Lead User Researcher Contractor

Hitachi Solutions Europe is a global Digital, Data and Technology consultancy, Microsoft Inner Circle and Cloud Services partner, specialising in end-to-end transformation. We build services that are user centred and accessible, designed by our brilliant agile teams, capable of harnessing the power of the latest technologies. We are committed to Microsoft technologies, with a mission to revolutionise modern businesses. 

We are building a talent pool of experienced user research contractors to support increasing demand across a range of digital transformation initiatives.  

Contractors in this pool will be engaged on delivery-focused project work across a mix of commercial and UK Government clients, supporting initiatives of varying scale and complexity. Engagements will differ in length and scope depending on project requirements and will be agreed on project-by-project basis. 

Contract Type: Independent contractor - outside IR35 

This role does not include formal line management or responsibility for internal capability development. 

Key responsibilities 

The Lead User Researcher contractor will be accountable for delivering agreed user research outcomes within scope of each project, which may include: 

• Providing day-to-day research leadership within delivery teams 

• Coaching and supporting other researchers working on the same programme as part of delivery activities 

• Leading the definition and execution of user research activities aligned to relevant project phase objectives 

• Shaping research strategy and plans in response to project constraints, risks and decision needs 

• Selecting and applying appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform service and solution direction 

• Coordinating research activities across multidisciplinary delivery teams and partner organisations 

• Synthesising insights into clear, actionable findings that inform design, product, policy and technical decisions 

• Presenting research findings to senior stakeholders to support evidence-based decision making 

• Ensuring research activities meet accessibility, inclusion, and ethical standards 

The successful contractor will demonstrate: 

• Extensive experience leading user research on complex digital programmes, ideally within public sector or large enterprise environments. 

• Strong judgement in planning and executing user research activities to support decision-making across Discovery, Alpha, Beta and Live phases. 

• Practical expertise in selecting and applying a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform service, product and solution design. 

• Experience providing research leadership within multidisciplinary delivery teams, including coordinating the work of other researchers on the same programme (no formal line management responsibilities) 

• Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable insights that influence decisions. 

• Strong experience working to the GDS Service Standard. 

• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive research practices, including recruiting diverse participants and advocating accessibility best practice. 

• Ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders and clearly articulate the value of user research in complex delivery contexts. 

• A solid understanding of how modern digital services are built, and experience working closely with designers, engineers, product managers and delivery roles. 

 

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