Senior UX Researcher

This review offers an insightful look into the Senior UX Researcher position at Waitrose Online, designed to help prospective candidates understand the nuances of this exciting opportunity and how it aligns with their career aspirations.

Key Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Impactful Role: As a Senior UX Researcher, you will be instrumental in shaping the customer experience for Waitrose Online. Your insights will directly influence product design and development, ensuring that user experiences are not only functional but also valuable and enjoyable for customers. This is an opportunity to leave a significant mark on a well-loved brand.
• Hybrid Working Model: The role embraces a hybrid working approach, offering a blend of remote and office-based work. The aim is to spend no more than two days a week in the Bracknell office, promoting a healthy work-life balance while still fostering team connection and collaboration.
• Competitive Compensation and Benefits: The salary range of £50,000 - £65,000, depending on experience, is competitive. Furthermore, the role offers a Night Premium of £5.00 per hour for any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00, providing an additional financial incentive for those who might work non-standard hours.
• Diverse Research Opportunities: This position offers the chance to employ a wide array of research methodologies, from initial discovery activities and generative research to prototype testing and live field studies. The scope includes everything from user interviews and surveys to lab testing, in-store observations, and shadowing partners, providing a rich and varied research experience.
• Collaborative Environment: You will work within a cross-disciplinary product team and collaborate closely with stakeholders, designers, and managers. This collaborative spirit ensures research is integrated throughout the design thinking process and offers ample opportunity for professional growth through shared learning.
• Employee Ownership: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, you'll be a Partner, meaning you are a co-owner of the business. This unique ownership model fosters a strong sense of belonging, shared responsibility, and collective reward, making it a truly distinct and engaging place to work.
• Career Development: The role involves working closely with the UX Research Manager to craft project strategies, offering opportunities to refine your skills in project planning and execution. The exposure to diverse research projects and business functions will be invaluable for career progression.
• Potential for Travel: While primarily based in Bracknell, the role may require occasional travel to the London Pimlico office or various partnership locations across the UK, offering exposure to different business contexts and projects.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Experience Requirements: A strong foundation in user research is essential, including a proven track record of delivering on a variety of research projects throughout their lifecycle. Familiarity with a broad range of research tools and methodologies is expected.
• Adaptability to Hybrid Work: While flexibility is a core benefit, candidates should be comfortable with a hybrid working model and the occasional need to travel to the office or other locations.
• Research Methodologies: Candidates should possess a comprehensive understanding and practical experience with various research techniques such as user interviews, diary studies, Jobs to be Done, journey mapping, usability testing, survey creation and analysis, card sorting, competitor analysis, experience walkthroughs, and both lab and in-store testing.
• Familiarity with Research Platforms: Experience with platforms like Dscout, usertesting, Lysanna, and Survey Monkey is highly beneficial.
• Desirable Skills: While not strictly mandatory, a degree in Research, Psychology, or Design, coupled with experience in both online and physical environments, managing multiple projects with tools like Jira and Confluence, and proficiency in collaboration software like Miro and Figma, would be advantageous. Previous experience in the grocery or retail sector is also a plus.
• Commitment to Understanding the Business: The role requires a deep dive into how the business and its functions operate, including spending time in stores or fulfillment centers. A genuine desire to understand and empathize with customers and partners is crucial.
• Vetting Requirements: Be aware that some roles may be subject to pre-employment vetting, which could include DBS checks and financial probity checks. Prompt completion of any required vetting documents is encouraged to avoid delays.

This Senior UX Researcher position at Waitrose Online presents a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals looking to make a tangible impact within a unique employee-owned organization. The combination of a hybrid work environment, diverse research challenges, and a collaborative culture makes this a role worth serious consideration for those passionate about user-centered design and customer advocacy.