User Researcher / Lead UX Consultant

I'm currently looking for an experienced User Researcher / Lead UX Consultant to join a high-profile Public Sector digital programme. This is a senior, hands-on role where you'll lead user research, shape design decisions, and work closely with technical teams to deliver accessible, build-ready solutions.This role suits someone confident operating in secure, regulated environments who enjoys influencing outcomes-not just contributing artefacts., * Work directly with senior stakeholders and end users to capture and prioritise user needs

• Turn research insight into clear, defensible design decisions
• Create personas, user journeys and experience maps that actively shape delivery
• Design wireframes, interactive prototypes and high-fidelity mock-ups in Figma
• Define and maintain design systems using components, variants and design tokens
• Work closely with developers to ensure designs align with React (TypeScript) components
• Document research findings, design decisions and UX guidance in Confluence
• Champion inclusive design and WCAG accessibility compliance throughout delivery
• Design with performance in mind, understanding Core Web Vitals

This is not a purely research-only role and not a junior UX position-you'll be expected to own the UX end-to-end.What I'm looking for in youYou'll bring a strong mix of research leadership, hands-on design ability, and stakeholder credibility. Specifically, you will have:

• Extensive experience delivering user research and UX design on complex products or services
• Strong, demonstrable expertise in Figma, including components, variants, tokens and prototyping
• Experience engaging confidently with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams
• A practical understanding of React (TypeScript) and responsive design principles
• Solid knowledge of WCAG accessibility standards and inclusive design
• Experience working with Jira, Confluence and Slack
• Awareness of Cypress (end-to-end testing) and k6 (performance testing)
• Experience working in public sector, government, defence or other regulated environments

Just as importantly, you'll be comfortable working in a structured Public Sector environment where documentation, assurance and security matter.Clearance & eligibility (essential)To be considered, you must:

• Hold active MOD SC clearance (DV highly desirable)
• Be a UK National
• Be available for an inside-IR35 contract via umbrella
• Be able to travel to London / South sites as required