Lead User Researcher6-Month Contract - Inside IR35London based - hybrid working - 3 days a week office basedBanking sector - must have previous banking experience We are seeking an experienced and proactive User Researcher to join our team at mid-senior level. The ideal candidate will bring proven experience working in a design-led environment, with a strong understanding of design processes, ways of working, and how research can best support designers and cross-functional teams in their decision making. Key Responsibilities:Lead and deliver end-to-end research across multiple initiatives, balancing priorities with efficiency.Plan, conduct, and analyse usability testing (moderated and unmoderated), as well as other qualitative and quantitative methods.Collaborate closely with designers and design teams, ensuring research directly informs and shapes the design process.to influence business and design decisions.Promote and apply of User Research best practices across the organization to ensure evidence-based insights underpin strategic, design, and operational decisions and drive stakeholder engagement, clearly communicating insights and recommendationsConfidently challenge assumptions and the status quo, ensuring user-centered thinking is embedded in both strategy and design delivery.Engage in strategic conversations with the business and design leadership to shape direction and product outcomes.Operate fully independently, from scoping to delivery, with accountability for res