The Walt Disney Company

Executive Director, Product Design - Discovery & Browse

The Walt Disney Company$227K — $304K *
Media
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
  • 12+ years in related roles
  • Experience leading design at Disney+ or similar platforms
  • Expertise in large-scale content discovery systems
  • Direct experience with AI-powered design features
  • Ability to manage multi-brand design systems
  • Proven executive design leadership in complex projects
  • Strong design sensibility with a focus on simplicity
  • Reputation for attracting senior design talent

Responsibilities

  • Define a unified design vision for Discovery across Disney+ and Hulu
  • Lead the design architecture of search, browse, and navigation systems
  • Drive AI-powered discovery design strategies and initiatives
  • Collaborate with teams to create intuitive personalization experiences
  • Establish and maintain design simplicity amidst expanding platform capabilities
  • Ensure consistency of design across various platforms
  • Recruit and develop a top-tier product design team
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to embed design within strategy

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Financial incentives and bonuses
  • Long-term incentive units based on performance
  • Great work-life balance opportunities
  • Dynamic work environment in a leading entertainment company
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Executive Director, Product Design - Discovery & Browse

Req ID:


Job Description:

About the Role

As Executive Director, Product Design - Discovery & Browse, you will own the end-to-end design mandate for Discovery & Browse across Disney+ and Hulu. This encompasses both platforms' browse surfaces, search experiences, personalization UX, and next-generation AI-powered discovery interactions.

Responsibilities
  • Design Vision & Strategy: Define and champion a unified but platform-appropriate design vision for Discovery across Disney+ and Hulu one that serves the distinct tonal, audience, and brand requirements of each service while maintaining architectural coherence.
  • Search & Browse Architecture: Lead design of Search, Browse, and navigation systems at scale including content taxonomy, metadata-driven UX, and information architecture for catalogs of extraordinary breadth and diversity.
  • AI-Powered Discovery: Drive the design strategy for next-generation discovery including AI discovery assistants, voice interfaces, conversational browsing, and ambient recommendation surfaces. Establish Disney Streaming as a leader in intelligent, low-friction content discovery.
  • Personalization UX: Partner with Personalization and Data Science teams to translate algorithmic recommendations into intuitive, subscriber-trusting design experiences. Ensure personalization surfaces feel helpful, not intrusive.
  • Radical Simplicity: Set and hold the bar for design simplicity and clarity ensuring that as the platforms grow in capability and catalog, the subscriber experience grows simpler, not more complex.
  • Multi-Platform Excellence: Oversee Discovery design consistency and quality across TV, mobile, web, and emerging device surfaces maintaining coherence while adapting to each platform's unique interaction model.
  • Team Building & Talent: Recruit, develop, and retain a best-in-class Product Design team with specialized depth in streaming Discovery, Search, AI prototyping, and browse UX. Build the team that defines the standard for Discovery design in entertainment.
  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Serve as the design executive partner for Product Management, Engineering, Machine Learning, and Content teams ensuring design is embedded in Discovery strategy from the earliest stages.


Basic Qualifications & Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum 12 years of related work experience
  • Disney+ / Hulu / Entertainment Platform Background: Demonstrated experience leading Discovery and Browse design at Disney+, Hulu, or a closely comparable streaming or entertainment platform. Understands the specific UX and product constraints of catalog-driven, subscription entertainment services.
  • Discovery & Search Architecture: Expert-level background in designing large-scale content discovery systems including search UX, browse taxonomy, genre and mood-based navigation, and recommendation-driven surface design.
  • AI Prototyping & Conversational UI: Direct experience leading design for AI-powered features including voice discovery, natural language search, conversational recommendation interfaces, and AI-assisted browsing.
  • Dual-Service Complexity: Ideally, experience navigating multi-brand or multi-audience design systems with the ability to maintain platform identity and audience appropriateness across a diverse content portfolio.
  • Executive Design Leadership: Proven track record setting design direction, influencing at the VP level, building high-performing design teams, and driving design outcomes on complex, cross-functional products.
  • Taste & Simplicity: An exceptional design sensibility with a demonstrated ability to bring clarity and elegance to complex discovery problems. A portfolio that shows restraint as a design principle, not an afterthought.
  • Talent Magnet: A reputation for attracting senior design talent and building Discovery-specialized teams with a network in entertainment technology and streaming design.


The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $227,200 to $304,700 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:
Design

Job Posting Primary Business:
Design - Streaming

Primary Job Posting Category:
User Experience Designer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-04-24

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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