Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Cars Commerce

Location: Remote - Illinois (Must be located in the Chicago area)

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote (with potential for onsite interviews)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic user research initiatives to define research objectives, design methodologies, and conduct research activities, driving product strategy and design decisions within the automotive commerce space.

• Own high-impact research projects from inception to completion, ensuring the delivery of actionable insights that directly influence product development and organizational strategy.

• Mentor and guide junior researchers on methodologies, data analysis, and presentation skills, contributing to the overall growth of the UX research practice at Cars Commerce.

• Act as a champion for user-centered design principles, advocating for customer empathy and integrating user feedback throughout the product development lifecycle across cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is Senior UX Researcher, the emphasis on "Product Operations" in the category reflects the described responsibilities of strengthening the research practice, influencing product strategy, and embedding research into development, which are core to operationalizing user insights within a product organization. The remote aspect with the Chicago area requirement suggests a hybrid expectation for occasional team collaboration or specific project needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently lead complex, high-impact research initiatives, defining research objectives, designing appropriate methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), and executing research activities.

• Take ownership of the full research lifecycle for significant projects, from scoping and study design through execution, synthesis, and driving actionable recommendations to inform product strategy and design decisions.

• Conduct mixed-methods research, including moderated and unmoderated usability testing, generative research, surveys, and behavioral analysis to uncover deep user insights.

• Partner closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to effectively integrate user feedback and research findings into product development processes and roadmaps.

• Strengthen the broader UX research practice by advancing research methodologies, providing guidance to team members, and championing customer-centered decision-making across the organization.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and the importance of UX research, influencing decision-making processes and fostering a culture of customer empathy throughout Cars Commerce.

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging research methodologies, contributing to the continuous development and maturity of the research practice within the company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and practice leadership, typical for a senior role. The emphasis on "driving action based on research findings" and "embedding research into product development" points to a need for strong collaboration and influencing skills, crucial for operationalizing insights.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, or a closely related field. Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Research or a related user research field.

• Demonstrated track record of independently leading complex, high-impact research projects from initiation to successful completion.

• Proven experience working within SaaS (Software as a Service) organizations, understanding the nuances of product development in this environment.

• Experience managing the entire research lifecycle, encompassing scoping, study design, execution, synthesis, and driving actionable outcomes. Required Skills:

• Expertise in mixed-methods research, with a strong ability to select and apply appropriate qualitative (e.g., interviews, ethnography, usability testing) and quantitative (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, behavioral data analysis) research methods.

• Proficient in conducting various research activities, including moderated and unmoderated usability testing, generative research (e.g., user interviews, contextual inquiry), survey design and analysis, and behavioral data analysis.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills to translate complex research data into clear, concise, and actionable insights and recommendations.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate research findings and their implications to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to align research efforts with business goals and product strategy, driving organizational change through user-centered design principles.

• Experience partnering effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, and Marketing. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the automotive industry, understanding its unique market dynamics and user needs.

• Familiarity with product analytics tools and techniques for complementing qualitative research.

• Experience in mentoring or guiding junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for SaaS experience is critical, indicating the need to understand recurring revenue models, agile development cycles, and B2B/B2C software user needs. The emphasis on mixed-methods research and the full research lifecycle suggests a need for a well-rounded researcher capable of both exploratory and evaluative studies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct research projects that demonstrate a progression from research question formulation to actionable product impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research objectives, the methodologies employed (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods), and the rationale behind methodology selection.

• Present detailed synthesis of research findings, emphasizing the translation of raw data into strategic insights and concrete recommendations.

• Include examples of how your research directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, or development priorities, ideally with quantifiable outcomes or impact metrics.

• Demonstrate experience with end-to-end research process management, including stakeholder alignment, project scoping, and managing timelines. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research plans, methodologies, and findings in a clear, organized, and accessible manner for cross-functional teams.

• Experience in creating user personas, journey maps, or other artifacts that effectively communicate user needs and behaviors to stakeholders.

• Understanding of how to integrate research insights into existing product development workflows and agile methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just research execution but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to drive tangible product improvements. The emphasis should be on impact and influence, not just the research activities themselves.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $118,600 - $148,250 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Healthcare Plans: Comprehensive coverage options to support employee health and well-being.

• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up: Financial assistance to ensure a productive and comfortable remote work environment.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample leave for rest, relaxation, and personal needs.

• Paid Holidays: Observance of national holidays.

• Floating Holiday: Flexibility to celebrate personal or cultural holidays.

• Volunteer Day: Paid time off to contribute to community service initiatives.

• Recharge Day: Dedicated day for employees to disconnect and prevent burnout.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. Flexibility may be expected based on research project needs and cross-functional team collaboration, especially given the remote nature.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range falls within the typical mid-to-senior level for UX Researchers in major US tech hubs, especially considering the remote aspect which often aligns with competitive compensation. The benefits package is robust, with specific mentions of home office setup and various types of paid time off that cater to employee well-being and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Commerce / Digital Marketplace Technology. Cars Commerce operates at the intersection of automotive retail and technology, providing solutions for dealerships, manufacturers, and consumers. This involves managing complex ecosystems with diverse user needs.

Company Size: The company description and employee count (not explicitly provided but implied by a significant job board presence) suggest a mid-to-large size organization, likely with established processes but still undergoing transformation. This size often means opportunities for influence but also requires navigating established structures.

Founded: The company's history isn't detailed, but its brand portfolio (Cars.com, Dealer Inspire, AccuTrade) indicates a long-standing presence and evolution in the automotive digital space. This suggests a company with a deep understanding of its market, adapting to technological shifts.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is part of a larger Product organization, working closely with Product Management, Design, and Engineering.

• As a Senior UX Researcher, you will likely report to a UX Research Lead or Director, with a dotted line to Product leadership for specific project initiatives.

• Collaboration is a core value ("Rise Together," "Open to All"), indicating a team environment that encourages open communication and cross-functional partnerships to drive product success. Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a "customer-centered decision-making" approach, driven by user insights.

• A "transformational journey" suggests an agile and iterative approach to product development, where research is integrated early and often.

• The company values "Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership," implying a culture where proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Company Website: cars.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, customer focus, and ownership. For a Senior UX Researcher, this means opportunities to influence product direction and to work in a dynamic environment that values data-driven decisions and user empathy. The automotive commerce industry context is crucial for understanding the user base and business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior" UX Researcher, indicating a mid-to-late career stage. It involves leading complex, high-impact initiatives, mentoring others, and contributing to the strategic direction of the research practice. This level typically requires autonomy, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Director, working within a Product organization. You will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, forming project-specific teams.

Operations Impact: As a Senior UX Researcher, your work directly impacts product strategy and design decisions. By translating user insights into actionable recommendations, you influence the development of user-centric products that simplify car buying and selling. This role is key to ensuring the "customer-centered decision-making" ethos of Cars Commerce translates into tangible product improvements and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research methodologies, lead larger and more complex cross-functional initiatives, and contribute to the strategic roadmap of the UX research function.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior researchers, lead practice improvement initiatives, and potentially move into a lead researcher or management role within UX Research or a related product function.

• Domain Expertise: Further develop expertise within the automotive commerce industry, becoming a go-to expert on user needs and behaviors in this specific market.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across various product lines and business units, contributing to broader organizational understanding of user needs and driving strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies significant autonomy and a need to not only execute research but also to contribute to the strategic direction of the research practice itself. Growth opportunities lean towards leadership, strategic impact, and specialized domain expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as remote, with the requirement to be located in the Chicago area. This suggests a primary remote work setup, but with the possibility of occasional on-site requirements for critical meetings, team events, or specific project phases that benefit from in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): While remote, the requirement to be within the Chicago area implies potential access to company offices in that region for optional collaboration, team meetings, or company events. This offers a degree of flexibility and connection to a physical hub.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to utilize a suite of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Teams, Zoom, Miro, Figma) for communication and co-creation with distributed teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard UX research tools for surveys, usability testing, and data analysis will be provided or expected.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual stand-ups, team meetings, and cross-functional syncs will be key for staying connected and ensuring research is integrated into workflows.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week) are expected. While remote work often offers flexibility, the "Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership" value might imply a willingness to adapt hours for critical project deadlines or to accommodate time zone differences with collaborators, though primary collaboration will likely be within US time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote - Illinois" with the Chicago area stipulation indicates a flexible remote policy, likely favoring candidates who can occasionally travel to Chicago for in-person collaboration or company events. This hybrid potential is a common model for senior remote roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on alignment with the core requirements (experience, skills, SaaS background).

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience, approach to UX research, and how you've handled complex projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you'll present 1-2 case studies from your portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your research process, insights, impact, and ability to communicate effectively. Focus on the "why," "how," and "so what" of your research.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to assess your collaboration style, ability to influence, and understanding of product development.

• Research Practice Discussion: An interview with other UX researchers or the research lead to discuss your approach to research methodology, practice development, and mentoring.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the research questions, methodology, key findings, recommendations, and most importantly, the impact of your work. Use visuals where appropriate.

• Quantify When Possible: If your research led to measurable improvements (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, higher user satisfaction scores), highlight these metrics.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate how your research informed product strategy, not just tactical design tweaks.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you partnered with stakeholders and navigated differing opinions or constraints.

• Tailor to Cars Commerce: If possible, subtly weave in how your experience relates to the automotive commerce space or the challenges of a large marketplace.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Deep Dive: Be ready to discuss your preferred research methods and why you'd choose them for specific scenarios.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Cars Commerce's products.

• Stakeholder Management: Be ready to share examples of how you've managed difficult stakeholders or advocated for user needs when faced with business constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio presentation. Candidates should prepare to articulate their research process, strategic thinking, and measurable impact clearly and concisely. The cross-functional interviews are critical for assessing collaboration and influence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting moderated and unmoderated usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze), survey creation (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), and potentially participant recruitment platforms.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Tools like Miro, Mural, Figma for collaborative synthesis, journey mapping, and ideation sessions.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD to understand and provide feedback on designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Pendo to analyze user behavior data and complement qualitative findings.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data from dashboards and potentially create simple visualizations using tools like Tableau or Looker (though direct creation might not be the primary focus).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user feedback integrates with CRM data or product roadmapping tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Aha!) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a range of UX research tools is essential. The ability to integrate with product analytics platforms is increasingly important for senior researchers to provide a more holistic view of user behavior and product performance.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring their needs are at the forefront of product decisions. This is foundational to "Rise Together" and "Open to All."

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research insights, alongside other data, to inform strategy and product development, aligning with "Taking Ownership."

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership with cross-functional teams, fostering a collective approach to problem-solving.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to challenge existing methods, embrace new approaches, and constantly refine the research practice and product offerings. This aligns with "Caring to Challenge."

• Integrity: Upholding ethical research practices and ensuring honesty and fairness in all interactions, reflecting "Doing the Right Thing."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactive engagement with Product, Design, and Engineering teams to embed research throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Insight Sharing: Regularly disseminating research findings through clear presentations, reports, and workshops to ensure broad organizational understanding.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback to peers and stakeholders to foster growth and improve research outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Rise Together, Open to All, Caring to Challenge, Taking Ownership, Doing the Right Thing) provide a strong framework for understanding expected behaviors and cultural norms for operations and product teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Research into Fast-Paced Development: Balancing rigorous research methodologies with the speed required in a dynamic SaaS environment and a "transformational journey."

• Driving Organizational Change: Influencing stakeholders and embedding a deep user-centric mindset across a diverse organization, especially in a company with established brands.

• Navigating Complex Ecosystems: Researching user needs across a multi-faceted automotive commerce platform with varied user types (dealerships, consumers, manufacturers).

• Measuring Research Impact: Demonstrating the tangible ROI and business value of UX research initiatives effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge research techniques and tools.

• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing skills in leading research initiatives, mentoring junior team members, and potentially contributing to research team strategy.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge within the automotive technology sector, understanding market trends and competitive landscapes.

• Strategic Influence: Gaining experience in shaping product strategy at a higher level and contributing to business objectives through user-centered insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in evolving tech companies: balancing speed with quality, driving change, and proving value. The growth opportunities are geared towards leadership and strategic impact, fitting for a senior-level position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach researching the needs of [specific user group, e.g., independent car dealerships] for our new [product feature, e.g., inventory management tool]?" - Prepare to outline a research plan, including methodology, key questions, and expected deliverables.

• "Describe a time your research findings conflicted with existing product assumptions or stakeholder opinions. How did you navigate that situation and what was the outcome?" - Focus on your influencing skills, data-driven persuasion, and ability to build consensus.

• "How do you prioritize research requests when faced with multiple competing demands from different teams?" - Demonstrate your understanding of strategic alignment, impact assessment, and effective communication with stakeholders. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cars Commerce and the automotive commerce industry?" - Research the company's mission, brands, and recent news. Connect your passion for user advocacy to their goals.

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment and foster user empathy within a product team?" - Highlight your experience with cross-functional collaboration and your ability to translate user stories into relatable insights.

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your UX research initiatives?" - Be prepared to discuss metrics, case study outcomes, and how your work influenced business objectives. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives, starting with the business problem or user need, detailing your research journey, and culminating in the impact and learnings.

• Focus on "Why": Explain why you chose specific methodologies and why your findings were significant.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, quotes, synthesized findings summaries) to make your research tangible.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about any aspect of your research process, from recruitment to synthesis to influencing stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong communication, and a proven ability to drive impact through research. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight keywords and achievements directly relevant to UX research, mixed-methods studies, SaaS environments, and driving product impact. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or a shared document link), and clearly showcases 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects. Focus on the strategic contributions and outcomes.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear articulation of your process, insights, and the business impact of your work. Anticipate questions about your methodology and stakeholder collaboration.

• Research Cars Commerce: Familiarize yourself with Cars Commerce's brands (Cars.com, Dealer Inspire, AccuTrade), their mission, and recent company news. Understand their position in the automotive commerce industry 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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