Principal, Design Researcher
Walmart
Design
USD 110k-220k / year + Equity
Posted on May 30, 2026
Position Summary...
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 design and implement listening programs and initiatives that foster a positive work environment.About the Team:
The Global Associate Listening & Insights 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 Global Associate Listening & Insights team is committed to improving the Associate Experience for 2.1 million Associates. Were on a journey to strengthen our culture of continuous listening and deliver exceptional Associate Experiences.
What you'll do...
- Associate 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 and a wide variety of always-on feedback channels across the global company.
- Program Development: Design and execute listening initiatives that enhance the Associate Experience.
- 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.
- Strong proficiency and 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.
- Demonstrated curiosity and proficiency with AI tools to support work-related tasks
- 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 listening programs and solutions that align with Walmart's people-led, tech-powered strategy.
- Masters 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.
- Advanced Analytical Skills: Proficiency in advanced data analysis techniques and tools (e.g., SPSS, R, Python, SQL) is a plus.
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 :
- Stock
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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.

















