UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Sanoma Learning

Location: Den Bosch, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote and Office-based in Den Bosch)

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct end-to-end qualitative user research to drive product strategy and inform design decisions for leading European digital learning solutions.

• Collaborate closely with international, cross-functional product teams, including product managers, pedagogical experts, and designers, to ensure user-centricity.

• Translate complex user insights into clear, actionable recommendations that directly impact the development of K-12 digital learning products.

• Advocate for user needs and foster a user-centered culture across a multinational organization, influencing product direction and user experience.

• Contribute to the evolution of user research practices and frameworks within a dynamic, multinational digital products department.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on qualitative user research within the educational technology sector, emphasizing a deep understanding of user needs in K-12 digital learning. The requirement for native/near-native Dutch proficiency highlights the focus on local market research in the Netherlands and Belgium, while also contributing to broader European projects.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute qualitative research studies using a diverse range of methodologies, including interviews, diary studies, field studies, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and co-creation sessions.

• Manage the entire research lifecycle, from initial desk research and hypothesis formulation to rigorous planning, execution, insightful synthesis, and effective communication of findings.

• Develop and deliver clear, actionable insights and recommendations that directly inform product roadmaps, feature development, and design iterations.

• Partner proactively with product managers, pedagogical specialists, and designers to validate concepts, explore user needs, and support early-stage product discovery initiatives.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops and research activities with stakeholders across product, design, and development teams in a multinational, matrixed environment.

• Maintain a nuanced understanding of local user behaviors, educational contexts, and market specificities within the Netherlands and Belgium, while contributing to a unified cross-market research perspective.

• Create and maintain essential research artifacts such as user journey maps, personas, and research reports to disseminate user understanding.

• Actively participate in and contribute to the international user research community of practice, helping to define and refine research methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Champion a user-centric mindset throughout the organization by effectively communicating user insights and advocating for user needs to diverse audiences.

• Conduct occasional on-site research, including school visits, to gain direct observational insights into educational environments and user interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of independent research execution and collaborative influence. The emphasis on end-to-end ownership and translating findings into actionable recommendations underscores the strategic importance of this role in shaping product development and fostering a user-centric culture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of dedicated experience in user research, with a significant emphasis on qualitative research methodologies.

• Proven track record of independently driving research initiatives from problem definition through to delivering impactful insights that guide product decisions.

• Demonstrable experience in identifying and framing ambiguous problems into clear, structured research approaches.

• Experience working within multinational, cross-functional teams, ideally within a matrix organization structure.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing and conducting qualitative research methodologies (interviews, diary studies, field studies, usability testing, heuristic and cognitive evaluations, co-creation).

• Strong ability to manage research projects end-to-end, from planning and execution to synthesis and reporting.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills, with the ability to articulate complex findings clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proactive, hands-on mindset with a capacity for independent work and effective collaboration.

• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and their application in product development.

• Native or near-native proficiency in Dutch, essential for conducting research in local markets.

• Fluent written and spoken English, as it is the corporate working language.

• Understanding of how agentic AI can support and enhance user research workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with mixed-methods research approaches.

• Ability to support concept development through sketching or framing ideas.

• Prior experience in the education sector or digital learning environments.

• Proficiency in additional European languages (e.g., Swedish, Finnish, Italian, Spanish, German, French, Polish).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for native Dutch proficiency is critical for this role, indicating a strong need for localized research in the Netherlands and Belgium. The emphasis on independent research driving product decisions and the "raw and honest examples" portfolio requirement suggest a preference for practical, insightful work over polished presentations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for translating research questions into actionable research plans.

• Showcase examples of how user insights have directly influenced product or design decisions, ideally with measurable outcomes.

• Include case studies that highlight the end-to-end research process, from initial problem framing to final recommendations.

• Provide evidence of ability to synthesize qualitative data into clear, compelling narratives and actionable recommendations.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to planning and executing qualitative research studies, including methodology selection and participant recruitment.

• Detail your methods for synthesizing qualitative data, identifying key themes, and generating actionable insights.

• Illustrate your process for communicating research findings and recommendations to various stakeholders, including product and design teams.

• Examples of how you have contributed to user journey mapping, persona development, or other key research artifacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company explicitly states they are "not looking for polished portfolios, but rather raw and honest examples that demonstrate your expertise and way of thinking." This implies a focus on the process, critical thinking, and the practical application of research skills rather than high-fidelity presentation design. Candidates should highlight their thought process, methodology, and the impact of their research.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary for a UX Researcher with 4+ years of experience in the Netherlands typically ranges from €55,000 to €75,000 annually, depending on specific experience, skills, and the exact scope of responsibilities within Sanoma Learning. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for mid-level UX research roles in the Dutch tech and education sectors.

Benefits:

• Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading European learning company.

• Exposure to an international team environment, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and learning.

• A flexible working environment that supports work-life balance.

• Hybrid work model, combining remote work with office-based collaboration in Den Bosch.

• Contribution to the digital transformation and future of education in Europe.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are based on a full-time position, typically 40 hours per week. Sanoma Learning offers flexibility within this framework, allowing for a hybrid work arrangement and a results-oriented approach to work management.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific salary figures are not provided, the estimated range is based on standard Dutch market rates for a mid-level UX Researcher. The listed benefits are derived from the job description's mention of a flexible, result-oriented, and international environment, and explicitly stated benefits like professional growth, international team, and hybrid work.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), E-learning, Digital Learning Materials. Sanoma Learning operates within the dynamic and evolving EdTech sector, focused on enhancing learning impact through digital solutions for primary, secondary, and vocational education. This industry demands continuous innovation, a deep understanding of pedagogical principles, and a user-centric approach to product development.

Company Size: Sanoma Learning is part of Sanoma, a larger European media and learning company. Within Sanoma Learning, there are 650 colleagues spread across 60 teams in Europe. This indicates a substantial organization with a significant footprint in the EdTech market, offering opportunities for impact and collaboration across various regions.

Founded: Sanoma was founded in 1864, and Sanoma Learning operates as a key division. The company's long history suggests stability and a deep understanding of the European market, while its focus on digital transformation indicates a forward-thinking and adaptive approach to the changing educational landscape.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team is part of the Digital Products Product Management organization and is truly international, with members located in Finland, Sweden, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

• This specific role reports directly to the User Research Lead and will work alongside another Netherlands-based User Researcher.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A core methodology is to base educational technology development on deep teacher and student insights, understanding their needs.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Combining educational technologies and pedagogical expertise to create products with the highest learning impact.

• Agile Development: Implied through cross-cultural teams and a focus on continuous innovation in a changing world of education.

• Cross-Market Collaboration: Research and product development are conducted with an awareness of diverse European market needs, aiming for both local relevance and cross-market synergy.

Company Website: www.sanoma.com / www.sanomalearning.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to "help students reach their full potential" and its focus on "highest learning impact" are central to its culture. The international nature of the team and the hybrid work model suggest a modern, collaborative, and flexible work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, requiring 4+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of research end-to-end and contribute significantly to product strategy. The role is not just about executing research but also about influencing product decisions and shaping user-centered practices.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports directly to the User Research Lead and will collaborate closely with product managers, pedagogical experts, and designers. This structure allows for direct mentorship from a lead researcher and close partnership with product development teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's impact is critical in ensuring that Sanoma Learning's digital products are effective, engaging, and meet the real needs of students and teachers. By providing actionable insights, the role directly influences the learning impact of educational solutions across Europe, contributing to the company's mission and competitive advantage in the EdTech market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific qualitative research methods or explore mixed-methods research.

• Leadership Potential: Grow into a senior researcher role, mentor junior researchers, or take on lead roles for larger research initiatives.

• Cross-Market Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of different European educational systems and user needs, contributing to global product strategies.

• Domain Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in K-12 digital learning, AI in education, and pedagogical research.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to defining and evolving research practices and frameworks within the international user research team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within user research, with opportunities to specialize, lead initiatives, and contribute to the strategic direction of Sanoma Learning's digital products. The international aspect also provides unique growth avenues by exposing the researcher to diverse educational contexts.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sanoma Learning operates a hybrid work model, allowing employees to work remotely as well as from their office in Den Bosch, Netherlands. This suggests a flexible and modern work environment designed to accommodate different working preferences and needs.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned for this role is Den Bosch, Netherlands. This location serves as a hub for local research activities and team collaboration. The company also has a broad European presence with teams in Finland, Sweden, Italy, Poland, and Spain.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role emphasizes close collaboration with product managers, pedagogical experts, and designers, suggesting a team-oriented workspace, whether in-person or virtual.

• International Community: Being part of a large, cross-cultural community of 650 colleagues across Europe provides opportunities for diverse interactions and knowledge sharing.

• Technology & Tools: While specific tools aren't detailed, a UX Researcher role typically involves access to standard UX research software, collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized tools for data analysis and visualization. The mention of "educational technologies" implies a forward-thinking tech stack.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours per week) with a flexible approach. The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused remote work and in-person collaboration, accommodating the demands of research planning, execution, and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and international team structure indicate a modern, adaptable work environment that values both focused individual work and collaborative team efforts. The Den Bosch office serves as a key physical touchpoint for local team members.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV, cover letter, and portfolio to assess qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager/Lead Interview: Discussion focusing on experience, research methodologies, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the K-12 digital learning landscape.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with product managers, designers, and other researchers to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate into cross-functional teams.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: A session where the candidate presents selected examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, insights, and impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: As stated, emphasize your thought process, how you approach problems, and your research methodology rather than just the final output.

• Showcase Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your research approach, the insights generated, and the specific impact those insights had on product decisions or business outcomes. Quantify impact where possible.

• Diverse Methodologies: Include examples that showcase your proficiency with a range of qualitative research methods.

• Local Context: For this role, highlight any experience researching users in the Netherlands or Belgium, or how you adapt research for local market nuances.

• Honesty and Authenticity: Present genuine examples of your work that reflect your true capabilities and learning journey. Avoid over-polishing; focus on clarity and insight.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Scenario: Be prepared for a hypothetical research scenario where you might need to outline a research plan or discuss how you would approach a specific product discovery challenge.

• Insight Synthesis: Practice articulating how you would synthesize findings from qualitative data into clear, actionable recommendations for a product team.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated research findings to non-researchers (e.g., product managers, engineers) and how you handle differing opinions or feedback.

• AI in Research: Be ready to discuss your understanding of how agentic AI can support user research workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit instruction to provide "raw and honest examples" is a key differentiator. Candidates should prepare to walk through their thought process and the challenges they faced in their portfolio projects, demonstrating critical thinking and adaptability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Qualitative Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting, Lookback, Maze, Zoom, Teams).

• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence).

• Data Synthesis & Analysis Tools: Software for organizing qualitative data, identifying themes, and generating insights (e.g., Dovetail, Miro, Mural, NVivo).

• Prototyping/Design Tools (Familiarity): Understanding of tools used by designers (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to effectively collaborate and test designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Spreadsheet Software: For organizing and analyzing quantitative data from usability tests or surveys (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets).

• Presentation Software: For creating clear and compelling reports and presentations of research findings (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM/automation role, familiarity with how user data is managed within product development workflows and CRM systems (if applicable to user feedback databases) could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tools are not listed, but the role implies proficiency with standard UX research software for qualitative data collection and analysis. Familiarity with collaborative platforms is also essential given the international and cross-functional nature of the teams.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving all product development decisions with a focus on meeting user needs and enhancing learning impact.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together across diverse international teams and functions (product, design, pedagogy, development) to achieve common goals.

• Innovation: A culture that encourages exploring new educational technologies and evolving ways of working, especially in the context of AI.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on creating products that have a tangible positive impact on students' learning journeys and teachers' effectiveness.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouragement to refine research practices, learn new methodologies, and adapt to the evolving EdTech landscape.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product managers and designers is essential for effective research integration into the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue and feedback exchange within the research team and with wider stakeholders.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the international user research community.

• Empathetic Approach: Demonstrating empathy towards users and colleagues, fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sanoma Learning values a culture that is both result-oriented and flexible, with a strong focus on collaboration and initiative. The international nature of the teams means that collaboration styles will likely be adaptable and mindful of diverse communication preferences and cultural nuances.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Multinational Complexity: Conducting research and influencing decisions across different European markets with varying educational systems, cultures, and languages requires adaptability.

• Balancing Local Needs with Global Strategy: Ensuring that research insights are both locally relevant (Netherlands/Belgium) and contribute to broader European product strategies.

• Integrating AI into Research Workflows: Understanding and leveraging agentic AI to enhance research efficiency and effectiveness, which is a developing area.

• Advocating for User Needs: Continuously championing user insights within a product-driven organization and ensuring they translate into tangible product improvements.

• Adapting to Evolving EdTech Landscape: Staying abreast of new technologies, pedagogical approaches, and user expectations in the rapidly changing digital learning space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Research Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply more advanced qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches.

• Domain Expertise in EdTech: Deepen knowledge of K-12 education, digital learning platforms, and pedagogical strategies.

• Cross-Cultural Research Skills: Enhance abilities to conduct research and collaborate effectively across different European countries.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced User Research Leads and peers within the international team.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential for attending relevant UX research and EdTech conferences or pursuing certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex, international research challenges and contribute to the cutting edge of AI in education research, while also offering structured growth within the field of UX research and EdTech.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to structure an ambiguous problem into a clear research plan. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-framing and planning process.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are actionable and influence product/design decisions? Provide an example." (Highlight your synthesis, communication, and impact-driving skills.)

• "How would you approach researching the needs of K-12 students and teachers for a new digital learning tool in the Netherlands?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the target audience and research methodology.)

• "Discuss your experience working in multinational, cross-functional teams. How do you navigate differing opinions or priorities?" (Showcase your collaboration and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Sanoma Learning and the EdTech industry specifically?" (Connect your passion to the company's mission.)

• "How do you contribute to fostering a user-centered culture within teams?" (Provide examples of your advocacy and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 2-3 Key Projects: Choose projects that best showcase your end-to-end qualitative research process, your ability to generate actionable insights, and your impact.

• Focus on the "Why" and "How": For each project, clearly articulate the business/product problem, your research objectives, your chosen methodology and why, your process for data collection and synthesis, and the key insights/recommendations.

• Highlight Impact: Clearly state the outcome of your recommendations. Did they lead to a new feature? A design change? A pivot in strategy? Quantify if possible.

• Be Honest About Challenges: Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This demonstrates resilience and learning.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your methodology, your decision-making process, and how you would apply your learnings to Sanoma Learning's context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should heavily lean into demonstrating a strong qualitative research process, the ability to derive actionable insights, and a collaborative, user-centric mindset, all tailored to the context of educational technology and the company's international structure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sanoma Learning careers portal.

• Tailor your Cover Letter: Clearly articulate your passion for education technology, your understanding of user research's role in K-12 learning, and why you are a good fit for Sanoma Learning's international and hybrid environment. Specifically address your native/near-native Dutch proficiency.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end qualitative research process, your ability to synthesize insights, and the impact of your work. Focus on clarity, honesty, and showcasing your thought process as per the company's request. Ensure it includes examples of how you translate research into actionable recommendations.

• Optimize Your CV: Highlight your 4+ years of user research experience, proficiency in qualitative methods, experience with cross-functional teams, and your relevant educational background. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your chosen portfolio projects, focusing on the story, your methodology, the insights, and the resulting impact. Be ready to discuss your approach to research in the Dutch and Belgian markets and your understanding of AI in research.

⚠️ 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. Pay close attention to the explicit requirement for a cover letter and portfolio in English.