Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: United Fidelity Bank

Location: Remote - Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research (UXR) / Customer Insights

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives to uncover critical customer insights that drive product innovation and enhance the automotive retail experience.

• Develop and execute comprehensive research plans, employing a variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies to address complex business questions.

• Translate raw user data into actionable recommendations, effectively communicating findings to product, design, engineering, and marketing teams to influence strategic decision-making.

• Champion a customer-centric approach across the organization, ensuring user needs and behaviors are at the forefront of product development and digital strategy.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to integrate user insights into the product lifecycle, fostering a data-driven culture focused on continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Sr. UX Researcher" and the company is listed as "United Fidelity Bank" in the input, the provided description and domain (unitedfidelity.com) strongly suggest this role is with AutoNation, a prominent automotive retailer. The description extensively details AutoNation's mission, culture, and industry focus. This enhancement assumes the role is with AutoNation, aligning with the provided descriptive content. The "United Fidelity Bank" mention might be an error in the input data. This role is firmly within the User Experience Research domain, focusing on customer insights and product development within the automotive retail sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, plan, and execute a wide range of user research studies, including usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, diary studies, ethnographic research, and competitive analysis.

• Define research objectives, methodologies, and participant criteria, ensuring alignment with product roadmaps and business goals.

• Recruit and screen research participants, managing participant logistics and ensuring diverse representation to capture a broad spectrum of user needs and behaviors.

• Conduct research sessions, meticulously documenting observations, user feedback, and pain points to identify key themes and actionable insights.

• Synthesize complex research data from multiple sources, employing advanced analytical techniques to uncover underlying user needs, motivations, and pain points.

• Develop compelling research reports, presentations, and personas that clearly articulate findings, insights, and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences.

• Partner with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing teams to translate research insights into tangible product improvements and innovative solutions.

• Advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle, influencing product strategy and design decisions based on empirical evidence.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX research trends, tools, and best practices, continuously refining research methodologies and contributing to the evolution of the UX function.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a centralized repository of user insights, research findings, and best practices to foster organizational learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the nature of the automotive retail industry, the responsibilities lean heavily towards leading research initiatives independently, mentoring junior researchers (if applicable), and influencing strategic product decisions. The emphasis on "automotive retail platforms" and "digital strategy" suggests a focus on digital touchpoints, e-commerce, and in-dealership digital experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

• 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) research, with a proven track record of leading research projects and delivering actionable insights.

• Demonstrated experience conducting a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in a product development environment. Required Skills:

• User Research Expertise: Deep understanding and hands-on experience with a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., usability testing, in-depth interviews, surveys, card sorting, persona development, journey mapping).

• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Ability to analyze complex datasets from various research methodologies, identify patterns, and synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights.

• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present research findings persuasively to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to define research problems, design appropriate studies, and develop creative solutions.

• Customer Insights: Proven ability to translate user behaviors, needs, and motivations into compelling customer insights that drive product strategy and design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with product managers, designers, engineers, and marketing teams in an agile or iterative product development environment.

• Research Tools Proficiency: Familiarity with common UX research tools for usability testing, survey creation, and data analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Optimal Workshop).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the automotive industry or a related complex, consumer-facing retail sector.

• Familiarity with digital product development processes and agile methodologies.

• Experience with advanced analytics tools and techniques for behavioral data analysis.

• Knowledge of accessibility best practices and inclusive design principles.

• Experience mentoring or leading junior researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a need for strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to work autonomously. The automotive retail context suggests a focus on understanding complex customer journeys, multi-channel interactions, and high-consideration purchases.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 significant UX research projects, demonstrating end-to-end research ownership.

• Each project should clearly articulate the research problem, objectives, methodologies employed, key findings, and the impact of the research on product decisions and business outcomes.

• Evidence of translating qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations.

• Examples of research deliverables such as personas, journey maps, usability test reports, and insight summaries.

• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how user insights influenced product direction. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to research planning, execution, and synthesis.

• Ability to document research processes, including participant recruitment strategies, moderation guides, and data analysis frameworks.

• Showcase experience in iterating on research processes based on project needs and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior role, the portfolio should highlight the candidate's ability to lead complex research, influence strategy, and drive measurable impact. The focus should be on the outcomes of their research, not just the methods used. The automotive context means showcasing an understanding of intricate customer journeys and decision-making processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Researcher in a remote Florida role, with 5-10 years of experience in a large enterprise like AutoNation, the estimated salary range is $100,000 - $140,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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

• Employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and service.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Remote work stipend or support for home office setup. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, with core hours expected for team collaboration and meetings, particularly for a remote role requiring coordination across time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from reputable compensation data sources for senior UX roles in the US, adjusted for the Florida remote market and the large enterprise context of AutoNation. Benefits are typical for large corporations in the US, with specific additions relevant to the automotive industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Retail. AutoNation operates as one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, focusing on new and used vehicle sales, financing, parts, and service.

Company Size: AutoNation is a large enterprise, employing tens of thousands of associates nationwide. This means a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: AutoNation was founded in 1996. Its history is marked by growth and consolidation within the automotive retail sector, aiming to innovate and lead in customer experience.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely operates within a larger Product or Digital organization.

• This Senior UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Lead, Director of Product, or Head of Digital Experience.

• Close collaboration with Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, Front-end Developers, and Marketing teams is essential.

• The role is expected to interface with business stakeholders across various departments to understand strategic objectives and user needs. Methodology:

• AutoNation emphasizes innovation, customer-centricity, and making a positive impact.

• The company is actively transforming its digital presence and customer journey, indicating a commitment to data-driven decision-making and leveraging user insights.

• Expect a blend of agile development methodologies with a strong focus on user feedback loops.

Company Website: [AutoNation Careers Page/Company Website - Placeholder, as URL was not provided]

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided description highlights AutoNation's commitment to innovation, diversity, and making a positive impact. For a UX Researcher, this translates to an environment where user feedback is valued and can influence significant business decisions in a competitive industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the capacity to lead complex research projects, mentor others, and influence strategic direction within the UX and product development domains.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. UX Researcher will likely report to a UX Manager, Director of Product Management, or Head of User Experience. They will work closely with product teams, designers, and engineers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing product design, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation by improving the user experience across AutoNation's digital platforms and customer touchpoints. This role is critical for understanding customer behavior in a high-consideration purchase environment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a UX Research Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team of researchers and setting research strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX research relevant to automotive retail (e.g., automotive purchase journey, digital service experience, connected car technologies).

• Cross-functional Advancement: Potential to move into Product Management or other strategic roles within the digital or customer experience divisions.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the automotive retail landscape and its evolving digital challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a strong foundation and the opportunity to mentor and guide, setting the stage for future leadership roles within AutoNation's growing digital and UX functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designated as "Remote - Florida," indicating that candidates must reside in Florida or be willing to relocate there, and the work will be conducted from a home office.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, AutoNation has numerous physical locations across the United States, including dealerships and corporate offices. The primary engagement will be virtual.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Remote work necessitates strong reliance on digital collaboration tools. Expect frequent virtual meetings, asynchronous communication, and shared digital workspaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office productivity software, video conferencing platforms, and specialized UX research and design tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a distributed team, requiring proactive communication and engagement to build rapport and ensure alignment.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week).

• While remote, maintaining consistent availability during core business hours for collaboration is crucial.

• Flexibility in daily scheduling might be possible, but meeting attendance and responsiveness are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-discipline and excellent virtual communication skills. The "Remote - Florida" designation suggests the company may have specific operational or legal reasons for requiring candidates to be based in that state.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager about experience, approach to UX research, and understanding of the role's responsibilities.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, detailing 1-2 key projects, methodologies, insights, and impact. Expect detailed questions about their process and decision-making.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Designers, Engineers) to assess collaboration skills and ability to translate research into actionable product improvements.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership or a panel to make a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your approach, the challenges, your insights, and the tangible impact of your work.

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain why you chose specific research methodologies for each project and how they helped answer your research questions.

• Data Visualization: Effectively present quantitative data and qualitative themes. Show how you synthesized complex information into easily digestible insights.

• Impact & ROI: Quantify the impact of your research whenever possible (e.g., "led to a 15% increase in conversion rate," "reduced support tickets by X%").

• Company Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight projects most relevant to automotive retail, customer journeys, or digital transformation.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential case study or research design exercise. This could involve a hypothetical problem where you need to outline a research plan.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex research concepts or data.

• Prepare to discuss how you would handle ambiguity, conflicting stakeholder opinions, or challenging research scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for UX roles. Candidates should prepare to deeply dive into their past work, demonstrating not just technical skills but also strategic thinking and influence. For a senior role, demonstrating leadership in research execution and impact is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, UserZoom, or similar for remote usability testing and qualitative data collection.

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, Typeform for quantitative data collection and surveys.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, Figma for collaborative ideation, journey mapping, and affinity diagramming.

• Data Analysis Software: Excel, SPSS, R, Python (for quantitative analysis); NVivo, Dovetail (for qualitative analysis).

• Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote for delivering research findings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to complement qualitative findings with behavioral data.

• Experience with A/B testing platforms and interpreting test results. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UXR, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) or customer data platforms (CDPs) can inform research or how research insights can be fed back into these systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with a variety of research tools is expected, along with the ability to adapt to new technologies. The ability to integrate insights from different data sources (qualitative, quantitative, behavioral) is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the customer in all product decisions.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, methodologies, and solutions to solve complex problems.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on empirical evidence and user insights to guide strategy and design.

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

• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible results that improve the customer experience and contribute to business success.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working closely with Product Managers and Designers as a research partner, not just a service provider.

• Influence: Effectively communicating insights to influence product roadmaps and design decisions, often through compelling storytelling and data visualization.

• Feedback Loop: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to enhance research quality and product outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share learnings and best practices across teams to foster a more user-informed organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: AutoNation's stated values of innovation, positive impact, and customer focus will likely permeate the UX team's culture. The emphasis on transformation suggests an open environment for new ideas and methodologies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to established processes and potentially long decision-making cycles within a large enterprise.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Synthesizing diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements from various departments (sales, service, marketing, IT).

• Driving Change: Effectively advocating for user-centered design and research-backed decisions in a competitive industry.

• Measuring Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI of UX research efforts to secure continued investment and buy-in.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

• Industry Trends: Staying ahead of evolving customer expectations and digital trends in the automotive retail sector.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of product management, business strategy, and engineering processes.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior researchers and develop leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The automotive retail sector is complex and rapidly evolving, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for UX researchers to make a significant impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product decision with your research findings. What was the outcome?" (Focus on persuasion, data linkage, and impact).

• "How would you approach researching the ideal digital experience for a customer purchasing a car online?" (Assess understanding of automotive customer journeys and research planning).

• "Walk us through your process for prioritizing research questions when faced with multiple business objectives." (Demonstrate strategic thinking and prioritization skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AutoNation and the automotive retail industry?" (Show genuine interest and research into the company).

• "How do you see UX research contributing to AutoNation's transformation and innovation goals?" (Connect your role to the company's strategic initiatives).

• "Describe your experience working in a remote or hybrid team environment." (Highlight collaboration and communication skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Deep Dive: Select 1-2 projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, strategic thinking, and impact on product/business.

• STAR Method: For behavioral questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, their challenges, and their vision for UX research.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will look for strategic thinking, strong communication, and a clear understanding of how UX research drives business value, especially within the unique context of automotive retail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the AutoNation Careers portal using the provided link.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to UX research, customer insights, automotive retail (if applicable), and senior-level responsibilities. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Craft a Compelling Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your research process, key insights, and the tangible impact of your work. Prepare to walk through 1-2 projects in detail.

• Research AutoNation: Understand their business model, recent initiatives, and their stated commitment to innovation and customer experience.

• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice presenting your chosen case studies concisely and persuasively, anticipating questions about your methodology, insights, and impact.

⚠️ 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.