At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct user research to shape digital services and enhance user experiences.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting a Central Government department.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £500/day, with occasional travel to Exeter.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on government digital services while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Proven user research experience and active SC clearance required.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and offers support throughout the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced User Researcher with active SC clearance to support a Central Government department on a major digital programme. This role is ideal for someone with deep user research expertise, experience delivering insights that shape complex digital services, and familiarity with GDS standards and ways of working.
The Role: You will play a pivotal role in understanding user needs, behaviours, and experiences, helping teams design services that are effective, usable, and accessible. You'll work closely with delivery teams, service designers, and senior stakeholders to embed user-centred design principles across programmes.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Planning and conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and field studies
- Analysing and synthesising research findings into clear, actionable insights
- Creating personas, user journeys, and experience maps to inform service design
- Advising on research methods, best practices, and user-centred approaches
- Collaborating with service designers, product teams, and stakeholders to ensure research informs decisions
- Supporting accessibility, inclusivity, and regulatory compliance in digital services
- Ensuring research aligns with GDS standards and government service design principles
- Communicating findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Occasional travel to Exeter
About You
Essential Experience:
- Proven experience as a User Researcher or in a similar user-centred design role
- Active SC clearance
- Strong expertise in planning, conducting, and analysing user research
- Experience with a range of research methods (qualitative and quantitative)
- Skilled at synthesising research into actionable insights and recommendations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience in regulated, sensitive, or government environments
- Experience working with GDS standards and digital service frameworks
Nice to Have:
- Experience with remote research tools and techniques
- Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design standards
- Familiarity with service design, UX design, or digital transformation programmes
- Relevant certifications (e.g., UX, HCI, or research-related qualifications)
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.
SC Cleared User Researcher (Mid-Senior) in Exeter employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared User Researcher (Mid-Senior) in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the user research field, especially those who have experience with government projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best user research projects. Make sure to include case studies that demonstrate how your insights shaped digital services, especially if they align with GDS standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing answers to common user researcher questions. Focus on how you’ve used qualitative and quantitative methods to drive decisions and improve user experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented User Researchers. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you might just land that dream role with us!
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared User Researcher (Mid-Senior) in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience as a User Researcher. Focus on your expertise in user-centred design and how it aligns with the role's requirements.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Don’t just list your skills; provide examples of how you've successfully conducted user research. Mention specific methods you’ve used and the insights you’ve delivered that shaped digital services.
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. Clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your User Research Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your user research methodologies. Be ready to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as how you've applied them in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but have practical experience to back it up.
✨Familiarise Yourself with GDS Standards
Since this role involves working closely with GDS standards, take some time to understand these principles. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve implemented these standards in your previous work and how they can enhance user-centred design.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Communication
You’ll need to communicate findings to both technical and non-technical audiences. Think of examples where you’ve successfully conveyed complex insights in an understandable way. Practising this will help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires working with various teams, so be ready to share experiences where you collaborated effectively with service designers, product teams, or stakeholders. Highlight how your contributions shaped the project outcomes and improved user experiences.