Lead User Researcher

Made Tech; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Manchester is seeking a Lead User Researcher to drive user-centered service design in the public sector. You will lead research projects, mentor teams, and influence key stakeholders. The ideal candidate has a background in education and extensive experience in user research methodologies, with a focus on fostering inclusive practices. This position offers flexible working hours and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

30 days paid annual leave

Flexible working hours

Paid counselling and advice services

Qualifications

• Experience with assessment‑based research and EdTech environments.
• Former primary school teacher preferred.
• Champion inclusive research practices and accessible service design.

Responsibilities

• Lead research deliveries and ensure successful outcomes.
• Build relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• Promote user‑centred thinking across the organization.

Skills

Experience in education settings

Proficient in research methodologies

Agile research processes

Analytical skills

Coaching junior team members

Job description

Lead User Researchers are expert practitioners who influence and mentor others. They work with teams to deeply understand people's lives, services, organisations, and outcomes for the public sector. They do this by ensuring that teams take a user‑centred, evidence‑based approach to service design and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead one or more research deliveries, ensuring all project teams and stakeholders share a common understanding of successful outcomes.
• Scope and focus research objectives, plan activities, and oversee the overall delivery of research.
• Adopt a whole‑team approach to user research, inviting all stakeholders to observe sessions.
• Set best‑practice standards in partnership with the Discipline head and peers, including compliance with GDPR, MRS, and GDS Service standards.
• Lead mixed‑methodology research, facilitate team analysis sessions, and synthesize findings into actionable insight reports.
• Build relationships with clients and senior stakeholders, influence their strategic direction, and support business development opportunities.
• Provide oversight of user researchers across client accounts and promote cross‑functional working relationships.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, and coach user researchers, fostering an inclusive and supportive team culture.
• Advocate for user‑centred thinking and practices across Made Tech and client offices.
• Represent the user‑centred design community internally and externally, supporting the Discipline head in setting direction.
• Promote a positive, safe, inclusive, and open culture within the User Research team.
• Balance constructive feedback with positive reinforcement for effective team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Experience working in education settings, particularly Early Years/Primary Education (ages 4‑11).
• Experience with assessment‑based research and EdTech environments.
• Former primary school teacher preferred.
• Proficient in research methodologies including:
  • Usability testing
  • Contextual enquiry
  • Rapid research
  • Survey development
  • Measurable and evaluative research
• Experience leading user research across GDS development stages (discovery, alpha, beta) and understanding of GDS assessments.
• Extensive experience in agile research processes.
• Confidence in coaching junior team members and presenting findings to project teams and senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills: synthesising complex data to generate actionable insights.
• Advocacy for research standards, including GDPR and MRS Code of Conduct.
• Champion inclusive research practices and accessible service design for diverse government users.
• Strategic influence on clients at a commercial level, improving processes and generating new work.

Benefits

• 30 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours with optional part‑time remote work for all staff.
• Flexible parental leave options.
• Paid counselling and financial/legal advice.
• SmartTech scheme, Cycle‑to‑Work scheme, and an individual benefits allowance (healthcare cash plan or pension plan).
• Optional social and wellbeing calendar of events for all employees.

Recruitment Process

Our hiring process is designed to be thorough, transparent, and supportive. It typically involves the following steps:

• Screening call (25‑30 minutes) with a member of the talent team.
• Interview with the hiring manager or team members (45‑60 minutes).
  the format may vary.
• Final stage interview with two team members (approximately 60 minutes).
• SC security clearance may be required.

We keep you updated throughout and provide constructive feedback at each stage, even if the outcome is not successful.

About Made Tech

Made Tech is committed to positively impacting society through technology. We believe design-led approaches can create positive outcomes in the public sector, and we are building a community of designers and researchers to support the growing demand for a service‑delivery approach.