Lead User Researcher

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Lead User Researcher to join our growing User-Centred Design (UCD) practice.

This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful research across complex digital transformation programmes for public and private sector clients. You'll work within multidisciplinary teams to ensure products and services are shaped around genuine user needs, while also helping grow our UCD capability through mentoring, community leadership, and business development activities.

The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in user research, stakeholder engagement, Agile delivery, and evidence-based design, with the ability to lead teams and influence decision-making at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end user research across complex digital and transformation programmes.
• Plan, scope, and conduct appropriate research activities to understand user needs and behaviours.
• Translate research findings into actionable insights that inform service and product decisions.
• Create and maintain high-quality research outputs, reports, and recommendations.
• Facilitate workshops, interviews, usability testing, and stakeholder engagement sessions.
• Build trusted relationships with clients and champion user-centred design approaches.
• Support organisations in adopting UCD, Agile, and evidence-based delivery practices.
• Mentor and support User Researchers and other members of multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to proposals, bids, and business development activities.
• Help shape Mastek's UCD strategy, propositions, and community growth initiatives.

Required Skills

• Significant experience delivering user research within Agile, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven ability to translate user needs into practical, actionable recommendations.
• Experience working within consultancy or client-facing environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience facilitating workshops, research sessions, and collaborative design activities.
• Ability to manage ambiguity and work effectively within complex organisations.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, or leading research practitioners.
• Passion for user-centred design and improving services through evidence-based insight.

Desirable Skills

• Experience working with GDS and/or NHS Service Standards.
• Experience leading Discovery phases and supporting service assessments.
• Public sector or healthcare experience.
• Knowledge of related disciplines such as Service Design or Content Design.
• Experience contributing to Design Operations, capability development, or UCD communities of practice.

Qualifications

• Degree in Psychology, Human Factors, Social Sciences, Design, Research, Digital, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Relevant User Research, UX, Design Thinking, or UCD certifications are advantageous.