Lead User Researcher (IT)

Are you looking for an opportunity to combine leadership with continued hands-on user research? We have an opportunity for you to stay closely connected to user research practice while supporting and guiding your team. As a Lead User Researcher, you?ll be an expert, hands-on practitioner. You'll lead and assure user research activity across a several teams, as well as carry out user research yourself. You will ensure that work takes a user centred, evidence-based approach to shape product vision, service design and delivery, and influence organisational strategy and priorities. Why join us? Here?s what you?ll enjoy: 30 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays + 1 privilege day Civil Service Pension with an average 28% employer contribution (worth £12,434 for this role!) Equality, diversity & inclusion at the heart of everything we do Flexible and mobile working for a great work-life balance Wellbeing first ? Investors in People Platinum accreditation Financial advice & support Seasonal flu jabs Recognition schemes Generous family leave ? maternity, paternity, adoption & shared parental Career development & progression opportunities Inclusive colleague networks Cycle to Work scheme Staff discounts Holiday play scheme for children 3 days paid volunteering leave Next Steps Click 'Apply Now' to be taken to our main advert Civil Service Jobs where you can see more details regarding the role, the incredible benefits we have to offer and what it's like to work in Companies House. If you have any questions about the role or process, please reach out to . This role closes on Sunday 19th April 2026. Please note: Companies House cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. We're able to consider both full-time and part-time hours for this role for the successful candidate (part-time would be a minimum of 30 hours over 4 or 5 days). Remote contracts will be considered where commuting to the office location of your team is not reasonably practicable. Candidate profile: We?re looking for an expert user research practitioner with varied and complex project experience, who meets the technical specifications for a Lead User Researcher as outlined in the . The following skills and experience will be assessed during the selection process: Research management, leadership and assurance Proven ability to analyse complex user, service and policy problems and align user research activity to support informed decision making and organisational priorities. Experience of defining, embedding and assuring high standards of user research practice, and providing expert guidance and assurance across teams and programmes. Research methods and planning Extensive experience of selecting, applying and advising on an appropriate range of qualitative and quantitative user research methods across different phases of the agile service lifecycle. A track record of improving, innovating and setting best practice in user research at organisational level. Analysis and synthesis Strong ability to analyse and synthesise complex qualitative and quantitative data, involving and guiding others through the process, and producing clear, actionable insight that influences decisions at team, programme and organisational level. Agile research practices Expert level capability in advocating for and embedding user research throughout agile delivery. Experience of shaping and assuring research approaches across multiple teams, ensuring insight is used effectively to inform design, delivery and strategic decisions. Inclusive research Expert experience of planning and delivering inclusive research that represents the full diversity of users of government services. Ability to set standards, challenge assumptions and ensure teams design services that work for all users, including those with access needs. User centred practice and advocacy Demonstrated ability to champion user centred design and research, influencing ways of working, priorities and decision making. Experience of advocating for user needs with senior stakeholders and embedding user centred practice at scale. Stakeholder relationship management Highly developed influencing and negotiation skills, with experience of building strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including sceptical or resistant colleagues, to resolve issues, enable progress and improve outcomes for users. You can read more about a career in Digital and Data within the Civil Service in the .