Director, User Research - Product Design
About The Position
Datadog is seeking a Research leader to define the next evolution of its research practice. The role involves leading a group that integrates human insights with quantitative depth and AI-driven synthesis to build the right products for customers while driving measurable business impact. The Director of User Research will be responsible for transforming dense technical signals into human-centric experiences by establishing a research culture that is fast, actionable, and deeply integrated into the product development lifecycle. This role will build a lean, high-impact team of researchers and empower the design and product organization with the methods and tools to understand customer pain points and motivations. The position aims to move the team beyond tactical, project-level work towards strategic influence that drives measurable business outcomes.
Requirements
- 10-15+ years in user research or product design, with experience building and managing high-performing teams.
- Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, with the ability to size and validate behavioral patterns using data.
- Proven track record of moving research beyond "usability testing" to impacting product direction and business metrics.
- Comfortable navigating the technical complexities of modern software development and infrastructure.
- Excited by the potential of AI to transform how research is conducted, synthesized, and shared.
Responsibilities
- Grow, manage and mentor a talented group of researchers to operate at the frontier of the field.
- Establish a Mixed-Methods Practice ensuring researchers can analyze product telemetry and statistical data ("the what") alongside qualitative insights ("the why").
- Scale Research Capabilities by defining inquiry methods and teaching the broader organization (designers and PMs) how to use them to run deep, insight-driven probes.
- Take accountability for the business metrics influenced by research findings. Demonstrate business impact through the work that you lead.
- Build the foundation for AI as a research collaborator, using tools like custom GPTs and synthetic personas to accelerate synthesis and provide real-time deliverables.
- Collaborate with the Head of Design, design and cross functional leaders to establish roadmaps and ensure research insights are grounded in both technical reality and user needs.
Benefits
- New hire stock equity (RSUs)
- Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP)
- Continuous professional development
- Product training
- Career pathing
- Intradepartmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking
- Inclusive company culture
- Ability to join our Community Guilds (Datadog employee resource groups)
- Access to Inclusion Talks, our internal panel discussions
- Free, global mental health benefits for employees and dependents age 6+
- Competitive global benefits
- Healthcare
- Dental
- Parental planning
- Mental health benefits
- 401(k) plan and match
- Paid time off
- Fitness reimbursements
- Discounted employee stock purchase plan
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
No Education Listed
