Lead Design Researcher

Vax; Droitwich Spa; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vax is seeking a senior Design Research leader to drive the discipline, establish best practices and partner with Design, Engineering and Product teams. You will translate insights into opportunities and roadmaps while championing human-centered design across the innovation process.

You will plan and execute qualitative and quantitative studies, run workshops, and communicate findings through compelling storytelling to influence decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Design Research or related discipline.
• 8+ years’ experience in Design Research, Consumer Research, Human-Centred Design or Innovation roles.
• Strong expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven experience conducting ethnographic research, workshops and concept validation activities.
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable design opportunities and innovation strategies.
• Experience working with Design, Engineering, Product Management and Innovation teams.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel as required to conduct research activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Design Research discipline, establishing best practices and research methodologies.
• Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research activities including ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, usability testing and concept validation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with consumers and users to develop a deep understanding of their evolving needs and behaviours.
• Translate research findings into actionable opportunities, design principles and innovation roadmaps.
• Partner with Industrial Design and Advanced Development teams to shape future concepts, experiences and product directions.
• Facilitate workshops, product evaluations and co-creation activities that inspire creativity and cross-functional collaboration.
• Communicate research findings through compelling storytelling, presentations and recommendations that influence decision making.
• Champion Human Centred Design principles across the innovation process.
• Develop Design Research capability within the wider organisation.

Skills

Design Research

Qualitative Methods

Quantitative Methods

Ethnographic Research

Workshop Facilitation

Stakeholder Influence

Cross-functional Collaboration

Presentation Skills

Travel (as required)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Design Research

Job description

If you’re looking for a progressive and rewarding career and you thrive in a fast-paced, fun and team-orientated environment, then look no further!

Overview of Vax:

Our heritage-rich, expert-led business has always had the same goal: to prioritize innovation and to design easy-to-use products that seamlessly integrate into our customers’ lives, offering reliable, quick solutions to cleaning homes, whatever the mess.

Vax has forged its reputation as a brand that focuses on the needs of its customers. Our culture of innovation is at the heart of everything we do and we work hard to constantly think of new ways to improve our products, ensuring that we deliver premium quality products for our customers.

Key Duties include:

• Lead the Design Research discipline, establishing best practices and research methodologies.
• Plan and execute qualitative and quantitative research activities including ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, usability testing and concept validation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with consumers and users to develop a deep understanding of their evolving needs and behaviours.
• Translate research findings into actionable opportunities, design principles and innovation roadmaps.
• Partner with Industrial Design and Advanced Development teams to shape future concepts, experiences and product directions.
• Facilitate workshops, product evaluations and co-creation activities that inspire creativity and cross-functional collaboration.
• Communicate research findings through compelling storytelling, presentations and recommendations that influence decision making.
• Champion Human Centred Design principles across the innovation process.
• Develop Design Research capability within the wider organisation.

What We’re Looking For

You’re passionate about understanding people and transforming insight into innovation. You combine curiosity, empathy and analytical thinking with a practical understanding of product development and can effectively influence stakeholders through evidence-based recommendations and compelling storytelling.

Skills, Experience & Competencies

• Bachelor's Degree in Design Research, Industrial Design, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Human Factors, Business Strategy & Innovation or a related discipline.
• 8+ years’ experience in Design Research, Consumer Research, Human-Centred Design or Innovation roles.
• Strong expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proven experience conducting ethnographic research, workshops and concept validation activities.
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable design opportunities and innovation strategies.
• Experience working with Design, Engineering, Product Management and Innovation teams.
• Excellent facilitation, communication and presentation skills.
• Comfortable managing multiple projects within a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel as required to conduct research activities.

What Makes You Successful

• Consumer Obsessed: You champion the voice of the consumer.
• Insight Driven: You transform research into meaningful opportunities.
• Strategic Thinker: You connect consumer needs with future innovation.
• Collaborative Partner: You build strong relationships across functions.
• Compelling Storyteller: You inspire action through clear communication.
• Innovation Catalyst: You help create products consumers truly value.

Equal Opportunities

At Vax we are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We believe in creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and grow.

If you’re looking to join a forward-thinking company that values collaboration, innovation, and impact — we’d love to hear from you.

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will do what we can to support you.

Please note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role.

Hybrid

Vax

Vax is made up of people who have a shared understanding of our mission and vision. Our values define who we are and what we stand for;

Trust – We’re experts and everything we do is based on brilliant knowledge.

Honesty – Our commitment to doing the right means we are always open and transparent.

Resilience – For decades, we have embraced change and been agile in what we do. We aren’t easily discouraged.

Innovation – We’re curious and explore opportunities, innovating to benefit our customers and business.

Valued – We are better when each of us feels included and respected for who we are and what we contribute.

Energy – We are positive thinkers, excited about what we do.