Associate - Researcher UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate - Researcher UX

Company: Bally's Interactive

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience Research / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-14

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on bridging the gap between player behavior and product innovation within the digital gaming sector.

• Responsibilities include planning and executing diverse research studies, from quick usability tests to in-depth discovery phases.

• The position requires translating complex behavioral data into clear, actionable insights that guide product and design decisions.

• Collaboration with engineering, design, and data analysis teams is crucial to ensure research findings drive tangible product improvements.

• The role emphasizes advocating for user needs and maintaining high standards for research methodologies and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Associate - Researcher UX", the description clearly positions this as a vital role within the Product Design function, specifically within the UX Research (UXR) team. The emphasis on strategic discovery and influencing product direction suggests it's more than a junior support role, aiming to develop future craft experts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a variety of user research studies, including qualitative methods like user interviews and usability testing, as well as quantitative methods such as surveys and data analysis.

• Conduct discovery research to deeply understand player needs, pain points, and motivations across Bally's Interactive's digital platforms.

• Analyze user behavior using tools such as FullStory, Maze, UserTesting.com, and Google Analytics to map user journeys and identify areas for improvement.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for product managers, designers, and engineers.

• Present research insights and recommendations effectively to cross-functional stakeholders, influencing product strategy and design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with UI/UX designers to iterate on designs based on user feedback and research outcomes.

• Maintain and contribute to the team's research toolkit, ensuring best practices and the latest industry trends are incorporated.

• Act as the primary advocate for the player, ensuring their needs and perspectives are central to the product development process.

• Support the Lead UXR Designer in developing and implementing research strategies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of foundational research execution and strategic input. The role requires not just running studies but also translating findings into actionable product improvements, which is a key expectation for Associate-level roles in established UXR teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of foundational experience in User Experience (UX) research.

• Demonstrated experience with both qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, focus groups) and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, data analysis, A/B testing).

Required Skills:

• UX Research Methodologies: Proficient in planning, conducting, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative research studies.

• Data Synthesis & Translation: Ability to transform raw data and behavioral insights into clear, actionable recommendations for product and design teams.

• User Advocacy: Strong commitment to representing the voice of the player and ensuring user needs are prioritized.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings confidently to diverse audiences, including senior stakeholders.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment alongside designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Curiosity & Problem-Solving: A natural drive to understand the "why" behind user behavior and a proactive approach to identifying and solving user-centric problems.

• Agility & Adaptability: Comfort working in a fast-paced, agile environment with the ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to changing priorities.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in research planning, execution, documentation, and reporting.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience or a strong interest in the real money gaming (RMG), iGaming, or gambling industry.

• Exposure to Figma or a background in UI or UX design.

• Familiarity with user journey mapping and persona development.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level suggests that candidates with internships, academic projects, or a few years in a related field (e.g., market research, data analysis with a user focus) could be strong contenders. The emphasis on "foundational background" and "familiarity" indicates a willingness to train and develop a candidate with core research skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Research Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your end-to-end research process for distinct projects. Each case study should clearly outline the problem statement, research objectives, methodology employed, key findings, and the impact of your recommendations on the product or user experience.

• Methodology Showcase: Explicitly detail the qualitative and quantitative methods used within your case studies, explaining why each method was chosen for the specific research question.

• Data Visualization: Include examples of how you have visualized and presented user data and insights, demonstrating clarity and impact.

• Tool Proficiency: Highlight experience with specific research and analytics tools (e.g., Maze, FullStory, Google Analytics, UserTesting.com) within your case studies or a dedicated section.

• Impact & Recommendations: Crucially, demonstrate how your research insights led to specific product improvements or strategic shifts, ideally with measurable outcomes or demonstrated influence.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plans: Provide examples of well-structured research plans that clearly define objectives, target participants, methodologies, timelines, and deliverables.

• Analysis & Synthesis: Showcase how you document and synthesize research findings, whether through detailed reports, presentations, or other formats that translate complex data into actionable insights.

• Collaboration Artifacts: If possible, include examples of how your research has been integrated into design or product workflows, such as annotated wireframes, user story contributions, or feedback summaries for design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate-level role, the portfolio should emphasize a strong understanding of the research process and the ability to articulate insights clearly, rather than solely focusing on extensive experience or complex strategic leadership. The ability to demonstrate impact, even if through influencing a design decision rather than a fully launched product, is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance.

• Pension Plan: Contribution-based pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance coverage.

• Company Share Scheme: Opportunity to participate in the company's growth through share ownership.

• Volunteering Days: Paid days off to contribute to charitable causes.

• Home Office Allowance: Financial support for setting up an effective home workspace.

• Wellness or Gym Allowance: Contribution towards health and fitness activities to promote employee well-being.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring 3 days per week in the Manchester office, offering flexibility for the remaining workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in the specified region and experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, tailored to highlight their value to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Bally's Interactive operates within the dynamic and rapidly evolving digital entertainment sector, specifically focusing on sports betting and iGaming. This industry is characterized by high growth potential, regulatory considerations, and a strong emphasis on player experience and engagement.

Company Size: Bally's Interactive is part of a larger, established entertainment provider, with its digital arm employing a significant number of professionals across various functions. This size offers the stability of a larger organization while fostering a dynamic, growth-oriented environment within its digital operations.

Founded: While the founding date of Bally's Interactive specifically isn't provided, its parent company has a long history in entertainment, suggesting a blend of established practices and innovative digital transformation. This context implies a company that values both proven strategies and forward-thinking approaches within its operations.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is described as a "multi-skilled, innovative squad" positioned at the "intersection of creativity and data."

• It operates within the broader Product Design function, likely collaborating closely with UX/UI designers, product managers, and engineers.

• The team values experimentation, mentorship, and a player-first mentality.

• The Associate UX Researcher reports to the Lead UXR Designer, indicating a clear reporting line and a supportive structure for career development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: The team leverages both qualitative and quantitative research to uncover player needs, emphasizing a data-driven approach to product innovation.

• Strategic Discovery: Research is not limited to usability testing but extends to deeper discovery, aiming to shape the future of digital platforms.

• Player-Centric Design: A core tenet is the "player first mentality," ensuring all research and design efforts are focused on enhancing the player experience.

• Experimentation and Iteration: The culture encourages experimentation, suggesting an agile approach to research and design, with continuous learning and adaptation.

• Mentorship and Growth: The team is committed to professional development, offering clear skills mapping and career development plans.

Company Website: https://www.ballys.com/ (Note: This is the parent company URL; Bally's Interactive may have a specific portal or career page.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the UXR team as the "heartbeat of Product Design" and its role in "strategic discovery" suggests that this is a critical function within Bally's Interactive, not just a support service. The industry context of iGaming and sports betting implies a need for research that balances user engagement with regulatory compliance and responsible gaming.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Associate-level role is positioned as the entry point into a specialized UX Research career path within Bally's Interactive. It is designed for individuals with foundational research skills who are eager to learn and grow. The role focuses on executing research tasks under guidance and translating findings into actionable insights, laying the groundwork for more complex research projects and strategic contributions as the individual progresses.

Reporting Structure: The Associate UX Researcher will report directly to the Lead UXR Designer. This structure provides a direct mentorship channel, offering guidance on research methodologies, project management, stakeholder communication, and career development within the UX Research discipline.

Operations Impact: The UX Research team, and by extension this Associate role, has a direct impact on the success of Bally's Interactive's digital products. By understanding player behavior and needs, the research findings influence product design and feature development, ultimately aiming to enhance player engagement, satisfaction, and retention. This directly contributes to the company's revenue goals and market competitiveness in the iGaming and sports betting sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, complex quantitative analysis, diary studies, ethnographic research) and gain proficiency in a wider array of research tools.

• Career Progression: A clear pathway exists from Associate UX Researcher to roles such as UX Researcher, Senior UX Researcher, or specialized research areas, potentially leading to Lead UXR or management positions.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth understanding and experience within the fast-paced and competitive iGaming and sports betting industry, a significant growth area.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to product management, engineering, and data analytics functions, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to structured mentorship from the Lead UXR Designer and opportunities for professional development, including workshops, conferences, and potentially certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "clear skills mapping and career development plans" directly from the job description is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to employee growth. For an Associate role, the growth path is typically defined by increasing autonomy, complexity of research, and strategic influence.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates under a hybrid working model, requiring 3 days per week in the Manchester office. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Manchester, England. Specific details about the office facilities or accessibility are not provided but can be assumed to be professional and equipped for hybrid team operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office is intended to foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person interaction with designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers on designated office days.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to the necessary technological infrastructure and software within the office to perform their roles, including research tools, design software, and communication platforms.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for both focused individual work (potentially remote) and team-based activities, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing (in-office).

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard expectation of around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing employees to balance in-office presence with remote work, accommodating different working styles and personal needs while ensuring team connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This is common in tech and design roles, aiming to optimize both productivity and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest in the role, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Lead UXR Designer focusing on research experience, methodologies, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the gaming industry.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: Candidates will likely be asked to present one or two of their strongest research case studies from their portfolio. This is a critical step to assess their research process, analytical skills, communication clarity, and ability to derive actionable insights.

• Cross-Functional Interview(s): Interviews with key collaborators, such as a UX Designer or Product Manager, to evaluate teamwork, communication style, and ability to integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a more senior leader to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. For each case study, clearly articulate: the challenge/problem, your role and responsibilities, the methodology used (and why), key findings, recommendations, and the impact of your work.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts, video clips if appropriate) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in task completion," "identified a critical usability issue that was subsequently resolved"). If direct quantification isn't possible, articulate the qualitative impact on design direction or product strategy.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects and skills most relevant to the job description, such as experience with similar research methods, tools, or industries (gaming).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you would approach similar problems in the future.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to the iGaming industry (e.g., understanding player drop-off, improving onboarding flow, assessing new feature desirability).

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to defend your choice of research methods for specific scenarios.

• Ethical Considerations: Understand and be ready to discuss ethical considerations in UX research, particularly relevant in industries like gaming.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should focus on clearly articulating their thought process and the tangible outcomes of their research, even at an Associate level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Maze, UserTesting.com, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability testing and gathering user feedback.

• Behavioral Analytics: FullStory for session recording and analysis, providing a visual understanding of user interactions and pain points.

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics for tracking user behavior, website traffic, conversion rates, and user flow analysis.

• Survey Tools: Tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms for designing and distributing user surveys.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in presenting data clearly using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced features within Google Analytics or Excel.

• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, basic analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

Design Collaboration:

• Figma: Mentioned as a bonus skill, indicating potential collaboration with designers using Figma for design mockups and prototyping, and possibly for research participant recruitment or annotating designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of FullStory, Maze, and Google Analytics suggests these are actively used by the team. Familiarity with these tools, or analogous ones, will be a significant advantage. Understanding how these tools integrate to provide a holistic view of user behavior is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Always Ready: Embracing change, adapting quickly, and a commitment to delighting customers (players). This translates to being agile in research, responsive to project needs, and focused on delivering value.

• You Make the Difference: Recognizing individual contributions to player experience and company success. This encourages ownership and a proactive approach to research and problem-solving.

• All One Team: Fostering a collaborative, respectful environment that values diversity and shared purpose. This means working effectively with cross-functional teams and supporting colleagues.

• Learning Every Day: Demonstrating constant curiosity, a drive to learn from successes and mistakes, and openness to new experiences and knowledge from others. This aligns with the continuous learning expected in UX research.

• Love to Lead: Thinking differently, seeking innovation, and striving to elevate standards. This encourages proposing new research approaches, challenging assumptions, and contributing to the team's evolution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is designed for close collaboration with Engineers, Designers, and Data Analysts, requiring clear communication and the ability to translate research insights into practical applications for these disciplines.

• Player-Centric Focus: The team's "player first mentality" means that collaboration is always guided by the ultimate goal of improving the player experience.

• Openness to Feedback: A culture that values learning and growth likely encourages constructive feedback exchange within the team and with collaborators.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on "Learning Every Day" suggests an environment where sharing insights, best practices, and learnings is encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's DNA values directly inform the desired behaviors and collaborative approach within the team. Candidates who can demonstrate alignment with these values during interviews will likely be strong contenders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Industry: The iGaming and sports betting sector is highly competitive and subject to rapid technological advancements and regulatory changes. Staying abreast of these shifts and adapting research strategies accordingly will be a continuous challenge.

• Balancing Player Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating user needs into solutions that also align with business objectives and technical constraints requires strong analytical and negotiation skills.

• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from diverse sources (qualitative research, behavioral analytics, quantitative data) into a cohesive understanding of the user can be complex.

• Driving Change: As an Associate, a key challenge will be effectively influencing stakeholders and driving adoption of research-backed recommendations within a busy product development cycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and master more sophisticated qualitative and quantitative research methods, contributing to a more robust research practice.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in the nuances of user behavior within the iGaming and sports betting domain, a valuable specialization.

• Tool Proficiency: Becoming an expert in a range of industry-standard research and analytics tools, enhancing professional marketability.

• Mentorship & Skill Mapping: Direct guidance from a Lead UXR Designer on skill development, career planning, and navigating the professional landscape.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of product development, engineering processes, and data analytics, fostering a holistic perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in dynamic tech industries and roles focused on user advocacy. The growth opportunities directly address how the company supports employees in overcoming these challenges and advancing their careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used qualitative research to uncover a user need that surprised you or your team. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your discovery process, analytical thinking, and impact.)

• "How would you approach researching the onboarding experience for a new sports betting app? What methods would you use, and why?" (Demonstrate your understanding of research planning and methodology selection.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the iGaming or sports betting industry, and why Bally's Interactive specifically?" (Research the company's brands, recent news, and market position. Connect your interest to their mission or values.)

• "How do you embody our company values, such as 'Learning Every Day' or 'All One Team'?" (Prepare specific examples from your experience that align with these values.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling stories with a clear narrative arc: the challenge, your journey, the discovery, and the resolution/impact.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Results: Explain how you arrived at your findings and recommendations. Detail your thought process, your methodology choices, and your analytical approach.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with other teams (designers, PMs, engineers) and how your research integrated into their workflows.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, data interpretation, and the rationale behind your recommendations.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your research, even if it's estimated or qualitative impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific, STAR-method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answers for behavioral questions, and practicing your portfolio presentation aloud, will be crucial for success. Understanding the core business of Bally's Interactive (iGaming/Sports Betting) and tailoring your responses to that context is highly recommended.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Bally's Interactive careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to UX research, qualitative/quantitative methods, specific tools (FullStory, Maze, Google Analytics, Figma), and any experience or interest in the gaming industry. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX research projects that best showcase your foundational skills, research process, analytical abilities, and ability to derive actionable insights. Ensure each case study is well-documented and clearly demonstrates impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, explaining your methodology choices, and articulating the impact of your findings. Be ready to discuss your process and answer in-depth questions.

• Research Bally's Interactive: Familiarize yourself with Bally's Interactive's brands, values, and the iGaming/sports betting industry. Understand their player base and typical user journeys.

⚠️ 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.