At a Glance
- 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, 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, 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 while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading user research and managing complex stakeholder groups.
The predicted salary is between 59800 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: UK - Remote or Hybrid, Subject to Location
Salary: £59,800 - £75,000 subject to location and experience
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
Benefits
- 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. Learn about what you like, when you like, how you like.
- Give back days
- Annual team and company away‑days
- Personal learning budget
Other information: 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: NECSWS
NEC Software Solutions is an exceptional employer that values autonomy and empowers its employees to make impactful decisions in a dynamic, remote or hybrid work environment. With a strong focus on personal growth, the company offers extensive benefits including private medical cover, generous holiday allowances, and access to over 15,000 LinkedIn Learning courses, ensuring that you can develop your skills while contributing to meaningful projects that have a positive societal impact.
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
Showcase your project management skills! During interviews, highlight specific examples where you've navigated complex stakeholder groups and made strategic decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
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 for the Lead User Researcher role. Highlight your GDS Beta delivery experience and how it aligns with our needs. We want to see how your skills can make a real impact!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your past roles; tell us about specific projects where you led user research. Use examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments and manage stakeholder relationships effectively.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity! Make sure your insights and experiences are easy to understand, especially when discussing your approach to user research.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at NECSWS
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your Government Digital Service (GDS) knowledge, especially around Beta delivery. Familiarise yourself with the principles and practices of user research in this context, as you'll need to demonstrate your expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience leading user research projects. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex stakeholder groups and made strategic decisions in fast-paced environments. This will show them you're the right fit for a leadership role.
✨Articulate Research Insights Clearly
Practice articulating your research insights in a clear and concise manner. You’ll likely need to explain how your findings can influence project outcomes, so being able to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders is crucial.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your judgement and decision-making skills. Think about past experiences where you had to make tough calls or manage competing priorities, and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
