Director - Digital (Mobile, UX, Analytics)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director - Digital (Mobile, UX, Analytics) Company: Costco Location: Issaquah (Seattle), WA Job Type: Full-Time Category: Digital Operations / Technology Leadership Date Posted: 2025-07-17T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution for Costco's digital product suite, focusing on mobile applications (iOS and Android), user experience (UX), and data analytics.
• Drive the development and delivery of high-impact digital initiatives, ensuring alignment with the company's omnichannel retail strategy and corporate objectives.
• Manage and mentor high-performing teams of digital engineers, UX designers, product managers, and analytics professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the end-to-end product lifecycle for mobile applications, from concept and design through development, launch, and ongoing optimization, ensuring a seamless member experience.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to translate business needs into actionable digital strategies and technical solutions that enhance member engagement and drive business value.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title mentions "Analytics," the core responsibilities and requirements lean heavily into digital product leadership, mobile development, and UX strategy. The analytics component is likely integrated into understanding member behavior and informing product decisions, rather than direct data analysis execution. This role requires a blend of technical understanding, product vision, and strong people leadership within a large retail IT environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital strategy for Costco's mobile platforms (iOS and Android), aiming to deliver exceptional member experiences and drive business growth.
• Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including mobile engineers, UX designers, product managers, and QA professionals, ensuring efficient and effective project delivery under Agile methodologies.
• Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of new features and enhancements for Costco's mobile applications, prioritizing user needs and business impact.
• Foster strong partnerships with business stakeholders, product management, and other IT teams to ensure seamless integration of digital initiatives and alignment with overall corporate strategy.
• Drive the adoption and evolution of best practices in mobile development, UX design, and digital analytics, including continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD) and QA automation.
• Champion a data-driven approach to product development, leveraging insights from user behavior, market trends, and performance analytics to inform strategic decisions and optimize digital offerings.
• Cultivate and maintain a high-performance team culture characterized by integrity, member service, effective communication, and continuous learning and development.
• Ensure adherence to compliance, security policies, and ethical standards in all digital development and operational activities, particularly concerning member data and privacy.
• Create clear, concise, and insightful recommendations for senior leadership regarding strategic business plans, digital initiatives, and technology roadmaps.
• Manage department budgets, research variances, and ensure proper team coverage and resource allocation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic oversight and operational management, common for a Director-level role in a large enterprise IT department. The emphasis on "member service" and "integrity" reflects Costco's core company values, which are expected to be integrated into team leadership and operational execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas such as Digital Transformation, Product Management, or UX Design are a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in a Director or Managerial role with a proven track record of building and deploying impactful digital features and applications for a large user base.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing comprehensive digital strategies, particularly within a retail or e-commerce context.
• Extensive experience in managing and leading high-performing engineering and design teams, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
• Proven success in reshaping design processes for digital experiences and infusing critical thinking into member journey optimization.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of mobile development frameworks, specifically Kotlin and Swift, for robust iOS and Android platform development.
• Proficiency in Agile software development methodologies, including Scrum or similar frameworks, with prior experience managing teams operating under these practices.
• Strong experience in building and leading fast-performing engineering teams, emphasizing a DevOps culture and CI/CD practices.
• Expertise in building large-scale web services and microservices, particularly within the e-commerce domain.
• Demonstrated experience in forging and fostering strong partnerships with business, product management, and IT teams for seamless feature delivery.
• Knowledge of asynchronous APIs and services using an event backbone.
• Familiarity with architectural patterns such as Backend for Frontend (BFF).
• Keen understanding of best practices for mobile development, frontend architecture, performance, security, and usability.
• Strong understanding of architecture patterns and operational characteristics of highly available and scalable applications.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to create clear and concise recommendations for senior leadership and effectively articulate business knowledge.
• Proven ability in people management, including coaching, mentoring, performance management, and fostering employee development.

Preferred Skills:

• Voracious learner with a passion for digital transformation, omnichannel strategies, mobile technology, development methodologies, UX design, and digital analytics.
• Track record of successfully building world-class mobile products.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace applications (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Gmail).
• Experience writing software in Java or other object-oriented programming languages.
• Experience with event-driven architectures and asynchronous communication patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Kotlin/Swift is specific to mobile development, indicating a primary focus on the mobile application suite. The mention of Java and other OOP languages suggests a broader understanding of backend systems or a need for versatility within the digital engineering landscape. The "Analytics" in the title is further contextualized by the preference for a "voracious learner" in digital analytics, implying a need for strategic understanding rather than hands-on analysis in this specific role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of successful leadership in developing and deploying digital products or features that have demonstrably impacted millions of users or significant business metrics.
• Examples of strategic digital initiatives led, demonstrating an understanding of product management, UX design principles, and mobile development lifecycle.
• Evidence of managing and growing high-performing digital engineering teams, including examples of team structure, development processes, and performance improvements.
• Case studies illustrating the ability to forge and foster strong partnerships with business, product, and IT teams to achieve fast and flawless delivery of digital solutions.
• Documentation or presentation of how critical thinking was infused into shaping member journeys and improving digital experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of implementing and advocating for Agile software development practices (Scrum, Kanban) within digital engineering teams.
• Documentation of experience in building and evolving Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines and QA automation strategies to enhance agility.
• Demonstrations of experience with microservices architecture and related development patterns (e.g., BFF), highlighting scalability and maintainability.
• Evidence of leveraging data analytics and user feedback to inform product decisions, optimize digital workflows, and drive continuous improvement in member experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" isn't explicitly requested in the traditional sense of design work, candidates are expected to present their achievements and leadership impact through their resume, cover letter, and interview discussions, effectively serving as a portfolio of their experience and capabilities. The emphasis is on demonstrated success and strategic thinking in digital product leadership.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 - $230,000 per year. Bonus & Equity: Eligible for bonus and Restricted Stock Units (RSU).

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off: Comprehensive paid time off package.
• Health Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing Aid, Pharmacy, and Behavioral Health coverage.
• Wellness Programs: Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Financial Wellness: Health Care Reimbursement Account, Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
• Disability & Life Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D), and Life Insurance.
• Retirement & Investment: 401(k) plan, Stock Purchase Plan (for eligible employees).

Working Hours: Expected to work 45+ hours per week, reflecting a full-time management/leadership position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Director-level technology role in the Seattle metropolitan area. The inclusion of bonus and RSU indicates a performance-driven compensation structure. The comprehensive benefits package is typical for a large, established corporation like Costco, emphasizing employee well-being and long-term financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Wholesale) Company Size: Large (Costco is the third-largest retailer globally). This size implies robust infrastructure, significant impact potential, and established processes. Founded: 1983. Costco has a long history and a proven business model, suggesting stability and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• This role is part of the Costco IT Management Team, indicating a leadership position within the technology division.
• The Director will lead a team comprising digital engineers (iOS/Android), UX designers, product managers, and potentially analytics specialists.
• The team likely operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with various business lines and other IT departments to deliver on digital initiatives.

Methodology:

• Agile Software Development: The role requires a practitioner of Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) for managing software development cycles.
• DevOps Culture: Leadership in a DevOps culture is expected, emphasizing collaboration between development and operations for faster, more reliable software delivery.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis on leveraging data analytics and user insights to inform product strategy and optimize member experiences.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to evolving development processes, leveraging CI/CD pipelines, and embracing new technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality.

Company Website: https://www.costco.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Costco is known for its strong employee-centric culture, emphasizing value, integrity, and member service. This translates into an IT environment that, despite being fast-paced and undergoing transformation, prioritizes employee well-being and ethical conduct. The company's success is built on efficiency and value, which should be reflected in the digital strategies and operational execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director - Digital. This is a senior leadership role responsible for a significant functional area within IT, with direct reports and strategic influence. Reporting Structure: The Director will report to senior IT leadership, likely a VP or Senior Director of Digital or Technology, and will be responsible for managing a team of managers and individual contributors. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the member experience and the company's digital revenue streams. Successful execution of digital strategies and mobile application development can significantly influence customer acquisition, retention, and overall business performance in an increasingly digital-first retail landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to broaden scope to oversee additional digital product areas or lead larger, more complex cross-functional digital transformation initiatives.
• Technology Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging mobile technologies, UX trends, or advanced analytics to become a subject matter expert within the organization.
• Executive Advancement: Opportunities to progress into VP-level roles or other senior executive positions within Costco's IT or broader business organization.
• Cross-Functional Experience: Exposure to various business units and IT functions, providing a holistic understanding of Costco's operations and enabling career diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Director-level position at a company of Costco's scale, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth, both technologically and managerially. The emphasis on digital transformation suggests that this area is a strategic priority, offering a fertile ground for impactful work and career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Issaquah, WA. This suggests a traditional corporate office environment. Office Location(s): Issaquah (Seattle), WA. This location provides access to a major tech hub with a strong talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with product managers, UX designers, engineers, and senior leadership, suggesting a dynamic and interactive workspace.
• Technology Stack: Access to modern development tools, analytics platforms, and collaboration software will be crucial for team productivity and project success.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, one-on-one sessions, and cross-functional project discussions will be integral to the role.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as a full-time management/leadership position requiring 45+ hours per week. This indicates a commitment to driving results and being actively involved in team and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being an on-site role in Issaquah, WA, candidates should expect a standard corporate office setting. The "45+ hours" expectation is typical for leadership positions in large companies, emphasizing dedication and availability for strategic initiatives and team support.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and cover letter to assess qualifications and fit.
• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Interview: Discussion to gauge experience, leadership style, and understanding of the role's scope.
• Technical & Behavioral Interviews: Deep dives into mobile development, UX strategy, team management, Agile practices, and problem-solving abilities. Expect scenarios testing leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management.
• Panel Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, cross-functional leaders, and potentially direct reports to assess cultural fit and collaboration capabilities.
• Executive Review: Presentation of strategic vision, approach to team leadership, and proposed digital roadmap to senior IT leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership Impact: Focus on quantifiable achievements and the impact of your leadership on team performance, project delivery, and business outcomes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure examples.
• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Present how you've developed and executed digital strategies, optimized member journeys, and leveraged data to drive decisions.
• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of mobile technologies (Kotlin, Swift), architecture patterns (microservices, BFF), and development methodologies (Agile, DevOps).
• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships and how you've managed stakeholder relationships.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your initiatives (e.g., increased user engagement, improved app ratings, faster delivery cycles).

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a digital strategy for a specific Costco product or feature, or how you would address a common challenge in mobile app development or UX.
• Team Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about managing team performance, resolving conflicts, fostering growth, and driving a positive team culture.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss approaches to common technical challenges in mobile development, scalability, or system integration.
• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating complex ideas clearly and concisely, especially when discussing strategic plans or project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the Director level and the focus on digital strategy and execution, expect a rigorous interview process that assesses not only technical and managerial skills but also strategic vision and cultural alignment with Costco's values. A strong cover letter that articulates passion for digital transformation and member service will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Mobile Development: Kotlin (Android), Swift (iOS).
• Programming Languages: Java (mentioned as experience, potentially for backend or legacy systems), other object-oriented languages.
• Architecture Patterns: Microservices, Backend for Frontend (BFF), event backbone, asynchronous APIs.
• Development Methodologies: Agile (Scrum, Kanban).
• DevOps & CI/CD: Tools and practices supporting Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery, QA automation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Digital Analytics Platforms: Likely Google Analytics or similar for tracking user behavior, app performance, and conversion metrics.
• Business Intelligence Tools: For reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to digital initiatives and member engagement.
• Data Visualization Tools: For creating dashboards and reports for stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM System: While not explicitly mentioned, a CRM system would be integral for understanding member data and personalizing experiences.
• Integration Tools: For connecting various systems within the retail ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Kotlin and Swift is a hard requirement for mobile development. Experience with microservices and event-driven architectures is critical for building scalable, modern digital platforms. Familiarity with Agile and DevOps practices is essential for efficient team operation. While specific analytics tools aren't named, a strong understanding of their purpose and application in driving digital strategy is expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and the company's Code of Ethics in all actions and decisions. Leading by example.
• Member Service: Prioritizing an exceptional member experience in all digital product development and operational efforts.
• Communication: Maintaining open, honest, and consistent communication with employees, leadership, and stakeholders.
• Performance Management: Coaching, mentoring, and developing employees to achieve their full potential and support team goals.
• Inclusion: Encouraging diverse approaches and ideas, seeking employee input, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensuring data confidentiality and adherence to IT security policies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on seamless collaboration with business lines, product management, and other IT teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating with and influencing senior leadership and various business partners.
• Team-Centric Approach: Fostering a supportive environment where team members feel empowered and encouraged to share ideas and contribute to collective success.
• Data-Driven Dialogue: Utilizing data and insights to fuel discussions and decision-making processes across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Costco's core values are deeply embedded in its organizational culture. Candidates are expected to demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly integrity, member service, and effective communication, in their leadership approach and team interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Digital Experiences: Managing the development and delivery of mobile applications for a massive, global member base requires robust architecture and efficient processes.
• Omnichannel Integration: Seamlessly integrating the digital experience with Costco's physical warehouse operations presents a complex challenge.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of and effectively adopting new technologies in mobile, UX, and analytics to maintain a competitive edge.
• Balancing Innovation and Stability: Driving innovation while ensuring the stability and reliability of critical digital platforms used by millions of members.
• Leading Transformation: Guiding teams through digital transformation efforts in a large, established organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend relevant conferences (e.g., mobile development, UX, retail tech) and pursue certifications.
• Internal Mentorship Programs: Access to senior leaders and experienced professionals for guidance and career development.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of digital initiatives provides broad experience across different technologies and business functions.
• Leadership Development Programs: Costco likely offers internal programs to enhance leadership skills and prepare individuals for executive roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to tackle complex, large-scale digital challenges within a leading retail organization. The company's commitment to employee development means that individuals can expect to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to impactful projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you develop a digital strategy for Costco's mobile app to enhance the member experience and drive omnichannel engagement?"
• "Describe your approach to leading engineering and design teams in a fast-paced, transformative environment, focusing on Agile and DevOps principles."
• "How do you ensure alignment between digital product development and broader corporate objectives, particularly in a retail context?"
• "What key metrics would you track to measure the success of mobile application features and the overall digital strategy?"
• "How would you foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your team, encouraging the adoption of new technologies and best practices?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Costco's culture and its approach to employee and member service?"
• "How do you incorporate company values like integrity and member focus into your leadership style and team management?"
• "Describe a time you had to navigate a challenging situation with stakeholders or team members, and how you resolved it."
• "How do you approach ensuring compliance and security in digital development, especially with member data?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around key leadership achievements, focusing on strategic impact, team development, and project outcomes. Use the STAR method for specific examples.
• Quantify: Clearly present the metrics and results achieved for each initiative discussed (e.g., "% increase in user engagement," "reduction in bug resolution time," "successful launch of X features").
• Showcase Leadership: Highlight your role in decision-making, team motivation, process improvement, and stakeholder management.
• Address Key Responsibilities: Ensure your presentation directly addresses the core responsibilities of the Director role, such as mobile strategy, UX enhancement, team leadership, and Agile/DevOps practices.
• Tailor to Costco: Connect your experience and approach to Costco's specific business context, values, and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach a common challenge in mobile app development (e.g., performance optimization, user adoption, integration with backend systems).
• Be ready to outline a plan for improving team velocity, enhancing code quality, or implementing new development practices.
• Practice communicating complex technical or strategic ideas clearly and concisely, as if presenting to senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their vision for Costco's digital future, demonstrating a blend of strategic thinking, technical understanding, and strong leadership capabilities. Emphasizing how their experience aligns with Costco's core values will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director - Digital (Mobile, UX, Analytics) position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link. Ensure all required fields are accurately filled.
• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Tailor your cover letter to this specific role and company. Highlight your passion for digital transformation, your experience in mobile and UX leadership, and how your skills align with Costco's values, particularly member service and integrity.
• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly showcases your leadership experience, quantifiable achievements, and proficiency in the required technologies and methodologies (Kotlin, Swift, Agile, Microservices, etc.). Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Portfolio (Implicit): While not a formal submission, be ready to discuss your career achievements as if presenting a portfolio. Identify key projects, leadership examples, and data-backed results that demonstrate your capabilities in mobile development, UX strategy, and team management.
• Research Costco: Familiarize yourself with Costco's business model, its position in the retail industry, its digital initiatives, and its stated company values. This will be essential for tailoring your application and interview responses.
• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to answer behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method, focusing on your leadership experience, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.