UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: Uline

Location: Pleasant Prairie, WI, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic execution of user research initiatives across Uline’s customer-facing eCommerce platforms and internal applications to deeply understand user behaviors and needs.

• Conduct comprehensive quantitative and qualitative research, including in-depth market and competitive analysis, to identify critical user pain points and emerging opportunities for digital product enhancement.

• Develop and present clear, actionable test plans, research findings, and strategic recommendations to guide executive and cross-functional decision-making.

• Foster strong collaborative partnerships with UX Designers, Product Managers, Engineering teams, and business stakeholders to translate research insights into tangible, user-centered design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the eCommerce team, with a strong emphasis on improving Uline.com, indicating a significant focus on customer-facing digital experiences and their direct impact on sales and operational efficiency. The mention of internal applications suggests a broader scope beyond just the customer interface, potentially encompassing internal tools that support sales and operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust user research strategies for both Uline’s customer-facing eCommerce channels and internal business applications.

• Execute a variety of research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, heuristic evaluations, and competitive analysis, to gather actionable insights.

• Analyze quantitative data (e.g., analytics, survey results) and qualitative feedback to identify user needs, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.

• Develop comprehensive research plans, test protocols, and detailed reports that clearly articulate findings, insights, and strategic recommendations to stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, Marketing, and Engineering teams to ensure research findings are effectively integrated into the product development lifecycle and inform user-centered design decisions.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops and brainstorming sessions to translate research insights into actionable product strategies and feature enhancements.

• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, ensuring that customer needs and behaviors are central to design and business decisions.

• Stay current with emerging trends and best practices in UX research and human-computer interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a proactive approach to research strategy development and execution, implying the need for an individual who can independently define research needs and methodologies. The emphasis on "turning research into action" and "influencing decisions" highlights the strategic impact expected from this position, moving beyond pure research execution to strategic advisory.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in User Experience (UX) Design / Research, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Anthropology, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX research, with a strong portfolio demonstrating a track record of impactful user-centered research projects.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing and executing comprehensive user research strategies.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, surveys, usability testing, A/B testing, heuristic evaluations, competitive analysis).

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex data into clear, actionable insights.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create compelling presentations and articulate findings to diverse audiences, including executive stakeholders.

• Proficiency in designing and facilitating collaborative workshops and design thinking sessions.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles and the product development lifecycle.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience with common UX research tools and platforms. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with e-commerce platforms and understanding of online customer behavior.

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics).

• Experience in a fast-paced, growth-oriented company environment.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.

• Experience with prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to better understand design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in specific fields like Psychology or Anthropology, alongside UX/HCI, emphasizes the importance of understanding human behavior and cognitive processes, which are foundational to effective UX research. The "2+ years of UX research experience" combined with the broad range of required skills suggests the company is looking for a well-rounded researcher capable of independent work and strategic contribution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of UX research projects that clearly demonstrate your research process, methodologies used, and the impact of your findings.

• Case studies that highlight your ability to identify user needs, translate them into actionable insights, and influence design or business decisions.

• Examples of research deliverables, such as test plans, research reports, personas, journey maps, and presentation decks.

• Evidence of your ability to work with cross-functional teams, showcasing collaborative research efforts.

• Demonstrations of how your research contributed to measurable improvements in user experience, conversion rates, or business objectives. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your research process from problem definition and planning through execution, analysis, and reporting.

• Detail how you select appropriate research methodologies based on project goals and constraints.

• Showcase your approach to synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data to derive meaningful insights.

• Illustrate how you communicate research findings effectively to diverse stakeholder groups to drive action and adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on influencing decisions, the portfolio should not only showcase research execution but also strategic thinking and the ability to translate research into tangible business outcomes. The emphasis on "turning research into action" suggests a need for portfolio examples that show the journey from insight to implemented solution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a UX Researcher with 2-5 years of experience in the Pleasant Prairie, WI area, typical compensation can range from $70,000 to $100,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Midwest region, considering the cost of living and the company's established presence.

Benefits:

• Complete health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• 401(k) plan with a generous 6% employer match that begins on day one of employment.

• Multiple bonus programs, reflecting performance-based incentives.

• Paid holidays and generous paid time off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

• Tuition Assistance Program for professional continuing education and skill development.

• On-site café offering convenient and subsidized meal options.

• First-class on-site fitness center with access to complimentary personal trainers.

• Access to over four miles of walking trails for employee well-being.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Uline is known for efficient operations, suggesting a structured work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's benefits package is notably robust, especially the day-one 401(k) match and comprehensive health coverage. The inclusion of an on-site café and fitness center, along with tuition assistance, points to a company culture that invests in employee well-being and professional development. The salary estimate is based on general market data for UX Researchers in the specified region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Uline operates as North America's leading distributor of shipping, industrial, and packaging materials. This industry context means the company's digital platforms, like Uline.com, are critical for B2B sales, order fulfillment, and operational efficiency. User experience research in this context is vital for streamlining complex purchasing processes and supporting a vast customer base.

Company Size: Uline is a large, family-owned company with over 10,000 employees across 15 locations. This size indicates a stable, well-established organization with significant resources, but also potentially a need for clear processes and efficient communication to navigate its scale.

Founded: Uline was founded over 45 years ago, underscoring its long-standing market presence and stability. This history suggests a company that values long-term growth and robust operational foundations.

Team Structure:

• The UX Researcher will be part of the eCommerce team, working within a growing North American company.

• The role involves collaboration with UX Designers, business teams, and various stakeholders, indicating a cross-functional team environment.

• While specific team size and reporting structure aren't detailed, Uline's scale suggests a dedicated UX/Product team structure supporting the eCommerce division. Methodology:

• The role emphasizes understanding customer insights and turning them into action, suggesting a data-driven approach to product development and improvement.

• Research findings are intended to "guide business decisions," highlighting the importance of strategic thinking and clear communication of insights.

• Collaboration with business teams implies a focus on aligning UX research efforts with broader company objectives and operational needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's position as a leading distributor in a B2B-focused industry means that user experience research will likely focus on efficiency, reliability, and ease of use for business customers, rather than purely aesthetic or consumer-driven design. The company's long history and large size suggest a culture that may value pragmatism, efficiency, and proven results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Researcher role appears to be at an intermediate level, requiring 2+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of research strategies and significantly influence digital product development, moving beyond execution to strategic impact.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher will collaborate with UX Designers, business teams, and stakeholders, suggesting a matrixed or project-based reporting structure within the eCommerce team. Direct reporting lines are likely to a UX Lead, Product Manager, or Director of eCommerce.

Operations Impact: The UX Researcher's work directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of Uline.com and internal applications. By uncovering customer insights and identifying opportunities for improvement, this role plays a crucial part in enhancing customer satisfaction, driving online sales, and improving operational efficiency through better internal tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies, advanced analytics, or specialized UX fields relevant to B2B eCommerce.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead research initiatives, mentor junior researchers, or transition into a UX Lead or Product Management role, leveraging deep customer understanding.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader business acumen by working closely with various departments (Sales, Marketing, Operations, IT) to understand their needs and how UX research can support them.

• Continuous Learning: Benefit from the Tuition Assistance Program for ongoing professional development and staying abreast of UX research advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned to make a tangible impact on a critical business channel (eCommerce) within a large, stable company. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating impact, expanding research scope, and contributing to strategic product decisions, aligning well with typical career progressions in UX research within established organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is strictly on-site at Uline's Corporate Headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, WI. This indicates a traditional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Pleasant Prairie, WI, with alternative work locations potentially in Milwaukee, WI; Waukegan, IL; and Glenview, IL. This suggests the possibility of team members or collaborators being spread across these sites, but the UX Researcher role is based in Pleasant Prairie.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role explicitly involves collaboration with UX Designers, business teams, and stakeholders, suggesting an open and interactive workspace conducive to team projects and idea sharing.

• Tools and Technology: While not explicitly detailed, a corporate headquarters environment like Uline's would typically be equipped with modern office technology, including reliable internet, collaboration software, and potentially dedicated research facilities or equipment.

• Team Interaction: Proximity to other teams and departments will facilitate direct communication and feedback loops, crucial for integrating research into product development.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, on-site position typically requiring 40 hours per week. Uline's emphasis on efficiency suggests a structured work schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "all positions are on-site" policy is a key characteristic of Uline's work environment. This implies a preference for in-person collaboration and a commitment to a physical workplace culture, which can be appealing to candidates who thrive in such settings and dislike remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely in eCommerce or UX leadership) to delve into your experience, research approach, and understanding of UX principles.

• Portfolio Presentation: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your best work, focusing on your research process, methodologies, insights, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss challenges and how you overcame them.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with UX Designers, Product Managers, and potentially business stakeholders to assess your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate research into product strategy.

• Behavioral & Situational Questions: Expect questions designed to gauge your problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, time management, and how you handle specific work scenarios.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on case studies where your research led to demonstrable improvements in user experience, conversion rates, or business outcomes. Quantify results whenever possible.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your methodology choices. Explain the problem, your research questions, the methods you employed, and your rationale for selecting them.

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations as narratives. Start with the challenge, explain your approach, present your findings and insights, and conclude with the impact and lessons learned.

• Tailor to Uline: Research Uline.com and understand their business. Consider how your research skills can address their specific challenges and opportunities in the B2B distribution space.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, how you handle conflicting feedback, and how you collaborate with design and development teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mock Research Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem relevant to Uline's business or its eCommerce platform.

• Presentation Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Practice articulating complex research concepts clearly.

• Understand Uline's Business: Familiarize yourself with Uline's product catalog, target audience (businesses needing shipping/packaging supplies), and their online presence to better contextualize your research experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "turning research into action" and "influencing decisions" means the interview process will likely scrutinize your ability to not just conduct research but also to translate findings into strategic recommendations that resonate with business objectives. A strong portfolio presentation that clearly demonstrates this capability will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with tools for survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially interview scheduling and management.

• Collaboration Suites: Proficiency in standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office 365 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Workspace - Docs, Sheets, Slides) for documentation and presentations.

• Communication Tools: Familiarity with internal communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on Uline.com and identify areas for research.

• Data Analysis Software: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with Excel for data manipulation and basic statistical analysis is expected. Knowledge of statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R) might be beneficial for deeper quantitative analysis.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint or Google Slides for creating compelling reports and presentations of research findings.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM data (e.g., customer purchase history, support interactions) can inform or be informed by UX research, even if not directly using a CRM for research tasks.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for tracking research projects and timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for a researcher proficient in standard UX research methodologies and tools. The context of eCommerce and internal applications suggests that integration with analytics platforms and potentially CRM data would be a significant advantage, allowing for a more holistic understanding of user behavior and business impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and serving customer needs is paramount, as evidenced by the focus on making Uline.com easy to do business with.

• Efficiency and Pragmatism: Uline's long-standing success and position as a distributor suggest a culture that values practical, results-oriented solutions and efficient processes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The emphasis on uncovering insights and using research to "guide business decisions" points to a culture that relies on data and evidence to inform strategy.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: The requirement to "collaborate with cross-functional teams" highlights the importance of working effectively with diverse groups to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: The goal of identifying "opportunities for improvement" indicates a culture that is always looking for ways to enhance user experiences and business operations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with UX Designers, Product Managers, business teams, and potentially Marketing and IT. This requires strong communication and the ability to translate research findings into formats relevant to each group.

• Action-Oriented Feedback: The culture likely values clear, actionable feedback that can be directly applied to product development and business strategy.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a large company, there will be opportunities to share insights and best practices, contributing to a collective understanding of user needs across different teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Uline's culture, as a large, family-owned distributor, likely emphasizes reliability, hard work, and a practical approach to problem-solving. The UX Researcher will need to demonstrate how their work directly contributes to business objectives and operational efficiency, aligning with these core values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Research to Action: A common challenge in UX research is ensuring that insights are not just reported but actively implemented into product design and business strategy. This role will require strong advocacy and communication skills to drive adoption of research findings.

• Balancing Multiple Stakeholder Needs: Working across eCommerce channels and internal applications means navigating diverse user groups and stakeholder priorities, requiring careful prioritization and negotiation.

• Adapting to a Large Organization: As part of a large company, understanding internal processes, gaining buy-in, and navigating decision-making hierarchies can present challenges.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving User Behavior: The digital landscape and customer expectations are constantly changing, requiring continuous learning and adaptation of research methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Methodological Expansion: Opportunity to refine existing research skills and potentially learn new techniques within a structured environment.

• Domain Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the B2B distribution industry, customer segments, and the specific challenges of eCommerce platforms in this sector.

• Strategic Influence: Grow in ability to influence product roadmaps and business strategy through impactful research insights and recommendations.

• Mentorship: Potentially learn from experienced UX Designers, Product Managers, and business leaders within Uline.

• Formal Education: Leverage the Tuition Assistance Program for courses, certifications, or further academic pursuits in UX or related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges in this role are typical for UX Researchers aiming to drive impact within larger organizations. Success will depend on the ability to demonstrate the ROI of research and effectively communicate its value across different business functions. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly in developing strategic influence and domain expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used quantitative and qualitative data to identify a significant user need or opportunity. How did you validate your findings, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data synthesis, and impact.)

• "How would you approach developing a user research strategy for a new feature on Uline.com? What methodologies would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking, methodology selection, and alignment with business goals.)

• "Walk me through a complex UX research project you led. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them? How did your research influence the final product or decision?" (Showcase problem-solving, resilience, and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Uline and our eCommerce platform specifically?" (Research Uline.com, their business model, and their customer base. Connect your UX passion to their mission.)

• "How do you ensure your research findings are understood and acted upon by diverse stakeholders (e.g., designers, product managers, executives)?" (Highlight your communication and advocacy skills.)

• "Describe your experience facilitating collaborative workshops. What makes a workshop successful in your opinion?" (Showcase your facilitation, collaboration, and synthesis skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end research process, problem-solving abilities, and measurable impact.

• Focus on the "Why" and "So What": For each project, clearly articulate the business problem or user need, your research questions, your methodology, your key insights, and the resulting actions or impact.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your research and its contribution to business objectives (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved customer satisfaction scores).

• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows logically, is engaging, and stays within the allotted time. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will likely assess not only your technical UX research skills but also your ability to operate strategically within a business context. Be prepared to discuss how your research directly supports Uline's goals of providing an easy-to-use eCommerce platform and efficient distribution services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the Uline Careers portal via the provided job link.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 relevant UX research projects that demonstrate your ability to drive insights and influence product decisions, specifically considering B2B eCommerce or complex application environments.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "user research strategy," "quantitative and qualitative research," "eCommerce," "stakeholder collaboration," and "user-centered design." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your research process, methodologies, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio compellingly.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Uline's business, their product catalog, target audience, and their current eCommerce platform (uline.com). Understand their operational model to better frame your contributions and 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 before making application decisions.