research and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68205 £ per year.
Lead User Researcher
Mastek is seeking a Lead User Researcher to join our dynamic and growing User-Centred Design (UCD) practice.
This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful projects across the public and private sectors, applying user-centred methods in agile environments while collaborating with a diverse range of stakeholders.
As a Lead User Researcher, you will
- Drive the development of our UCD strategy
- Support the growth of our design community
- Line manage and mentor junior team members
- Contribute to business development and client growth
About the Role
You will lead user research initiatives that shape digital products and services for clients across a range of sectors.
Working within multidisciplinary agile teams, you'll champion user-centred design, influence stakeholders, and help deliver meaningful outcomes for users and businesses alike.
Key Responsibilities
- User-Centred Design
- Lead, scope, and deliver end-to-end user research activities across a variety of programmes
- Recommend and execute appropriate research methods based on project needs
- Produce and maintain research deliverables appropriate to each project phase
- Clearly communicate project problems, scope, and success criteria to diverse audiences
- Support teams in resolving challenges and navigating delivery issues
- Guide clients through every stage of the design process, from discovery and ideation to implementation
- Stakeholder Management
- Build trusted relationships with client teams and senior stakeholders
- Communicate user-centred design approaches effectively to gain alignment and buy-in
- Upskill colleagues and clients on UCD methods and agile delivery practices
- Identify commercial opportunities, including cross-selling additional services
- Proactively manage delivery risks and blockers in partnership with Delivery Managers or Project Leads
- Navigate organisational complexity and provide practical solutions to ambiguous challenges
- Business Development
- Identify and pursue opportunities with existing and prospective clients
- Shape and present compelling proposals and pitches
- Lead the application of UCD and agile approaches within transformation bids, ensuring alignment with client needs
- Community Development
- Contribute to the evolution of Mastek's User-Centred Design and consulting strategy
- Develop thought leadership, propositions, and points of view on applying design thinking in new markets
- Support and lead the growth of the UCD community through Design Operations principles
Qualifications & Experience
We're looking for someone with
- Demonstrable experience in User Research or User-Centred Design within agile teams and complex programmes
- Strong practical knowledge of user research methods and tools
- Proven ability to conduct research and translate findings into actionable insights
- Consultancy experience
- Experience mentoring or leading User Research or UCD teams
- Familiarity with GDS and NHS Service Standards and assessments
- Experience leading Discovery phases aligned with GDS or NHS Service Standards
- Experience within the healthcare sector (desirable)
Essential Skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Ability to influence and gain buy-in across diverse audiences
- Strong facilitation skills for remote and in-person workshops, meetings, and research sessions
- Comfortable managing ambiguity and complex organisational environments
• Experience in complementary disciplines such as
- Service Design
- Content Design
- Communication Design (desirable)
Benefits (but not limited to)
- Annual performance-related bonus
- Professional development and training budget
- Full Medical Cover for Employee & Spouse
- EV Car Scheme
- 22 days Holiday & Bank Holidays + Additional Birthday Leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Diversity & Inclusion
Mastek is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher in Leeds
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Mastek for a Lead User Researcher, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Mastek before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like Lead User Researcher at Mastek, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Mastek does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Mastek. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Mastek.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mastek
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Mastek, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Mastek might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Mastek!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Mastek is looking for.
