Lead Design Researcher (M/F/X)

Why join our Design Studio?

What if your next role was about understanding what people need before they can even articulate it themselves?

At Hager Group, Design Research helps us uncover behaviours, motivations and unmet needs that will shape the products, services and experiences of tomorrow. Our approach goes beyond evaluating existing solutions: we explore how people behave in real-world contexts and translate this understanding into meaningful opportunities for innovation.

We are looking for an experienced Lead Design Researcher (M/F/X) who combines deep research expertise with the ability to lead complex initiatives, develop other experts and turn an understanding of human behaviour into strategic and actionable decisions.

As a Lead Design Researcher (M/F/X), you will report to the Offer Testing Center Manager based in Obernai, France, on a permanent contract. You will work across physical, digital and system experiences in close collaboration with Design, Product, Engineering and other functions across the Group.

What You Will Do

• Lead complex research programmes, from defining the research vision and planning through fieldwork, synthesis and activation of findings across our products, services, systems and customer experiences.
• Conduct exploratory, generative and evaluative research, with a strong emphasis on qualitative and contextual approaches such as observation, ethnography, contextual inquiry and shadowing.
• Translate behaviours, motivations and unmet needs into actionable insights, opportunities and recommendations influencing product, service, portfolio and roadmap decisions.
• Identify patterns and emerging opportunities across customer segments and business models, ensuring that research meaningfully informs strategy, design and development.
• Coordinate and coach team members in support of the manager, strengthening methodological rigour, synthesis quality, research capabilities and knowledge sharing across the Design Studio.
• Bring complementary expertise such as Service Design, Design Strategy or Business Strategy, influence cross-functional teams and contribute to advancing Hager's Research & Testing practice.

Your Profile

• Master's degree in Anthropology, Design Research, Service Design, Sociology or a similar discipline focused on human behaviour.
• At least 12 years of relevant experience in Design Research or closely related fields such as applied Anthropology, Service Design, Strategic UX Research or Innovation Strategy, with solid experience applying research in a professional environment.
• Deep expertise in qualitative, exploratory and contextual research, with hands-on experience of methods such as observation, ethnography, contextual inquiry or shadowing in users' real-world environments.
• Excellent synthesis capabilities, translating complex behavioural observations into actionable insights, opportunities and strategic recommendations for products and services.
• Proven experience leading complex research programmes, coordinating and coaching multiple contributors; complementary expertise in Service Design, Design Strategy, Business Strategy or Innovation Strategy is a strong asset.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and influencing skills in an international and multidisciplinary environment, combined with C1-level English; C1-level German is strongly preferred, while other European languages are an asset.

What we offer?

• Personalized onboarding experience program designed to make your first days smooth
• Opportunities to learn and grow through Hager Group's awarded Hi University. 
• Internal career opportunities, over 25% of our recruitments are through internal mobility

What are the recruitment stages? 

• Once your CV has been selected, you will be contacted by a recruiter for an initial phone exchange.
• You will be invited for a first interview with the hiring manager & the recruiter 
• A second Interview will be then organized with the N+2 & the HR manager

Our success relies on collective energy. Apply now and power up your future with us!