Lead Design Researcher

RBC; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution is seeking a Lead Digital Design Researcher in Toronto. The candidate will drive design research strategy and execution, influencing business outcomes and enhancing customer experiences. The ideal candidate has 7+ years of experience, holds a BA/BS degree in a relevant field, and is adept at synthesizing complex data to inform product strategies. The role emphasizes collaboration across teams and presents findings to senior stakeholders, contributing to innovative practices in digital design.

Benefits

Inclusive workplace

Work/life balance

Supportive environment

Qualifications

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in Design Research.
• Technical understanding of design research theory / design research tools.
• Working knowledge of a variety of design research methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Directs discussions with Design and cross-functional teams about Design Research strategy.
• Leads planning and organizes activities for evaluating research topics.
• Drives the synthesis and translation of complex data sets into actionable insights.

Skills

Adaptability

Client Counseling

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Detail-Oriented

Industry Knowledge

Professional Presentation

Research Documents

Reserve Analysis

Taking Ownership

Written Communication

Education

BA/BS degree in a relevant field

Job description

Job Description

About Design Research at RBC Wealth Management

Our goal is to become our industry’s leader in exceptional digital experiences. To get there, we’re putting strategy, research, design principles, and technical innovation at the center of everything we do. But we need exceptional digital professionals, like you, to bring our process to life.

What will you do?

We want every point of contact with our RBC Wealth Management Advisors and Clients to feel important to them. The Lead Digital Design Researcher is a strategic and technical expert who provides thought leadership and expertise to senior stakeholders and design peers, driving the development and execution of complex research activities.

This individual contributor leverages advanced design research skills, domain fluency, and business acumen to identify opportunities for enhancing user experience and informing product and business strategy. They collaborate with cross-functional teams, define metrics and test outcomes, and make decisions on complex problems, ultimately influencing business outcomes and identifying new opportunities.

What you would work on

Design Research Strategy 30%

• Directs discussions with Design and cross-functional teams about Design Research strategy, provides strategic advice and recommendations, and contributes to the development of new research methodologies.
• Directs Design peers on research methodologies, shares pre-existing research with stakeholders, and collaborates with other Design Researchers to explore shared questions and deepen understanding of user behavior.
• Understands business needs and goals, evaluates and prioritizes research activities to support business objectives, and identifies key stakeholders to create trust and elevate the impact of research, ensuring that Design research activities align with business goals and objectives.

Research and Testing (Execution, Synthesis, Analysis) 50%

• Leads planning, organizes activities, and develops systems for evaluating and prioritizing research topics, questions, and activities to achieve Product and Design goals.
• Leads the designs and moderation of research activities, including multi-stage research and live sessions, to evaluate prototypes, improve understanding of user needs, and validate design principles, such as Accessibility and Inclusive Design.
• Drives the collation, synthesis and translation of complex data sets into actionable insights. Leads stakeholders in making Design decisions, and presents research findings to senior/executive stakeholders, contributing to new practices and innovations in the field.

Leadership 20%

• Advocates for the Design Research practice within the WM Digital organization, building relationships with stakeholders and providing expert advice and guidance to cross-functional teams.
• Provides leadership and direction to the Design team on Design Research standards, tools, and processes, and offers coaching and guidance to junior team members to improve their capabilities and foster growth.

What’s in it for you

• You’ll find yourself in a culture where designers feel included, valued, and heard; in a supportive environment surrounded by peers who exceed in their area of expertise.
• You’ll work on solutions used by millions of people and contribute to a company that truly values customer experience and remains a Global Digital leader.
• You’ll be part of team that’s pushing the boundaries of digital product design as we strive to improve the lives of the people and communities we serve.
• You’ll help to shape Design Research as a practice at RBC and, by example, with your peers around the globe.
• Work/life balance is important to us; you will be part of a company that values your time.

What do you need to succeed?

Must-have

• BA/BS degree in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field or equivalent practical experience
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in Design Research
• Technical understanding of design research theory / design research tools
• Working knowledge of a variety of design research methodologies
• Experience working on cross-functional teams

Nice to have

• MA/MS degree or certification in Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, Information Studies, Design (e.g. interaction, graphic, visual communications, product, industrial), Human Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science (CS), or a related field
• Appreciation for the potential of design thinking
• Experience working within a large organization and within an agile environment
• Experience contributing to the launch of a digital product
• Experience with AI based applications

Job Skills

• Adaptability
• Client Counseling
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Detail-Oriented
• Industry Knowledge
• Professional Presentation
• Research Documents
• Reserve Analysis
• Taking Ownership
• Written Communication

Additional Job Details

Address: RBC CENTRE, 155 WELLINGTON ST W:TORONTO

City: Toronto

Country: Canada

Work hours/week: 37.5

Employment Type: Full time

Platform: WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Job Type: Regular

Pay Type: Salaried

Posted Date: 2025-11-28

Application Deadline: 2026-02-12

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the application deadline date above

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity Employment

At RBC, we believe an inclusive workplace that has diverse perspectives is core to our continued growth as one of the largest and most successful banks in the world. Maintaining a workplace where our employees feel supported to perform at their best, effectively collaborate, drive innovation, and grow professionally helps to bring our Purpose to life and create value for our clients and communities. RBC strives to deliver this through policies and programs intended to foster a workplace based on respect, belonging and opportunity for all.