At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user-centred design and research for impactful digital services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting UK Government projects.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, remote work flexibility, and potential for contract extension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while working with innovative design principles.
- Qualifications: Experience in Service Design and User Research, with active SC Clearance.
We're seeking a highly capable Service Design / User Research hybrid to support a major UK Government (GDS-aligned) programme, delivering user-centred digital services at scale. This role is ideal for someone who can seamlessly blend GDS service design principles with robust user research practices, ensuring services are designed around real user needs and meet the highest government standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver user-centred design and research activities in line with GDS standards and service assessments
- Plan, conduct, and synthesise qualitative and quantitative user research
- Apply end-to-end service design thinking, including mapping journeys, ecosystems, and service blueprints
- Translate insights into clear, actionable service improvements that meet policy and user needs
- Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary agile teams, including product, delivery, design, and engineering
- Support GDS service assessment preparation, ensuring outputs align to the Service Standard
- Champion accessibility, inclusivity, and evidence-based design decisions
Requirements
- Active SC Clearance (essential - must be in place)
- Strong hands-on experience across both Service Design and User Research
- Proven delivery within UK Government / Public Sector environments
- Deep understanding of GDS frameworks, including the Service Standard, design principles, and assessment process
- Experience working in Agile, multidisciplinary teams delivering complex digital services
- Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
This is a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful public services, ensuring they are accessible, effective, and truly user-focused, while working within a mature and well-structured GDS delivery environment.
Reasonable Adjustments: Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Service Designer / User Researcher (Hybrid) employer: Sanderson Government and Defence
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises user-centred design and research, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a focus on meaningful public service delivery, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a structured GDS environment, all while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements. This role not only allows you to make a significant impact on digital services but also fosters a diverse community where every voice is valued.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government and Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Designer / User Researcher (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in service design and user research. Make it easy for potential employers to see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to GDS standards and user-centred design. We want you to feel confident and ready to showcase your expertise!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Designer / User Researcher (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in Service Design and User Research. We want to see how your skills align with the GDS standards and the specific needs of the role.
Showcase Your Projects:Include examples of past projects where you've successfully applied service design thinking and user research. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to communicating insights and experiences that relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government and Defence
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in GDS service design principles and the Service Standard. Brush up on how these frameworks apply to user research and be ready to discuss how you've implemented them in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about specific user research methods you've used, both qualitative and quantitative. Have examples ready that demonstrate how your insights led to actionable service improvements, especially in a public sector context.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Highlight your experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams. Be prepared to share stories of how you’ve effectively collaborated with product, delivery, design, and engineering teams to deliver complex digital services.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining your insights in a way that resonates with both technical and non-technical audiences. Being able to influence stakeholders is key, so think of examples where your communication made a difference in project outcomes.
