Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher
Company: Takeaway.com
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: User Experience Research / Product Design
Date Posted: December 12, 2025
Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives within the Logistics UX Research team, focusing on applications and websites used by couriers globally.
• Drive user-centricity in product and design decisions by uncovering user needs across the end-to-end courier experience.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Designers, Product Managers, Analysts, and Engineers, in a fast-paced environment.
• Mentor and coach junior researchers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and community building within the research function.
• Influence product strategy and design outcomes through compelling storytelling and impactful research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core of this role is UX Research, its application within a logistics and delivery platform company like Takeaway.com means there's a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational impact. Insights generated will directly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of the courier network, impacting delivery times, operational costs, and partner satisfaction. This role sits at the intersection of user advocacy and business operations, requiring a keen understanding of how user experience translates into tangible business outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with cross-functional teams (Design, Product Management, Engineering, Analytics) to collaboratively identify and prioritize research needs and opportunities for courier-facing platforms.
• Proactively tackle complex problems and navigate ambiguity to define research questions that address underlying user issues and business goals.
• Conduct end-to-end UX research, encompassing planning, participant recruitment, methodology selection, data collection, analysis, and synthesis.
• Advocate for and champion accessible and inclusive design solutions by integrating diverse user needs and perspectives into the research process.
• Utilize strong storytelling skills to effectively communicate research findings, insights, and recommendations through presentations, reports, and workshops, driving impactful decision-making.
• Mentor and coach less experienced UX Researchers, providing guidance on research methodologies, best practices, and career development.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, acting as a strategic partner to embed user understanding into product development lifecycles.
• Take ownership of the entire research process from ideation to playback, demonstrating a proactive, hands-on approach and a commitment to collaborative work.
• Contribute to the establishment and continuous improvement of best practices and robust research processes within the UX Research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Logistics UX Research team" and "apps and websites our Couriers use" indicates a focus on operational efficiency and the frontline user experience. Responsibilities will likely involve understanding the real-time demands, challenges, and workflows of couriers, which has direct implications for delivery speed, order accuracy, and overall operational performance. The mention of "working with ambiguity" suggests a need for researchers who can define problems as well as solve them, a common trait in fast-growing, complex operational environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in UX research or a similar role, with a proven track record of conducting impactful research that has influenced product and design decisions.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and refining research processes and best practices within a product development environment.

Required Skills:

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and management skills, with the ability to influence and build trust with diverse teams and leadership.
• Strong command of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys, diary studies, ethnography) and the ability to discern when to apply each method effectively.
• Proficient in conducting mixed-methods UX research, integrating various data sources to provide holistic insights.
• Skilled in translating open-ended and ambiguous research needs into clear, actionable research questions, activities, and measurable outcomes.
• Proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and compelling narratives that drive business impact.
• Strong knowledge of accessibility principles and inclusive design practices, with experience conducting research with individuals with accessibility needs, or a strong willingness to learn and champion these areas.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to take ownership of research projects from inception to completion.
• A growth-oriented mindset, demonstrating a continuous desire to learn, improve, and adapt research practices.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching junior researchers, fostering their development and contribution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with statistical analysis software or programming languages such as R, Python, or SQL for advanced data analysis and interpretation.
• Experience conducting research for logistics, delivery, or mobile-first operational platforms.
• Familiarity with survey design, sampling techniques, and advanced statistical interpretation.
• Experience working in agile development environments and collaborating with cross-functional product teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build community and facilitate knowledge sharing within a research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "R, Python, SQL would be desirable" signals a strong need for quantitative research capabilities beyond traditional qualitative methods. This suggests that the role will involve significant data analysis, potentially for understanding user behavior at scale, segmenting user groups, and measuring the impact of research-driven changes on operational metrics. This is a key differentiator for operations-focused roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating a progression from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.
• Case studies that highlight your ability to tackle complex, ambiguous problems and define clear research plans.
• Examples of how you have translated research findings into tangible business outcomes and influenced product roadmaps or design decisions.
• Documentation of your process for integrating accessibility and inclusive design considerations into research methodologies.
• Evidence of your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, illustrating your role within a team and your contribution to shared goals.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in developing and refining research processes, including participant recruitment strategies, ethical research practices, and data management.
• Showcase your approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, including methods for identifying themes, patterns, and key insights.
• Provide examples of how you have presented research findings in compelling formats (e.g., presentations, reports, workshops) to diverse audiences, including product managers, designers, and engineers.
• Illustrate your ability to measure the impact of research initiatives and communicate ROI to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role in a company like Takeaway.com, a portfolio should emphasize not just the what of research, but the how and why it led to operational improvements. This means including examples where research directly contributed to increased courier efficiency, reduced delivery times, improved app usability for couriers, or enhanced safety protocols. Demonstrating the ability to quantify these impacts (e.g., "reduced error rates by X%", "increased task completion speed by Y%") will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in Berlin, Germany, with 5-10 years of experience in the tech and logistics sector, the estimated salary range is €70,000 - €95,000 per year. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the specific responsibilities, and the company's global presence.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Pension scheme contributions.
• Employee assistance program.
• Discounts on food delivery services.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office and remote work.
• Opportunities to work with a globally diverse and collaborative team.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week.
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility, with 3 days required in the Berlin office and 2 days working from home. Core working hours may be established to facilitate team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on publicly available data for Senior UX Researcher roles in Berlin, Germany, from sources like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and industry reports. It considers the experience level (5-10 years), the specific technical skills mentioned (R, Python, SQL desirability), and the hybrid work arrangement. The benefits listed are standard for large tech/delivery companies and are tailored to attract and retain talent in competitive markets.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Food Delivery Marketplace / Technology / Logistics. Takeaway.com operates in a highly competitive, fast-paced global market, requiring continuous innovation and operational excellence. The logistics aspect means a strong focus on efficiency, reliability, and real-time problem-solving. Company Size: Large (likely 10,000+ employees, based on industry norms for global food delivery platforms). This size implies structured processes, opportunities for specialization, and potential for cross-departmental collaboration, but also a need for clear communication to navigate bureaucracy. Founded: Takeaway.com was founded in 2000, indicating a mature company with established processes but also a history of adaptation and growth in the evolving digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Logistics UX Research team likely operates within a larger Product or Design organization.
• It comprises UX Researchers, potentially specializing in different user groups (e.g., customers, partners, couriers).
• Researchers work within cross-functional product teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Analysts.
• Reporting lines may lead to a Head of UX Research or Director of Product Design.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using research insights, combined with analytics data, to inform product and operational strategies.
• Agile & Iterative Development: Research is integrated into agile sprints, providing timely feedback for continuous improvement.
• User-Centricity: A core tenet, ensuring that the needs and experiences of users (especially couriers in this case) are at the forefront of all development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working with diverse teams to ensure research findings are understood, actionable, and implemented effectively.

Company Website: https://careers.justeattakeaway.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on logistics and delivery means that "operational efficiency" and "real-time problem-solving" are not just buzzwords but critical success factors. The culture likely values speed, adaptability, and a pragmatic approach to research that delivers immediate value. The global nature of the company also means research will need to consider diverse market needs and regulatory environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher. This level signifies a significant degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and leadership potential. The role is expected to not only execute research but also to shape research strategy, mentor others, and act as a key advisor to product teams and leadership. Reporting Structure: Typically, a Senior UX Researcher reports to a UX Research Manager, Lead, or Director of UX/Product. They will work within a cross-functional product team, reporting functionally to their research lead and operationally to the product team's priorities. Operations Impact: The research conducted directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the courier network. Insights can lead to improvements in courier app usability, workflow optimization, reduced delivery times, increased courier satisfaction and retention, and ultimately, a better experience for customers. This role bridges user advocacy with core business operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or Head of UX Research role, managing a team and setting research strategy.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, behavioral economics) or user domains (e.g., logistics, marketplace dynamics).
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, Design Strategy, or Operations Strategy roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and business impact.
• Global Exposure: Opportunity to lead research initiatives for different markets within Takeaway.com's global footprint, gaining international experience.
• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through internal workshops, external conferences, and access to industry-leading tools and training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with mentoring responsibilities and strategic partner expectations, indicates a clear path towards leadership. The "Logistics UX Research" focus means that growth opportunities might also involve moving into more operational strategy roles where deep user understanding is critical for optimizing delivery networks and partner relationships.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with 3 days per week in the Berlin office. This suggests a modern, collaborative office space designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and in-person interaction. Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This is a major European tech hub, offering a vibrant ecosystem of talent, innovation, and networking opportunities. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely set up to encourage interaction among cross-functional teams, with dedicated spaces for meetings, workshops, and informal discussions.
• Tech-Enabled: Access to necessary research tools, software, and hardware for conducting studies, analyzing data, and presenting findings.
• Global Connectivity: While based in Berlin, the role involves working with international teams, necessitating strong remote collaboration tools and practices.
• Dynamic Pace: The environment is described as fast-paced, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility. The hybrid model provides a balance between structured office time for collaboration and focused remote work for individual tasks and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Takeaway.com's operational focus, the Berlin office is likely to be a hub for innovation and operational strategy. The workspace would support rapid prototyping, user feedback loops, and close collaboration between research, design, and product teams to quickly address operational challenges faced by couriers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and approach to complex problems. Expect scenario-based questions.
• Skills Assessment/Take-Home Exercise: A practical exercise to evaluate your research planning, methodology selection, analysis, and synthesis skills. This might involve a mini research plan or analysis of provided data.
• Panel Interview: Meeting with cross-functional team members (e.g., Product Manager, Designer, another Researcher) to assess collaboration, communication, and ability to influence. This is where your portfolio will be thoroughly reviewed.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best represent your senior-level experience, highlighting diverse methodologies and impact. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to handle ambiguity and drive tangible outcomes.
• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used, key insights, and most importantly, the measurable impact on the product, users, or business (especially operational metrics if possible). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Showcase Process: Detail your research process, from defining research questions to synthesizing findings and communicating them. Illustrate your thought process and decision-making.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and how your research influenced their decisions.
• Address Courier Experience: If possible, include projects related to operational efficiency, mobile apps for field workers, or logistics, as this aligns directly with the role's domain.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to discuss your choices, challenges faced, and lessons learned for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the User: Familiarize yourself with the courier experience in the food delivery industry. What are their typical pain points, needs, and daily workflows?
• Methodology Fluency: Be prepared to justify your choice of research methods for various scenarios. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative vs. quantitative approaches.
• Data Synthesis: Practice synthesizing findings from multiple data sources (e.g., interviews, surveys, analytics) into coherent insights.
• Communication: Rehearse presenting your findings clearly and concisely, tailoring your message to different audiences. Practice storytelling techniques to make your research memorable.
• Accessibility & Inclusion: Be ready to discuss how you incorporate accessibility and inclusive design principles into your research and advocacy for inclusive solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the operational nature of the role, interviewers will be keen to see how you translate research into actionable improvements for couriers and the delivery network. Expect questions that probe your ability to work with ambiguity, manage stakeholder expectations, and demonstrate the ROI of your research efforts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Tools for usability testing, surveys, and participant management (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Suites: Tools for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to understand their workflow and review prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Experience with statistical software (R, Python, SQL - desirable) for quantitative analysis of survey data, A/B test results, and behavioral data.
• BI Tools: Familiarity with business intelligence platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) for exploring data and understanding user behavior trends.
• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation and basic analysis.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how user data is captured and utilized within systems like CRMs or product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) is beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of R, Python, and SQL as desirable skills points towards a significant need for analytical rigor. This role will likely involve not just gathering user feedback but also analyzing large datasets to identify patterns, segment users, and quantify the impact of user experience improvements on operational metrics like delivery times, order accuracy, or courier efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A foundational value, ensuring that the courier experience is understood, prioritized, and continuously improved.
• Data-Driven Insights: Decisions are informed by robust research and analytics, not just intuition. A strong emphasis on measurable outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse, cross-functional teams is crucial for success in a fast-paced environment.
• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to pivot quickly, embrace change, and adapt research plans to evolving business needs.
• Impact & Ownership: A drive to deliver research that has a tangible positive impact on the business and users, taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: A commitment to understanding and serving a diverse user base and fostering an inclusive team environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Researchers act as strategic partners to Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, embedding user insights throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing within the research team and with product stakeholders.
• Proactive Engagement: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate and contribute research expertise, rather than waiting to be assigned tasks.
• Storytelling for Influence: Using narrative and compelling visuals to communicate research findings in a way that resonates with and influences stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Logistics UX Research" and "courier experience" suggests that the team values pragmatism and efficiency. Research findings need to be directly translatable into operational improvements. The culture likely supports quick iterations and data-backed decision-making to keep pace with the dynamic nature of the food delivery industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Tackling complex, ill-defined problems within a rapidly evolving global logistics landscape.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Ensuring research findings advocate for users while also aligning with business objectives and operational constraints.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating research insights to drive adoption and action across diverse teams and seniority levels.
• Global Diversity: Conducting research and applying insights across vastly different markets and user contexts.
• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the ROI of UX research, particularly in relation to complex operational metrics.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Deepen expertise in quantitative research, statistical analysis, and leveraging large datasets.
• Domain Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of logistics, supply chain, and the nuances of the gig economy for couriers.
• Leadership Skills: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, and contribute to shaping research strategy.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gain broader experience in product management, design strategy, and operational planning.
• Industry Engagement: Attend relevant UX, product, and logistics industry conferences and workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for senior roles in dynamic industries. Success in this role will depend on the candidate's ability to translate complex user needs into actionable operational improvements, requiring a blend of research expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to conduct research with limited resources or under tight deadlines. How did you adapt your methodology and what was the outcome?" (Assesses adaptability, resourcefulness, and ability to deliver under pressure).
• "How would you approach defining the research needs for a new feature aimed at improving courier efficiency during peak delivery hours?" (Tests problem definition, methodological planning, and understanding of operational context).
• "Walk me through a research project where your findings significantly influenced product strategy or design. What was the key insight, and how did you communicate it?" (Evaluates impact communication, storytelling, and strategic influence).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Takeaway.com and our mission to empower food moments?" (Assesses motivation and alignment with company vision).
• "How do you see your role as a Senior UX Researcher contributing to the operational success of our logistics platform?" (Tests understanding of the role's business impact and operational context).
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior researchers. What is your approach to fostering their growth?" (Evaluates leadership and team development capabilities).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly define the problem statement, your specific role and responsibilities, the research questions, methodologies chosen (and why), key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact (quantified if possible).
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, personas, key quotes) to make your research findings engaging and easy to understand.
• Focus on Courier Experience: Highlight projects that relate to mobile applications, field operations, efficiency improvements, or user segments similar to couriers.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with product managers, designers, and engineers, and how your research facilitated their decision-making.
• Address Ambiguity: Be ready to discuss how you navigated uncertainty or ill-defined problems in your research projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, a deep understanding of the research process, the ability to influence stakeholders, and a clear track record of delivering impactful results, especially within an operational context like courier logistics.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Takeaway.com careers site.
• Craft a compelling resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in mixed-methods UX research, stakeholder engagement, and any relevant experience with logistics, mobile apps, or operational roles. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases 3-4 of your most impactful UX research projects, emphasizing your senior-level contributions, strategic thinking, and measurable business/operational outcomes.
• Research Takeaway.com: Understand their business model, market position, and the challenges within the food delivery and logistics industry. Familiarize yourself with their courier-facing platforms if possible.
• Practice your presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, demonstrating impact, and articulating your research process and decision-making. Be ready to discuss your approach to accessibility and inclusive design.

⚠️ 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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