Alternance - User researcher (H/F)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Alternance - User Researcher (H/F)

Company: SOMFY Group

Location: Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

Job Type: Stage (Internship/Apprenticeship)

Category: User Experience Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-04-27

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Internship/Apprenticeship)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This alternance (work-study) role focuses on User Research within the Design Center team, supporting product, web, and application development.

• The position involves conducting qualitative user research to inform product strategy and user experience design.

• Key activities include usability testing, user interviews, and ethnographic studies to gather actionable insights.

• The role requires close collaboration with project teams and stakeholders to translate research findings into concrete recommendations, focusing on user needs, marketing expectations, and company strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically an "alternance" position, indicating it's a work-study program for students pursuing a Master's degree. The focus is on practical application of user research methodologies within a corporate design environment, bridging academic learning with real-world project experience. The "User Researcher" title, while not strictly a revenue or sales operations role, often intersects with GTM strategy by informing product-market fit and user adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research Execution: Implement qualitative user research actions (moderated/unmoderated usability tests, interviews, observations) from brief to final report.

• Methodology Identification: Select appropriate research methodologies based on project needs and objectives.

• Research Design & Analysis: Design research protocols, conduct experiments, analyze results, and formulate clear, impactful recommendations.

• Exploratory Studies: Conduct exploratory research such as user diaries or ethnographic studies to gain deeper user understanding.

• Research Planning: Prepare and deploy comprehensive research plans.

• Insight Communication: Analyze and present research findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Tool Management: Manage UX tools for user testing, workshops, and data tracking.

• Workshop Facilitation: Design and lead co-design workshops with project teams to foster collaborative innovation.

• User Experience Advocacy: Educate teams on the importance of user research, best practices, and benefits.

• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing enhancement of user experience, Design Thinking, and interaction design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to user research, emphasizing the full research lifecycle from planning and execution to analysis and recommendation. This is crucial for an "alternance" role where practical experience is the primary goal. The inclusion of "UX design" and "Design Thinking" suggests a holistic approach to product development, where user insights directly shape design decisions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Pursuing a Master's degree (Master I or II) in Cognitive Science, User Research, UX Design, Product Design, or a related field.

• English Proficiency: Mandatory C1 level (fluent) in written and spoken English for international collaboration.

• Driver's License: Valid B license required for travel between different sites in Haute-Savoie.

Required Skills:

• User Research Aptitude: Strong interest and foundational knowledge in user research methodologies.

• Design Thinking Affinity: Familiarity with Design Thinking principles and application.

• Digital Whiteboard Proficiency: Comfortable using digital whiteboarding tools such as Miro or Figjam.

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze qualitative data and derive meaningful insights.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication for presenting findings.

• Empathy: Demonstrated ability to understand and represent user perspectives.

• Curiosity & Initiative: Proactive attitude and eagerness to explore user needs.

• Teamwork: Strong collaborative spirit and interpersonal skills.

• Organization & Rigor: Meticulous approach to planning and execution of research activities.

Preferred Skills:

• Figma Knowledge: Familiarity with Figma for design and prototyping tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of academic pursuit and practical skill development. The requirement for English fluency and a driver's license points to the need for cross-functional and cross-site collaboration, typical in larger organizations like SOMFY. The "alternance" nature means practical experience is valued over extensive professional history, with a focus on foundational skills and learning potential.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies from academic projects or prior internships, demonstrating the user research process from problem definition to outcome.

• Methodology Application: Clearly articulate the chosen research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews) and justify their selection for each project.

• Data Visualization: Present qualitative data analysis and insights effectively, using charts, personas, or journey maps where appropriate.

• Recommendation Formulation: Provide concrete examples of recommendations derived from research and their potential impact.

• Tool Familiarity: Include examples of work produced using digital whiteboarding tools (Miro, Figjam) or design tools (Figma).

Process Documentation:

• Research Protocol Design: Examples of research plans or protocols created for academic or personal projects.

• Workshop Materials: Samples of materials used for co-design or ideation workshops.

• Insight Synthesis: Demonstrations of how raw research data was synthesized into actionable insights and reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an "alternance" role, the portfolio is crucial for demonstrating applied learning. The emphasis is on the candidate's ability to follow a research process, analyze data, and communicate findings, rather than extensive professional project experience. The requested items focus on showcasing the learning process and practical application of UX research principles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is an "alternance" (work-study) position, compensation will adhere to French legal minimums for apprenticeships and professionalization contracts, which are typically a percentage of the minimum wage (SMIC), varying based on age and the year of the contract. Specific rates are set by French labor law and can be researched for the current year.

• Estimated Range: Based on typical "alternance" contracts in France for Master's level students in this field, a gross monthly salary could range from €1,000 to €1,800, depending on age and specific contract type.

Benefits:

• Financial Incentives: Profit sharing (Intéressement/Participation) and meal vouchers (Tickets Restaurant) for the Annecy site.

• On-site Amenities: Company restaurant available at the Cluses site.

• Employee Services: Corporate Social and Economic Committee (CSE) benefits, concierge services, wellness activities, and access to showers and changing rooms.

• CSR Engagement: Three solidarity days per year to participate in initiatives with the SOMFY Foundation.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week, likely around 35-40 hours per week, in line with French labor laws for "alternance" contracts. Flexibility may be possible depending on project needs and academic schedule, but the core expectation is full-time engagement on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for "alternance" roles in France is legally regulated. The estimate provided reflects common ranges for Master's level apprenticeships. The benefits are typical for a large French corporation, with specific offerings varying slightly by site. The working hours are expected to be standard full-time.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Building Automation & Home Control Solutions (Smart Home Technology). SOMFY is a global leader in automated solutions for homes and buildings, focusing on comfort, security, and energy efficiency.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (SOMFY Group is a global entity with thousands of employees). This means opportunities for structured training, established processes, and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: 1969, indicating a long history of innovation and market leadership in its sector.

Team Structure:

• Design Center: The User Researcher will be part of the Design Center team, suggesting a central hub for design and innovation activities.

• Reporting: Likely reporting to a User Research Lead, UX Manager, or Head of Design within the Design Center.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with product managers, UX designers, hardware engineers, software developers, and marketing teams across various projects.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: Strong emphasis on understanding user needs and integrating them into the product development lifecycle.

• Design Thinking: Application of Design Thinking principles for problem-solving and innovation.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Likely involved in iterative design and research cycles to refine products.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Using user research insights to inform strategic product decisions.

Company Website: https://www.somfy.com/ (Note: The provided URL was company_url, which is often null for direct job listings. Assuming the main company site.)

📝 Enhancement Note: SOMFY's long history and global presence suggest a stable, well-established company with a commitment to innovation. The "Design Center" context implies a dedicated team focused on enhancing user experience, making this role integral to product development strategy. The emphasis on user-centricity and Design Thinking aligns with modern product development practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level, educational role ("Alternance" / Internship) for individuals aspiring to a career in User Research or UX Design. It's designed to provide foundational experience.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Design Center, likely to a senior User Researcher or UX Manager who will provide mentorship and guidance. This structure allows for direct learning from experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not directly a "revenue operations" role, the User Researcher's work has significant indirect impact on revenue by:

• Improving Product-Market Fit: Ensuring products meet genuine user needs increases adoption and sales.

• Enhancing User Experience: A positive UX drives customer satisfaction, retention, and positive word-of-mouth.

• Reducing Development Costs: Early identification of usability issues prevents costly redesigns post-launch.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in qualitative research methods, quantitative analysis, and specific UX tools.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams (engineering, marketing, product management) and understanding their perspectives.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the smart home and building automation industry.

• Potential for Full-Time Roles: Successful completion of the "alternance" program and strong performance can lead to opportunities for full-time entry-level positions within SOMFY's UX/Design teams.

• Mentorship: Benefit from structured mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: This "alternance" role is a stepping stone. The growth opportunities are primarily educational and experiential, preparing the candidate for future roles in UX/User Research. The impact on the business is indirect but critical, aligning with GTM principles by ensuring product-market fit and user adoption.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, requiring presence at either the Annecy or Cluses locations in Haute-Savoie, France. This indicates a traditional office environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Annecy and Cluses, France. Candidates must be willing to travel between these sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The Design Center environment likely includes collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and possibly dedicated UX lab spaces for research activities.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary UX research tools, digital whiteboards (Miro/Figjam), and potentially design software (Figma).

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with fellow researchers, designers, and project team members. The emphasis on "alternance" suggests a supportive environment for learning and development.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time office hours, Monday to Friday, with potential for some flexibility around academic commitments where feasible. The role requires consistent on-site presence for team integration and project work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and dual-site responsibility are key logistical points. The workspace context implies an environment conducive to collaborative design and research, with access to essential tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Initial Screening (Recruitment Team): A phone call or video conference to get acquainted, discuss motivation, and assess basic fit for the "alternance" program and the company.

• Step 2: Tutor Meeting: An in-person or video meeting with the assigned tutor(s) (likely senior researchers or designers) to delve deeper into technical skills, project experience, and discuss the day-to-day responsibilities of the role. This step often includes a review of the candidate's portfolio.

• Potential Additional Steps: Depending on company policy, there might be an HR interview focusing on cultural fit, company values, and a final discussion with a hiring manager.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the research methods used, the analysis process, key findings, and actionable recommendations.

• Showcase Tools: Briefly mention and, if possible, visually demonstrate your use of tools like Miro, Figjam, or Figma.

• Focus on Learning: As it's an "alternance" role, emphasize what you learned from each project, challenges overcome, and how you applied academic knowledge.

• Tailor to SOMFY: If possible, connect your projects or interests to the smart home/building automation industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Questions: Be prepared to discuss the pros and cons of different user research methods and justify why you'd choose one over another for specific scenarios.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: You might be asked how you would approach researching a particular user problem for a SOMFY product. Practice thinking through research steps.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples demonstrating your empathy, curiosity, teamwork, and organizational skills using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured for an "alternance" candidate, focusing on learning potential and foundational skills. The portfolio is a critical component, and candidates should prepare to discuss their academic and project work in detail, emphasizing the research process and learning outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Digital Whiteboards: Miro, Figjam (required/essential for collaborative sessions and research planning).

• Design/Prototyping Tools: Figma (preferred, a significant plus).

• User Research Platforms: Potentially tools for remote testing or survey deployment (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics) may be used, though not explicitly listed as required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: While not explicitly stated, skills in analyzing qualitative data from interviews and tests are essential. Basic spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) would be used.

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, or similar for presenting research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this User Researcher role, as it's focused on product design and research rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Miro/Figjam and preferred Figma knowledge highlights the importance of collaborative design and digital tooling in the Design Center. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these specific platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value driving all design and research efforts. Decisions are made with the user's needs and experience at the forefront.

• Innovation: A drive to create new and improved solutions that enhance comfort, security, and energy efficiency.

• Collaboration: Encouragement of teamwork across departments and disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Responsibility: Commitment to creating products that have a positive impact on people's lives and the planet, reflected in the company's sustainability efforts.

• Openness & Learning: A culture that values diverse perspectives and continuous professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Researchers work closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing to ensure user insights are integrated into product development.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving constructive feedback during research design, analysis, and presentation phases.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share best practices, research findings, and learnings across the Design Center and wider project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: SOMFY's stated values emphasize user focus, innovation, and responsibility, which are key for any product development role. The collaborative style is essential for translating research into tangible product improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Academic and Work Demands: Managing the workload of a demanding "alternance" program alongside academic studies.

• Bridging Theory and Practice: Applying academic knowledge to real-world, complex business projects.

• Navigating Cross-Functional Teams: Effectively communicating research findings and influencing stakeholders with different priorities.

• Adapting to Industry Pace: Keeping up with rapid advancements in smart home technology and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Practical Research Experience: Gaining hands-on experience across various qualitative research methods.

• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the smart home and building automation sector.

• Tool Proficiency: Mastering essential UX research and design collaboration tools.

• Professional Networking: Building connections within a large, global organization.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced User Researchers and UX professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the inherent learning curve and developmental aspects of an "alternance" role, framing challenges as opportunities for growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• User Research Approach: "Describe how you would approach researching the usability of a new smart thermostat feature for first-time smart home users." (Focus on methodology, participant recruitment, and key questions.)

• Design Thinking Application: "How would you use Design Thinking principles to uncover unmet needs for home security solutions?" (Emphasize empathy, ideation, and prototyping phases.)

• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a product is receiving negative feedback about its complexity. What steps would you take as a User Researcher to diagnose and address the issue?" (Focus on research methods, data analysis, and recommendation formulation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in user research, and why SOMFY specifically for your 'alternance'?" (Connect your passion to SOMFY's mission and products.)

• Teamwork: "Describe a time you worked on a challenging team project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to success?" (Highlight collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.)

• Learning: "How do you stay updated on user research trends and new methodologies?" (Show initiative and a commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, guiding the interviewer through your process and discoveries.

• Visuals: Use clear visuals (screenshots, diagrams, key quotes) to illustrate your work and findings.

• Conciseness: Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project and be prepared to answer detailed questions.

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize the insights gained and the recommendations made, even if the project was academic.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating foundational knowledge, practical application potential, and alignment with SOMFY's values and the specific demands of an "alternance" role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this alternance position:

• Submit your application through the SOMFY Group careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your CV and portfolio are tailored to highlight relevant academic projects, user research skills, and familiarity with required tools (Miro, Figjam, Figma).

• Resume Optimization: Clearly state your current degree program, anticipated graduation date, and relevant coursework or project experience in user research or design.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your motivation, research process, and how you'd approach user research challenges in the smart home industry. Be ready to present your portfolio.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with SOMFY's products, mission, and values, particularly their commitment to innovation, user experience, and sustainability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.