Design Researcher

Design Researcher

6 months

Location: Newport/ Cardiff/ Bristol/ Manchester - Hybrid

Working Pattern: Our work style is hybrid, which involves spending at least two days per week or 40% of our time in the office. If you are based in South Wales or SW England, your base will be our office in Newport. Occasional travel to Newport will be needed if you are based in Manchester.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Design Researcher contractor to join our multi disciplinary design team. You will be responsible for leading and delivering research that shapes product and service decisions across the end to end development lifecycle. This role is suited to someone who can hit the ground running, operate with a high degree of autonomy, and confidently influence stakeholders through high quality research and insight.

What you'll be doing

• Work closely with designers, product managers and engineers to identify and prioritise customer problems and define the right research questions
• Plan, manage and deliver research activities (from generative to evaluative), including creating clear research plans and roadmaps aligned to delivery priorities
• Conduct qualitative research using a range of methods
• Translate research findings into clear, actionable insights that create a shared understanding of user needs and opportunities
• Combine qualitative and quantitative inputs where appropriate to strengthen insight and decision making
• Triangulate research findings with other data sources to tell compelling customer stories
• Communicate research outcomes clearly and concisely to a range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues
• Collaborate with other researchers and contribute to a strong research practice while on assignment

What we're looking for

• Strong experience working as a design / user researcher within multi disciplinary design or product team
• Proven ability to work closely with design and product partners to shape direction through research
• Deep qualitative research expertise across a range of methods
• Experience delivering both strategic and tactical research studies
• Ability to synthesise complex findings into clear, impactful insights
• Confidence engaging, influencing and challenging stakeholders using evidence based insight

Additional information

• This is a contractor role and does not include people management responsibilities
• Contractors are expected to be adaptable, self sufficient, and proactive
• You will be supported by a Design Research Lead and work as part of a wider research community

TO APPLY - PLEASE APPLY WITH AN UP-TO-DATE CV

Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.

Please be advised if you haven't heard from us within 48 hours then unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion, we may however keep your details on file for any suitable future vacancies and contact you accordingly.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.