Design Researcher

Job Summary

Our client, a leading Financial Services provider, is seeking a Design Researcher to lead end-to-end research initiatives that shape enterprise products and experiences. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams and senior business leaders to uncover user insights, influence strategic decisions, and solve complex business problems through human-centered design. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in ambiguity, thrives without step-by-step direction, and can communicate research findings through compelling storytelling that drives action. A portfolio must be included with your application. Applications without a portfolio will not be considered. Candidates must also have experience working in a highly regulated environment such as healthcare, financial services, insurance, or a similar industry. This position is W-2 only. We do not work with third-party firms or C2C arrangements for this role.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and execute end-to-end design research for enterprise initiatives from discovery through validation
• Plan and facilitate user interviews, usability studies, and other qualitative and quantitative research activities
• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights that influence product strategy and business decisions
• Communicate research outcomes through compelling presentations, storytelling, and visual artifacts for executive and business stakeholders
• Partner with multidisciplinary teams to define problem statements, evaluate concepts, and validate solutions through research
• Apply human-centered design methodologies to solve complex business challenges
• Contribute to design activities when needed, including journey maps, workshops, and collaborative design exercises
• Navigate ambiguous problems independently while identifying opportunities and mitigating potential risks

Required Skills/Experience (Must-Haves)

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Anthropology, Human Factors, Communications, Behavioral Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of progressive experience in design research or user experience research
• Strong qualitative research experience including user interviews, usability testing, synthesis, and insight generation
• Ability to communicate complex findings through clear, concise, and compelling storytelling to executive stakeholders
• Ability to thrive in ambiguous environments with minimal direction while driving research forward independently

Preferred Skills/Experience (Nice-to-Haves)

• Consulting experience
• Design thinking background with the ability to contribute to UX design activities when needed
• Experience with Figma
• Experience with UserZoom, Qualtrics, or similar UX research platforms
• Experience using Mural or other digital collaboration tools
• Experience working within Agile or Agile-inspired product environments
• Systems thinking experience and the ability to connect research across complex enterprise ecosystems

Key Competencies & Behaviors

• Naturally curious and driven to uncover meaningful user insights
• Comfortable making progress in ambiguous, fast-changing environments
• Excellent communication and executive presentation skills
• Strong storytelling abilities that influence decision-making
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Collaborative relationship builder who earns trust across technical and business teams
• Strategic thinker who balances user needs with business objectives

Work Environment

• Location: Hybrid to St. Louis, MO preferred, open to Remote
• Compensation & Benefits: Pay Range: The approximate pay range for this position is between $65.00 and $75.00. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and location.
• We comply with local wage minimums
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Plans
• Employee-Owned Profit Sharing (ESOP)
• 401K offered

About KellyMitchell

KellyMitchell is a company known for innovative solutions and unsurpassed customer service. We're passionate about helping companies solve their biggest IT staffing & project solutions challenges. As an employee-owned, women-led organization serving Fortune 500 companies nationwide, we deliver expert service at a moment's notice.

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