Set up design research from scratch, inside a new innovation team a global group is building in the UK. You'd go into people's homes, watch how they really live with the products, and turn what you find into what the industrial designers and engineers build next.
This is one of the UK's best-known home appliance brands, part of a large, profitable global group. The group is bringing its innovation for the category to the UK and building a concept-led team here, with advanced development, industrial design and design research side by side. It's fast and hands on, built around design, build and test.
The role You'll lead the design research discipline and run the work yourself: home visits, contextual inquiry, usability testing, concept validation and co-creation sessions. You'll turn what you learn into opportunities, design principles and innovation roadmaps. You'll sit alongside the industrial designers and advanced development engineers, and work closely with product management. A big part of the job is telling the story, so the business acts on what you find.
You'll set the methods and standards from a near standing start. If you're a senior researcher ready for your first lead role, this is a discipline to make your own.
What you'll need Proven experience leading design research on physical products, including going into people's homes and watching them use what they own. A track record of turning research into product direction, with a concept, feature or roadmap decision you can point to that came from your insight. Confidence across mixed methods: ethnography, contextual inquiry and usability testing, plus designing a survey and reading quant data. Experience working side by side with industrial designers and engineers, and presenting evidence well enough to change a senior stakeholder's mind.
The details Reporting to the Head of Industrial Design and Design Research Working alongside industrial design and advanced development Travel for in-home and field research Commutable from Worcester, Birmingham and Cheltenham Start: ASAP 10% bonus, half personal and half company Private medical insurance after six months 25 days holiday plus
Lead Researcher in London employer: Kodu
Vax is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in Droitwich. As a Project Lead, you will benefit from competitive compensation, including an annual bonus and generous holiday allowance, while being part of a team dedicated to rebuilding product development with a focus on curiosity-led design. With opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, Vax is committed to empowering its employees to drive meaningful change in the floor care industry.
