User Experience Research Lead Job Vacancy in Durban, South Africa – Technology and Innovation

Job Description

Position:User Experience Research Lead

Company:Google South Africa

Location:Durban, South Africa

Experience:5+ years of UX research experience, preferably in technology companies

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Cognitive Science, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Technology and Innovation

Department:User Experience Research

Salary:R800,000 – R1,200,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Google South Africa is a leading global technology company that empowers individuals and businesses through innovative digital solutions. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and continuous learning, Google South Africa has become a magnet for top talent across the continent. The Durban office serves as a hub for product development, data analytics, and user experience initiatives, contributing to the broader mission of organizing the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful. As part of Google’s expansive ecosystem, employees enjoy access to cutting‑edge tools, collaborative workspaces, and a vibrant community that encourages experimentation and impact. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of user experience for millions of South Africans while advancing your career in a world‑class environment.

Job Overview

The User Experience Research Lead will spearhead strategic research initiatives that inform product design, improve user satisfaction, and drive data‑backed decision making across Google’s suite of consumer and enterprise products. Reporting to the Head of UX Research, you will collaborate closely with product managers, designers, engineers, and data scientists to uncover deep insights into user behavior, motivations, and pain points. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that Google’s products are intuitive, accessible, and culturally relevant for South African users. For more information about Google’s mission and values, visit the main website: https://southafricajobsearch.com.

Explore additional resources on regional talent trends at https://www.tunisiajobsearch.com/.

Learn about cross‑border collaboration opportunities at https://www.rwandajobsearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end qualitative and quantitative research studies, including ethnographic fieldwork, usability testing, surveys, and diary studies.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations, personas, journey maps, and design guidelines that influence product roadmaps.
• Mentor and manage a small team of UX researchers, fostering a culture of curiosity, rigor, and ethical research practices.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams to prioritize research opportunities aligned with business goals and user needs.
• Develop and maintain a research repository that ensures knowledge sharing across product lines and locations.
• Advise on inclusive design principles to ensure products meet accessibility standards for diverse South African audiences.
• Present insights to senior leadership and stakeholders using compelling storytelling techniques.

Required Skills

• Expertise in mixed‑methods research, with a strong portfolio demonstrating impact on product decisions.
• Proficiency in research tools such as UserTesting, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, and statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R).
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of influencing senior executives.
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to synthesize large data sets into clear insights.
• Deep understanding of South African cultural contexts, language diversity, and digital adoption trends.
• Leadership experience, including coaching junior researchers and managing project timelines.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Human‑Computer Interaction, Psychology, Cognitive Science, Anthropology, or a related discipline is required. A Master’s degree or PhD is highly desirable and will be considered an advantage.

Experience

Minimum of five years of professional UX research experience, preferably within a technology company or digital product environment. Demonstrated experience leading research teams and delivering insights that have directly influenced product success is essential.

Salary

The role offers a competitive salary range of R800,000 to R1,200,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Additional performance‑based bonuses and equity options may be available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and wellness plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off and parental leave policies.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Professional development stipend and access to Google’s internal learning platforms.
• Free meals, snacks, and on‑site fitness facilities.
• Employee assistance programs and mental health resources.

Training

• Onboarding program that includes product immersion, research methodology workshops, and cultural onboarding.
• Continuous learning opportunities through conferences, certifications, and internal knowledge‑sharing sessions.
• Mentorship pairing with senior leaders across product, design, and engineering.

Working Environment

Google’s Durban office features open‑plan workspaces, quiet zones, and collaborative labs equipped with the latest prototyping tools. The company promotes a flexible work model, allowing hybrid remote arrangements while maintaining strong team cohesion through regular in‑person events and virtual collaboration platforms.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit an online application through Google’s career portal, attaching a detailed resume, portfolio of research projects, and a cover letter outlining their vision for user experience research in South Africa. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a multi‑stage interview process, including a portfolio review, a practical research exercise, and final interviews with senior leadership.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Google South Africa is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups to apply and join our mission to make information accessible to everyone.