Lead Design Researcher

Techtronic Industries; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

VAX Limited is seeking a Lead Design Researcher to shape product strategy through consumer insights. You will lead design research, translate findings into opportunities and work with cross‑functional teams.

As a senior researcher, you will conduct ethnographic studies, usability tests and concept validation, champion Human Centred Design, and travel as required to conduct research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Design Research or related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in Design Research, Consumer Research, or Innovation roles.
• Strong expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Experience conducting ethnographic research, workshops and concept validation.
• Ability to translate research findings into actionable design opportunities and 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.

Education

Bachelor's in Design Research

8+ years 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. As our Lead Design Researcher, you'll shape how consumer and user insights influence future products, experiences and innovation opportunities. Working closely with Industrial Design, Advanced Development, Product Management and Consumer Insights, you'll uncover unmet needs, identify future opportunities and translate insights into actionable design strategies.

Key Duties

• 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've been looking for a progressive environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and clear impact, and have found the chance to influence the future direction of Vax.

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.

#LI-DM1 #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.

Techtronic Industries (TTI)

Techtronic Industries (TTI) is a fast‑growing world leader in Power Tools, Accessories, Hand Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Floor Care and Appliances for Do‑It‑Yourselfer (DIY), professional and industrial users in the home improvement, repair, maintenance, construction and infrastructure industries. An unrelenting strategic focus on Powerful Brands, Innovative Products, Operational Excellence and Exceptional People drives our culture.

• Brand loyalty is a cornerstone for sustainable growth and increased profitability. We highly regard and respect our brands and all of the end‑users who invest their confidence in them.
• TTI is delivering a tidal wave of change in multiple industries with its cordless technology leadership. Whether power tools, floorcare, or outdoor products. We believe in continually challenging accepted standards, exploiting, adapting, and improving technologies to create better products for higher‑value brands.
• Our operational excellence is the engine that provides the power to innovation. This means examining every single aspect of bringing a product to market and questioning how to improve the efficiency of even the smallest detail.
• TTI understands that the greatest investment for every organization is in its people. At TTI, we invest heavily in developing current and future leaders. Filling the growing TTI management needs is the Leadership Development Program through aggressive university recruitment, training, and promotion ladder for high‑potential talent.
• Instilling ESG (Environmental Social Governance) best practices along our value chain drives TTI’s approach to sustainability in the way we operate, what we produce, how we source and the way we live. Sustainability is at the core of our business today and is the bedrock for both the development of our business.