Lead User Researcher - AI-Driven Strategy

Hippo; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory Pension Scheme

25 Days Holiday

Perkbox access

Life assurance

Cycle-to-work

Season ticket loans

Private health cover

Private dental cover

Flexible benefits

Wellbeing contribution

Charity contributions

Job summary

Hippo is a rapidly growing AI-enabled digital consultancy recruiting a Lead Consultant with a user research background. You will shape user strategy, maintain research standards, and drive valuable, user-centred outcomes on complex client work.

You will mentor Senior and Intermediate researchers and contribute to evolving the research practice as AI transforms the field. You will lead research in complex environments, align teams on user outcomes, and influence decision-making with data and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading research across complex client engagements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams using user-centred research throughout product/service lifecycles.
• Proven ability to apply diverse research methodologies and address accessibility needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead research on complex client engagements, driving user-centred outcomes across projects.
• Act as trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, influencing decision-making and service direction.
• Lead teams to ensure products meet user needs and standards (GDS where applicable).
• Contribute to Hippo's research approach, evolving practice amid AI-driven changes.
• Act as a leader within Hippo's research and internal workstreams.
• Recruit, mentor and strengthen capability of Intermediate and Senior researchers.
• Support business growth through bids and client value demonstrations.
• Represent Hippo's research and UCD capability both internally and externally.

Skills

Lead research

User-centred design

Stakeholder influence

Mentoring

AI in research

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Hippo is a rapidly growing AI-enabled digital consultancy recruiting a Lead Consultant with a user research background. You will shape user strategy, maintain research standards, and drive valuable, user-centred outcomes on complex client work.

You will mentor Senior and Intermediate researchers and contribute to evolving the research practice as AI transforms the field. You will lead research in complex environments, align teams on user outcomes, and influence decision-making with data and