Advisory User Researcher

Introduction

A career in IBM Software means you'll be part of a team that transforms our customers' challenges into industry-leading solutions.

Seeking new possibilities and always staying curious, we are a team dedicated to creating the world's leading AI-powered, cloud-native software solutions for our customers. Our renowned legacy creates endless global opportunities for our IBMers, so the door is always open for those who want to grow their career.

IBM's product and technology landscape includes Research, Software, and Infrastructure. Entering this domain positions you at the heart of IBM, where growth and innovation thrive.

Thomas J. Watson said it best: "Good design is good business." Design is an essential profession-an imperative thread-interwoven through the various functions and segments of the business. Design is a driver of improved outcomes, contributing to business value for our clients and for IBM. Our designers work to create experiences that work together, work the same, and work for our clients. IBMers have a growth mindset and work in teams to include different perspectives to drive exceptional outcomes for our customers. We showcase ownership and autonomy throughout the design process and seek understanding of strategic objectives to create beautiful and functional products. At IBM you will be joining us in serving as a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

• Research Planning and Execution: In this role you will develop comprehensive research plans, and execute user research studies utilizing a range of qualitative and quantitative methodologies (e.g., exploratory interviews, competitive analysis, concept testing, value proposition testing, feature prioritization research, usability testing), and will need to adapt research approaches to accommodate emerging project requirements and fast-paced timelines.
• Data Analysis and Insight Development: A critical aspect of this job is the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret a range of data types to identify key findings, patterns, and insights. You should also communicate these insights effectively through compelling presentations and written reports that clearly deliver value to the business.
• User Advocacy and Empathy: You will need to serve as a passionate advocate for the user in team meetings, conversations and presentations, ensuring that user feedback, needs, and pain points are consistently prioritized and considered in product development decisions and that the user's voice is amplified throughout the organization.
• Strategic Leadership and Vision: This role requires the development of strategic research initiatives, contribution to research roadmaps, and thought leadership to drive the evolution of the organisation's user experience design strategy.
• Cross-functional Collaboration, Alignment and Effective Communication: In this role you will need to foster and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including designers, product managers, engineers, and executives, to ensure that user research insights are effectively integrated into product development decisions and that cross-functional teams are aligned on user-centric design strategies.
• Staying Current with Industry Trends and Best Practices: You will be expected to remain up to date with the latest developments in UX research methodologies, industry trends, and best practices, applying this knowledge to continually enhance research processes, deliverables, and the overall quality of user research insights.

• 5+ years of experience in UX research or a related field, with a proven track record of conducting user research, analyzing data, developing insights, and communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, proficiency in data collection and analysis, and the ability to triangulate data from a combination of data sources to derive inspiring, revealing and actionable insights, identifying opportunities for product development.
• Problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience leading/mentoring other UX researchers.
• Very good communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, including product stakeholders, designers, and engineers.
• Ability to communicate complex research findings and recommendations to diverse stakeholders, using clear and concise language, and to tailor communication to meet the needs of different audiences.
• Ability to work across cross-functional teams, including product stakeholders, designers, and engineers.
• Experience managing all research design and implementation stages, including project planning, timelines, and resource allocation.

• Agile Methodology Experience: Experience working in highly agile/scrum environments, with the ability to adapt to rapid change and prioritize tasks effectively, is desirable.
• Domain Expertise: Especially in AI, Automation or Application development is desirable.
• Ownership and Adaptability: The ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, practice accountability and thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments is highly preferred.