Senior Manager, User Experience (UX) Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, User Experience (UX) Design

Company: Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

Category: UX Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-05

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🎨 Role Summary

• Lead UX strategy and design for complex web applications and software, ensuring user-centered approach
• Manage and develop a high-performing UX team, fostering knowledge sharing and cross-training
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to develop UX research plans and execute design concepts
• Review designs, provide feedback, and ensure design requirements meet business strategies and user needs

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain UX tool strategy, ensuring user-centered design for mobile and desktop applications
• Act as a creative leader, reviewing designs and providing feedback to fellow UX professionals
• Contribute to project strategy, including leading design concepting and user experience approach
• Lead design efforts in the implementation phase, creating wireframes, mockups, and other project deliverables
• Ensure accurate documentation of design requirements, test plans, and acceptance criteria
• Present design ideas and rationale to product development teams and other key stakeholders
• Function as a design/brand champion, participating in and leading peer design reviews and critiques
• Effectively manage team workload, ensuring knowledge sharing and cross-training of team members

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent (4 years) in a relevant field

Experience: 7+ years of experience in UX design, with 3+ years of broad experience with highly complex web sites and software applications from a user-centered standpoint

Required Skills:

• Proficient knowledge of user-centered design process, web best-practices, and relevant disciplines
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Proficient prototyping and mockup skills
• Working knowledge of industry-standard visualization tools and software
• Working knowledge of design fundamentals such as color theory, composition, branding, typography, and web design standards
• Ability to work in both waterfall and agile project processes

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex application ecosystems
• Ability to interpret product requirements documents from a user-centered perspective
• Working knowledge of usability testing and other research methods
• Fundamental understanding of project management and business process management concepts
• Experience leading 1-3 UX professionals or other direct reports
• Experience designing transactional or complex interactions with consumer and/or B2B platforms

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing your ability to create user-centered designs for complex web applications
• Include case studies that highlight your process, design thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Showcase your ability to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes using industry-standard tools
• Demonstrate your understanding of design fundamentals, such as color theory, composition, and typography

Process Documentation:

• Include research and discovery phases, showing your ability to gather and analyze user data
• Highlight your ideation and iteration methods, demonstrating your ability to generate and refine design concepts
• Showcase your validation and testing approaches, illustrating your ability to gather user feedback and iterate on designs

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $162,000 / year

Benefits:

• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 401(k)
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees

Founded: 1894

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is part of the Technology division, working closely with product development teams and other key stakeholders
• The team consists of UX designers, researchers, and content strategists, reporting to the Senior Manager of UX Design
• The team collaborates cross-functionally with various business units to deliver user-centered design solutions

Methodology:

• Ameriprise Financial follows a user-centered design process, focusing on user needs and business objectives
• The design team employs various research methods, such as user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform design decisions
• The company uses agile methodologies for project management, with design teams working closely with development teams to deliver iterative solutions

Company Website: www.ameriprise.com

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: Senior Manager, UX Design

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager of UX Design reports directly to the Vice President of User Experience and Design

Design Impact: The Senior Manager of UX Design has a significant influence on the user experience of Ameriprise Financial's digital platforms, impacting millions of customers

Growth Opportunities:

• As the company continues to grow and expand its digital offerings, there are opportunities for the Senior Manager of UX Design to take on additional responsibilities or lead larger teams
• The role offers the opportunity to mentor and develop junior UX designers, fostering their growth and contributing to the overall design team's success
• As Ameriprise Financial continues to invest in its digital capabilities, there may be opportunities to specialize in specific design disciplines or take on strategic initiatives

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Ameriprise Financial's design studio is a collaborative, open-plan workspace with dedicated design spaces, including conference rooms and presentation areas

Office Location(s): Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Design Workspace Context:

• The design studio is equipped with industry-standard design tools and software, as well as specialized hardware for user testing and prototyping
• The workspace encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, workshops, and design critiques
• The design team works closely with product development teams, content strategists, and other stakeholders, fostering a culture of cross-functional collaboration

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible hours to accommodate project deadlines and team needs

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

• The design interview process consists of several rounds, including a phone or video screen, a design challenge, and on-site interviews with key stakeholders
• Candidates are evaluated on their design process, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit within the design team and the broader organization
• Throughout the interview process, candidates are encouraged to ask questions and engage in dialogue with the design team to better understand the role and the company

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your ability to create user-centered designs for complex web applications, showcasing your design process, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, incorporating user research, design thinking, and iterative design processes
• Demonstrate your proficiency with industry-standard design tools and software, such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms
• Showcase your ability to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, as well as your understanding of design fundamentals, such as color theory, composition, and typography

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare for design challenges that focus on user-centered design, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, as well as your ability to communicate your design rationale effectively
• Familiarize yourself with Ameriprise Financial's design system and brand guidelines, demonstrating your ability to create designs that align with the company's visual language and design standards
• Practice presenting your design ideas and rationale to stakeholders, focusing on your ability to articulate your design decisions and engage in constructive dialogue

ATS Keywords: User-Centered Design, UX Strategy, Design Leadership, Team Management, Design Thinking, Wireframing, Prototyping, Collaboration, Cross-Functional Teams, Design Challenges, Portfolio Review, Ameriprise Financial, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Financial Services

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma - Used for creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, as well as collaboration and version control
• Sketch - Used for creating design concepts, mood boards, and visual explorations
• Adobe XD - Used for creating interactive prototypes and design handoff to developers
• InVision - Used for user testing, prototyping, and design collaboration

Collaboration & Handoff:

• Confluence - Used for project management, collaboration, and documentation
• Jira - Used for agile project management, task tracking, and issue resolution
• Zeplin - Used for design system management, style guide creation, and design handoff to developers

Research & Testing:

• UserTesting - Used for remote user testing, gathering user feedback, and iterating on designs
• OptimalSort - Used for card sorting, tree testing, and information architecture validation
• Hotjar - Used for heatmapping, session recording, and user behavior analysis

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

• User-centered design - Prioritizing user needs and preferences in all design decisions
• Collaboration - Working closely with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated, user-centered solutions
• Continuous learning - Fostering a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and ongoing professional development
• Innovation - Encouraging creative problem-solving, risk-taking, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible
• Integrity - Upholding the highest ethical standards in all design decisions and interactions

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional collaboration - Working closely with product development teams, content strategists, and other stakeholders to deliver user-centered design solutions
• Design critiques - Regularly reviewing and providing constructive feedback on design work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
• Design system contribution - Encouraging team members to contribute to the design system, knowledge sharing, and collaborative problem-solving

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

• Designing for complex application ecosystems, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints
• Interpreting product requirements documents from a user-centered perspective, ensuring design solutions meet user needs and business goals
• Working with legacy systems and design debt, balancing the need for short-term solutions and long-term strategic design initiatives
• Managing stakeholder expectations, balancing the need for user-centered design with business and technical constraints

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Attending industry conferences and workshops, such as UX Design Conference, UXPA, and UX London, to stay current on design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies
• Engaging in mentorship programs, both as a mentor and mentee, to foster professional growth and knowledge sharing
• Pursuing specialized certifications, such as the Nielsen Norman Group's UX Certification or the Interaction Design Foundation's IxD Certification, to deepen design expertise and demonstrate commitment to professional development

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

• Describe your design process, from research and discovery to validation and testing, and how you adapt it to different projects and stakeholders
• Walk us through a case study, demonstrating your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, incorporate user research, and iterate on designs based on feedback
• How do you approach designing for accessibility, ensuring that your designs are inclusive and usable by all users, regardless of their abilities or disabilities?

Company Culture Questions:

• How do you see yourself contributing to Ameriprise Financial's design culture, and what unique perspectives or experiences do you bring to the team?
• How do you approach working with diverse teams, and what strategies do you use to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and cross-functional problem-solving?
• How do you ensure that your design solutions align with Ameriprise Financial's brand, visual language, and design standards, while still pushing the boundaries of what's possible and driving innovation?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Highlight your ability to create user-centered designs for complex web applications, showcasing your design process, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Include case studies that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, incorporating user research, design thinking, and iterative design processes
• Demonstrate your proficiency with industry-standard design tools and software, such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms
• Showcase your ability to create wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, as well as your understanding of design fundamentals, such as color theory, composition, and typography

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Customize your portfolio to highlight your ability to create user-centered designs for complex web applications, showcasing your design process, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail
• Optimize your resume for design roles, focusing on your design skills, experience, and relevant keywords
• Prepare for design challenges and interviews, focusing on your ability to communicate your design rationale, articulate your design decisions, and engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders
• Research Ameriprise Financial's design culture, team structure, and methodology, demonstrating your understanding of the company's design process and your ability to contribute to its success