Senior UX Researcher – Digital Experience (Business Banking)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Researcher – Digital Experience (Business Banking)

Company: U.S. Bank

Location: Minneapolis, MN (with flexibility for Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Charlotte, NC; Los Angeles, CA)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research / Digital Product Strategy

Date Posted: 2026-09-03

Experience Level: 6-8 years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days/week in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX research and discovery initiatives specifically within the Business Banking digital experience domain, focusing on client and employee needs.

• Drive UX research strategy across a portfolio of Business Banking digital products, ensuring alignment with business priorities and digital transformation objectives.

• Translate complex qualitative and exploratory research findings into clear, actionable insights that directly inform product direction, business strategy, and digital investment decisions.

• Act as a recognized UX research subject matter expert, influencing prioritization and advancing research practices to improve consistency, quality, and impact across teams.

• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with product managers, designers, business stakeholders, and Business Banking leadership to embed user-centered thinking into product development and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant strategic influence, rather than a pure execution-focused researcher. The emphasis on "shaping research strategy," "influencing prioritization and investment decisions," and "advancing research practices" indicates a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously and strategically within a complex, regulated financial services environment. The "Business Banking" focus suggests a need for understanding B2B client needs and financial workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead end-to-end UX research and discovery efforts, ensuring alignment with business objectives and product roadmaps for Business Banking digital initiatives.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, business stakeholders, and Business Banking leadership to define complex problems, shape robust research strategies, and guide critical decision-making.

• Develop and execute comprehensive UX research strategies across multiple Business Banking products, channels, and digital transformation projects, prioritizing based on business impact and client value.

• Select, adapt, and apply appropriate research methodologies (qualitative, exploratory, journey mapping, stakeholder interviews, etc.) based on project context, constraints, and desired outcomes to uncover deep user insights.

• Synthesize findings from complex qualitative data and diverse inputs into clear, compelling, and actionable insights that directly inform product direction, business strategy, and digital investment decisions.

• Present research insights in a structured, outcome-oriented manner, effectively communicating complex findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance digital experiences for business clients, bankers, and internal partners, contributing to the definition of future-state strategies and experience roadmaps.

• Cultivate and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships, establishing research as a critical, valued input into all stages of decision-making and product development.

• Influence senior leaders and stakeholders by translating research insights into data-driven recommendations that guide digital investment, experience improvement, and strategic prioritization.

• Establish and advance UX research standards, frameworks, and best practices to elevate the quality, consistency, and repeatability of research outcomes across the organization.

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior researchers, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the overall development of the UX research practice within U.S. Bank.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on research execution. The emphasis on "strategy across multiple products," "driving research strategy," and "influencing senior leaders" points to a need for a researcher who can operate at a higher level, connecting individual studies to broader business goals and organizational objectives within the financial services sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in UX, Design Research, Psychology, Social Science, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• Six to eight years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design Research.

• Demonstrated experience in leading end-to-end research initiatives from problem definition to insight delivery and impact measurement. Required Skills:

• UX Research Expertise: Proven ability to lead and execute a wide range of qualitative and exploratory research methodologies (e.g., in-depth interviews, usability testing, ethnography, diary studies, journey mapping, persona development).

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and articulate research strategies that align with business objectives and product roadmaps, particularly within complex financial services environments.

• Insight Generation & Synthesis: Strong analytical skills to synthesize complex qualitative data, identify patterns, and translate findings into clear, actionable insights that drive product and business decisions.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Exceptional ability to build strong relationships, collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (product, design, engineering, business), and influence senior stakeholders and decision-makers through compelling communication of research findings.

• Problem Framing: Aptitude for operating in ambiguous environments, defining problems, and shaping research approaches to address complex business challenges.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with a proven track record of presenting research findings and recommendations to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.

Preferred Skills:

• Research Subject Matter Expertise: Recognized expertise in UX research, with a demonstrated ability to influence product strategy and business decision-making at a senior level.

• Research Strategy Leadership: Experience driving research strategy across multiple products, programs, or business domains, and establishing/scaling UX research standards, methodologies, and best practices.

• Mentorship & Practice Development: Experience mentoring or coaching junior researchers and contributing to the growth and maturity of a UX research practice.

• Financial Services/Business Banking Domain: Experience conducting research related to digital banking, treasury management, lending, onboarding, servicing, payments, or other Business Banking experiences.

• Consulting/Complex Organizations: Experience working within large, complex, or regulated organizations, or a background in consulting with strong stakeholder engagement.

• Agile & Fast-Paced Environments: Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with evolving priorities, balancing methodological rigor with speed and practicality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Basic Qualifications" specify 6-8 years of experience, aligning with a Senior Researcher role. The "Preferred Qualifications" emphasize leadership in research strategy, practice development, and domain expertise, reinforcing the strategic nature of this position. The mention of "complex, regulated organizations" and "financial services" is critical for candidates to highlight relevant experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies Showcasing Impact: A robust portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX research projects, with a strong emphasis on how your research directly influenced product strategy, design decisions, and business outcomes within complex environments.

• Problem Definition & Framing: Examples of how you have successfully defined ambiguous problems, shaped research questions, and developed research plans to address them effectively.

• Methodological Diversity: Showcase a variety of research methodologies employed, with clear rationale for method selection based on project goals, constraints, and desired insights.

• Insight Communication & Actionability: Evidence of translating complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights that led to tangible improvements or strategic shifts.

• Stakeholder Influence: Examples of how your research has influenced product direction, business strategy, or investment decisions, preferably with quantifiable results or documented impact.

Process Documentation:

• Research Planning & Execution: Demonstrate a systematic approach to research planning, participant recruitment, data collection, and analysis, including experience with research operations if applicable.

• Insight Synthesis & Dissemination: Clear examples of how you synthesize qualitative data into compelling narratives and disseminate findings effectively to diverse audiences through various formats (presentations, reports, workshops).

• Collaboration & Integration: Showcase how you integrate research findings into product development workflows and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure insights are understood and acted upon.

• Advancing Research Practices: Examples of contributions to improving research processes, establishing best practices, or mentoring junior researchers, demonstrating a commitment to elevating the research function.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just display past work but demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership in research execution, and a proven ability to drive business impact. The emphasis here is on the process of research and its impact, especially within a corporate/financial setting.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The provided salary range for this role in Minneapolis, MN, is $119,765.00 - $140,900.00 per year.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This range is based on the primary location (Minneapolis, MN) and reflects a Senior UX Researcher position within the financial services industry. Actual compensation may vary based on the specific work location (Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Charlotte, NC; Los Angeles, CA) due to regional cost of living and market demand differences. U.S. Bank's salary ranges are typically determined by factors such as experience, skills, education, and location. For roles with broader location flexibility, candidates should research specific market rates for each potential work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Life Insurance: Basic term and optional term life insurance coverage.

• Disability Coverage: Short-term and Long-term disability insurance to provide financial protection.

• Family Support: Pregnancy disability leave and comprehensive parental leave policies.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with employer match and an employer-funded retirement plan.

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid vacation (2-5 weeks based on grade/tenure) and up to 11 paid holidays.

• Additional Support: Adoption assistance to support family growth.

• Sick and Safe Leave: Accrual of one hour for every 30 hours worked, up to 80 hours annually (subject to local laws).

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While a hybrid model is in place (3 days in office), the nature of research often requires flexibility. Candidates should be prepared for periods of intense work during research phases, balanced by the structured office days for collaboration and strategic planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking) - U.S. Bank operates within a highly regulated and competitive sector, prioritizing stability, security, and customer trust. The digital experience for Business Banking is crucial for client acquisition, retention, and operational efficiency.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (U.S. Bank is a major financial institution with tens of thousands of employees globally). This implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for broad impact, but also potential for navigating complex organizational structures.

Founded: 1863 - U.S. Bank has a long-standing history, indicating a stable and established organization with a deep understanding of the financial market.

Team Structure:

• Operations within Business Banking: This role sits within the Digital Experience division, specifically supporting Business Banking. The UX Research team likely operates as a Center of Excellence or embedded within product/design functions, collaborating closely with Product Management, Design, Business Banking SMEs, Strategy, and potentially Marketing and Technology teams.

• Reporting: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Research Lead, Director of UX, or Head of Digital Experience within the Business Banking vertical.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with Product Managers who define the "what" and "why," Designers who craft the "how," and Business Banking stakeholders who provide domain expertise and represent client needs. Partnerships with analytics, engineering, and compliance teams are also probable.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: U.S. Bank emphasizes data-driven insights, meaning research findings will be expected to be backed by evidence and directly linked to measurable business outcomes.

• User-Centered Design Principles: The role is explicitly focused on embedding user-centered thinking into product development, requiring a commitment to understanding user needs, behaviors, and motivations.

• Agile and Iterative Processes: While the description doesn't explicitly state Agile, large financial institutions often operate with some form of agile or iterative development cycles, requiring researchers to adapt their methods to fit these workflows.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the context of a large, regulated financial institution like U.S. Bank is key. This means research must be rigorous, compliant, and tied to clear business value. The "Business Banking" focus suggests a B2B audience, which has different needs and decision-making processes than B2C customers.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Individual Contributor (IC) role. It signifies a high level of expertise and autonomy in UX research, with expectations for strategic leadership and mentorship. The role is designed for someone who can independently lead complex research initiatives and influence strategic direction, rather than manage a team directly.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a manager or director within the UX Research or Digital Experience function for Business Banking. This structure provides guidance and strategic alignment while allowing significant autonomy in day-to-day research activities and strategy development.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the development of digital products and experiences used by business clients and internal bankers. By providing deep user insights, the researcher helps U.S. Bank improve client satisfaction, increase operational efficiency, drive adoption of digital tools, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth and stronger client relationships within the Business Banking segment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Research Practice: Potential to become a recognized leader or SME within U.S. Bank's UX research community, shaping research standards and influencing the overall research strategy.

• Domain Specialization: Deepen expertise in Business Banking, digital finance, or related areas, becoming a go-to expert for user insights in these critical domains.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across broader product portfolios or business units within U.S. Bank by demonstrating consistent research impact and strategic partnership.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Formalize mentorship of junior researchers, developing leadership skills and contributing to team development.

• Advancement to Management: While primarily an IC track, strong performance and demonstrated leadership can open doors to management roles overseeing research teams or initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior UX Researcher at a large bank often involves deepening expertise and influence rather than immediate people management. The emphasis is on becoming a strategic partner and thought leader within the UX research discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This role requires working from a U.S. Bank location three (3) or more days per week, with flexibility for remote work on other days. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and focused remote work.

Office Location(s): Primary location is Minneapolis, MN, with potential flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Charlotte, NC; or Los Angeles, CA.

• Minneapolis, MN: U.S. Bank Headquarters, likely offering extensive resources and a vibrant corporate environment.

• Other Locations: Major metropolitan hubs with significant U.S. Bank presence, offering opportunities for networking and collaboration within larger regional teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model necessitates structured in-office days for team meetings, workshops, brainstorming sessions, and direct collaboration with designers, product managers, and business stakeholders.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to standard corporate IT infrastructure, collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack), and potentially specialized UX research software. U.S. Bank's investment in technology for digital banking is likely robust.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Business Banking digital product and design teams, fostering strong working relationships and a shared understanding of user needs and business goals.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is implied. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility, with specific in-office days likely coordinated with the team.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement means candidates must be comfortable commuting to a U.S. Bank office in one of the specified locations. The "3 days/week" guideline is firm, indicating a need for in-person presence for key collaborative activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Typically involves an HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into experience, research philosophy, strategic thinking, and understanding of the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present 2-3 key UX research case studies. This often involves a presentation to the hiring manager, team members, and potentially cross-functional partners. Expect questions about your process, decision-making, impact, and how you handle challenges.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Conversations with Product Managers, Designers, and Business Stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and ability to translate research into actionable outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve a senior leader or executive to assess strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select case studies that clearly demonstrate the business impact and strategic influence of your research. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "led to a X% increase in task completion," "informed a product pivot that reduced churn by Y%").

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study with a clear narrative: the problem/opportunity, your research approach, key findings, actionable recommendations, and the resulting impact.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how you framed the problem, selected methodologies, and influenced decisions. Showcase your ability to operate beyond just executing studies.

• Showcase Collaboration: Illustrate how you partnered with cross-functional teams and effectively communicated insights to drive action.

• Demonstrate Domain Relevance: If possible, include a case study related to financial services, business banking, or complex digital products.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your choices, defend your methodologies, and elaborate on challenges and learnings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Scenarios: Be prepared for questions asking how you would approach research for a specific Business Banking digital feature or problem.

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to explain why you chose certain methods over others in your case studies or hypothetical scenarios.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would handle pushback, differing opinions, or situations where stakeholders are resistant to research findings.

• Focus on "So What?": For every finding, be ready to articulate the "so what" – what does this mean for the business, the client, and what should we do about it?

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a high-stakes element for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare 2-3 strong case studies that highlight strategic impact, stakeholder influence, and a deep understanding of the research process within a complex organizational context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Research Platforms: Proficiency with tools for conducting remote usability testing, surveys, and qualitative data analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Dovetail, NVivo).

• Collaboration & Communication: Standard corporate suite tools like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, and potentially project management tools like Jira or Asana.

• Design & Prototyping Tools (Familiarity): While not a designer, understanding of tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD used by the design team will facilitate collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior patterns and complement qualitative findings.

• Business Intelligence Tools: Exposure to BI platforms (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) may be beneficial for understanding broader business metrics and impact.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, or U.S. Bank's internal CRM) can inform research questions or provide context for user segments.

• Data Synthesis Tools: Experience with tools that help organize, code, and synthesize qualitative research data.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in standard UX research software for data collection and analysis, as well as strong collaboration and presentation tools. Familiarity with analytics and CRM systems will be advantageous for a researcher in a financial services context.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of business banking clients, ensuring digital experiences are intuitive, efficient, and valuable.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence-based insights derived from research to guide product development and strategic choices.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across departments, believing that the best outcomes are achieved through teamwork and shared understanding.

• Rigorous & Practical Approach: Balancing methodological rigor with the practical constraints of a large, regulated organization, emphasizing quality and actionable outcomes.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly learn, adapt, and refine research practices to maximize impact and efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Consultative: The researcher is expected to be a proactive partner, consulting with teams on research needs, offering strategic guidance, and actively participating in product development discussions.

• Transparent & Communicative: Openly sharing research plans, findings, and recommendations, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned.

• Empathetic & User-Centric: Championing the voice of the user throughout the product development lifecycle, fostering empathy among team members.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve research quality and collaboration effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at U.S. Bank, especially in a regulated environment like Business Banking, will likely emphasize professionalism, ethical conduct, and a structured, collaborative approach. Candidates who can demonstrate these qualities will be a strong fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complexity & Regulation: Working within a large, established financial institution means adhering to strict regulations, compliance requirements, and established corporate processes, which can sometimes slow down research cycles or limit methodologies.

• Balancing Rigor and Speed: The need to conduct thorough, high-quality research while meeting the fast-paced demands of digital product development requires adept prioritization and methodological adaptation.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and driving action from diverse stakeholders, especially senior leaders, requires strong communication, persuasion, and demonstrated business value.

• Defining Ambiguity: Tackling complex, often ill-defined problems within Business Banking requires strong problem-framing skills and the ability to chart a research path where none clearly exists.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Opportunities to become a highly specialized expert in Business Banking digital products, client needs, and financial technologies.

• Strategic Impact: Gaining experience in influencing high-level product and business strategy within a major financial services organization.

• Research Practice Advancement: Contributing to and benefiting from the development of UX research standards, frameworks, and best practices within U.S. Bank.

• Mentorship & Skill Development: Opportunities to mentor junior researchers and participate in training programs focused on advanced research techniques, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of trends in digital banking, fintech, and user experience within the financial services sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the challenge of making a significant impact in a complex, high-stakes industry. The growth opportunities are tied to deepening expertise, strategic influence, and contributing to the maturity of UX research within a leading financial institution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a research strategy for a complex, ambiguous problem in the financial services industry. What was your approach, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on problem framing, methodology selection, and strategic alignment)

• "How do you balance methodological rigor with the need for speed and practicality in a corporate environment? Provide an example." (Showcase judgment, adaptability, and understanding of business constraints)

• "Tell me about a time your research findings significantly influenced product strategy or business investment decisions. How did you achieve this influence?" (Highlight communication, persuasion, and impact on decision-making) Company & Culture Questions:

• "How would you approach building trust and strong working relationships with Business Banking stakeholders who may not be familiar with UX research?" (Demonstrate collaboration, communication, and value proposition articulation)

• "What are your thoughts on the unique challenges and opportunities of conducting UX research in a regulated industry like banking?" (Show understanding of compliance, security, and ethical considerations)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX research trends and how would you apply them to enhance our Business Banking digital experiences?" (Show continuous learning and proactive approach) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Cases: Choose 2-3 case studies that best represent your ability to lead strategy, influence decisions, and drive measurable outcomes, ideally with relevance to financial services or complex digital products.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a clear narrative: Problem/Opportunity -> Your Role & Approach -> Key Findings -> Recommendations -> Impact/Outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research.

• Highlight Strategic Contributions: Clearly articulate your role in shaping the research strategy, framing the problem, and influencing stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your methodology, decision-making process, and how you handled specific challenges within each case study.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong communication, and a proven ability to drive impact within a corporate, regulated environment. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided U.S. Bank Careers portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to UX research, digital product strategy, financial services, and working in large, complex organizations. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX research," "discovery," "problem framing," "stakeholder interviews," "journey mapping," and "business banking."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 compelling case studies that showcase your strategic approach, research impact, and ability to influence decisions. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your methodology, key insights, recommendations, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and compellingly, focusing on the "why," "how," and "what happened next" of your research. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and impact.

• Research U.S. Bank & Business Banking: Understand U.S. Bank's mission, values, and its role in the financial services industry. Familiarize yourself with the types of digital solutions offered for business clients to better tailor your responses and demonstrate 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.