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Software Product Manager

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

We are seeking a talented Consumer Software Product Manager to lead the development of cutting-edge storage solutions for consumers, prosumers, and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs). This role focuses on defining and managing software products that simplify and enhance the organization, accessibility, and security of digital data for home users and professionals. As the Product Manager, you will collaborate with engineering, design, marketing, and sales teams to build seamless and intuitive software products that address the growing needs for secure, flexible, and scalable digital storage solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Product Strategy & Vision: Define and execute the product roadmap for consumer storage solutions, with a focus on home users, prosumers, and SMBs looking to manage and secure their digital data.
  • Market Research & Analysis: Identify market trends, consumer pain points, and competitive products to inform the development of innovative and user-friendly software.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including hardware development, engineering, marketing, and sales, to deliver high-quality software products on time and within budget.
  • User-Centered Design: Work closely with UX/UI teams to ensure the software solutions are intuitive, easy to use, and address the needs of diverse customer segments.
  • Requirements Definition: Translate consumer needs and business objectives into detailed product requirements and specifications.
  • Product Development: Manage the entire product lifecycle from concept through launch, ensuring continuous improvements based on user feedback and performance metrics.
  • Customer Insights & Feedback: Engage with consumers, prosumers, and SMBs to gather feedback and refine products accordingly. Stay ahead of market needs through customer interviews, surveys, and feedback loops.
  • Go-to-Market Strategy: Partner with marketing teams to build and execute product launch plans, including positioning, messaging, and promotional activities to maximize user adoption and retention.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Business, or related field (MBA is a plus).
  • 5+ years of experience as a Product Manager, preferably in consumer software, cloud storage, or data management solutions.
  • Experience with software development lifecycle and agile methodologies.
  • Strong understanding of consumer data storage needs, including cloud storage, file management, and data security.
  • Proven ability to define and execute product roadmaps and manage cross-functional teams.

Skills:

  • Analytical mindset with the ability to use data to drive decisions and measure performance.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

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 02/20/2025 (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.

#LI-AS1

Compensation & Benefits Details

  • An employee’s pay position within the salary range may be based on several factors including but not limited to (1) relevant education; qualifications; certifications; and experience; (2) skills, ability, knowledge of the job; (3) performance, contribution and results; (4) geographic location; (5) shift; (6) internal and external equity; and (7) business and organizational needs.
  • The salary range is what we believe to be the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting.  We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and this range is only applicable for jobs to be performed in California, Colorado, New York or remote jobs that can be performed in California, Colorado and New York.  This range may be modified in the future.
  • You will be eligible to participate in Western Digital’s Short-Term Incentive (STI) Plan, which provides incentive awards based on Company and individual performance.  Depending on your role and your performance, you may be eligible to participate in our annual Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program, which consists of restricted stock units (RSUs) or cash equivalents, pursuant to the terms of the LTI plan. Please note that not all roles are eligible to participate in the LTI program, and not all roles are eligible for equity under the LTI plan. RSU awards are also available to eligible new hires, subject to Western Digital’s Standard Terms and Conditions for Restricted Stock Unit Awards.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid vacation time; paid sick leave; medical/dental/vision insurance; life, accident and disability insurance; tax-advantaged flexible spending and health savings accounts; employee assistance program; other voluntary benefit programs such as supplemental life and AD&D, legal plan, pet insurance, critical illness, accident and hospital indemnity; tuition reimbursement; transit; the Applause Program, employee stock purchase plan, and the Western Digital Savings 401(k) Plan.
  • Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
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Average salary estimate

$135000 / YEARLY (est.)
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What You Should Know About Software Product Manager, Western Digital

Join Western Digital as a Software Product Manager and be part of a team that's all about unlocking the power of data! Based in beautiful Irvine, CA, you'll take the lead in crafting innovative storage solutions that cater to home users, prosumers, and SMBs. Imagine guiding a team as they build intuitive software products that enhance the way people organize, access, and secure their digital content. With over 50 years of a legacy that includes brands like SanDisk and WD, Western Digital is committed to pushing the boundaries of data storage technology. In this role, your insights will shape the product roadmap, addressing real consumer needs through market research and user feedback. Collaborate closely with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to ensure each product not only meets high standards but also resonates with its audience. Whether you’re diving into user-centered design or steering the product lifecycle from inception to launch, your expertise will be crucial in setting the vision for our cutting-edge solutions. Here, innovation and collaboration are at the forefront, and your contributions will help fuel a future that is brighter and smarter. Ready to make an impact? Apply today and join us on this exciting journey!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Software Product Manager Role at Western Digital
What qualifications are required for a Software Product Manager at Western Digital?

To be considered for the Software Product Manager position at Western Digital, candidates should ideally possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field, with a strong preference for an MBA. Additionally, having over 5 years of experience in product management, especially within consumer software or cloud storage, is crucial.

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What is the main focus area for a Software Product Manager at Western Digital?

As a Software Product Manager at Western Digital, the primary focus lies in developing software solutions for consumers, prosumers, and small-to-medium businesses that simplify and enhance data organization, accessibility, and security. This role involves identifying consumer pain points and addressing them through innovative product development.

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What are the essential responsibilities of a Software Product Manager at Western Digital?

The essential responsibilities of a Software Product Manager at Western Digital include defining the product strategy and roadmap, conducting market research to identify trends, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and engaging directly with users for insights and feedback, ensuring that products meet the evolving needs of users.

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How does Western Digital's Software Product Manager ensure products are user-friendly?

At Western Digital, ensuring user-friendliness as a Software Product Manager involves close collaboration with UX/UI design teams. This process focuses on creating intuitive software solutions that cater specifically to the diverse needs of consumers and SMBs, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience.

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What methodologies does a Software Product Manager at Western Digital use?

A Software Product Manager at Western Digital is expected to be well-versed in agile methodologies and the software development lifecycle. Utilizing these frameworks helps streamline the product development process and ensures timely delivery of innovative solutions to market.

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What type of data analysis skills should a Software Product Manager at Western Digital possess?

Strong analytical skills are essential for a Software Product Manager at Western Digital. Candidates should leverage data-driven insights to inform product decisions, measure performance, and refine strategies as needed. The ability to interpret market research and user feedback is crucial for success.

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What opportunities for growth exist for a Software Product Manager at Western Digital?

Western Digital offers significant opportunities for growth for Software Product Managers. By working on cutting-edge technology and being part of a diverse, inclusive team, individuals can enhance their skills, take on leadership roles in projects, and shape the future of data storage solutions.

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Common Interview Questions for Software Product Manager
Can you describe your experience with consumer software product management?

In answering this question, provide specific examples of previous roles where you managed consumer software products. Highlight your ability to define product roadmaps, lead cross-functional collaborations, and successfully launch products that addressed user needs.

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How do you prioritize features for a product roadmap?

Discuss your approach to prioritization, such as using user feedback, market trends, and business goals to inform decisions. It’s effective to mention frameworks you employ, such as the MoSCoW method or impact vs. effort scoring.

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What strategies do you use for market research?

Share the specific strategies you have employed for conducting market research, including surveys, user interviews, and competitor analysis. Explain how these insights have influenced product decisions in the past.

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Describe a challenging situation you faced when leading a product development team.

In your response, illustrate a challenging scenario and elaborate on the steps you took to navigate it. This includes communication, adaptability, and leadership strategies you applied to keep the team focused and motivated.

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How do you gather and analyze user feedback?

Discuss the methods you use for collecting user feedback, including tools and techniques like usability testing, user interviews, and analytics. Describe how you analyze this data to inform product improvements.

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How do you approach go-to-market strategies?

Explain your approach to go-to-market strategies, including collaboration with marketing teams, identifying target segments, and establishing messaging that resonates with consumers. Mention past successes in product launches.

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What role does data play in your decision-making process as a Software Product Manager?

Emphasize the importance of data as a foundation for your decisions. Discuss how you utilize metrics to evaluate product performance and make informed choices about future developments.

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How do you ensure effective collaboration with cross-functional teams?

Detail your strategies for fostering collaboration among engineering, design, and marketing teams. Talk about tools you utilize, regular check-ins, and the importance of clear communication to align project goals.

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What trends in data storage technology excite you the most?

Express your enthusiasm for the latest trends in data storage technology that you find compelling. This could include advancements in cloud storage, enhanced security measures, or innovations in user experience, showing your passion for the field.

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How do you handle feedback from stakeholders who disagree with your product vision?

Describe a constructive approach to handling disagreements, emphasizing the importance of listening to stakeholder concerns while remaining firm in your vision when necessary. Discuss how you use this feedback to refine your strategies while maintaining buy-in.

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Dental Insurance
Disability Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Vision Insurance
Performance Bonus
Family Medical Leave
Paid Holidays

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 26, 2024

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