User Researcher

Position Description

At CGI were transforming how people interact with digital services that truly make a difference. As a User Researcher you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping meaningful evidence-led experiences that improve lives and drive measurable business and policy outcomes. You’ll lead research across complex service areas translating deep user insight into design and strategic decisions. This is a unique opportunity to influence service design at scale, collaborate across diverse disciplines and grow a culture of inclusive ethical and creative research within one of the world’s most trusted digital consultancies.

CGI was recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List 2025 and has been named a UK Best Employer by the Financial Times. We offer a competitive salary, excellent pension, private healthcare plus a share scheme (3.5% matching) which makes you a CGI Partner not just an employee.

We are committed to inclusivity, building a genuinely diverse community of tech talent and inspiring everyone to pursue careers in our sector, including our Armed Forces, and are proud to hold a Gold Award in recognition of our support of the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant. Join us and you’ll be part of an open, friendly community of experts. We’ll train and support you in taking your career wherever you want it to go.

Due to the secure nature of the programme you will need to hold UK Security Clearance or be eligible to go through this clearance. This is a hybrid position but you will be expected to travel to CGI offices or client sites 2‑3 days per week on average.

In this role you will lead the design and delivery of impactful user research that shapes digital experiences across complex service areas. You’ll work collaboratively with service designers, product teams and technologists to ensure every decision is rooted in evidence. Your expertise will help CGI’s clients deliver accessible, inclusive and user‑centred services that achieve measurable results.

You’ll also play a key role in growing CGI’s user research capability, mentoring others, building best practice and championing the value of ethical trauma‑informed and inclusive research approaches. You’ll be part of a supportive multidisciplinary environment where creativity, ownership and collaboration are at the heart of how we work.

Plan, design and lead user research across the full service lifecycle.

Use a blend of qualitative and quantitative methods to uncover user needs and behaviours.

Turn complex findings into clear insights and recommendations that guide design and policy.

Work across disciplines to co‑design solutions and embed user‑centred thinking.

Support and coach junior researchers, promoting best practice in research ethics and methodology.

Enhance research operations, recruitment and data management to streamline delivery and impact.

• You should bring significant experience leading end‑to‑end research in complex multidisciplinary environments with a strong understanding of user‑centred design, accessibility and ethical research. You’ll combine analytical rigour with storytelling skill, enabling you to influence stakeholders and drive evidence‑based decision making.
• Proven experience leading user research for digital services with complex user journeys.
• Strong understanding of GDS and / or NHS design standards and how research supports service assessments.
• Proficiency in a range of methodologies (e.g. interviews, ethnography, surveys, diary studies, usability testing).
• Ability to synthesize findings into clear insights that shape strategy and design.
• Experience mentoring and developing others within a research or design team.
• Skilled collaborator with experience in agile delivery environments.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and influencing skills.

• Experience across both public and private sector research.
• Familiarity with research tools such as Optimal Workshop and User Zoom.
• Knowledge of experimentation methods, A/B testing and analytics tools.