Job Description

REI’s Lead Product Researcher oversees the product research function for REI’s own product division, Co-op Brands, and is responsible for executing collection, review and delivery of actionable research findings. Methodologies include but are not limited to independent field testing using a validated tester pool, guiding in-person tester experiences, and internal user-prototype evaluations. 

As part of the Product Research, Testing and Quality Team, this role is responsible for weekly and seasonal planning of varied product research and field testing projects, as well as managing collaborative and innovative research practices. The Lead Researcher will identify and deliver research approaches, identify opportunities and drive decision-making across a multi-disciplinary product team. This role will also actively inform and support long-term strategies with the Director, Product Research, Testing and Quality, to ensure product focused research tools and tactics meet the business need.

As the direct supervisor of Product Design Researchers, this role serves the Co-op with:

• Research Leadership: Leads research strategies. Mentors and manages Product Design Researchers. Business functional leader with cross-functional teams to establish new ways of working, ensuring business feedback informs future planning. Collaborates with product teams and conducts own projects executing, synthesizing and delivering research results.
• Pipeline to our users: Responsible for overall recruitment strategy and on-going updates to employee and consumer Panels. This includes decision authority for conceptual frameworks, maintenance and access to user databases. Primary responsibility for implementing compliance to Information Security, Privacy Operations, and Legal requirements.
• Research Tools & methodologies: Identify and guide the creation of new research tools. Ensure existing tools are effectively managed. Tools and methodologies may be achieved by this role, or this role managing the work through the team. 
• Lead in-field research trips: Lead Product Researcher will oversee and independently plan, coordinate and guide research & testing trips – ranging from partial day efforts up to approximately 3 days – that support the intended end use and outdoor conditions. This role will be responsible for oversight and safety of up to 12 people, often within wilderness context. Wilderness First Responder training and certification may be required. Trips may or may not include coordinating interstate travel to other REI markets within the US.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading other product researchers via direct management, collaboration, mentorship or other methods
• Demonstrated experience designing, planning and executing varied research plans that answer business questions and yield actionable findings.
• 5+ years’ experience conducting product design research, field testing, or related position
• Experience guiding in the outdoors groups of people of diverse experience, skill levels, and overall abilities.
• Experience advocating for the customer and enforcing principles of objective collection and analysis of user feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage development of multiple projects at varying levels of completion, difficulty and size effectively.
• Fundamental understanding of the product development process.
• Ability to efficiently synthesize and communicate complex information to teams, i.e., strong interpretive, verbal, written, and story-telling techniques to communicate consumer insights and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to productively challenge status quo, be a champion of continuous improvement, and to influence change across multi-disciplinary teams.
• Manages effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a  fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization . We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.   

Pay Transparency  

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI  provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to  determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic  location or other relevant factors. 

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and  accrued time off. Click  here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.  

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