User Research & Innovation Group Lead (Hybrid)

Company Description

Are you passionate about new product development, particularly in the power tool market, where you are expert in understanding what our end-users use and need in terms of applications and requirements? 

Do you have a comprehensive understanding of market research methodologies and voice of the customer information in developing specific products and programs? 

Do you have a track record of bringing new and innovative products to the market, not only here but internationally- we’re influencing the global market from right here in Mt. Prospect. 

Now, cool tools are only cool when they also meet the demands of the business- so you need to understand sales, profitability and market share targets for your products and have an understanding of what our competitors are doing in the market so that we can not only respond but leapfrog them.  You’ll be a collaborator and an influencer with a desire to WIN!

We are the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation and we need your expertise. Join our growing team and influence the direction of the cordless tool market!

Job Description

This role is hybrid remote with 40% monthly in-office presence in Mount Prospect, Illinois. (2-3 days in office per week)

• Lead & develop the central User Experience, Research & Design Team for Bosch Power Tools in North America
• Oversee all operational tasks & application of user-centered methods to ensure successful development of new products and innovations for Bosch Power Tools
• In addition, take over an active, hands-on role as lead user researcher and UX coach within the projects
• Act as a key interface to our internal customers/ project teams and plan, conduct/supervise user-centered activities in product/service innovation projects
• Ensure that the NA market/user requirements are understood and translated for the project teams
• Collaborate with functional UX, research & design experts in central User Experience, Research & Design Team in German HQ
• Support the strategic enabling and change management activities in the area of User Experience for Bosch Power Tools in the region NA

This role requires travel 10-25% of the time domestically and/or internationally

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree in sociology, anthropology, psychology or similar
• The ideal candidate should possess the ability to think strategically, have experience in managing a team of user researchers, designers, UX coaches.
• Deep knowledge in market/user research methodologies (ethnographic research, moderation of interviews / focus groups, data synthesis), and/or user-centered innovation methods (Design Thinking, Lean Start-Up etc.) and/or industrial design development.
• 8+ years work experience in the field of user research and/or user experience, ideally from a design consultancy or large international company
• 3+ years leadership experience  
• Ability to solve problems in a pro-active and creative manner and work under time constraints on several tasks and projects simultaneously, as well as a marked ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Interpersonal Competence: strong ability to work in a team, empathy, responsibility and persuasiveness
• Strong project & stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills
• Native English language skills, preferred in addition: Spanish & German

Additional Information

BOSCH is a proud supporter of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Initiatives

• FIRST Robotics (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)
• AWIM (A World In Motion)

By choice, we are committed to a diverse workforce - EOE/Protected Veteran/Disabled.

Indefinite U.S. work authorized individuals only.  Future sponsorship for work authorization is not available.