Senior Qualitative Researcher - Design Research

This Senior Qualitative Researcher – Design Research role presents a compelling opportunity for experienced researchers to make a significant impact on the customer experience for millions. Working within the Decision Intelligence team, this position places a strong emphasis on understanding customer needs, attitudes, and behaviors. If you're passionate about championing the "Customer Voice" and driving innovation through deep qualitative insights, this role could be a pivotal step in your career.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Role: You will directly influence the creation of useful and innovative experiences for 20 million UK customers, ensuring their voices are at the heart of strategic decisions.
• End-to-End Ownership: This position offers the chance to lead research projects from inception to completion, encompassing scoping, methodology selection, recruitment, fieldwork, analysis, and actionable reporting. This provides a holistic view of the research process and allows for the development of comprehensive project management skills.
• Strategic Collaboration: You'll partner closely with product stakeholders and collaborate across various departments including Design, Product, Channel, Marketing, Transformation, and Technology. This cross-functional engagement fosters a broad understanding of business challenges and innovative design concepts.
• Professional Development: The role emphasizes staying abreast of emerging technologies, industry trends, and societal changes, encouraging continuous learning and strategic thinking. Exposure to developing and testing prototypes also offers valuable hands-on experience.
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: The opportunity to manage expectations and influence decisions with senior leadership up to Managing Director level is a significant advantage for career progression, honing your communication and influencing skills.
• Structured Environment: The role operates within a framework that values risk management and adherence to controls, offering a stable and well-defined environment for seasoned professionals.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Depth of Qualitative Expertise: A strong track record in customer-focused, in-depth qualitative interviewing and design research is essential. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to uncover meaningful insights.
• Leadership and Influence: The role requires the ability to not only conduct research but also to influence decision-making and drive change. This includes effectively communicating complex information to diverse audiences.
• Financial Services Experience (Valued): While not strictly mandatory, experience within the financial services sector is highly valued. Candidates with this background may find it easier to navigate the industry's specific challenges and opportunities.
• Broader Business Acumen: Beyond technical research skills, candidates will be assessed on critical skills such as risk and controls, change and transformation, strategic thinking, and digital and technology. A well-rounded understanding of business operations will be beneficial.
• Geographic Flexibility: The role is based across multiple locations: London, Glasgow, Northampton, and Knutsford. Candidates should consider their preference and feasibility for these locations.
• Leadership Potential: Depending on the specific team structure, there may be leadership responsibilities. Candidates should assess their comfort and aptitude for coaching, performance management, and fostering a positive team environment. If an individual contributor role, expect to lead collaborative assignments and guide team members.

This position offers a rich environment for a Senior Qualitative Researcher to grow their career, influence strategic direction, and contribute to meaningful customer-centric innovations. It's an ideal role for those who thrive on uncovering deep customer understanding and translating it into actionable business strategies.