Research Programs and Market Insights Lead - Product Marketing

NetApp•San Jose, NC

About The Position

NetApp is seeking a senior individual contributor to lead its primary research program for Product Marketing and Product. The role sets the research agenda and quality standards, directs a network of external research agencies and panel providers, and ensures studies are rigorous and connected to business decisions. It develops an evidence-based understanding of customer needs, decision-making, and market perceptions, and turns findings into clear, decision-ready insights. The position is strategic and high visibility, with responsibility for briefing senior leaders, influencing cross-functional initiatives, and operating autonomously in a fast-changing environment. It also develops perspectives on customer and market trends, applies modern tools and AI to improve research, and mentors colleagues.

Requirements

12+ years of experience in market or customer research, strategic insights, or product marketing within an enterprise technology, cloud, or data infrastructure company.
Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and quantitative primary research methodology, including jobs to be done, segmentation, buyer journey, and win/loss research.
Experience with market sizing and segmentation analysis.
Proven experience directing external research agencies and partners to high standards of quality.
Proven experience briefing and influencing senior and executive leaders, with strong executive presence.
Understanding of B2B data, AI, and cloud infrastructure technologies and go-to-market models.
A record of leading large, cross-functional programs through influence and operating effectively in ambiguity.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, Economics, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a research, measurement, or quantitative discipline.
Experience leading research programs at scale.
Experience applying AI to research and synthesis.

Responsibilities

Lead the primary research program for Product Marketing and Product, setting priorities and quality standards.
Direct research agencies and panel providers through end-to-end study execution, managing scope, methodology, and budget.
Oversee research workstreams and review study design and findings for rigor and quality.
Lead research on customer needs, jobs to be done, buyer journeys, and decision-making, synthesizing findings into a clear, customer-centered view of the market.
Lead market sizing and segmentation research to inform understanding of existing and developing markets.
Direct structured research, including win/loss studies, to understand how customers evaluate and choose, and translate findings into insights for go-to-market and product teams.
Present clear, decision-ready findings to senior and executive management in Product Marketing and Product Management.
Develop research perspectives on customer and market trends to inform strategy and messaging.
Guide cross-functional initiatives through influence, apply modern tools and AI to improve research, and mentor colleagues.