UX Research Growth Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Growth Associate

Company: This is Gain Ltd

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Sales / Business Development / Growth Operations

Date Posted: March 05, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote (with potential for global remote work up to 4 weeks/year)

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a foundational sales role focused on driving growth for the UX Research Services division through proactive lead generation and robust relationship building.

• You will be instrumental in constructing and advancing a dynamic sales pipeline, acting as the primary point of contact for potential clients.

• The role emphasizes a client-centric approach, where understanding and addressing prospect needs through discovery conversations is paramount.

• This position offers a unique opportunity to develop a career in sales within a specialized, high-growth area of a certified Great Place to Work® organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Research Growth Associate," the responsibilities and required skills clearly indicate a sales development or business development role, specifically focused on generating leads and nurturing early-stage client relationships for the UX Research service offering. The emphasis on "Growth" and "Sales Pipeline" confirms this operational focus within the sales function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Sales Pipeline Creation: Proactively identify, research, and engage potential clients to build a consistent and high-quality sales pipeline for UX Research services.

• Lead Nurturing & Qualification: Develop and execute strategies to nurture leads from initial contact through to qualified opportunities, ensuring a steady flow of potential business.

• Relationship Management: Initiate and cultivate strong, trusting relationships with prospects by understanding their unique business challenges and how UX Research can provide solutions.

• Pipeline Progression Support: Collaborate closely with assigned UX Research experts to move qualified deals through the sales cycle, facilitating smooth transitions and ensuring client engagement.

• Discovery & Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough discovery calls to deeply understand prospect needs, pain points, and objectives, acting as a trusted advisor.

• Administrative & Scheduling Support: Manage essential administrative tasks, including scheduling meetings, coordinating follow-ups, and maintaining accurate records in CRM systems.

• Email Communication & Follow-Up: Develop and execute targeted email campaigns and follow-up strategies to maintain consistent engagement with prospects.

• Proposal & Negotiation Support: Assist in the preparation of proposals and support negotiation processes by providing relevant prospect insights and background information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are heavily weighted towards front-end sales activities, specifically lead generation and early-stage relationship management. The emphasis on "nurturing," "initiating," and "constructing" a pipeline points to a Business Development Representative (BDR) or Sales Development Representative (SDR) function, rather than a full-cycle Account Executive role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in sales, business development, or customer service roles.

• Demonstrated track record of achieving targets in previous sales or customer-facing positions.

• Experience with commercial research settings is considered advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Lead Generation: Proven ability to identify and source potential leads through various channels.

• Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with a natural aptitude for building rapport and trust with prospects.

• Sales Pipeline Management: Understanding of pipeline stages and the ability to contribute to pipeline creation and progression.

• Discovery & Active Listening: Excellent listening skills to effectively uncover prospect needs and pain points.

• Communication Proficiency: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate value propositions clearly.

• Presentation Skills: Ability to present information effectively and confidently during initial client interactions.

• Time Management & Organization: Excellent ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Client-Centricity: A natural instinct for adopting a client-centric mindset, focusing on serving prospect needs.

Preferred Skills:

• CRM Software Proficiency: Experience with platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar CRM tools.

• Sales Tools Familiarity: Experience with sales engagement platforms (e.g., Outreach, Salesloft) or lead intelligence tools.

• Commercial Research Understanding: Basic understanding of UX Research principles and their commercial application.

• Negotiation Basics: Familiarity with negotiation principles and supporting sales discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 Years" experience level, coupled with the focus on "lead generation" and "pipeline creation" rather than closing, indicates an entry-level sales role designed for developing talent. The emphasis on "listening," "empathy," and "serving others" highlights a specific cultural fit requirement for a service-oriented sales approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• While a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense might not be required for this entry-level sales role, candidates are expected to demonstrate their capabilities through:

• Case Studies (Conceptual): Ability to articulate how they would approach lead generation for a new UX Research service, outlining potential prospect types, outreach strategies, and qualification criteria.

• Metrics & Performance: Evidence from previous roles (sales, customer service) showcasing target achievement, conversion rates (if applicable), and impact on business objectives.

• System Usage Examples: Clear communication of experience with CRM software and any sales enablement tools used, demonstrating proficiency in data management and workflow adherence.

• Process Articulation: The ability to explain their personal sales process, from initial outreach to qualification, highlighting their structured approach to managing leads.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of sales processes, including:

• Lead Qualification Frameworks: Understanding of common qualification methodologies (e.g., BANT, MEDDIC – though likely simpler frameworks for this role).

• Sales Workflow Design: Conceptual understanding of how leads move through a sales funnel and the associate activities at each stage.

• Performance Tracking: Awareness of key sales metrics and how they are used to measure success and identify areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level sales associate, a traditional portfolio is less common. The expectation here will be more about demonstrating understanding of sales processes, articulating past successes (even in non-sales roles), and showing familiarity with CRM and sales tools. Candidates should be ready to discuss their approach to lead generation and qualification conceptually.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The typical hiring range for this role is $60,000 - $70,000 CAD annually.

• This range includes both a base salary component and performance-based bonus components.

• The exact mix between base and bonus will be determined based on the candidate's relevant skills, knowledge, and experience.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Environment: Flexibility to work from home and in the office.

• Home Office Allowance: Support for setting up a productive home workspace.

• Flex-Fridays: Dedicated time for wrapping up the week or signing off early on Fridays, promoting work-life balance.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Starting with 3 weeks of paid time off annually.

• Winter Holiday Office Closure: Additional time off during the winter holidays.

• Work from Anywhere Allowance: Ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world for up to 20 business days (4 weeks) per year.

• Wellness Support:

  • Wellness time allocation.
  • Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
  • Health Spending Account (HSA).
  • Wellness Spending Account (WSA).

• Dog-Friendly Office: Welcoming environment for furry companions.

• Office Gym Membership: Access to on-site fitness facilities.

• Reward & Recognition Programs: Opportunities to be recognized for contributions and achievements.

• Certified Great Place to Work®: Working in a recognized positive and supportive work environment.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard full-time work week, with an expected 40 hours per week.

• The "Flex-Fridays" policy offers additional flexibility towards the end of the week.

• The "Work from Anywhere" policy provides significant flexibility in location for up to 4 weeks annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($60,000 - $70,000 CAD) is competitive for an entry-level sales development role in Toronto. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the emphasis on wellness, work-life balance (Flex-Fridays, PTO, holiday closure), and remote work flexibility, aligns with the company's "Great Place to Work®" certification and modern employment expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, with a specialization in Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and UX Research services. GAIN Conversion operates at the intersection of data, technology, and creativity to drive measurable growth for brands.

Company Size: The provided data suggests a growing company, likely in the range of 50-200 employees based on LinkedIn and general industry context for "Great Place to Work®" certified agencies. This size offers a balance of established processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: The company was founded with a vision to blend intelligence and creativity, shaping bold strategies and providing brands with the confidence for impactful decisions. The focus on "evidence-based decisions" and a "specialist teams" approach indicates a structured yet innovative environment.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The Growth Associate reports into the VP of Growth.

• Collaboration: Works closely with the Director of UX Research and other UX Research experts.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: Expected to collaborate with marketing, sales, and research teams to align on lead generation strategies and client needs. The culture emphasizes collaboration without ego or drama.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: A core principle is that evidence-based decisions yield the best results, implying a strong reliance on data analysis to inform strategies and measure success.

• Client-Centric Approach: The company prioritizes understanding and meeting client needs, focusing on delivering measurable growth and impactful solutions.

• Agile & Innovative: Blending creativity with data suggests an agile approach to developing strategies and solutions that are forward-thinking and responsive to market changes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly emphasized as "Great Place to Work®," highlighting inclusivity, support, and a collaborative, ego-free environment. This is a significant differentiator and should be a key consideration for candidates. The company's methodology fuses data, tech, and creativity, which is crucial for understanding how sales and operations functions support their client offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an entry-level (0-2 years) position within the sales and growth function. It's designed as a foundational role for individuals aspiring to build a career in sales, specifically within the specialized field of CRO and UX Research services.

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the VP of Growth, providing clear guidance and mentorship. Close collaboration with the Director of UX Research ensures alignment with the service offering and client delivery.

Operations Impact: The Growth Associate's primary impact is on the top of the sales funnel. By generating qualified leads and nurturing relationships, they directly contribute to the revenue pipeline for the UX Research services, enabling the sales team to close deals and drive business growth. Their success is measured by pipeline creation and progression.

Growth Opportunities:

• Sales Skill Development: Extensive opportunity to learn and hone core sales skills, including lead generation, prospecting, discovery calls, CRM management, and client relationship building, under the guidance of experienced professionals.

• Industry Specialization: Deep dive into the world of CRO and UX Research, gaining valuable expertise in a niche but growing market.

• Career Progression: A clear path exists to advance within the sales organization, potentially moving into a full-cycle Account Executive role, or specializing further within business development or client management.

• Mentorship & Learning: Access to mentorship from senior leaders (VP of Growth, Director of UX Research) and a culture that encourages continuous learning and skill development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about different aspects of the agency's operations, from client services to creative strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly framed as a "foundation for a successful career in sales." This implies a strong commitment to training and development, making it an attractive role for individuals looking to kickstart their sales careers in a specialized agency environment. The growth path is likely towards becoming a full-cycle sales representative or progressing within the business development function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, alongside the benefits of remote work.

Office Location(s): Based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The company also offers the flexibility to "Work from anywhere in the world up to 20 business days or 4 weeks per year," indicating a global perspective on talent and work-life integration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is likely equipped with meeting rooms and common areas conducive to team discussions and client interactions, aligning with the "Great Place to Work®" ethos.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary sales enablement tools, CRM systems, and potentially a dedicated home office allowance points to a well-equipped work setup, whether in-office or remote.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model and dog-friendly office suggest an environment where team members can connect informally and formally, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time employment (approx. 40 hours/week).

• "Flex-Fridays" policy provides some end-of-week flexibility.

• The "Work from Anywhere" policy offers significant global location flexibility for a portion of the year.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature combined with extensive remote work allowance (4 weeks/year globally) and "Flex-Fridays" points to a highly flexible and employee-centric work environment. This is a significant perk for operations professionals who value autonomy and work-life balance. The dog-friendly office is a specific cultural amenity that contributes to a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth conversation with the VP of Growth, focusing on sales aptitude, motivation, understanding of the role, and alignment with company values. This stage may involve discussing previous experiences and how they relate to sales challenges.

• Team/Expert Interview: A meeting with the Director of UX Research or a senior UX Researcher. This interview will delve into understanding the UX Research services, the candidate's ability to grasp client needs within this domain, and their approach to discovery conversations.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a short sales-related exercise or a role-playing scenario (e.g., a mock discovery call, an email outreach strategy) to assess practical skills.

• Final Interview/Meet the Team: Potentially a final discussion with senior leadership or a broader team member to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Quantifiable Achievements: Even from non-sales roles, highlight any instances where you exceeded expectations, met targets, or contributed to team success with measurable outcomes.

• Articulate Your "Why": Clearly explain your motivation for pursuing a sales career, your interest in UX Research, and why you're drawn to GAIN Conversion.

• Demonstrate a Client-Centric Mindset: Prepare examples that showcase your ability to listen, understand others' needs, and empathize with their challenges. Use the company's core behaviors ("Focus on Service," "Listening and Learning," "Empathy in Action") as a framework.

• Conceptualize Sales Processes: Be ready to discuss how you would approach lead generation for UX Research services. Outline your ideal process for engaging a prospect, qualifying them, and handing them off.

• CRM/Tool Familiarity: Be prepared to discuss your experience with CRM systems (even basic usage) and any other sales tools you've encountered, highlighting how you leverage them for organization and efficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Discovery Call: Practice conducting a simulated discovery call where you focus on asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and identifying potential client pain points related to digital experiences or user research needs.

• Email Outreach Strategy: Prepare a sample outreach email designed to pique the interest of a potential client (e.g., a Head of Product, a Marketing Director) for UX Research services. Focus on personalization and value proposition.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research GAIN Conversion, its services (especially CRO and UX Research), its values, and its "Great Place to Work®" status. Be ready to articulate how your personal values and work style align with the company's culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both sales aptitude and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their understanding and application of the company's core behaviors, which are heavily emphasized. A conceptual understanding of sales processes and a demonstration of client-centricity will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Software: Essential for managing leads, contacts, and sales activities. Candidates should be familiar with platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar. Proficiency in data entry, tracking interactions, and generating basic reports will be expected.

• Sales Engagement Platforms (SEP): Tools like Outreach, Salesloft, or Apollo may be used for automating email sequences, managing call campaigns, and tracking prospect engagement. Familiarity is advantageous.

• Lead Intelligence & Prospecting Tools: Tools such as LinkedIn Sales Navigator, ZoomInfo, or similar may be utilized to identify and research potential leads.

• Communication & Collaboration Tools: Standard office suites (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365), video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and internal communication platforms (e.g., Slack).

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRM Reporting: Ability to pull basic reports on pipeline status, lead sources, and conversion rates from the CRM.

• Spreadsheet Software: Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for data analysis, list management, and basic reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: The central hub for all sales-related data and workflows. Understanding how to navigate and utilize its features for lead management and activity tracking is critical.

• Email Automation: Experience with or understanding of how to use email templates and sequences within SEPs or CRM to effectively engage prospects at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't named, it's standard for sales roles to require proficiency in a CRM. Candidates should highlight any experience with common CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot) and sales engagement platforms. The ability to use these tools efficiently for lead tracking and communication is paramount.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be One: Emphasizes teamwork, collaboration, and a unified approach to client success and internal goals, fostering an ego-free environment.

• Be Decisive: Encourages taking action and making informed decisions, especially in dynamic sales environments, balancing speed with thoroughness.

• Be Hungry: Promotes ambition, a drive for continuous improvement, and a proactive approach to seeking new opportunities and achieving growth targets.

• Be Undeniable: Focuses on delivering exceptional, high-impact results for clients and colleagues, striving for excellence in all aspects of work.

• Be Accountable: Underscores personal responsibility for actions, outcomes, and commitments, fostering trust and reliability within the team.

Collaboration Style:

• Service-Oriented: The company culture strongly emphasizes serving others (clients and colleagues) first, fostering a supportive and helpful atmosphere.

• Data-Informed & Creative: Collaboration likely involves merging analytical insights with creative problem-solving, encouraging diverse perspectives.

• Transparent & Direct: As a "Great Place to Work®," communication is likely open, honest, and constructive, with a focus on mutual respect and avoiding drama.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Success hinges on seamless collaboration between sales, research, and delivery teams to ensure client needs are met effectively from lead to project completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's five guiding principles ("Be One," "Be Decisive," "Be Hungry," "Be Undeniable," "Be Accountable") are central to its culture. Candidates should understand how these principles translate into daily work and interactions, particularly in a sales context. The emphasis on "serving others" and "listening" is a critical cultural indicator for this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building a New Pipeline: As this is the first dedicated sales role for UX Research, a key challenge will be establishing and growing the pipeline from the ground up, requiring creativity and persistence.

• Market Education: Potentially educating prospects on the specific value and ROI of UX Research services in a competitive market.

• Balancing Volume & Quality: Maintaining a high volume of outreach while ensuring each interaction is personalized and genuinely addresses prospect needs.

• Transitioning Leads: Effectively handing off qualified leads to UX Research experts, ensuring a seamless client experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sales Methodology Mastery: Deepen understanding and application of sales development best practices, lead generation techniques, and CRM utilization.

• UX Research Domain Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge of UX Research methodologies, their impact on business outcomes, and how to articulate their value proposition.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop advanced skills in building rapport, understanding client needs, and managing early-stage prospect relationships.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Learn to work effectively with diverse teams, understanding how sales, research, and client services integrate.

• Career Advancement: A clear pathway exists to progress into more senior sales roles or specialized business development positions within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the "greenfield" nature of establishing the UX Research sales pipeline. This presents a significant opportunity for an ambitious individual to make a tangible impact and shape the process. The learning opportunities are substantial, covering both sales skills and specialized industry knowledge.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Pipeline Generation: "Describe your approach to identifying and engaging potential clients for a specialized service like UX Research. What channels would you prioritize, and what kind of messaging would you use?" (Focus on creativity, targeting, and value proposition).

• Client-Centricity in Action: "How would you handle a situation where a prospect is hesitant or doesn't immediately see the value of UX Research? How would you use your listening and empathy skills to uncover their underlying needs?" (Refer to company values like "Listening and Learning," "Empathy in Action").

• Handling Objections: "What are some common objections you anticipate receiving when introducing UX Research services, and how would you address them while maintaining a client-focused approach?" (Focus on problem-solving and value articulation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Values Alignment: "Our core values are 'Be One,' 'Be Decisive,' 'Be Hungry,' 'Be Undeniable,' and 'Be Accountable.' Can you provide an example from your past experience where you demonstrated one or more of these values?" (Be specific and use the STAR method).

• Teamwork & Collaboration: "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative and supportive team, especially in a hybrid or remote setting?" (Highlight "Be One" and inclusive behaviors).

• Motivation & Growth: "What excites you about this role and GAIN Conversion specifically? What are your long-term career aspirations, and how does this role fit into them?" (Show genuine interest and ambition).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Conceptual Case Study: Be prepared to walk through a hypothetical scenario: "Imagine we want to target SaaS companies struggling with user retention. How would you approach generating leads for our UX Research services for this segment?" Outline your prospecting strategy, key talking points, and qualification criteria.

• Highlighting Transferable Skills: If you don't have direct sales experience, focus on transferable skills from customer service, project coordination, or academic projects. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved customer satisfaction scores by 15%," "Managed project timelines for a team of 5").

• Demonstrating Process Thinking: Articulate how you would organize your day, manage your outreach efforts, and track your progress using a CRM. Show you understand the importance of process and data in sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their understanding of the company's specific values and how they apply them. Demonstrating a client-centric approach, even conceptually, will be crucial. The ability to articulate a proactive sales process and highlight transferable skills will be key for candidates with less direct sales experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience in sales, customer service, lead generation, or roles requiring strong communication, organization, and interpersonal skills. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Portfolio Preparation (Conceptual): Prepare to discuss your approach to lead generation and client engagement, drawing on examples from previous roles or academic projects. Think about how you would identify and qualify leads for UX Research services.

• Company & Values Research: Thoroughly research GAIN Conversion, its UX Research services, its "Great Place to Work®" status, and its core values. Be ready to articulate why you are a good cultural fit.

• Interview Practice: Practice answering common sales interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your client-centricity, communication skills, and enthusiasm for the role and the company. Prepare to discuss your understanding of the company's guiding principles.

⚠️ 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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