Lead Mixed Methods UX Research

Position: Lead Mixed Methods UX Researcher

Location: Puerto Rico, East Coast (U.S.), or Chicago

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Lead Mixed Methods UX Researcher to drive data-informed design and innovation across multiple digital platforms. In this leadership role, you will both conduct and oversee research initiatives, manage priorities, and mentor a team of researchers. You’ll collaborate cross-functionally to deliver impactful insights that shape user-centered products and services.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Execution

• Lead end-to-end UX research projects—from planning and methodology selection to data collection, analysis, synthesis, and reporting.
• Apply a wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods, including usability testing, user interviews, ethnographic studies, heuristic evaluations, and surveys.
• Select and apply appropriate methodologies to address varying project goals and complexity.

Leadership & Strategy

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a small team of UX researchers, promoting best practices and creative thinking.
• Oversee the research budget, resources, and vendor relationships.
• Guide the hiring process to build a strong research talent pipeline.
• Balance hands-on execution with strategic guidance.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with UX Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, and Division Managers to validate assumptions and test product hypotheses.
• Communicate findings clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders—from C-suite executives to development teams.
• Build consensus and influence decisions with evidence-based insights.
• Identify and prioritize incoming research needs to support both long-term strategy and daily project execution.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Conduct hiring, onboarding, training, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions in accordance with organizational policies.
• Assign and direct team workloads, resolve issues, and ensure high-quality research output.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Information Systems, Marketing, Journalism, Statistics, or a related field.

Experience

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in UX research, leading projects across digital platforms.
• 2+ years of experience managing and mentoring research teams.

Certifications

• No certifications or licenses required.

Skills & Competencies

Leadership & Team Management

• Strong ability to coach and mentor researchers.
• Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and projects.
• Skilled at managing performance, fostering growth, and motivating teams.

Business Acumen

• Deep understanding of stakeholder needs and how to align research outcomes with business objectives.
• Experience integrating insights into strategic recommendations for business impact.
• Comfortable handling confidential or sensitive information.

Technical Knowledge

• Familiarity with digital product development and banking technology initiatives.
• Understanding of front-end development and design principles is a plus.
• Desired: familiarity with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, or related tools.

Communication

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish.
• Skilled at presenting complex findings through reports, executive summaries, and data visualizations.
• Confident communicator across diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Analytical Thinking

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in data analysis, synthesis, and storytelling through research.
• Comfortable working with quantitative and qualitative data to derive actionable insights.

Project Management

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; ability to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of project coordination, budgeting, time/resource allocation, and reporting.
• Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities and business needs.

Operational & Regulatory Knowledge

• Experience managing research operations, including budget tracking and vendor contracts.
• Familiarity with regulatory and compliance considerations in digital experiences.

Language Requirements

• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish (spoken and written)

Technology & Tools

• Proficient in Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Familiarity with research tools and platforms for surveys, usability testing, and collaboration.
• Desired: understanding of front-end coding, design systems, and modern software development practices.