UX Product Research and Strategy Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Product Research and Strategy Lead

Company: Citi

Location: Tampa, Florida, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX Research & Product Strategy

Date Posted: September 01, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ years (Senior/Lead)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic direction and experience north star for internal HR applications and systems, transforming user experiences from onboarding to performance management.

• Lead a comprehensive UX research program, translating user needs, market intelligence, and business goals into actionable product strategy and design priorities.

• Collaborate extensively with senior stakeholders, product managers, and engineers to ensure user-centered outcomes are embedded in product roadmaps and decision-making.

• Design and execute a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research studies, utilizing best practices to deliver actionable insights and drive continuous improvement.

• Mentor junior researchers and designers, contributing to the growth and scaling of UX research capabilities within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead within the UX function, indicating a significant level of autonomy, strategic influence, and team leadership. The focus on "internal HR apps and systems" suggests a B2E (Business-to-Employee) product context, requiring a deep understanding of employee workflows and organizational needs. The requirement for a "case study or portfolio" is critical for demonstrating strategic impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the experience "north star" by articulating an evidence-based, user-centered vision for internal HR applications, aligning with product, design, and business leadership.

• Develop and lead the execution of the experience strategy, translating research insights, market intelligence, and business objectives into clear strategic direction for product roadmaps and design priorities.

• Facilitate senior stakeholder workshops and strategy sessions to build consensus and drive alignment around user-centered outcomes and the overall experience vision.

• Establish and manage a continuous research and strategic discovery program to inform and challenge the north star, ensuring it remains grounded in user needs and evolving business contexts.

• Design and execute diverse research methodologies, including user interviews, co-creation sessions, journey mapping, usability testing, concept testing, and surveys, delivering actionable results.

• Ensure research studies adhere to best practices and deliver robust, actionable insights that inform product development and strategic decisions.

• Present and communicate research findings, strategic recommendations, and the experience vision to diverse stakeholder groups, including senior leadership, product teams, and the broader organization.

• Integrate qualitative research insights with quantitative data (e.g., user behavior analytics, operational metrics) to develop a deep understanding of employee journeys and inform data-driven prioritization.

• Propose and implement innovative approaches to primary research, particularly for hard-to-recruit or niche user populations within the employee base.

• Understand existing and planned Citi infrastructure and projects to develop solutions that can be implemented effectively and measurably impact employee experience.

• Mentor and guide user researchers and designers on research methodologies, best practices, and the application of research to product strategy.

• Collaborate with research and design leadership to identify and implement new tools, processes, and system improvements that enhance alignment with design systems and research efficiency.

• Foster a positive and constructive attitude, actively incorporating feedback to refine research approaches and strategic recommendations.

• Work closely with UX Designers to ensure they have comprehensive insights and details necessary for creating effective UX designs.

• Stay current with the latest UX practices, innovations, and tools, and share knowledge within the UX community of practice.

• Support the onboarding and development of new UX team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on research, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "internal HR apps and systems" means the candidate must understand the nuances of B2E (Business-to-Employee) product development, focusing on internal user needs rather than external customer acquisition. The requirement to "define relevant metrics for benchmarking and measurement of journeys" points to a strong analytical component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's/University degree required.

• Master's degree is considered a desirable asset. Experience:

• 7–12 years of relevant UX Research experience, with a demonstrated track record in a strategic or research leadership capacity.

• Proven success in translating research findings into strategic recommendations that have directly influenced product direction, roadmaps, or the overall experience vision.

• Extensive hands-on experience leading both qualitative and quantitative UX research across all stages of the Design Thinking process.

• Experience facilitating workshops and strategy sessions with senior stakeholders to build alignment around experience direction. Required Skills:

• Extensive hands-on experience leading qualitative and quantitative UX research in a product design environment.

• Proven ability to translate research insights into actionable strategic recommendations and influence product direction.

• Experience facilitating senior stakeholder workshops and strategy sessions.

• Creative problem-solving skills, comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity at a strategic level.

• Ability to define goals, strategies, and research programs with minimal direction (self-starter).

• Strong analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with confident presentation abilities to senior leadership.

• Significant experience collaborating with senior stakeholders, product managers, and engineers.

• Proficiency with common UX research tools such as UserZoom, UserTesting.com, Dovetail, EnjoyHQ, and Qualtrics. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the e-commerce/Internet/mobile space.

• Experience working within an agile development methodology.

• Familiarity with the financial services industry and commercial banking.

• Experience with service design, systems thinking, or established experience strategy frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement emphasizes leadership and strategic impact, moving beyond individual research execution. The list of required tools is specific and should be highlighted in applicant resumes. The "bachelor degree" requirement is standard, but the preference for a Master's suggests a desire for advanced analytical and research skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive case study or portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7-12 years of relevant UX research and strategy experience.

• Demonstrable evidence of defining and owning the experience "north star" or a similar strategic vision for a product or suite of products.

• Examples of research programs designed and executed to inform product strategy and roadmaps, detailing methodologies, participant recruitment, and insight generation.

• Case studies illustrating the translation of research insights into actionable strategic recommendations that directly influenced product direction, roadmaps, or business outcomes.

• Documentation of experience facilitating senior stakeholder workshops and strategy sessions, including objectives, participant engagement, and consensus-building outcomes.

• Projects that highlight the integration of qualitative and quantitative data to inform deep understanding of user journeys and drive data-driven prioritization. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of how research findings are documented, synthesized, and communicated to diverse audiences, from product teams to senior leadership.

• Examples of how research insights are integrated into agile workflows and product development cycles.

• Documentation demonstrating the ability to define and measure key user journey metrics for benchmarking and ongoing performance assessment.

• Evidence of mentoring other researchers or designers in research methodologies and strategic application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a case study or portfolio is paramount. Candidates must prepare to present and walk through their work, emphasizing strategic thinking, research leadership, and tangible impact on product direction and business goals. The focus should be on how research informed strategy, not just the execution of research tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Base Salary: $125,600 - $188,400 USD per year. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Life, Accident, and Disability insurance.

• Wellness programs.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) package, including:

  • Planned Time Off (Vacation)
  • Unplanned Time Off (Sick Leave)
  • Paid Holidays.

• Additional discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards may be available for eligible employees. Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($125,600 - $188,400 USD) is based on the provided primary location (Tampa, Florida) and the seniority of the role (Lead with 7-12 years of experience). This range aligns with industry benchmarks for senior UX Research and Strategy roles in major US metropolitan areas. The benefits package is robust and typical for a large financial institution like Citi, offering comprehensive health, retirement, and time-off provisions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Citi operates as a global leader in financial services, offering consumer banking, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management services. This context means a strong emphasis on security, compliance, data integrity, and a large, complex organizational structure. For UX professionals, this translates to understanding enterprise-level design challenges and the impact of financial regulations.

Company Size: Citi is a very large, global corporation, employing tens of thousands of people worldwide. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact across a vast user base, but also potential for navigating complex organizational hierarchies and matrixed reporting structures.

Founded: Citi's origins trace back to 1812, giving it a long and rich history. This longevity suggests a culture that values stability and tradition while also needing to innovate to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. For UX, it means working with legacy systems and established user behaviors while driving modern, user-centric design.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is part of the broader Technology function, specifically within Digital Design Engineering.

• This role will likely report into a Director or VP of UX Research or Digital Design, with a dotted line to product leadership.

• The team structure involves close collaboration with UX Designers, Product Managers, Engineers, and senior business stakeholders, particularly within the Human Resources technology domain. Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on Design Thinking principles, integrating research and strategy throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, combining qualitative research insights with quantitative data analysis to inform product direction and measure impact.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, requiring UX professionals to adapt to iterative processes and rapid feedback loops.

• The focus is on transforming internal employee experiences, implying a deep dive into business processes, workflows, and the unique needs of Citi employees.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The information about Citi's industry and size is critical. A large financial institution implies a need for robust, scalable, and secure solutions. The UX team's focus on internal HR systems means understanding the unique user base of employees and the importance of efficiency and compliance in their daily work. This is a B2E (Business-to-Employee) context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior/lead position (10+ years of experience) within the UX discipline, specifically focusing on Research and Strategy. It signifies a transition from an individual contributor role to one that shapes direction, influences senior leadership, and mentors others. The "Lead" title implies responsibility for defining the research program and its strategic integration into product development.

Reporting Structure: The UX Product Research and Strategy Lead will likely report to a senior UX leader (e.g., Director of UX Research, Head of Digital Design) within the Technology organization. There will be a strong matrixed relationship with Product Management and HR Technology leadership, requiring effective stakeholder management and influence across different functional groups.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on employee productivity, satisfaction, and retention by improving the internal tools and systems they use daily. By shaping the "experience north star" and embedding user-centricity into HR applications, the Lead contributes to operational efficiency, reduced employee friction, and a more positive work environment at Citi. The strategic output directly influences the product roadmap and investment decisions for HR technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead research initiatives, mentor junior team members, and potentially grow into a management role overseeing a team of UX researchers.

• Strategic Influence: Deepen impact by influencing product strategy at a higher level within Citi's HR technology domain, potentially expanding to other critical business functions.

• Industry Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in financial services UX, B2E (Business-to-Employee) product design, and large-scale enterprise system transformation.

• Skill Specialization: Further develop expertise in areas like service design, systems thinking, experience strategy frameworks, and advanced qualitative/quantitative research methodologies.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Broaden understanding of business operations, technology infrastructure, and strategic decision-making across a global financial institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are significant given the seniority and strategic nature of the role. The emphasis on B2E (Business-to-Employee) product strategy is a specialized area that can lead to further career development within large enterprises. The mentorship aspect is key for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. The primary location is Tampa, Florida, at the Citigroup Center. This suggests a modern corporate office environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is 3800 Citigroup Center Drive, Building G, Tampa, Florida. This location is a significant corporate hub for Citi in the US.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely provides dedicated workspace for hybrid employees, with access to meeting rooms, collaboration zones, and necessary technology infrastructure.

• Expect a professional, corporate setting with a focus on security and compliance, typical of the financial services industry.

• Opportunities for in-person collaboration with UX Designers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders will be available on designated office days, fostering team cohesion and idea exchange.

• Access to internal IT support and a robust technology stack will be available to facilitate work.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely falling within the 9 AM - 5 PM EST timeframe, although flexibility may be offered based on team needs and project demands. The hybrid nature allows for some autonomy in structuring the work week, balancing remote focus with in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature implies the need for strong self-management skills and the ability to effectively collaborate both remotely and in person. The Tampa location suggests a significant operational presence for Citi.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on experience alignment with the 7-12 year requirement and strategic leadership demonstrated in resumes.

• Portfolio Presentation & Walkthrough: This is a critical stage. Candidates will be expected to present and walk through their case studies or portfolio, showcasing their strategic approach, research methodologies, and the impact of their work on product vision and strategy. Expect in-depth questions about your process and outcomes.

• Hiring Manager / Team Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members (e.g., UX Designers, Product Managers) to assess technical skills, strategic thinking, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior stakeholders (e.g., Product Directors, HR Technology leads) to evaluate strategic alignment, ability to influence, and communication skills.

• Final Interview/Offer: Typically involves a final conversation with senior leadership and the formal offer process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Focus: Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your strategic contributions, not just research execution. Highlight how your research informed the "north star" or product vision.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible. Use metrics to demonstrate how your strategic recommendations led to improvements in user satisfaction, efficiency, or business outcomes.

• Process & Rationale: Clearly explain your research process, your rationale for choosing specific methodologies, and how you translated insights into actionable strategies.

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives, detailing the problem, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the results.

• Company Relevance: Tailor your presentation to Citi's context, emphasizing how your experience with large organizations or complex systems is relevant.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Scenario: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you are asked to define a research program or experience strategy for a new internal HR tool or feature.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating how you would gain buy-in from senior stakeholders for a particular strategic direction or research initiative.

• Methodology Justification: Be ready to defend your choice of research methodologies based on specific project goals and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "case study or portfolio and present walkthrough during interview" is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates must prepare a robust presentation that demonstrates strategic thinking and leadership, not just tactical research skills. This is the primary filter for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: UserZoom, UserTesting.com (for remote usability and concept testing, surveys).

• Research & Analysis Tools: Dovetail, EnjoyHQ (for synthesizing qualitative data, managing research repositories, and generating insights).

• Survey Tools: Qualtrics (for advanced survey design, distribution, and analysis).

• Collaboration & Design Tools: Familiarity with tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for understanding UX design outputs, and tools like Miro or Mural for remote workshops and ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in analyzing quantitative data from sources like HRIS systems, internal analytics platforms, or survey results. Experience with tools like Excel, SQL (for data extraction), or BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be advantageous for integrating quantitative insights.

• Reporting Dashboards: Ability to create clear, concise reports and presentations that summarize research findings and strategic recommendations for various stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and utilized within enterprise systems is beneficial. Familiarity with HRIS (Human Resources Information System) platforms or employee data management systems would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed research tools are critical. Candidates should be proficient in at least UserZoom, UserTesting.com, and a qualitative synthesis tool like Dovetail or EnjoyHQ. The ability to integrate quantitative data and present findings effectively is also a key technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the employee user, ensuring their needs and pain points are at the forefront of all product decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing evidence and insights from both qualitative research and quantitative data to inform strategy and measure impact, moving beyond intuition.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working closely with product, design, engineering, and business stakeholders to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment of mutual respect and shared ownership.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing employee experiences and operational efficiency through design and strategy.

• Impact & Accountability: Taking ownership of research outcomes and strategic recommendations, and driving them to tangible improvements in employee experience and business results.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, UX designers, engineers, and HR business leaders to ensure research and strategy are embedded throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging honest feedback, transparent sharing of insights, and constructive dialogue to refine strategies and designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing learnings, best practices, and research findings across teams and the broader UX community of practice to elevate the collective understanding and capability.

• Facilitation Expertise: Leading workshops and strategy sessions that effectively bring diverse perspectives together to build consensus and drive strategic alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, analytical rigor, and strong collaborative skills, essential for a role influencing across a large enterprise like Citi. The "partnership" aspect is key for success in a matrixed organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Large Enterprise: Adapting to the complexities of a global financial institution, including established processes, multiple stakeholders, and diverse user needs across different business units.

• Transforming Legacy Systems: Driving modern UX strategies and research practices within potentially legacy HR systems, requiring a balance of innovation and pragmatism.

• Demonstrating ROI: Clearly articulating and quantifying the business value and ROI of UX research and strategy initiatives to senior leadership within a data-conscious organization.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Maintaining a clear long-term strategic vision while effectively managing and executing research programs that deliver timely insights for ongoing product development.

• Recruiting Niche Users: Effectively recruiting participants for research, especially for specialized roles or systems within Citi's vast employee base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening B2E Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for internal employee experiences, a critical area for large enterprises.

• Strategic Leadership: Developing skills in influencing senior executives, shaping product roadmaps, and leading strategic initiatives within a complex organizational structure.

• Financial Services UX: Acquiring in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of UX within the financial services industry.

• Mentorship and Team Growth: Opportunity to mentor junior researchers and contribute to building a high-performing UX research function within Citi.

• Exposure to Advanced Methodologies: Potential to explore and implement advanced research techniques and experience strategy frameworks relevant to enterprise applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in large, established corporations. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly in specialized B2E UX strategy within finance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you defined an 'experience north star' or a similar strategic vision for a product. What was your process, and what was the impact?"

  • Preparation: Be ready to walk through a specific case study from your portfolio, detailing how you synthesized user needs, business goals, and market insights to create a guiding vision.

• "How do you translate complex research findings into actionable strategic recommendations for product roadmaps and senior leadership?"

  • Preparation: Provide examples of how you've prioritized insights and communicated them effectively to drive concrete product decisions.

• "Walk me through a strategic workshop you facilitated with senior stakeholders. What was the objective, how did you manage the room, and what was the outcome?"

  • Preparation: Highlight your facilitation skills, stakeholder management techniques, and ability to drive consensus and alignment. Company & Culture Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the unique needs of Citi employees across different departments and geographies for our HR applications?"

  • Preparation: Discuss your methods for segmentation, user research in large organizations, and considering global variations.

• "How do you balance the need for robust research with the demands of an agile development cycle?"

  • Preparation: Demonstrate an understanding of agile principles and how to integrate research effectively within sprints and iterative development.

• "Tell us about a time you had to influence a senior stakeholder who was resistant to a user-centered approach. How did you handle it?"

  • Preparation: Showcase your communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills, emphasizing data-driven arguments. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, ideally by case study. Start with the business/user problem, your strategic approach, research methodologies, key insights, strategic recommendations, and finally, the measurable impact.

• Focus on Strategy: Emphasize your role in defining strategy and vision, not just executing research tasks. Clearly articulate your contribution to the "north star" or product direction.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (e.g., journey maps, personas, research findings summaries, strategic frameworks) to support your narrative. Avoid text-heavy slides.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions throughout your presentation. Treat it as a dialogue, not just a monologue.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, stakeholder influence, and the ability to translate research into tangible product and business outcomes. The portfolio presentation is the most critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Product Research and Strategy Lead position at Citi:

• Submit Your Application: Use the provided link to submit your application through Citi's Workday portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your experience in UX research, product strategy, and leadership. Ensure these showcase your ability to define an "experience north star" and influence product direction.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, focusing on your 7-12 years of relevant experience, strategic leadership, specific research methodologies, and tools used. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Develop a clear, concise, and compelling presentation (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) that walks through your selected portfolio projects. Practice delivering this presentation smoothly, focusing on your strategic contributions and impact.

• Research Citi: Familiarize yourself with Citi's business, its mission, and the challenges of working within a large financial institution. Understand the importance of internal employee experience and HR technology.

⚠️ 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.