Design Manager (Cuauhtémoc, Ciudad de México)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Manager

Company: BBVA

Location: Ciudad de México, Mexico (Cuauhtémoc)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: July 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a high-performing design team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous feedback, and professional growth within user experience (UX) and design operations.

• Drive the translation of business objectives into actionable, data-informed design strategies, ensuring alignment with user needs and organizational goals through robust information architecture and interaction design.

• Champion the value of Design & UX across the organization, promoting a user-centric approach fueled by qualitative and quantitative research, and leveraging data-driven insights for innovative solutions.

• Manage project lifecycles, prioritizing tasks, and optimizing team workflows for agile delivery, while proactively identifying business opportunities and proposing innovative solutions, potentially incorporating AI for enhanced user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a Design Manager, indicating a leadership position focused on overseeing design teams and strategies, rather than a pure "operations" role in the traditional sense of revenue or sales operations. However, the emphasis on process, data, strategy, and team management aligns with operational principles within a design context. The "operations" aspect here is interpreted as the operational excellence of the design function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Mentorship:

  • Guide design consultants in delivering exceptional user experience solutions, ensuring consistency with design systems.
  • Oversee the execution of projects to align with business and user objectives and established timelines.
  • Foster strong relationships and communication between design consultants and stakeholders.
  • Drive professional growth through constructive feedback, coaching for issue resolution, and technical mentorship.

• Design Strategy & Business Alignment:

  • Translate complex business objectives into actionable design strategies that deliver measurable impact.
  • Advocate for and demonstrate the value of Design & UX within projects and across different organizational departments.
  • Identify new business opportunities by proposing innovative solutions, potentially leveraging emerging technologies like AI.

• Data-Driven Decision Making & User Culture:

  • Cultivate a culture of evidence-based decision-making by integrating qualitative research and quantitative data analysis.
  • Use insights from user behavior to propose disruptive and effective design solutions.
  • Interpret KPIs and product metrics to inform design choices and optimize user journeys.

• Project & Process Management:

  • Prioritize tasks and manage team workload to maintain an agile and frictionless delivery flow.

  • Collaborate with other departments to negotiate project scopes, anticipate obstacles, and ensure the viability of proposed user experience solutions.

  • Manage resources effectively for programs, projects, or processes, adapting quickly to market changes while balancing user needs with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover leadership, strategy, data utilization, and project management, all critical operational functions within a design department. The emphasis on "agile and frictionless delivery flow" and "managing resources effectively" directly points to operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Design, Communication, Psychology, Ethnography, Economics, Business, Marketing, Engineering, or related fields.

• Desired: Master's degree in Service Design, Business Innovation, Design Research, or similar.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in User Experience (UX). Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Expertise: Profound knowledge in user-centered design principles, information architecture, and interaction design (DCU).

• Research Methodologies: Solid understanding and practical application of qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Design Tools: Proficiency in Figma for design execution and collaboration.

• Data-Driven Design: Ability to interpret KPIs and product metrics to inform design decisions and demonstrate impact.

• Communication & Collaboration: Strong ability to communicate design strategy and value, connect initiatives across different areas, and negotiate with stakeholders.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Capacity to lead teams, provide constructive feedback, and mentor individuals, even without formal prior management experience.

• Systemic Thinking: Ability to understand and manage complex systems and interdependencies.

• Empathy: Essential for leading by example and understanding user and team needs.

• Language Proficiency: B1 level English.

Preferred Skills:

• Service Design & Behavioral Economics: Understanding of the complete user journey and behavioral biases.

• AI in Design: Familiarity with AI applications, particularly generative tools for process optimization.

• Innovation Management: Experience in presenting high-impact initiatives to executive levels.

• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage programs, projects, or processes efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The skills are a blend of technical design expertise and managerial competencies, reflecting the operational aspects of leading a design function. The inclusion of "Data-Driven Design" and "KPI Analysis" directly relates to operational measurement and efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of UX experience through detailed case studies showcasing end-to-end design processes, from research to implementation.

• Problem-Solving: Present examples of how you've identified complex user or business problems and developed innovative, data-informed solutions.

• Impact Demonstration: Clearly articulate the business impact and ROI of your design initiatives, using specific metrics and KPIs.

• Leadership Examples: Include scenarios where you've influenced stakeholders, mentored team members, or guided strategic design decisions, even if in an informal capacity.

• Systemic Approach: Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of broader system design, information architecture, and interaction design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate your approach to designing and optimizing workflows for design teams, focusing on agile methodologies and efficient delivery.

• Research & Data Integration: Provide examples of how you've integrated qualitative and quantitative research findings into the design process to drive decisions.

• System Implementation: Show experience with implementing and adhering to design systems (like DCU) to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Collaboration Frameworks: Document how you've fostered collaboration between design teams and cross-functional partners (e.g., product, engineering, business).

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as "portfolio requirements," the job description's emphasis on experience, problem-solving, data interpretation, and leadership implies the need for a portfolio that showcases these operational proficiencies in a design context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in Mexico City, the estimated annual salary range is MXN $700,000 - MXN $1,200,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the strategic nature of the role, and BBVA's standing as a major financial institution. Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Opportunity to balance in-office collaboration with remote flexibility (2 days office/3 days remote).

• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning, mentorship, and potential for advanced degrees or certifications.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Likely includes health insurance, life insurance, and other wellness programs typical for a large corporation like BBVA.

• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within BBVA's extensive global network, including potential leadership roles and exposure to innovation initiatives.

• Financial Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for performance-based bonuses, and employee banking benefits.

• Supportive Culture: Emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and a collaborative work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing work activities, balancing in-office presence with remote autonomy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimation based on role, experience, and location. Specific benefits are inferred from typical corporate offerings for a company of BBVA's size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking Technology (Fintech). BBVA is a global financial institution with a strong focus on digital transformation and innovation.

Company Size: Over 121,000 employees globally, indicating a large, established, and complex organizational structure.

Founded: 1857, highlighting a long history and deep-rooted presence in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The Design Manager will likely lead a team of UX consultants/designers, reporting to a higher-level design or product leadership role.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with product managers, engineers, data scientists, business strategists, and other stakeholders across various departments within BBVA.

• The team structure emphasizes multidisciplinary teams and diverse profiles. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Core to the role, with a strong emphasis on using research (qualitative and quantitative) and KPIs to inform decisions.

• Agile Delivery: Focus on maintaining an agile and frictionless workflow for design deliverables.

• User-Centricity: A foundational principle in translating business needs into user-focused solutions.

• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to explore new technologies (like AI) and foster a continuous experimentation culture.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about BBVA's industry, size, and founding date is derived from the provided text and general knowledge. The team structure and methodology are inferred from the responsibilities and required skills, aligning with modern design and product development practices in large financial institutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the Design function. It involves direct team leadership, strategic input, and cross-functional influence, bridging execution with strategic planning.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will likely report to a Director or Head of Design/UX/Product within BBVA Mexico, or potentially a regional design lead. They will manage a team of individual contributors (UX consultants).

Operations Impact: The Design Manager's impact is critical to the success of BBVA's digital products and services. By ensuring high-quality user experiences, data-informed strategies, and efficient design operations, they directly contribute to customer satisfaction, user adoption, brand perception, and ultimately, business objectives like customer acquisition, retention, and revenue growth. Their ability to identify innovative solutions can also drive competitive advantage.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into senior management roles (e.g., Head of Design, Director of UX) overseeing larger teams or broader design functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like Service Design, AI in Design, or Innovation Management, leading specialized initiatives.

• Global Mobility: As a global company, opportunities may arise to contribute to or lead design efforts in other BBVA regions.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in shaping BBVA's overall digital strategy and product roadmap.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop advanced coaching and leadership skills through formal programs and by mentoring junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are extrapolated based on the managerial nature of the role and the scale of BBVA as a global organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Torre BBVA Bancomer in Ciudad de México, a modern corporate office environment. The hybrid work model suggests a blend of focused individual work (remote) and collaborative, team-oriented activities (in-office).

Office Location(s): Torre BBVA Bancomer, Av. Paseo de la Reforma 505, Cuauhtémoc, 06500 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. This is a prime business location in Mexico City, offering accessibility and a professional setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The 2 days in the office are intended for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, stakeholder interactions, and fostering team cohesion.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, along with BBVA's internal systems and potentially advanced analytics and AI platforms.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to engage daily with diverse teams, facilitating a holistic understanding of product development and business challenges.

Work Schedule: A hybrid schedule (2 days in office, 3 days remote) is specified, offering flexibility. Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with an emphasis on managing workload effectively to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Details about the office environment are inferred from the location and hybrid work policy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Emphasis on understanding your leadership approach and motivation.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the Design Manager's direct superior to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership philosophy, and alignment with team goals. Expect questions about managing designers and driving UX impact.

• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with potential direct reports or peers from other departments (e.g., Product, Engineering) to assess collaboration style, technical acumen, and team synergy.

• Portfolio Review & Case Study Presentation: A crucial stage where candidates present selected case studies from their portfolio, detailing their process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. This is where operational excellence in design execution is demonstrated.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic vision, long-term impact, and overall fit within BBVA's innovation agenda.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your leadership, problem-solving, data-driven approach, and impact over your 5+ years of UX experience.

• Structure for Operations: For each case study, clearly outline:

  • The Business/User Problem: Define the operational challenge or user need.
  • Your Role & Responsibilities: Specify your leadership and management contributions.
  • Process & Methodology: Detail the UX research, design, and collaboration processes employed. Highlight efficiency and agile aspects.
  • Tools & Technologies: Mention key tools like Figma, and any data analytics or AI tools used.
  • Key Decisions & Trade-offs: Explain difficult choices made and why, demonstrating strategic thinking.
  • Outcomes & Impact: Quantify results using KPIs and metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction, efficiency gains).

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize how you mentored your team, managed stakeholders, and influenced strategic decisions.

• Showcase Data Integration: Clearly demonstrate how data and research informed your design choices and led to measurable improvements.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to articulate your thought process and defend your decisions confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercise: You might be given a hypothetical problem to solve or a feature to design, requiring you to outline your approach, research plan, and potential solutions. Focus on process, efficiency, and data utilization.

• Strategic Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common design leadership challenges, such as managing underperforming team members, prioritizing competing initiatives, or advocating for UX value.

• Data Interpretation: Prepare to analyze a set of (hypothetical) product metrics and propose design interventions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio advice is tailored to a Design Manager role, emphasizing the operational aspects of managing a team, processes, and demonstrating measurable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is required.

• Design Systems: Proficiency in understanding, utilizing, and potentially contributing to design systems (e.g., DCU - Diseño Centrado en el Usuario).

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping or wireframing tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar for tracking user behavior and product KPIs.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data from dashboards and potentially create simple visualizations to communicate insights.

• BI Tools: Familiarity with Business Intelligence tools for deeper data analysis.

CRM & Automation (Indirect Relevance):

• While not a direct CRM/automation role, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM and marketing automation platforms is valuable.

• Customer Data Platforms (CDP): Awareness of how design interacts with user data collected through CDPs.

Emerging Technologies:

• AI for Design: Familiarity with AI tools for design assistance, concept generation, or process optimization (e.g., generative AI tools