Research Lead

Hargreaves Lansdown; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hargreaves Lansdown, the UK’s leading investment platform, is seeking a Research Lead to shape the direction of its digital channels. This strategic role involves establishing a comprehensive UX research strategy, collaborating across teams, and mentoring researchers to drive user-centered insights that inform business strategies. The position offers a flexible, hybrid working environment and a supportive culture focused on innovation and quality.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Enhanced parental leave

Pension scheme with employer contribution

Private medical insurance

Health care cash plans

Wellness coaching sessions

Paid volunteering days

Inhouse barista and deli

Qualifications

• Significant UX research experience with a strong portfolio.
• Proven expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Experience collaborating with C-suite or senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Defining and leading the UX research strategy.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to influence product development.
• Mentoring and coaching a team of UX researchers.

Skills

UX research experience

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Communication skills

Team mentoring

Education

Degree in related field

Job description

Excited to grow your career?

Our purpose is to make it easy for people to save and invest for a better future. We are looking for great people to join us, so please come and invest in YOUR future at Hargreaves Lansdown.

We know that sometimes people can be put off applying for a job if they don't tick every box. If you're excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please go ahead and apply. We’d love to hear from you!

About the role

As Research Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the direction and evolution of our digital channels at Hargreaves Lansdown (HL). Operating at strategic level, you will establish and drive the Research strategy across the organisation, setting the standard and demonstrating value. Promoting a client-centric approach through advocacy and coaching to drive understanding at all of levels of the business.

This is a varied leadership role, responsible for overseeing all research initiatives end-to-end, embedding research thinking into the product development lifecycle, and collaborating cross-functionally with design, product, data science, engineering, and executive stakeholders. Accountable for aligning client needs with business needs, sharing knowledge and assuring quality to inform and influence the direction and future outcomes, founded on both qualitative and quantitative data and insights.

In this key role within the Design team, you will also lead the growth and direction of the Research function, developing capabilities and building and nurturing a high performing culture and team.

What you’ll be doing

• Defining and leading the overarching UX research strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and long-term vision to deliver a best-in-class experience
• Championing a client-first mindset across the organisation, embedding user insights into strategic planning
• Collaborating with executive and cross-functional leadership teams to inform and influence high-level decisions using data-driven and human-centred insights
• Leading workshops and strategic planning sessions to align stakeholders around user needs and product opportunities
• Defining and leading complex mixed-method research projects, ensuring the right tools and skills are in place and unblocking barriers to progress
• Deriving insights from qualitative and quantitative sources to produce compelling, actionable insights
• Mentoring and coaching a team of UX researchers and cross-functional teams in research best practices and user-centred thinking, creating a culture of experimentation, empathy and accountability
• Actively growing the UX Research function through thought leadership, process improvement, identifying and procuring relevant training, tooling and methods
• Effectively communicating research findings to diverse audiences, tailoring storytelling and influence strategies to senior executives, designers, and product managers alike

About you

• Significant UX research experience with a strong portfolio of impactful research work across industries, products, or platforms
• Proven expertise in both qualitative (e.g., interviews, field studies, co-creation) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, A/B testing, behavioural analytics) methods
• Proven success in leading research programs that influence business strategy and product innovation
• Experience collaborating with and influencing C-suite or senior leadership
• Deep understanding of product development processes, design thinking, and agile methodologies
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills
• Experience mentoring and nurturing a team of researchers and contributing to team development

Interview process

The interview process will include a skills-based interview, followed by a final stage interview including a psychometric assessment, presentation, and leadership-based questions.

Working schedule

This is a full time, permanent role covering 37.5 hours per week. Our office is based in Bristol, BS1 5HL - hybrid working is available, flexible and open for discussion.

Why us?

Here at HL, we’re the UK’s number 1 investment platform for private investors, based in Bristol. For more than 40 years we’ve helped investors save time, tax and money on their investments.

To achieve our mission, we believe we have a workplace like no other, with constant learning, dynamic teams, and a great ethos. We're steered by core values that promote service, quality, innovation, and opportunity in everything we do.

What's on offer?

• Discretionary annual bonus * and annual pay review
• 25 days * holiday plus bank holidays and 1-day additional Christmas closure
• Option to purchase an additional 5 days holiday **
• Flexible working options available, including hybrid working
• Enhanced parental leave
• Pension scheme up to 11% employer contribution
• Income Protection and Life insurance (4 x salary core level of cover)
• Private medical insurance*
• Health care cash plans - including optical, dental, and out patient care
• Health screening programme
• Help@hand - confidential support including mental health counselling and remote GP
• Wellhub - unlimited access to fitness provider s and w ellness c oach sessions
• Variety of travel to work schemes with bike storage and shower facilities
• Inhouse barista and deli serving subsidised coffee and sandwiches
• T wo paid volunteering days per year

* dependant on role level

** only available to select during our annual benefits window, in November each year

Hargreaves Lansdown is an inclusive employer that values diversity in its workforce. We encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or age.

This role may also be available on a flexible working or part time basis – please ask the Recruitment & Onboarding team for more information.

Please note, we are unable to provide employment sponsorship to candidates.