(USA) Principal, Design Researcher

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

Role summary:
As the Principal Design Researcher, you will lead the development and execution of comprehensive research strategies to enhance user experience and product effectiveness. This role requires deep expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, stakeholder collaboration, and data analysis to identify gaps and drive actionable insights. You will influence cross-functional teams by synthesizing findings into clear recommendations that optimize customer journeys and business outcomes. Your leadership will ensure research integrity, foster innovation, and support continuous improvement across varied markets and product initiatives.
About the team:
Join our award-winning research and experience strategy team dedicated to advancing retail through research-driven design excellence. The team uncovers insights that enhance the daily lives of millions of customers across various environments. As leaders in retail innovation, they develop best-in-class research systems and operations to deliver exceptional customer experiences. Collaborating across functions, the team addresses complex challenges to redefine commerce and consumer services. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to impactful research initiatives that shape the future of retail, supporting Walmart’s mission to provide access and dignity for all customers.
What you'll do:

• Lead design research initiatives to identify customer needs and business challenges through qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Develop and execute research strategies, including user interviews, journey mapping, and usability testing to inform product enhancements.
• Analyze data and synthesize insights to anticipate risks and opportunities, driving improved user experience and process optimization.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to align research outcomes with business goals and technology initiatives.
• Facilitate communication and consensus-building by presenting clear, data-driven narratives to influence decision-making.
• Mentor and guide team members, promoting best practices in research and stakeholder engagement.

What you'll bring:

• Extensive experience in design and user research, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead research strategies that identify key user and business challenges.
• Strong skills in stakeholder management, communication, and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in usability testing, user experience design, and journey mapping to optimize product interactions.
• Ability to analyze data from multiple sources to inform design decisions and improve customer outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in managing complex projects and driving collaboration across teams.
• Commitment to ethical research practices and adherence to organizational standards.

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage. Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance. Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting. Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more. You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable. For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices. Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.
For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00 Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses. Additional compensation for certain positions may also include :
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Minimum Qualifications...

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

Option 1: Bachelor's degree in UI/UX design, graphic design, visual communication, product design, computer science, information technology, or related area and 5 years’ experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.
Option 2: 7 years' experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.
As permitted by applicable law, provide evidence of full vaccination as defined by CDC guidelines OR secure approval of medical or religious accommodation for the vaccination mandate.

Preferred Qualifications...

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

Driving product development in a design research area, Market Research, Business Analysis, UX Design Research, or related area, Master's degree in UI/UX Design, Interactive and Visual Design, Product Design, or related area, Related industry experience (for example, retail, supply chain, eCommerce, healthcare), Research or design certification (for example, IDEOU - Foundations in Design Thinking Certificate), We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly. The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.

Primary Location...

1601 SE 10th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.