Manager, User Research – Games

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Washington.

📋 Description

• Establish and lead the playtesting strategy for Netflix Games, transitioning from an initial experimental phase to a fully functional and scalable program.

• Act as the main point of contact for all playtesting requirements.

• Collaborate with Consumer Insights, studio and product leaders, game partners, central production, and various cross-functional stakeholders.

• Optimize existing Netflix research tools and develop, acquire, or adapt new tools as necessary.

• Implement and oversee moderated user testing, closed tests, and open betas for cloud and mobile games.

• Enhance participant recruitment, distribution, player segmentation, feedback collection, and data reporting processes.

• Build and maintain playtesting facilities, either utilizing external venues or constructing them in-house.

• Monitor and report essential metrics that showcase the impact on game quality and business results.

• Integrate behavioral data with survey or session-based attitudinal data to evaluate player responses.

• Lead and guide a small team of researchers.

• Remain attuned to developer requirements and adapt flexibly to emerging development needs.

• Collaborate with Consumer Insights to contextualize UX insights within market and audience data.

• Work alongside cross-functional teams to create scalable, secure, and efficient playtesting tools.

• Stay informed about industry trends and new technologies related to playtesting and user research.

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 10 years of experience in games research, with a demonstrated ability to build or scale playtesting programs.

• More than 4 years of experience leading teams of researchers specializing in UX research methodologies.

• Proven capability to manage complex programs, influence without direct authority, and facilitate cross-functional alignment.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and exercise sound judgment on when to utilize existing resources or create new solutions.

• Knowledge of game build distribution, player segmentation, data pipelines, and feedback tools.

• Experience with games spanning various genres, audiences, and input methods (e.g., touch versus controller).

• Strong empathy for both players and developers, with a commitment to delivering exceptional player experiences.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, capable of synthesizing complex requirements and presenting clear recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.

• Willingness to travel frequently, primarily between Los Angeles and Los Gatos, to engage with stakeholders.

• Proficient in understanding people, behaviors, attitudes, and motivations.

• Comfortable making decisions without complete data.

• Ability to pursue answers to challenging questions.

• Ready to work hands-on and adjust to change.

• Equal parts strategic and operational in approach.

• Familiarity with Netflix's culture memo and values.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health Plans

• Mental Health support

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match

• Stock Option Program

• Disability Programs

• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts

• Family-forming benefits

• Life and Serious Injury Benefits

• Paid leave of absence programs

• Full-time hourly employees earn 35 days annually for paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

• Full-time salaried employees are granted immediate flexible time off.