User Researcher (Defence)

Kainos; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Kainos in Belfast seeks an experienced User Researcher (Consultant) to deliver actionable insights that shape service experiences and user needs. You will coach a small team and drive performance development while partnering with client teams on research plans.

Join a growing Experience Design capability focused on user-centred digital services, with a culture that values collaboration, career growth, and impact across large-scale projects within the UK Defence sector.

Qualifications

• Lead, plan, develop, and conduct research activities with appropriate methods
• UK Defence Industry experience
• Active SC clearance
• Expert knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles
• Work with client teams to deliver research plans and strategies
• Designs and leads workshops across a project lifecycle
• Represents user research across the organisation
• Developing people – coaching and developing senior staff and community
• Effective communication at all levels
• Strong commercial awareness
• Strong stakeholder management skills

Responsibilities

• Lead, plan, develop, and conduct research activities with appropriate methods
• UK Defence Industry experience.
• Active SC clearance
• Expert knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Sound understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles
• Work closely with client teams to deliver relevant and appropriate research plans and strategies
• Designs and leads workshops across a project lifecycle
• Represents user research across the organisation
• We are passionate about developing people – a demonstrated ability in managing, coaching and developing senior members of your team and wider community
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Excellent commercial awareness
• Strong stakeholder management skills

Skills

Lead research

SC clearance

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

IA/UI/UX principles

Workshops facilitation

People development

Communication

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Defence sector experience

Job description

Join Kainos and Shape the Future

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting‑edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people‑first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS

As an experienced User Researcher (Consultant) at Kainos, you will be responsible for delivering actionable insights that help define the right service experiences and focus them on user needs. You will be an advocate for needs‑based design, design thinking and service design, and are passionate about coaching others in design research. You’ll manage, coach and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development.

You will be part of our growing Experience Design capability creating exemplary digital services. We are supportive, collaborative, talented, and hugely passionate about user‑centred design. We are not about marketing and dark patterns; we are all about making a positive, measurable impact on millions of people through quality products and services.

Minimum (essential) Requirements

• Lead, plan, develop, and conduct research activities, ensuring the right methods are applied
• UK Defence Industry experience.
• Active SC clearance
• Expert knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Sound understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles
• Work closely with client teams to deliver relevant and appropriate research plans and strategies
• Designs and leads workshops across a project lifecycle
• Represents user research across the organisation
• We are passionate about developing people – a demonstrated ability in managing, coaching and developing senior members of your team and wider community
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels
• Excellent commercial awareness
• Strong stakeholder management skills

DESIRABLE

• Experience working in a full‑service digital agency environment
• Demonstrable knowledge of user‑centred design practices
• Experience working with Agile delivery methodologies

Embracing our differences

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive. We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are. We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field.

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out.

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.