Lead UX Operations Manager - Stores

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Operations Manager - Stores

Company: Target

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-04

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Design Role Summary

• Lead UX Operations Manager supporting Stores Operations within Target’s Enterprise UX team
• Responsible for building routines, rhythms, and frameworks that drive product design and delivery across Target’s Stores ecosystem
• Collaborate with UX leadership, product designers, content designers, engineers, product managers, accessibility consultants, data analysts, and UX researchers
• Establish models that support the UX team in management reporting, metric development, communication, collaboration, and tools management
• Champion user-centered and design-thinking processes to solve complex problems with a highly cross-functional team

🖼️ Primary Design Responsibilities

• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to design and manage reporting mechanisms and feedback loops that surface UX progress, blockers, and opportunities
• Establish clear processes for design delivery, defining who needs to review work and when
• Lead the development and guardianship of standardized, scalable Design Operations processes across the organization
• Use metrics and insights to monitor the health of workflows, identify operational inefficiencies, and recommend continuous improvements
• Act as a connective tissue between UX and partner operations functions, ensuring coordination while maintaining focus on design impact and team enablement
• Operationalize AI-powered tools and methodologies across UX teams, ensuring practitioners have the right support systems, training, and governance to adopt GenAI responsibly in their day-to-day work
• Foster an environment of transparency, shared understanding, and continuous learning across cross-functional teams

🎓 Design Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field

Experience: 7+ years of experience in digital software product work, with in-house or agency product design teams

Required Design Skills:

• Proven experience in design operations or design program management
• Demonstrated knowledge of UX design processes and best practices
• Ability to work on multiple, high-profile workstreams at once, managing prioritization, execution, and stakeholder/leader management to complete work and deliver results on time
• Able to work well in a large organization with many partners, with a demonstrated track record of building deep relationships and influencing peers and leaders
• Strong ability to navigate ambiguity and strategic approach to solve complicated problems with excellent collaboration skills to pull partners into your work process
• Excellent communication skills—clearly articulate thinking and influence others with logic, empathy, and data
• Experience mentoring and supporting the growth of others within a team
• Exhibit a growth mindset

Preferred Design Skills:

• Experience with AI-powered tools and methodologies in design operations
• Familiarity with retail or e-commerce design and user experience
• Knowledge of Agile or Scrum methodologies

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio featuring design operations and/or design program management work
• Showcase case studies that highlight your ability to manage multiple workstreams, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and deliver results on time
• Include examples of your ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions

Design Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to design operations, including your process for managing workflows, metrics, and stakeholder communication
• Provide examples of how you have used data to identify inefficiencies and drive continuous improvement
• Include any relevant case studies or success stories that demonstrate your ability to lead and influence others in a design operations role

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $113,000 - $203,000 per year

Benefits:

• Health Benefits: Target offers comprehensive health benefits, including medical, vision, and dental insurance
• 401(k): Target provides a 401(k) plan with company matching
• Employee Discount: Target team members receive a 10% discount at Target stores and Target.com
• Short Term Disability: Target offers short-term disability insurance to protect employees in case of illness or injury
• Long Term Disability: Target provides long-term disability insurance to protect employees in case of extended illness or injury
• Paid Sick Leave: Target offers paid sick leave to help employees manage their health and well-being
• Paid National Holidays: Target provides paid time off for national holidays
• Paid Vacation: Target offers paid vacation time, with the amount increasing based on tenure

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

🎯 Design Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Retail

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1962

Design Team Structure:

• Target's UX team is part of the broader Product Design organization, which includes product designers, content designers, and UX researchers
• The UX team is organized into several sub-teams, each focusing on a specific aspect of Target's business, such as Stores, Digital, or Supply Chain
• The Stores UX team is responsible for designing and improving the user experience for Target's in-store shopping environment

Design Methodology:

• Target's UX team follows a user-centered design approach, focusing on understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points
• The design process includes research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration
• Target uses a variety of design tools, such as Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD, to create and collaborate on designs

Company Website: corporate.target.com

📈 Design Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior or Manager level, with potential for further growth into a director or principal design role

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Manager, UX Operations, Stores, and collaborates with various cross-functional partners, such as product managers, engineers, and other design team members

Design Impact: As a Lead UX Operations Manager, you will have a significant impact on the user experience for Target's in-store shopping environment, driving improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, and guest satisfaction

Growth Opportunities:

• As Target continues to expand and evolve its digital and in-store offerings, there are ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the UX team and the broader Product Design organization
• Target offers various learning and development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and mentorship programs, to help design professionals grow and advance their careers
• As a senior or manager-level role, this position provides an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills and gain experience managing a team and driving strategic initiatives

🌐 Design Work Environment

Studio Type: Target's UX team works in a hybrid studio environment, with both on-site and remote work options available

Office Location(s): Minneapolis, MN (Target's headquarters), with additional offices in Brooklyn Park, MN; Tempe, AZ; Sunnyvale, CA; and Bangalore, IN

Design Workspace Context:

• Target's UX team works in a collaborative, open-concept studio space designed to foster creativity and innovation
• The studio is equipped with the latest design tools and technology, allowing design team members to work efficiently and effectively
• Target's UX team is part of a larger Product Design organization, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing

Work Schedule: Target offers flexible work arrangements, with core hours between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, allowing design team members to balance their work and personal lives

📄 Design Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• Phone or video screen: A brief conversation to assess your qualifications and fit for the role
• Design challenge: A hands-on design exercise that focuses on your ability to manage workflows, metrics, and stakeholder communication
• On-site or virtual interview: A comprehensive interview with the hiring manager, design team members, and cross-functional partners to assess your skills, experience, and cultural fit
• Final decision: A final review of your application materials and interview performance to determine the best fit for the role

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your design operations and process management experience, including your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage workflows, and drive results
• Include case studies that demonstrate your understanding of design workflows, metrics, and stakeholder communication
• Showcase your ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions

Design Challenge Preparation:

• Review the design challenge brief thoroughly and ask clarifying questions if needed
• Focus on understanding the design problem, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a clear, data-driven approach to solving the challenge
• Practice presenting your design solution and be prepared to articulate your design thinking and decision-making process

Design ATS Keywords:

• Design Skills: Design Operations, Design Program Management, Process Improvement, Stakeholder Communication, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Metrics Development, Workflow Management, User-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Problem Solving, Data Analysis, Project Management
• Tools: Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, JIRA, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel
• Methodologies: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, Design Sprint, Design Workshop, User Research, Usability Testing, A/B Testing
• Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Collaboration, Teamwork, Adaptability, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Strategic Thinking, Stakeholder Management, Change Management, Mentoring, Coaching
• Industry Terms: Retail, E-commerce, Omnichannel, Customer Experience, Guest Experience, User Experience, Digital Transformation, Design Systems, Design Tokens, Design Patterns, Accessibility, Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity

🛠 Design Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Sketch: A digital design platform used for creating and collaborating on designs, wireframes, and prototypes
• Figma: A collaborative design tool used for creating interactive prototypes, design systems, and design tokens
• Adobe XD: A user experience design and prototyping tool used for creating and sharing interactive designs
• InVision: A design collaboration and prototyping tool used for gathering feedback and iterating on designs

Design Collaboration & Handoff:

• JIRA: A project management and issue tracking tool used for collaborating with cross-functional teams and tracking design tasks
• Confluence: A collaboration software used for creating and sharing design documentation, design systems, and design tokens
• Trello: A project management and collaboration tool used for managing design workflows and tracking design tasks
• Asana: A project management and collaboration tool used for managing design projects and tracking design tasks

Design Research & Testing:

• UserTesting: A user testing platform used for gathering user feedback and iterating on designs
• Maze: A user testing and analytics platform used for conducting remote usability tests and analyzing user behavior
• Hotjar: A heatmapping and session recording tool used for analyzing user behavior and identifying design opportunities
• OptimalSort: A user testing platform used for conducting A/B testing and optimizing designs

👥 Design Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• Guest Obsessed: Prioritize the needs and preferences of Target's guests, and continually strive to improve their shopping experience
• Inclusive: Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard
• Collaborative: Work together to achieve common goals, and support each other's success
• Adaptable: Embrace change and continuously learn and improve to stay competitive in the ever-evolving retail landscape
• Ethical: Act with integrity and respect for others, and maintain a strong commitment to ethical business practices

Design Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional: Collaborate with various teams, such as product, engineering, and marketing, to ensure designs are practical, functional, and effective
• Iterative: Continuously gather feedback, refine designs, and improve the user experience
• Data-Driven: Use data and analytics to inform design decisions and measure design impact
• User-Centered: Focus on understanding user needs, behaviors, and pain points to create intuitive, accessible, and inclusive designs

⚡ Design Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Retail Industry Complexity: Navigate the complexities of the retail industry, including seasonality, promotions, and supply chain management
• Scalability: Design and implement scalable solutions that can support Target's growth and expansion
• Technological Evolution: Stay up-to-date with the latest design tools, technologies, and best practices to ensure Target remains competitive in the digital landscape
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use data and analytics to inform design decisions and measure design impact, even in the face of ambiguity or uncertainty

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Workshops & Conferences: Attend industry workshops and conferences to stay current on design trends, tools, and best practices
• Mentorship & Coaching: Seek mentorship and coaching opportunities to develop your leadership, communication, and design skills
• Online Learning Platforms: Utilize online learning platforms, such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Udemy, to expand your knowledge and skills in design, technology, and leadership

💡 Design Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Design Process Question: Describe your approach to managing design workflows, metrics, and stakeholder communication. How do you ensure that design projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards?
• Design Process Question: How do you prioritize and manage multiple design projects simultaneously? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to balance competing priorities and deadlines?
• Design Process Question: How do you approach user research and usability testing? Can you describe a time when you identified a design opportunity based on user feedback or testing results, and how you implemented a design solution to address it?

Company & Design Culture Questions:

• Company & Design Culture Question: How do you ensure that your design solutions align with Target's design principles and brand guidelines? Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your design approach to meet specific brand requirements or design standards?
• Company & Design Culture Question: How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product, engineering, and marketing, to ensure that your designs are practical, functional, and effective? Can you describe a time when you had to work closely with another team to integrate design and functionality, and how you ensured that the final product met the needs of both users and the business?
• Company & Design Culture Question: How do you approach design critiques and feedback? Can you describe a time when you received critical feedback on your design, and how you used that feedback to improve your design and the overall user experience?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your design operations and process management experience, including your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage workflows, and drive results
• Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Use case studies to demonstrate your understanding of design workflows, metrics, and stakeholder communication, and how you have used data to drive design decisions and measure design impact
• Portfolio Presentation Strategy: Showcase your ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex problems, and make data-driven decisions, using specific examples and success stories from your design operations and process management experience

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through the Target Careers job portal
• Customize your resume and portfolio to highlight your design operations and process management experience, including your ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage workflows, and drive results
• Prepare for the design challenge by reviewing the design challenge brief, asking clarifying questions if needed, and focusing on understanding the design problem, identifying key stakeholders, and developing a clear, data-driven approach to solving the challenge
• Research Target's design culture, values, and design principles to ensure that your design solutions align with the company's brand and design standards
• Practice presenting your design solution and be prepared to articulate your design thinking and decision-making process during the design interview