Citigroup, Inc

VP, Product Research Strategist

Citigroup, Inc • $125K — $188K *
Tampa, FL 33647Hybrid
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
2 weeks ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field such as HCI, Psychology, or Design.
  • 8-12+ years of experience in UX Research or Product Strategy, preferably in FinTech.
  • Proven experience as a senior contributor in an enterprise environment.
  • Expertise in AI-enabled workflows for research synthesis and strategic concept creation.
  • Strong analytical skills for interpreting qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Familiarity with enterprise design systems and user-centered design principles.
  • Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with an ability to influence stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Identify critical research questions and strategic opportunities in the Financial Crimes Platforms domain.
  • Design and execute agile research methodologies to generate actionable insights.
  • Gather and synthesize operational data for understanding user behaviors and workflows.
  • Develop user flows and journey maps to articulate pain points and solutions.
  • Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering to embed user insights in the product lifecycle.
  • Translate complex user behaviors into clear recommendations for stakeholders.
  • Provide thought leadership on best practices in product research within the FinTech space.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Life, accident, and disability insurance.
  • Wellness programs.
  • Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced VP, Product Research Strategist to join our Financial Crimes Platforms team. This pivotal role is not just about conducting research; it's about strategically influencing our product direction by uncovering deep user understanding and translating it into actionable insights.

The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, demonstrating a proactive and "scrappy" approach to generate quick hypotheses and insights. You will be instrumental in bridging the gap between user needs, product development, engineering capabilities, and business objectives. You will leverage your expertise to understand complex operational processes, drive strategic product decision-making, and champion user empathy across our enterprise solutions. This role requires close collaboration with design and a strong grasp of design systems to ensure research directly informs exceptional user experiences.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Strategic Research & Insight Generation:
    • Proactively identify critical research questions and strategic opportunities within the Financial Crimes Platforms domain, often navigating ambiguous problem statements.
    • Design and execute lean, agile research methodologies (e.g., rapid qualitative studies, ethnographic research, usability testing, surveys, data analysis) to generate timely hypotheses and actionable insights.
    • Champion innovative approaches to gather user feedback and operational intelligence, demonstrating resourcefulness in leveraging available data and tools.
  • Operational & Data-Driven Understanding:
    • Gather, analyze, and synthesize necessary operational data to lay the foundational groundwork for understanding complex systems, workflows, and user behaviors.
    • Develop comprehensive user flows, process maps, and user journey diagrams to articulate current states, identify pain points, and envision future-state solutions.
    • Utilize these artifacts to support design decisions, facilitate product roadmap discussions, and drive consensus across cross-functional teams.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence:
    • Act as a strategic partner to Product Management, Engineering, and Business stakeholders, embedding user understanding throughout the entire product lifecycle from discovery to delivery.
    • Translate complex user behaviors, motivations, and pain points into clear, compelling narratives and strategic recommendations that resonate with diverse audiences.
    • Actively contribute to product strategy and roadmap discussions, ensuring user needs and research insights are at the forefront of decision-making.
  • Design Partnership & Advocacy:
    • Work closely with Design teams to ensure research insights are seamlessly integrated into the design process and inform the evolution and application of our enterprise design systems.
    • Provide recommendations based on user input, general observations, and a firm understanding of human behavior and empathy in advocating for users within complex workplace systems.
    • Promote a user-centered culture and elevate the importance of design thinking across the organization.
  • Thought Leadership:
    • Provide thought leadership on best practices for product research, UX strategy, and user advocacy within a highly regulated and fast-paced financial technology environment.

Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Cognitive Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, Product Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum Experience:
    • 8-12+ years of progressive experience in UX Research, Product Strategy, or a similar role, with a strong portfolio demonstrating impactful work.
    • Proven experience operating in a senior individual contributor or leadership capacity within an enterprise environment, preferably in financial services or FinTech.
    • Demonstrated experience with end-to-end research processes, from planning and execution to synthesis and communication of insights.
  • Skills:
    • Proven mastery of AI-enabled workflows to generate insights, synthesize research, and create strategic concepts and artifacts.
    • Exceptional ability to operate proactively, independently, and resourcefully ("scrappy") to deliver impactful insights with speed and efficiency.
    • Advanced analytical skills with proven ability to gather, interpret, and synthesize both qualitative and quantitative operational data to inform strategic recommendations.
    • Expertise in developing and utilizing visual artifacts such as user flows, process maps, and journey maps to communicate complex user and system interactions.
    • Deep understanding of human behavior, cognitive psychology, and user-centered design principles.
    • Strong familiarity and practical experience working with enterprise design systems and contributing to their evolution based on user input.
    • Superior communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to influence and persuade senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
    • Demonstrated ability to drive initiatives and influence without direct authority.
    • Strong business acumen and understanding of product development lifecycle in an agile environment.
    • Work samples must directly reflect the skills and capabilities specified in this role description.
  • Preferred Experience:
    • Experience in the financial services industry, particularly within compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), fraud, or other financial crimes platforms.
    • Experience working with global teams and diverse user bases.


Job Family Group:
Technology

Job Family:
Digital Design Engineering

Time Type:
Full time

Primary Location:
Tampa Florida United States

Primary Location Full Time Salary Range:
$125,600.00 - $188,400.00

In addition to salary, Citi's offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire.

Most Relevant Skills
Please see the requirements listed above.

Other Relevant Skills
For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter.

Anticipated Posting Close Date:
Jul 08, 2026

About Citigroup, Inc

Citigroup is a financial services holding company that provides financial products and services. The company operates through two segments, Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment offers traditional banking services to retail customers through retail banking, commercial banking, Citi-branded cards, and Citi retail services. The ICG segment offers various banking, and financial products and services to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients. This segment provides wholesale banking products and services, including fixed-income and equity sales and trading, foreign exchange, prime brokerage, derivative services, equity and fixed-income research, corporate lending, investment banking, and advisory services, private banking, cash management, trade finance, and securities services. Citi is committed to sustainability and social responsibility, and the company invests in initiatives that promote economic progress.

Citigroup, Inc Careers

Join the vibrant team at Citigroup, Inc, a leading global bank, and propel your career into the future. Citigroup offers a plethora of job opportunities that span across various fields and expertise, making it an ideal place for ambitious professionals to thrive.

Work You’ll Do

At Citigroup, Inc, you will engage in exciting work that matters. Join our team to help innovate and drive transformation in the banking industry. With Citigroup, you can lead initiatives that redefine how banking works and how financial services can empower people globally.

Innovate and Lead

Citigroup, Inc is at the forefront of financial innovation and leadership. By joining our team, you will work alongside top professionals to develop solutions that enhance customer experiences and operational efficiency. Our commitment to innovation is fundamental, and we encourage our team to push boundaries and think outside the box.

Grow Your Career

Citigroup, Inc is not just a company; it's a place where you can grow both professionally and personally. We offer robust career paths and professional development opportunities that help you reach your potential. With diverse career tracks and the support of leadership, your growth at Citigroup is limitless.

Diversity and Inclusion

We believe our strength comes from the diversity of our team. Citigroup, Inc is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute their best work. Through diversity training and a culture that embraces differences, we create a welcoming environment for all employees.

Benefits and Culture

Citigroup, Inc values the well-being of its employees. We offer competitive benefits packages that support the health, finance, and lifestyle of our team members. Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and a commitment to excellence. We ensure that every team member feels valued and part of our global family.

Internship and Employment Opportunities

Start your professional journey with Citigroup through our internship programs or full-time job opportunities. We are constantly hiring fresh talent and seasoned experts who bring creativity and innovation to our team. Whether you're refining your skills or ready to lead, there's a position waiting for you at Citigroup.

Networking and Professional Development

At Citigroup, Inc, networking and continuous learning are part of our DNA. We provide platforms for employees to connect with industry leaders and peers, enhancing their skills and opening up new career opportunities. Our leadership programs and professional development initiatives ensure that you are always ahead of the curve.

Join Our Team

Explore the numerous positions available at Citigroup, Inc that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to make an impact.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest in career opportunities and industry insights at Citigroup, Inc. Subscribe to our job alert emails and read our careers blog to stay ahead in your professional journey.

Explore Citigroup, Inc Jobs

Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Citigroup, Inc. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and take the next step in your career with us.

SEARCH CITIGROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Citigroup, Inc is where your ambition meets opportunity. Join us and transform your career while making a global impact.
Learn more about Citigroup, Inc
Market Cap
$1.3 billion
Industry
Finance & Insurance
Net Income
$89.6 million
Founded
1812
5 Year Trend
+4.6%
NASDAQ
C
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Citigroup, Inc

More Finance & Insurance Jobs

Find similar VP, Product Research Strategist jobs:

NationwideTampa, FL