UX Researcher

AJ Bell; Salford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

6% Pension

Share schemes

Health plan

Free onsite gym

Job summary

AJ Bell is building a centralised UX Research capability within a FTSE 250 financial services organisation, and this midweight UX Researcher role is a key foundation. You’ll lead discovery research end-to-end, partner with designers and product teams, and communicate insights to influence decisions in the Advised team within the growing UX Research function.

You’ll independently plan studies, apply mixed methods, and help shape research practices as the function matures, with hybrid office

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a UX Researcher, leading studies independently.
• Strong grounding in qualitative research with ability to apply quantitative methods where appropriate.
• Experience collaborating with designers and product teams in agile environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead generative and discovery research end-to-end, framing problems and delivering insights.
• Select and apply appropriate research methods with autonomy and confidence.
• Partner with UX Designers on discovery and shaping ideas before evaluative testing.
• Conduct mixed-methods research ( moderated/unmoderated studies, surveys, observations ).
• Synthesize findings into actionable insights for immediate product impact.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders with tailored messaging.
• Contribute to evolving research practices and tooling as the function matures.

Job description

• Department: AJ Bell Investcentre Marketing

Job Description

We’rebuilding a centralised UX Research capability within a FTSE 250 financial services organisation - and this role is a key part of that foundation.

As a midweight UX Researcher,you’lllead meaningful research that shapes product direction, builds shared confidence, and helps teams make better decisions earlier.You’llbe part of the Advised team while sitting within a growing central UX Research team, giving you both focus and community.

This is a hands‑on role for a confident researcher who can independently plan and deliver high-quality discovery research, work closely with designers and product teams, and clearly communicate insight to influence outcomes.

What you'll do:

• Leadgenerative and tactical discovery researchend-to-end - from framing the problem through to insight and recommendations.
• Select and applyappropriate researchmethods to meet research goals, with autonomy and confidence.
• Partner closely with UX Designers on tactical discovery, supporting early exploration and shaping ideas before evaluative testing.
• Conduct a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, including moderated and unmoderatedstudies, surveys and in-person observation at adviser firms.
• Synthesise research into clear, actionable insights that teams can useimmediately.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders, tailoring the message to different audiences.
• Providestrong evidenceto support decision‑making, helping teams move forward with confidence.
• Contribute to the development of research practices, ways of working, and tooling as the function matures.

What 'good' looks like in this role:

• You can run discovery research independently and know how to adapt when things change.
• You’recomfortable making methodological decisions and explainingwhyyou’vetaken a particular approach.
• Stakeholders trust your work and understand the value of research because you communicate it clearly.
• Designers see you as a partner, not a handover point.
• You’reconfident speaking up when evidence challenges assumptions — and you do it constructively.
• You helpestablishthoughtful, pragmatic research practices rather than over-engineering process.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience working as a UX Researcher, leading studies independently.
• Strong grounding in qualitative research, with experience applying quantitative methods where appropriate.
• Confidence choosing and applying research methods to answer real product questions.
• Experience collaborating with designers and product teams in an agile or iterative environment.
• Ability to synthesise complex findings into clear, compelling insight.
• Comfortable presenting research outputs to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working in regulated environments or financial services ishelpful but not essential.

How we work:

We’reestablishinga research culture that valuesthoughtful execution - doing just enough research to make confident decisions, without slowing teams down.You’llbe encouraged to challenge norms gently, bringstrong evidenceto the table, and help embed research as a strategic partner rather than a gatekeeper.

You won’t be expected to line-manage in this role, but you will be expected to take ownership of your work and contribute to shaping how research shows up across the organisation.

About AJ Bell

AJ Bell is one of the UK’s fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors.

Today, over762,000customerstrust us to manage more than£121.5billionof assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible,we’rehelping more people take control of their financial futures.

We’reproud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work Forforsix consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work® in 2025 and 2026a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture.

What we offer

• 25days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays
• 6% Pension with matched contributions
• Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE)
• Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare
• Free onsite gym
• Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Travel and bike loan schemesEmployee Assistance Programme

Life at AJ Bell

• Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to you
• Casual dress code
• Friendly, supportive team environment

Our ways of working

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of50% of your working time per monthspent in the office.

For new starters,there’san initialperiod of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships.

Inclusion & diversity

We’recommitted to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills,experienceand potential.