User Research Manager

Company Description:

At Pixel, we are more than a user research lab. We are committed to helping Ubisoft create the best gaming experiences by placing players—their behaviors, motivations, and expectations—at the heart of the design process.

In partnership with production teams and using various methodologies at our disposal, we analyze player feedback to deliver deep, relevant insights and support decision-making.

Within the Player Experience Insights (PX Insights) division, the User Research Manager oversees a portfolio-organized team and reports to the Associate Director.

This team is structured to support productions—possibly grouped by brands—through Insights Managers (Pixies) and dedicated user research analysts. Team members may be located in Montreal, Quebec; Toronto and Halifax (Canada); Cary (NC, USA); and Paris (France).

The PX Insights division comprises several similar teams covering all productions supported by Pixel in North America. In collaboration with other User Research Managers and under the supervision of the Associate Director, the User Research Manager translates the department’s vision and strategic direction into concrete objectives for their team, contributes to continuous improvement of practices, and oversees team KPIs to ensure optimal resource utilization within Pixel.

Position Description:

Responsibilities:

• Transform strategic vision into concrete objectives for your portfolio, in collaboration with other portfolio managers and the Associate Director.
• Lead and empower a multisite team of Player Experience Insights (PXI) leads and a user research team lead through management, leadership coaching, and stakeholder relations.
• Prioritize user research initiatives across your portfolio projects, partnering with a project manager.
• Use key performance indicators to monitor the health and performance of resources assigned to your portfolio.
• Build meaningful collaborations with strategic partners (VP Production/HQ duo) and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders and production team members; foster cross-expertise collaboration.
• Establish and strengthen relationships with Pixel’s cross-functional teams (discipline leads, topic leads, project managers) to ensure consistent standards across portfolios.
• Support and advocate Pixel’s mission within the team and among partners.
• Represent Pixel in external forums and global discussions, elevating the department’s profile.
• Strengthen relationships with key strategic partners to enhance the department’s contribution to Ubisoft’s success.
• Act as an ambassador for the department and participate in global alignment discussions and external forums to elevate the department’s position.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of team management experience, demonstrating proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members in a dynamic environment.
• Results-oriented, capable of anticipating risks and adjusting resources to priorities.
• Motivated by driving change at all levels of an organization.
• Deep knowledge of game development, game design, and production cycles.
• Strong track record in conducting mixed-methods research and generating actionable insights for production partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of managing a variety of stakeholders at different organizational levels.
• Ability to guide and develop team members in managing diverse stakeholder groups with varying priorities, perceptions, and interests.

Additional Information:

Ubisoft teams include 19,000 people across more than 30 countries, united by a mission to enrich players’ lives with original and memorable gaming experiences. Their energy and talent have brought to life acclaimed franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, Just Dance, Rainbow Six, and more to come.

Ubisoft is an equal-opportunity employer and believes diversity of backgrounds and perspectives is essential to creating worlds where everyone can thrive and express themselves.

Working at Ubi MTL offers a creative environment that fosters connection, professional growth, learning opportunities, and well-being (as reflected in our comprehensive benefits!).

If you’re excited to tackle thrilling challenges, leverage the latest technologies, and shape the future of entertainment, join us to create the unknown.

At Ubisoft, you are welcome as you are. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful work environment.