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Director, Ecosystem Product Management

Company Description

At Western Digital, we are on a mission to unlock the potential of data so people, companies and organizations everywhere can create what’s next. To fulfill our vision, we are always on the lookout for potential team members who share our passion for solving problems to empower others.

When you join Western Digital, you join a legacy more than 50 years in the making. Across our Western Digital®, SanDisk®, SanDisk® Professional, WD® and WD_BLACK™ brands, we have brought some of the most storied advancements in memory and data storage technology to market—and our best, most innovative work is yet to come.

From energizing gaming platforms, to enabling systems to make cities safer and cars smarter and more connected, to powering the data centers behind many of the world’s biggest companies and public cloud, Western Digital is fueling a brighter, smarter future.

Here’s how you can help.

Job Description

Western Digital, a global leader in storage technology, is seeking a highly skilled Director, Ecosystem Product Management to drive innovation and maintain leadership in the consumer flash storage market. In this pivotal role, you will lead the overall strategy and execution for integrating Western Digital’s Consumer Flash Storage products—such as microSD Express, SD, USB drives, and portable SSDs—into the broader technology ecosystem, ensuring seamless compatibility and adoption across key markets, including imaging, gaming, mobile, and compute.

You will coordinate cross-functional efforts with engineering, marketing, product management, sales, business development, and customer support teams to align product offerings with ecosystem requirements, monitor industry trends, and identify opportunities to expand Western Digital’s presence in the consumer market. The ideal candidate will excel at building trust-based relationships, possess a strategic mindset, and thrive in a collaborative environment that requires cross-functional leadership and innovative problem-solving.

Additionally, you will act as a strategic business partner to the VP of Product Management, Partnerships, Ecosystem, and ID Design, driving operational excellence, strategic alignment, and organizational success to advance Western Digital’s technology adoption and ecosystem integration, ensuring long-term market leadership and growth.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ecosystem Strategy 

  • Define and execute a comprehensive strategy for integrating Western Digital’s products into the broader ecosystem, ensuring compatibility and alignment with industry standards and partner technologies. 
  • Drive product innovation and adoption by identifying new opportunities within the ecosystem and aligning them with long-term business goals. 

Product Integration 

  • Manage the lifecycle of flash storage products to ensure they are optimized for integration into partner platforms, devices, and applications.
  • Coordinate SanDisk product compatibility testing and acceptance with host ecosystem partners to ensure seamless integration, performance optimization, and readiness for market adoption.
  • Collaborate with internal compatibility labs to analyze use cases, ensure product performance, and support the qualification of new products and platforms.

Collaboration and Advocacy 

  • Work with product management, engineering, and marketing teams across business units to align product offerings with ecosystem requirements and technology roadmaps. 
  • Advocate for Western Digital’s technologies to host device companies, demonstrating their value and fostering trust-based relationships. 

Cross-Functional Leadership 

  • Coordinate efforts across engineering, product management, marketing, sales, and business development to align product strategies with ecosystem goals. 
  • Lead cross-functional teams to ensure smooth execution of product launches, ecosystem alignment, and go-to-market strategies. 

Technology Adoption 

  • Drive adoption of Western Digital’s technologies by building ecosystem support for new products, such as microSD Express and SD. 
  • Identify and address ecosystem needs, ensuring Western Digital’s products are widely supported by partner platforms and host devices. 

Team Leadership and Strategic Alignment 

  • Lead and mentor the Ecosystem Product Management team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration. 
  • Act as a key advisor to the VP, providing strategic insights and operational support to align ecosystem initiatives with product and organizational goals.

Performance Management 

  • Establish KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate the success of ecosystem initiatives and product integration. 
  • Provide executive-level reports and insights on ecosystem and product alignment, identifying areas for improvement and growth opportunities.

Qualifications

REQUIRED:

  • 10+ years of experience in product management, ecosystem development, or technology adoption within the consumer electronics or technology industry. 
  • Proven track record of driving the integration of products into broader ecosystems and influencing technology adoption. 

SKILLS:

  • In-depth understanding of flash storage technologies, including microSD Express, SD, and USB, and their applications in consumer electronics. 
  • Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to align diverse teams toward common goals. 
  • Expertise in product lifecycle management and ecosystem integration strategies. 

Additional Requirements 

  • Familiarity with industry standards, host device compatibility, and product testing processes. 
  • Willingness to travel as needed to meet with partners and internal teams. 
  • Alignment with Western Digital’s core values and mission. 

Additional Information

Western Digital is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their race, color, ancestry, religion (including religious dress and grooming standards), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including a person’s gender identity, gender expression, and gender-related appearance and behavior, whether or not stereotypically associated with the person’s assigned sex at birth), age, national origin, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital status (including domestic partnership status), physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, protected medical and family care leave, Civil Air Patrol status, military and veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. We also prohibit harassment of any individual on any of the characteristics listed above. Our non-discrimination policy applies to all aspects of employment. We comply with the laws and regulations set forth in the "Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal” poster. Our pay transparency policy is available here.

Western Digital thrives on the power and potential of diversity. As a global company, we believe the most effective way to embrace the diversity of our customers and communities is to mirror it from within. We believe the fusion of various perspectives results in the best outcomes for our employees, our company, our customers, and the world around us. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive through a sense of belonging, respect and contribution.

Western Digital is committed to offering opportunities to applicants with disabilities and ensuring all candidates can successfully navigate our careers website and our hiring process. Please contact us at [email protected] to advise us of your accommodation request. In your email, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.

Based on our experience, we anticipate that the application deadline will be 02/26/2025 (3 months from posting), although we reserve the right to close the application process sooner if we hire an applicant for this position before the application deadline. If we are not able to hire someone from this role before the application deadline, we will update this posting with a new anticipated application deadline.

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Average salary estimate

$175000 / YEARLY (est.)
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What You Should Know About Director, Ecosystem Product Management, Western Digital

At Western Digital, we're seeking a passionate Director of Ecosystem Product Management to elevate our presence in the tech world. With over 50 years of innovation, we've established ourselves as leaders in data storage technology across brands like Western Digital®, SanDisk®, and WD_BLACK™, and now we want you to be a part of our journey! In this crucial role based in Milpitas, CA, you'll steer the strategy for integrating our consumer flash storage products—think microSD Express, SD cards, USB drives, and portable SSDs—into the wider technology ecosystem. You'll have the opportunity to drive product innovation and collaborate with a talented team across engineering, marketing, and sales to ensure our products lead the market. Your strategic mindset and ability to forge strong relationships are key as you advocate for our technologies to global partners while identifying opportunities for growth in gaming, imaging, mobile, and more. You'll define ecosystem strategies, manage product lifecycles, and coordinate efforts to launch products that resonate with current and future market demands. Leading your team, you'll inspire a culture of innovation and collaboration, bringing together diverse perspectives to achieve our organizational goals. Join us at Western Digital and be a vital player in ensuring long-term growth and a smarter future through the power of data!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Director, Ecosystem Product Management Role at Western Digital
What are the responsibilities of the Director of Ecosystem Product Management at Western Digital?

The Director of Ecosystem Product Management at Western Digital is responsible for defining and executing strategies to integrate the company’s consumer flash storage products into various technology ecosystems. This role involves product innovation, managing product lifecycles, aligning with partner technologies, and collaborating across teams to ensure product compatibility and market readiness.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management position at Western Digital?

To apply for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management role at Western Digital, candidates should have over 10 years of experience in product management, ecosystem development, or technology adoption. A strong understanding of flash storage technologies and proven leadership skills are also essential to succeed in this position.

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What skills are essential for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management position at Western Digital?

Essential skills for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management at Western Digital include strong leadership abilities, cross-functional collaboration, in-depth knowledge of flash storage technologies, expertise in product lifecycle management, and a strategic mindset to drive product integration and ecosystem alignment.

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How does the Director of Ecosystem Product Management contribute to Western Digital's success?

The Director of Ecosystem Product Management contributes to Western Digital's success by leading product strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless integration of products into various ecosystems, and driving technology adoption, which enhances the company’s presence in the consumer electronics market. Their strategic insights directly influence long-term organizational growth.

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What is the work culture like at Western Digital for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management?

Western Digital fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture for the Director of Ecosystem Product Management. The environment encourages innovation, accountability, and cross-functional teamwork, allowing employees to thrive while aligning personal ambitions with company goals.

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Can the Director of Ecosystem Product Management work remotely at Western Digital?

While the Director of Ecosystem Product Management role is primarily based in Milpitas, CA, Western Digital values flexibility. Depending on business needs and engagements with partners, there may be opportunities for remote work or hybrid arrangements, but candidates should be willing to travel as necessary.

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What kind of projects will the Director of Ecosystem Product Management work on at Western Digital?

The Director of Ecosystem Product Management will engage in diverse projects, including managing the lifecycle of consumer flash storage products, ensuring product compatibility with partner ecosystems, leading product launches, and driving strategic initiatives that align with market demands across sectors like gaming, mobile, and imaging.

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Common Interview Questions for Director, Ecosystem Product Management
Can you describe your experience with ecosystem product management?

In answering this question, detail specific projects where you have successfully managed products within an ecosystem. Focus on your strategic approach to integration, the teams you coordinated with, and the outcomes achieved. Highlight your understanding of industry standards and your role in driving product adoption.

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How do you handle cross-functional collaboration in product management?

Think about how you’ve previously facilitated collaboration among diverse teams. Discuss your methods for fostering communication, aligning goals, and managing conflict. Providing real-life examples will help illustrate your collaborative skills and leadership style.

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What strategies did you implement in your last role to drive product innovation?

When discussing your strategies for product innovation, include specific examples of how you identified market opportunities and translated them into product features or enhancements. Mention any frameworks or methodologies you applied to stimulate creative thinking and execution.

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How do you ensure alignment between product offerings and ecosystem requirements?

Explain your approach to understanding market and ecosystem needs. Talk about your experience conducting competitive analyses, researching trends, and working directly with partners to gather insights that shape product strategies for better alignment.

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Describe a challenging project you managed and how you overcame its obstacles.

Pick a project that was particularly challenging due to factors like stakeholder resistance or technical difficulties. Explain the steps you took to overcome these challenges and the successful results that followed, demonstrating resilience and problem-solving capabilities.

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What metrics do you consider important for measuring product success?

Discuss the KPIs and metrics relevant to ecosystem product management, such as adoption rates, sales performance, customer feedback, and market share expansion. Explain why these metrics are crucial and how they guide your decisions.

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How do you stay updated on trends and advancements in data storage technologies?

Show your proactive attitude toward professional development; mention industry publications, conferences, online courses, or networks you engage with to keep abreast of developments in flash storage and broader technology trends.

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How would you approach building trust with key stakeholders?

Emphasize the importance of transparency and communication. Describe how you have previously established rapport and trust, perhaps through regular updates or collaborative workshops, to ensure stakeholders feel included in the product management process.

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What do you see as the role of leadership in product management?

Articulate your perspective on product leadership, focusing on fostering team environments that encourage innovation and support diverse ideas. Share experiences where your leadership made a significant impact on team performance and project outcomes.

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How do you prioritize tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment?

Discuss your prioritization methods, such as using frameworks like the Eisenhower Matrix or Agile methodologies. Illustrate your ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on both short-term tasks and long-term goals.

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At Western Digital, we believe in the promise of data and we’re redefining how the world keeps and leverages it. We power the technology and develop the solutions that transform the possibilities of data into reality. At every step, we innovate wi...

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Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
November 27, 2024

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