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- Tasks: Lead user research for impactful GDS Beta projects and guide multidisciplinary teams.
- Company: NEC Software Solutions, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Private medical cover, generous holiday, pension contributions, and access to LinkedIn Learning.
- Other info: Remote or hybrid work options available; commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services through meaningful user research.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading user research and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Lead User Researcher with strong GDS Beta delivery experience to take ownership of user research on one of our most critical and visible programmes. This is a fixed‑term contract role, with flexibility on duration (minimum of 6 months), designed for someone who enjoys leading at pace in complex delivery environments.
In this role, you will set the direction for user research, act as a trusted point of contact for the client, and guide the wider team through a GDS Beta Assessment. You’ll be empowered to make strategic decisions, influence outcomes, and shape the research approach to support successful delivery. The role can be remote or hybrid, depending on location. We are ideally looking for someone who can start immediately, though we are happy to speak with candidates who have a notice period. Due to the nature of the programme, eligibility for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3 is essential.
You’ll lead the planning, facilitation and delivery of user research across a substantial GDS Beta project, working closely with multidisciplinary teams on problems that are often complex, sensitive and fast‑moving. Autonomy, sound judgement and strong project management, relationship management and negotiation skills will be key.
A significant part of the role will involve supporting the programme through a GDS Beta Assessment — making the right calls at the right time, clearly articulating research insights, and having confident, informed conversations with senior stakeholders and clients to ensure the work meets the required standards. While the environment brings challenge and pressure, it also offers the opportunity to contribute to services with meaningful societal impact, where good user research genuinely shapes outcomes for the public.
Qualifications- Significant experience leading user research within GDS projects
- Proven involvement in GDS Assessments, ideally at Beta stage
- Experience working within multidisciplinary delivery teams
- Eligibility for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3
- Demonstrable experience managing complex stakeholder groups, navigating ambiguity and competing priorities
- Experience working within Bluelight, Public Safety or Justice contexts
- Private Medical Cover funded by NEC for Employees (with the option to add family members at an additional cost)
- 25 days paid holiday with the option to buy/sell (FTE)
- 4 x basic salary life assurance cover funded by NEC (with the option to increase cover at an additional cost)
- A Group Pension Plan with fantastic employer contributions up to a maximum of 8.5%
- A selection of flexible benefits to suit your individual needs
- All colleagues get free access to LinkedIn Learning. Over 15,000 courses covering a huge breadth of subjects.
- Give back days
- Annual team and company away-days
- Personal learning budget
Candidates must be able to demonstrate a pre-existing right to work and travel within the UK. Documentary evidence will be required. All offers are subject to satisfactory vetting, references and occupational health checks. Depending on the nature of the role a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check may also be required.
NEC Software Solutions is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all communities. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs during the recruitment or interview process, please feel free to share these with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accommodating experience for all candidates.
Lead User Researcher employer: NEC Software Solutions
Contact Detail:
NEC Software Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead User Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the user research field, especially those who have experience with GDS projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your GDS Beta delivery knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see you shine and show us how you can lead user research effectively!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead User Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with GDS projects and user research. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Lead User Researcher, you’ll be guiding teams and making strategic decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience, especially in complex delivery environments. Share examples of how you've influenced outcomes in past roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! We appreciate straightforward language that gets to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and make sure your insights are easy to understand for all stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at NEC Software Solutions
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Government Digital Service (GDS) principles and Beta delivery experience. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving GDS Assessments. This will show that you not only understand the framework but can also apply it effectively.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Conversations
Since you'll be engaging with senior stakeholders, practice articulating your research insights clearly and confidently. Think about potential questions they might ask and prepare your responses. This will help you demonstrate your sound judgement and relationship management skills during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to share examples of how you've managed complex projects in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities, as this is crucial for the role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy and Decision-Making
This role requires making strategic decisions, so come prepared with examples of when you've taken ownership of a project or made significant calls. Discuss how your decisions influenced outcomes and shaped research approaches, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.