Research Strategy Lead – Pre Sales

Outset

Research Strategy Lead at Outset guiding enterprise clients in AI-powered user research. Collaborating with account executives to deliver insights-driven solutions and establish methodological credibility.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $200,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Partner with Account Executives in early-stage meetings as the research expert, leading the methodology conversation and building trust with senior insights buyers.
Run demos and discovery that show, credibly, how rigorous research gets done with AI moderation — and where Outset fits a buyer’s real workflow.
Scope and shepherd pilots from kickoff to delivery, owning output quality to a standard that holds up in front of the buyer’s stakeholders.
Tell the “future research state” story in a way that resonates with practitioners, not just procurement.
Support proposals and RFP responses where methodological credibility is the deciding factor.
Carry the voice of the research buyer back to product, sales, and marketing — and help the team speak more credibly to this audience.

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years in market research or UX research, with hands-on methodological depth — you’ve personally designed, moderated, and delivered studies.
Credible in front of senior insights leaders at large CPG, financial services, or healthcare organizations.
Experience in a solutions, pre-sales, client services, or senior practitioner role at a research technology company or agency.
A strong storyteller who is equally fluent in research language and business language.
Comfortable scoping work, managing timelines, and holding quality under pressure.
Energized by ambiguity and building in a startup environment, with an active network in the insights community.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Daily collaboration with founders, shaping the core product vision.
Exposure to and collaboration with design and research leaders at top global brands.
Competitive cash and equity compensation. Actual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Research DesignModerationStudy DeliveryAI ModerationProposal Support

Soft Skills

CommunicationAdaptabilityCollaborationProblem-Solving