Senior Manager of User Research

Company Description

At Western Digital, our vision is to power global innovation and push the boundaries of technology to make what you thought was once impossible, possible.

At our core, Western Digital is a company of problem solvers. People achieve extraordinary things given the right technology. For decades, we’ve been doing just that. Our technology helped people put a man on the moon.

We are a key partner to some of the largest and highest growth organizations in the world. From energizing the most competitive gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Binge-watch any shows, use social media or shop online lately? You’ll find Western Digital supporting the storage infrastructure behind many of these platforms. And, that flash memory card that captures and preserves your most precious moments? That’s us, too.

We offer an expansive portfolio of technologies, storage devices and platforms for business and consumers alike. Our data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

Today’s exceptional challenges require your unique skills. It’s You & Western Digital. Together, we’re the next BIG thing in data.

Job Description

As the Senior Manager of User Research, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the user experience of our products and services. You will be responsible for leading a team of talented researchers, overseeing the planning and execution of user research initiatives, and driving the development of user-centric insights to inform product decisions. Your key responsibilities include:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leadership and Team Management:
   • Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of user researchers to deliver high-quality insights.
   • Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture that encourages continuous learning and development.
2. Strategic Planning:
   • Develop and implement a comprehensive user research strategy aligned with business goals.
   • Define and prioritize research projects based on company priorities and user needs.
3. Research Execution:
   • Conduct and oversee various user research activities, including conjoint analysis, surveys, and consumer interviews.
   • Ensure the use of best practices in research methodologies to gather meaningful and actionable insights.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration:
   • Collaborate closely with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders to integrate user research findings into product development processes.
   • Advocate for user-centered design principles and methodologies across the organization.
5. Capability Building:
   • Identify opportunities for enhancing the capabilities of the user research team.
   • Implement training programs and initiatives to grow the team's skills and expertise.
6. Reporting and Communication:
   • Present research findings and insights to executive leadership and other key stakeholders.
   • Communicate research results in a clear and compelling manner to guide strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology).
• Proven experience (10 years) in user research, with expertise in conjoint analysis, surveys, and consumer interviews.
• Previous experience managing and leading a team of user researchers.
• Strong understanding of product development processes and the role of user research in informing decision-making.

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Proven ability to define and execute a user research strategy that aligns with business objectives.
• Demonstrated success in driving organizational change and growing the capabilities of a user research team.

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital