Design Research Manager

Seattle, WA

Visa is looking for a Design Research Manager (individual contributor) with a broad human-centered design background. You will have significant experience in authentic user research using both qualitative and quantitative methods, a strong background in Design Thinking, and familiarity with accessibility. You will be a key member of the Visa Design Research team where we provide a full spectrum of generative and iterative design research in collaboration with Visa internal and external partners.

Visa Global Product Design is comprised of five specializations: Design, Research & Accessibility, Design Engineering, Design Operations and Content Creation & Design Strategy.

We believe that great design has the ability to engage and inspire users, and we strive to rethink and redefine how users interact with Visa's applications and products. All of our team members are innovative thinkers and strategic problem solvers who are as analytical as they are creative. We value hard work, accountability and collaboration, and we prize proven skills and team success over personal gain.

You must be results-oriented and have the ability to work independently, prioritizing many competing needs and effectively navigating ambiguity. Although we prefer candidates be located in one of our Design Research hubs—Austin and Seattle—we are open to the possibility of a remote work arrangement should it suit all parties.

Role responsibilities include:

Work closely with product managers, clients and other stakeholders to create UX strategies that align with business goals and priorities
Propose and execute on UX research roadmaps
Plan and lead usability tests, as well as a full spectrum of generative, iterative, and evaluative design research activities, including surveys, interviews, tree tests and card sorting
Plan and lead quantitative design research
Create personas, journey maps, user flows, wireframes and concepts
Plan, facilitate and produce deliverables from design thinking workshops
Analyze existing software (web and mobile) for usability issues and provide recommendations for improvement
Create, analyze and validate information architecture
Justify research and design decisions based on a thorough understanding of contemporary user-centered design methodologies
Quickly propose possible solutions to UX issues to guide design
Manage stakeholder, partner and vendor relationships

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of 4 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree, or at least 2 years of work experience with a Masters Degree (or other advanced degree)

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 8 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree, or 6 years of work experience with a Masters Degree (or other advanced degree)
Bachelor’s Degree in Design, HCI, social sciences or equivalent experience; Masters Degree in related field
Experience working on web and mobile products in a design research capacity

Additional Information

Essential Functions

Expert knowledge of visual, UI and interaction design principles with an eye for details and consistency
Ability to navigate complex, cross-functional organizations—sometimes with competing agendas and differing values—while building partnerships and engaging with colleagues across functions, levels and geographies
Ability to foster collaboration inside and outside the team, as well as evangelize and promote UX internally
Ability to juggle several high-level projects while delivering A-level work on all of them
Excellent observation, communication, presentation and problem-solving skills
Fully fluent in English and able to understand and be easily understood in English
Knowledge of accessibility guidelines and best practices
Experience with web analytics or data visualization a plus
Experience with tools such as InVision, Figma, Mural, UserTesting.com and dScout
Experience managing legal and privacy considerations and processes for user research

Work Hours

Incumbent must make themselves available during core business hours.

Travel Requirements

This position requires the incumbent to travel for work less than 10% of the time.

Physical Requirements

This position will be performed in an office setting. The position will require the incumbent to sit and stand at a desk, communicate in person and by telephone, frequently operate standard office equipment, such as telephones and computers, reach with hands and arms, and bend or lift up to 25 pounds.

Visa will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with EEOC guidelines and applicable local law.