Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: Foot Locker

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Research / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive customer-centric product strategy and design decisions through in-depth user research within Foot Locker's digital ecosystem.

• Execute comprehensive research plans, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to uncover actionable customer insights.

• Foster a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors across the product development lifecycle, influencing key stakeholders from discovery through delivery.

• Champion UX research best practices, contributing to the scaling and maturity of research operations within the Experience Design organization.

• Mentor designers and cross-functional partners, elevating the collective understanding of customer-centered thinking and research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Sr. UX Researcher," the responsibilities and required skills suggest a role that bridges traditional UX Research with elements of Design Operations and Product Strategy. The emphasis on scaling research practices and mentoring indicates a senior-level individual contributor with potential for influence beyond direct research execution. The role is firmly embedded within the Experience Design organization, implying a strong connection to design thinking and user-centered product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute robust research plans that align with overarching product strategy, evolving customer needs, and critical business priorities for Foot Locker's digital platforms.

• Conduct a diverse range of qualitative and mixed-method research activities, including but not limited to in-depth customer interviews, rigorous usability testing, comprehensive surveys, concept validation, and detailed journey mapping exercises.

• Synthesize complex research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights and recommendations, directly influencing product strategy formulation and informing critical design decisions.

• Collaborate proactively and cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, eCommerce business stakeholders, and other Experience Design team members throughout the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring customer insights are seamlessly integrated.

• Present research findings and strategic recommendations through compelling storytelling and effective data visualization, tailored to resonate with diverse audiences including executive leadership, product teams, and design peers.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement and scaling of UX research practices, including the establishment and maintenance of research repositories and the dissemination of best practices across the broader Experience Design organization.

• Mentor and guide junior designers and cross-functional partners on effective research methodologies, customer-centered thinking principles, and the application of user insights in their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic as well as tactical role. The emphasis on "scaling research practices" and "mentoring" suggests that the ideal candidate will not only perform research but also contribute to building the UX research function within Foot Locker. This implies a need for someone who can think about process, documentation, and knowledge sharing in addition to executing research studies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Computer Science, Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of dedicated UX research experience within digital product organizations, with a strong preference for candidates with prior experience in retail or eCommerce environments.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in a wide array of qualitative research methods (e.g., user interviews, contextual inquiry, ethnographic studies, diary studies).

• Proven ability to leverage quantitative data and analytical techniques to triangulate findings and strengthen qualitative insights.

• Deep understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from ideation and discovery through design, development, and iteration.

• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research findings into compelling narratives.

• Proven experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Design, Engineering, Analytics, and business stakeholders.

• Proficiency with modern research and collaboration tools, such as Dscout, Dovetail, Miro, Figma, or similar platforms for data collection, synthesis, and ideation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with survey design and analysis tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and the analysis of experimental data.

• Experience mentoring junior researchers or designers.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX research projects and their impact on product outcomes.

• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles in research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated requirement for 4+ years of experience, coupled with the emphasis on mentoring and scaling practices, positions this as a senior individual contributor role. The preference for retail/eCommerce experience is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates with this background will be highly competitive. The mention of specific tools like Dscout and Dovetail indicates a need for hands-on experience with modern research platforms.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of UX research projects that clearly demonstrate your research process from problem definition to actionable insights and impact.

• Case studies should highlight your approach to research planning, methodology selection, data synthesis, and how your findings influenced product strategy and design outcomes.

• For each project, clearly articulate the business context, the research questions, the methods used, key findings, and the resulting impact on user experience and business metrics.

• Showcase your ability to work with diverse data types, including qualitative feedback, behavioral data, and quantitative metrics, to form a holistic understanding of user needs. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of developing and documenting research plans, including research objectives, participant criteria, methodologies, and timelines.

• Examples of how you've synthesized research data (e.g., affinity mapping, thematic analysis, persona development) and translated it into clear, actionable recommendations.

• Documentation of your approach to presenting research findings to various stakeholders, demonstrating effective communication and storytelling techniques.

• Showcase any contributions to establishing or improving research processes, repositories, or best practices within a team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Researcher role, a strong portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase the candidate's research skills but also their strategic thinking, ability to influence product direction, and contributions to the broader research function. The emphasis on "scaling research practices" and "mentoring" means that any evidence of process improvement or team enablement within the portfolio will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $125,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Employee Discount on Foot Locker products and services.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees and eligible dependents.

• Retirement savings plans, including 401(k) and Roth 401(k) options.

• Life Insurance coverage to provide financial security.

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Clear Opportunities for Advancement within Foot Locker and its associated brands.

• Tuition Reimbursement program for qualified educational courses and professional development.

• A Strong Company Culture that values innovation, authenticity, and integrity.

• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster community and belonging.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment. Flexibility may be offered based on team needs and project demands, consistent with company policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for base compensation. The role is also eligible for short-term incentives tied to individual and company performance. This is a crucial detail for candidates to consider when evaluating the total compensation package. The benefits list is comprehensive and typical for a large retail organization, with specific mention of advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement, which are attractive for career-focused professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Athletic Footwear and Apparel) with a strong connection to Sport and Style culture. Foot Locker operates at the intersection of fashion, athletics, and community.

Company Size: Large enterprise, part of the DICK'S Sporting Goods family, indicating significant resources and a broad operational footprint.

Founded: Foot Locker was founded in 1974, bringing decades of experience in the athletic retail space. This history provides a foundation of expertise and brand recognition.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Researcher is part of the Experience Design organization, reporting directly to the Director of Experience Design.

• This team likely comprises other UX/UI designers, UX researchers, and potentially content strategists, all focused on enhancing the digital customer journey.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Engineering, and eCommerce business stakeholders, indicating a highly cross-functional team environment. Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centricity and data-driven decision-making, using research insights to inform product strategy and design.

• A blend of agile development methodologies and user-centered design principles is likely employed.

• Focus on creating engaging and authentic customer experiences that reflect current trends in sport and style.

Company Website: www.footlocker.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Foot Locker's positioning as a brand that "shape[s] culture" and sits "at the intersection of sport, style, and self-expression" is a key cultural indicator. For a UX Researcher, this means understanding not just functional needs but also the emotional and cultural drivers of their target audience. The connection to DICK'S Sporting Goods provides a larger corporate context, but the role emphasizes Foot Locker's specific brand identity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Sr." (Senior), indicating an individual contributor role with significant autonomy and responsibility. It requires a strong foundation in UX research methodologies and the ability to apply them strategically to complex business problems. The role is expected to contribute to the growth and maturity of the UX research practice.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Researcher reports to the Director of Experience Design. This structure implies access to senior leadership for strategic alignment and advocacy for user-centered design principles.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Researcher's work directly impacts product strategy, design decisions, and the overall digital customer experience across Foot Locker's ecosystem. Their insights are crucial for driving innovation, improving conversion rates, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ultimately, contributing to business growth within the competitive retail landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, explore new tools, and gain exposure to a wider range of digital products and customer segments.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on more complex research initiatives, lead research for major product launches, and informally mentor junior team members, paving a path towards formal leadership roles or principal researcher positions.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepen collaboration with Product Management and Engineering, gaining a broader understanding of product development and business operations. Opportunities to contribute to strategic planning sessions.

• Career Pathing: Potential career paths could lead to Lead UX Researcher, UX Research Manager, or roles within Product Management or Design Strategy, depending on individual interests and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr." title and reporting line to a Director suggest that this role is critical for shaping the user experience strategy. The emphasis on influencing product strategy and embedding insights throughout the lifecycle indicates a high level of impact. Growth opportunities are likely focused on deepening research expertise, taking on more strategic projects, and potentially moving into leadership or specialized strategic roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. The location in New York, NY, suggests an urban setting with access to public transportation and a vibrant professional community.

Office Location(s): 1 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10119. This is a prominent location in Manhattan, likely offering a modern and collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and other Experience Design team members. The office environment is expected to facilitate these interactions.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern research and collaboration tools (Dscout, Dovetail, Miro, Figma, etc.) will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and data analysis.

• Team Interaction: Regular in-person meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions are anticipated, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and business needs, but the core expectation is consistent presence in the office to facilitate collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role, especially in a major city like New York, suggests an emphasis on in-person collaboration and team synergy. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setting and the benefits that come with it, such as spontaneous ideation and stronger team bonding.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present a portfolio of their work, showcasing 2-3 key UX research projects. This is a critical step where you'll demonstrate your process, insights, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, methodologies, challenges, and outcomes in detail.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, research philosophy, and approach to complex problems. Expect questions related to your ability to influence product strategy and collaborate cross-functionally.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, such as Product Managers, Designers, or Engineers, to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate research into the product development lifecycle.

• Case Study/Exercise (Potential): While not explicitly mentioned, some companies may include a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual exercise to evaluate specific research skills or problem-solving abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your senior-level experience, research breadth, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with Foot Locker's retail/eCommerce context if possible.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations around a narrative: the problem, your approach, the process, the insights, and the impact. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in team-based projects.

• Demonstrate Influence: Show how your research directly informed product decisions and led to positive outcomes for users and the business.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, how you handled challenges, and how you'd approach future research at Foot Locker.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Foot Locker: Understand their brands, target audience, current digital presence, and recent initiatives.

• Review UX Research Best Practices: Refresh your knowledge of various qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Practice Presenting: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and be ready to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Think about examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills, collaboration, leadership, and adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tool prohibition for interviews and assessments is a significant point. Candidates must be prepared to conduct all parts of the interview process without AI assistance. The portfolio presentation is a key component, so candidates should dedicate substantial time to preparing compelling case studies that demonstrate senior-level impact and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Dscout, Dovetail (for qualitative data collection, organization, and synthesis).

• Collaboration & Design Tools: Miro (for ideation, journey mapping, affinity diagramming), Figma (for understanding design outputs and potentially providing feedback on prototypes).

• Survey Tools: Proficiency with tools like SurveyMonkey or Qualtrics is likely expected for survey design and analysis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and A/B testing platforms would be beneficial for synthesizing quantitative data and understanding user behavior at scale.

• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) could be a plus for presenting integrated findings. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how UX research insights can inform CRM strategies or marketing automation efforts would be advantageous, though direct experience with these systems may not be required for this specific role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Dscout, Dovetail, Miro, and Figma points to the specific technologies the UX Research team actively uses. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them for efficient and effective research. Familiarity with broader analytics platforms is a plus for understanding the full scope of user behavior.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and perspectives in all product decisions.

• Authenticity & Integrity: Upholding honest and transparent research practices, and ensuring that findings are presented without bias.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new research methods, uncover novel insights, and contribute to groundbreaking product experiences.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared goals and deliver exceptional products.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to inform strategies and measure the impact of research efforts.

• Efficiency: A focus on streamlined research processes and effective synthesis to deliver timely and actionable insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Management, Engineering, and Business teams to ensure research is integrated early and often in the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed, and insights are shared freely and transparently.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where best practices, learnings, and research findings are disseminated across teams.

• Mentorship & Enablement: A willingness to share knowledge and guide colleagues in understanding and applying user research principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Foot Locker's stated values of "innovation, authenticity, and integrity" are directly applicable to the UX Research function. The emphasis on shaping culture and being at the intersection of sport and style suggests a dynamic and trend-aware team environment. The collaboration style is expected to be highly integrated, with UX Research acting as a central hub for user understanding.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced retail environment, ensuring research is thorough yet delivered in time to influence product roadmaps can be a significant challenge.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively translating research insights into compelling narratives that drive action and adoption among diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Scaling Research: Contributing to the growth and maturity of the UX research function within Foot Locker, ensuring consistent quality and impact across multiple product teams.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Understanding and adapting to the dynamics of a large enterprise, including navigating stakeholder relationships and organizational processes.

• Measuring Impact: Clearly articulating and quantifying the business impact of UX research efforts to demonstrate ROI and secure continued investment in user-centered practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Methodologies: Opportunities to explore and implement advanced qualitative and quantitative research techniques, potentially including experimental design and behavioral economics.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of the latest trends in UX research, digital retail, and consumer behavior within the sport and style culture.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining deeper insights into product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior team members and potentially leading research for strategic initiatives.

• Professional Development: Access to tuition reimbursement and potential for attending industry conferences or workshops to enhance skills and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the strategic nature of the role, requiring not just research execution but also strong advocacy, process improvement, and stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing a well-rounded UX professional who can contribute significantly to both the product and the research discipline within Foot Locker.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced product strategy with your research. What was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating impact and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you prioritize research requests when multiple stakeholders have competing needs?" (Assess prioritization skills and stakeholder management.)

• "Walk us through your process for planning and executing a complex usability study." (Evaluate methodological rigor and planning capabilities.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and understood by non-researchers?" (Focus on communication, storytelling, and synthesis skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Foot Locker and its brands?" (Demonstrate research into the company and its cultural relevance.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers?" (Assess cross-functional teamwork and communication.)

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for the user when there was resistance from stakeholders." (Evaluate your ability to champion user needs.)

• "How do you stay current with trends in UX research and the retail/eCommerce space?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best: Choose 2-3 projects that showcase your senior-level capabilities, research breadth, and proven impact. Ideally, include a project relevant to retail or eCommerce.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: the business problem, your research objectives, your methodology, your role, the key insights, and the resulting product/business impact. Use visuals where possible.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, provide metrics or evidence of how your research contributed to positive outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology choices, participant recruitment, data analysis, and how you handled unexpected findings or challenges.

• Address AI Tool Prohibition: Be prepared to discuss your research process and findings without relying on any AI tools, as per the company's policy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tool prohibition means candidates must be prepared to articulate their thought processes and project details entirely from memory and their own experience. Practicing presentations aloud and being able to spontaneously elaborate on project details will be crucial. The company's focus on culture and style means candidates should be ready to discuss how they've researched and understood cultural nuances in their previous work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Foot Locker careers portal.

• Curate and refine your portfolio: Select 2-3 strong UX research case studies that highlight your senior-level expertise, diverse methodologies, and demonstrable impact on product strategy and user experience. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your approach, key insights, and business outcomes.

• Optimize your resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 4+ years of UX research experience, specific methodologies used, proficiency with relevant tools (Dscout, Dovetail, Miro, Figma), and any retail/eCommerce experience. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your interview narrative: Practice articulating your experience and research philosophy. Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, answer behavioral questions, and explain how you would approach research challenges at Foot Locker, adhering strictly to the policy against AI tool usage during interviews.

• Research Foot Locker: Gain a deep understanding of Foot Locker's brands, target audience, current digital initiatives, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.