Director, UX Research

Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.

Our services span collectible trading cards, autographs, comic books, coins, video games, event tickets, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, Beckett, SGC, and Card Ladder.

Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 3000 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana, California and offices in New Jersey, Texas, Florida, Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Canada, Mexico, Germany, and France.

As part of our interview process, we request that candidates have their cameras on during video interviews. This helps foster meaningful conversation and allows us to create an experience that closely resembles our standard working environment. Certain interview steps may take place by phone. For remote roles, and at our discretion, candidates may be asked to participate in an on-site interview as part of the final stages of the process.

We understand there may be occasional circumstances requiring accommodation and are happy to discuss them as needed. Your recruiter will be able to clarify expectations and answer any questions you have.

Overview

We are looking for a Director, UX Research to join the Customer Insights team at Collectors and lead our UX research function. This is an exciting time to join the growing collectibles space. This role will have the unique opportunity to shape a suite of products to help card collectors grade, sell, manage and enjoy their collections. 

You will lead the UX research team to deeply understand the people behind the collections and how our products can meet their needs. We need a leader who is skilled at prioritizing what research will drive the biggest impact and weighing how different research methods are best suited for each ask.

Remote or hybrid candidates (close to Santa Ana or Jersey City offices) will be considered. This will be discussed further as part of the recruiting process.

What You’ll Do

• Set Research Strategy: Define and drive the UX research roadmap by identifying critical knowledge gaps and prioritizing work that influences company-level decisions.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Act as a senior partner to Marketing, Product, Design,  and Engineering leads to weave the right insights together and drive decision making. 

• Execute Research: Both independently conduct and guide team members on the design and execution of generative, formative, and summative research to support product design and development (including but not limited to ethnography, interviews, surveys, concept testing, and usability studies)

• Team Leadership: Mentor the user research team. Set clear direction, mentor team members, and establish a high bar for research craft.

Who You Are

• Experienced UX Leader: 7+ years of experience in user research, preferably with experience in consumer technology, collectibles, sports or fandom. You are an experienced people manager (2+ years of experience). You know what "excellent" looks like and how to coach others to get there.

• Master of Craft: You possess a broad methodology range (qualitative and quantitative) and have a track record of research that has moved the needle on real-world business outcomes. You have the ability to moderate interviews and conduct user research independently. 

• Strategic Thinker: You can translate ambiguous problem spaces into clear research questions and connect findings to product strategy with confidence. You understand when different data points/methodology is required to make the most compelling case (e.g., primary research vs. behavioral data, usability vs. market research study, etc.). 

• Master Storyteller: You can land a narrative regardless of the audience—from a small product squad to a senior leadership forum.

• Collaborative Partner: You build buy-in and navigate competing priorities with grace. You are known as an honest, transparent partner at every level of the organization.

• Adaptable & Tech-Forward: You understand how AI is transforming research. You encourage experimentation with new tools while holding the line on quality and rigor.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $163,308 - $267,038. Actual compensation varies based on location, experience, and skill set. This role may be eligible for bonuses, equity, or other forms of compensation.

Reasons To Join Us

• Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Additional Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for fertility, commuter, and educational assistance benefits

• 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals

• Vacation: All salaried employees are eligible for flexible time-off

• Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for ten company paid holidays

• Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions

• Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs

• Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team building activities

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We are aware that there are instances where individuals are receiving job offers that fraudulently allege to be from Collectors or one of our business units. This type of fraud can be carried out through false websites, through fake e-mails claiming to be from the company or through social media. We never ask for personal information such as your bank account, Social Security numbers or National IDs, nor do we send or request payments for the purchase of business-related equipment. If you suspect fraud, please reach out to [email protected].

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, veteran status, or other class protected by applicable law. We believe that a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills will better service the diverse community of collectors we support.

If you require an accommodation to apply or interview with us due to a disability or special need, please email [email protected].

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If you are based in California, you can read information for California residents here.