UX Researcher

Job Description

We’re building a centralised UX Research capability within a FTSE 250 financial services organisation — and this role is a key part of that foundation.

As a midweight UX Researcher, you’ll lead meaningful research that shapes product direction, builds shared confidence, and helps teams make better decisions earlier. You’ll be part of the Advised team while sitting within a growing central UX Research team, giving you both focus and community.

This is a hands-on role for a confident researcher who can independently plan and deliver high-quality discovery research, work closely with designers and product teams, and clearly communicate insight to influence outcomes.

What you'll do:

• Lead generative and tactical discovery research end-to-end — from framing the problem through to insight and recommendations.
• Select and apply appropriate research methods to meet research goals, with autonomy and confidence.
• Partner closely with UX Designers on tactical discovery, supporting early exploration and shaping ideas before evaluative testing.
• Conduct a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, including moderated and unmoderated studies, surveys and in-person observation at adviser firms.
• Synthesise research into clear, actionable insights that teams can use immediately.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders, tailoring the message to different audiences.
• Provide strong evidence to support decision-making, helping teams move forward with confidence.
• Contribute to the development of research practices, ways of working, and tooling as the function matures.

What 'good' looks like in this role:

• You can run discovery research independently and know how to adapt when things change.
• You’re comfortable making methodological decisions and explaining why you’ve taken a particular approach.
• Stakeholders trust your work and understand the value of research because you communicate it clearly.
• Designers see you as a partner, not a handover point.
• You’re confident speaking up when evidence challenges assumptions — and you do it constructively.
• You help establish thoughtful, pragmatic research practices rather than over-engineering process.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience working as a UX Researcher, leading studies independently.
• Strong grounding in qualitative research, with experience applying quantitative methods where appropriate.
• Confidence choosing and applying research methods to answer real product questions.
• Experience collaborating with designers and product teams in an agile or iterative environment.
• Ability to synthesise complex findings into clear, compelling insight.
• Comfortable presenting research outputs to a range of stakeholders.
• Experience working in regulated environments or financial services is helpful but not essential.

How we work:

We’re establishing a research culture that values thoughtful execution — doing just enough research to make confident decisions, without slowing teams down. You’ll be encouraged to challenge norms gently, bring strong evidence to the table, and help embed research as a strategic partner rather than a gatekeeper.

You won’t be expected to line-manage in this role, but you will be expected to take ownership of your work and contribute to shaping how research shows up across the organisation.

About AJ Bell

AJ Bell is one of the UK’s fastest-growing investment platform businesses, providing award-winning solutions for everyone, from professional financial advisers to first-time investors.

Today, over 762,000 customers trust us to manage more than £121.5 billion of assets. By continually striving to make investing simpler and more accessible, we’re helping more people take control of their financial futures.

We’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s Best 100 Companies to Work For for six consecutive years, and a Great Place to Work in 2025 and 2026 a reflection of our supportive and collaborative culture.

What we offer

• 25 days holiday, increasing with service + buy/sell scheme + bank holidays
• 6% Pension with matched contributions
• Share schemes (including free shares and BAYE)
• Health Cash Plan and discounted private healthcare
• Free onsite gym
• Enhanced family leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Travel and bike loan schemes Employee Assistance Programme

Life at AJ Bell

• Regular social events including summer and Christmas parties
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to you
• Casual dress code
• Friendly, supportive team environment

Our ways of working

We offer hybrid working, with a minimum of 50% of your working time per month spent in the office.

For new starters, there’s an initial period of full-time office working to help you settle in and build relationships.

Inclusion & diversity

We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and able to be themselves at work.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and make hiring decisions based on skills, experience and potential.