User Researcher Lead

At Kainos, we’re problem solvers, innovators, and collaborators - driven by a shared mission to create real impact. Whether we’re transforming digital services for millions, delivering cutting-edge Workday solutions, or pushing the boundaries of technology, we do it together.

We believe in a people-first culture, where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of a diverse, ambitious team that celebrates creativity and collaboration.

Ready to make your mark? Join us and be part of something bigger.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE BUSINESS:
As a User Researcher Lead (Manager) at Kainos, you will be responsible for delivering actionable insights that help define the right service experiences and focus them on user needs. You will be an advocate for needs-based design, design thinking and service design, and are passionate about coaching others in design research. You’ll manage, coach and develop a small number of staff, with a focus on managing employee performance and assisting in their career development.
You will be part of our growing Experience Design capability creating exemplary digital services. We are supportive, collaborative, talented, and hugely passionate about user-centred design. We are not about marketing and dark patterns; we are all about making a positive, measurable impact on millions of people through quality products and services.
MINIMUM (ESSENTIAL) REQUIREMENTS:
• Lead, plan, develop, and conduct research activities, ensuring the right methods are applied
• Expert knowledge and application of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Has experience defining and being responsible for research methods within an organisation
• Sound understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles
• Oversees and runs programmes of research across multiple projects
• Designs and leads workshops across a project lifecycle
• Oversees research activities carried out by a team
• We are passionate about developing people – a demonstrated ability in managing, coaching and developing senior members of your team and wider community
• Able to communicate effectively at all levels, especially presenting research to senior stakeholders
• Excellent commercial awareness
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Has significant profile in user research community, speaks at events
DESIRABLE
• Experience working in a full-service digital agency environment
• Demonstrable knowledge of user-centred design practices
• Thought leader in an area of research
• Experience working with Agile delivery methodologies

At Kainos, we believe in the power of diversity, equity and inclusion. We are committed to building a team that is as diverse as the world we live in, where everyone is valued, respected, and given an equal chance to thrive.   We actively seek out talented people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other characteristic that makes them who they are.   We also believe every candidate deserves a level playing field. 

Our friendly talent acquisition team is here to support you every step of the way, so if you require any accommodations or adjustments, we encourage you to reach out. 

We understand that everyone's journey is different, and by having a private conversation we can ensure that our recruitment process is tailored to your needs.