Lead UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Researcher

Company: Cox Enterprises

Location: Atlanta, GA & Mission, KS (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 6-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

🚀 Role Summary

• Define and execute portfolio-level research strategies, driving long-term product direction and influencing strategic decision-making for multiple product lines within Cox Automotive.

• Lead complex, multi-team, and multi-method research programs, identifying cross-domain insights and ensuring a consistent, high-quality research practice across the organization.

• Leverage advanced agentic AI and LLM tools to build repeatable insight systems, automate synthesis, and enhance the durability and accessibility of user insights.

• Partner closely with Research Operations to establish governance, frameworks, and standards, optimizing scalable research processes and vendor/tooling decisions.

• Serve as a key research leader and mentor, guiding Senior Researchers and influencing product and UX leaders through data-backed storytelling and strategic communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Manager - Non People Leader," indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant strategic and leadership responsibilities, but without direct people management. The emphasis on "agentic AI" and "LLM tools" signifies a forward-thinking approach to research operations, requiring candidates to be at the forefront of leveraging AI for insight generation and synthesis. The hybrid work model and travel requirement suggest a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-person engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and own portfolio-level research strategies, including the development of measurable success criteria and KPIs for research initiatives.

• Lead and orchestrate large-scale, cross-functional research programs across diverse product lines, synthesizing findings to inform strategic product roadmaps and business objectives.

• Develop and refine advanced research artifacts such as personas, journey architectures, and ecosystem maps, ensuring their consistent application and impact across multiple teams.

• Apply cutting-edge agentic AI techniques to construct robust, repeatable insight pipelines, implement quality control mechanisms, and ensure long-term insight durability and accessibility.

• Collaborate strategically with Research Operations on critical functions including governance, research framework development, panel strategy, vendor selection, and tooling optimization.

• Facilitate high-impact alignment workshops with senior product, design, and engineering leaders, utilizing collaborative digital tools (e.g., Miro, Mural) to drive consensus and strategic alignment.

• Provide expert consultation and guidance on appropriate research methodologies for complex, ambiguous, or high-risk projects, ensuring methodological rigor and effectiveness.

• Mentor and coach Senior UX Researchers, acting as a method-of-record reviewer and elevating the research capabilities across the organization.

• Oversee the consistency and long-term strategic value of the research repository, ensuring insights are actionable and readily available to inform product development.

• Influence product roadmaps and strategic planning by clearly communicating evidence-backed opportunities and user needs to executive stakeholders.

• Develop capacity plans and guide resource allocation for research programs, ensuring efficient and effective deployment of research talent and budget.

• Champion and uphold ethical research practices, ensuring participant safety, data privacy, and responsible use of research findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic leadership role focused on scaling research impact. The emphasis on "portfolio level," "multi-team," and "long-term product direction" indicates a need for a candidate who can think holistically and drive impact beyond individual projects. The inclusion of "agentic AI" and "LLM tools" points to a requirement for innovation and automation in research processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Information Science, or a related discipline).

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a related field is preferred. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of applied UX research experience, with a strong preference for 6-10 years.

• Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale, multi-team research programs that have significantly influenced product strategy and business outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience in defining and implementing research operations models, governance frameworks, and research standards. Required Skills:

• Deep command of a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including ethnography, usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, concept testing, and diary studies.

• Expertise in developing advanced personas, journey maps, ecosystem maps, and opportunity landscapes.

• Proficiency in applying agentic AI and LLM tools for user behavior analysis, insight synthesis, pattern identification, and opportunity prioritization.

• Strong ability to architect insight frameworks, research operations models, and establish methodological standards.

• Excellent cross-functional leadership and facilitation skills, with the ability to drive alignment and collaboration among diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Design, Marketing, etc.).

• Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and ambiguity at scale, navigating challenging project landscapes and delivering actionable insights.

• Proven expertise in data-backed storytelling and strategic communication, effectively translating research findings into compelling narratives for senior leadership.

• Familiarity with analytics, experimentation (A/B testing), and modeling workflows to complement qualitative research insights.

• Ability to coach and elevate the performance of multiple Senior Researchers, providing mentorship and guidance.

• Strong understanding of product strategy, business objectives, and decision-making frameworks. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with collaborative tools such as Miro and Mural for workshops and ideation sessions.

• Familiarity with various vendor selection processes and tooling decisions within a Research Operations context.

• Experience in developing capacity plans and guiding resource allocation for research initiatives.

• Understanding of ethical research practices and participant safety protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is broad, allowing for a combination of degrees and years of experience, indicating flexibility. The emphasis on "applied research experience" and "influencing product strategy" suggests a need for candidates who can connect research outcomes to business impact. The specific mention of "agentic AI" and "LLM tools" is a critical differentiator, requiring candidates to be proficient in leveraging these technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating leadership in large-scale, multi-team research programs.

• Clearly articulate your role in defining and executing portfolio-level research strategies, including the development of research roadmaps and success criteria.

• Provide evidence of your ability to architect and implement insight frameworks, research operations models, and methodological standards.

• Include examples of how you have utilized advanced AI or LLM tools for insight synthesis, pattern identification, or automation of research processes.

• Demonstrate your experience in developing and presenting advanced personas, journey architectures, and ecosystem maps used across multiple product lines. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to establishing governance, frameworks, and standards for scalable research processes in collaboration with Research Operations.

• Illustrate your experience in conducting and overseeing multi-method research programs, highlighting your decision-making process for method selection in complex scenarios.

• Document your experience in facilitating alignment workshops with senior leadership, showcasing your ability to drive consensus and strategic outcomes.

• Provide examples of how you have mentored Senior Researchers, including your approach to method-of-record reviews and performance elevation.

• Showcase your ability to influence product roadmaps by communicating evidence-backed opportunity areas and strategic recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating strategic leadership, scalability, and innovation in research. Candidates must be prepared to showcase not just individual research projects, but how they have shaped research strategy, operations, and influenced long-term product direction, with a particular emphasis on AI integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $134,900.00 - $224,900.00 USD annually.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary range is for the United States market, specifically for roles in Atlanta, GA, and Mission, KS. The final salary will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's ultimate work location, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The role may also be eligible for additional incentive compensation. Research into cost of living and market rates for Lead UX Researchers in these specific metro areas would further refine this understanding, but the provided range is competitive for senior-level research roles in major US tech hubs.

Benefits:

• Health Care Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Planning: Access to a 401(k) plan for long-term financial security.

• Paid Time Off:

  • Flexible vacation policy, allowing employees to take as much paid time off as deemed consistent with duties and company needs.
  • Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year.
  • Up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for personal or family wellness.
  • Additional paid time off for bereavement leave, jury duty, voting, volunteer activities, military service, and parental leave.

• Drug-Free Workplace: While federal law prohibits drug possession, use, or being under the influence during work hours, Cox Automotive does not currently administer pre-employment drug tests for marijuana for this position.

Working Hours:

• Standard work hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, emphasizing work-life balance and employee well-being through generous paid time off and wellness programs. The flexibility in vacation and wellness days is a significant perk. The note on drug testing is specific and worth noting for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology and Services. Cox Automotive operates within the dynamic automotive industry, providing a wide range of technology, data, and digital solutions to automotive dealers, manufacturers, and consumers. This includes well-known brands such as Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Manheim.

Company Size: Cox Enterprises is a large, privately held corporation with a significant global presence. Cox Automotive, as a division, is substantial, employing thousands of individuals across various functions. This scale implies opportunities for broad impact and exposure to complex business challenges, as well as a structured environment for operations and career development.

Founded: Cox Enterprises was founded in 1898. This long history indicates a stable, established company with a deep understanding of its markets and a commitment to long-term growth and innovation. The longevity suggests a culture that values tradition while adapting to modern technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• UX Research Team: The UX Research team at Cox Automotive is part of the broader Engineering/Product Development group. This role is a "Manager - Non People Leader," suggesting a senior individual contributor role that leads research strategy and execution across multiple product areas, potentially mentoring other researchers without direct line management.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports into a leadership position within Engineering/Product Development, likely a Director or VP level, responsible for UX or Product Strategy.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: This role is expected to collaborate extensively with Directors, VPs, senior leadership in Product and UX, as well as cross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, and business units.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The company emphasizes using data to inform decisions, a core tenet of operations and research roles.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of technology product development implies an agile or iterative approach, where research insights are fed back into the development cycle.

• Innovation Focus: The mention of "groundbreaking technology" and "transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars" points to a culture that values innovation and forward-thinking solutions, including the adoption of advanced technologies like AI.

Company Website: https://www.coxenterprises.com/ and https://www.coxauto.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in the automotive industry combined with its investment in technology and digital transformation create a unique operating environment. For a Lead UX Researcher, this means understanding complex B2B and B2C automotive ecosystems and leveraging research to drive significant business impact. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-looking approach to research operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a "Lead" or "Manager - Non People Leader" level within UX Research. It signifies a senior individual contributor who is responsible for setting strategic direction, leading complex programs, and influencing senior stakeholders. It's a step beyond executing research tasks, focusing on architecting research efforts and driving organizational impact.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Researcher will likely report to a Director or VP of UX, Product Management, or a related Product Development leadership role. This position will collaborate closely with other senior leaders across Product, Design, Engineering, and potentially Marketing.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Researcher is expected to have a significant impact on the business by:

• Shaping Product Strategy: Directly influencing the long-term direction of multiple product lines through strategic research insights.

• Driving Innovation: Identifying new opportunities and validating innovative solutions through advanced research techniques, including AI-driven insights.

• Improving User Experience: Ensuring that products meet user needs and expectations, leading to increased adoption, satisfaction, and retention.

• Optimizing Research Operations: Enhancing the efficiency, scalability, and impact of research practices across the organization.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Elevating the capabilities of other researchers within the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into people management roles (e.g., Director of UX Research) or to lead even larger, more complex research portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven research, generative AI applications in research, or specific automotive market segments.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Transition into broader product strategy or GTM roles by leveraging deep user understanding and strategic influence.

• Methodological Innovation: Lead the development and adoption of new research methodologies and tools, particularly in the AI space.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in UX research within the automotive technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a senior-level role with significant autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities are substantial, focusing on strategic leadership, methodological innovation, and potentially people management, making it an attractive role for experienced UX researchers looking to make a broad impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," meaning employees are expected to work from a Cox office location part of the week and remotely for the remainder. This suggests a blend of in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. The specific office locations are Atlanta, GA (6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B) and Mission, KS.

Office Location(s):

• Atlanta, GA (6305 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd Bldg B)

• Mission, KS Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on workshops (Miro, Mural) suggest a dynamic, collaborative workspace where in-person time is likely focused on team interaction, strategic planning, and brainstorming.

• Technology Access: As a technology-focused company, employees can expect access to modern tools and technologies necessary for research, analysis, and collaboration. This would include robust computing resources, software licenses, and potentially dedicated research labs or equipment.

• Team Interaction: While remote work is a component, the hybrid nature implies opportunities for regular interaction with research peers, product managers, designers, and other stakeholders within the office setting.

Work Schedule:

• The primary work shift is "Day."

• A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with the flexibility to balance office and remote workdays.

• Occasional travel is required (up to 15% of the time) for portfolio alignment and fieldwork, indicating that candidates should be comfortable with business travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and remote collaboration skills, alongside the ability to engage effectively in an office environment for key strategic activities. The travel component is moderate, suggesting a need for adaptability.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

The interview process for a Lead UX Researcher at Cox Enterprises likely involves several stages designed to assess strategic thinking, research expertise, leadership potential, and cultural fit. Expect the following:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, focusing on your approach to research strategy, leading complex programs, and your understanding of the role's responsibilities.

3. Portfolio Presentation: You will be asked to present a detailed case study (or two) from your portfolio, demonstrating your strategic thinking, methodological choices, execution, and impact. This is a critical stage.

4. Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other UX Researchers, Product Managers, Designers, or Engineering leaders to assess your collaboration style, technical acumen, and ability to influence.

5. Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: An interview with a Director or VP to assess your strategic vision, leadership potential, and alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Your portfolio should emphasize your ability to define and execute portfolio-level research strategies, not just individual projects. Highlight how your work influenced long-term product direction.

• AI Integration: Clearly showcase any projects where you've leveraged AI/LLMs for insight generation, synthesis, or process automation. Detail the tools used, the approach, and the outcomes.

• Methodological Breadth & Depth: Demonstrate command over a variety of research methods, explaining why you chose specific methods for complex or ambiguous problems.

• Impact & Outcomes: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible. Use metrics related to product success, business goals, or operational efficiency improvements.

• Collaboration & Influence: Show how you have partnered with cross-functional teams and influenced senior stakeholders. Use examples of facilitating workshops and presenting evidence-backed recommendations.

• Structure: Organize your case studies logically: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Strategy -> Methodology -> Execution -> Insights & Recommendations -> Impact & Outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Thinking Exercise: Be prepared for a hypothetical scenario where you're asked to outline a research strategy for a new product area or a complex business problem. Focus on defining objectives, identifying key questions, proposing methods, and outlining a phased approach.

• AI Application Discussion: Expect questions about how you would apply AI/LLMs to specific research challenges at Cox Automotive, or how you've used them in the past.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would handle conflicting stakeholder priorities, communicate challenging research findings, or gain buy-in for your research recommendations.

• Research Operations Alignment: Be ready to discuss how you would partner with Research Operations to scale research, establish standards, and select appropriate tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes strategic leadership and the application of advanced techniques like AI. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their strategic vision and demonstrate tangible impact through their portfolio. The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Collaborative Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural (explicitly mentioned).

• AI/LLM Tools: General purpose LLM tools for analysis and synthesis, AI for accelerating discovery, experimentation, and development (explicitly mentioned). Candidates should be ready to discuss specific tools or platforms they've used in this capacity.

• Qualitative Research Tools: Tools for surveys, interviews, and user testing (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, Lookback, UserZoom).

• Quantitative Data Analysis Tools: Familiarity with analytics platforms and statistical software.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude to understand user behavior in context with research findings.

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar for presenting data-driven insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly research tools, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for understanding the broader business ecosystem and how user insights fit into customer journeys.

• Research Repositories: Experience with or understanding of how to structure and manage a research repository for long-term insight durability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "agentic AI" and "LLM tools" is a significant indicator of the technology stack. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AI applications in research, beyond traditional UX research tools. Proficiency with collaborative platforms like Miro/Mural is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Insights: A strong emphasis on using evidence and data to inform decisions, driving strategic product direction and business outcomes.

• Innovation & Future-Forward: A commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, to transform the automotive industry and improve user experiences.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across Product, Design, Engineering, and other departments to ensure research is integrated and impactful.

• User-Centricity: A fundamental dedication to understanding and advocating for user needs and experiences throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Excellence & Rigor: Maintaining high standards for research quality, methodological soundness, and the strategic application of insights.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Developing repeatable processes and leveraging technology (like AI) to ensure research can be conducted effectively and at scale.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires deep collaboration with diverse teams, acting as a bridge between user needs and business objectives. Expect active participation in product strategy discussions and team planning.

• Influential Partnership: The ability to build trust and act as a "trusted advisor" to senior leadership, guiding decisions through robust research evidence.

• Facilitation & Alignment: Leading workshops and collaborative sessions to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on user insights and strategic direction.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing expertise, mentoring junior team members, and elevating the collective research capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to value strategic impact, technological innovation (especially AI), and strong collaborative partnerships. Candidates who can demonstrate these values in their work and communication will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity at Scale: Managing research across multiple product lines and large, diverse teams requires strong organizational skills, strategic prioritization, and the ability to manage ambiguity.

• Integrating AI into Research Workflows: Effectively implementing and scaling agentic AI and LLM tools for research requires experimentation, continuous learning, and adaptation to new technologies.

• Influencing Senior Leadership: Gaining buy-in and driving action from Directors and VPs requires exceptional communication, data-backed storytelling, and strategic acumen.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: As a Lead, balancing the need to define long-term strategy with the practical demands of overseeing multi-team research programs.

• Cross-Domain Synthesis: Identifying and articulating meaningful insights that span across different product areas and business units.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML in Research: Significant opportunities to deepen expertise in applying advanced AI/ML techniques to UX research, becoming a thought leader in this emerging area.

• Strategic Product Leadership: Developing skills in influencing executive-level product strategy and roadmap planning.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Honing leadership and coaching skills by mentoring Senior UX Researchers and contributing to team development.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of UX research methodologies and best practices within the rapidly evolving automotive technology sector.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining deeper understanding of various business functions within Cox Automotive through extensive collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges related to scale, complexity, and technological innovation, but these are directly tied to substantial growth opportunities in strategic leadership and cutting-edge research practices.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a portfolio-level research strategy. What were the key components, and how did you ensure alignment across multiple teams?" (Focus on strategic planning, roadmapping, and stakeholder buy-in.)

• "How would you approach building a repeatable insight system using agentic AI and LLM tools for Cox Automotive's product portfolio? What are the potential benefits and challenges?" (Prepare to discuss AI implementation, data synthesis, and insight durability.)

• "Walk us through a complex, high-risk research project you led. How did you select your methods, manage ambiguity, and ensure the insights were actionable for senior leadership?" (Highlight decision-making, methodological rigor, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the automotive industry and Cox Automotive's mission to transform how people buy, own, and use cars?" (Research Cox Automotive's brands, market position, and strategic goals.)

• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within product teams, especially when dealing with diverse business objectives?" (Demonstrate understanding of user advocacy and cross-functional collaboration.)

• "How would you partner with Research Operations to establish governance and standards for research across the organization?" (Show awareness of operational efficiency and scalability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the business problem, your strategic approach, the research methods used, your specific role and contributions, the key insights, and the tangible business/product impact.

• Highlight AI Integration: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase any projects where you utilized AI/LLMs. Explain the "why," "how," and "what" of your AI application.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, product adoption rates, cost savings).

• Showcase Leadership: Emphasize your role in leading teams, influencing stakeholders, and driving strategic decisions, not just executing research tasks.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology choices, data analysis, and how you handled challenges or unexpected findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership in complex environments, and proficiency with advanced technologies like AI. The portfolio presentation is the key opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Cox Careers site.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful case studies that specifically highlight your experience in leading large-scale, multi-team research programs, defining portfolio-level strategies, and any application of AI/LLM tools in research. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates how your work influenced product direction and business outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to prominently feature keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "UX Research," "Research Strategy," "Agentic AI," "Ethnography," "Journey Mapping," "Cross-functional Leadership," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation thoroughly, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your strategic approach, methodological choices, and measurable impact. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI in research and how you would apply it at Cox Automotive.

• Research Cox Automotive: Familiarize yourself with Cox Automotive's brands (Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, etc.), their market position, and their stated mission of transforming the automotive industry. Understand their focus on technology and innovation.

⚠️ 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.