End User Research Specialist

KOKI Group is one of the world's leading manufacturers of power tools, nailers, rechargeable batteries, accessories and pneumatic tools. Our group of companies includes the brands HiKOKI, Metabo, Metabo HPT and Carat.
As an employer, KOKI awakens the skills that are in you. Whether you have a passion for sales, design, technology or marketing - at KOKI we offer you a variety of different areas and professions. Become part of our global team. Become a machine maker, set your impulses and start your career with us.

• Identify needs, specifications and expectations of end users/ dealers and transfer them into requirements

• Complete regular jobsite visits to observe and learn about our end users' perceptions, concerns, feelings, likes, dislikes, needs, desires and wants as it applies to product development, evaluation, and marketability, and translate them into actionable strategies.

• Gather and analyze data related to products and trends.

• Understand changes in building materials and their effect on the tool industry.

• Listen to the voice of the consumer (end user):
Discover unmet needs and determine end user pain points.
Ascertain if products are desired, needed or wanted by end user.
Better comprehend the actual need of the end user, not a perceived need.
Vet and dismiss non-value ideas quickly.
Gather feedback on how products are perceived in marketplace.
Develop understanding of end users' attitudes, needs, and environmental work conditions.

• Complete regular dealer/retailer visit to monitor competitive landscape, observe trends. and changes, understand product positioning, translate observations into actionable strategies.

• Provide feedback and recommendations from the market for improvements into the Product-Management /NPQ-organization.

• Screen the market and jobsites to generate ideas for new opportunities by identifying and understanding "white spots" or "gaps" for new products and services.

• Organize and run focus groups (on particular product or user group)

• Organizes and runs research visits to jobsites / users of a particular product / product category / application group in a particular country / area; conducts these visits together with PM

• Knowledge exchange and transfer with all departments involved in product development, as well as related stakeholders, i.e., Marketing, Sales, others.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Customer-Centric Approach

• Advocate for customer (end user) needs, ensuring alignment between product features and end-user requirements

• Guide product development based on customer feedback and market trends

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, design, marketing, and sales, product management) to ensure alignment on customer needs

• Foster open communication and teamwork, balancing priorities across departments

• Strategic Vision

• Ability to spot trends/ long-term foresight

• Stay ahead of market trends, using end user and dealer/retailer insights to adapt the product roadmap

• Results-Oriented & Problem Solving

• Strong analytical skills with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes

• Ability to navigate challenges and drive solutions in fast-paced, dynamic environments

• Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Proficient in tools such as MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting and presentations

• Voice of the Customer (VOC)

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in jobsite and dealer/retailer environment

• Ability to use ethnographic research and interviews to uncover insights that drive end users

• Excellent observation and evaluation of situations

Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) from four-year college or completion technical vocational training program, a minimum of 5 years construction industry / power tools experience, and minimum of 3 years primary end user research ethnography experience (ethnography, focus group facilitation, observe and probe skills).
Language Skills:
Ability to read, write, and present business and technical information clearly
USA - Fluent in English and Spanish; French (Canada) a plus

Mathematical Skills:
Competence in applying statistical and mathematical concepts to practical situations
Problem-Solving:
Skilled in handling diverse, non-standardized challenges
Computer Skills:
Proficient in Microsoft PowerPoint, Excel, and Word
Travel:
70% travel time in U.S. and Canada

Sounds like what you are looking for?
Then we look forward to receiving your online application, via our online career portal. We look forward to meeting you soon.