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- Tasks: Lead user-centred design strategy for a major government digital programme.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on impactful government services.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for contract extension.
- Other info: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace with strong support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Shape the future of digital services while influencing key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Current SC clearance and extensive GDS experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 67500 £ per year.
Rate: Up to £675 per day (Inside IR35)
Location: London (3 days per week on-site)
Contract: Initial contract with strong extension potential
We're looking for an experienced SC-cleared UCD Lead to take a senior, strategic role on a major central government digital programme. This role will suit someone who can set direction for user-centred design, lead and mentor teams, and influence at programme and senior stakeholder level while ensuring delivery meets the Government Service Standard.
Key Requirements
- Active Security Clearance (SC) - must be current and transferable
- Extensive GDS experience, working to the Government Service Standard
- Proven experience operating as a UCD / Design Lead on complex digital services
- Strong background in leading multidisciplinary design and research teams
- Confidence influencing senior stakeholders, service owners and programme leadership
- Experience shaping UCD strategy across multiple products or services
Responsibilities
- Set the UCD strategy and vision, ensuring alignment with organisational and programme objectives
- Provide clear leadership and direction to content designers, user researchers and interaction designers
- Champion user-centred design at a strategic level, embedding best practice across teams
- Oversee research-led design decisions and ensure insights directly inform delivery
- Coach and mentor team members, supporting capability development and quality standards
- Ensure all UCD outputs align with GDS standards and support successful service assessments
Working Pattern
3 days per week on-site in London. Remaining days remote, offering a balanced and flexible working model.
If you're an SC-cleared UCD Lead with strong GDS experience and a track record of strategic leadership within government digital programmes, we'd like to hear from you.
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.
We want to support you throughout the recruitment process. If you need any help or adjustments for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS employer: Sanderson Government & Defence
Contact Detail:
Sanderson Government & Defence Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with GDS. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to UCD and GDS. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to get comfortable with articulating your experience and strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've influenced teams and stakeholders in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to set direction and mentor others.
✨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 about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared UCD Lead - GDS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the SC Cleared UCD Lead role. Highlight your GDS experience and any leadership roles you've had in user-centred design. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve influenced stakeholders or led successful projects. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're passionate about user-centred design and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we want to feel your enthusiasm!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government & Defence
✨Know Your UCD Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in user-centred design principles and the Government Service Standard. Brush up on your GDS experience and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts, but that you can lead and mentor others in them.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Think about past experiences where you influenced senior stakeholders or shaped UCD strategy. Prepare specific examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve navigated complex situations. This will demonstrate your ability to operate at a strategic level.
✨Showcase Your Team Leadership
Be ready to talk about how you’ve led multidisciplinary teams in the past. Discuss your coaching and mentoring style, and how you ensure quality standards are met. This is crucial for the role, so having concrete examples will set you apart.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve contributed to creating an inclusive environment in your previous roles. This shows that you share their values and can contribute positively to their culture.