At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user-centred design and research for impactful digital services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team supporting UK Government initiatives.
- 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 cutting-edge design principles.
- Qualifications: Experience in Service Design and User Research, with active SC Clearance.
Remote (occasional travel to South West London)
Active SC Clearance Required
£540 per day (Inside IR35)
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
- 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
- £540 per day (Inside IR35)
- Primarily remote, with occasional travel to South West London
- Initial contract with strong extension potential
- Immediate or ASAP start preferred
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.
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) in London employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Join a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises user-centred design and research, contributing to impactful public services in a collaborative and inclusive environment. With a strong commitment to professional growth, you will have the opportunity to work alongside multidisciplinary teams while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid role, primarily remote with occasional travel to South West London. Our culture values diversity and respect, ensuring that every voice is heard and every contribution is valued.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Designer / User Researcher (Hybrid) in London
✨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 that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨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 do.
✨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
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 are proactive!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Designer / User Researcher (Hybrid) in London
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 Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of projects where you’ve successfully applied service design thinking and user research. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your insights and experiences, as we appreciate clarity in both technical and non-technical contexts.
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 this exciting opportunity to make a difference in public services!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your GDS Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in GDS service design principles and frameworks. Brush up on the Service Standard and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles. This will show that you understand the expectations and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about specific user research projects you've led or contributed to. Be ready to explain your approach to both qualitative and quantitative research, and how you’ve translated insights into actionable service improvements. Real examples will make your experience stand out.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working in multidisciplinary agile teams, think of examples where you’ve successfully collaborated with product, delivery, design, and engineering teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve influenced stakeholders to ensure user needs are met.
✨Champion Accessibility and Inclusivity
Be prepared to discuss how you’ve prioritised accessibility and inclusivity in your designs. Share any experiences where you’ve made evidence-based design decisions that cater to diverse user needs. This aligns perfectly with the values of the role and shows your commitment to user-centred design.
