(USA) Principal, Design Researcher

Walmart • Bentonville, AR

13d • Onsite

About The Position

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. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• OR 7 years' experience in market research, business analysis, UX design research, or related area.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Performance-based bonus awards
• Medical coverage
• Vision coverage
• Dental coverage
• 401(k)
• Stock purchase
• Company-paid life insurance
• PTO (including sick leave)
• Parental leave
• Family care leave
• Bereavement
• Jury duty
• Voting
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Company discounts
• Military Leave Pay
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
• Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal