Design Researcher

Design Researcher

Leeds Full-Time 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Craft seamless digital experiences and champion service design for a major financial institution.
  • Company: Join Pontoon Solutions, a leader in talent management and digital transformation.
  • Benefits: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference to millions by shaping user-focused services.
  • Qualifications: Experience in service design and a user-centred mindset are essential.
  • Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and supports your development.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.

23 hours ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from Pontoon Solutions

Digital Principle Recruiter @ Pontoon Solutions | Talent Management

Role: Design Researcher

Location: Leeds 2x per days on site required

Duration: 6-month initial contract

About the Role:

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced Service Designer to help craft seamless digital experiences and champion service design within one of the UK’s largest financial institutions. This is a key opportunity to work at the heart of a significant transformation programme, helping to shape user-focused services that make a real difference to millions of customers.

You’ll play a pivotal role in designing and improving multi-channel services, working across teams to ensure user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility are aligned.

Key Responsibilities

  • Work collaboratively within agile, cross-functional teams to explore priorities, shape strategic initiatives, and define end-to-end service journeys.
  • Apply customer, colleague, and market insights to inform new or improved propositions and services.
  • Facilitate workshops and engage stakeholders to understand context, manage risks, and guide decision-making.
  • Contribute to research, mapping current and future service states to identify opportunities for optimisation.
  • Bring user needs to the forefront of decisions, challenge assumptions, and advocate for inclusive and evidence-based design.
  • Share knowledge and best practice across the design community and help evolve the service design craft internally.
  • Foster strong relationships with product owners, engineers, researchers, and fellow designers.
  • Take ownership of your personal development and contribute positively to team culture and capability growth.

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience in service design, ideally within large, complex organisations or regulated environments.
  • A user-centred mindset and a strong grasp of design thinking methodologies and research techniques.
  • Confidence in communicating effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
  • Resilience and adaptability in a fast-paced environment, with a proactive and collaborative approach to problem solving.
  • Demonstrated ability to balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail in designing holistic service experiences.
  • Experience working in agile or multidisciplinary teams is essential.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a major digital transformation within a dynamic and inclusive environment. You\’ll be encouraged to grow professionally and personally, with plenty of support to develop your skills and shape the way design is embedded across the organisation.

The organisation champions diversity and is committed to creating a welcoming, accessible environment for all. Reasonable adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process – just let us know your needs.

Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV to be considered please click the “apply” button.

Please be advised if you haven\’t heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone’s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

Seniority level

  • Seniority level

    Mid-Senior level

Employment type

  • Employment type

    Contract

Job function

  • Job function

    Design

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Design Researcher employer: Pontoon Solutions

At Pontoon Solutions, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment in Leeds that fosters professional growth and personal development. As a Design Researcher, you will be at the forefront of a major digital transformation within one of the UK's largest financial institutions, collaborating with diverse teams to create impactful user experiences. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique skills and perspectives.
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Contact Detail:

Pontoon Solutions Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Design Researcher

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those at Pontoon Solutions. A friendly message can go a long way in getting your foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for that interview! Research the company and its projects, especially their approach to service design. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share examples of your past work that highlight your user-centred mindset and design thinking. Make it relatable and engaging!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.

We think you need these skills to ace Design Researcher

Service Design
User-Centred Mindset
Design Thinking Methodologies
Research Techniques
Stakeholder Communication
Influencing Skills
Problem Solving
Attention to Detail
Agile Methodologies
Collaboration
Workshop Facilitation
Strategic Initiative Shaping
Holistic Service Experience Design
Adaptability
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Design Researcher role. Highlight your service design experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in complex environments.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about service design and how you can contribute to our team. Share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how they relate to this position.

Showcase Your User-Centred Mindset: In your application, emphasise your user-centred approach and any methodologies you’ve used. We want to see how you advocate for users and incorporate their needs into your design process.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon Solutions

✨Know Your Design Thinking

Brush up on your design thinking methodologies and research techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, especially in complex environments. This will show your understanding of user-centred design and your ability to advocate for it.

✨Showcase Collaboration Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your experience working in agile, cross-functional teams. Talk about how you’ve facilitated workshops or engaged stakeholders to shape service journeys. This will demonstrate your collaborative approach and ability to manage diverse perspectives.

✨Be Ready to Challenge Assumptions

Think of instances where you’ve had to challenge assumptions or influence decisions. Share how you brought user needs to the forefront and advocated for inclusive design. This shows your confidence and resilience in a fast-paced environment.

✨Demonstrate Continuous Learning

Discuss your personal development journey and how you’ve contributed to team culture. Mention any recent courses or workshops you’ve attended related to service design. This reflects your proactive attitude towards growth and your commitment to evolving the design craft.

Design Researcher
Pontoon Solutions
Location: Leeds
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