User Researcher / Lead UX Consultant

User Researcher - Lead UX Consultant - Public Sector Programme | MOD Security Clearance Required (DV Preferred) 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. The basics Contract: 6 months (01/06/2026 - 30/11/2026) Rate: £690 per day IR35: Inside IR35 (Umbrella only) Location: Hybrid - predominantly remote, with travel to London / South ~4-5 times per month Clearance: Active MOD SC required (DV preferred) Nationality: UK National onlyWhat you'll be doingIn this role, you'll be trusted to lead from the front. You will: Plan and deliver user research, including interviews, workshops and usability testing 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 VitalsThis 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 environmentsJust 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 Important - CV guidance To ensure your application is flagged as relevant, please make sure your CV explicitly references the required skills listed above (for example: Figma, user research methods, accessibility, React collaboration and government experience where applicable). CVs that do not clearly evidence the essential skills and clearance requirements are unlikely to be shortlisted. If this sounds like the kind of work you enjoy-leading UX in a genuinely impactful, secure environment-I'd welcome an application or a conversation. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)