Senior User Researcher

hackajob is collaborating with Version 1 to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. As a Senior User Researcher Consultant at Version 1, you will shape meaningful, accessible services that deliver lasting value across both public and private sectors. Leading research across the full delivery lifecycle, you’ll help agile teams validate assumptions, reduce risk, and prioritise work based on real user needs. You will work autonomously within multidisciplinary teams - collaborating with product managers, designers, business analysts, and developers - to ensure evidence drives decision-making at every stage. Beyond projects, you’ll influence service strategy, foster a user-first mindset in client organisations, and strengthen Version 1’s user research practice by mentoring colleagues and sharing expertise across our community of practice. Responsibilities What experience you’ll bring

• 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.

Expected behaviours

• Takes full ownership of research deliverables, ensuring they are high quality and aligned with project objectives and client needs.
• Anticipates challenges and delivers proactive, evidence-based solutions to complex problems.
• Communicates confidently and effectively, acting as a trusted research voice in meetings and workshops.
• Fosters a collaborative, inclusive team culture, actively mentoring and supporting colleagues’ development.
• Brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, helping to build a positive and supportive working environment.

What we’re looking for We’re seeking a senior user researcher who can lead high‑impact projects, influence decision‑making at senior levels, and deliver actionable insights that shape exceptional products and services.

• Extensive experience (5+ years) 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.