Lead User Researcher

Come join us and make a difference in the world!

Discover more at www.necsws.com

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Location: UK - Remote or Hybrid, Subject to Location

Salary: £59,800 - £75,000 subject to location and experience

We are looking for an experienced Lead User Researcher with strong GDS Beta delivery experience to take ownership of user research on one of our most critical and visible programmes. This is a fixed‑term contract role, with flexibility on duration (minimum of 6 months), designed for someone who enjoys leading at pace in complex delivery environments.

In this role, you will set the direction for user research, act as a trusted point of contact for the client, and guide the wider team through a GDS Beta Assessment. You’ll be empowered to make strategic decisions, influence outcomes, and shape the research approach to support successful delivery.

The role can be remote or hybrid, depending on location. We are ideally looking for someone who can start immediately, though we are happy to speak with candidates who have a notice period. Due to the nature of the programme, eligibility for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3 is essential.

You’ll lead the planning, facilitation and delivery of user research across a substantial GDS Beta project, working closely with multidisciplinary teams on problems that are often complex, sensitive and fast‑moving. Autonomy, sound judgement and strong project management, relationship management and negotiation skills will be key.

A significant part of the role will involve supporting the programme through a GDS Beta Assessment — making the right calls at the right time, clearly articulating research insights, and having confident, informed conversations with senior stakeholders and clients to ensure the work meets the required standards.

While the environment brings challenge and pressure, it also offers the opportunity to contribute to services with meaningful societal impact, where good user research genuinely shapes outcomes for the public.

Desirable Experience

This is a high‑stakes delivery environment that comes with inevitable challenges, but also the reward of seeing rigorous, well‑led research make a real difference at scale. If that sounds like something you’d thrive in, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

Significant experience leading user research within GDS projects; Proven involvement in GDS Assessments, ideally at Beta stage; Experience working within multidisciplinary delivery teams; Eligibility for UK Security Clearance and NPPV3; Demonstrable experience managing complex stakeholder groups, navigating ambiguity and competing priorities

Nice to have

Experience working within Bluelight, Public Safety or Justice contexts