Professional UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Professional UX Researcher
Company: AutoScout24
Location: Munich (Germany)
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience Research / Product Research
Date Posted: December 22, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end qualitative and quantitative user experience research initiatives to inform product strategy and business decisions.
• Proactively shape research strategies, define key user and business questions, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for product teams.
• Synthesize complex research data into compelling narratives, visualizations, and reports for diverse stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Drive continuous improvement of research methodologies and foster a data-driven culture within the Design and Product organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Design team, implying a strong collaborative focus with designers, product managers, and engineers. The emphasis on both B2B and B2C domains suggests a need for adaptability in research approaches to cater to different user segments and business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute comprehensive qualitative and quantitative research studies, including user interviews, usability tests, surveys, and competitive analysis.
• Develop research concepts, discussion guides, and questionnaires aligned with strategic business objectives and product development roadmaps.
• Employ a variety of research methods such as heuristics, voice of customer analysis, experience mapping, affinity diagrams, and statistical analysis to identify user pain points and opportunities.
• Synthesize research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, presenting them effectively to stakeholders at all levels to drive informed decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with product management, design, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure research insights are integrated into product development and business strategy.
• Continuously explore and experiment with new research tools, processes, and techniques to enhance the efficiency and impact of the UX research function.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of product development by identifying new product opportunities and informing business model optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "shape research strategies" indicates a need for a proactive and autonomous researcher who can identify research gaps and opportunities, rather than solely executing pre-defined research plans. The mention of "business model decisions" suggests a strategic impact beyond typical feature-level research.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Academic background in Psychology, Social Sciences, Sociology, Media Sciences, Communication Sciences, Business, or a comparable field. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of significant work experience in user experience research, with a proven track record of leading impactful studies.
• Experience in designing and facilitating workshops, including hypothesis generation, concept development, design thinking sessions, and insight-sharing activities.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in end-to-end qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including the ability to select and apply appropriate methods for specific research questions.
• Expertise in conducting user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and employing analytical techniques like experience mapping and affinity diagramming.
• Strong ability to synthesize complex research data, identify key insights, and translate them into clear, evidence-based recommendations for product and business stakeholders.
• Excellent data visualization skills to present findings in compelling and easily digestible formats.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating research findings and their implications to diverse audiences.
• Fluency in German (written and spoken) is a mandatory requirement.
• Excellent English communication skills (written and spoken).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with statistical analysis tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with A/B testing and experimental design.
• Experience conducting research in both B2B and B2C environments.
• Knowledge of design thinking principles and workshop facilitation.
• Experience with research operations (ResOps) practices for scaling research efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for fluency in German, in addition to English, is critical and suggests a need for deep integration with local teams and understanding of the German market. The "5-10 years" experience level implies a senior or lead researcher role, expected to operate with significant autonomy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of research projects demonstrating the ability to plan and execute both qualitative and quantitative studies from inception to impact.
• Include examples of how research findings directly influenced product strategy, feature development, or business model decisions, with clear articulation of the impact.
• Present case studies that highlight the application of various research methods (e.g., interviews, usability tests, surveys, experience mapping, affinity diagrams) and the rationale behind method selection.
• Demonstrate proficiency in synthesizing and visualizing complex data to communicate actionable insights effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Provide evidence of proactive research strategy development, including how you identified research needs and opportunities.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their personal research process, from defining research objectives and developing research plans to data analysis and reporting.
• Be prepared to discuss how you ensure the ethical conduct of research and data privacy compliance.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to integrate research findings into agile product development workflows and cross-functional team cadences.
• Articulate strategies for continuous improvement of research processes and exploration of new methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX Researcher role, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just show what research was done, but why it was done, how it was done, and most importantly, what impact it had. Quantifiable outcomes are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Researchers in Munich, Germany, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €70,000 and €90,000. This range can vary based on specific skills, the breadth of experience, and the candidate's negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
• Generous paid time off (vacation days, public holidays).
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.
• Contribution to public transport or mobility solutions.
• Employee discounts and perks related to automotive services.
• A dynamic and international work environment with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
• Support for continuous learning and skill development in UX research and related fields.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for core working hours.
• The role is on-site, requiring regular presence in the Munich office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on market data for Munich in late 2025. Actual compensation will be determined by AutoScout24 based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal compensation structures. Benefits are typical for a company of AutoScout24's size and industry in Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Automotive Marketplace / Digital Services. AutoScout24 operates in the dynamic digital classifieds sector, connecting buyers and sellers of vehicles. This industry is characterized by rapid technological advancement, competitive landscapes, and a strong focus on user experience to drive engagement and transactions.

Company Size: AutoScout24 is a significant player in the European digital automotive market. While the exact current employee count isn't provided, it's part of the Scout24 Group, which operates across multiple countries and employs thousands of people. This suggests a well-established organization with structured processes but also the agility to innovate.

Founded: AutoScout24 was founded in 1998. With over two decades of market presence, the company has a deep understanding of its industry and a mature operational framework, while continuously adapting to digital trends.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be a core member of the Design team, likely reporting to a Head of Design or a Lead UX Researcher.
• This team collaborates closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Marketing departments.
• The structure likely supports cross-functional "squads" or "tribes" focused on specific product areas or customer journeys.

Methodology:

• User-centricity and data-driven decision-making are paramount.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, requiring close integration of research insights into iterative design and development cycles.
• Emphasis on continuous improvement, experimentation, and leveraging insights for both B2B (dealerships) and B2C (consumers) platforms.

Company Website: https://www.autoscout24.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoScout24's long history in the automotive classifieds space provides a solid foundation. The "50 nationalities" mentioned in the description highlights a commitment to diversity and an international working environment, which is a key aspect of their culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Professional UX Researcher, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. The expectation to "proactively shape research strategies" and "lead impactful studies" suggests the individual will operate with a high degree of autonomy and influence. This level typically involves mentoring junior researchers and contributing to the strategic direction of the research function.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will likely report into the Design team leadership, possibly a Head of Design or a Lead UX Researcher. They will work closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineering teams, forming part of cross-functional product development units.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's insights will directly influence product strategy, feature prioritization, user experience optimization, and potentially even business model evolution for both B2B and B2C segments. This role has a significant impact on user satisfaction, customer acquisition/retention, and ultimately, the commercial success of AutoScout24's platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or product domains (e.g., B2B solutions, mobile app experiences).
• Leadership: Progress into a Lead UX Researcher or Research Manager role, overseeing a team and setting research strategy for larger initiatives.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management or Design Lead roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product strategy.
• Skill Development: Continuously learn and apply new research techniques, tools, and analytical methods through internal training, external conferences, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "career driven by you" slogan suggests a company that supports individual career development. The role's scope implies opportunities for significant professional growth, particularly in strategic research leadership and influencing product direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a physical presence is required in the Munich office. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration.

Office Location(s): Munich, Germany. This location offers a vibrant professional ecosystem and a high quality of life. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but major tech companies in Munich typically have modern, well-equipped facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with spaces for team meetings, workshops, and individual focused work.
• Access to necessary research tools, software, and technology will be provided to support research activities.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders will be integral to the role, facilitating seamless integration of research into the product lifecycle.
• The international nature of the company suggests a diverse and dynamic workplace culture.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with some flexibility for core working times. The on-site requirement means that research activities and team collaborations will be conducted within the office setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role implies a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment within a modern office in a major German city.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruitment team to assess qualifications and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your experience, research philosophy, and alignment with the team's needs.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage where you present a selection of your work, demonstrating your research process, insights, and impact. This may involve a prepared case study.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential colleagues (e.g., designers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research capabilities, impact, and alignment with AutoScout24's B2B/B2C domains.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your research approach, key insights, and the tangible outcomes or business impact. Quantify results where possible.
• Showcase Methodology: Detail your research process, including how you selected methods, designed studies, and synthesized data.
• Highlight Communication: Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex findings clearly and persuasively to different audiences. Use visuals effectively.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your decision-making process, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a Research Challenge: You might be given a hypothetical product problem and asked to outline a research plan, or asked to critique an existing research approach.
• Structure Your Approach: Clearly define objectives, target users, research methods, metrics for success, and expected deliverables.
• Think Strategically: Consider how your research would inform business decisions and product strategy, not just user interface improvements.
• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs between different research methods (e.g., speed vs. depth, qualitative vs. quantitative).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely a critical component. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative that highlights their strategic thinking, research rigor, and demonstrable impact on product and business outcomes. The German language fluency will be assessed throughout the interview process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: While specific tools aren't listed, expect proficiency with standard UX research platforms for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), and interview management.
• Data Analysis Software: Experience with tools for qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative data analysis (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).
• Prototyping/Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is beneficial for understanding design workflows and collaborating on prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on the platform.
• Business Intelligence Tools: Familiarity with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for data visualization and dashboard creation, enabling the communication of research insights alongside business metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX Researcher's primary tool, an understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) or customer feedback platforms contribute to user insights can be valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tool proficiency is less critical than the understanding of research methodologies and the ability to leverage various tools to gather, analyze, and synthesize user data. The emphasis is on analytical and synthesis capabilities.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and perspective in all product decisions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on evidence and insights from research to guide strategy and product development, rather than assumptions.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively across teams, sharing insights openly, and fostering a collaborative environment to achieve common goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to refining processes, exploring new methods, and consistently seeking ways to enhance the quality and impact of research.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, experimenting with new approaches, and adapting quickly to evolving market needs and user behaviors.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers as integrated members of product teams.
• Consultative: Providing expert guidance and research-backed recommendations to stakeholders across the organization.
• Insight Sharing: Actively disseminating research findings through presentations, reports, and informal discussions to ensure broad understanding and application.
• Feedback-Oriented: Open to receiving and providing constructive feedback to foster a culture of learning and growth within the team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoScout24's emphasis on innovation and a dynamic market suggests a culture that values proactive contributions and adaptability. The international team composition implies a culture that embraces diversity and varied perspectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing B2B and B2C Research: Effectively managing research needs for both distinct user groups (dealerships vs. consumers) with potentially different motivations and research requirements.
• Driving Strategic Impact: Ensuring research insights translate into significant product and business strategy changes, overcoming potential organizational inertia.
• Methodological Rigor Under Pressure: Maintaining high standards of research quality and ethical practice while working within agile timelines and potential resource constraints.
• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating qualitative insights with quantitative data and market trends to form a holistic understanding.
• Communicating Complex Findings: Effectively translating nuanced research findings into clear, actionable recommendations for diverse stakeholder groups.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of product management, design, and business strategy through close collaboration.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of innovations in the automotive tech and digital marketplace sectors.
• Professional Development: Access to training, conferences, and workshops to enhance research skills and broaden expertise.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior UX Researchers in fast-paced tech environments. The growth opportunities highlight AutoScout24's commitment to employee development and the potential for significant career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to shape a research strategy from scratch. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on proactive strategy definition, alignment with business goals, and impact.)
• "How do you balance the needs of different stakeholder groups (e.g., product, engineering, marketing, leadership) when communicating research findings?" (Highlight communication adaptability, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.)
• "Walk us through a complex research project where you had to integrate both qualitative and quantitative data. How did you synthesize the findings, and what were the resulting recommendations?" (Demonstrate analytical rigor, synthesis skills, and ability to derive actionable insights.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AutoScout24 and the automotive digital marketplace?" (Show research into the company, industry, and your passion for user-centered solutions in this space.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to our B2B and B2C product strategies?" (Connect your skills and experience to the company's dual focus.)
• "Describe your experience working in an international, diverse team. How do you ensure inclusivity in your research and communication?" (Address cultural fit and collaboration in a multinational environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each selected project, use a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.
• Visuals: Use compelling visuals – journey maps, personas, key quotes, data charts, prototypes (if applicable) – to illustrate your process and findings.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, quantify the business impact of your research (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced support tickets by 10%").
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, decision-making rationale, challenges, and how you handled conflicting feedback.
• German Fluency: Be prepared to discuss your experience and potentially answer some questions in German, demonstrating your proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that highlight their strategic thinking, research execution, analytical capabilities, and, crucially, their ability to drive tangible business impact. Demonstrating German fluency will be a key differentiator.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Professional UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the AutoScout24 careers portal via the provided link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in end-to-end UX research, quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and your impact on product strategy and business outcomes. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 strong case studies that demonstrate your research process, synthesis skills, communication abilities, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it highlights experience relevant to B2B/B2C domains.
• Prepare for a Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio to the hiring team, focusing on your strategic approach and the business value of your research.
• Research AutoScout24: Understand their business model, market position, recent news, and product offerings to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice German: Prepare to discuss your experience and answer questions in German, showcasing your required fluency.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with AutoScout24 before making application decisions.