UI-UX Researcher (m-f-d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI-UX Researcher (m-f-d)

Company: FSC International

Location: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Product Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-11

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead business analysis and UX/product discovery for FSC Trace, a core digital platform focused on Chain of Custody compliance and supply chain integrity.

• Translate complex Chain of Custody (CoC) requirements and integrity objectives into intuitive, auditable, and scalable user journeys.

• Design and implement user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) that reduce integrity risk and audit friction for users.

• Contribute to the development of a cohesive and reusable UX foundation for future FSC digital assurance tools.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product, Technology, Data, and Business units to ensure seamless integration of standards, data, and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UI-UX Researcher, the responsibilities heavily lean into Product Discovery and Business Analysis, indicating a role that bridges research with practical product development and workflow design. The focus on compliance and data-driven platforms suggests a need for meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of how user experience impacts regulatory adherence. This role is critical for operationalizing complex standards into user-friendly digital tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead UX and product discovery initiatives for the FSC Trace platform and related digital products, engaging with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Conduct thorough business analysis to translate the intricacies of FSC Chain of Custody standards into clear, auditable digital workflows.

• Develop and maintain essential UX artifacts, including user personas, detailed journey maps, and comprehensive UI/UX design specifications.

• Foster strong partnerships with Product, Technology, Data, and Business teams across various FSC units to ensure aligned development efforts.

• Design user experience patterns and workflows specifically aimed at enhancing transparency, auditability, and overall trust in the FSC system.

• Proactively anticipate and plan for future revisions and updates to FSC standards, ensuring the platform remains adaptable and future-proof.

• Contribute to the establishment and maintenance of reusable UX standards and governance principles across FSC's entire digital portfolio.

• Systematically gather structured feedback and actionable insights from users and stakeholders to inform iterative design and development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a proactive and strategic approach to UX design, moving beyond basic research to actively shaping the product roadmap and ensuring compliance is embedded into the user experience. The mention of "reusable UX standards and governance" points to a need for someone who can think systemically and contribute to a broader design vision within FSC.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, Product Design, Business Analysis, or a related field is expected, often demonstrated through a portfolio.

Experience: 3-5 years of progressive experience in UX research, product design, product discovery, or business analysis roles, with a demonstrable track record of success in designing complex, data-driven, or compliance-oriented platforms.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UX research methodologies, user-centered design principles, and usability testing.

• Proven ability in business analysis, including requirements gathering, process mapping, and stakeholder facilitation.

• Strong experience in developing and utilizing UX artifacts such as user personas, journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Familiarity with designing for complex data models and understanding technical constraints within a digital platform context.

• Experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary, cross-functional teams.

• Ability to translate complex standards and regulatory requirements into intuitive digital workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working within supply chain management, traceability systems, or assurance frameworks.

• Experience in non-profit organizations, standards-setting bodies, or multi-stakeholder environments.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within enterprise contexts.

• A background or keen interest in sustainability, environmental standards, or forestry management.

• Experience with data visualization and dashboard design for compliance and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements highlight a blend of 'hard' UX skills and 'soft' business analysis and stakeholder management capabilities. The emphasis on "complex, data driven or compliance oriented platforms" suggests that candidates with experience in regulated industries or systems with intricate rulesets will be highly valued. The "desirable" skills point towards a candidate who can quickly understand and contribute to FSC's specific mission and operational context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of at least 2-3 complex projects demonstrating end-to-end UX/product discovery process, ideally involving data-driven or compliance-oriented platforms.

• Clear articulation of user research methodologies employed, including user interviews, surveys, and persona development.

• Detailed journey maps and process flows illustrating how user needs were translated into functional designs.

• Wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes that highlight UI design skills and user interaction patterns.

• Case studies that clearly define business problems, design challenges, and the implemented solutions, with measurable outcomes where possible.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how user feedback and data insights were integrated into design iterations and product improvements.

• Documentation showcasing the translation of business rules or compliance standards into tangible user interface elements and workflows.

• Demonstrations of how UX standards and governance principles were applied or contributed to within a project.

• Examples of stakeholder facilitation and how diverse needs were synthesized into cohesive design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that bridges research and product discovery with a strong compliance angle, the portfolio should not just showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking behind the design. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for understanding complex requirements, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring the resulting UX is both user-friendly and auditable. Demonstrating experience with data integration and compliance frameworks will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UI-UX Researcher/Product Discovery specialist with 3-5 years of experience in Bonn, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €55,000 and €75,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German cities, considering the cost of living and the specialized nature of UX/product discovery within a non-profit, compliance-focused organization. The specific offer will depend on the candidate's exact experience, skills, and the project's complexity.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Structure: Offers flexibility to balance remote work with in-office collaboration.

• 30 Vacation Days Yearly: Generous annual leave allowance for work-life balance.

• Regional Transportation Ticket: Support for commuting within the region.

• Cultural Festival Celebrations: Opportunities to engage with and celebrate diverse cultural events.

• Pension Scheme: Standard German social security and pension contributions.

• Professional Development: Potential for training and workshops relevant to UX, product discovery, and sustainability.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement indicating flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a benchmark for the German market at this experience level for a specialized UX/Product role. The benefits listed are specific to the provided information and reflect common offerings in Germany, with a particular emphasis on work-life balance and employee well-being. The "Regional Transportation Ticket" is a common benefit in German cities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Environmental & Sustainability, Non-Profit, Standards & Certification. FSC International operates at the intersection of environmental stewardship and global commerce, setting standards for responsible forest management. This context means the organization values integrity, collaboration, and a mission-driven approach.

Company Size: FSC International is part of a global network. While the exact size of the Bonn-based team isn't specified, the overall FSC network comprises over 400 forest stewards globally, indicating a significant international presence and a robust organizational structure. This size suggests opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Founded: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was founded in 1993. This history provides a deep-rooted understanding of sustainable forestry challenges and solutions, positioning FSC as a mature and respected leader in its field. This longevity implies stability and a well-established mission.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the FSC Trace team, which is part of the broader System Integrity Unit and Technology & Information Unit. This suggests a matrixed structure where the UI/UX Researcher will work closely with specialists in compliance, data, and technology.

• Reporting likely goes to a Product Lead or a Manager within the System Integrity or Technology units.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Emphasis on using data to understand user behavior, compliance trends, and platform performance to inform design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A key focus is translating complex standards into efficient, user-friendly digital workflows that streamline compliance and reduce audit friction.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Designing for scalability and auditability inherently requires considering how processes can be automated and made more efficient through technology.

Company Website: https://fsc.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is crucial. FSC's mission-driven nature suggests a culture that values purpose over profit, but also demands rigor and attention to detail due to its role in global sustainability standards. The "System Integrity Unit" and "Technology & Information Unit" indicate a strong focus on data, security, and auditable processes, making this UX role highly impactful and technically nuanced.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It's a critical position focused on translating complex business and compliance requirements into user-centric digital solutions. The scope involves product discovery, UX design, and business analysis, offering significant responsibility in shaping a core digital platform.

Reporting Structure: The UI/UX Researcher will likely report to a Product Manager, Lead Designer, or a Manager within the relevant unit (System Integrity or Technology & Information). They will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including engineers, data specialists, and compliance officers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing how users (businesses, auditors, stakeholders) interact with FSC's compliance and traceability systems. Successful UX design will lead to:

• Increased user adoption and satisfaction.

• Reduced integrity risks and audit burdens.

• Enhanced transparency and trust in FSC certification.

• Improved efficiency in Chain of Custody compliance processes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for compliance-driven platforms, supply chain traceability, and sustainable business practices.

• Product Ownership: Potential to move into Product Management or Lead UX roles within FSC, taking greater ownership of product strategy and roadmap.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives across different departments and influencing broader digital strategy.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in UX for sustainability and certification sectors.

• Mentorship: As a mid-level professional, opportunities to mentor junior designers or researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to combine UX/Product Discovery expertise with a mission-driven impact in sustainability. The growth path is not just within UX but can extend into product strategy and operational efficiency within a global non-profit. The emphasis on "reusable UX standards" suggests a potential for architectural contributions to FSC's digital ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working structure, meaning a blend of remote work and in-office presence in Bonn. This implies a modern work environment that values flexibility.

Office Location(s): Bonn, Germany, specifically at Adenauerallee 134, 53113 Bonn. Bonn is a well-connected city with a rich history, offering a good quality of life and access to cultural and recreational activities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and cross-functional team structure encourage collaboration, likely through a mix of in-person meetings, workshops, and digital collaboration tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard design and collaboration software will be provided. The role involves working with data services and technical constraints, suggesting an environment where technical discussions are common.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a diverse international team, including designers, developers, data analysts, and compliance specialists, providing exposure to various professional backgrounds and expertise.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how and where these hours are worked, within company guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, suggesting an environment that trusts employees to manage their time effectively. The international nature of the team implies a dynamic and culturally rich workplace, requiring strong communication and adaptability from team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your background, motivations, and understanding of the role's scope.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate your approach to product discovery, business analysis, and UX design for a complex problem. This might involve analyzing a scenario, proposing solutions, and presenting your findings.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues from Product, Technology, and Business units to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to work with diverse stakeholders.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating your process (Discovery -> Design -> Delivery).

• Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes achieved. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your methodology, especially how you translated complex requirements (like CoC standards) into design solutions. Highlight your business analysis and stakeholder facilitation skills.

• Data & Compliance: If possible, include examples demonstrating experience with data-driven design or compliance-related platforms.

• Company Relevance: Tailor your presentation to highlight skills and experiences most relevant to FSC's mission, sustainability focus, and the specific challenges of the FSC Trace platform.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand FSC: Research FSC's mission, Chain of Custody certification, and the importance of supply chain traceability and integrity.

• Analyze the Problem: Be prepared to analyze a hypothetical or real-world scenario related to compliance, user onboarding, or data reporting within a supply chain context.

• Propose Solutions: Focus on user-centered solutions that balance usability with strict compliance and auditability requirements.

• Present Strategically: Practice presenting your findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, focusing on impact and feasibility. Be ready to defend your design decisions and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also analytical rigor and the ability to operate within a structured, compliance-oriented environment. A strong portfolio that showcases problem-solving and process, not just aesthetics, will be key. The case study will likely focus on translating complex rules into user-friendly flows.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools).

• User Research: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com), and interview recording/analysis tools.

• Business Analysis: Tools for process mapping (e.g., Lucidchart, Miro, Visio) and requirements documentation.

• Collaboration: Miro, Mural (for workshops and brainstorming), Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (or similar) for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (or similar) for analyzing user data and presenting insights.

• Feedback Tools: Tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., Hotjar, UserVoice).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how workflows can be automated within systems like Salesforce, HubSpot, or custom-built platforms is beneficial. Experience with workflow automation platforms might also be relevant.

• Data Services & Data Models: Familiarity with understanding data structures and how they inform UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools for research, design, collaboration, and data analysis. Proficiency in at least one major design tool (like Figma) is essential. The mention of "data services, data models" indicates that a technical understanding of how data flows and influences the user experience will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Transparency: Aligned with FSC's core mission, this value would translate to honest user research, transparent design decisions, and building trust through the platform's usability and auditability.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Working in a diverse international environment requires valuing different perspectives and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all team members feel empowered to contribute.

• Mission-Driven Purpose: A strong commitment to FSC's goal of promoting sustainable forestry, understanding how design choices contribute to this larger objective.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Designing processes and interfaces that are not only user-friendly but also efficient, scalable, and auditable, reflecting the operational needs of a global certification body.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: A culture where design decisions are backed by research, data analysis, and stakeholder input, rather than solely intuition.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a collaborative style where UX designers work hand-in-hand with product managers, developers, and compliance experts, ensuring alignment from concept to launch.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to constructive feedback on designs and processes, with a focus on continuous improvement and iterative development.

• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth and maintain consistent UX standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is expected to be purpose-driven, emphasizing collaboration and rigor. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to work effectively in an international setting and contribute to a team that values both user needs and the stringent requirements of compliance and sustainability standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge will be translating intricate and often legalistic Chain of Custody standards into simple, intuitive user journeys that are also fully auditable.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing the diverse needs and expectations of various stakeholders, from businesses seeking certification to auditors and internal compliance teams.

• Technical Constraints: Designing within the limitations and capabilities of existing or developing technology platforms while still achieving optimal UX.

• Evolving Standards: Keeping pace with potential updates and revisions to FSC standards and ensuring the platform remains adaptable.

• Global Applicability: Designing for a global audience with varying levels of digital literacy and cultural contexts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Sustainability: Gain in-depth knowledge of global sustainable forestry practices, supply chain dynamics, and certification frameworks.

• UX for Compliance: Specialize in designing for highly regulated or compliance-driven industries, a niche but growing field.

• Product Strategy: Develop skills in product discovery and strategy, contributing to the future roadmap of FSC's digital products.

• International Collaboration: Enhance cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills by working with a diverse global team.

• Agile Methodologies: Further refine experience with agile delivery in an enterprise context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique challenge of marrying user-centric design with rigid compliance requirements. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize in UX for impactful, mission-driven organizations with complex operational needs.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex regulatory requirements or business rules into an intuitive user interface. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?" (Focus on your business analysis and design translation skills.)

• "How would you approach designing a user journey for a new feature on FSC Trace that aims to improve audit efficiency while maintaining data integrity?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving approach and understanding of the core challenges.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about FSC's mission and the role of sustainable forestry?" (Show genuine interest in the organization's purpose.)

• "How do you see your UX/Product Discovery skills contributing to FSC's goal of protecting forests?" (Connect your expertise to the company's impact.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each project, tell a compelling story: the problem, your role, your process (research, analysis, design), the solution, and the impact.

• Process Over Polish: While visuals are important, emphasize your thought process, decision-making rationale, and how you navigated challenges.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics where possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "increased user satisfaction scores by Y%"). If direct metrics aren't available, discuss anticipated benefits or qualitative improvements.

• Interactive Elements: If presenting live, be prepared to walk through interactive prototypes and explain user flows dynamically.

• FSC Relevance: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your ability to handle complexity, data, and compliance, as these are critical for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strategic, process-driven approach to UX and product discovery, with a clear understanding of how design impacts compliance and operational efficiency. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodology and connect their skills directly to FSC's mission and challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the FSC jobs portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience in business analysis, product discovery, and UX design for complex, data-driven, or compliance-oriented platforms. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your process, your role, the solutions, and the outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight keywords such as "UX Research," "Product Discovery," "Business Analysis," "Chain of Custody," "Supply Chain Traceability," "Compliance Platform Design," and "Stakeholder Facilitation." Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience and portfolio projects, focusing on how your skills align with FSC's mission and the specific needs of the FSC Trace platform. Be ready to discuss your approach to translating complex standards into user-friendly workflows.

• Research FSC: Thoroughly research FSC International, its mission, its Chain of Custody certification process, and the importance of forest stewardship. Understand the context of the FSC Trace platform and its role in ensuring system integrity.

⚠️ 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.