Senior UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher

Company: The Very Group

Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Research / Product Research

Date Posted: April 13, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives, from discovery to evaluation, to inform product strategy and design decisions across digital touchpoints.

• Execute mixed-method research studies, integrating qualitative and quantitative techniques to uncover deep user insights and validate product concepts.

• Champion accessibility research, ensuring inclusive design practices and considering the needs of users with access requirements.

• Mentor and support junior researchers and product designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development within the UX practice.

• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and design teams to embed user insights into agile workflows and drive user-centered product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a Senior UX Researcher within a digital retail environment, emphasizing a blend of hands-on research execution, strategic influence, and team mentorship. The focus on hybrid work and a comprehensive benefits package suggests a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and conduct independent mixed-method research studies, adapting methodologies to address specific research questions and business objectives.

• Execute research studies that actively incorporate accessibility considerations and involve users with diverse access needs to ensure product inclusivity.

• Utilize a range of research tools, including Maze, UserTesting, Survicate, and Fable, to efficiently gather qualitative and quantitative user data.

• Interpret and synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations that directly influence product and design decisions.

• Apply critical thinking and analytical rigor to mitigate bias, ensuring all insights are grounded in robust evidence and user behavior.

• Understand and articulate how research efforts align with the broader product strategy, business goals, and customer journey mapping.

• Proactively identify key user pain points and prioritize research initiatives to address the most critical business and user needs.

• Collaborate closely with product teams to integrate research activities seamlessly into agile development sprints and workflows.

• Partner with engineering and design teams to ensure technical feasibility and the practical implementation of user-centered design solutions.

• Communicate research findings persuasively and effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior leadership, product managers, and design teams.

• Facilitate workshops, co-creation sessions, and feedback loops to promote user-centered thinking and collaborative problem-solving across teams.

• Share knowledge, best practices, and research methodologies to support the skill development and growth of junior team members and colleagues.

• Promote and implement inclusive research practices that accurately reflect the diversity of the user base and promote equity.

• Manage multiple research projects concurrently, effectively balancing project details with timely delivery and strategic impact.

• Proactively seek feedback on research approaches and outcomes, identifying opportunities for personal and professional learning and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive UX research lifecycle, emphasizing independent project leadership, a strong command of mixed methods, and a commitment to accessibility. The inclusion of mentoring and cross-functional collaboration points to a senior role with significant influence beyond individual research tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Information Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Researcher role. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in delivering impactful UX research that directly influences product strategy, design, and development decisions.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and delivering UX research projects from inception to completion, influencing product roadmaps and design iterations.

• Proficiency in a wide array of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, ethnographic studies, diary studies) and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, A/B testing analysis, analytics interpretation).

• Proven experience in conducting accessibility research and working with users who have diverse access needs.

• Hands-on expertise with key UX research tools such as Maze, UserTesting, Survicate, and Fable for efficient data collection and analysis.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings and insights clearly and persuasively.

• Strong ability to work both independently, managing own workload and priorities, and collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

• Experience in mentoring, coaching, or supporting junior researchers, designers, or product managers in their understanding and application of UX research.

• Comfort and experience working within agile product development teams and contributing to iterative design processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the digital retail or e-commerce sector.

• Familiarity with user journey mapping, persona development, and service design principles.

• Experience facilitating workshops, design sprints, or co-creation sessions.

• Knowledge of design systems and their impact on user experience consistency.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical experience and tool proficiency over formal education, aligning with typical industry expectations for senior-level UX roles. The specific mention of accessibility research and tools like Maze and UserTesting indicates a need for hands-on, modern research capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects, highlighting your role, methodologies used, and the impact of your findings on product decisions.

• Include detailed case studies that illustrate your ability to translate research insights into tangible improvements in user experience and business metrics.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated research into agile workflows and collaborated with product teams to drive iterative development.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for planning and executing mixed-method research studies, from defining research questions to selecting appropriate methodologies.

• Detail your approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring rigorous analysis and actionable recommendation generation.

• Provide examples of how you have effectively communicated research findings to diverse stakeholders, using compelling narratives and data visualizations.

• Showcase your experience in mentoring or guiding others in research processes and user-centered thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a mandatory requirement for submission, a strong portfolio is implicitly expected for a Senior UX Researcher. The emphasis should be on demonstrating a structured research process, impact, and collaborative capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Researcher in Liverpool, England, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Liverpool, the specific responsibilities outlined, and the company's status as a large digital retailer.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

• Inclusive culture and environment, with opportunities to engage with colleague networks.

• £1,000 flexible benefits allowance to be used for personal needs.

• 30 days of holiday plus bank holidays for ample time off.

• Udemy learning access for continuous professional development.

• Potential for performance and business-related bonus.

• Up to 25% discount on purchases at Very.co.uk.

• Matched pension contributions up to 6%.

• Additional benefits detailed on the company's career site.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical market rates for similar roles in the UK. The provided benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with a large, established employer, offering significant value beyond base salary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Retail. The Very Group operates as a leading digital retailer, focusing on delivering a seamless online shopping experience for millions of customers. This industry context means a strong emphasis on customer behavior, user experience, and data-driven decision-making to maintain a competitive edge.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (over 1,000 employees). As a large organization, The Very Group likely has established processes, a structured hierarchy, and numerous opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career progression. This size can also mean a broader impact for research insights and a more formal approach to project management.

Founded: The company has a significant history, evolving from a traditional catalog retailer to a prominent digital player. This evolution suggests a culture that embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement, which is crucial for roles focused on user experience and product development.

Team Structure:

• The UX Research team is likely part of a larger Digital Customer Experience (DCX) department, comprising UX designers, researchers, content strategists, and possibly accessibility specialists.

• The Senior UX Researcher will report into a UX Research Lead or Head of UX/DCX and will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineering teams within specific product squads or feature teams.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs agile methodologies for product development, requiring research to be integrated into iterative cycles, providing timely insights for sprint planning and execution.

• Data analysis and insights are driven by a combination of UX research findings, web analytics, customer feedback, and A/B testing results to form a holistic view of user behavior.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, with research playing a critical role in identifying friction points and opportunities for improvement in the customer journey.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely embraced, particularly in research tooling and data analysis, to scale research efforts effectively.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on digital retail and its large enterprise status suggest a dynamic environment where UX research is valued for its direct impact on customer acquisition, retention, and sales. The emphasis on agile and data-driven approaches is typical for successful online businesses.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level, indicating a requirement for significant autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead complex research projects independently. The role also involves mentoring, suggesting a step towards leadership or specialized expertise within the UX research domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Manager or Lead, who oversees the research function. They will work closely with Product Managers and Product Designers within agile product teams, ensuring seamless integration of research into the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher has a direct impact on business outcomes by ensuring products and digital experiences are user-centered, intuitive, and meet customer needs. This directly influences customer satisfaction, conversion rates, user engagement, and ultimately, revenue for The Very Group. Their insights help de-risk product development and focus resources on initiatives with the highest user and business value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, accessibility, or a particular product domain within The Very Group.

• Leadership: Potential to advance into a Lead UX Researcher or UX Research Manager role, taking on more strategic oversight, team management, and influencing organizational UX maturity.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various product teams and business units, broadening understanding of the digital retail landscape and its challenges.

• Skill Development: Access to Udemy learning resources and potential to attend industry conferences or training to enhance research skills and stay current with best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within UX research, with opportunities for both specialized expertise and leadership. The emphasis on mentoring junior colleagues is a key indicator of the seniority and expected contribution to team development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role operates under a hybrid working model, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This model aims to provide flexibility while fostering team connection and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Liverpool, England, United Kingdom. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration with local teams and access to office-based resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration mean a dynamic workspace, likely involving team meetings, workshops, and design critiques, both in-person and virtually.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a range of modern UX research tools (Maze, UserTesting, Survicate, Fable), collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and design software will be available to support research and design activities.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, designers, engineers, and fellow researchers, fostering a user-centric culture and shared understanding of customer needs.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in how and where these hours are worked, balancing individual needs with team and business requirements. This flexibility is beneficial for deep work sessions required for data analysis and synthesis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances autonomy with collaboration. The specific location in Liverpool indicates the need for potential in-office presence for team synergy and strategic meetings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Initial Call (30-45 min video call): This introductory call with the hiring team is an opportunity to discuss your background, key UX research experience, and motivations for the role. Prepare to articulate how your skills align with the responsibilities and to ask insightful questions about the team, projects, and company culture.

• Stage 2: Onsite Task Interview (1 hour): This stage involves a competency and technical assessment, likely including a presentation of a past project or a simulated research challenge. Be prepared to demonstrate your research methodology, data synthesis skills, and ability to translate findings into actionable recommendations. This is also a chance to assess cultural fit and your understanding of The Very Group's business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful UX research projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, mixed-method expertise, and ability to influence product decisions.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the research methods used, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the ultimate impact on the product or business. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Accessibility: If applicable, showcase projects where you specifically addressed accessibility needs, demonstrating your commitment to inclusive research.

• Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio pieces as narratives that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to communicate complex information effectively.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to walk through your portfolio in detail, answering questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and how you adapted your approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a task is provided beforehand, thoroughly research The Very Group, its digital offerings, and its target audience to inform your approach.

• Focus on Process: For any challenge, emphasize your research process, how you would define the problem, select methods, gather data, and synthesize findings.

• Articulate Recommendations: Clearly present your recommendations and how they would be implemented and measured for impact.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes both behavioral and technical assessments. A strong portfolio that effectively communicates research impact and process is crucial for success. The onsite task interview suggests a need for in-depth demonstration of research skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UserTesting.com: For remote usability testing and gathering qualitative feedback on digital prototypes and live products.

• Maze: For unmoderated testing, enabling rapid feedback collection and analysis of user behavior on prototypes with integrated analytics.

• Survicate: For in-product surveys and feedback widgets, allowing for contextual user feedback collection across web and mobile.

• Fable: Specifically for user testing with people with disabilities, aligning with the role's emphasis on accessibility research.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics): To understand user behavior patterns, track conversions, and measure the impact of product changes informed by research.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): Potentially used for creating dashboards and reports that combine quantitative data with qualitative research insights for broader stakeholder understanding.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365): While not a primary research tool, understanding how customer data is managed in CRM can provide context for user segmentation and research planning.

• Collaboration & Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana): Essential for integrating research into agile workflows, managing project timelines, and documenting research plans and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of specific research tools indicates a requirement for practical, hands-on experience with platforms commonly used for remote and moderated user testing, as well as accessibility testing. Familiarity with analytics and project management tools is also implied for effective integration into product teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value focused on deeply understanding and advocating for the customer in all product decisions. This translates to a commitment to rigorous research and ensuring user needs are prioritized.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence-based insights derived from both qualitative research and quantitative data to guide strategy and product development.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and research insights are shared openly across teams to drive collective understanding and action. This includes a commitment to inclusive research practices.

• Continuous Improvement & Learning: Encouraging a culture of ongoing learning, experimentation, and adaptation, both in research methodologies and personal development, to stay ahead in the digital retail landscape.

• Impact & Accountability: A focus on delivering research that has a tangible impact on business goals and customer experience, with individuals taking ownership of their work and its outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team likely works in integrated product squads, with researchers embedded to provide continuous user feedback and strategic guidance throughout the product lifecycle.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for reviewing research plans, methodologies, and findings, with constructive feedback loops to ensure quality and rigor. Regular syncs with product designers and managers are common.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices such as internal presentations, documentation in wikis (e.g., Confluence), and informal knowledge sharing sessions to disseminate research findings and best practices across the wider UX and product community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize customer focus, data-informed decisions, and collaborative innovation, which are critical for a successful UX research function within a digital retail environment. The emphasis on inclusion and continuous learning is also a strong indicator of a forward-thinking culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Demands: Managing multiple research projects simultaneously for different product teams with competing priorities and tight deadlines. Mitigation involves strong prioritization skills, clear communication of capacity, and leveraging research tools for efficiency.

• Embedding Insights in Agile: Ensuring research findings are effectively integrated into fast-paced agile development cycles, where there's a constant push for rapid iteration. This requires proactive planning, flexible research approaches, and strong collaboration with product teams.

• Measuring Research Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI and business impact of UX research initiatives can be challenging in a product-driven environment. This requires developing robust metrics and building strong relationships with stakeholders to track the influence of research.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: The UX research landscape evolves rapidly with new tools and methodologies. Continuous learning is essential to maintain expertise and provide cutting-edge insights.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to master advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, explore new methodologies, and gain deeper expertise in areas like generative AI's impact on UX research or advanced analytics.

• Industry Engagement: Potential to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, CHI), participate in webinars, or pursue certifications to stay current with UX research best practices and network with peers.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior researchers, contributing to the development of the research practice, and potentially taking on more strategic oversight of research initiatives or team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a fast-paced digital environment, highlighting the need for strong organizational, communication, and strategic thinking skills. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering pathways for both specialization and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX research project you led from discovery to influencing product decisions. What was your approach, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a detailed case study showcasing your end-to-end process, impact, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you balance the need for in-depth, qualitative insights with the demand for rapid, quantitative feedback in an agile environment?" (Preparation: Discuss your mixed-methods approach, how you prioritize, and your experience with tools like Maze or UserTesting for quick feedback loops.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Very Group as a digital retailer, and what interests you about our mission and purpose?" (Preparation: Research the company's website, recent news, and mission statement to articulate a thoughtful response. Connect their purpose to your passion for user-centricity.)

• "How do you approach fostering an inclusive research practice and ensuring the voices of diverse users are heard?" (Preparation: Discuss your understanding of inclusive research principles and provide examples of how you've implemented them, including your experience with accessibility.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, your research objectives, and the measurable impact of your research on product development and user satisfaction. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, prototypes, or key artifacts from your research process to illustrate your points. Keep slides clean and focused.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation as a compelling story, guiding the interviewers through your thought process, methodology, and key learnings.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making, and how you handled specific challenges within your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong command of UX research methodologies, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and a deep commitment to user advocacy and inclusive practices. The portfolio is a critical tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position at The Very Group:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant UX research projects that best demonstrate your skills in mixed-method research, accessibility, influencing product decisions, and working within agile teams. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, findings, recommendations, and impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences that directly align with the job description, such as "UX research," "mixed-method research," "accessibility research," "Maze," "UserTesting," "agile," and "stakeholder communication." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare for Interviews: Practice articulating your research process, problem-solving skills, and impact with specific examples. Be ready to discuss your experience with the listed tools and your approach to mentoring. Research The Very Group's products and mission.

• Research The Very Group: Understand their digital offerings, customer base, and company values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest during the interview process, especially when discussing their purpose and how you can contribute to a user-centered digital retail experience.

⚠️ 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.