Sr. UX Researcher, Versant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher, Versant Company: NBCUniversal Location: Universal City, California, United States Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations Date Posted: August 19, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid (minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives for digital consumer products, focusing on media, streaming, and content platforms within the Versant portfolio (Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, etc.).
• Drive the strategic vision for User Experience (UX) by translating complex research findings into actionable insights that influence product direction, feature validation, and long-term product strategy.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Design, Marketing Research, and Data Science to foster a data-driven and user-centric product development lifecycle.
• Champion user advocacy, ensuring empathy and evidence-based decision-making are integrated into every stage of product development, from conception to launch and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within NBCUniversal, with the specific context that the individual will likely transition to a new, publicly traded company named "Versant" comprised of most of NBCUniversal's cable television networks and complementary digital assets. This transition implies a dynamic environment focused on shaping a new entity's product strategy and user experience. The emphasis on "Versant" and its specific digital assets (Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, etc.) indicates a need for research expertise in consumer-facing digital platforms, particularly within the media and entertainment industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire lifecycle of user research projects, encompassing study design, participant recruitment, rigorous data collection, insightful analysis, and compelling presentation of findings for both generative and evaluative research on Fandango products and experiences.
• Translate intricate research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, effectively communicating them independently to stakeholders across all organizational levels, from individual contributors to senior leadership.
• Foster deep, collaborative partnerships with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to inform product strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure the impact of product initiatives.
• Act as a primary advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle, cultivating a company-wide culture of empathy and evidence-based decision-making.
• Contribute significantly to the overarching strategic vision for UX across the Versant organization, with a particular focus on evolving trends in media consumption, personalization strategies, accessibility standards, and cross-platform user engagement.
• Maintain accountability for the quality and rigor of all research deliverables, ensuring a high standard of execution and methodological soundness throughout the research process.
• Own and proactively drive the user research roadmap, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs, product objectives, and key organizational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Influence both strategic long-term product roadmaps and tactical, near-term product development decisions through robust research findings.
• Actively engage with a network of fellow UX Research colleagues across Versant to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned from research initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving consumer behaviors to continuously refine and advance research methodologies and approaches.
• Manage relationships with research vendors and external partners, ensuring successful execution of research projects when external support is required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic and tactical research leadership. The role requires not only executing research but also influencing product strategy, managing a research roadmap, and contributing to the overall UX vision. The mention of "media, streaming, or content platforms" as a strong plus highlights the need for domain-specific understanding. Owning the research roadmap and influencing strategic roadmaps suggests a senior-level individual contributor with significant autonomy and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE), Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in leading User Experience (UX) research, with a proven track record of influencing product decisions through research insights in digital consumer products.
• Demonstrated experience within media, streaming, or content platforms is considered a significant advantage for this role.
• Proven ability to manage projects and collaborate effectively within large, matrixed organizations is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• UX Research Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex research projects from inception to completion, including study design, participant recruitment, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Methodological Expertise: Proficiency in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including but not limited to surveys, moderated and unmoderated usability studies, diary studies, digital ethnographies, card sorting exercises, and focus groups.
• Data Storytelling & Communication: Exceptional skills in translating complex research findings into clear, compelling narratives and presenting them effectively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, Data Analysts, and Marketing teams to inform product strategy and drive user-centric decision-making.
• User Advocacy: A strong commitment to championing the user and integrating user needs and feedback throughout the entire product development lifecycle.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to contribute to strategic product vision and influence product roadmaps based on research insights and industry trends.
• Analytical Skills: Solid understanding of behavioral user analytics and experience incorporating these insights into UX research efforts.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's degree in HCDE, HCI, Human Factors, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or a related field.
• Experience conducting UX research within fast-paced, agile product development environments.
• Strong quantitative data analysis and statistical skills, with the ability to derive deeper insights from numerical data.
• Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and persuasively across different audiences and organizational levels.
• Direct experience working with executive leadership (Senior Director level and above) for at least 3 years.
• Experience managing projects and navigating large, matrixed organizational structures for at least 2 years.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 7+ years, coupled with the preference for experience with executive leadership and large, matrixed organizations, points to a senior individual contributor role. The emphasis on both foundational and tactical research, as well as the ability to incorporate behavioral analytics, indicates a need for a well-rounded researcher capable of addressing both strategic questions and tactical usability issues.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust and well-organized research portfolio showcasing a diverse range of past UX research projects, clearly demonstrating your research process, methodologies used, and the impact of your findings on product decisions.
• Specific examples of how your research directly influenced product strategy, feature development, or identified key user pain points and opportunities for innovation within digital consumer products.
• Deliverables should highlight your ability to conduct both generative research (e.g., understanding user needs, defining problems) and evaluative research (e.g., usability testing, feature validation).
• Demonstrate how you have measured the impact of your research, ideally with quantifiable results or clear qualitative evidence of product improvement.

Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly document your approach to study design, including the rationale behind chosen methodologies and participant criteria.
• Include examples of how you have synthesized and documented research findings, such as research reports, presentations, or personas, tailored for different stakeholder audiences.
• Showcase instances where you have integrated research findings into product development workflows, potentially including collaboration with design and product teams on iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, a strong portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary evidence of the candidate's capabilities. The expectation is not just a collection of projects, but a clear narrative demonstrating the candidate's thought process, methodological rigor, and, most importantly, the impact of their research on product outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio in detail during the interview process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $105,000 - $130,000 per year. This range is eligible for a bonus.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan to support long-term financial planning.
• Paid Time Off: Generous paid leave benefits for work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program to support continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Employee Perks: Access to a variety of employee discounts and other valuable perks.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring a minimum of three days per week in the Universal City office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a Senior UX Researcher in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, considering the industry and company prestige. The inclusion of a bonus indicates performance-based incentives. The benefits package is standard for a large media and entertainment company, offering a solid foundation for employee well-being and professional growth. The hybrid work model is clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media and Entertainment, specifically focusing on digital content distribution, streaming, and consumer experiences within the "Versant" entity (formerly part of NBCUniversal). Company Size: Part of Comcast NBCUniversal, a very large global media and entertainment conglomerate. The "Versant" entity, as a spin-off, will likely operate with significant scale but potentially with more focused agility than the parent company. Founded: NBCUniversal was founded in 2004 (through the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment). The "Versant" spin-off is expected to be completed in 2025, indicating a new phase of growth and strategic direction.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Data, Insights and Strategic Analytics" team, suggesting a data-forward and analytical approach to understanding user behavior and market trends.
• This team will likely work closely with Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing Research teams, indicating a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• The reporting structure will be within this analytics and insights group, with potential for interaction with senior leadership within the Versant organization.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging both qualitative user research and quantitative behavioral analytics.
• Agile product development methodologies are implied, requiring a flexible and iterative approach to research and product iteration.
• A culture of user advocacy and empathy is expected, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of product strategy and design.

Company Website: [NBCUniversal Company URL] (Note: A specific URL for "Versant" may not be publicly available yet, as it's a new entity in formation.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a spin-off means candidates are joining a company that is actively being shaped. This offers an opportunity to influence processes and culture from an early stage. The emphasis on "Data, Insights and Strategic Analytics" suggests that the company values a rigorous, evidence-based approach to product development, which is critical for a UX Researcher.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Researcher position, indicating a mid-to-senior level role. It involves leading significant research initiatives, influencing strategy, and mentoring junior team members if applicable. The role requires a high degree of autonomy and expertise in UX research methodologies. Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Data, Insights, and Strategic Analytics team. The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a Director or VP level within this function and will collaborate extensively with peers in Product Management, Design, and Engineering. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the success of Versant's digital products, particularly Fandango and related platforms. By providing critical user insights, the researcher influences product strategy, feature development, user engagement, and ultimately, business objectives such as conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of media consumption, e-commerce (like Fandango), or personalization, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Researcher or Managerial role, overseeing a team of researchers and shaping the research practice within Versant.
• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in high-level strategic planning for the Versant digital portfolio, potentially influencing broader business initiatives.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers and contribute to building the UX research function within the new Versant company.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role within a newly forming company, there's a significant opportunity for impact and growth. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would build or refine research processes and contribute to the strategic direction of the Versant digital products. The ability to adapt and shape a new organization's research practice is a key growth aspect.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is designated as hybrid, requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and in-person interaction. Office Location(s): The primary work location is Universal City, California, at 100 Universal City Plaza. This location is a major hub for NBCUniversal's operations. Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with product, design, and data teams.
• Access to necessary tools and technology for UX research, data analysis, and presentation will be provided.
• The environment likely supports a structured workflow for research projects, allowing for deep dives into user behavior and product performance.
• Expect a dynamic atmosphere within a large media company, with potential for cross-departmental projects and learning.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to a standard full-time work schedule, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model, allowing for focused work either in the office or remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role offers a balance between structured in-office collaboration and focused remote work. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, large-company environment and be prepared to actively engage with colleagues across various disciplines.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and portfolios for qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on experience, research philosophy, and alignment with the team's needs. Expect questions about past projects and how you approach research challenges.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where candidates present their research portfolio, detailing case studies, methodologies, and impact. Prepare to discuss your process thoroughly.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Designers, and potentially Data Scientists to assess collaboration skills and understanding of product development workflows.
• Executive/Senior Leader Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, communication skills, and overall fit within the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you solved, the research methods you employed, your specific contributions, and the measurable impact of your work on product outcomes or business goals.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: context, problem, your approach, key findings, recommendations, and outcomes.
• Showcase Methodology: Detail why you chose specific research methods and how they were executed rigorously.
• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams and communicated findings effectively to drive action.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate deep dives into your research process, your decision-making, and how you handle challenges or disagreements.

Challenge Preparation:

• You may be asked to complete a take-home research exercise or a live case study related to Fandango or a similar product.
• Focus on demonstrating your ability to quickly understand a problem, propose a research plan, and synthesize potential findings.
• Practice articulating your thought process and research rationale clearly and concisely.
• Be ready to discuss how your research would inform product strategy and prioritize features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a critical component of the interview process for this role. Candidates should select 3-4 of their most impactful projects that best showcase their skills in leading research for digital consumer products. Preparation for this presentation should include practicing the narrative, anticipating questions about methodology and impact, and ensuring clear, concise delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), survey creation (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), and participant recruitment.
• Analytics & Behavioral Tools: Experience with platforms like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, or similar tools for analyzing user behavior data and complementing qualitative insights.
• Collaboration & Communication: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana) for seamless team collaboration.
• Data Visualization & Presentation: Skills in using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel/Google Sheets for data analysis and presentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Experience with tools that track user journeys, feature adoption, and conversion funnels.
• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create and interpret dashboards that visualize key user metrics and research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how insights can feed into marketing automation or personalization engines would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list specific tools, a Senior UX Researcher in this domain would be expected to be proficient in standard UX research platforms, analytics tools, and collaboration software. The ability to integrate behavioral analytics with qualitative research is a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all product decisions.
• Data-Driven Insights: Valuing rigorous research and analytics to inform strategy and validate hypotheses.
• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across product, design, engineering, and marketing to achieve shared goals.
• Impact & Accountability: Taking ownership of research outcomes and demonstrating the tangible impact of insights on product success and business objectives.
• Continuous Learning: Staying curious about user behavior, industry trends, and evolving research methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment where UX Researchers work closely with cross-functional teams, sharing insights and co-creating solutions.
• Emphasis on clear communication, constructive feedback, and a shared responsibility for product success.
• The ability to influence without direct authority is crucial, requiring strong interpersonal and persuasive communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the context of a new company ("Versant") being formed, the culture is likely to be dynamic and evolving. Candidates who are adaptable, proactive, and can contribute to shaping a positive and productive team culture will be highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• New Entity Formation: Navigating the transition and integration as part of the new "Versant" company, which may involve evolving processes, team structures, and priorities.
• Balancing Strategic vs. Tactical Research: Managing a roadmap that addresses both long-term strategic questions about user needs and immediate tactical needs for feature validation.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Effectively influencing diverse stakeholders with varying priorities and levels of understanding of UX research.
• Data Integration: Synthesizing insights from various data sources (qualitative research, behavioral analytics, market data) into a cohesive understanding of the user.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Expertise: Gaining deep insights into the media, entertainment, and digital content consumption landscape through the Versant portfolio.
• Strategic Impact: Opportunity to contribute to the foundational user experience strategy for a significant media entity.
• Skill Enhancement: Continued development in advanced research methodologies, data analysis, and strategic product thinking.
• Networking: Building relationships with top talent across various disciplines within a major media conglomerate.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges present significant growth opportunities. Shaping the UX research practice for a new company offers a unique chance to influence best practices and build a strong foundation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach change and drive impact in evolving environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a significant research initiative that directly influenced a product roadmap. What was your process, what were the key findings, and what was the ultimate impact?" (Focus on demonstrating end-to-end ownership and impact.)
• "How do you approach balancing foundational research (strategic) with evaluative research (tactical) to meet the needs of a fast-paced product team?" (Highlight your ability to manage competing priorities and integrate different research types.)
• "Walk me through a challenging situation where you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to your research findings. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Showcase your communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the media and entertainment industry, and what are your thoughts on the future of content consumption?" (Demonstrate your industry knowledge and strategic perspective.)
• "How would you describe your ideal collaboration style with Product Managers and Designers? How do you ensure user insights are integrated effectively into their workflows?" (Highlight your cross-functional collaboration approach.)
• "How do you measure the success of your UX research efforts, both in terms of the quality of your insights and their impact on business outcomes?" (Focus on metrics, ROI, and tangible results.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your role and the company, then diving into 2-3 key case studies.
• Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your research approach (methods, rationale), your specific contributions, the key insights, and the resulting product changes or business impact. Use visuals where appropriate.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "Usability improvements led to a 15% increase in task completion rates").
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted timeframe, leaving ample time for Q&A.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and challenges encountered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your process, demonstrating impact, and showcasing your ability to influence. Be ready to discuss the "why" behind your research choices and how you connect insights to business objectives. Understanding the Fandango product and its user base will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects relevant to digital consumer products, media/entertainment, and your experience with both generative and evaluative research. Ensure it clearly demonstrates impact and your process.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX research," "qualitative and quantitative methods," "data storytelling," "stakeholder management," and your experience in the media/content platform domain. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation thoroughly, focusing on clear communication of your research process, insights, and impact. Prepare answers to common UX research interview questions and be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with NBCUniversal and the specifics of the "Versant" spin-off. Research Fandango and its competitive landscape to understand its user base and potential research opportunities.

⚠️ 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.