VP of UX, Research and Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: VP of UX, Research and Design
Company: Trustpilot
Location: Copenhagen, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: User Experience (UX), Product Design, Research Leadership
Date Posted: October 12, 2025
Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior Leadership)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and scale Trustpilot’s User Experience (UX), User Research, and Product Design functions, setting the strategic direction for all user-facing digital experiences.
• Drive the integration of user-centric design principles across consumer-facing platforms, AI answer engines, customer feedback sentiment analysis tools, and emerging agentic AI experiences.
• Foster a collaborative environment, working hand-in-hand with Product Management and Engineering to translate product strategy into innovative and seamless digital products.
• Champion the voice of both B2C consumers and B2B customers, ensuring their needs and perspectives are represented at all business levels.
• Develop and implement standardized design tooling, methodologies, and a robust design system to enhance designer and engineering efficiency and ensure consistent user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position, reporting directly to the Chief Product Officer, indicating significant strategic influence and responsibility for a critical function within a high-growth, publicly traded company. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking approach to user experience design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and direct the overarching design strategy for Trustpilot’s user experiences, in close partnership with Brand and Copywriting teams.
• Establish and grow a comprehensive user research function, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions and validate product hypotheses.
• Develop and implement career frameworks and growth profiles to elevate the craft of product design and support the professional development of the design team.
• Standardize design tooling, workflows, and best practices to streamline the product design process and improve cross-functional collaboration.
• Create and mature a design system function to drive consistency, efficiency, and scalability across Trustpilot's digital product portfolio.
• Ensure a seamless and consistent user experience across all customer touchpoints by collaborating closely with Brand and Marketing teams.
• Maintain a deep understanding of iOS and Android platform conventions and advocate for a mobile-first design approach in all product development.
• Publicly represent and elevate Trustpilot’s Product Design function through thought leadership, speaking engagements, content creation, or community outreach.
• Act as the primary advocate for the customer, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, team building, process optimization, and hands-on design oversight, typical for a VP-level role in a product-led organization. The expectation to "elevate the craft" and represent the function publicly points to a desire for industry influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in user experience, user research, and product design, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity managing design teams. Proven track record of building and scaling design functions within a high-growth technology environment.

Required Skills:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Ability to define and execute a long-term vision for UX, research, and design, aligned with business objectives.
• Team Building & Management: Experience in hiring, mentoring, and developing high-performing design and research teams.
• User-Centric Design Methodologies: Deep understanding and application of user-centered design principles, including user research, usability testing, and iterative design.
• Design Systems: Proven experience in creating, implementing, and managing comprehensive design systems for scalability and consistency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to partner effectively with Product Management, Engineering, Brand, and Marketing teams.
• Mobile-First Design: Proficient understanding of mobile design patterns and best practices for iOS and Android platforms.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to leverage quantitative and qualitative data to inform design strategy and measure impact.
• Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design vision and rationale to executive stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in SaaS or platform-based businesses, particularly those with a strong consumer and business-facing component.
• Familiarity with AI integration in user experiences and emerging technologies.
• Public speaking or content creation experience within the design community.
• Knowledge of Agile/Scrum development methodologies and their impact on design processes.
• Experience with global product launches and localization considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's seniority and the company's focus on AI and global reach, experience with complex platform ecosystems and emerging technologies is highly advantageous. The emphasis on research suggests a need for a leader who can champion data-informed design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable examples of successfully building and scaling UX, Research, and Design functions, showcasing team growth, process improvements, and strategic impact.
• Case studies detailing the development and implementation of comprehensive design systems, highlighting efficiency gains and consistency improvements.
• Examples of user research initiatives that directly influenced product strategy and led to measurable improvements in user satisfaction or business outcomes.
• Evidence of strategic collaboration with Product Management and Engineering to bring ambitious product visions to life.
• Portfolio pieces that illustrate experience with mobile-first design principles and platform-specific design considerations (iOS/Android).

Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their methodologies for establishing and refining design processes, including:
  • Workflow design and optimization for product development lifecycles.
  • Implementation strategies for new design tools and technologies.
  • Performance measurement frameworks for design initiatives and team output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP-level role, the portfolio should focus on strategic impact, team development, and systematic improvements rather than individual design execution. The ability to articulate process and demonstrate measurable outcomes is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for VP-level UX/Design leadership roles in major European tech hubs like Copenhagen, and considering Trustpilot's FTSE-250 status, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €150,000 - €220,000 annually, potentially higher for exceptional candidates. This range is subject to negotiation and will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Options: A range of flexible arrangements to support work-life balance.
• Competitive Compensation Package: Includes base salary and bonus potential.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs): Equity ownership in Trustpilot, aligning personal success with company growth.
• Generous Paid Time Off: 25 days of annual holiday, increasing to 30 days after one year of service.
• Paid Volunteering Days: Two days per year to contribute to community causes.
• Learning & Development: Access to Trustpilot Academy and Blinkist for continuous professional growth.
• Comprehensive Health Package: Including health insurance and pension contributions.
• Mental Wellness Support: Full access to Headspace, a leading mindfulness app.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for new parents.
• Central Copenhagen Office: A vibrant office environment with amenities like a coffee bar, canteen, table tennis, and affordable breakfast/lunch options.
• Social & Networking Opportunities: Regular company events, ERG activities, team socials, and an optional Social Club for leisure activities.
• Employee Discounts: Access to discounts at local restaurants and shops.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours per week), with a focus on flexibility and results over strict adherence to time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of VP UX/Design roles in Copenhagen, factoring in company size, industry (SaaS/Tech), and public company status. Benefits are extensive and aligned with attracting senior talent in the European tech market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Reviews, Consumer Trust Platform, SaaS Technology. Trustpilot operates in a dynamic market focused on building and maintaining trust in the digital economy, a space increasingly influenced by AI and data. Company Size: Over 1,000 employees. This indicates a mature, established organization with structured processes, yet still retaining a growth-oriented culture characteristic of a high-growth tech company. Founded: 2007. With over 15 years of operation, Trustpilot has a solid foundation and a proven business model, now looking to further scale and innovate.

Team Structure:

• The UX, Research, and Design function will report to the Chief Product Officer, placing it at a strategic level within the product organization.
• This role will lead a team of designers and researchers, likely with specialized sub-teams or individuals focusing on different product areas or disciplines (e.g., B2C UX, B2B UX, User Research, Design Systems).
• Close collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Brand teams is integral to the company's product development lifecycle.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Trustpilot emphasizes leveraging data to inform strategy and product development, a core tenet for this role.
• Agile Development: The company operates within an Agile framework, requiring design processes that can integrate seamlessly with engineering sprints and iterative development cycles.
• Customer Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring that user needs and feedback are at the forefront of all product decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Trustpilot fosters a collaborative environment where different departments work together to achieve common goals.

Company Website: https://business.trustpilot.com/jobs/7315045?gh_jid=7315045

📝 Enhancement Note: Trustpilot's positioning as a "universal symbol of trust" and its FTSE-250 status suggest a company that values integrity, growth, and a strong user focus. The culture is described as collaborative, diverse, and focused on employee development, which is crucial for attracting and retaining senior leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a VP-level executive role, signifying a senior leadership position responsible for a critical function. It demands strategic vision, extensive experience in managing teams and processes, and the ability to influence company-wide product strategy. The scope includes building out functions (User Research, Design Systems) and setting long-term direction.

Reporting Structure: The VP of UX, Research and Design reports directly to the Chief Product Officer (CPO). This high-level reporting line ensures direct access to executive decision-making and a significant voice in product strategy and company direction.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on Trustpilot's ability to innovate, deliver exceptional user experiences, and maintain its competitive edge. By ensuring user needs are met and experiences are seamless, the VP of UX will influence customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth. The strategic direction set for UX, Research, and Design will shape the future of Trustpilot’s products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to significantly shape the product vision and company strategy through user-centric insights and design leadership.
• Functional Development: Lead the build-out and maturation of key functions like User Research and Design Systems, establishing best practices and team capabilities.
• Industry Recognition: Potential to become a recognized leader in the UX and Product Design community through public contributions and thought leadership.
• Career Advancement: As a VP-level executive in a growing company, there are potential pathways to more senior executive roles within Trustpilot or opportunities to leverage this experience for broader leadership roles in the industry.
• Mentorship & Development: Opportunities to mentor and develop a talented team of designers and researchers, fostering their growth and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a high degree of autonomy and strategic impact, suitable for an experienced leader looking to leave a significant mark on a well-established, growing tech company. The direct reporting to the CPO is a strong indicator of the role's strategic importance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Trustpilot operates from a central, modern office in Copenhagen. The description emphasizes a "laid-back vibe and constant buzz," suggesting a dynamic and energetic workspace that balances professionalism with a relaxed atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Copenhagen, Denmark. Trustpilot also has offices in other global locations, but this specific VP role is based in Copenhagen.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office is designed to foster interaction, with amenities like a coffee bar, canteen, and table tennis, encouraging informal collaboration and team building.
• Resource-Rich: Access to a wide variety of refreshments, with optional breakfast and lunch services, supports employee comfort and productivity.
• Multicultural Environment: The office is characterized by a "wide variety of refreshments" and a "constant buzz of different languages," reflecting Trustpilot's diverse, international workforce.
• Technology & Tools: While not explicitly detailed for this role, it's implied that the workspace is equipped with the necessary technology and tools to support design and research activities, likely including high-performance workstations and collaborative software.

Work Schedule: While specific hours are not detailed, the emphasis on "flexible working options" suggests that Trustpilot values autonomy and results, allowing for adaptable schedules within the framework of full-time employment and team collaboration needs. This flexibility is crucial for creative roles that may require focused deep work periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Copenhagen office is presented as a stimulating and amenity-rich environment designed to encourage interaction and collaboration, which is ideal for leadership roles that require extensive stakeholder engagement. The emphasis on flexibility supports a modern work approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by the recruitment team and potentially the hiring manager (CPO).
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your leadership philosophy, strategic vision for UX/Research/Design, and experience in building and scaling teams. Expect discussions around your approach to AI integration and customer-centricity.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, likely including Product Management leads, Engineering leadership, and potentially Brand/Marketing counterparts. These will assess your collaboration style, ability to influence, and understanding of their respective domains.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Conversations with potential direct reports or peers within the product/design organization to evaluate cultural fit and leadership style.
• Executive/Final Interview: A final discussion, potentially with other C-suite members, to confirm alignment on strategic goals and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Highlight your experience in defining and executing design strategy, building teams, and implementing processes that drove significant business impact.
• Case Study Depth: For each case study, clearly articulate the challenge, your strategic approach, the methodologies used (research, design, systems), your specific role, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased user satisfaction, improved conversion rates, enhanced efficiency).
• Process & Systems: Showcase your experience in establishing design systems, standardizing tooling and workflows, and building research functions. Quantify the benefits where possible.
• Leadership Narrative: Frame your portfolio around your leadership journey, demonstrating how you've grown and evolved design functions.
• Tailoring: Be prepared to discuss how your experience specifically applies to Trustpilot's mission, product, and the challenges of integrating AI into user experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect a potential design challenge or a strategic discussion focused on a hypothetical Trustpilot scenario. This could involve outlining a strategy for a new AI-driven feature, proposing improvements to an existing user flow, or discussing how to integrate user research findings into the product roadmap.
• Be ready to articulate your thought process clearly, demonstrate problem-solving skills, and present your recommendations concisely, as you would in a real stakeholder meeting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive significant change. A well-curated portfolio that demonstrates impact and strategic acumen is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, as it's an industry standard for collaborative design), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), session recording (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory), and potentially specialized qualitative analysis tools.
• Design System Management: Tools for documentation (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook) and component libraries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics.
• Product Analytics: Mixpanel, Amplitude, Pendo.
• BI Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for data visualization and reporting).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Salesforce (a strong possibility for a company of this size and growth stage).
• Customer Data Platform (CDP): Potentially used for unifying customer data.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed in the job description, a VP of UX, Research, and Design is expected to be proficient in or have experience overseeing the implementation and management of a comprehensive design and research technology stack. Familiarity with industry-standard tools for design, research, analytics, and collaboration is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust: As the company name suggests, trust is likely a foundational value, influencing how teams collaborate internally and how the product serves its users. For operations, this means data integrity, transparent processes, and reliable system performance.
• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both consumers and businesses that use Trustpilot. This translates to prioritizing user feedback and experience in all operational decisions.
• Collaboration: Trustpilot emphasizes working together across departments and geographies to achieve shared goals. This involves open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to support colleagues.
• Innovation & Growth: A culture that encourages continuous improvement, embracing new technologies (like AI) and fostering personal and professional development. This means being adaptable and proactive in optimizing processes and experiences.
• Integrity & Transparency: Operating with honesty and openness, reflecting the company's positioning as an independent and impartial review platform.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design and research are integrated early and continuously with Product Management and Engineering.
• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions and decision-making will be heavily influenced by both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in products, processes, and team dynamics.
• Global & Diverse: Working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and cultures, requiring strong intercultural communication skills and an inclusive approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Trustpilot's stated values of trust, customer centricity, collaboration, and growth are key drivers for its culture. A leader in this role must embody these values and foster them within their team and across the organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design & Research: Building and scaling robust User Research and Design System functions within a fast-paced, high-growth environment presents significant organizational and operational challenges.
• AI Integration Complexity: Strategically integrating AI into user experiences while maintaining trust, usability, and ethical considerations requires careful planning and execution.
• Balancing B2C & B2B Needs: Ensuring a cohesive and effective user experience across distinct consumer and business user bases with potentially competing needs.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Maintaining consistent design vision and execution across multiple product teams and stakeholders, each with their own priorities.
• Elevating Design's Strategic Voice: Continuously advocating for and demonstrating the strategic value of UX, Research, and Design to executive leadership and the wider organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to refine executive-level strategic planning, team management, and influence within a public company context.
• Emerging Technology Expertise: Deepen knowledge and practical application of AI in UX design and product development.
• Industry Influence: Develop thought leadership and build a public profile within the design and tech communities.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor a diverse team of talented designers and researchers, contributing to their career growth.
• Global Product Strategy: Gain experience in shaping product strategies for a global user base.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to tackle complex, high-impact challenges in a growing tech company, with significant opportunities for personal and professional development in strategic leadership and emerging technologies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building a world-class User Research function from the ground up at Trustpilot, and what key metrics would you track?"
• "Describe your strategy for developing and evolving a comprehensive design system that supports both B2C and B2B products, while ensuring efficiency for designers and engineers."
• "What is your vision for integrating AI into Trustpilot's user experiences, and what are the primary design and ethical considerations you would prioritize?"
• "How do you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within a design and research team?"
• "Walk me through your process for collaborating with Product Management and Engineering to translate product strategy into actionable design roadmaps."

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Trustpilot's mission and our role in the market?"
• "How do you assess and contribute to a positive and inclusive team culture?"
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had differing opinions on design direction. How did you navigate that situation?"
• "How do you think Trustpilot's values translate into the day-to-day work of a UX, Research, and Design team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around key themes: strategic impact, team leadership, process innovation, and measurable results.
• Data-Driven Storytelling: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic solution, your team's execution, and the quantifiable outcomes. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.
• Process & Systems Emphasis: Dedicate time to showcasing your experience in building design systems, establishing research processes, and implementing standardized tooling. Explain the "why" behind your process choices.
• Leadership Focus: Frame your contributions not just as an individual contributor but as a leader who enabled and guided teams to achieve success.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your leadership style, conflict resolution, decision-making under pressure, and how you manage trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic foresight, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of how design and research drive business outcomes, particularly in the context of a growing tech company with evolving technologies like AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this VP of UX, Research and Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Trustpilot careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience in leadership, strategy development, team building, and scaling UX/Research functions. Focus on case studies demonstrating impact on user experience, efficiency, and business growth.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, leadership roles, and specific achievements in UX, research, and design strategy, using keywords relevant to the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Trustpilot, its products, market position, and recent news. Prepare thoughtful answers to potential strategy, leadership, and cultural fit questions, and practice presenting your portfolio with a clear, impact-focused narrative.
• Company Research: Understand Trustpilot's mission, values, and strategic priorities, particularly concerning AI integration and user trust. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with the company's future direction.

⚠️ 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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