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: Embrace inclusivity and equality in a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while working with diverse teams.
- 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) 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 respect and equality, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is valued, making it an excellent place for meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government & 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 your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with GDS projects. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work in service design and user research. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases how you’ve tackled real user needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on GDS principles and your past experiences. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied user-centred design in your previous roles and how you can bring that to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. 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 Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how you’ve applied service design principles and user research in real projects. We love seeing concrete examples that demonstrate your impact and understanding of user-centred design.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your insights and experiences are easy to understand for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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 contribute to meaningful 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 past work. 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.
✨Emphasise Accessibility and Inclusivity
Given the focus on accessibility and inclusivity, be prepared to discuss how you’ve championed these values in your previous roles. Share specific instances where you’ve made design decisions based on evidence and user feedback to create more inclusive services.
