Senior UX-Researcher (m/w/d) (2 Jahre)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX-Researcher (m/w/d) (2 Jahre) Company: DATEV eG Location: Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-07 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied) Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote within Germany possible)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is situated within DATEV's "Homebase Requirements & User Experience" unit, a dynamic environment housing over 800 professionals in Requirements Engineering, UX Design, and UX Research.
• The Senior UX-Researcher will operate autonomously within interdisciplinary development teams, focusing on understanding user behavior, needs, and expectations through robust data analysis.
• A key aspect of this role involves advising development teams on user-oriented development and integrating UX research insights into the product strategy and development lifecycle.
• The position emphasizes translating research findings into actionable decisions to ensure user-centered product development and foster continuous learning about end-users.
• This role is positioned as a fixed-term contract for 2 years, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to critical development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior UX-Researcher," the responsibilities and required experience suggest a role that bridges UX Research with Product Operations by deeply embedding user insights into the product development lifecycle and advising teams on user-centric strategies. The "2 Jahre" designation indicates a fixed-term contract, which is crucial for candidates to understand. The "Remote OK" status, specifically within Germany, offers flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Advise development teams on user-oriented development practices and specific UX research needs throughout the product strategy and development process.
• Databased validation of assumptions, selection of appropriate research methods, and implementation of analysis procedures.
• Document, communicate, and translate research findings into decision-making processes to inspire user-centered solutions.
• Collaborate with colleagues from interdisciplinary development teams and their stakeholders to integrate the user perspective into product strategy and development.
• Leverage continuously available data and insights to facilitate regular learning about end-users for development teams.
• Share knowledge within the UX/CX community, foster mutual support, and contribute to developing medium to long-term visions within the field of UX Research.
• Contribute to the development of a new generation of cloud applications through time-bound engagements in prioritized development projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong consultative and strategic element, going beyond standard research execution. The emphasis on translating insights into actionable decisions and influencing product strategy positions this as a senior-level role with significant impact on product development outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Successful completion of a degree in Psychology, Market Research, Human Factors, or a comparable qualification.

Experience:

• Extensive, relevant experience as a UX Researcher in various B2B contexts and agile software development environments.
• Proven track record of identifying research questions and confidently applying current, relevant UX research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in using current software for conducting and evaluating qualitative and quantitative studies, including statistical analysis of quantitative data.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act with a user-oriented mindset, leading to successful market-ready solutions.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Methodologies (Qualitative & Quantitative)
• Data Analysis & Interpretation
• User-Centered Design Principles
• Agile Software Development Practices
• B2B Product Development Context
• Research Question Formulation
• Documentation & Communication
• Stakeholder Collaboration
• Psychology / Market Research / Human Factors background

Preferred Skills:

• Deep understanding of DATEV's target groups, product portfolio, and corporate objectives.
• Familiarity with specific DATEV cloud applications and their user bases.
• Experience in community building and knowledge sharing within UX/CX disciplines.
• Advanced statistical analysis techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Erforderliche Skills" and "Erlernbare Skills" sections are clearly delineated, providing a good structure. The emphasis on B2B and agile environments is critical for candidates to note. The "Erlernbare Skills" point towards a strong onboarding process focused on company-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in applying UX research methodologies to solve complex product challenges.
• Case studies showcasing the end-to-end research process: from defining research questions to delivering actionable insights.
• Examples of how research findings directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or feature development.
• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Developers) throughout the research lifecycle.
• Clear articulation of the impact of your research on user satisfaction, adoption rates, or business metrics.

Process Documentation:

• Documented research plans outlining objectives, methodologies, participant criteria, and timelines.
• Comprehensive research reports that synthesize findings, highlight key insights, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Examples of how research insights were communicated effectively to diverse stakeholder groups (e.g., presentations, workshops, dashboards).
• Evidence of iterative research processes, demonstrating how feedback loops were incorporated into product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While no explicit "Portfolio Requirements" section exists in the raw input, based on the role of a Senior UX Researcher and the emphasis on data-driven decision-making and communication of insights, a strong portfolio is implicitly required. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their research process, methodologies, and the impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Not specified. However, for a Senior UX-Researcher role with 5-10 years of experience in Nuremberg, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €70,000 and €95,000 annually, depending on specific skills, project scope, and DATEV's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Mobile, Location-Independent Work: Option for "Homeoffice" within Germany with provided technical equipment.
• Flexible Working Hours: Facilitates a good work-life balance, with the possibility of time off in lieu.
• Professional Development: Extensive opportunities for technical and personal further training, both during and outside of working hours.
• Internal Communities: Access to numerous internal communities for networking and mutual learning.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs: (Implied, common for large German companies)
• Retirement Savings Plans: (Implied, common for large German companies)
• Employee Discounts & Perks: (Implied, common for large German companies)

Working Hours:

• Standard 40 hours per week, with flexibility for work-life balance and time off in lieu.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are substantial, particularly the flexibility for remote work within Germany and the strong emphasis on professional development. The salary is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software and IT Services Company Size: Over 9,000 employees. This large size indicates a stable, established organization with structured processes and potentially diverse career paths within the company. For operations roles, this often means access to robust internal systems, established best practices, and opportunities for specialization. Founded: Established company (specific year not provided, but implied to be long-standing given its size and market position). DATEV is a significant player in the German IT market, known for its focus on professional clients (tax advisors, auditors, etc.).

Team Structure:

• Part of "Homebase Requirements & User Experience," a unit with over 800 colleagues specializing in Requirements Engineering, UX Design, and UX Research.
• Will work autonomously within interdisciplinary development teams, suggesting a collaborative, cross-functional team dynamic.
• Expected to collaborate with colleagues from development teams and their stakeholders, indicating a matrixed reporting structure or close project-based collaboration.

Methodology:

• Focus on user-centered decision-making and integrating the user perspective into product strategy and development.
• Emphasis on data-driven validation of assumptions and research.
• Agile software development environment.
• Continuous learning about users is a core principle.
• Knowledge sharing and community engagement are valued.

Company Website: datev.de

📝 Enhancement Note: DATEV's description emphasizes community, openness, security, and technological advancement, aligning well with stable, forward-thinking IT organizations. The large scale of the UX/CX department suggests established processes and a mature approach to user experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX-Researcher. This implies a level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor others. The role is expected to drive research initiatives and influence product direction. Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, the Senior UX-Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or a Head of UX within the "Homebase Requirements & User Experience" unit. They will work closely with Product Managers, Development Leads, and other team members within interdisciplinary development teams. Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly contributing to the success of new cloud applications by ensuring they are user-centered, meet user needs, and align with product strategy. This translates to improved user adoption, satisfaction, and ultimately, business success for DATEV's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership within UX/CX Community: Opportunity to share knowledge, mentor junior researchers, and contribute to the strategic direction of UX practices at DATEV.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or B2B software domains relevant to DATEV's offerings.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Potentially lead research initiatives across multiple development teams or projects.
• Long-term Vision Development: Contribute to shaping the future of UX research within the organization.
• Fixed-term to Permanent Transition: While a 2-year contract, successful performance could lead to opportunities for permanent roles within DATEV, especially in a large organization with ongoing development needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature is a key factor. Growth opportunities should be viewed within the context of this contract duration, focusing on skill development and impact that could lead to further opportunities rather than immediate permanent advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role allows for remote work within Germany ("Homeoffice" in the sense of location independence) with provided technical equipment, alongside potential on-site collaboration in Nuremberg. Office Location(s): Nuremberg, Fürther Str. 111, Germany. This is DATEV's headquarters, suggesting access to comprehensive facilities and a central hub for internal collaboration. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working within interdisciplinary development teams and the broader UX/CX community fosters a highly collaborative atmosphere.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary technical equipment for remote work and likely a robust internal toolset for research, analysis, and collaboration.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with development teams, stakeholders, and the UX/CX community for knowledge sharing and project alignment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week with flexible hours, promoting a healthy work-life balance. This flexibility supports deep work sessions for research and analysis while accommodating collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Homeoffice" within Germany signifies a modern approach to work, balancing individual flexibility with the need for team cohesion and on-site presence when necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely an HR or recruiter screening to assess basic qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Sarah Wagner (Hiring Manager) focusing on experience, motivation, and alignment with the role's core responsibilities.
• Technical/Team Interview: In-depth discussion with members of the UX/CX team and/or development teams. This may involve presenting a case study from your portfolio or discussing your approach to specific research challenges.
• Potential Case Study/Assignment: Candidates might be given a small research problem to solve or analyze, demonstrating their methodology and critical thinking.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a senior leader within the Requirements & User Experience unit to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight B2B Experience: Emphasize projects and methodologies relevant to enterprise software or business-to-business contexts.
• Showcase Methodological Breadth: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative research, detailing why specific methods were chosen.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, demonstrate the tangible outcomes of your research (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your approach from problem definition to insight delivery, including how you collaborated with stakeholders.
• Tailor to DATEV: Research DATEV's products and target audience. If possible, frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills would benefit DATEV's specific challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a research problem for a DATEV product (e.g., understanding user adoption of a new cloud feature).
• Prepare to explain your process for selecting research methods based on project goals, timelines, and available resources.
• Practice articulating complex research findings concisely and persuasively for a non-research audience.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development environments and how UX research integrates into sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role and the emphasis on translating insights into decisions, the interview process will likely probe deeply into strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. A well-curated portfolio is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Tools: Expect proficiency with tools for user interviews, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Qualtrics), and potentially card sorting/tree testing platforms.
• Data Analysis & Statistical Software: Proficiency with tools for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo) and quantitative data (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis, Excel/Google Sheets for data manipulation).
• Prototyping & Design Tools (for review/understanding): Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD might be beneficial for understanding design outputs.
• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence are likely used for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics could be relevant for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.
• BI Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI for data visualization and dashboard creation, though perhaps less directly for the researcher, understanding their output is key.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary for UX Research, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) or customer feedback platforms (e.g., Canny, UserVoice) can inform research is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly mentions "current software for conducting and evaluating qualitative and quantitative studies, as well as statistical analysis of quantitative data." Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific tool proficiencies in these areas.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving all decisions and research efforts towards meeting user needs and enhancing user experience.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong reliance on empirical data and research findings to inform product development and strategy.
• Collaboration & Community: Emphasis on working effectively within interdisciplinary teams and actively participating in knowledge sharing within the UX/CX community.
• Continuous Learning & Improvement: Dedication to ongoing learning about users, methodologies, and industry best practices.
• Innovation & Future Focus: Contributing to the development of next-generation cloud applications and shaping future UX research directions.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Actively engaging with Product Managers, Designers, Developers, and other stakeholders to integrate user insights seamlessly into the product lifecycle.
• Consultative Approach: Providing expert advice and guidance to development teams on UX research needs and best practices.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings, insights, and expertise within the UX/CX community and broader organization.
• Feedback Integration: Openness to feedback and iterative improvement, both in research processes and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: DATEV's emphasis on community and collaboration, coupled with the need for user-centricity and data-driven approaches, suggests a professional and supportive environment where expertise is valued and shared.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Research and Implementation: Ensuring research insights are effectively translated into actionable product changes and not just documented.
• Balancing B2B Complexity: Understanding and researching the diverse needs of DATEV's B2B client base, which can be complex and require deep domain knowledge.
• Fixed-Term Contract: Working within a 2-year timeframe requires delivering significant impact and demonstrating value quickly.
• Integrating into Agile Sprints: Effectively embedding research activities within fast-paced agile development cycles.
• Data Overload: Managing and synthesizing large volumes of qualitative and quantitative data to extract clear, actionable insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening B2B Domain Knowledge: Gaining comprehensive understanding of DATEV's product suite, target audiences, and business objectives.
• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge UX research methodologies.
• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills with diverse technical and business teams.
• Community Leadership: Taking on more responsibility within the UX/CX community, potentially leading workshops or mentoring junior members.
• Exposure to Cloud Application Development: Gaining experience in shaping the next generation of enterprise software.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lies in maximizing impact within the 2-year contract by leveraging DATEV's established structure and resources while demonstrating significant value through user-centric insights.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical development team or stakeholder about the importance of user research. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on persuasion, data usage, and stakeholder management.)
• "How would you approach understanding the needs of users for a new cloud feature that DATEV is developing? Outline your proposed research plan." (Assess your strategic thinking, methodological selection, and understanding of DATEV's context.)
• "Imagine a situation where your research findings contradicted the team's initial assumptions or roadmap. How would you handle this and ensure user needs are prioritized?" (Evaluate your ability to advocate for the user and navigate conflict.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about DATEV and its role in the German IT market?" (Demonstrate your research into the company.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to DATEV's mission of driving business process digitalization for its clients?" (Align your work with the company's overall goals.)
• "Describe your experience with agile development and how you've integrated UX research into agile workflows." (Assess your adaptability to DATEV's development environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your research objectives, your methodology, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the impact.
• Quantify Where Possible: Use metrics to support your findings and the success of your recommendations.
• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how they addressed the specific research questions.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making at each stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely focus on practical application of UX research principles, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex findings into business value, especially within a B2B and agile context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX-Researcher position:

• Submit your application through DATEV's career portal via the provided URL.
• Review DATEV's Products and Services: Familiarize yourself with DATEV's core offerings, particularly their cloud solutions and target customer base (tax advisors, businesses). This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in B2B UX research, agile environments, and your ability to drive user-centered decisions. Ensure they highlight your process and impact.
• Prepare Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX Research," "Data Analysis," "Agile Software Development," "B2B," "Qualitative/Quantitative Research," and "User-Centered Design." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common UX research interview questions, focusing on STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and clearly articulating your thought process for strategic/methodological inquiries. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. The fixed-term nature of the role (2 Jahre) is a critical detail. All information, especially regarding salary estimates, benefits, and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with DATEV eG during the application process.