Lead UX Researcher (Hybrid)

Lead UX Researcher (Hybrid)

The Lead User Experience Researcher is a strategic and high-impact role responsible for driving the discovery of user insights that influence major product decisions across the organization. This individual is expected to lead and manage a team of researchers, overseeing high-priority initiatives and championing a culture of research-informed product design. With deep expertise in qualitative methods and a strong grasp of quantitative techniques, the Lead UX Researcher will be empowered to scope, plan, and execute research engagements that elevate product quality and user satisfaction. Ideal candidates are self-starters, highly organized, and effective communicators that operate comfortably in ambiguous and rapidly-changing environments. This role collaborates cross-functionally with stakeholders in Product, Design, Data, Engineering, and Marketing and will play a key part in expanding the influence and visibility of the UX Research team across the organization.

The impact you'll make

Lead high-profile and strategically important user research projects from inception to completion.
Manage, mentor, and support a team of UX researchers (including Senior and Junior-level team members), providing guidance and fostering professional growth.
Champion the value of user research and drive adoption of user insights across teams and leadership.
Establish and scale best practices for research operations, ensuring consistent, ethical, and efficient practices.
Define research roadmaps and prioritize initiatives in collaboration with Design, Product, and Engineering leadership.
Apply and adapt mixed-methods research approaches to diverse business and user problems.
Synthesize complex findings into clear, actionable insights and influence key stakeholders through storytelling and evidence-based recommendations.
Evangelize user-centered design across the organization by presenting findings, facilitating workshops, and building research-informed strategies.
Help define success metrics for user experience and evaluate the impact of product and design decisions on users.
Maintain a strong understanding of the competitive landscape and emerging trends in user experience research.

What you've accomplished

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required (advanced degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, or related field preferred).
10+ years of experience in UX Research or related fields.
2+ years of experience managing or mentoring other researchers.
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale or cross-functional research initiatives with measurable impact.
Experience managing and scaling research teams or operations.
Deep expertise in qualitative research methods, with working knowledge of quantitative tools and behavioral analytics.
Excellent communication and storytelling skillsable to present complex research findings to diverse audiences.
Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and stakeholder influence.
Experience operating in fast-paced, agile environments.
Comfortable balancing strategic priorities with hands-on execution.

Bonus Points

Portfolio of high-impact research that directly influenced a product roadmap, strategy, or design.
Background in customer segmentation is a plus.

The base pay range for this position is $169,565.00 - $195,000.00 per year.

2025 Benefits for Full-Time, Regular Employees

Physical Health benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision:
Employee - employer paid premium 100%
Company contribution to a HSA when electing the High Deductible Health Plan
For plans that offer coverage to your dependents, you pay a small contribution
Mental Health benefits:
Free access to CALM app for employees and dependents
Employee Training
Mental Health seminars and Q&A sessions
Basic Life & AD&D - employer paid 1x salary up to $250,000
401(k) Retirement Plan (with employer match contribution)
Generous PTO, Paid Sick Leave, and Company Holidays
Supplemental, voluntary benefits
Student Loan Repayment/529 Education Savings - including a company contribution
FSA (Medical, Dependent, Transit and Parking)
Voluntary Life and AD&D
Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Accident Insurance
Short- and Long-term Disability Insurance
Pet Insurance
Family planning/fertility
Identity theft protection
Legal access to a network of attorneys
Paid parental leave

Why Work at Weedmaps?

You get to work at the leading technology company in the cannabis industry.
You get to play a meaningful role in helping to advance cannabis causes, including helping improve the lives of patients who rely on the benefits of cannabis.
You get an opportunity to shape the future of the cannabis industry.
You get to work on challenging issues in a collaborative environment that encourages you to do your best.
You get to work in a casual and fun environment; no fancy clothes required, but you are free to dress to the nines!
Generous PTO and company holidays
Numerous opportunities and tools to learn and grow your professional skills
Endless opportunities to network and connect with other Weedmappers through speaker series, Employee Resource Groups, happy hours, team celebrations, game nights, and much more!

Weedmaps is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination against employees or applicants based on race, religion and religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, military status, veteran status, uniformed service member status, sexual orientation, transgender identity, citizenship status, pregnancy, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Applicants are entitled to reasonable accommodations under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state/local laws, unless the accommodation presents undue hardship. Please email us at peopleoperations@weedmaps.com if you would like to confidentially discuss a potential accommodation during the interview process.

About Weedmaps

WM Technology, Inc.'s mission is to power a transparent and inclusive global cannabis economy. Now in its second decade, WM Technology has been a driving force behind much of the legislative change we've seen in the past 10 years.

Founded in 2008, WM Technology, is a leading technology and software infrastructure provider to the cannabis industry, comprising a B2C platform, Weedmaps, and B2B software, WM Business. The cloud-based SaaS solutions from WM Business provide an end-to-end operating system for cannabis retailers. WM Business' tools support compliance with the complex, disparate, and constantly evolving regulations applicable to the cannabis industry. Through its website and mobile apps, WM Technology provides consumers with the latest information about cannabis retailers, brands, and products, facilitating product discovery and driving engagement with our retail and brand customers.

WM Technology holds a strong belief in the power of cannabis and the importance of enabling safe, legal access to consumers worldwide. Since inception, WM Technology has worked tirelessly, not only to become the most comprehensive platform for consumers, but to build the software solutions that power businesses compliantly in the space, to advocate for legalization, social equity, and licensing in many jurisdictions, and to facilitate further learning through partnering with subject matter experts on providing detailed, accurate information about the plant. Headquartered in Irvine, California, WM Technology supports remote work for all eligible employees. Visit us at www.weedmaps.com.

Notice to prospective Weedmaps job applicants: Our team has been made aware of incidents involving LinkedIn,

Lead UX Researcher (Hybrid)Irvine, CA

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