Junior Researcher (UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Researcher (UX)

Company: Gymshark

Location: Solihull, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Junior (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Assist in planning and executing diverse UX research methodologies to gather deep insights into user behavior and needs across digital platforms.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to identify critical user pain points and opportunities for product enhancement, directly impacting the customer journey.

• Collaborate closely with product, design, and analytics teams to translate research findings into actionable recommendations for optimizing user experiences.

• Synthesize complex research data into clear, compelling reports and presentations for various stakeholders, driving data-informed decision-making.

• Champion the voice of the user within the organization, ensuring product development is inclusive and reflective of global community needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a leading e-commerce and fitness apparel brand, suggesting a strong focus on understanding the digital customer journey and optimizing online user experiences. While not strictly a Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, the emphasis on user insights to drive product improvement and business decisions aligns with the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations focus on customer-centricity and data-driven strategy. The "Junior" level indicates a strong emphasis on learning and development within established research frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a range of UX research methods, including usability testing, in-depth customer interviews, and surveys, with a focus on detailed customer journey mapping.

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative user data to uncover unmet needs, identify friction points in user flows, and discover opportunities for significant product improvement.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, UX designers, data analysts, and digital content strategists to ensure research findings are integrated into holistic, insight-led product strategies.

• Synthesize research findings into clear, actionable reports, presentations, and insights summaries that effectively inform product and design decisions.

• Communicate research insights and recommendations in a compelling and persuasive manner to a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, product teams, and design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a practical, hands-on approach to UX research, emphasizing the end-to-end process from planning to communication. The inclusion of "customer journey flows" and "stakeholders, including product managers, designers, analysts, and digital content leaders" points to a role that bridges user understanding with business objectives, typical of GTM-focused operations roles that aim to improve customer acquisition and retention through product optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Market Research, or a related field is highly beneficial for understanding human behavior and research methodologies.

Experience: 0-2 years of experience researching human behavior, gained through academic projects, internships, personal projects, or prior professional roles. A foundational understanding of UX Research principles is expected, with a strong eagerness to learn and develop specialized skills.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in researching human behavior, whether through academic study, professional work, or personal initiatives.

• A deeply curious mindset, with a natural inclination to question assumptions, explore underlying motivations, and delve into complex problems.

• Strong empathy for users, coupled with genuine enthusiasm for identifying and solving real-world user challenges.

• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, with the confidence and ability to communicate effectively within a dynamic team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Foundational knowledge of core UX research methods, encompassing both qualitative (e.g., interviews, ethnography) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, analytics) approaches.

• Strong presentation and storytelling abilities, with a proven capacity to translate complex research findings into clear, engaging narratives tailored for diverse audiences.

• Prior experience working cross-functionally with design teams, data analysts, product managers, and other key business stakeholders.

• Familiarity with common UX research tools and platforms for study execution, data analysis, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "foundational knowledge" and "passion for learning" for a Junior role suggests that while prior direct experience is valued, a strong academic or project-based understanding of research principles and a demonstrated aptitude for user-centric problem-solving are key. The preferred skills indicate a desire for candidates who can integrate quickly into a collaborative, product-focused environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one detailed case study demonstrating the end-to-end UX research process, from initial research questions to actionable insights and their impact on product decisions.

• Include examples of research plans, methodologies used (e.g., usability test scripts, interview guides, survey designs), and synthesized findings.

• Present how qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed to derive meaningful conclusions about user needs and behaviors.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document research processes, including research objectives, participant recruitment criteria, methodologies, and analysis frameworks.

• Provide examples of how insights were translated into clear, actionable recommendations or user stories for product and design teams.

• Show an ability to articulate the rationale behind chosen research methods and how they align with project goals and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior Researcher role, the portfolio should emphasize potential and foundational understanding rather than extensive experience. The focus will be on the candidate's ability to think critically about the research process, articulate their methodology, and demonstrate a clear understanding of how research translates into business value, a key aspect of GTM operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Junior UX Researcher in Solihull, England, based on current market data for entry-level research roles within the tech and e-commerce sectors, the estimated salary range is between £25,000 and £35,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in the West Midlands region and the typical entry-level compensation for roles requiring specialized analytical and research skills.

Benefits:

• Performance-based Bonus opportunity: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, reflecting a results-oriented culture.

• Funded Healthcare benefit: Comprehensive health coverage, supporting employee well-being.

• 25 days holiday, additional day for your birthday & Bank Holidays: Generous paid time off, including a special day for personal celebration.

• Contributory Employer pension scheme: Support for long-term financial planning with employer contributions.

• Flexible benefits programme: A customizable benefits package including:

  • Salary sacrifice EV scheme: Opportunity to acquire electric vehicles tax-efficiently.
  • Dental insurance: Additional coverage for dental care.
  • Cycle to work scheme: Encourages active commuting with tax benefits.
  • Tech scheme: Access to the latest technology through salary sacrifice.
  • Holiday trading: Flexibility to buy or sell additional holiday days.

• Gymshark Employee Discount: Significant discounts on Gymshark products, fostering brand advocacy.

• Long service awards: Recognition for commitment and tenure.

• Access to High Street cashback and discounts: Savings on everyday purchases.

• Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing Support: Holistic support programs for employees.

• Enhanced Family Leave package: Comprehensive support for new parents.

• Life Assurance: Financial security for dependents.

• Office location specific benefits (Solihull - IQ):

  • Gym Membership to The Lifting Club (LC): Access to an onsite fitness facility.

  • Onsite lunch provision & coffee bars: Convenient and subsidized food and beverage options.

  • EV charge points available: Facilities for electric vehicle charging. Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with the full-time employment type. While the role is on-site, Gymshark often offers flexibility within core working hours to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity, particularly important for roles involving deep work and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are extensive and align with a large, established employer in the UK. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for junior roles in the UK's West Midlands, considering the specific industry (e-commerce/retail) and the specialized nature of UX research. The inclusion of a performance-based bonus and flexible benefits highlights a focus on employee value and tailored support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Fitness Apparel, Retail. Gymshark operates at the intersection of fast-fashion retail, direct-to-consumer e-commerce, and the booming fitness and wellness industry. This dynamic environment requires agility and a deep understanding of consumer trends and digital engagement.

Company Size: Gymshark is a rapidly growing global company, indicated by its significant employee count and international presence. This scale means the UX Research function is likely well-integrated into product development, but also faces the challenges of maintaining consistent user experience across diverse markets and product lines.

Founded: Gymshark was founded in 2012. Its rapid growth from a small startup to a global powerhouse in the fitness apparel market is a testament to its strong brand identity, community focus, and effective digital strategy. This history suggests a culture that values innovation, agility, and a direct connection with its customer base.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is likely part of a larger Product or Design department, comprising specialists in various research methods and potentially working across different product areas (e.g., web, mobile app, specific product categories).

• The reporting structure would typically involve a UX Research Lead or Manager, with Junior Researchers reporting to them, providing guidance and mentorship.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods heavily rely on a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative user feedback with quantitative behavioral data to form a comprehensive understanding of user needs.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, ensuring research activities align with product roadmaps and development sprints, providing timely and relevant insights.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where possible, particularly in survey distribution, data collection, and basic analysis, to maximize the output of the research team.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Gymshark's rapid growth and community-centric ethos is crucial. As a "Junior Researcher," demonstrating an understanding of how UX research contributes to brand loyalty, customer acquisition, and retention within a competitive e-commerce landscape will be key. The company's "Belonging at Gymshark" initiative indicates a strong focus on inclusivity, which should be reflected in research approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Junior," typically implying 0-2 years of professional experience. It signifies an entry-level position focused on learning, skill development, and contributing to established research processes under guidance. The scope involves executing defined research tasks rather than independently defining research strategy for large initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Junior UX Researcher will likely report to a Senior UX Researcher, UX Research Lead, or a Head of UX/Product. This structure provides direct mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to learn from experienced professionals within the field. Collaboration will extend to cross-functional teams such as Product Management and UX Design.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue or sales operations role, the UX Researcher's impact is significant in driving product optimization, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately influencing conversion rates and customer lifetime value. By ensuring products meet user needs and provide seamless experiences, this role indirectly supports GTM objectives by improving user engagement and retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience with a wide array of UX research methodologies, from foundational usability testing to more advanced qualitative and quantitative techniques.

• Industry Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas of UX research relevant to e-commerce, mobile applications, or particular product lines within Gymshark's portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Exposure to product development lifecycles, design thinking processes, and data analysis, fostering a holistic understanding of product strategy and GTM execution.

• Mentorship and Learning: Direct mentorship from senior researchers and access to internal training, workshops, and potentially external conferences/courses to build expertise.

• Career Progression: A clear path to advance to Associate UX Researcher, UX Researcher, Senior UX Researcher, and potentially leadership roles within the UX or Product domains, contingent on performance and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Junior UX Researcher is typically focused on deepening research skills and understanding the product development lifecycle. For candidates, highlighting a proactive learning attitude and a desire to contribute to measurable product improvements will be key to demonstrating potential for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Gymshark maintains modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The Solihull office, referred to as "IQ," is equipped with amenities to support employee well-being and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Solihull, England, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office address and accessibility would be provided during the application process. Gymshark also has a presence in London (LDN), but this role is based in Solihull.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, encouraging interaction between researchers, designers, product managers, and analysts. This environment supports the sharing of insights and iterative design processes.

• Access to relevant operations tools and technology, including research platforms, collaboration software, and potentially data analytics tools, will be available to facilitate effective research execution.

• Ample opportunities for team interaction, including regular team meetings, cross-functional project discussions, and informal communication channels, are expected.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site with a standard 40-hour work week. While core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and meetings, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, allowing for effective data analysis and research planning outside of peak collaboration periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the Solihull office ("IQ") as having specific benefits like The Lifting Club gym and onsite amenities suggests a company culture that invests in its employees' well-being and provides a supportive, integrated work environment. This is particularly relevant for roles that require focused analytical work and collaborative problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest in UX research, and cultural fit with Gymshark's values.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a UX Research Lead or Manager) focusing on your experience, motivation for UX research, and understanding of research principles.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A crucial stage where you present a selection of your work. This will involve walking through 1-2 case studies, explaining your research process, findings, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your methodology, challenges, and how you collaborated with others.

• Skills-Based Exercise/Case Study: You may be given a small research task or a hypothetical problem to solve, assessing your analytical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to translate insights into recommendations.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential collaborators (e.g., a UX Designer, Product Manager, or Data Analyst) to assess your communication style, collaboration skills, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 1-2 projects that best showcase your research process, problem-solving skills, and ability to drive impact. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives: the problem, your approach, the process, the insights, and the outcome/impact. Explain your "why" for each decision.

• Highlight Methodology: Clearly articulate the research methods you used and why they were appropriate for the problem. Discuss any challenges encountered and how you overcame them.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a X% increase in conversion," "identified Y critical usability issues that were subsequently fixed"). If direct quantification isn't possible, focus on how your insights informed strategic decisions.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Explain how you worked with designers, product managers, or other stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, your reasoning, and how you would handle specific scenarios.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study or exercise, carefully read the brief and identify the core problem and objectives.

• Outline Your Approach: Before diving deep, spend a few minutes outlining your research plan, including key questions, target users, and chosen methods.

• Focus on Actionability: Ensure your recommendations are practical, specific, and directly address the problem identified through research.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining your thought process and recommendations clearly and concisely, as time will likely be limited.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for UX roles. Emphasize demonstrating a structured approach to research, clear communication of findings, and an understanding of how research drives business outcomes. For a Junior role, showing a strong learning aptitude and a solid grasp of foundational principles is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting online surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze), and potentially remote interview platforms.

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in using tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for team communication and project coordination.

• Project Management Software: Experience with JIRA, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking research tasks and project timelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: Basic understanding of spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets) for qualitative data analysis and quantitative data aggregation. Familiarity with tools like Miro or Mural for affinity mapping and synthesis.

• Presentation Software: Expertise in creating clear and compelling presentations using tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote to communicate research findings.

• Analytics Platforms (Basic Exposure): While not the primary focus, an awareness of web analytics tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics can be beneficial for understanding user behavior data.

CRM & Automation:

• While direct CRM experience isn't explicitly required for this UX role, understanding how customer data is managed within a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can provide context for user segmentation and research participant recruitment.

• Familiarity with any internal systems or tools used for managing customer feedback or insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Junior UX Researcher, proficiency is expected in core research execution and synthesis tools. The emphasis is on the ability to learn and adapt to Gymshark's specific technology stack. Demonstrating an understanding of how research integrates with other operational tools (like analytics and CRM) is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Community-Centricity: A core value at Gymshark, emphasizing the importance of understanding and serving the global conditioning community. This means research must be empathetic and focused on genuine user needs.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While this role is qualitative-heavy, the insights generated must be grounded in evidence and contribute to informed strategic choices, working alongside quantitative analysts.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, skill development, and optimizing processes, both in research methodologies and product development.

• Inclusivity and Belonging: A strong emphasis on creating equitable experiences for all users and fostering a diverse and inclusive internal culture. Research efforts should aim to understand and cater to diverse user groups.

• Passion and Drive: A culture that values enthusiasm, dedication, and a proactive approach to achieving ambitious goals, mirroring the fitness ethos.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach where UX researchers work seamlessly with product managers, designers, developers, and marketers to ensure a unified approach to product development.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages direct and honest feedback, fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely and constructively.

• Insight Sharing: A proactive approach to disseminating research findings across teams, ensuring that user insights are widely understood and utilized to inform strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Gymshark's core values, particularly "Community," "Belonging," and "Data-Driven," is crucial for demonstrating cultural fit. As a Junior Researcher, showing how you embody these values in your research approach and collaborative interactions will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Speed: In a fast-paced e-commerce environment, ensuring research is both methodologically sound and delivered in a timely manner to meet product development deadlines.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating qualitative findings with quantitative data from various sources (analytics, A/B tests) to form a cohesive and actionable picture of user behavior.

• Communicating Complex Insights: Effectively translating nuanced research findings into clear, concise, and compelling recommendations for non-research audiences who may have varying levels of familiarity with UX principles.

• Advocating for the User: Ensuring the user's voice remains central amidst competing business priorities and stakeholder opinions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deep dive into advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods, including experimental design, longitudinal studies, and advanced statistical analysis.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend industry events (e.g., UXPA, CHI) and pursue relevant certifications to enhance professional credibility and knowledge.

• Mentorship and Leadership Development: Benefit from dedicated mentorship from senior researchers and potential opportunities to lead smaller research initiatives, laying the groundwork for future leadership roles.

• Exposure to E-commerce Best Practices: Gain in-depth knowledge of user behavior and optimization strategies specific to the online retail and fitness industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting an awareness of these challenges and a proactive attitude towards learning and development will demonstrate maturity and a strong potential for growth within the role and the company. Frame challenges as opportunities for skill-building.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching the user experience of our mobile app's checkout process?" (Focus on your methodology, key questions, and how you'd gather insights.)

• "Describe a time you had to communicate complex research findings to a non-technical audience. How did you ensure they understood the implications?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on clarity and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Gymshark as a brand and its community?" (Research their mission, values, and recent campaigns.)

• "How do you see UX research contributing to Gymshark's overall business goals?" (Connect user satisfaction/engagement to business outcomes like retention and conversion.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the research problem or opportunity for each case study.

• Walk Through Your Process: Detail the methods used, your rationale, and any challenges overcome. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Present Key Insights: Focus on the most impactful findings rather than overwhelming the audience with raw data.

• Showcase the Impact: Explain how your insights influenced decisions and, if possible, the resulting business outcomes.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, data interpretation, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your preparation to Gymshark's specific industry (e-commerce, fitness) and company values. Emphasize your ability to translate user insights into actionable recommendations that support business objectives, a key trait for anyone contributing to GTM success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse application portal linked.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight any experience in research, data analysis, human behavior studies, and collaborative projects. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX research," "usability testing," "qualitative data," and "stakeholder communication."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that demonstrate your research process, analytical skills, and ability to derive actionable insights. Ensure it's well-organized and easy to navigate. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely.

• Research Gymshark: Understand their brand, community, products, and recent initiatives. Familiarize yourself with their website and app from a user experience perspective.

• Practice Interview Questions: Prepare answers for common UX research interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving approach, collaboration skills, and understanding of research methodologies. Practice articulating your portfolio walkthrough.

⚠️ 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.

---