User Research Lead

At **Agile Dream Team**, we believe in delivering exceptional Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions through **research-driven insights**. We are looking for an experienced **User Research Lead** to drive **strategic research initiatives** that enhance user experience, inform product direction, and shape the future of our HCM products.

**Responsibilities**

**Strategic Research Leadership**
- Lead research initiatives to uncover deep insights about **user needs, motivations, and behaviors** in the HCM domain.
- Employ frameworks such as **Jobs to Be Done (JTBD)** to drive product direction.
- Synthesize **qualitative and quantitative data** to influence **roadmap decisions** and product strategy.

**Collaboration with Product Teams**
- Work closely with **Product Managers (PMs)** to **prioritize research efforts** aligned with business goals and user needs.
- Advocate for user needs and integrate research findings into **product strategy discussions**.

**User Research Execution**
- Design and conduct **foundational and continuous user research**, including **interviews, surveys, contextual inquiries, and ethnographic studies**.
- Establish structured **user feedback loops** to inform product iterations and long-term strategy.
- Lead **research initiatives focused on accessibility**, ensuring the inclusion of users with disabilities.

**Guidance for UX Design Team**
- Mentor **UX designers** on best practices for **usability testing (moderated & unmoderated)**.
- Provide structured **research plans and methodologies** for tactical design decisions.
- Ensure UX designers have **access to research insights** that improve their workflows.

**Synthesis and Communication**
- Translate **research findings** into **compelling narratives and actionable recommendations**.
- Present insights to **cross-functional teams**, fostering alignment and data-driven decision-making.

**Continuous Improvement**
- Advocate for **best practices in user research** within the team and organization.
- Stay current on **trends and innovations in user research** to enhance research methodologies and outcomes.

**QualificationsExperience**
- **7+ years of experience** in **user research**, with a strong focus on **enterprise SaaS or HCM products**.
- Experience conducting research at both **strategic and tactical levels**.

**Research Expertise**
- Proficiency in a variety of **research methodologies**, including **JTBD, ethnographic studies, and usability testing**.
- Ability to conduct **research across the product lifecycle**, from discovery to validation.

**Collaboration Skills**
- Strong ability to **partner with PMs, UX designers, and engineers** to align research with product goals.
- Experience mentoring or guiding **designers in research best practices**.

**Communication**
- Ability to **synthesize complex research findings** into **clear, actionable insights**.
- Excellent **presentation and storytelling skills** for influencing product decisions.

**Tools & Platforms**
- Familiarity with research and analysis tools such as **UserTesting, Dovetail, Optimal Workshop**, and survey platforms.
- Comfortable working with **Jira and Figma** to collaborate on research initiatives.

**Nice-to-Have**

➕ Deep expertise in **accessibility research**, including direct experience conducting studies with people with disabilities.
➕ Experience designing and leading **inclusive feedback sessions** with diverse user groups.
➕ Familiarity with **Agile workflows and design thinking methodologies**.

**Contractor Expectations**
- This is a **contractor role** with an expected **nearshore location**, working remotely with **U.S. time zone overlap**.
- Collaboration will be **project-based**, with clear deliverables aligned with research priorities.
- The contractor will be expected to **work closely with UX designers and PMs** to ensure research outcomes drive actionable results.
- The contract length and renewal will be **evaluated based on impact and business needs**.

**Why Join Us?**
- Work on cutting-edge **user research initiatives** that shape HCM solutions.
- 100% **remote role** with a flexible schedule.
- Opportunities for **growth and leadership** in UX Research.
- Engage in **high-impact projects** that influence business and product decisions.
**-Competitive contractor compensation** based on experience and contribution.