Design Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Researcher

Company: Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC

Location: Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Dallas, TX; Miramar, FL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives to drive innovation and enhance digital product experiences.

• Employ a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to uncover user needs, behaviors, and motivations.

• Collaborate closely with design, product management, and engineering teams to translate research insights into actionable product improvements.

• Contribute to the creation of foundational design artifacts such as user personas and journey maps.

• Conduct competitive analysis and market research to identify trends and best practices within the digital product landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for a B2B-focused digital transformation within a large, established distribution company. The Design Researcher will be instrumental in bridging the gap between complex business operations and user-friendly digital interfaces, directly impacting operational efficiency and user adoption.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and select appropriate research methodologies to align with specific project goals and business objectives.

• Develop comprehensive test plans, workshop frameworks, and interview guides to facilitate objective and insightful user studies.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to thoroughly understand user needs, behaviors, and underlying motivations.

• Partner effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineering, to collaboratively define research objectives and design robust study protocols.

• Execute research plans from start to finish, encompassing participant recruitment, session moderation, data collection, and rigorous analysis.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, compelling narratives, presenting actionable insights through presentations, reports, and other communication mediums to stakeholders.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of key design artifacts, such as detailed user personas, comprehensive journey maps, and user flow diagrams.

• Perform thorough competitive analysis and industry benchmarking to identify emerging market trends, competitive strategies, and best practices in digital product design and user experience.

• Actively work with designers and product managers to ensure that user insights are seamlessly integrated into the product development lifecycle, from ideation through to launch and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "best methodology to meet research goals" suggests a need for strategic thinking and the ability to adapt research approaches based on project constraints and desired outcomes, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. The responsibility to "conduct competitive analysis and benchmarking" indicates a need to understand the broader market context and not just internal user needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience working as a Design Researcher or UX Researcher, preferably within an agile development environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, diary studies) and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, analytics analysis, A/B testing interpretation).

• Proven track record of designing, conducting, and analyzing usability testing for digital products and services across various stages of the product development lifecycle.

• Strong understanding and practical application of design thinking principles, user-centered design methodologies, and agile development frameworks.

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to derive meaningful insights from complex datasets and user feedback.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to articulate research findings and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, manage multiple research projects concurrently, and meet deadlines effectively.

• Proficiency with industry-standard research tools and software, including but not limited to UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey, Google Analytics, and various collaboration platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced statistical analysis or data visualization tools.

• Familiarity with enterprise-level software or B2B product research.

• Experience in the beverage alcohol distribution or a related CPG industry.

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4+ years of experience working as a design researcher, as part of an agile team" specifies a need for practical, hands-on experience within a dynamic development process, not just theoretical knowledge. Proficiency in specific tools like UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, and SurveyMonkey are explicitly called out, indicating these are essential for day-to-day operations and should be highlighted in applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX research projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the research process from problem definition to actionable insights.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, chosen methodologies, participant profiles, and the specific challenges faced.

• Highlight your role and contributions within each project, emphasizing your decision-making process and problem-solving approach.

• Present synthesized research findings, including key insights, user personas, journey maps, or other artifacts developed.

• Crucially, demonstrate the impact of your research on product decisions and business outcomes, quantifying results where possible (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores). Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and executing end-to-end research plans, detailing the phases from initial stakeholder alignment to final insight delivery.

• Examples of how you've documented research processes, including test scripts, interview guides, and data analysis frameworks.

• Demonstrations of how research findings were translated into actionable recommendations and integrated into product roadmaps or design iterations.

• Portfolios should reflect an understanding of the iterative nature of research within agile development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just list past projects but tell a story about the researcher's process, critical thinking, and impact. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of how research influenced product direction are key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on location, experience, and the provided job description, a competitive salary range for a Design Researcher with 4+ years of experience in Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Dallas, TX; or Miramar, FL is estimated to be between $85,000 and $120,000 annually. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for UX Research roles in these metropolitan areas, considering the company's size and industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Tax-saving Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care.

• Robust disability coverage to ensure financial security.

• Life insurance plans for peace of mind.

• A competitive 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Financial support through tuition assistance programs.

• A holistic wellness program designed to support employee well-being.

• Generous parental leave policy.

• Paid time off including vacation accrual and paid sick leave.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, the company offers a supportive work environment that values work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on US-based market data for similar roles and locations. Southern Glazer's explicitly mentions a wide array of benefits, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being and long-term career support, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits operates in the Food & Beverage distribution sector, specifically focusing on the complex and regulated market of alcoholic beverages. This industry requires deep understanding of supply chain logistics, sales strategies, regulatory compliance, and customer relationship management. Their position as a Forbes Top Private Company and a family-owned business since 1933 suggests a blend of established stability with a commitment to growth and innovation.

Company Size: With a significant employee base (as indicated by their status as a large private company), Southern Glazer's offers the resources and stability of a major corporation. For operations professionals, this typically means access to advanced technologies, structured processes, and opportunities for specialization within larger teams. However, it can also imply a need for navigating larger organizational structures and processes.

Founded: Founded in 1933, Southern Glazer's has a rich history and deep roots in the beverage distribution industry. This longevity signifies resilience, adaptability, and a strong foundation of expertise. For operations roles, this history often translates into well-established processes, robust data systems, and a culture that values experience and continuous improvement.

Team Structure: The digital team, which this Design Researcher will join, likely comprises Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Software Engineers, and potentially other researchers or analysts. The Design Researcher will report into a lead within the digital product or design organization. Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, working closely with various business units and stakeholders across the company to understand operational needs and translate them into digital solutions.

Methodology: The company emphasizes "leading technology" and "continuous learning," suggesting a commitment to modernizing operations. The digital team's focus on "design thinking processes" and "user-centric solutions" indicates an agile and iterative approach to product development, prioritizing user needs and data-driven decision-making.

Company Website: https://www.southernglazers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry context (wine and spirits distribution) is crucial. Digital products in this space often deal with complex inventory management, sales force enablement, compliance, and B2B customer portals. The Design Researcher will need to understand these unique operational challenges to effectively design solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Design Researcher, requiring at least 4 years of dedicated experience. This implies a level of autonomy in conducting research, managing projects, and contributing to strategic discussions around digital product development. The focus is on executing research plans and translating findings into tangible improvements, with less emphasis on managing a team.

Reporting Structure: The Design Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager, Director of Product Design, or a Head of Digital Product. They will be part of a dedicated digital product team, collaborating closely with Product Managers and UX/UI Designers. Regular interaction with broader business stakeholders is also expected to gather requirements and present findings.

Operations Impact: The Design Researcher's work directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of Southern Glazer's digital products. By improving user experience and ensuring digital tools meet the needs of internal teams (sales, operations, logistics) and external customers (retailers, restaurants), the researcher contributes to smoother workflows, increased adoption of digital tools, reduced training overhead, and potentially enhanced sales performance through better enablement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific research methodologies or areas like B2B user research, enterprise software UX, or data analytics integration.

• Advancement: Progress to a Senior Design Researcher or Lead UX Researcher role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing more significantly to research strategy.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into Product Management or UX Design roles by leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development processes.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in UX research within the beverage distribution industry, a niche but critical area.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4+ years of experience" suggests a candidate ready to operate with a significant degree of independence and contribute strategically, not just execute tasks. The growth opportunities highlight a path for experienced researchers to deepen their impact or explore adjacent roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," meaning the Design Researcher will be expected to work from one of the specified office locations (Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Dallas, TX; or Miramar, FL). This suggests a traditional office environment conducive to in-person collaboration, team meetings, and access to office-based resources.

Office Location(s): The role is available in multiple major cities across the US: Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Dallas, TX (specifically Addison, TX is listed in derived locations); and Miramar, FL. This provides flexibility for candidates in different regions. These locations are typically hubs for business operations, offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Being on-site allows for spontaneous brainstorming sessions, direct feedback loops with designers and product managers, and stronger team cohesion.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to company-provided hardware, software, and potentially dedicated research labs or testing facilities. This includes the mentioned research tools (UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey) and typical office productivity software.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to build strong working relationships with immediate team members and engage with broader business stakeholders through in-person meetings, presentations, and informal interactions.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is implied. While on-site, the company's emphasis on "continuous learning" and a "positive workplace culture" suggests a supportive environment that may offer some flexibility in daily schedules where feasible, though core working hours for collaboration will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is a key differentiator. For candidates who thrive in collaborative, in-person settings and value direct interaction with colleagues and stakeholders, this environment will be appealing. The multiple location options are also a significant factor for geographic flexibility.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing 2-3 key research projects. This is a critical stage where the ability to articulate research processes, findings, and impact will be evaluated. Expect questions about your methodology, decision-making, and how your research influenced product outcomes.

• Skills-Based Interview: This may involve a practical exercise or case study simulating a research challenge. You might be asked to outline a research plan for a given problem, analyze a small dataset, or critique an existing design from a research perspective.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential peers (e.g., other researchers, designers, product managers) and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as narratives. Clearly define the problem, your approach, the challenges, your findings, and the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research (e.g., "Reduced task completion time by X%", "Increased user satisfaction by Y points").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visual examples of your work – personas, journey maps, wireframes influenced by research, key presentation slides.

• Focus on Process: Explain why you chose specific methodologies and how you adapted your approach based on project constraints or evolving understanding.

• Tailor to SGWS: Research Southern Glazer's digital products and business challenges. Frame your experience in a way that highlights your ability to address their specific needs, particularly in a B2B or distribution context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your favorite research methodology and why.

• Practice articulating complex research concepts simply and clearly.

• Think about how you would approach researching a new feature or product for a B2B audience in the beverage distribution space.

• Review common UX research methods and be ready to explain their pros and cons.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work in detail, focusing on their thought process, methodological choices, and the tangible business impact of their research. The "agile team" context implies a need to demonstrate adaptability and iterative research practices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com (for remote usability testing and participant recruitment), Optimal Workshop (for card sorting, tree testing, and site search analysis), Lookback (for moderated and unmoderated remote usability testing).

• Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms (for creating and distributing surveys, collecting quantitative feedback).

• Analytics & Data Analysis: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior on digital platforms), potentially SQL or Python for more advanced data manipulation and analysis.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Jira (for agile project management and tracking research tasks), Confluence (for documenting research findings, plans, and processes), Miro/Mural (for collaborative whiteboarding, affinity mapping, and workshop facilitation).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting data from web analytics platforms to inform research questions and validate findings.

• Ability to use reporting tools to create dashboards and summaries of research outcomes for stakeholders. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) may be beneficial for understanding customer data and context, though not a primary research tool.

• Understanding of automation principles in research workflows (e.g., automated participant screening or data collection) could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tools like UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, and SurveyMonkey are explicitly mentioned, indicating they are part of the expected toolkit. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics is also crucial for a well-rounded UX Researcher.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of users in all product development decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from research and analytics to guide strategy and product direction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together effectively, sharing knowledge and supporting each other.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging exploration of new ideas, methodologies, and technologies to enhance digital products and processes.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in research practices and client interactions, particularly important in the regulated beverage industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Design Researcher will work hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, acting as the user advocate within the product team.

• Open Communication: Expect a culture that encourages open feedback, constructive critique, and transparent sharing of research insights.

• Agile Mindset: Collaboration will likely follow agile principles, with iterative development cycles, regular stand-ups, and a focus on delivering value incrementally.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive engagement with business stakeholders to understand their challenges and ensure research efforts are aligned with business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "customer culture" and "family-owned business" suggests a culture that values strong relationships, reliability, and a long-term perspective, which will likely permeate the digital team's approach to collaboration and user advocacy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Understanding Complex B2B Workflows: Navigating the intricate operational processes and user needs within the beverage distribution industry for B2B clients can be complex.

• Bridging Operational Needs with User Experience: Translating the functional requirements of a large enterprise into intuitive and efficient user interfaces requires careful balancing.

• Data Silos and Integration: In a large, established company, accessing and integrating user data from various systems might present challenges.

• Driving Behavioral Change: Influencing product roadmaps and design decisions within a large organization requires strong communication and persuasion skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX research for the food and beverage distribution sector, a valuable niche.

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement more advanced research techniques (e.g., behavioral economics, advanced statistical modeling for user data).

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior researchers or product leaders, and to mentor junior team members as the team grows.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain a deeper understanding of product management, agile development, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights potential hurdles that candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would overcome, demonstrating problem-solving skills and adaptability. The "Growth Opportunities" are key selling points for career-minded individuals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to choose between multiple research methodologies for a project. How did you decide, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses methodological reasoning and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and effectively communicated to non-research stakeholders, especially those with different priorities?" (Tests communication, persuasion, and impact-orientation.)

• "Walk us through a complex user problem you identified and how your research led to a solution. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Evaluates problem-solving, research process, and resilience.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits, specifically within our digital product organization?" (Assesses research into the company and genuine interest.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with product managers and designers who may have different perspectives on user needs or product direction?" (Probes collaboration style and conflict resolution.)

• "Given our industry, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges or opportunities for our digital products?" (Tests industry understanding and strategic foresight.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Storytelling: For each project, aim for a 5-7 minute overview focusing on the problem, your role, your methodology, key findings, and the impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional slides that highlight key insights, personas, or journey maps. Avoid overwhelming text.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific methodological choices, data analysis, and how you handled unexpected findings or constraints.

• Demonstrate Impact: Explicitly state how your research influenced product decisions and, if possible, quantify the business outcomes.

• Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confident articulation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just research skills, but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into a collaborative, agile team within a specific industry context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Southern Glazer's recruiting portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, design thinking, and your proven ability to deliver actionable insights for digital products.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience in design research, lists proficiency in relevant tools (UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey), and quantifies achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved task success rate by 15% through usability testing").

• Portfolio Preparation: Prepare a concise and compelling portfolio presentation showcasing 2-3 of your most impactful research projects. Focus on the narrative, your process, key findings, and demonstrable business impact.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Southern Glazer's business, their digital presence, and the wine and spirits distribution industry. Think about potential UX challenges and opportunities relevant to their operations.

⚠️ 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.