Director, User Experience

Ipsos•New York, NY

2d•$140,000 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, User Experience leads UX research and design engagements, including project leadership, commercial and sales bid approaches, and all phases of the UX product suite—from bidding and scoping through preparation, execution, and delivery. The role operates autonomously with limited oversight while managing multiple projects and clients, producing deliverables, and mentoring researchers and research leads. The Director is responsible for the UX practice area, developing client-facing materials and leading internal training and workshops. The role also identifies sales opportunities, leads sales meetings, supports business development, and helps improve the UX practice through initiatives such as customer journey mapping, training, onboarding, and process improvement. Ipsos describes UX research as an integral part of user-centered design throughout the design process, rather than only an evaluation of completed designs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in human factors, HCI, psychology, industrial engineering, industrial design, visual design, behavioral sciences, or equivalent experience.
At least 3 years of experience in a related field, such as UX research or design.
Solid consulting skills and strong client management skills.
Mastery of core UX skills, including the ability to teach and mentor others.
Strong understanding of UX engagements and experience managing multiple projects with effective delegation.
Ability to network confidently at all levels, win business, and build meaningful client relationships.
Strong commercial management skills and demonstrated success in client management.
Competence in moderator’s guide development, analysis, and reporting recommendations.
Ability to manage varied project types and use different UX techniques.
Project management skills for logistics, planning, and team execution.
Communication skills to explain design rationale and adapt to client needs.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or higher.

Responsibilities

Manage multiple UX research projects, including small- and large-scale engagements.
Lead all aspects of project management and execution through delivery, including research and design approach, execution, quality assurance, and analysis.
Manage final deliverables, reports, and presentations that communicate insights.
Review work and deliverables, ensuring quality through regular interaction with researchers and research leads.
Develop or contribute to approaches and bids in collaboration with the team and COs.
Improve the UX practice through initiatives such as customer journey mapping, training, onboarding, and process improvement.
Lead projects and mentor researchers, research leads, and specialist positions.
Practice and propose user-centered design approaches to clients and teams.
Develop client-facing materials, such as case studies and management briefings, and lead internal training and workshops.
Identify sales opportunities, lead sales meetings, and provide project approaches and bids.
Coach and mentor team members, provide constructive feedback, and support their growth and development.
Communicate and defend insights and recommendations, present effectively, and anticipate client questions and objectives.
Maintain a constructive attitude when addressing project activities and client concerns; anticipate risks and prepare the team to mitigate them.