Lead UX Researcher

Placements24; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 103,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Hybrid work model

Leadership growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead UX Researcher to drive strategic user research initiatives for a diverse client portfolio. You will lead studies from conception to delivery, mentor junior researchers, and advocate user-centered design across the organization.

The role requires a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field, 7+ years of UX research experience, and strong communication and storytelling skills. A hybrid work model with a Paarl office is offered to enable collaboration and impact.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in UX research, with substantial lead/senior work.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience conducting remote and in-person research with diverse user groups.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and agile methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and analysis of user research studies (interviews, surveys, usability tests, ethnography).
• Define research objectives and methodologies to address business questions.
• Synthesize findings into insights, personas, journey maps, and reports.
• Collaborate with designers, PMs, and stakeholders to inform roadmaps and design decisions.
• Mentor and guide a team of UX researchers and promote best practices.
• Present findings and recommendations to executives and diverse audiences.
• Stay current with UX research trends and champion adoption across the org.
• Advocate for user-centered design throughout product development.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Storytelling

Mentorship

UX research leadership

Hybrid collaboration

Education

Master’s or PhD in HCI/related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading user experience design consultancy located in Paarl, Western Cape, is seeking an accomplished Lead UX Researcher to drive impactful user research initiatives. This role is crucial for understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations to inform design strategies and product development for a diverse clientele. You will lead research projects from conception to completion, mentor junior researchers, and advocate for user-centered design principles across the organization. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of various qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. This position offers a Hybrid work model, allowing for a blend of remote work and collaboration within our innovative Paarl office, contributing to user‑centric solutions in the Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and analysis of user research studies, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and ethnographic research.
• Define research objectives and methodologies to address complex business and product questions.
• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, personas, journey maps, and compelling reports.
• Collaborate closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and stakeholders to integrate research findings into product roadmaps and design decisions.
• Mentor and guide a team of UX researchers, fostering best practices and professional development.
• Present research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
• Stay abreast of the latest UX research trends, tools, and techniques, and champion their adoption.
• Advocate for user-centered design and ensure user needs are at the forefront of all product development efforts.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in UX research, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
• Proven expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex research data into clear, actionable insights.
• Experience conducting remote and in-person research with diverse user groups.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of product development lifecycles and agile methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a Hybrid setting.
• A portfolio showcasing impactful user research projects and methodologies is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, a comprehensive benefits package, and outstanding opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
• Employees will benefit from working in a creative and collaborative environment within our Paarl, Western Cape office, with the flexibility of a Hybrid work model.
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture that values user advocacy and innovation.
• Further details on our benefits and unique working environment will be discussed during the interview process.