Senior UX Researcher Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher Company: Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA (Nespresso) Location: Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Digital Product Development Date Posted: October 14, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (8+ years required) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user-centric research initiatives for Nespresso's digital and physical experiences to deeply understand customer needs, behaviors, motivations, and barriers.
• Drive innovation by transforming complex user data and insights into actionable strategies for product design, content, and development teams, ensuring user-centric solutions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UX/UI Designers, Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers, to translate research findings into seamless, user-friendly digital and physical products.
• Enhance brand perception and market positioning through strategic research into brand knowledge, competitive landscaping, and emerging user trends.
• Champion a data-driven approach to design, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including usability testing and A/B testing, to optimize the customer journey across all touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Nespresso Digital and Tech Team at their Barcelona HQ, indicating a strategic focus on digital transformation and customer experience innovation for a premium consumer brand. The seniority of the role (8+ years) suggests a need for leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence product direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• End-to-End Research Leadership: Spearhead user research projects from planning and execution to analysis and reporting, ensuring a thorough understanding of user needs, emotions, and behaviors across digital (e-commerce, apps) and physical (machines, employee experiences) touchpoints.
• Methodology Adaptation & Application: Strategically select, adapt, and apply a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, ethnographic research, A/B testing) to address specific project goals and research challenges.
• Insight Generation & Translation: Analyze research data to uncover deep user insights, translating complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations that inform product strategy, feature development, and design iterations.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence: Partner effectively with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to define research objectives, communicate findings, and ensure research insights are integrated into the product development lifecycle.
• User Journey & Experience Optimization: Map and analyze complex user journeys across various channels to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement, driving the creation of cohesive and intuitive cross-platform experiences.
• Usability Testing & Iteration: Design, conduct, and moderate qualitative user testing sessions, leveraging feedback and data to iteratively refine designs and enhance overall product usability and satisfaction.
• Brand & Market Research: Conduct research to understand brand perception, market trends, and competitive benchmarks, providing insights that support strategic brand positioning and differentiation.
• Reporting & Communication: Develop comprehensive research reports, compelling presentations, and clear summaries to effectively communicate research findings, methodologies, and recommendations to diverse audiences, from design teams to executive leadership.
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior researchers or team members, fostering a culture of user-centricity and sharing best practices in UX research.
• Design Vision & Disruption: Utilize research insights to contribute to the conceptualization of disruptive designs and innovative solutions that deeply resonate with customer emotions and needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a holistic approach to UX research, covering both digital and physical aspects of the Nespresso customer experience. The requirement to "transform concepts into detailed and disruptive knowledge" highlights the expectation for proactive, strategic contribution beyond just executing research tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in UX Research, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Service Design, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of proven experience as a UX Researcher, Service Designer, or in a similar user research role, with a strong focus on leading research initiatives in complex, user-centric projects.
• Demonstrated experience in optimizing customer experiences across digital (web, mobile) and potentially physical touchpoints.
• Track record of successfully influencing product strategy and design decisions through robust research.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Research Methodologies: Deep understanding and practical application of a wide array of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, ethnographic studies, contextual inquiry, focus groups) and quantitative methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing, analytics analysis, correlational studies).
• Proficiency with Research Tools: Experience with user testing platforms (e.g., Maze, UserTesting.com), survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics), and potentially prototyping/wireframing tools for research context.
• Strong Analytical & Synthesis Skills: Ability to critically analyze, synthesize, and interpret complex qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful, actionable insights.
• Exceptional Communication & Presentation Skills: Ability to articulate research findings, methodologies, and recommendations clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership, product teams, and design teams.
• User-Centric Mindset: A passion for understanding user needs, motivations, and behaviors, and a commitment to advocating for the user throughout the product development process.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering strong working relationships and facilitating collaborative decision-making.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to approach complex problems with a structured, research-driven mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience researching B2C e-commerce platforms, particularly in the premium consumer goods or luxury sector.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience integrating UX research within agile sprints.
• Experience with journey mapping tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of design thinking principles and facilitation.
• Experience in mentoring junior researchers or team members.
• Understanding of statistical analysis and data visualization techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "8 years of experience" and "leading research initiatives" signifies a senior-level expectation for strategic ownership, mentorship, and the ability to independently drive research programs. Proficiency in specific tools like Maze is a strong signal.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Research Leadership: Showcase a portfolio that clearly illustrates your ability to lead end-to-end user research projects, from defining research questions to delivering actionable insights.
• Methodological Diversity: Present case studies that highlight your proficiency in employing a variety of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative) to solve complex user problems.
• Impact & Actionability: Provide concrete examples of how your research insights directly influenced product design, strategy, and ultimately, business outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced support tickets).
• Systematic Approach: Detail your process for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on research findings, demonstrating a structured and repeatable methodology.
• Cross-Platform Experience: Include examples of research conducted across different platforms (web, mobile, physical products) and how you ensured a cohesive user experience.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning: Evidence of clear research plans, including defined objectives, target participants, methodologies, and timelines.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Examples of how qualitative and quantitative data were collected, analyzed, and synthesized to form robust conclusions.
• Insight Communication: Showcase how research findings were communicated to stakeholders through reports, presentations, or workshops, emphasizing clarity and actionability.
• Iteration & Impact Tracking: Demonstrate how research outcomes led to design iterations and how the impact of those changes was measured.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, the portfolio is critical. It should not just show what was done, but how and why, with a clear emphasis on the impact and strategic contribution of the research to business goals. Demonstrating leadership in research planning and execution will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Researchers in Barcelona, Spain, with 8+ years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €60,000 - €85,000 annually. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: A strong base salary reflecting the seniority and expertise required.
• Comprehensive Social Benefits Package: A robust package designed to support employee well-being.
• Pension Plan: One of the most competitive pension plans available in the market.
• Flexible Remuneration: Options for flexible compensation with tax advantages, including:
  • Health Insurance
  • Restaurant Card
  • Mobility Plan
• Personal and Professional Growth: Opportunities for ongoing training, skill development, and career advancement within Nestlé.
• Hybrid Working Environment: A flexible work model combining remote and in-office work.
• State-of-the-Art Campus: A modern, well-equipped workspace including:
  • Dog-friendly facilities
  • Medical Center
  • Canteen
  • Collaborative and recreational areas
• Recreation Activities: On-site activities such as yoga, Zumba, and other wellness programs.
• Volunteering Opportunities: Engagement in company-sponsored social responsibility initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable job boards and salary aggregators for similar roles in major Spanish cities, adjusted for the senior experience level and the premium brand context of Nespresso. The extensive list of benefits highlights Nestlé's commitment to employee welfare and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (Luxury Coffee & Coffee Machines) Company Size: Nestlé is a global conglomerate with over 14,000 employees in its digital hub alone, and hundreds of thousands worldwide. This specific role is within the Nespresso Digital and Tech Team based in Barcelona. Founded: Nespresso was founded in 1986. The Barcelona digital hub was created in 2019.

Team Structure:

• Digital & Tech Focus: The role is part of a dedicated Digital and Tech Team at Nespresso HQ, indicating a strong emphasis on technology and digital innovation.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The team structure encourages close collaboration between UX Researchers, UX/UI Designers, Product Designers, Product Managers, and Engineers to deliver integrated solutions.
• Reporting Hierarchy: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior UX Researcher typically reports to a UX Research Lead, Head of Design, or Director of Product/Digital, and works closely with Product Managers.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: The core methodology revolves around understanding and prioritizing user needs and behaviors to inform design and product development.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Research findings and analytics are used to guide strategic and tactical decisions, ensuring a scientific approach to user experience.
• Agile & Iterative Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, allowing for rapid iteration based on user feedback and research insights.
• Sustainability Focus: Nespresso is committed to climate change and achieving carbon neutrality, which may influence research priorities and product development considerations.

Company Website: https://jobdetails.nestle.com/job/Esplugues-Llobregat-Senior-UX-Researcher-B-08950/1258385401/

📝 Enhancement Note: Nestlé's global scale combined with Nespresso's premium brand positioning suggests a dynamic environment that values both innovation and rigorous process. The emphasis on sustainability is a key cultural differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher. This level implies a significant degree of autonomy, strategic input, and responsibility for leading complex research projects. It's a position where individuals are expected to mentor others and contribute to the overall UX strategy.

Reporting Structure:

• Likely reports to a UX Research Manager or Head of Design/Product.
• Works closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and Engineering leads on specific product initiatives.
• The role is embedded within the Nespresso Digital and Tech Team, fostering close collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Operations Impact:

• Directly influences the design and functionality of Nespresso's digital platforms (e-commerce, apps) and physical products (coffee machines), impacting millions of customers globally.
• Drives customer satisfaction, loyalty, and conversion rates through user-centered design improvements.
• Contributes to brand perception and market leadership by ensuring a premium and intuitive user experience.
• Provides critical insights that inform business strategy, product roadmaps, and innovation efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or Head of UX position, managing a team and setting research strategy.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as e-commerce UX, hardware-software interaction, or cross-cultural research.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into Product Management or Design Strategy roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development.
• Global Exposure: Working within a global organization like Nestlé offers opportunities to engage with diverse markets and user bases.
• Continuous Learning: Access to extensive training programs, workshops, and conferences to stay abreast of the latest UX research trends and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, coupled with the 8+ years of experience requirement, points towards a role with significant impact and clear pathways for career progression within Nestlé's global structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement with a significant presence expected at the Nespresso Hub in Barcelona. The campus is described as "state-of-the-art." Office Location(s): Nespresso Hub, Barcelona, Spain. The specific location in Esplugues de Llobregat is a well-established business area near Barcelona.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The campus is designed with areas for co-creation, networking, and informal interaction, fostering a collaborative atmosphere essential for UX research and design.
• Technology & Tools: Access to modern technology and tools necessary for UX research and design, supporting efficient workflows.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, researchers, product managers, and engineers, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.
• Employee Well-being Focus: The campus includes amenities like a medical center, canteen, and recreational activities, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours, with a hybrid model offering flexibility to balance in-office collaboration with remote work. This structure supports focused research work and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the campus as "state-of-the-art," "dog friendly," and equipped with various amenities suggests a modern, employee-focused workplace designed to foster productivity, collaboration, and well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Application Review: Talent Acquisition team reviews applications. Emphasis on CV being in English due to an international hiring team.
• Stage 2: Interviews (Three Stages):
  1. Talent Acquisition Interview: Initial screening to assess cultural fit, motivation, and basic qualifications.
  2. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about experience, research methodologies, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. This is where your UX research approach will be heavily scrutinized.
  3. Stakeholder Interview: Interaction with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Senior Designers) to assess collaboration skills, ability to influence, and understanding of product development processes.
• Stage 3: Feedback: Candidates receive feedback after the interview stages.
• Stage 4: Job Offer: Formal offer extended to the successful candidate.
• Stage 5: Onboarding: Comprehensive onboarding process to integrate the new team member.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your leadership in research, methodological breadth, and tangible impact on product and business outcomes. Prioritize projects relevant to e-commerce, digital products, or complex user journeys.
• Structure Your Narratives: For each case study, clearly articulate:
  • The Problem: What was the business or user challenge?
  • Your Role: Specifically, what was your contribution as the lead researcher?
  • The Process: Detail the methodologies used, why they were chosen, and how you adapted them.
  • The Insights: What key findings emerged?
  • The Solution/Impact: How did your research influence the design and what were the measurable results (e.g., KPIs improved, user satisfaction increased, cost savings)?
• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how your research informed strategic decisions and contributed to the product roadmap, not just tactical design improvements.
• Be Ready to Discuss Trade-offs: Discuss any constraints (time, budget, access) and how you navigated them, demonstrating adaptability and resourcefulness.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential case studies or hypothetical research scenarios during the hiring manager or stakeholder interviews.
• Be prepared to outline how you would approach researching a new feature, diagnosing a drop in conversion rates, or understanding user behavior for a new product.
• Practice articulating your thought process, research plan, and how you would measure success.
• Prepare questions that demonstrate your engagement and understanding of Nespresso's business and customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process and emphasis on an English CV highlight the international nature of the team. The portfolio review is a critical component, and candidates should prepare detailed case studies demonstrating strategic leadership and measurable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Testing Platforms: Maze, UserTesting.com, Lookback, UserZoom (or similar for remote usability testing and feedback collection).
• Survey & Data Collection Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform (for quantitative research, surveys, and feedback collection).
• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude (for understanding user behavior, tracking KPIs, and informing quantitative research).
• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools (for research context): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (to create testable prototypes and communicate design concepts).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (potentially used for presenting quantitative findings and creating dashboards).
• Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (for data manipulation, basic analysis, and reporting).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX Research, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms may be beneficial for understanding customer data and touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of qualitative and quantitative research tools is essential. The ability to leverage analytics platforms to inform research and measure impact is also a key expectation for a senior role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all aspects of product development and experience design.
• Data-Driven Innovation: Valuing research and data as the foundation for informed decision-making, strategy, and creative problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are shared and valued, leading to stronger, more integrated solutions.
• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in research rigor, design execution, and overall customer experience.
• Sustainability: Alignment with Nestlé's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative approach where UX research is deeply embedded within product teams, working hand-in-hand with designers, product managers, and engineers.
• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of insights and challenges.
• Shared Ownership: A culture where teams collectively own the success of the product and user experience, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
• Agile & Iterative: A willingness to adapt and iterate based on feedback and new learnings, embracing a dynamic approach to development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, data-driven innovation, and collaboration aligns with best practices in modern product development and UX research.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Digital & Physical Experiences: Researching and designing for a seamless experience across Nespresso's sophisticated coffee machines and their digital platforms presents unique integration challenges.
• Global User Diversity: Understanding and catering to the diverse needs, preferences, and cultural nuances of a global customer base.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of emerging technologies and user expectations in the fast-paced digital and consumer electronics landscape.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex research findings and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.
• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from various data sources (qualitative research, quantitative analytics, market trends) into a cohesive understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research areas or learn new methodologies.
• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to leading UX conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay current with industry trends.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced leaders within Nestlé and Nespresso, fostering professional growth.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from product managers, engineers, and designers to gain a broader understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Leadership Skills: Development opportunities focused on team leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in innovative, global companies. The growth opportunities highlight a strong commitment to employee development and career progression within the organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Planning: "Describe how you would approach researching user needs for a new Nespresso coffee machine feature. What methodologies would you use, and why?"
• Problem Diagnosis: "Imagine our e-commerce conversion rate has dropped by 10% this quarter. How would you, as a Senior UX Researcher, investigate the potential causes and propose solutions?"
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: "How do you ensure your research findings are effectively translated into actionable design and development tasks when working with product managers and engineers who may have different priorities?"
• Influencing & Advocacy: "Describe a time you had to present research findings that contradicted a strongly held belief by a key stakeholder. How did you navigate that situation?"
• Methodology Choice: "When would you choose a qualitative method over a quantitative one, and vice-versa, for a specific research problem within the Nespresso ecosystem?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Nespresso and its mission?"
• "How do you think your UX research expertise can contribute to Nespresso's commitment to sustainability?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive, collaborative culture."
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX research and the coffee industry?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (process/insights), and end (solution/impact).
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially as a senior researcher leading the effort.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify the business and user impact of your research whenever possible. Use metrics and data to demonstrate success.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you handled challenges.
• Tailor to Nespresso: If possible, subtly connect your past experiences and insights to Nespresso's brand, products, or customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong methodological grounding, excellent communication skills, and a clear understanding of how UX research drives business outcomes, especially within a premium consumer brand context like Nespresso.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Nestlé job portal.
• Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV is in English and clearly highlights your 8+ years of UX research experience, specific methodologies used, and quantifiable achievements relevant to digital products and customer experience.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 2-3 comprehensive case studies that showcase your leadership in research, methodological range, and demonstrable impact. Ensure it's easily shareable and highlights your strategic thinking.
• Research Nespresso: Understand Nespresso's brand, products, target audience, and its commitment to sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common UX research interview questions, focusing on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions and outlining your thought process for hypothetical scenarios.

⚠️ 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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