Senior User Researcher - Public Sector

Join us if you’re endlessly curious.

If you think you already have all the answers, this role isn’t for you.
We’re searching for a Senior User Researcher who thrives on asking the right questions—questions that challenge assumptions, unlock insights, and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Your mission: To explore the why, the how, and the what if.

• Why is this a problem?
• How can we solve it in a way that truly matters to people?
• What if we turned conventional thinking on its head?

We’re looking for someone who not only questions the work but also shapes the conditions that help us all do the best work of our careers.

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Who We Are

Our Design and Research team is a dynamic mix of researchers, UI, UX, and service designers working hand-in-hand with developers to create unique, impactful experiences that solve real human problems.

What makes us different? We follow the journey from the spark of an idea to the delivery of meaningful solutions. Unlike many agencies, we don’t stop at innovation and early-stage concepts. Our cross-functional teams bring those ideas to life, delivering complete, impactful experiences.

We work in dynamic, user-focused, impact-driven sprints, building deep, collaborative relationships with our clients along the way.

Here, you’ll make a lasting impact—on your team, your work, and the people who use the products and services we create.

About the Role

As a Senior User Researcher, you’ll:

• Lead complex research projects with large teams, taking full accountability for outcomes.
• Scope, design, and execute research plans that align with project goals while mitigating risks.
• Carry out both qualitative and quantitative research.
• Collaborate with colleagues and clients to unearth insights that spark real change.
• Use your storytelling superpowers to bring findings to life, building empathy and driving action.
• Push the boundaries of research methods, sharing successes and failures to inspire learning.
• Shape the future of our research output with fresh ideas, bold perspectives, and high standards.
• Mentor and guide junior researchers, helping to grow a culture of curiosity and innovation.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience in a user research or a related role.
• Expertise in design thinking and user-centered methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead research activities on complex projects.
• A collaborative spirit that thrives in diverse, cross-functional teams.
• A knack for turning research data into powerful stories that resonate.
• Hands-on experience creating research artifacts like journey maps, personas, and key insights.
• A point of view on making research accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all users.
• Has guided colleagues who have less user centred design experience, or mentored junior designers or researchers
• Experience working in design sprints or agile methodologies.
• A deep understanding of aligning business and user needs throughout the product lifecycle.
• Experience delivering against the Government Service Standard
• The ability to achieve SC clearance for GOV projects

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape your role and grow with us.
• A collaborative, supportive environment that values experimentation, learning, and impact.
• The chance to work on projects that truly matter—delivering accessible, inclusive services for all users.

Does this sound like you?

If you’re excited to ask questions, drive change, and create experiences that make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now to join a team that’s curious, bold, and ready to tackle the next big challenge—together.

What we stand for

Here at Softwire, we hold four key values at the core of everything we do:

• We really care about what we do
  When we say we care, we honestly mean it. Our work is our passion, and everything that comes through our doors is treated with the utmost respect and with the same level of care that we’d treat our own work. Because honestly – we really do care.

• We trust and are trustworthy
  We’re not micromanagers. We place a level of trust in each member of our team to work their hardest and produce the best they can achieve. This is an innovative but fun place to work – and we trust that you’ll meet our standards.

• We are kind
  Clients come to us with complex, exciting, but often challenging projects. And we are the friendly face that will help them reach their goals – and be with them for the long run. Our team is open, accepting, and always ready to accept new ideas. Because after all, in a world where being kind is free – why be anything but?

• We are fun
  When you’re working at the forefront of technology, every day is different. And in this fast-paced environment, we realise that work isn’t always going to be fun. Some days can be stressful, but despite this, we know the importance of enjoying ourselves. Because at the end of the day, we spend a lot of time at work – so we might as well have fun while we’re there.

About Softwire

Softwire is a leading digital software consultancy. We offer services in software engineering, design, innovation, cloud, mobile and data.

Trusted by well-known organisations, including the BBC, David Lloyd Clubs, LNER and The Cabinet Office, Softwire has grown into a business that consistently delivers large, high-profile digital projects for the UK’s leading brands.

But who are we actually?

We’re innovators. We’re passionate problem-solvers in both software engineering and digital design. We are dedicated. And we love what we do.

It all started when our founders Pete, Dan, and Phil realised that there was a better way to do things. A way that delivers results without squeezing the fun out of what we do. A way that is never corporate, but always professional.

When you work with Softwire, you’re not only becoming part of a team with in-depth technical skills and delivery expertise – you’re joining a team filled with passion, guile, and an absolute dedication to producing the best work possible.

Voted in the Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Companies to Work For (now known as Best Companies), you’ll be working in a thriving environment full of innovation, devotion, and outright electricity.

Package

Softwire operates transparent pay scales and a profit share scheme based on role and overall company performance

• Base salary is based on experience in role and ranges from £57,200 – £64,600
• You can expect to receive an average of £8,250 in profit share depending on your experience and company performance
• Pension: Additional 5% of salary

Additional benefits

• 25 days annual leave (with the option to buy and sell)
• Time off for company-wide morale activities, time off for charitable / CSR activities
• Free annual eye test, income protection, cycle to work, electric vehicle lease schemes, and payroll charity donations.

For further details on benefits click here

Equal-opportunities employer

Softwire is an equal-opportunities employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender including gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All matters related to employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.