Lead User Researcher - Defence & Security (Bristol or London)
Salary: £75,000 - £120,000 per annum (dependent on experience and clearance level)
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Bristol or London)
Security Requirement: Active UK Security Clearance (SC or DV)
Role Overview
Join a high-performing, interdisciplinary team focused on delivering critical digital products for Defence & Security clients. As Lead User Researcher, you'll champion user-centred insights while shaping research strategy, processes, and standards across enterprise-level programmes.
Responsibilities
Plan and facilitate user research activities-interviews, usability testing, workshops, surveys-to uncover user needs and behaviours across complex environments
Develop and maintain research artefacts and outputs, including user personas, journey maps, experience maps, and design recommendations
Advocate for user needs throughout the lifecycle, partnering closely with designers, product owners, developers, and senior stakeholders
Interpret, synthesise, and present actionable insights to non‑specialist and executive audiences
Mentor and coach less experienced researchers to build research capability and consistency across teamsRequired Experience & Qualifications
UK national with an active Developed Vetting (DV) or Security Check (SC)
Proven experience leading user research programmes within the public sector or regulated industries (Defence, Justice, Government, etc.)
Deep expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods; ability to derive actionable insight from complex datasets
Strong storytelling ability, confident in presenting findings to senior decision‑makers and product teams
Proficiency with research tools like usability testing platforms, survey tools, analytics software, and experience methods aligned with user‑centred design frameworks
Experience working in agile delivery environments alongside designers, developers, and product owners, with a user‑centred mindsetWhat's On Offer
Competitive remuneration up to £120k, aligned with veteran user research professionals in Defence & Security fields
Hybrid working model based in Bristol or London, with flexibility for remote collaboration and occasional in‑office presence
High‑impact, high visibility assignments across high‑stakes national security programmes
Significant influence over team practices and enterprise‑level research capability buildingHow to Apply
If you hold active SC or DV clearance, and are passionate about defining user experiences at scale in sensitive environments, we would welcome your application. Please provide your CV along with a summary of your relevant experience, clearance level, and preferred location.
People Source Consulting Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy. People Source specialise in technology recruitment across niche markets including Information Technology, Digital TV, Digital Marketing, Project and Programme Management, SAP, Digital and Consumer Electronics, Air Traffic Management, Management Consultancy, Business Intelligence, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Oil & Gas