Head of UX Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of UX Research Company: Eli Lilly and Company Location: US: USA Remote Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) / Research Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-30T00:00:00 Experience Level: 10+ Years Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and strategic direction of Eli Lilly's User Experience (UX) Research practice, driving user-centricity across digital product development.
• Manage, mentor, and scale a team of UX Researchers, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning to ensure research excellence.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making by translating user insights into actionable recommendations that influence product and business outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Design, Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, Legal, Regulatory, and Medical Affairs, to integrate research into the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within the "Design at Lilly" organization, emphasizing the integration of user insight with design expertise to solve complex challenges in digital solutions for patients. The "Head of UX Research" title indicates a strategic and managerial focus, responsible for the overall quality and impact of the UX research function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Inspire and communicate a compelling vision for UX Research that aligns with Eli Lilly's mission to create life-changing medicines and improve patient experiences.
• Oversee a diverse portfolio of research projects, encompassing exploratory, evaluative, qualitative, and quantitative methodologies, from design through synthesis.
• Champion rigorous and high-quality research practices, ensuring that research drives clarity and confidence in product and business decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to proactively identify opportunities where user research can unlock significant business and patient value.
• Translate complex strategic business questions into clear, actionable research plans, frameworks, and project roadmaps.
• Model inclusive, thoughtful, and ethical leadership, encouraging diverse perspectives and ensuring equitable practices within the research team and in research design.
• Identify and address organizational or process gaps that may limit team effectiveness, growth, or the impact of UX research initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team management, and a commitment to research quality. The emphasis on "uncovering opportunities" and "shaping strategy" indicates a proactive role rather than a purely reactive one, requiring the Head of UX Research to influence the product roadmap and business priorities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience demonstrating a strong foundation in research methodologies.

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience conducting user experience (UX) research, with a significant focus on digital products, services, and connected devices within the healthcare or pharmaceutical sector.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing, mentoring, coaching, or leading UX researchers, demonstrating the ability to grow and develop a high-performing research team.
• Proven track record of successfully translating research findings into actionable insights that have demonstrably influenced product strategy, design decisions, and key business outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in building and scaling a UX Research strategy, effectively integrating it into broader product development roadmaps and organizational objectives.
• Adept at cultivating strong, collaborative relationships and working effectively with diverse cross-functional partners, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, Data Science, Legal, Regulatory Affairs, and Medical Affairs teams.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in leading and executing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies end-to-end, including research design, participant recruitment, data analysis, and synthesis.
• Proficiency in translating research insights into clear, compelling narratives and visualizations that resonate with diverse stakeholders and drive decision-making.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities to identify research opportunities and align research efforts with business goals and user needs.
• Excellent people leadership and team management skills, with a focus on mentorship, talent development, and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and strategic recommendations effectively to executive leadership and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with advanced research techniques, such as causal inference, statistical modeling, or experimental design in a product context.
• Familiarity with healthcare industry regulations, patient privacy considerations (e.g., HIPAA), and the unique user needs within the pharmaceutical and medical device space.
• Experience in building and optimizing research operations, including tooling, processes, and best practices for a growing research team.
• Knowledge of design thinking principles and their application in problem-solving and innovation within a corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "equivalent professional experience" acknowledges that formal education can be supplemented by extensive practical application of research principles. The emphasis on digital products and services, coupled with the company's focus on healthcare, suggests a need for experience navigating complex user journeys and regulatory environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a progression of research projects, highlighting end-to-end execution from strategic planning to impactful insights.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate research objectives, methodologies employed (qualitative and quantitative), and the resulting insights that informed product or business decisions.
• Showcase examples of how research contributed to measurable improvements in user experience, product adoption, patient outcomes, or business KPIs.
• Provide evidence of strategic thinking, such as how research plans were developed to address specific business challenges or uncover new opportunities.

Process Documentation:

• Exhibit a strong understanding of research process documentation, including detailed research plans, participant screening criteria, discussion guides, and analysis frameworks.
• Showcase experience in establishing and refining research processes to ensure consistency, rigor, and efficiency across a research team.
• Demonstrate the ability to document and socialize research findings in a clear, concise, and actionable manner, tailored for different audiences (e.g., product managers, designers, executives).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a formal portfolio submission requirement in the job description, the emphasis on "deep expertise in leading and executing... research end-to-end" and "translating research into insights that influence product and business outcomes" strongly implies that candidates will need to articulate their experience and impact effectively, likely through a portfolio or detailed case studies during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The anticipated wage for this position is $135,000 - $213,400 USD per year.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is based on industry benchmarks for a Head of UX Research role in a large, established pharmaceutical company in the United States, considering the significant experience requirements (10+ years in research, 5+ years in management) and the strategic nature of the position. Actual compensation will be determined by factors such as the candidate's education, experience, skills, and geographic location.

Benefits:

• Company Bonus: Eligibility for a company bonus, which may depend in part on company and individual performance.
• Retirement Savings: Eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k) plan and a pension plan.
• Paid Time Off: Comprehensive vacation benefits, and eligibility for various time off and leave of absence benefits.
• Health & Wellness: Eligibility for medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Access to flexible benefits, such as healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts.
• Insurance: Life insurance and death benefits.
• Well-being Programs: Access to well-being benefits, including an employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities.

Working Hours:

• The role is expected to require approximately 40 hours per week, consistent with a full-time employment arrangement.
• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a standard 40-hour work week is indicated, the leadership nature of the role and the need to manage a growing practice may necessitate flexibility and occasional work outside of standard business hours to meet project deadlines or address urgent research needs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare / Pharmaceuticals. Eli Lilly and Company is a global leader focused on discovering, developing, manufacturing, and marketing medicines. Their work spans therapeutic areas aimed at improving patient lives. Company Size: Eli Lilly and Company is a large, publicly traded global corporation. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact and access to substantial resources. Founded: The company was founded in 1876, indicating a long history of innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to scientific advancement and patient care.

Team Structure:

• The Head of UX Research will be a key leader within the "Design at Lilly" organization, which focuses on creating intuitive, accessible, and impactful digital experiences.
• The role involves managing a team of UX Researchers, suggesting a dedicated research function within the broader design or product development structure.
• Significant cross-functional collaboration is expected with Design, Product, Engineering, Data Science, Legal, Regulatory, and Medical Affairs teams, highlighting a matrixed and collaborative work environment.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes leveraging cutting-edge technologies and innovative platforms for next-generation therapeutic ecosystems, connected devices, data, and analytics to transform patient experiences.
• UX Research is central to shaping strategy, uncovering opportunities, and delivering meaningful, measurable impact, indicating a data-driven approach to product development.
• The role requires a blend of strategic leadership with hands-on research, suggesting a practical, craft-focused methodology within the research practice.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on healthcare and patient well-being shapes the culture and the impact of the UX Research team. The large company size suggests a need for strong process adherence and the ability to navigate a complex organizational structure, while also offering significant opportunities for professional growth and influence.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within a specialized function. The "Head of UX Research" title signifies responsibility for the strategic direction, operational effectiveness, and team development of the entire UX research practice at Eli Lilly. Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Head of UX Research typically reports to a senior leader within the Product, Design, or Digital Transformation organization (e.g., VP of Design, Chief Product Officer, or Chief Digital Officer). The role will also have direct reports (UX Researchers). Operations Impact: The Head of UX Research will have a direct and significant impact on the success of Eli Lilly's digital products and services by ensuring that user needs and behaviors are understood and integrated into development. This directly influences patient experience, treatment adherence, and the overall effectiveness of Lilly's digital health solutions, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and business success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership: Opportunity to define and build a critical function within a major healthcare organization, shaping the future of digital patient engagement.
• Team Development: Grow and mentor a team of talented UX researchers, fostering their professional development and establishing best practices for the organization.
• Cross-functional Influence: Collaborate with and influence senior stakeholders across various departments, expanding professional network and strategic impact.
• Industry Impact: Contribute to advancements in digital health and patient-centric solutions within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or therapeutic areas relevant to Eli Lilly's product portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to lead UX research within the highly regulated and impactful healthcare sector. Growth potential lies not only in managing the function but also in influencing broader digital strategy and patient engagement approaches across a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a remote position, allowing for flexibility in work location within the United States. However, candidates outside of Indianapolis should be open to regular travel, likely for team meetings, cross-functional collaboration, or key project engagements. Office Location(s): While the role is remote within the USA, the company headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana. Travel may be required to this location or other company sites as needed for collaboration and strategic alignment.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature of the role necessitates a self-driven and disciplined approach to work, requiring effective home office setup and time management.
• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools, requiring strong proficiency in virtual communication and project management platforms.
• Opportunities for in-person interaction and team building will likely be tied to planned travel, providing focused periods for deeper collaboration and relationship building.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time work schedule of approximately 40 hours per week is expected.
• Given the leadership and strategic nature of the role, flexibility may be required to accommodate different time zones for global collaboration or to respond to urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote aspect is a key feature, offering flexibility. However, the mention of "regular travel" for non-Indianapolis-based employees is important for candidates to consider in terms of work-life balance and commitment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your leadership philosophy, team management approach, strategic thinking, and experience with research methodologies.
• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with potential direct reports (UX Researchers) and key cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineering Leads) to evaluate collaboration skills, leadership style, and ability to influence.
• Presentation/Case Study: A common step for leadership roles. Candidates may be asked to prepare and present a case study showcasing their approach to building a research practice, solving a complex research problem, or demonstrating the impact of their work.
• Executive Interview: A final interview with a senior leader (e.g., VP of Design or Product) to assess strategic alignment, vision, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Impact: Focus on showcasing how your research directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and business outcomes. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved patient satisfaction scores).
• Process & Rigor: Detail your end-to-end research process, highlighting your expertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods. Explain your approach to research planning, execution, analysis, and synthesis.
• Leadership & Team Building: If possible, include examples of how you've mentored researchers, built team capabilities, or improved research operations and processes.
• Problem-Solving: Present a diverse range of challenges you've tackled, demonstrating your ability to adapt methodologies and insights to different contexts.
• Clarity & Storytelling: Structure your portfolio items as compelling narratives. Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methods used, the key insights, and the impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Strategy: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a comprehensive UX research strategy for a company like Eli Lilly, considering its unique challenges and opportunities in the healthcare space.
• Team Management: Anticipate questions about managing diverse research teams, fostering growth, handling underperformance, and building a strong research culture.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've effectively partnered with product, engineering, and business stakeholders, and how you've navigated differing priorities.
• Impact Measurement: Think about how you would measure the success and impact of the UX research function itself, as well as the impact of individual research projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the leadership level, expect interview questions to be more strategic and focused on your ability to build and scale a function, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable business impact through research. A well-articulated portfolio is crucial for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with a range of user research platforms for usability testing, surveys, interviews, and analytics (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback, Maze).
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools that facilitate remote collaboration and project management, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, Optimal Workshop) and quantitative data analysis (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).
• Prototyping & Design Tools: While not a design role, understanding and familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision can be beneficial for collaboration with design teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for data visualization and dashboard creation to report on research impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how customer data is managed and utilized (e.g., Salesforce) can be helpful for contextualizing research within the broader customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "data, and analytics" suggests that the Head of UX Research should be comfortable working with data-driven insights and potentially integrating research findings with other data sources to provide a holistic view of the user.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Caring & Discovery: Aligned with Eli Lilly's core mission, this likely translates to a deep empathy for patients and a commitment to rigorous, scientific discovery.
• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring that the needs, behaviors, and experiences of patients and other users are at the forefront of digital product development.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: A strong emphasis on using evidence from research and analytics to inform strategy and product decisions.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together effectively.
• Continuous Learning & Curiosity: Encouraging team members to stay abreast of the latest research methodologies, technologies, and industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative style, working closely with product managers, designers, engineers, data scientists, and other business stakeholders to ensure research insights are integrated throughout the product lifecycle.
• Partnership & Influence: The role requires building strong partnerships and influencing stakeholders to adopt user-centered approaches.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing research findings and best practices across teams to build collective understanding and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "caring with discovery," suggest a culture that is both mission-driven and scientifically rigorous. The UX Research team will need to embody these values, applying them to their understanding of patient needs and the development of innovative digital solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to and influencing processes within a large, established pharmaceutical company requires strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Healthcare Complexity: Conducting research in the healthcare sector involves understanding complex user journeys, regulatory constraints, and the sensitive nature of patient data and health outcomes.
• Scaling a Practice: Building and scaling a UX Research function requires strategic planning, resource allocation, and the ability to demonstrate value to the organization.
• Balancing Leadership and Craft: For a leader who enjoys hands-on research, balancing strategic leadership duties with occasional direct research involvement can be a challenge.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and fostering a cohesive culture within a distributed, remote research team requires intentional effort and strong communication strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Deepen understanding of specific therapeutic areas and the unique digital needs of patients and healthcare providers within the pharmaceutical industry.
• Strategic Impact: Develop skills in influencing organizational strategy and driving large-scale change through user-centered insights.
• Leadership Development: Gain experience in leading and developing a high-performing research team, honing people management and strategic planning capabilities.
• Innovation in Digital Health: Contribute to the evolution of digital health solutions, connected devices, and data-driven patient engagement strategies.
• Professional Networking: Build a strong network with peers and leaders across various functions within Eli Lilly and the broader healthcare technology landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present significant opportunities for growth, particularly in developing strategic leadership skills within a highly regulated and impactful industry. The company's investment in digital transformation provides a fertile ground for innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and execute a UX Research strategy for a company like Eli Lilly, considering our focus on digital solutions for patients?" (Prepare to discuss framework, key areas of focus, and alignment with business goals).
• "Describe your approach to building and scaling a UX Research team. What are the key elements you focus on for team health and effectiveness?" (Discuss recruitment, onboarding, mentorship, performance management, and fostering a positive culture).
• "How do you ensure that user insights are effectively integrated into product development roadmaps and influence cross-functional decision-making?" (Prepare examples of collaboration, communication strategies, and influencing techniques).
• "What are the unique challenges and opportunities for UX research in the pharmaceutical industry, and how would you address them?" (Consider regulatory aspects, patient privacy, diverse user groups, and the impact on health outcomes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Eli Lilly's mission and how does that resonate with your approach to UX Research?" (Research Lilly's values, recent initiatives, and connect them to user-centricity).
• "How do you foster a culture of curiosity and continuous learning within a research team?" (Discuss methods for knowledge sharing, professional development, and staying current with methodologies).
• "Describe a time you had to advocate for user needs against strong business or technical priorities. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data-driven persuasion and collaborative problem-solving).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the research methods, the key insights, and the tangible impact (e.g., metrics, product changes, business outcomes).
• Strategic Alignment: Demonstrate how your research efforts were aligned with broader product or business strategies.
• Process Rigor: Showcase your expertise in end-to-end research execution, from planning to synthesis.
• Leadership Examples: If presenting team-related work, highlight your role in mentoring, process improvement, or team enablement.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, highlighting the most critical aspects of each project within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not only your research craft but also your strategic vision for the UX Research function. Be ready to articulate how you will build, manage, and demonstrate the value of research within a large, complex, and mission-driven organization like Eli Lilly.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of UX Research position:

• Submit your application through the provided career portal link (https://lilly.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/LLY/job/US-USA-Remote/Head-of-UX-Research_R-90361-1).
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful research projects that demonstrate end-to-end execution, strategic thinking, leadership, and measurable outcomes. Tailor your selections to showcase experience relevant to digital health or complex user journeys if possible.
• Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your leadership experience (5+ years managing researchers), your extensive UX research expertise (10+ years), and specific accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to influence product and business outcomes. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Prepare for Case Studies: Anticipate being asked to present a case study on building a research practice or solving a significant user research challenge. Practice articulating your process, insights, and impact clearly and concisely.
• Research Eli Lilly: Familiarize yourself with Eli Lilly's mission, values, product areas, and recent digital initiatives. Understand their commitment to "uniting caring with discovery" and how UX Research contributes to this.

⚠️ 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.