(USA) Principal, Design Researcher - Associate Lis...

Principal Design Researcher - Associate Listening & Experience

The Principal Design Researcher - Associate Listening & Experience is responsible for shaping and enhancing the overall Associate journey within the organization. This role will lead initiatives focused on improving belonging, engagement, and workplace culture by leveraging data-driven insights and strategic programs. The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement policies, programs, and initiatives that foster a positive and inclusive work environment.

About the Team:

The Enterprise Associate Listening team is creating the future of how we listen to our global workforce across Walmart, Inc. Our team is based in Bentonville, AR and works across our business segments and functions to deliver cutting-edge associate listening capabilities in partnership with brilliant product managers, designers, and engineers. The Enterprise Associate Listening team is committed to improving the Associate Experience for 2.1 million Associates. We’re on a journey to strengthen our culture of continuous listening and deliver exceptional Associate Experiences.

What you’ll do:

• Employee Experience Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive Associate Experience strategy that aligns with business goals and enhances Associate belonging, engagement, and retention.
• Culture & Engagement: Lead efforts to measure and improve belonging and engagement through surveys, focus groups, and direct Associate feedback.
• Program Development: Design and execute initiatives that enhance the Associate Experience, including onboarding, career development, well-being, and recognition programs.
• Data & Insights: Analyze Associate engagement and workforce data to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improving the employee experience. Provide insights to leadership to drive informed decision-making.
• Technology & Tools: Evaluate and implement digital tools and platforms that enhance communication, collaboration, and engagement among Associates.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work with HR, leadership, and business teams to ensure alignment of Associate Experience initiatives with broader organizational objectives.
• Change Management: Lead change initiatives to ensure smooth transitions during organizational changes, mergers, or restructuring efforts.
• Benchmarking & Best Practices: Stay up to date on industry trends, best practices, and benchmarks to continuously improve employee experience strategies.

What you’ll bring:

• Advanced Analytical Skills: Proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques and tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python, SQL) to interpret complex datasets and drive strategic decisions.
• Experience with Experience Management Platforms: Familiarity with industry-standard Experience Management tools, such as Qualtrics, NICE, Verint, Medallia, or similar platforms.
• Adaptability: Experience leading large-scale, global programs in a high-growth, fast-paced organization with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven track record of working effectively across departments and functions, particularly in coordinating with Engineering, Product, and Operations.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to simplify complex problems, think big, and develop scalable solutions that align with Walmart’s people led, tech-powered strategy.
• Master’s or PhD degree in I/O Psychology, Organizational Behavior, Marketing Research, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in employee experience, customer experience, organizational development, or a related function.
• Background in Experience Technology, AI-driven employee tools, or automation to enhance employee experience.

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.

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.

The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00-$220,000.00. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

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:

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: 702 Sw 8Th St, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America