AMS PSR

On behalf of the Met Office, we are looking for a Lead User Researcher Inside IR35 for a 12 month contract based Hybrid - Exeter.

SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active SV clearance. 

As a Lead User Researcher , your main responsibilities will be:

Essential:

• Lead and manage user research teams: Provide line management, coaching, and recruit/develop user researcher practitioners while assuring quality and inclusive practices across multiple teams.
• Set strategic direction for user-centred design (UCD): Define and embed UCD practices, advocate their value across the organisation, and grow a user-centred culture.
• Ensure evidence-based, user-focused delivery: Guide teams to adopt diverse research methods, inclusive approaches, and agile practices to meet organisational goals.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders: Advise product owners, delivery managers, and programme directors on resourcing, research plans, and strategic insights to inform roadmaps.
• Provide thought leadership: Respond to evolving technology and user needs, synthesise research findings into actionable insights, and influence organisational strategy.
• Requirements: SC Clearance, extensive experience in line management (especially public sector), and deep expertise in user research and inclusive design practices.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the Met Office guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

The Met Office guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".