UX Research Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Research Specialist Company: B&Q Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom (Hybrid) Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Category: User Experience / Product Operations Date Posted: September 24, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (Approx. 2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centric product development by managing the end-to-end delivery of qualitative UX research for digital services, products, and features.
• Translate complex user observations and data into actionable, digestible insights that directly inform design decisions and strategic business direction.
• Foster a collaborative research environment through active participation in knowledge sharing, contributing to a consolidated insights repository, and promoting best practices.
• Actively identify new research opportunities and areas where deeper understanding of customer trends and behaviors can provide a competitive advantage.
• Serve as a key stakeholder and “gatekeeper” for product experiences, ensuring alignment with research findings and accountability for user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Research Specialist," the responsibilities lean towards a hybrid role that bridges traditional UX research with aspects of product operations by ensuring research findings are integrated into product strategy and development. The emphasis on managing end-to-end research delivery and being accountable for the user experience suggests a mid-level role with significant autonomy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Proactively identify opportunities for user research, defining clear objectives and recommending appropriate methodologies to meet project needs and business goals.
• Conduct a range of qualitative research methods, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and ethnographic studies, to gather deep user insights.
• Synthesize findings from diverse research sources (including existing internal and external research) to identify patterns, derive actionable insights, and propose clear next steps or new lines of inquiry.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including designers, product managers, engineers, and marketing, to integrate user insights into the product lifecycle and development process.
• Act as a champion for user needs, effectively communicating research findings and strategic recommendations through compelling storytelling and presentations to stakeholders at various levels.
• Support and mentor junior team members or less experienced colleagues in research practices and insights interpretation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of research processes, tools, and methodologies within the team and organization.
• Participate actively in design critiques and post-project reviews, providing data-backed feedback and ensuring user-centricity is maintained.
• Document research plans, methodologies, findings, and recommendations clearly and systematically for knowledge sharing and future reference.
• Propose and advocate for new research areas and innovative approaches to uncover deeper user understanding and drive business growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach to UX research, emphasizing not just execution but also the strategic application of insights to influence product direction and business outcomes. This goes beyond basic research tasks, requiring a strong understanding of product strategy and cross-functional collaboration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. A Master's degree is a plus. Experience: 2-5 years of experience in UX research, product research, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of managing research projects from inception to delivery.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, contextual inquiry, diary studies).
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to translate raw data and observations into clear, actionable insights.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (design, product management, engineering).
• A proactive and self-starting attitude, with the ability to identify opportunities and solve problems independently.
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving work environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational and planning skills.
• A curious mindset, eager to learn and stay updated on new research techniques, technologies, and industry trends.
• Comfort and experience in conducting customer-facing interviews and facilitating research sessions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with quantitative research methods and analytics tools (e.g., survey platforms, web analytics).
• Familiarity with A/B testing principles and their application in UX.
• Experience working within an Agile/Scrum development environment.
• Knowledge of design tools and principles (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).
• Experience in the retail or DIY sector.
• Contribution to building and maintaining a shared knowledge base or research repository.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of research expertise, communication prowess, and collaborative capabilities. The preferred skills suggest that candidates with broader data analysis experience or specific industry knowledge will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, demonstrating end-to-end research management from planning to insight delivery.
• Case studies highlighting specific research challenges, the methodologies employed, key findings, and the tangible impact of those insights on product design and business outcomes.
• Examples of how research has directly influenced strategic decisions, feature prioritization, or product roadmaps.
• Evidence of strong analytical skills through clear articulation of synthesized data and user insights.
• Demonstrations of effective communication and presentation of research findings to various stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of well-documented research plans, including clear objectives, participant criteria, and chosen methodologies.
• Samples of research reports or presentations that effectively communicate findings and recommendations in a digestible format.
• Demonstrations of how research processes are integrated into broader product development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it needs to showcase not just research execution but also strategic thinking and impact. Candidates should be prepared to detail their research processes and demonstrate how their work drives tangible business results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum. Benefits:

• Competitive Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance (PMI)
• ShareSave Scheme
• Generous Holiday Allowance (6.6 weeks)
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support
• Generous shopping discounts for B&Q products
• Colleague wellbeing benefits and initiatives
• Opportunities for professional development and training

Working Hours: Typically 37.5 hours per week, with potential for flexible working arrangements within the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The starting salary of £45,000 is noted as "From £45,000," suggesting potential for negotiation based on experience. The comprehensive benefits package, including PMI and ShareSave, indicates a commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement, which is attractive for mid-level professionals. The holiday allowance is significantly above the statutory minimum.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Improvement) Company Size: Large (B&Q is a major retailer with a significant store footprint and a large employee base, likely in the thousands) Founded: 1969 (B&Q has a long history, suggesting a stable but evolving organization)

Team Structure:

• The UX Research Specialist will likely be part of a dedicated User Experience or Product Design team within the Store Support Office (SSO).
• This team probably collaborates closely with Product Management, Digital Development, Marketing, and potentially Merchandising teams.
• Reporting structure is likely to a Head of UX, Lead UX Researcher, or Head of Digital Product.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging both quantitative and qualitative insights to guide product strategy.
• A collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging cross-functional input and shared ownership of user experience.
• Continuous improvement of processes and adoption of new tools and techniques to enhance efficiency and impact.
• A focus on understanding the customer journey across both digital and physical retail touchpoints.

Company Website: www.diy.com

📝 Enhancement Note: B&Q's long history and large size suggest a company with established processes but also a drive for digital transformation. The UX Research Specialist will play a vital role in modernizing customer experiences and ensuring B&Q remains competitive in a dynamic retail landscape. The hybrid working model reflects a modern approach to employee work-life balance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-level position within a growing UX/Product operations function. It offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in UX research methodologies and gain exposure to broader product strategy. Reporting Structure: The specialist will report into a UX lead or manager, with direct collaboration across product, design, and development teams. This provides visibility and influence. Operations Impact: The UX Research Specialist's insights will directly influence the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of B&Q's digital products and services, impacting customer satisfaction, conversion rates, and overall business performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in specific research areas or methodologies.
• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior researchers, lead research initiatives, or move into a Senior UX Researcher or Research Lead role over time.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of product management, digital strategy, and retail operations through close collaboration.
• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of UX research best practices and contribute to establishing innovative research approaches within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a strong stepping stone for individuals looking to build a career in UX research or product operations within a large, established organization. The company's investment in digital transformation suggests a commitment to growing this function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Store Support Office (SSO) – this indicates a central hub for corporate functions, not a retail store. Office Location(s): Southampton, England, United Kingdom (specifically at B&Q House, SO53 3LE).

Workspace Context:

• A hybrid work environment, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The office is likely designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and focused work.
• Access to modern office facilities and technology to support research activities and collaboration.
• Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues across various departments, fostering knowledge sharing and networking.
• A culture that values open communication and feedback, crucial for effective teamwork in research and design.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours with a hybrid arrangement, offering flexibility for employees to manage their work and personal commitments effectively, while ensuring collaborative presence when needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering the best of both worlds: collaborative team interaction and focused work. The SSO location suggests a professional corporate setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific research projects, methodologies, and the impact of their work. This is a critical stage.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion about experience, problem-solving approach, and alignment with team objectives.
• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (designers, PMs) to assess collaboration skills and fit within the wider product team.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the problem, your role, research methods, key findings, and the impact/outcome.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research recommendations (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased customer satisfaction scores).
• Showcase Process: Detail your end-to-end research process, including how you identified research needs, planned studies, recruited participants, analyzed data, and communicated findings.
• Storytelling: Present your projects as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
• Tailor to B&Q: Consider how your experience and approach align with B&Q's mission and customer base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential case studies or hypothetical scenarios asking you to outline a research plan for a specific product or feature.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating your ability to prioritize and adapt.
• Think about how you would integrate user feedback into a product backlog and collaborate with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is paramount. Candidates should be ready to deep-dive into their work and articulate the 'why' and 'how' behind their research, with a clear focus on business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for remote usability testing and participant recruitment.
• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms for quantitative data collection and feedback surveys.
• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, or similar for collaborative ideation, research synthesis, and journey mapping.
• Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD – understanding these tools helps in collaborating with designers.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (familiarity helpful for understanding user behavior on the website).
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (exposure to these can aid in presenting synthesized data).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM concepts and data structures (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) can be beneficial for understanding customer data context.
• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello for managing research tasks and project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While B&Q likely has its own specific stack, the emphasis is on proficiency with core UX research tools and a general understanding of analytics and product development platforms. The ability to learn new tools quickly is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the customer's needs and experience.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional user experiences.
• Data-Driven: Basing decisions and recommendations on robust research and evidence.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve user problems and improve products.
• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to refining processes, learning new techniques, and enhancing personal and team performance.
• Ownership: Taking responsibility for research outcomes and their impact on the business.

Collaboration Style:

• Open and communicative, fostering a safe environment for sharing ideas and feedback.
• Cross-functional integration, with a focus on building strong working relationships with design, product, and development teams.
• Supportive, with an emphasis on shared learning and mutual growth within the team.
• Respectful of diverse perspectives and approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value both individual contribution and collaborative teamwork, with a strong emphasis on customer advocacy and data-informed decision-making, aligning well with effective operations practices.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: Ensuring timely research delivery in a fast-paced retail environment without compromising the quality and depth of insights.
• Integrating Insights: Effectively translating research findings into actionable product changes and ensuring buy-in from various stakeholders.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Leading research initiatives for new or evolving digital products where user needs may not be clearly defined from the outset.
• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Securing resources and buy-in for research activities from different departments with potentially competing priorities.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with evolving customer behaviors, technological advancements, and new UX research methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research techniques or explore quantitative research methods.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant UX and product development conferences to stay updated on industry best practices.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced researchers and product leaders for guidance and career development.
• Impactful Projects: Working on high-visibility projects that have a direct impact on B&Q's digital strategy and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a UX researcher in a large organization, offering significant opportunities for professional growth through problem-solving and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a research plan to understand customer pain points when searching for specific DIY products on our website?" (Focus on methodology, participant recruitment, key questions).
• "Describe a time you had to convince a skeptical stakeholder about the importance of a user insight. How did you do it?" (Focus on communication, data presentation, influencing skills).
• "How do you prioritize research requests when multiple teams have urgent needs?" (Focus on strategic thinking, time management, stakeholder negotiation).
• "Walk me through a research project where your findings led to a significant change in a product or feature." (Focus on portfolio presentation, impact, and process).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about B&Q's approach to digital customer experience?" (Demonstrate research into the company).
• "How do you see yourself contributing to our team's collaborative environment?" (Highlight teamwork and communication skills).
• "What are your thoughts on hybrid working and how do you ensure effective collaboration in such a setup?" (Address remote work best practices).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 3-4 Strong Projects: Choose projects that showcase a range of skills and demonstrate impact.
• Tell the Story: Frame each project with a clear narrative arc: problem, approach, findings, impact.
• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your contributions and decision-making throughout the research process.
• Visuals: Use clear visuals (screenshots, data charts, personas) to support your narrative.
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges faced, and how you measured success.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely focus on practical application of research skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive tangible business outcomes through user insights. Demonstrating an understanding of B&Q's business and customer base will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Research Specialist position:

• Submit your application via the provided careers portal link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-4 diverse UX research projects. Focus on demonstrating end-to-end research management, clear synthesis of findings, and measurable impact on product decisions or business outcomes. Prepare to articulate your process and rationale for each project.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords like "UX research," "qualitative research," "usability testing," "user interviews," "insight synthesis," "cross-functional collaboration," and "product strategy." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with B&Q's digital presence, recent initiatives, and target customer segments. Understand their mission and values to articulate your fit.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to UX research challenges, stakeholder management, and collaborative problem-solving.

⚠️ 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.