Equinix, Inc

Compensation

Full Description

Who are we?Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers-because progress starts with fresh ideas. You'll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you-because when you feel valued, you're empowered to do your best work.Job SummaryWe're seeking a seasoned Director of Primary Customer Research to lead our customer insight initiatives and shape how we understand and act on customer needs. This leader will design and execute research programs that directly influence our product, marketing, and customer experience strategies. The ideal candidate combines deep research expertise with business acumen and storytelling skill.This role resides within Equinix's Enterprise Data & Analytics team, and reports to the Senior Director of Data Product, Go-To-Market.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and execution of primary research programs, including quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, ethnographies, and concept testingTranslate complex customer insights into clear, actionable recommendations that guide strategic decisions across product, marketing, and CX teamsOversee the research roadmap and manage partnerships with external research vendors and agenciesChampion customer-centricity across the organization by embedding research insights into planning and go-to-market processesManage and mentor a team of researchers, ensuring best practices in methodology, analysis, and stakeholder communicationWork cross-functionally with analytics, data science, and UX research to integrate multiple data sources for a holistic view of the customerPresent executive-level insights that inform C-suite priorities, market positioning, and innovation strategyPartner with Go-To-Market and engineering teams as a peerWork side-by-side with Go-To-Market, Engineering, AI and data science leadership to evaluate technical options, identify technical tradeoffs, estimate effort, and make architecture recommendations where applicableCritique and challenge inflated estimates and oversimplified proposals; know when a "simple" request is actually complexGuide engineering toward pragmatic solutions when requirements are ambiguous or shiftingDrive business impact through stakeholder partnershipBuild trust-based relationships with senior business stakeholders by understanding their strategy, pain points, and how data and AI solutions can helpRun monthly/quarterly portfolio reviews to ensure delivery stays on track and aligned to business needsSet clear expectations, push back on low-value requests, and educate stakeholders on what's possible and what's notFrame ambiguous problems, generate hypotheses, and drive to recommendations when there's no clear precedentManage through transition and complexityLead data product continuity during a major technology stack migration; ensure critical reporting capabilities remain intact as systems transition over multiple quartersPartner with engineering to design interim solutions that bridge old and new data models during migrationBalance strategic roadmap work with operational needs; protect time for building while keeping the lights on for products in 'maintenance' modeBring outside-in perspectiveStay current on analytics, AI/ML, and data product trends; bring relevant innovations (e.g., Product 360 approaches, AI-augmented BI, knowledge graphs) to inform roadmap decisionsServe as a trusted advisor to business partners on what's emerging and what's hypeQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Behavioral Science, or related field; advanced degree preferred10+ years of experience in customer insights, market research, or related fields, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacityProven success in designing and implementing large-scale primary research studiesExpertise in both qualitative and quantitative methods and in synthesizing research into business impactStrong data storytelling and communication skills, including executive presentation experienceExperience with tools such as Qualtrics, Medallia, SPSS, or similar research platformsExcellent leadership, collaboration, and vendor management abilities Preferred / Nice to haveExperience managing AI/ML product development end-to-end, from problem framing through deployment and iterationExperience building customer-facing data products, not just internal tools / dashboardsExperience with building LLM ready semantic layer - ensure semantic layer is governed, well-modeled, and reliableCloud data platform expertise (e.g., BigQuery, Snowflake, Databricks, Redshift)Familiarity with MLOps concepts: feature stores, model serving, monitoring, retrainingIndustry background in cloud infrastructure, B2B SaaS, data centers, telecommunications, or multi-cloud networkingSkillsAble to break down ambiguous, cross-functional problems and drive to a solution when there's no clear precedent or playbookComfortable reading and critiquing technical artifacts - data models, architecture diagrams, pipeline designs - and asking the right questions when something doesn't add upAble to quickly T-shirt size level of effort for data and AI initiatives across product and engineeringAble to effectively translate between engineering and business - simplifying technical tradeoffs for executives while maintaining credibility with engineersDrives decisions forward; knows when to build consensus and when to make the call and move onTakes ownership of outcomes, not just delivery; holds themselves and partners accountable to business impactThis posting is a new position within our organization.The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 240,000 - 360,000 USD / AnnualUnited States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 200,000 - 300,000 USD / AnnualCanada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / AnnualOur pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.Equinix BenefitsAs an employee, you become important to Equinix's success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we're providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you'll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms.Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.