Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: Intact FC

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada & Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Operations

Date Posted: June 12, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user research initiatives, driving a user-centered approach across product development lifecycles through the application of advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Collaborate intimately with cross-functional teams, including Product, Design, and Data Analytics, to identify critical information gaps, establish comprehensive research roadmaps, and ensure user insights directly influence strategic decision-making.

• Analyze and synthesize complex user data, translating research findings into actionable, technologically-aware recommendations that enhance product performance and user satisfaction.

• Champion a culture of UX excellence and user advocacy throughout the organization, operationalizing diverse research methods to elevate the overall user experience strategy.

• Mentor junior researchers, fostering skill development and knowledge transfer to build a robust internal UX research capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Senior UX Researcher, the responsibilities and required skills indicate a role that bridges UX Research with Product Operations and GTM strategy by influencing product development through deep user understanding and data synthesis. The emphasis on KPIs, business performance, and strategic thinking suggests a role focused on driving measurable business outcomes through user insights.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end execution of user research studies, including planning, designing, and conducting research using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods such as usability testing, semi-structured interviews, comparative studies, card sorting, diary studies, surveys, focus groups, and co-creation workshops.

• Partner with Product Managers, Designers, and Data teams to define research objectives, identify critical user needs, and develop comprehensive research roadmaps that align with business goals and product strategy.

• Analyze and synthesize data from diverse sources, including qualitative feedback, quantitative metrics, web analytics, and business intelligence, to derive actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, influencing product roadmaps and design decisions.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of UX research processes, tools, and methodologies, staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentor and guide junior UX Researchers, providing constructive feedback and sharing expertise to accelerate their professional growth and enhance team capabilities.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles and the value of UX research across the organization, embedding user insights into the product development lifecycle.

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to user satisfaction, engagement, and product adoption, linking research outcomes to business performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities heavily emphasize strategic contribution and cross-functional leadership, extending beyond typical UX research tasks to include influencing business strategy and mentoring. The mention of "operationalizing the full range of methods" implies a need for robust process implementation and standardization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, or a related field is strongly preferred, providing a solid theoretical foundation for research methodologies. Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in user research, with a proven track record of designing and conducting impactful research studies.

• Experience working within a multidisciplinary product development team, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Designers, Engineers, and Data Analysts. Required Skills:

• Mastery of a wide spectrum of user research methods, including:

  • Qualitative: Usability testing, semi-structured interviews, longitudinal studies (e.g., diary studies), focus groups, and facilitation of co-creation workshops.
  • Quantitative: Surveys, comparative studies, card sorting (open and closed), and analysis of user metrics.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Proven experience presenting findings and recommendations to executive-level stakeholders, influencing product strategy and design.

• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to connect user insights to business objectives and technological constraints.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas effectively in both English and French.

• Proficient in a variety of research tools and platforms (e.g., usertesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics, Dovetail).

• Experience with KPI tracking and business performance analysis.

• Team player with strong collaboration skills and openness to feedback.

• Proactive, autonomous, and comfortable working with ambiguity. Preferred Skills:

• Industry knowledge within financial services or insurance.

• Proficiency in statistical methods and advanced data analysis techniques.

• Experience with web analytics and business intelligence tools.

• Prior experience mentoring junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "asset" skills (industry knowledge, statistical methods, research tools) are critical for candidates to highlight if applicable, as they directly map to the company's desired expertise and can differentiate candidates. The requirement for bilingualism is a non-negotiable skill for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 5 years of user research experience, showcasing a diverse range of studies and methodologies.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the research problem, the methods used, the insights generated, and the impact of those insights on product design and business outcomes.

• Evidence of the ability to synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into actionable recommendations.

• Examples of presenting findings and influencing decision-making at various levels, including executive presentations.

• Documentation of how user research was integrated into the product development lifecycle and contributed to user-centered design. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to design and document research plans, including defining objectives, selecting appropriate methodologies, and outlining participant recruitment strategies.

• Provide examples of how you have analyzed and synthesized research data, including qualitative coding and quantitative data analysis.

• Demonstrate your approach to communicating research findings through reports, presentations, and other deliverables.

• Illustrate your experience in operationalizing research methods and championing UX practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just list projects but tell a story about problem-solving, strategic thinking, and measurable impact. Demonstrating the ability to mentor and operationalize processes will be key for a senior-level candidate.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The stated salary range for this 35-hour workweek position is CAD $94,200 - $115,200 annually.

• This range is presented as a guideline, and compensation will be determined based on factors including candidate experience, skills, qualifications, anticipated contribution, and internal equity. Candidates outside this range are encouraged to apply. Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package.

• Pension plan or retirement savings options.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick days, and statutory holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering flexibility. Working Hours:

• Standard workweek of 35 hours, with flexibility expected for project needs and collaboration across time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific to a 35-hour workweek, which is important for candidates to note. While specific benefits are not detailed, standard comprehensive packages are typical for senior roles at large organizations like Intact. The "LI-Hybrid" tag confirms a hybrid work model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Insurance. Intact FC is a major player in the Canadian financial services sector, focusing on insurance. This industry context implies a need for understanding complex customer needs, regulatory environments, and a strong emphasis on trust and security in digital products.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by the mention of a growing team and the formal recruitment process. This size suggests opportunities for impact across a broad user base and complex organizational structures, but also requires navigating established processes.

Founded: The company's long history, implied by its established presence, suggests a stable environment with a focus on long-term strategy and customer relationships.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team operates within a multidisciplinary environment, collaborating closely with Product Management, Design, and Data Analytics teams.

• This structure indicates a collaborative, agile approach where research is integrated early and often into the product development lifecycle.

• The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Lead or a Director of Product/Design and will be responsible for influencing team direction and mentoring junior members. Methodology:

• The team emphasizes a user-centered design approach, driven by rigorous qualitative and quantitative research.

• Data analysis, including web analytics and business intelligence, plays a significant role in informing research and strategy.

• A focus on business performance orientation, including tracking KPIs and analyzing market trends, ensures that research efforts are aligned with strategic business objectives.

• Collaboration and openness to feedback are core to the team's working style.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Intact's focus on "helping people, businesses, and society prosper" suggests a mission-driven culture where user experience research plays a critical role in delivering value and building trust, especially within the sensitive financial services sector.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, signifying leadership in UX research execution, strategic influence, and mentorship. It requires a deep understanding of research methodologies, the ability to translate complex data into business insights, and the capacity to guide product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Data teams. They will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Director, with responsibilities including mentoring junior researchers. This structure allows for significant cross-functional influence.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on product strategy and development by providing crucial user insights. By ensuring products are user-centered, the Senior UX Researcher contributes to improved customer satisfaction, increased adoption rates, enhanced user engagement, and ultimately, business performance and revenue growth for Intact FC.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies or explore adjacent areas like product analytics or service design.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a UX Research Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team and setting research strategy for larger product areas.

• Cross-Functional Expansion: Transition into Product Management or UX Strategy roles, leveraging deep user understanding and strategic thinking.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in UX research within the financial services and insurance sector.

• Mentorship Expansion: Develop formal training programs for junior researchers or lead workshops for product and design teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and mentoring responsibilities suggest a clear path for leadership and development within the UX research function, with opportunities to shape the future of user experience at Intact FC.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is designated as "Hybrid" (#LI-Hybrid), indicating a mix of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a need for strong remote collaboration tools and practices, alongside in-person engagement.

Office Location(s): The role is open to Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada. This dual-location opportunity allows for access to major talent hubs in Canada.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work in a dynamic, multidisciplinary team setting, fostering close collaboration with Product, Design, and Data professionals.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard research tools (usertesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics, Dovetail) and potentially internal analytics platforms.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions, both virtually and in-person, to share insights and drive strategy.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 35-hour workweek is specified. While this provides a framework, flexibility will likely be required to accommodate research timelines, cross-functional team needs, and potentially interactions with colleagues across different time zones within Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires candidates to be comfortable with both independent remote work and collaborative in-office sessions, necessitating strong organizational and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and resumes for essential qualifications, including years of experience, methodology mastery, and bilingualism.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess experience, research philosophy, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. This may include behavioral questions about past projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, analysis skills, and impact. This is a critical stage for a Senior UX Researcher.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: Interviews with key collaborators (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Data Analysts) to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and ability to integrate research into workflows.

• Executive/Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview, potentially with a Director or VP, to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with Intact's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 impactful case studies that best showcase your senior-level expertise, diverse methodologies, and measurable business impact.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the key insights, the strategic recommendations, and the resulting outcomes. Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with cross-functional teams and influenced decision-making.

• Showcase Mentorship: If applicable, include an example of how you guided or mentored junior researchers.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about your methodology choices, data analysis techniques, and how you handled challenges or ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential case study or research design exercise, either as part of the interview or as a take-home assignment.

• Practice articulating complex research findings and strategic recommendations concisely and persuasively, tailoring your message to different audiences (e.g., technical teams vs. executives).

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a specific research challenge relevant to Intact's business (e.g., improving user onboarding for a new insurance product).

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is likely the most crucial part of the interview process for this role. Candidates should prepare thoroughly to articulate their process, insights, and impact with confidence and clarity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Mastery of tools like usertesting.com, Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics, and Dovetail is a significant asset. Candidates should be able to articulate their proficiency and how they leverage these tools for specific research objectives.

• Qualitative Data Analysis: Tools for thematic analysis, coding, and synthesis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or manual methods).

• Quantitative Data Analysis: Proficiency in survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey) and potentially statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) if statistical methods are a focus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Experience with BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to analyze user data in conjunction with business metrics.

• Reporting & Presentation Software: Advanced skills in tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling reports and executive presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary requirement, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) can be beneficial for understanding customer data flow and segmentation, which often informs research.

• Understanding of how research insights feed into automated customer journeys or personalized experiences could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific research tools indicates that candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these platforms in detail during interviews and on their resumes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Rigor & Excellence: A commitment to high-quality research and striving for the best possible outcomes to ensure digital products overperform.

• Business Performance Orientation: A focus on understanding and contributing to business goals, tracking KPIs, and analyzing market trends to drive measurable results.

• Strategic Thinking: Applying user insights with a strategic lens to inform product development and business decisions.

• Collaboration & Openness: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and being open to feedback.

• User-Centricity: Championing the user throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring their needs and behaviors are understood and addressed.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product, Design, and Data teams to embed research insights seamlessly into workflows.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using both qualitative and quantitative data to support recommendations and influence strategy.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing research findings and insights across teams to foster a shared understanding of the user.

• Mentorship: A culture of shared learning and development, with senior members actively guiding and supporting junior colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Intact's stated values ("live our Values, striving to do your best work, being open to change and investing in your career") and employee promise ("support, opportunities and performance-led financial rewards at a workplace where you can shape the future, win as a team and grow with us") highlight a culture that values growth, collaboration, and performance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Rigor with Business Agility: Ensuring deep, robust research is conducted within fast-paced product development cycles and tight deadlines.

• Synthesizing Diverse Data Streams: Integrating insights from various research methods, product analytics, and market trends into cohesive strategic recommendations.

• Influencing Executive Stakeholders: Effectively communicating complex user insights to senior leadership to drive impactful strategic decisions.

• Operationalizing UX Research: Championing and embedding UX research practices consistently across various product teams and initiatives.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Proactively defining research needs and methodologies in evolving product areas or when information is scarce.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in emerging research techniques or specialized qualitative/quantitative analysis.

• Industry Knowledge Acquisition: Gaining in-depth understanding of the financial services and insurance sectors, which can be leveraged for future roles.

• Leadership & Mentorship Training: Developing skills in leading teams, strategic planning, and effectively mentoring junior researchers.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from Product Managers, Designers, and Data Analysts to broaden understanding of the product development ecosystem.

• Conferences & Certifications: Potential support for attending industry conferences and pursuing relevant certifications in UX research or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to grow within a large, established organization by tackling complex strategic challenges and developing leadership capabilities in a critical function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence executive stakeholders with research findings. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Focus on communication strategy, data visualization, and impact metrics.)

• "How do you prioritize research requests when multiple teams have competing needs? Walk us through your process." (Preparation: Emphasize stakeholder management, roadmap planning, and aligning research with business objectives.)

• "Imagine we need to understand user adoption challenges for a new digital insurance product. How would you approach designing a research study to identify the root causes?" (Preparation: Outline a research plan, including target users, methodologies, and key questions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Intact FC, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges or opportunities in the financial services/insurance sector?" (Preparation: Research Intact's products, recent news, and the competitive landscape.)

• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within multidisciplinary teams?" (Preparation: Provide examples of advocacy, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior researchers. What is your philosophy on developing talent?" (Preparation: Highlight specific instances of guidance, feedback, and skill development support.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Methodology -> Key Insights -> Strategic Recommendations -> Impact/Outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the business value of your research (e.g., "This insight led to a 15% increase in conversion rate," or "Reduced user errors by 20%").

• Visuals Matter: Use clear, concise visuals (screenshots, diagrams, charts) to illustrate your process and findings. Avoid overly text-heavy slides.

• Focus on "Why": Be ready to explain the rationale behind your methodological choices and how your insights directly informed strategic decisions.

• Tailor to Intact: Briefly explain how your experience and approach align with Intact's mission and the specific challenges of the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should anticipate questions that probe their strategic thinking, ability to influence, and leadership potential, in addition to their core UX research skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of business impact is crucial for a senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all sections of the application are completed accurately and thoroughly.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects that demonstrate your mastery of diverse methodologies, strategic thinking, and measurable business impact. Ensure these are well-documented and visually compelling.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, specific research methodologies, proficiency with relevant tools, bilingualism (French and English), and any experience with mentoring or influencing stakeholders. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clearly articulating the problem, your process, key insights, strategic recommendations, and the resulting business impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your work.

• Research Intact FC: Familiarize yourself with Intact's mission, values, products, and recent initiatives. Understand the financial services industry and potential UX challenges to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

---