Lead User Researcher (Public Sector)

TL;DR

Lead User Researcher (Public Sector): Leading user research for high-impact, public-facing digital services with an accent on GDS Beta assessments and strategic research delivery. Focus on shaping research strategy, guiding multidisciplinary teams through critical delivery phases, and translating insights into actionable service designs.

Location: Remote or Hybrid within the UK. Must be eligible for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3.

Company

A partner company specializing in the delivery of high-impact digital services for the public sector.

What you will do

• Define and lead the user research strategy across major GDS Beta programmes to ensure evidence-led outcomes.
• Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research activities to guide product and service decisions.
• Lead programmes through GDS Beta assessments, ensuring compliance and strong justification of research decisions.
• Translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations that shape service design.
• Manage senior stakeholder relationships and navigate ambiguity across delivery teams.
• Collaborate within multidisciplinary agile teams to improve public experiences across essential domains.

Requirements

• Extensive experience leading user research within GDS programmes, specifically Beta-stage delivery.
• Proven track record working in multidisciplinary agile teams within complex delivery environments.
• Mandatory: Eligibility for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3.
• Strong ability to manage senior stakeholders and handle competing priorities.
• Excellent facilitation, synthesis, and storytelling skills to communicate actionable insights.
• Must be based in the United Kingdom.

Nice to have

• Experience working in public sector, justice, blue light, or other high-complexity environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Private medical cover with the option to include family members.
• 25 days annual leave with an option to buy or sell additional days.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 8.5% and life assurance.
• Personal learning budget and access to LinkedIn Learning with 15,000+ courses.
• Flexible hybrid or remote working options depending on location.
• Additional leave initiatives for volunteering and "give back" days.