Sr. UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Researcher

Company: We Are Rosie

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience Research / Digital Customer Experience

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Senior (7-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for supporting the Digital Customer Experience (CDX) team in major transformation initiatives focused on Menu Transformation and Membership Program Evolution.

• The Senior UX Researcher will execute a variety of user research studies, including usability tests, interviews, and observational studies, across web and mobile platforms.

• A key aspect of this role involves synthesizing complex research findings into clear, actionable insights to inform design and product decisions for cross-functional teams.

• The position requires a proactive and self-directed individual who can navigate environments with minimal structure, turning vague directions into concrete research plans and validating design concepts with end-users.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Sr. UX Researcher," the description emphasizes a strong partnership with product and design teams, and the need to guide stakeholders who may be less experienced with research. This suggests a role that balances execution with a consultative element, ensuring research is understood and acted upon. The focus on "Digital Customer Experience" and specific initiatives like "Menu Transformation" and "Membership Program Evolution" indicates a strategic, customer-centric impact within a quick-serve restaurant brand.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive user testing and usability studies across both web and mobile digital platforms to gather critical user feedback.

• Conduct a range of qualitative and quantitative user research, including in-depth interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to understand user behaviors and needs.

• Synthesize and translate research findings into clear, concise, and actionable insights, effectively communicating them to design, product management, and engineering teams.

• Play a key role in validating design solutions and product concepts by presenting them to customers and gathering feedback to inform iterative development.

• Support the discovery phase for significant initiatives like menu transformation and membership program evolution, identifying unmet user needs and opportunities.

• Develop and maintain thorough research documentation, including detailed summaries, comprehensive reports, and compelling presentations for various stakeholders.

• Champion the voice of the user throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of decision-making processes.

• Collaborate closely with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure research findings are integrated into product strategy and development roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on research execution and strategic contribution. The emphasis on supporting "discovery efforts" and "championing user needs" suggests the role will be involved in strategic planning and not just tactical study execution. The need to work with stakeholders who may not fully understand research points to a requirement for strong influencing and educational skills within the research function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design Research, or a related field is typically expected for this level of UX research.

Experience: 7-10 years of dedicated, hands-on UX research experience, with a demonstrated history of independently conducting and synthesizing user testing studies.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Listening Skills: Ability to discern underlying needs and problems from stakeholder requests, even when not explicitly stated.

• Independent Research Execution: Proven ability to design, conduct, and synthesize user research studies with minimal supervision.

• Problem Identification: Skill in identifying key researchable problems and translating vague directions into structured, actionable research plans.

• Analytical & Synthesis Skills: Strong capability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data, identify patterns, and derive meaningful insights.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present findings clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including non-researchers.

• Stakeholder Management: Experience working effectively with product managers, designers, and engineers, particularly those who may be new to partnering with researchers.

• Adaptability: Comfort and proficiency in working within environments that have minimal established processes and structures, requiring independent problem-solving.

• Agile Familiarity: Understanding and experience working within Agile development methodologies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the quick-serve restaurant or hospitality industry.

• Familiarity with digital menu platforms and loyalty/membership programs.

• Experience with a variety of research methodologies beyond standard usability testing (e.g., diary studies, ethnography, card sorting).

• Proficiency in research tools for survey creation, participant recruitment, and usability testing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "exceptional listening skills" and working with "inexperienced product managers" is a significant qualifier. This suggests the ideal candidate will not only be a strong researcher but also a capable consultant and educator who can guide internal stakeholders to better understand and leverage user research. The requirement for comfort with "minimal structure" points to a need for someone who thrives in ambiguity and can define processes as they go.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrated Research Process: Showcase a clear and repeatable process for planning, executing, analyzing, and reporting on user research studies.

• Case Studies of Impact: Provide detailed examples of research projects that directly influenced product decisions, improved user experience metrics, or led to measurable business outcomes.

• Synthesis and Insight Generation: Highlight examples where complex data was effectively synthesized into clear, actionable insights that drove design or product strategy.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Include examples demonstrating successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (design, product, engineering) and how research findings were communicated and integrated.

• Handling Ambiguity: Showcase projects where you defined research objectives and methodologies in ambiguous situations or with minimal initial direction.

Process Documentation:

• Research Plan Development: Evidence of creating detailed research plans that clearly outline objectives, methodologies, participant criteria, and timelines.

• Synthesis Frameworks: Examples of how you structure and document research synthesis, such as affinity mapping, journey mapping, or thematic analysis reports.

• Insight Communication: Demonstrate experience in creating various forms of research documentation tailored to different audiences, from executive summaries to detailed reports and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on working with minimal structure and guiding less experienced stakeholders, a portfolio that clearly articulates the process of research, not just the outcomes, will be highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to walk through how they approach a research request, from initial ambiguity to actionable insights, and how they ensure those insights lead to positive change.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75 - $85 per hour. This range is based on the provided contract details and aligns with senior-level UX research roles in major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, considering the specialized nature of the work and the contract duration.

Benefits: As a contract role, benefits are typically provided through the contracting agency (We Are Rosie). Specific benefits may include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off (accrued based on contract length and hours)

• Potential for contract extension through 2027

• Access to We Are Rosie's talent network and community

• Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $75-$85/hr for a contract role in Atlanta suggests a mid-to-high compensation for a senior UX researcher. This rate reflects the demand for experienced researchers, especially those who can operate independently and have a strong track record of delivering actionable insights. It's crucial for candidates to confirm the specific benefits package and any potential for a full-time conversion or long-term contract extension directly with We Are Rosie.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Quick-Serve Restaurant (QSR) Brand, with a strong focus on Customer Experience and Digital Innovation. The client brand is described as "obsessed with delivering differentiated customer service" and having "hospitality built into their brand."

Company Size: The client is a "leading chain quick-serve restaurant brand," implying a large, established organization with significant customer reach. We Are Rosie, the employer, is a strategic consulting and talent solutions provider that partners with over 200 major brands and agencies, indicating a robust network and diverse client base.

Founded: We Are Rosie was founded in 2018. The client's founding date is not specified but is described as a "leading chain," suggesting significant history.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Digital Customer Experience (CDX) team, working closely with designers, product managers, and engineers.

• You will collaborate with another Senior UX Researcher, suggesting a small but focused research function within the CDX team.

• The role requires cross-functional collaboration across design, product, and engineering departments. Methodology:

• The CDX team is focused on "Menu Transformation" and "Membership Program Evolution," indicating a strategic, customer-centric approach to digital product development.

• Research will be used to "validate solutions with customers" and "inform product decisions."

• The environment is described as "without extensive process and structure," suggesting an agile, iterative, and adaptable operational methodology.

Company Website: [We Are Rosie's website is not provided in the input, but is implied to be wearerosie.com based on domain_derived. The client company website is not specified.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The client's focus on customer experience and hospitality, combined with the digital transformation initiatives, suggests a company that is modernizing its approach while retaining its core brand values. The hybrid work environment with specific in-office days points to a company that values in-person collaboration for key strategic discussions, while offering flexibility. We Are Rosie's culture is described as human-centric and focused on redefining how marketing works, which likely extends to their talent placement philosophy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Researcher, implying a significant level of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. This role is suited for individuals who can lead research initiatives, mentor junior team members (if applicable), and influence product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Digital Customer Experience (CDX) team, likely to a UX Lead, Product Lead, or Design Manager. Collaboration will be extensive with product managers and engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the customer experience of millions of users by informing critical digital initiatives like menu transformation and membership program evolution. The insights generated will shape how customers interact with the brand digitally, influencing satisfaction, loyalty, and potentially revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Major Initiative Involvement: Opportunity to be a key contributor to significant, high-impact transformation initiatives that will shape the brand's digital future through 2027.

• Mentorship & Collaboration: Work alongside another Senior UX Researcher, providing opportunities for peer learning, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Skill Development: Gain experience in a fast-paced, evolving industry (QSR digital experience) and potentially develop expertise in loyalty programs and menu innovation research.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of product development lifecycles by working closely with design, product management, and engineering in an agile setting.

• Consultative Skills: Enhance abilities in guiding stakeholders, managing ambiguity, and translating research into strategic recommendations, valuable for future leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Professional Growth Opportunity" section in the original description explicitly highlights contributions to "major transformation initiatives" and collaboration with experienced researchers. This indicates a strong focus on both the impact of the work and the developmental aspect of the role, suggesting a clear path for skill enhancement and career advancement within the contract period and potentially beyond.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This implies a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Atlanta, GA. Specific office location details are not provided, but it's understood that employees will be expected to be physically present on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The hybrid model with designated in-office days (Tuesday/Thursday) suggests a focus on intentional collaboration, team building, and in-person brainstorming sessions.

• Digital Tools: Access to necessary digital tools and platforms for remote work and research execution is assumed, though not explicitly detailed.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The environment fosters close working relationships with designers, product managers, and engineers, facilitating seamless communication and integration of research findings.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, the specific hours on in-office days and remote days may offer some flexibility, typical of contract roles and modern work environments, but core availability for team collaboration is expected on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid structure with two mandatory in-office days per week is a key characteristic of this role's work environment. It indicates that the company values face-to-face interaction for specific types of collaboration (e.g., strategy sessions, team alignment) while still offering the flexibility of remote work for focused individual tasks. Candidates should be prepared for this structured hybrid approach.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with a recruiter from We Are Rosie to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth interview with the hiring manager or key members of the CDX team (e.g., lead designer, product manager) focusing on UX research methodologies, problem-solving skills, and experience with similar initiatives.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing specific case studies that demonstrate their research process, synthesis skills, and impact. This is a critical stage.

• Stakeholder/Cross-functional Interview: Potentially an interview with cross-functional partners (e.g., engineering lead) to assess collaboration style and ability to influence.

• Final Decision: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the research methods used, your process (from planning to synthesis), key findings, and the impact of your work on the product or business.

• Highlight Ambiguity Navigation: Since the role requires working with minimal structure, include examples where you had to define the research problem and approach independently.

• Demonstrate Synthesis Skills: Showcase how you turn raw data into actionable insights. Use visual aids if possible (e.g., affinity maps, key themes).

• Focus on Impact and Collaboration: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "research led to a 15% increase in task completion"). Show how you collaborated with product and design teams to implement recommendations.

• Prepare to Discuss Stakeholder Management: Be ready to discuss how you work with stakeholders who may not fully understand research, and how you ensure your insights are heard and acted upon.

Challenge Preparation:

• Candidates may be asked to walk through a hypothetical research problem or critique a given design concept from a research perspective.

• Be prepared to articulate your research process on the spot and justify your methodological choices.

• Practice explaining complex research concepts in simple terms suitable for non-researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely the most crucial part of the interview process. Candidates should select 2-3 of their strongest, most relevant projects that highlight their ability to work independently, handle ambiguity, and deliver impactful insights. They should be prepared to discuss their process in detail and answer questions about how their research directly influenced product decisions and outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar for conducting remote usability and user testing.

• Survey Tools: Proficiency in platforms such as SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms, or Typeform for creating and distributing surveys.

• Interview & Synthesis Tools: Familiarity with tools for note-taking, transcription (e.g., Otter.ai), and qualitative data analysis (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo, or Miro/Mural for affinity mapping).

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom for communication and virtual collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Software: While not explicitly stated, a basic understanding of how to interpret quantitative data from surveys or analytics platforms would be beneficial.

• Presentation Software: Mastery of tools like PowerPoint, Google Slides, or Keynote for creating compelling research reports and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, familiarity with how user research data can inform CRM strategies or membership program design is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role primarily requires proficiency in tools directly supporting user research execution and analysis. The emphasis on "executing user testing studies and usability tests" and "synthesizing findings" points to a need for hands-on experience with common UX research platforms and qualitative data analysis tools. While direct CRM experience isn't listed as a requirement, understanding how research impacts customer-facing programs is valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from research to inform strategy and validate design choices, moving beyond assumptions.

• Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork, where research is integrated seamlessly with design, product, and engineering.

• Adaptability & Agility: Comfort with iterative processes, embracing change, and quickly adapting research plans to meet evolving project needs.

• Proactive Problem Solving: A proactive approach to identifying research opportunities and driving solutions, even in unstructured environments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role is designed for deep collaboration, working hand-in-hand with designers, product managers, and engineers to ensure research is relevant and actionable.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and feedback loops between research, design, and product teams to foster a shared understanding of user needs.

• Insight Sharing: A culture that values sharing research findings broadly to inform the entire product team and stakeholders, promoting a unified vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description emphasizes a human-centric approach and "defining how marketing works." This translates to a collaborative culture where user insights are central. The client's brand values of "differentiated customer service" and "hospitality" likely permeate the internal culture, suggesting a focus on empathy, service, and creating positive experiences for both customers and internal teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The primary challenge is operating effectively in an environment with minimal established processes, requiring individuals to define their own workflows and research plans.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Working with product teams who may be inexperienced with research, requiring strong persuasion, education, and relationship-building skills to ensure insights are adopted.

• Balancing Speed and Rigor: In a fast-paced environment, balancing the need for quick turnaround with the necessity of conducting thorough and rigorous research.

• Scope Management: Effectively managing the scope of research initiatives to deliver valuable insights within project timelines and resource constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Impact: Contribute directly to significant digital transformation initiatives, gaining experience in high-stakes projects that shape customer experience.

• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge within the quick-serve restaurant industry, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of digital customer engagement in this sector.

• Mentorship: Benefit from collaboration with another Senior UX Researcher, learning from their experience and perspectives.

• Consultative Skill Development: Hone skills in stakeholder management, influencing, and strategic consultation, which are crucial for career advancement in research and product roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a candidate who is not just technically proficient in research but also possesses strong soft skills and a resilient, adaptable mindset. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to make a tangible impact and develop advanced professional competencies.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a research plan from scratch with vague requirements. What was your process?" (Assesses ability to handle ambiguity and structure research.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon by stakeholders who may not have a research background?" (Tests influencing, communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "Walk us through a complex research project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, your key findings, and the resulting impact?" (Evaluates research process, synthesis, and impact demonstration.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with understanding why customers are not engaging with our new membership program. What would be your initial research steps and methods?" (Assesses strategic thinking and methodological planning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for a quick-serve restaurant brand undergoing digital transformation?" (Tests interest in the industry and company's strategic direction.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and designers, especially when there might be differing opinions on product direction?" (Evaluates teamwork and conflict resolution skills.)

• "Describe your experience working in environments with less formal processes. How do you maintain productivity and quality?" (Assesses adaptability and self-management.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem or user challenge your research addressed.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, diagrams, key quotes) to illustrate your process and findings.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the positive outcomes of your research.

• Focus on Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, synthesis process, and how you handled specific challenges within your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to demonstrate self-direction, influence without authority, and translate research into tangible business outcomes. The portfolio presentation is key; candidates should be ready to articulate their thought process behind every decision made during their research projects.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7-10 years of hands-on UX research experience, specifically mentioning your ability to conduct and synthesize user testing independently. Emphasize experience in environments with minimal structure and your skills in working with cross-functional teams.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your ability to handle ambiguity, your research process from start to finish, your synthesis skills, and the measurable impact of your work. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., PDF, personal website).

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio projects clearly and concisely, focusing on how your skills align with the requirements of supporting major transformation initiatives and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

• Research the Client: If possible, research the client brand (the quick-serve restaurant) to understand their current digital presence, customer experience, and any recent news related to menu or loyalty programs, to demonstrate informed 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 (We Are Rosie) before making application decisions. The contract nature of this role means benefits and specific terms should be clarified during the application process.