Lead User Researcher

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public sector consultancy is seeking a Lead User Researcher to drive the research strategy and mentor a team. This senior role involves managing complex user research programmes that directly influence critical government and healthcare services. Applicants should have strong consulting experience, SC clearance, and a deep understanding of user-centred design principles. The position offers flexible UK-wide working arrangements with supportive benefits.

Benefits

Flexible UK-wide working

Supportive benefits

Opportunity to make a real impact

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead research teams and deliver actionable insights at scale.
• Deep understanding of user-centred design principles and research methodologies.
• SC clearance (or eligible to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage complex user research programmes across multiple public sector projects.
• Translate user insights into actionable guidance for design and delivery teams.
• Mentor and coach junior researchers, shaping capability across the practice.
• Influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring evidence-based decisions guide service design.
• Drive best practice in user research, advocating for inclusive, accessible, and ethical design.

Skills

Strong consulting experience delivering user research in public sector

Excellent communication skills

Stakeholder management skills

Knowledge of user-centred design principles

Job description

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Lead User Researcher – UK Wide (Excluding London)

Up to £95,000 – Permanent

We’re looking for a Lead User Researcher to join a high-impact, public sector-focused team. This is a senior, hands-on role where you’ll drive research strategy, mentor other researchers, and ensure user insights directly shape critical government and healthcare services.

If you come from a consulting background, are SC-cleared, and thrive in fast-paced, high-responsibility environments, this role gives you the chance to make a real impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Lead and manage complex user research programmes across multiple public sector projects
• Translate user insights into actionable guidance for design and delivery teams
• Mentor and coach junior researchers, shaping capability across the practice
• Influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring evidence-based decisions guide service design
• Drive best practice in user research, advocating for inclusive, accessible, and ethical design
• Work across delivery phases: discovery, alpha, beta, and live, ensuring research has real-world impact

Experience required

• Strong consulting experience delivering user research in public sector, government, or healthcare
• Proven ability to lead research teams and deliver actionable insights at scale
• Deep understanding of user-centred design principles and research methodologies
• SC clearance (or eligible to obtain)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Nice to have

• Knowledge of UK Government Service Standard and GDS practices
• Experience in service design or digital transformation consulting
• Active involvement in design/research communities (mentoring, speaking, thought leadership)

Why this is different

• Work on high-impact public services that affect millions
• Shape the future of user research capability and practice in the public sector
• Lead a team of talented researchers in a collaborative, mission-driven environment
• Flexible UK-wide working (except London) with supportive benefits
• Opportunity to make your mark on government and healthcare services across the country

? We’re looking for leaders who combine consulting experience, public sector knowledge, and hands-on research capability to deliver measurable impact.

To explore this opportunity, get in touch directly.