DESIGN RESEARCHER

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: DESIGN RESEARCHER

Company: Metrobank

Location: Taguig, National Capital District, Philippines

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centered design by conducting comprehensive mixed-method research to uncover behavioral insights about customers and users.

• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations that influence product strategy, design execution, and user experience vision.

• Evangelize user insights and design best practices across the Platform 11 team and with key stakeholders to foster a data-driven design culture.

• Develop, optimize, and manage design research methodologies, tools, and standards within a digital banking context.

• Ensure all design research processes and outputs are compliant with bank policies and relevant regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a digital banking team focused on "Platform 11," suggesting a significant transformation or modernization initiative. The emphasis on "evangelizing" insights and acting as a "change agent" indicates a need for strong communication and influencing skills beyond pure research execution. The role requires a blend of research expertise, strategic thinking, and process development within a regulated financial environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and analyze mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) research studies within a lean workflow environment.

• Synthesize research findings and integrate them with other customer data sources to identify user needs and opportunities.

• Provide impactful, data-driven guidance throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept validation to post-launch analysis.

• Collaborate closely with Designers, Service Designers, Product Managers, Software Developers, and other stakeholders to enhance the usability, usefulness, and desirability of digital products and service experiences.

• Establish, optimize, and manage best practices, methodologies, and tools for design research within the digital banking division.

• Conduct training sessions for team members on user-centered and iterative design processes to embed a strong design thinking culture.

• Monitor and analyze industry trends and internal data to continuously improve research methods and strategic recommendations.

• Ensure alignment of design research processes with bank policies, regulations, and product development requirements.

• Act as a change agent by introducing and championing Platform 11's best practices across the enterprise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach, requiring the Design Researcher to not only conduct research but also to actively shape the research process, train others, and influence broader organizational practices. The "change agent" responsibility suggests a need for leadership potential and a strategic mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field. Master's degree or equivalent practical experience preferred.

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in design research, UX research, or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of influencing product decisions. Experience in the financial services or digital banking sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing and executing mixed-method research (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, A/B testing, diary studies).

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to derive actionable insights from complex data sets.

• Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques.

• Experience with prototyping and user testing within an iterative design process.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams (Designers, Product Managers, Developers).

• Understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Familiarity with lean workflow and agile development environments.

• Ability to manage research projects from planning to reporting. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in digital banking or financial services industry.

• Knowledge of service design principles.

• Familiarity with design systems and their research implications.

• Experience in establishing and optimizing research methodologies and best practices.

• Training or facilitation experience in design thinking or user research.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance within financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level (2-5 years) suggests a mid-level role requiring hands-on research skills coupled with the ability to contribute to process development and cross-functional collaboration. The preference for financial services experience underscores the specialized context of this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating proficiency in mixed-methodologies.

• Case studies that detail the research process, from problem definition and research design to analysis and the impact of findings on product decisions.

• Evidence of how research insights have directly informed design iterations, user experience improvements, and business outcomes.

• Examples of quantitative data analysis and reporting, alongside qualitative findings synthesis.

• Documentation of research processes, frameworks, or best practices you have developed or optimized. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of experience in establishing, documenting, and refining research methodologies, tools, and standards.

• Examples of how you have contributed to or led the implementation of user-centered and iterative design processes.

• Evidence of adapting research processes for lean workflows and fast-paced development cycles.

• Documentation of how research findings were communicated and evangelized to stakeholders to drive adoption and understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to present a portfolio that not only showcases research execution but also their ability to contribute to process maturity and evangelize research findings. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating impact and strategic influence.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila's financial sector, the estimated annual salary range is PHP 700,000 - PHP 1,200,000. This range can vary based on specific qualifications, interview performance, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision).

• Retirement savings plan/provident fund.

• Paid time off (vacation leave, sick leave, holidays).

• Professional development opportunities and training programs.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Metrobank's digital transformation initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements. Adherence to bank operating hours and regulatory requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the Philippines, adjusted for industry (financial services) and experience level. Benefits are standard for a large financial institution in the region, with an emphasis on professional growth aligned with the role's transformative nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Digital Banking. Metrobank is a leading financial institution in the Philippines, undergoing significant digital transformation to enhance its offerings and customer experience.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 10,000+ employees). This indicates a structured environment with established processes, but also potential for significant impact within a large organization undergoing change.

Founded: 1962. Metrobank has a long-standing history, providing stability and a deep understanding of the Philippine market, now integrating this with modern digital strategies.

Team Structure: The role sits within the "Platform 11 team," suggesting a dedicated initiative or department focused on digital innovation and customer experience. This team likely comprises a mix of Designers, Product Managers, Researchers, Developers, and other specialists working collaboratively. The Design Researcher will report to a Design Lead or Head of UX Research within this team.

Methodology: The team likely employs agile and lean methodologies, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design and data-driven decision-making. Collaboration is key, with frequent interaction between research, design, product, and engineering functions. The "evangelizing" aspect implies a culture that values knowledge sharing and cross-functional alignment.

Company Website: https://www.metrobank.com.ph/

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Platform 11" initiative is central to this role's context, implying a forward-looking, transformative environment within a large, established bank. Understanding Metrobank's broader digital strategy and commitment to innovation will be crucial for candidates.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Design Researcher. This position offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in mixed-method research, contribute to process development, and gain significant experience in a regulated digital banking environment. It bridges the gap between hands-on execution and strategic influence.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of UX Research, or a Senior Product Lead within the Platform 11 team. Close collaboration with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Service Designers is expected.

Operations Impact: The Design Researcher's work directly influences the usability, desirability, and success of digital banking products and services. By providing critical user insights, they shape strategic decisions, optimize user journeys, and ultimately contribute to customer satisfaction, retention, and the bank's digital transformation goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, generative research) or product areas.

• Process Leadership: Lead the development and refinement of design research processes and best practices within the team and potentially across the organization.

• Cross-functional Influence: Grow into a more strategic role, influencing product roadmaps and advocating for user needs at higher levels.

• Management: With demonstrated success and leadership, potential to move into a Senior Design Researcher role or a team lead position, mentoring junior researchers.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in digital transformation within the financial services sector, a highly sought-after skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role provides a solid foundation for a career in UX Research, with clear pathways for specialization, process ownership, and increased strategic impact within a major financial institution. The "change agent" aspect suggests opportunities for leadership development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Metrobank operates modern, professional office spaces designed for collaboration and productivity. Expect a corporate environment that balances focused work with team interaction.

Office Location(s): Taguig City, Metro Manila. This is a major business district, offering accessibility and a dynamic work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Access to meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workspaces designed to facilitate teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Technology: Provision of necessary hardware, software, and tools to perform research duties effectively, including access to relevant analytics and collaboration platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional sync-ups are integral to the workflow, fostering a connected and supportive atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is designed to align with business operations, typically Monday to Friday. While on-site, there may be opportunities for some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and project requirements. The emphasis on lean and agile methodologies may occasionally require adapting schedules for critical project phases or stakeholder availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Metrobank places on in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct engagement within their digital transformation initiatives. Candidates should be prepared for a structured, corporate environment with a focus on teamwork.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume to assess alignment with basic requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, research philosophy, and understanding of UX research principles. This may include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: You will be asked to present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio, detailing your role, methodology, insights, and impact. Expect in-depth questions about your research process, data analysis, and problem-solving approach. This stage often includes a case study or a research design exercise.

• Cross-functional Team Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues (e.g., Designers, Product Managers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Metrobank's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your mixed-methodology expertise, problem-solving skills, and impact on product decisions. Showcase projects relevant to digital products or financial services if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the research methods used, key insights derived, and the tangible outcomes or impact of your work. Use visuals to illustrate your process and findings.

• Highlight Data & Insights: Clearly present how you synthesized data (both qualitative and quantitative) to generate actionable insights. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rate by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y seconds").

• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the end-to-end research process and your ability to adapt methodologies to different contexts (e.g., lean, agile).

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges faced, how you handle conflicting feedback, and how you evangelize research findings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Design: Be ready to design a research plan for a given problem statement, outlining target users, research questions, methodologies, and success metrics.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Prepare to analyze a small dataset (qualitative or quantitative) and synthesize findings into actionable recommendations.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating complex research findings clearly and concisely to non-research audiences, emphasizing business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of research skills, ability to influence, and fit within a collaborative, data-driven environment. A strong portfolio presentation is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for conducting surveys, usability testing, and gathering feedback (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers for prototyping and wireframing (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand design outputs and conduct usability tests.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Tools for statistical analysis and data visualization (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for advanced analysis; Tableau, Power BI for visualization).

• Web/App Analytics: Familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics or similar tools to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) / CRM: Understanding how customer data is managed and utilized within systems like Salesforce or internal CRM solutions to inform research.

• Databases: Basic understanding of database structures and querying (e.g., SQL) can be beneficial for accessing and analyzing user data.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is focused on research, familiarity with the broader technology stack used in product development and analytics is advantageous. The ability to extract and analyze data from various sources is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the design and development process.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on evidence and insights from research to guide strategy and product enhancements.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to change, and iterating quickly in a dynamic digital environment.

• Integrity & Compliance: Upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and adherence to regulatory requirements, especially critical in banking.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Management, UX Design, Engineering, and Business Stakeholders to ensure research is integrated into all phases of product development.

• Insight Sharing: Proactively disseminating research findings and insights through presentations, reports, and workshops to foster a shared understanding of the user.

• Feedback Loops: Engaging in constructive feedback sessions with design and product teams to refine research questions and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a user-first, data-informed, and collaborative approach, essential for driving successful digital transformation in a regulated industry like banking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Lean Workflows: Conducting thorough research while meeting tight deadlines and iterative development cycles.

• Evangelizing Insights: Effectively communicating and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholders who may have different priorities or perspectives.

• Navigating Regulatory Constraints: Ensuring research methodologies and product recommendations align with strict banking regulations and policies.

• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from various disparate data sources (qualitative, quantitative, internal, external) to form a holistic user understanding.

• Driving Change: Acting as a change agent requires overcoming resistance and fostering adoption of new user-centered practices across a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to master specialized research methods and analytical tools.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of digital banking, financial services, and fintech trends.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to enhance the design research function within Metrobank.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap prioritization.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior researchers and contribute to building the UX research capability within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for roles driving innovation in established, regulated industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a path to becoming a leader in UX research and digital transformation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a stakeholder who was resistant to your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, data storytelling, and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex research project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, the key insights, and the business impact?" (Prepare to deep-dive into your methodology, synthesis, and contribution to product success.)

• "How would you approach designing a research plan to understand customer needs for a new digital payment feature in a mobile banking app?" (Demonstrate your ability to frame research questions, select appropriate methods, and define success metrics.)

• "How do you balance the need for rigorous research with the demands of a fast-paced, lean development environment?" (Highlight your adaptability, prioritization skills, and understanding of iterative research.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Metrobank and its digital transformation journey?" (Research Metrobank's recent digital initiatives and express genuine interest.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to a culture of user-centricity within a large financial institution?" (Connect your skills and passion to Metrobank's values and goals.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with Product Managers and UX Designers." (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and ability to integrate research into the design process.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly outline: Project Goal, Your Role, Research Questions, Methodology, Participants, Key Findings/Insights, Recommendations, and Impact/Outcome.

• Visuals Matter: Use screenshots, flowcharts, personas, journey maps, and data visualizations to make your presentation engaging and easy to understand.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Explain how your research directly led to positive changes in the product or user experience.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled challenges, and what you would do differently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your research process, demonstrating impact through concrete examples, and showcasing your ability to collaborate and influence within a corporate, regulated environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Metrobank careers website.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities from the job description, emphasizing your experience in mixed-method research, user-centered design, data analysis, cross-functional collaboration, and any financial services experience. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-3 of your strongest UX research projects that best showcase your skills in quantitative and qualitative research, insight generation, and impact. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., PDF, personal website) and clearly details your process and outcomes.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, research philosophy, and how you can contribute to Metrobank's digital transformation. Be ready to discuss specific projects in detail and answer behavioral and situational questions.

• Research Metrobank: Understand their mission, values, recent digital initiatives (especially related to Platform 11 if information is available), and the broader financial services landscape in the Philippines.

⚠️ 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.

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