(Senior) UX Researcher (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) UX Researcher (all genders)

Company: Kaufland e-commerce

Location: Remote or Cologne / Darmstadt / Düsseldorf / Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Permanent Contract, Full- or Part-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid/Remote (within Germany)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product strategy and immediate product decisions through comprehensive user research, encompassing both foundational and strategic studies.

• Own the end-to-end research process, from defining research questions and selecting methodologies to executing studies and delivering clear, actionable recommendations.

• Leverage a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including user interviews, usability testing, surveys, unmoderated testing, and analysis of behavioral and market data.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineers across multiple product areas to integrate user insights early in the development lifecycle.

• Utilize and contribute to the advancement of AI in daily research practices, shaping how the team applies these technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a (Senior) UX Researcher, implying a need for seasoned professionals capable of independent project ownership and strategic influence. The emphasis on "foundational studies" and "long-term user experience vision" suggests a role that contributes significantly to strategic product direction, not just tactical validation. The "all genders" and "Diversity at Kaufland e-commerce" sections highlight a commitment to inclusive hiring practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct user research across the entire product development lifecycle, from generative discovery to solution validation and end-to-end evaluation.

• Design and execute a variety of research studies, including but not limited to: user interviews, usability tests, surveys, unmoderated testing, and analysis of behavioral and market data.

• Combine qualitative insights with quantitative data (triangulation) to provide robust and well-supported recommendations.

• Actively involve yourself in the early stages of product definition, collaborating with cross-functional teams to identify and understand user needs and challenges.

• Translate research findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for product managers, designers, and engineers, ensuring insights drive decision-making.

• Contribute to and maintain a shared research repository to make insights accessible and reusable across product teams.

• Conduct competitive benchmarking and triangulate findings with primary customer research to identify strategic opportunities and competitive advantages.

• Facilitate workshops and design engaging formats to effectively communicate research insights and ensure they influence product decisions.

• Proactively identify research opportunities and advocate for user-centered design principles within the product development process.

• Integrate AI tools into research workflows to enhance efficiency and explore new research possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on research role with a strong emphasis on end-to-end project ownership and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "triangulating" methods and "benchmarking competitors" suggests a need for sophisticated analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information from diverse sources. The requirement to "follow through until your findings have influenced a decision" underscores the expectation for impact and advocacy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Research roles, demonstrating a foundational understanding of research principles.

Experience: Several years of hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative user research is required, with a proven track record of conducting research across different stages of the product development process.

Required Skills:

• Native or near-native German language proficiency (for customer and seller interviews).

• Fluent English communication skills (written and verbal).

• In-depth expertise in a broad range of UX research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative).

• Comprehensive understanding of customer-centric agile product development processes.

• Strong proficiency in either qualitative or quantitative research, with active development in the other area.

• Proven ability to conduct research in generative, solution validation, and end-to-end product development stages.

• Excellent analytical thinking and understanding of statistical methods.

• Proactive approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for research projects.

• Confidence in presenting findings and recommendations effectively to stakeholders at all levels.

• Pragmatic approach to scoping research, balancing speed and depth.

• Experience with AI tools in daily research practice.

• Collaborative spirit and enjoyment of working within a close-knit team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with e-commerce platforms or online marketplaces.

• Familiarity with specific research tools and platforms relevant to user interviews, usability testing, and survey deployment.

• Experience in contributing to and managing research repositories.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools beyond basic statistical methods.

• Experience in designing and facilitating cross-functional workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The dual language requirement (German and English) is a critical differentiator for this role, especially given the focus on customer and seller interviews. The emphasis on balancing speed and depth, combined with the requirement for both qualitative and quantitative skills (with strength in one and development in the other), indicates a need for adaptable and growth-oriented researchers. The "all genders" and optional pronoun inclusion point to a progressive and inclusive hiring approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX research projects, demonstrating your ability to scope, plan, execute, and deliver actionable insights.

• Case studies detailing your involvement in both qualitative and quantitative research initiatives, highlighting your methodological versatility.

• Examples of how you have translated research findings into concrete product recommendations and influenced product decisions.

• Documentation of research conducted at various stages of product development (generative, validation, end-to-end).

• Evidence of your ability to combine and triangulate findings from multiple research methods. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your process for defining research questions and selecting appropriate methodologies based on project goals and constraints.

• Demonstrate how you manage research projects from initiation to completion, including stakeholder communication and timeline management.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or managed a research repository, ensuring insights are documented and accessible.

• Illustrate your approach to synthesizing complex data (qualitative and quantitative) into clear, compelling narratives and recommendations.

• Examples of how you have used AI tools within your research workflows to enhance efficiency or uncover new insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a strong portfolio is implicitly required for a UX Researcher role, especially at a senior level. The emphasis on end-to-end ownership, method triangulation, and influencing decisions means the portfolio should highlight strategic impact and practical application of research findings. The mention of AI tools suggests showcasing how these were integrated into research processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (Mid-Senior, 2-5 years), location (Germany), and the nature of the role within a large e-commerce entity, a competitive salary range for a Senior UX Researcher in Germany would typically fall between €60,000 and €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the demand for skilled researchers, the specified responsibilities, and industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German cities.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible remote work options within Germany or from office locations in Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, or Berlin.

• Health & Wellness:

  • Urban Sports Club and RSG Group Fitness Studios membership for fitness and well-being.
  • Mental well-being support through Instahelp, a digital platform for online psychological counseling.

• Time Off: 30 days of vacation per year and the opportunity for a sabbatical after a certain tenure.

• Financial Perks:

  • Pluxee restaurant vouchers with tax-advantaged meal allowances.
  • Subsidized "Deutschlandticket" for public transportation.
  • Employee discount on Kaufland.de purchases.

• Professional Development:

  • Online language learning programs.
  • Diverse in-house training opportunities.
  • Automated 360-degree feedback system.
  • Budget for relevant conferences, training, and team workshops.

• Work Environment: Choice of operating system (MacOS or Ubuntu Linux).

• Company Culture: Participation in digital onboarding, buddy program, regular team events, all-hands meetings, and "powerful mornings."

Working Hours: The role is described as Full- or Part-Time, with a typical full-time commitment likely around 40 hours per week. The benefits list emphasizes flexibility, suggesting that while core hours may exist, there's an allowance for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for a Senior UX Researcher in Germany. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits package is extensive, covering health, wellness, financial incentives, and professional growth, which are strong attractors for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and Retail Technology. Kaufland e-commerce is the tech powerhouse behind Kaufland's international online marketplaces, operating within the broader Schwarz Group (which also owns Lidl). This context implies a blend of agile, start-up-like innovation within a large, stable corporate structure.

Company Size: Approximately 400 experts in the Tech & Product Team, part of the larger Schwarz Group. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and potential for specialized roles, while still maintaining a manageable team feel.

Founded: While the founding date of Kaufland e-commerce itself isn't specified, Kaufland as a retail entity has a long history. The e-commerce division operates with a "start-up mentality," indicating a focus on rapid development, innovation, and agility.

Team Structure:

• The Tech & Product Team is comprised of about 400 experts, working in cross-functional teams.

• The UX Research team is described as "small" and "close-knit," emphasizing collaboration, mutual support, and shared learning.

• The role collaborates closely with Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineers across several product areas, indicating a highly integrated, cross-functional team structure. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes combining qualitative and quantitative methods, triangulating data, and using behavioral/market data to inform decisions.

• Customer-Centric Agile Product Development: Research is integrated early in the product development process, ensuring user needs shape product direction.

• Continuous Improvement: The focus on a research repository and reusing insights promotes efficiency and learning.

• AI Integration: Actively using and shaping the application of AI in research.

Company Website: https://kaufland-ecommerce.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a key selling point, described as a blend of "start-up mentality" and "flat hierarchies" combined with the "strength of the Schwarz Group." This offers both agility and stability. The emphasis on diversity and internationality (over 65 nationalities) is also a significant cultural aspect.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "(Senior) UX Researcher." This implies an individual contributor role with significant autonomy and responsibility, expected to lead research projects independently and contribute strategically. It sits beyond an entry-level or junior position, requiring several years of experience and a proven ability to manage complex research initiatives.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, the role involves close collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers. The UX Research team is described as "small" and "close-knit," suggesting direct reporting to a Research Lead or Head of Product/UX, with opportunities to influence product roadmaps and strategies.

Operations Impact: As a UX Researcher, the impact is directly tied to shaping the user experience of Kaufland's international online marketplaces. By providing deep insights into customer and seller needs, this role influences product design, feature development, and overall customer satisfaction, which in turn drives user engagement, conversion rates, and seller success – key metrics for e-commerce platform growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, complex quantitative analysis, AI-driven research).

• Leadership Development: Transition into a lead research role, mentoring junior researchers, or taking on more strategic program management responsibilities within the research function.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of product management, design, and engineering processes within the e-commerce domain.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience within a major retail group (Schwarz Group), understanding the complexities of large-scale e-commerce operations.

• AI Research Advancement: Become a go-to expert within the team for leveraging AI in UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "(Senior)" designation suggests a path for career progression within Kaufland e-commerce, either through deeper specialization in research or by moving into leadership roles. The emphasis on influencing strategic decisions indicates a high level of impact for the individual.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid/Remote. Employees have the flexibility to work remotely from within Germany or from one of the company's physical office locations in Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, or Berlin. This offers a modern work setup catering to diverse preferences.

Office Location(s): Cologne, Darmstadt, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. These locations provide access to major German cities with established tech scenes and good transportation links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company emphasizes working "on an equal footing within flat hierarchies" and fostering a "small, close-knit team" where individuals "share work early, support each other and learn from one another." This suggests an open and communicative workspace, whether remote or in-office.

• Tools & Technology: Candidates have a "free choice of operating system: MacOS or Ubuntu Linux," indicating a tech-forward and flexible approach to tooling. The role also specifies the use of AI tools in research.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for connection exist through digital onboarding, a buddy program, regular team events, all-hands meetings, and "powerful mornings," ensuring social and professional interaction regardless of location.

Work Schedule: Full- or Part-Time employment is offered. The emphasis on creating "own work-life balance" and flexible remote options suggests a culture that supports autonomy and personal scheduling, while adhering to standard work hours as needed for project delivery and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid/remote model, combined with multiple office locations, provides significant flexibility. The emphasis on collaborative culture and various integration programs aims to foster a strong sense of team and belonging, regardless of an employee's primary work location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on facts, figures, and relevant experience (no cover letter required, but GitHub profile is welcome).

2. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with Joana Schatke, focusing on your experience, research methodologies, and alignment with the team's approach. Be prepared to discuss how you've used AI in research and your approach to balancing speed and depth.

3. Case Study Presentation/Exercise: You may be asked to present a past research project or complete a short research-related exercise. This will assess your ability to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate findings effectively to stakeholders. Focus on demonstrating end-to-end ownership and impact.

4. Cross-Functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential collaborators (Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess your teamwork, communication style, and ability to integrate research insights into agile product development.

5. Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Focus on the outcomes of your research, not just the process. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion," "reduced user errors by X%").

• Showcase Methodological Breadth: Include examples of both qualitative and quantitative studies, demonstrating your ability to triangulate data.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your role in each project, from scoping research questions to delivering actionable recommendations.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Show how you worked with product, design, and engineering teams.

• Include AI Integration: If possible, showcase a project where you leveraged AI tools in your research workflow.

• German & English: Be prepared to discuss your projects in both languages if necessary.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Kaufland's online marketplaces and their target users (customers and sellers).

• Practice Presenting: Rehearse presenting your case studies concisely and persuasively, focusing on key insights and recommendations.

• Prepare for "How": Be ready to explain how you would approach a given research problem, including methodology selection, participant recruitment, and data analysis.

• AI in Research: Think about specific ways AI can be applied to UX research challenges relevant to an e-commerce platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit request for "facts and figures" and the optional inclusion of a GitHub profile suggest a data-driven and results-oriented evaluation process. The absence of a cover letter indicates that the application should focus on tangible achievements and skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Likely includes tools for:

  • User Interviews: Platforms for scheduling and conducting remote interviews (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, specialized interview tools).
  • Usability Testing: Tools for moderated and unmoderated usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).
  • Surveys: Platforms for designing and distributing surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms).
  • Unmoderated Testing: Tools facilitating self-service testing.

• Data Analysis & Synthesis:

  • Qualitative Analysis Software: Tools for thematic analysis, affinity mapping (e.g., Dovetail, Miro, Mural).
  • Quantitative Analysis Tools: Spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets), statistical software (R, SPSS - though proficiency in these might be a plus rather than a strict requirement), and potentially BI tools for behavioral data.

• AI Tools: The role explicitly mentions using AI in daily research work. This could include AI-powered transcription services, sentiment analysis tools, AI-assisted synthesis, or generative AI for ideation/scripting.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not the primary focus, familiarity with e-commerce analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) for understanding behavioral data would be beneficial.

• Dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker) might be used to visualize research findings or behavioral data. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified as a requirement for the UX Researcher role, but understanding how research findings feed into CRM strategies or product automation features would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools is a key differentiator and implies the company is forward-thinking in its research practices. The ideal candidate will be comfortable exploring and integrating new technologies into their workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both customers and sellers on the Kaufland marketplaces.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by robust research, combining qualitative and quantitative insights.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture of mutual support, shared learning, and working together across functions to achieve common goals.

• Agility & Innovation: Embracing a start-up mentality to drive continuous improvement and develop best-in-class marketplace solutions.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Valuing a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds to foster creativity and better problem-solving.

• Ownership & Accountability: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their projects and drive them to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers from the early stages of product development.

• Insight Sharing: Proactive sharing of research findings and making them accessible through a research repository.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where feedback is openly exchanged to improve research processes and product outcomes.

• Workshop Facilitation: Using interactive formats to bring teams together and align on user understanding and product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is heavily emphasized, highlighting a blend of innovation, collaboration, and diversity. Candidates should demonstrate how their values and working style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Depth: The need to deliver timely insights in a fast-paced e-commerce environment while ensuring research is rigorous and comprehensive.

• Integrating AI: Effectively leveraging AI tools in research workflows to enhance efficiency and uncover new insights, while maintaining ethical considerations and methodological integrity.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring research findings are understood, adopted, and acted upon by diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Scalability: Conducting research that effectively addresses the needs of international marketplaces with diverse user bases.

• Data Triangulation: Synthesizing complex qualitative and quantitative data from multiple sources into cohesive, actionable strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research methodologies, particularly those involving AI.

• E-commerce Domain Expertise: Deepen understanding of online marketplace dynamics, customer behavior, and seller operations.

• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in influencing product strategy and roadmap decisions based on user insights.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior researchers or be mentored by senior leaders within the tech organization.

• Conferences & Training: Access to industry events and professional development programs to stay current with UX research trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic e-commerce setting, with a particular focus on the evolving landscape of AI in research. These challenges are framed as growth opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance the need for in-depth research with tight deadlines. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on pragmatic scoping and prioritization).

• "How have you used AI tools in your UX research process? What were the benefits and limitations?" (Be ready to discuss specific tools and applications).

• "Walk us through a research project where your findings significantly influenced a product decision. What was your process for communicating those findings and gaining buy-in?" (Highlight end-to-end ownership and stakeholder management).

• "How do you approach triangulating qualitative and quantitative data to arrive at robust insights?" (Demonstrate analytical rigor).

• "Describe a situation where you had to research for a product in a new or unfamiliar market. How did you quickly gain understanding?" (Show adaptability and learning agility). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kaufland e-commerce and our online marketplaces?" (Research the company's mission, values, and products).

• "How do you see your role contributing to a diverse and inclusive team environment?" (Align with the company's diversity statement).

• "Describe your ideal collaborative relationship with product managers, designers, and engineers." (Emphasize cross-functional partnership).

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and impactful for product teams?" (Focus on clear communication and follow-through). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem/Opportunity -> Research Questions -> Methodology -> Process -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact.

• Storytelling: Craft a narrative that highlights your role, the challenges faced, and the value delivered.

• Visuals: Use clear visuals (charts, quotes, screenshots) to support your points, but avoid overwhelming slides.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your methods, decisions, and the outcomes of your work.

• German/English: Be ready to discuss your projects in either language if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application, data-driven results, and collaboration. Candidates should prepare to articulate their experiences with concrete examples and demonstrate how they can add value to Kaufland e-commerce's product development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kaufland e-commerce careers page.

• Tailor your application: Focus on quantifiable achievements and relevant experience, aligning your skills with the job description's requirements for both qualitative and quantitative research, end-to-end project ownership, and AI tool utilization.

• Prepare your portfolio: Curate 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your research process, methodologies used, key findings, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss these in detail, highlighting your ability to influence product decisions.

• Practice your presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your strategic thinking and collaborative approach. Be prepared for discussions in both German and English.

• Research Kaufland e-commerce: Understand their marketplaces, target users (customers and sellers), and company culture, particularly their emphasis on diversity and a start-up mentality within a larger group.

⚠️ 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.