Senior User Researcher

Summary

Join Version 1 as a Senior User Researcher Consultant and shape accessible services delivering lasting value across public and private sectors. Lead research across the full delivery lifecycle, helping agile teams validate assumptions and prioritize work based on real user needs. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure evidence-driven decision-making. Influence service strategy, foster a user-first mindset in client organizations, and mentor colleagues. Lead and deliver user research for complex projects, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategy decisions. Develop strong client relationships by anticipating client needs and driving outcomes aligning with user needs and business objectives.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a researcher, leading research including work on complex digital services in Agile environments
• End-to-end research capability - from designing and running generative and evaluative studies to analysing and synthesising findings into clear, actionable insights
• Broad methodological expertise, with the ability to confidently select and apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g., moderated and unmoderated usability testing, depth interviews, surveys, co‑design, diary studies) to meet project needs
• Strong consultancy skills , including building trusted client relationships, advising on research strategy, and influencing decisions at senior levels
• Stakeholder management expertise , with experience engaging senior stakeholders, facilitating workshops, and driving alignment across multi‑disciplinary teams
• Proven impact , demonstrated through a strong portfolio or case studies showing how your research has informed successful product, service, or strategic outcomes
• Mentorship experience , coaching and supporting junior researchers and colleagues to develop their skills and confidence
• Thorough understanding of ethical considerations in user research, particularly when working with vulnerable users or those with access needs
• Deep understanding of inclusive design and accessibility , including conducting research with users with access needs and familiarity with WCAG 2.2
• Working knowledge of UK public sector service design , including GDS service standards, GOV.UK design system patterns, and assessment processes
• Experience working within Agile teams , actively contributing to ceremonies and supporting iterative, user-centred delivery

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver user research for complex projects, ensuring findings directly inform product, service, and strategy decisions
• Proactively contribute to client meetings, workshops, and presentations, building strong relationships and providing actionable recommendations
• Develop strong client relationships by anticipating client needs, advising on research opportunities, and driving outcomes that align with both user needs and business objectives
• Mentor and guide team members, upskilling junior researchers and fostering a collaborative, supportive working environment

Benefits

• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme, where employees collectively benefit from a share of our company's profits
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme
• Flexible/remote working, Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and people’s individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Pension, Private Healthcare Cover, Life Assurance, Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts, Bike to Work, Fitness classes, Mindfulness Workshops, Employee Assistance Programme and much more
• Generous holiday allowance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies
• Educational assistance, incentivised certifications, and accreditations, including AWS, Microsoft, Oracle, and Red Hat
• Reward schemes including Version 1’s Annual Excellence Awards & ‘Call-Out’ platform
• Environment, Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity, inclusion and belonging schemes