About Company
Hwange Colliery Company Limited (HCC) stands as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s energy sector, boasting a rich history that dates back over a century. Located in the heart of Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, HCC is one of Southern Africa’s largest producers of coal and coke, essential commodities driving industrial growth and electricity generation across the region. Our operations encompass extensive mining activities, processing plants, and a significant contribution to the local economy and community development. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence. As we navigate a dynamic global landscape, HCC is increasingly focused on innovation, efficiency, and integrating modern practices to enhance every facet of our business, from ground operations to administrative processes. We believe in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and are now seeking visionary leaders to help us evolve.
Job Description
Hwange Colliery Company Limited is embarking on an exciting journey of digital transformation and operational enhancement, seeking to embed a deeply user-centric approach into how we develop and improve our internal systems, operational tools, and external engagement platforms. We are looking for an experienced and visionary Director of User Research to establish and lead our user research function from the ground up. This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping our understanding of the diverse ‘users’ within our ecosystem – from our frontline miners and engineers utilizing complex operational technology, to our administrative staff engaging with enterprise software, and external stakeholders interacting with our services.
The Director of User Research will be responsible for defining the strategy, methodologies, and best practices for all user research activities across the company. You will build and mentor a team of talented researchers, fostering a culture of curiosity, empathy, and data-driven insights. Your primary goal will be to uncover deep user needs, behaviors, and pain points, translating these into actionable recommendations that inform product development, process improvement, and strategic decision-making. This role requires not just exceptional research expertise but also strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, operations, and executive leadership. You will champion the voice of the user, ensuring that user insights are at the forefront of our innovation efforts, leading to more intuitive, efficient, and impactful solutions that benefit our employees, partners, and the broader community we serve. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a foundational industry, driving change through the power of user understanding in a complex and critical environment, directly contributing to operational excellence and employee satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and implement a comprehensive user research strategy aligned with HCC's business objectives and digital transformation goals.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of user researchers, fostering professional growth and expertise.
- Oversee the planning, execution, and analysis of various qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., usability testing, interviews, surveys, field studies, ethnographic research).
- Identify key research questions and develop appropriate research plans to gather actionable insights into user behaviors, needs, and motivations.
- Translate complex research findings into clear, concise, and compelling narratives, presentations, and reports for various stakeholders, including executive leadership.
- Collaborate closely with product management, design, engineering, and operations teams to integrate user research insights into the product development lifecycle and process improvement initiatives.
- Establish and evangelize user research best practices, tools, and methodologies across the organization.
- Champion a user-centric culture throughout Hwange Colliery Company, advocating for the needs and perspectives of our diverse user base.
- Manage research budgets, resources, and vendor relationships as needed.
- Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging research methodologies to continually evolve HCC's research capabilities.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in user research, UX research, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.
- Proven track record of building, leading, and mentoring user research teams.
- Extensive expertise in a wide range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and tools.
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex research data into clear, actionable insights and strategic recommendations.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to define research roadmaps that align with business goals.
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels.
- Proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization.
- Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field.
- Experience working in complex industrial environments, mining, energy, or heavy industry.
- Familiarity with enterprise-level software systems and operational technology.
- Experience establishing a research function within a large, established organization.
- Proficiency in user research software and analytics platforms.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
- Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
- Generous paid time off and public holidays.
- Retirement savings plan/pension scheme.
- Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- Access to company facilities and subsidized services.
- A chance to contribute to a critical national industry.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and leadership philosophy. Please ensure your application highlights your experience in building and leading user research functions and your understanding of user-centric design principles in complex operational environments. Always encourage applicants to click on the link below to apply for the job.