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- Tasks: Lead user research to shape digital products for a major financial institution.
- Company: Join a leading UK financial institution focused on innovative digital solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive pay, and the chance to influence impactful design.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values user-centred design and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in UX or Design Research, strong stakeholder engagement, and strategic thinking required.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for extension; apply now to make a difference!
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Title: Design Researcher
Location: Bristol Harbourside (Hybrid – 2 days onsite per week)
Contract Length: 12 months (potential for extension)
Day Rate: 300- 600 (via umbrella or EC)
Client: A leading UK financial institution
Are you passionate about driving user-centred design in a large-scale digital environment?
We\’re looking for an experienced Design Researcher to join a collaborative digital team working on some of the most important services in UK financial technology. This is a fantastic opportunity to apply your research skills in shaping strategic digital experiences used by millions.
What you\’ll be doing:
- Leading both generative and evaluative research to inform product development
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary agile teams across discovery and delivery phases
- Developing and managing research strategies that align with user needs and business outcomes
- Advocating for the user by facilitating workshops, sharing insights, and embedding research within product culture
- Building strong stakeholder relationships and helping research become a \”team sport\”
What we\’re looking for:
- Extensive experience in UX, User, or Design Research roles
- Proven ability to lead research initiatives and influence design direction
- Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills
- Strategic mindset and confidence in working with senior decision-makers
- Experience working in large, structured organisations (ideally financial services)
- Exposure to both public and private sector environments is a plus
Why apply?
You\’ll play a key role in shaping high-impact digital products, working within a team that values innovation, research, and real user outcomes. If you\’re ready to influence design at scale and thrive in a collaborative, agile setting-this could be your next great move.
Apply now to learn more !
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/Adecco 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.
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Design Researcher employer: Pontoon
Contact Detail:
Pontoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Design Researcher
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in UX and design research, especially within the financial technology sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in design research roles, particularly in financial services. Attend relevant meetups or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led research initiatives in the past. Highlight your ability to influence design direction and collaborate with stakeholders, as these are key skills the employer is looking for.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your strategic mindset by thinking about how your research can align with business outcomes. Be ready to articulate how your work can drive user-centred design while meeting the goals of a large organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Design Researcher
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in UX, User, or Design Research roles. Focus on specific projects where you led research initiatives and influenced design direction, as this aligns with what the company is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for user-centred design and your ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Mention any experience you have in large, structured organisations, particularly in financial services, to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, provide examples of generative and evaluative research you've conducted. Highlight how your research has informed product development and improved user experiences, as this is crucial for the position.
Prepare for Potential Interviews: Anticipate questions about your stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills. Be ready to discuss how you've built strong relationships in previous roles and how you advocate for users within product culture.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss specific research projects you've led in the past. Highlight your methodologies, findings, and how they influenced design decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to drive user-centred design effectively.
✨Understand the Financial Sector
Familiarise yourself with the financial services industry, especially the digital products offered by the client. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current trends and challenges in this sector will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you’ve facilitated workshops or shared insights that helped embed research within product culture, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in engaging with stakeholders, particularly senior decision-makers. Share instances where you influenced design direction through your research, showcasing your strategic mindset and communication skills.
