Sr. UX Researcher

Be essential at Cars Commerce

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.  

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don’t take our word for it. As a U.S. News & World Report Best Company to Work For in 2024, we're obsessive about the employee experience. We are among the top 20% being declared “Best” of our industry based on six critical factors that are important to employee wellbeing, like quality of pay, benefits, work life balance and more.

Scope:
The Senior UX Researcher at CARS Commerce will serve as a key figure within the UX research team, contributing to the strategic direction and execution of user research initiatives. Positioned between mid-level and principal-level roles, the Senior UX Researcher will lead and oversee complex research projects, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to integrate user insights into product strategy and design decisions. This role will involve mentoring and coaching junior researchers, driving the adoption of user-centered design practices, and advocating for the importance of UX research within the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee strategic user research initiatives, including defining research objectives, designing methodologies, and conducting research activities.

• Take ownership of high-impact research projects, from inception to completion, and ensure the delivery of actionable insights that inform product decisions.

• Mentor and coach junior members of the research team, providing guidance on research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and presentation skills.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, designers, and engineers, to integrate user feedback into product development decisions.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles and the importance of UX research within the organization, influencing decision-making processes and driving a culture of customer empathy.

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging research methodologies, and contribute to the development of the research practice within the organization.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in human-computer interaction, psychology, anthropology, or a related field.

• 5+ years of experience in UX research or a related field, with a track record of leading complex research projects.

• Experience working in SaaS organizations

• Expertise in a wide range of research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques, and proficiency in research tools and software.

• Experience managing the full research lifecycle — from scoping and study design to execution, synthesis, and driving action based on research findings.

• Proven ability to partner effectively with product managers, designers, engineers, and other stakeholders to embed research into product development.

• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with demonstrated experience coaching and developing junior researchers.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to articulate complex research findings and insights to diverse audiences.

• Strategic mindset with the ability to align research efforts with business goals and drive organizational change through user-centered design principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Automotive industry experience

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Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans
• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up
• Generous PTO
• Refuel - a service based recognition program where employees receive additional paid time away to learn grow and reset
• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. California Applicants: Click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Applicants. For current employees, please click here to review our California Privacy Policy for Employees.