Manager, UX Research

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager, UX Research

Company: Smartsheet

Location: Remote, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) & Research Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-24T20:22:14

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead UX research initiatives for a core product area, driving product decisions and measurable business impact through customer insights.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of UX researchers, fostering high-quality research output and individual growth.

• Develop and own the research roadmap for a designated product area, prioritizing opportunities with the highest potential for customer and business impact.

• Collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Engineering leadership to align research priorities with strategic business goals and product development cycles.

• Synthesize research findings with other data sources (product analytics, competitive intelligence) to identify patterns, opportunities, and quantify product-user interaction with business results.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Manager, UX Research," the core responsibilities and experience requirements lean heavily into individual contribution and team leadership for UX research within a product development context. This role is crucial for informing product strategy and ensuring user-centricity in B2B productivity software. It bridges the gap between user needs and business outcomes through data-driven insights.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and execute the end-to-end research roadmap for a specific Smartsheet product area, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

• Conduct hands-on quantitative and qualitative research studies, employing a variety of methodologies to uncover deep user insights.

• Manage and mentor a team of UX researchers, providing guidance on research planning, execution, analysis, and presentation.

• Partner with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to define research questions, integrate findings into product strategy, and prioritize development efforts.

• Synthesize complex research data with product analytics and competitive intelligence to inform product direction and identify areas for optimization.

• Translate research findings into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations for stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.

• Contribute to the development and scaling of research practices, infrastructure, and vendor management to enhance Smartsheet's overall UX maturity.

• Drive alignment with cross-functional partners around user needs, fostering a collaborative research process and ensuring user insights are integrated throughout the product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic leadership (roadmap ownership, aligning with business goals) and direct research execution. The mention of "driving alignment" and "influencing decisions" highlights the strategic influence expected of this role within product development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Cognitive Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Research roles at this level. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 7+ years of dedicated UX research experience focused on digital products.

• Proven track record of delivering research insights that have led to measurable product improvements and business impact.

• Demonstrated experience in managing or mentoring UX researchers, with a history of fostering growth and elevating the quality of research work.

• Experience conducting complex research projects at scale, managing multiple studies concurrently and their integration into product roadmaps.

• Experience working with B2B products, particularly those focused on business productivity, project management, or process management, is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• Expertise in a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, diary studies, card sorting, A/B testing analysis).

• Strong ability to synthesize complex data from multiple sources (user research, product analytics, competitive analysis) into actionable insights.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership.

• Proven ability to drive alignment and collaboration across cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering).

• Strategic thinking and roadmap planning capabilities to identify and prioritize research opportunities.

• Deep understanding of Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles and practices. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with research infrastructure development and vendor management.

• Familiarity with advanced statistical analysis for quantitative research.

• Experience in a fast-paced, agile product development environment.

• Knowledge of Smartsheet's platform or similar collaborative work management tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years" experience level, coupled with management/mentorship requirements and the need to influence executive audiences, positions this as a mid-to-senior level role within the UX Research discipline. The emphasis on B2B products and productivity software is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of UX research experience on digital products, with clear examples of research driving measurable product improvements.

• Case studies demonstrating the end-to-end research process, from defining research questions and planning studies to synthesizing findings and presenting actionable recommendations.

• Evidence of managing or mentoring other researchers, highlighting growth and impact on their work.

• Examples of research that informed product strategy, prioritized features, or led to significant UX enhancements.

• Demonstrations of synthesizing research with other data sources (e.g., analytics, competitive intelligence) to provide a holistic view. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of how you have developed and owned research roadmaps for product areas, demonstrating strategic prioritization aligned with business goals.

• Examples of cross-functional collaboration, illustrating how you've driven alignment with Product, Design, and Engineering partners around user needs.

• Documentation of how you have presented complex research findings to executive audiences and influenced product decisions.

• If applicable, examples of contributions to scalable research practices, infrastructure, or vendor management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should not just present research projects but also demonstrate strategic impact, leadership in research operations, and the ability to influence product direction through data-driven insights. For this role, showcasing experience with B2B productivity tools and complex research at scale will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided US Base Salary Pay Range is $155,000 - $187,500 USD per year. Benefits:

• Health & Wellness: Employer-subsidized medical, vision, and dental coverage; counseling membership; personal Smartsheet account.

• Financial Security: 401k Match (50% of your contribution up to the first 6% of eligible pay); employer-sponsored life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability plans.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible Time Away Program; Sick Time Off; 12 paid holidays per year; up to 24 weeks of Parental Leave; Personal paid Volunteer Day.

• Productivity & Development: Monthly stipend to support work and productivity; opportunities for professional growth and development, including access to Udemy online courses.

• Perks: Local retail discounts.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule is expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The "Teleworking options from any registered location in the U.S. (role specific)" indicates flexibility within the US timezone framework, allowing for effective collaboration with distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Manager-level UX Research role in the US tech market, especially for a fully remote position. The comprehensive benefits package emphasizes employee well-being, financial planning, and professional development, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The monthly stipend is a notable perk for remote workers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software / Productivity & Collaboration Tools. Smartsheet operates in the highly competitive SaaS market, focusing on work management, collaboration, and automation solutions that help businesses improve efficiency and drive outcomes.

Company Size: Smartsheet is a publicly traded company (NYSE: SMAR) with a significant global presence, indicating a mature organization with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specific product teams. It is likely in the "Large" to "Enterprise" category based on its market position and employee count.

Founded: Smartsheet was founded in 2005, giving it over two decades of experience in empowering teams and evolving its product. This history suggests a stable company with a deep understanding of its market and customer needs.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of the broader Product and Design organization.

• This role reports to the Director, UX Research, and will manage a small team of researchers.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Engineering teams within a specific product area.

• Cross-functional partnerships are key to integrating research insights into the product development lifecycle. Methodology:

• Smartsheet emphasizes a data-driven approach, combining user research with product analytics and competitive intelligence to inform product decisions.

• Human-Centered Design (HCD) practices are central to their UX philosophy, aiming to create efficient, powerful, and intuitive user experiences.

• The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging researchers to contribute to scalable research practices and infrastructure.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed within product development, requiring researchers to be adaptable and integrate their work seamlessly into iterative cycles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Smartsheet's focus on empowering teams and its ambitious vision, especially with the integration of AI, indicates a company that values innovation and strategic growth. The culture likely supports collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to user success in the B2B productivity space.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Managerial role within UX Research, signifying a transition from individual contributor to team leadership. It requires seasoned expertise in research methodologies, strategic thinking, and people management. The role is responsible for a significant product area, indicating a high level of trust and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Manager, UX Research will report directly to the Director, UX Research. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight, as well as a pathway for upward mobility within the UX Research function.

Operations Impact: The UX Research Manager's impact is directly tied to informing product strategy, improving user experience, and ultimately driving business results for Smartsheet's core product offerings. By ensuring the customer's voice is central to development, this role contributes to user adoption, retention, and market competitiveness of the platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Senior Manager or Director role within UX Research, potentially overseeing larger teams or broader product portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunities to shape the strategic direction of Smartsheet's products by providing critical user insights at the highest levels.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, emerging technologies (like AI integration in UX research), or B2B product strategy.

• Mentorship & Development: Continue to hone people management and team-building skills, guiding the careers of junior researchers.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop stronger partnerships with Product, Design, and Engineering leadership, potentially leading cross-functional initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a well-established tech company. The blend of leadership, strategic input, and hands-on research makes it a compelling opportunity for experienced UX researchers looking to expand their influence and manage a team.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote within the USA. This indicates a distributed workforce model, emphasizing asynchronous communication and digital collaboration tools.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, Smartsheet is a registered employer in various US locations, implying that while you can work from anywhere in the US, there might be specific states or regions where employment is officially recognized.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: Expect a heavy reliance on collaboration tools like Smartsheet itself, Slack, Zoom, and other digital platforms for communication, project management, and virtual meetings.

• Asynchronous Workflows: The remote nature necessitates proficiency in asynchronous communication, clear documentation, and efficient project management to keep distributed teams aligned.

• Research Tools: Access to a suite of UX research tools (survey platforms, usability testing software, data analysis tools) will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual team meetings, 1:1s with direct reports and manager, and cross-functional syncs will be integral to the work.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with flexibility to manage personal schedules as long as core collaboration hours and deliverables are met.

• The remote setting allows for greater autonomy in structuring the workday, accommodating different working styles and personal needs, while ensuring availability for critical team interactions and stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first environment at Smartsheet is a significant aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with digital collaboration, asynchronous communication, and self-management to thrive in this setting.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review your application and resume, focusing on your years of experience, management history, and B2B product research background.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the Director, UX Research to assess your strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, research expertise, and alignment with the team's vision.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your research process, insights, impact, and ability to influence. This is a critical stage to showcase your skills directly.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product and Design leaders from the product area you would support. These interviews will focus on collaborative skills, understanding of product development, and ability to translate research into actionable product input.

• Team Interview: Potentially an interview with some of the researchers you would manage, assessing your management style and ability to mentor.

• Final Round: May involve a presentation on a hypothetical research challenge or a discussion with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 impactful case studies that best represent your experience in managing research, driving product impact, and working with B2B products.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your research approach, the key insights, the recommendations, and most importantly, the measurable business or product outcomes achieved. Use specific metrics where possible.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to mentor researchers, own a research roadmap, and influence stakeholders.

• B2B Relevance: Highlight any experience with productivity tools, project management software, or complex business workflows.

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: problem, approach, findings, recommendations, impact. Be prepared to discuss your process in detail and answer questions about trade-offs or alternative methods.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions related to how you would approach research for a specific Smartsheet feature or problem area.

• Think about how you would prioritize research efforts given limited resources and competing business priorities.

• Practice articulating your research philosophy, management style, and how you integrate user insights into product strategy.

• Prepare questions that demonstrate your understanding of Smartsheet's business, product, and UX maturity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates must be able to clearly articulate not just what they did, but why they did it, how it impacted the product/business, and how they led others through the process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Tools for conducting usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms), and participant recruitment.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Smartsheet (the product itself will be a key tool), Jira, Confluence, Asana for workflow management and documentation.

• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for real-time and asynchronous communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude to analyze user behavior data and complement qualitative research findings.

• Data Synthesis Tools: Proficiency in spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets) and potentially data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) for synthesizing and presenting data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM or sales automation, understanding how user insights impact these areas within a B2B context can be beneficial. Familiarity with how CRMs like Salesforce are used by customers can provide context for B2B productivity tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is UX Research, proficiency with tools that enable data synthesis, cross-functional collaboration, and understanding user behavior within digital products is essential. Smartsheet itself is a critical tool for internal operations and project management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs to drive product development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on research insights and analytics to inform strategy and product choices.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working openly with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and ensure user insights are integrated across departments.

• Impact & Measurability: Focusing on research that leads to tangible improvements in user experience and measurable business outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to refine research methodologies, enhance UX maturity, and innovate in product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a trusted advisor and partner to Product, Design, and Engineering, integrating research seamlessly into their workflows.

• Influence: Utilizing data and compelling narratives to advocate for user needs and influence product strategy and prioritization.

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively seeking opportunities to collaborate and share insights across different departments, ensuring a unified approach to user experience.

• Feedback Loops: Fostering an environment where feedback is regularly exchanged, both within the research team and with cross-functional partners, to drive continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Smartsheet's culture likely values pragmatism, a results-oriented approach, and a collaborative spirit, particularly given its focus on productivity and work management. The UX Research team plays a vital role in embodying these values by ensuring user needs are central to the company's product strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Needs with Business Urgency: Effectively prioritizing research efforts to meet critical product deadlines while ensuring depth and rigor.

• Scaling Research: Developing and implementing scalable research practices that can support a growing product suite and user base.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data: Integrating qualitative user insights with quantitative product analytics and competitive intelligence to form a cohesive understanding of user behavior and market needs.

• Influencing Executive Stakeholders: Presenting research findings in a compelling way that resonates with senior leadership and drives strategic decisions.

• Mentoring and Developing a Team: Growing a small team of researchers, providing effective guidance, feedback, and career development support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening B2B Product Expertise: Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and nuances of the B2B productivity software market.

• Advanced Methodologies: Exploring and applying emerging research techniques and technologies, potentially including AI-driven research insights.

• Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to hone people management skills, strategic planning abilities, and executive communication.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development resources like Udemy, and potentially industry events, to stay current with UX research best practices and trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex research challenges within a leading SaaS company. The focus on B2B products and the potential for strategic influence are key growth drivers for experienced UX researchers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to developing a research roadmap for a core product area. How would you identify and prioritize opportunities for maximum customer and business impact?" (Prepare to discuss prioritization frameworks, stakeholder alignment, and linking research to business objectives.)

• "How do you manage and mentor UX researchers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member grow their skills or improve their work." (Focus on your leadership philosophy, coaching techniques, and feedback mechanisms.)

• "Walk us through a complex research study you led from start to finish. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the ultimate impact on the product and business?" (This is where your portfolio presentation shines. Be ready to go deep on one specific case study.)

• "How do you synthesize qualitative research findings with quantitative data (like product analytics) to inform product decisions?" (Discuss your methods for triangulation, identifying patterns, and creating a holistic user narrative.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Smartsheet and our mission to empower teams with AI?" (Research Smartsheet's latest initiatives, AI integration strategies, and company values. Connect your passion for user-centricity to their vision.)

• "How do you ensure user needs are understood and prioritized by cross-functional teams (Product, Design, Engineering)?" (Highlight your collaboration strategies, communication skills, and ability to build consensus.)

• "How do you present research findings to executive audiences to ensure they are understood and acted upon?" (Discuss your storytelling abilities, data visualization techniques, and focus on actionable recommendations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a clear overview of Smartsheet, your understanding of their product, and the specific product area you'd focus on. Then, dive into your case studies.

• Quantify Success: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your methodology, key insights, and measurable outcomes. Use metrics such as increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores, or feature adoption rates.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Explicitly call out instances where you mentored researchers, managed a roadmap, or influenced senior stakeholders.

• B2B Focus: Tailor your examples to highlight experience with B2B software, productivity tools, or complex business workflows where possible.

• Interactive Discussion: Be prepared for follow-up questions. Treat it as a collaborative discussion rather than a one-way presentation. Ask clarifying questions about Smartsheet's current research practices or challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily assess your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to translate research into tangible business value. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the B2B SaaS landscape and Smartsheet's specific product context will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Smartsheet careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your experience in UX research leadership, B2B product research, and driving measurable business impact. Select case studies that best showcase your ability to manage a research roadmap and mentor researchers, emphasizing the outcomes of your work.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7+ years of UX research experience, specifically mentioning your experience with digital products, B2B software, and any management or mentorship roles. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Research," "roadmap," "quantitative," "qualitative," "stakeholder management," and "B2B products."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the "STAR" method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to articulate your contributions and their impact. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer about the team, product strategy, and company culture.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Smartsheet's products, mission, recent news (especially regarding AI integration), and company values. Understand their position in the productivity software market and how UX research contributes to their success.

⚠️ 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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