User Researcher - Lead UX Consultant - MOD SC 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 basicsContract: 6 months (01/06/2026 - 30/11/2026 with extensions expected)Rate: £690 per dayIR35: Inside IR35 (Umbrella only)Location: Hybrid - predominantly remote, with travel to London / South ~4-5 times per monthClearance: 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 testingWork directly with senior stakeholders and end users to capture and prioritise user needsTurn research insight into clear, defensible design decisionsCreate personas, user journeys and experience maps that actively shape deliveryDesign wireframes, interactive prototypes and high-fidelity mock-ups in FigmaDefine and maintain design systems using components, variants and design tokensWork closely with developers to ensure designs align with React (TypeScript) componentsDocument research findings, design decisions and UX guidance in ConfluenceChampion inclusive design and WCAG accessibility compliance throughout deliveryDesign 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 you. You'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 servicesStrong, demonstrable expertise in Figma, including components, variants, tokens and prototypingExperience engaging confidently with senior stakeholders and multidisciplinary teamsA practical understanding of React (TypeScript) and responsive design principlesSolid knowledge of WCAG accessibility standards and inclusive designExperience working with Jira, Confluence and SlackAwareness 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 NationalBe available for an inside-IR35 contract via umbrellaBe able to travel to London / South sites as requiredImportant - CV guidanceTo 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 Public Sector 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 JBRP1_UKTJ