Research à Grande-Bretagne

Flagstone Group LTD

Full_time • London, United Kingdom

Job Title: Senior User Researcher - 6 Month ContractCompany: Flagstone Group LTDLocation: London, England, United KingdomJob Type: CONTRACTOR, TEMPORARYCategory: User Experience / ResearchDate Posted: 2026-02-12Experience Level: 5-10 yearsRemote Status: Hybrid (1 day per week in office)

• Lead and mature user research practices within a fast-paced, scale-up financial technology environment, focusing on driving user insight-driven decisions.
• Implement a balanced approach to qualitative and quantitative user research methodologies to deliver robust and impactful insights that inform product development and business strategy.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders, including Product Tribes and leadership, to embed client-centered thinking and champion the value of user research across the organization.
• Drive business cases for research capability enhancements and clearly demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) of user research initiatives.
• Evolve and maintain customer profiling techniques, including personas, to ensure a deep and actionable understanding of user needs and behaviors.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior-level contract position within a scale‑up Fintech company, requiring a strong ability to implement and mature user research (UR) practices, not just execute studies. The emphasis on "UX maturity," "program-level research," and "driving business cases for ROI" indicates a strategic and impactful role, suitable for an experienced researcher looking to make a significant contribution in a 6‑month engagement.

• Design and execute comprehensive user research studies, employing a mix of qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability testing, ethnographic studies) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics review, A/B testing support) methods to uncover deep user needs and validate product hypotheses.
• Establish and maintain a continuous user research program across various Product Tribes, ensuring that evidence and insights are consistently integrated into OKR setting and decision‑making processes.
• Partner with product managers, designers, data analysts, and business leaders to translate research findings into actionable recommendations, influencing product roadmaps and strategic initiatives.
• Develop and refine customer personas, journey maps, and other critical customer profiling artifacts, ensuring they are living documents that guide product and business strategy.
• Champion user-centered design principles throughout the organization, educating stakeholders on the value of user research and fostering a culture of empathy and evidence-based decision-making.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of research tools, processes, and best practices to scale research capabilities effectively within the organization.
• Prepare and present research findings and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, from individual product teams to executive leadership, clearly articulating the impact on business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands‑on research execution and strategic leadership. The expectation to "set the delivery and maintenance of ongoing user research across Tribes" and "drive business cases... to enhance research capability and demonstrate ROI" suggests the candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of user research at Flagstone, beyond just conducting individual studies.

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human‑Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5‑10 years of progressive experience in user research, with a proven track record of implementing and scaling UR practices within organizations, particularly in scale‑up environments.
• Demonstrated experience running research at a "programme" level, managing multiple concurrent research initiatives and integrating findings into broader strategic objectives.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in User-Centered Design (UCD): Deep understanding of UCD principles and their application in product development lifecycle.
• Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies: Mastery in designing, conducting, and analyzing a wide range of research methods, including in-depth interviews, usability testing, surveys, diary studies, and heuristic evaluations.
• Usability & Interaction Design: Strong foundational knowledge of usability principles and how to assess and improve user interaction with digital products.
• Information Architecture (IA): Understanding of how users navigate and organize information within digital products and services.
• Collaboration with Data & Experimentation: Proven ability to work with data and experimentation teams (e.g., data scientists, A/B testers) to triangulate insights and validate findings.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and influencing skills to effectively engage with and manage expectations of diverse stakeholders across different departments.
• Agile Product Environment Experience: Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience conducting research within an agile product lifecycle.

Preferred Skills:

• Domain Knowledge in Finance or Regulated Industries: Prior experience working within banking, fintech, or other highly complex, regulated sectors.
• Persona & Customer Profiling: Proven ability to develop and utilize personas, journey maps, and other customer profiling techniques to drive product decisions.
• UX Maturity & Strategy: Experience in assessing and improving an organization's overall UX maturity.
• Business Case Development: Ability to articulate the value of user research and build compelling business cases for investment.
• Mentorship & Team Development: Experience mentoring junior researchers or contributing to the growth of a research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preference for experience in "banking or other related regulated industry" and "finance or another highly complex sector" is crucial for understanding the nuances of Flagstone's market. The requirement for "program-level research" over just "studies" indicates a need for strategic-level thinking and execution.

• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of complex user research projects, demonstrating the ability to manage research at a program level.
• Clear examples of how qualitative and quantitative research methods were strategically combined to yield impactful insights.
• Case studies detailing how user research directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and business outcomes, with a focus on measurable impact.
• Evidence of experience in developing and evolving customer profiles, such as personas, and their application in driving client-centered thinking.
• Documentation of experience in working with agile teams and integrating research findings seamlessly into agile workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of research plans, methodologies, and analysis frameworks used in previous roles, highlighting efficiency and rigor.
• Demonstrations of how research findings were translated into actionable recommendations for product teams and stakeholders.
• Any documentation related to establishing or improving research processes, tools, or team capabilities within a scale-up or agile context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio should not just list projects but articulate the candidate's strategic approach to research, their ability to manage complexity, and their impact on business objectives. Demonstrating how they've driven "UX maturity" and "ROI" will be key.

Salary Range:

• Based on market research for Senior User Researchers in London with 5‑10 years of experience, particularly within the Fintech sector, the estimated salary range for this 6‑month contract role is between £70,000 - £95,000 per annum (pro‑rated). This range accounts for the seniority, specialized skills, contract nature, and London location.
• Hybrid Working: Flexibility to work from home with a mandatory 1 day per week in the collaborative London office.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme: Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Flexible Benefits Budget: A dedicated budget for personally meaningful benefits (e.g., health screenings, coaching).
• Salary Sacrifice Options: Opportunities for tax-efficient savings on items like electric cars, nursery schemes, and tech.
• "Around the World" Scheme: A unique 3-month work-from-anywhere benefit.
• Mental Wellbeing Support: Access to therapy and mental health sessions via Spill.
• Private Health Care: Comprehensive coverage through AXA, including gym discounts.
• Medical Cash Plan: Assistance with dental and optical expenses.
• Life Insurance & Income Protection: Coverage up to four times annual salary.
• Matched Pension Contributions: Up to 5% employer match.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays, well‑being days, and volunteering days.
• Enhanced Parental Leave: Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption pay.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered as part of the company's culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical contract rates for senior research roles in London's tech/fintech sector, considering the 6‑month duration and the company's stated investment in employee well‑being and development. The extensive list of benefits is a significant differentiator and should be highlighted.

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech), Savings Platforms. Flagstone operates in a highly regulated and competitive market, requiring a focus on trust, security, and innovation.Company Size: Scale-up company, implying a dynamic, fast-paced environment with evolving processes and a strong growth trajectory. This means opportunities for significant impact but also requires adaptability.Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the description points to a company that has moved beyond startup phase into a growth/scale-up phase, indicated by its established culture and benefits.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into the Staff UX Strategist, indicating a dedicated UX leadership function.
• The Senior User Researcher will work across "Tribes," which are likely cross-functional product teams common in agile organizations.
• Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Designers, Data Analysts, and broader organizational leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A core tenet is making business/product decisions based on evidence and insights.
• Client-Centred Thinking: Strong emphasis on understanding and prioritizing the needs of users and customers.
• Agile Product Development: Research integration within an agile framework is a key operational method.
• Continuous Improvement: Focus on increasing UX maturity and demonstrating ROI for research efforts.

Company Website: flagstoneim.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Flagstone positions itself as a company that balances high performance with a supportive, kind, and respectful culture. The Fintech industry context is crucial, as it implies a need for rigor, compliance, and a deep understanding of user trust and security.

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (Contractor). This role is positioned at a senior level within the User Research discipline, focused on strategic implementation and maturity-building rather than people management. The 6-month contract nature implies a project-based focus with a defined scope.Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Staff UX Strategist, providing clear guidance and oversight. Collaboration will extend across various "Tribes" (product teams) and with senior stakeholders throughout the organization.Operations Impact: The Senior User Researcher will have a direct and significant impact on the company's ability to understand its users, make informed product decisions, and ultimately drive business objectives (OKRs). By increasing UX maturity and embedding user insight, the role contributes to product-market fit, customer satisfaction, and competitive advantage in the Fintech space.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape and mature the user research function within a growing Fintech company.
• Skill Deepening: Exposure to complex financial products and a regulated environment, enhancing domain expertise.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Experience in driving initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple business units.
• Networking: Potential to build strong connections within the London Fintech scene.
• Future Opportunities: Successful contractors often have opportunities for extension or future roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, the "Senior" title and responsibilities suggest a significant opportunity for strategic impact and professional development, particularly in the areas of UX maturity and program-level research management.

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with at least 1 day per week required in their London office. This suggests a modern office space designed to foster collaboration and team connection.Office Location(s): London, England. Specific office address details would typically be provided upon engagement.Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The London office is positioned as a space for team interaction and collaboration, essential for a hybrid model.
• Tools & Technology: While not explicitly detailed for the research function, the company's Fintech nature implies a modern technology stack supporting data analysis, communication, and product development.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages in-person interaction for brainstorming, team building, and strategic alignment, balanced with remote flexibility.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours/week) are expected, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for remote work on other days. This structure supports focused research work and collaborative sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "collaborative London office" for the mandatory in‑office day suggests an environment designed to facilitate teamwork and ideation, crucial for a research role that needs to interface with various teams.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Conversation with the Staff UX Strategist to delve into experience, research methodologies, and strategic thinking.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage where the candidate presents their work, showcasing program-level research experience, impact, and ability to articulate ROI. This will likely involve discussing specific case studies.
• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Designers, or other key stakeholders to assess collaboration skills and ability to drive client-centered thinking.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to confirm fit and strategic alignment.
• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects that demonstrate program-level research, strategic thinking, and measurable outcomes. Use a STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) or similar framework.
• Highlight Methodology Mix: Clearly show how you've balanced qualitative and quantitative methods and why you chose specific approaches for different problems.
• Quantify Results: For each case study, emphasize the business impact, ROI, and how your research directly influenced decisions or improved user experience metrics.
• Showcase Stakeholder Engagement: Provide examples of how you've communicated insights and influenced stakeholders at various levels.
• Tailor to Flagstone: Briefly explain how your experience in scale-ups, Fintech, or regulated industries, and your ability to drive UX maturity, align with Flagstone's needs.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach establishing or enhancing user research within a specific "Tribe" or across multiple teams.
• Think about how you would measure the success and ROI of your research initiatives.
• Consider how you would integrate research findings into an agile product development cycle.
• Be ready to articulate your approach to balancing deep qualitative insights with broader quantitative data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is critical. Candidates should prepare to not just show what they've done, but how they've done it, why they did it that way, and the impact it had. Demonstrating program-level management and ROI articulation will be key differentiators.

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Proficiency with tools for remote usability testing, survey creation, participant recruitment, and analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Miro for agile team integration and communication.
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for reviewing and understanding designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for presenting quantitative data and trends.
• A/B Testing Platforms: Understanding of how A/B testing works and how research can inform test hypotheses.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., customer feedback, support tickets) can inform research is beneficial. Familiarity with how product analytics platforms integrate with user behavior data.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific stack isn't provided, a Senior User Researcher in Fintech will likely need to be adept with a range of modern research tools and comfortable collaborating with teams that use standard agile development and analytics platforms.

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across teams ("Tribes") to achieve shared goals.
• Kindness & Respect: The company explicitly states these as core to its culture, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Growth & Development: Investment in personal and professional growth through learning budgets and development opportunities.
• Data-Driven & Evidence-Based: Decisions are expected to be supported by solid insights and research.
• High Performance: A drive to excel and achieve ambitious business objectives, balanced with employee well-being.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with product, design, data, and business stakeholders to embed user insights.
• Proactive Communication: Engaging stakeholders early and often to ensure research is relevant and findings are understood.
• Empathy-Driven: A culture that values understanding user needs and perspectives.
• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to feedback and iterative improvement within research processes and outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Flagstone's culture is a key differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody kindness, respect, and a collaborative spirit, in addition to their research expertise and drive for high performance.

• Scaling Research in a Scale-Up: Implementing and maturing research practices in a rapidly growing company requires adaptability and strategic planning.
• Balancing Rigor and Speed: Delivering high-impact insights quickly within an agile, fast-paced Fintech environment.
• Driving Organizational Change: Embedding a strong user-centered mindset across diverse teams and potentially entrenched ways of working.
• Demonstrating ROI in a Regulated Industry: Clearly articulating the business value of research in a sector where data security and compliance are paramount.
• Strategic Research Leadership: Gaining experience in defining and scaling research functions within a growing organization.
• Fintech Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the savings and financial technology sector.
• Cross-Functional Impact: Broadening experience by influencing product strategy and business decisions across multiple departments.
• Networking: Building professional relationships within the London Fintech ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working in a scale-up Fintech. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be well-suited.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to establish or significantly mature user research practices in an organization. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on scalability, stakeholder buy-in, and process implementation).
• "How do you balance the need for deep qualitative insights with the requirement for quantitative validation and A/B testing in an agile product environment?" (Demonstrate methodological breadth and strategic application).
• "Walk us through a complex research program you managed. What were the objectives, methodologies, key findings, and ultimately, the business impact or ROI?" (Prepare a detailed case study showcasing program-level management and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do you align your research approach with business objectives and OKRs?" (Show strategic alignment).
• "Given Flagstone's emphasis on kindness and respect, how do you foster that within your research collaborations and stakeholder interactions?" (Assess cultural fit and interpersonal skills).
• "How would you go about driving client-centered thinking across different 'Tribes' within Flagstone?" (Demonstrate influencing and change management skills).
• Focus on Impact: Prioritize case studies that clearly show how your research led to tangible business outcomes or significant improvements in user experience.
• Tell a Story: Frame your presentations as narratives – the problem, your approach, the insights, and the resolution/impact.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, challenges faced, and how you handled conflicting stakeholder opinions.
• Articulate ROI: For each relevant project, be ready to discuss how you measured or demonstrated the return on investment of your research efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with program-level research and demonstrating ROI. This is a key differentiator for a senior role in a scale-up.

To apply for this Senior User Researcher contract position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful research programs or projects that best demonstrate your experience in scale-ups, strategic implementation, and driving measurable impact. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the business problem, your research approach (qual/quant mix), key insights, and the resulting business/product outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords related to User Research, UX Maturity, Scale-ups, Fintech, Agile methodologies, stakeholder management, qualitative and quantitative research, and ROI demonstration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, strategic reasoning, and articulating the business value of your work. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and findings.
• Research Flagstone: Familiarize yourself with Flagstone's platform, mission, and stated culture. Understand their position in the Fintech market and consider how user research can further their goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

The ideal candidate is a passionate Senior User Researcher with ample experience implementing UR practices in scale-ups, possessing expertise in User Centred Design, Usability, and Interaction Design. Experience running research at a programme level, ideally within banking or another regulated, complex agile environment, is required.

Hybrid working, Competitive bonus scheme, Flexible benefits budget, Salary sacrifice options, Work from anywhere scheme, Mental wellbeing support, Lea…