Datadog is looking for a Director, User Research to define the next evolution of our research practice. You will lead 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. Your role is to transform dense technical signals into human-centric experiences by establishing a fast, actionable, and deeply integrated research culture.
What You’ll Do
- 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 alongside qualitative insights.
- 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 and demonstrate business impact.
- 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.
What We’re Looking For
- 10-15+ years in user research or product design.
- 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.
Team & Environment
You will lead a group of researchers and collaborate closely with the Head of Design, design, and cross-functional leaders.
Benefits & Compensation
- Compensation range: $220,000—$320,000 USD + new hire stock equity (RSUs).
- New hire stock equity (RSUs) and employee stock purchase plan (ESPP).
- Continuous professional development, product training, and career pathing.
- Intradepartmental mentor and buddy program for in-house networking.
- An 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, and mental health benefits.
- 401(k) plan and match.
- Paid time off.
- Fitness reimbursements.
- Discounted employee stock purchase plan.
Work Mode
This role is open to a global work mode.
Datadog values people from all walks of life. We champion professional development, diversity of thought, innovation, and work excellence to empower continuous growth within a collaborative, pragmatic, and thoughtful people-first community.
Datadog is proud to offer equal employment opportunity to everyone regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, veteran status, and other characteristics protected by law.
