ERCS Data & Tech - UX Designer - Senior Associate

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: ERCS Data & Tech - UX Designer - Senior Associate

Company: PwC

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Data & Analytics / User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: August 18, 2025

Experience Level: Senior Associate (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of user-centered experiences for data and technology products.

• Analyze complex business problems and translate them into practical, user-friendly solutions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand user needs and define design requirements.

• Mentor junior team members on UX design principles and best practices.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships, acting as a trusted advisor for UX strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "UX Designer," the role's inclusion within "ERCS Data & Tech" at a firm like PwC, coupled with responsibilities like analyzing complex problems and working with data, suggests a strong focus on UX for data-driven platforms, internal tools, or client-facing analytics solutions. The "Senior Associate" level implies a need for both technical proficiency and leadership/mentorship capabilities. The "Remote OK" status indicates flexibility, but the emphasis on client relationships and internal collaboration suggests a hybrid approach may be preferred or required at times.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end design process for user interfaces (UIs) and user experiences (UX) for data and technology-related products, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.

• Conduct comprehensive user research activities, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights and inform design decisions.

• Create detailed user personas, customer journey maps, information architecture, and user flows to define the optimal user experience.

• Develop high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and mockups using industry-standard design tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma) to visualize and test design concepts.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, data engineers, software engineers, and business analysts to understand technical constraints, data models, and business requirements, ensuring seamless integration of UX into the development lifecycle.

• Define and document design specifications, guidelines, and best practices to ensure consistency and quality across all product touchpoints.

• Mentor and provide guidance to junior UX designers and team members, reviewing their work to ensure adherence to design standards and elevate the overall quality of deliverables.

• Build and nurture durable client relationships by understanding their business context, challenges, and strategic goals, positioning PwC as a valuable partner in their digital transformation journey.

• Analyze complex problems, identify root causes, and develop practical, innovative solutions that improve user efficiency and satisfaction.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX trends, technologies, and best practices, particularly within the data, analytics, risk management, and compliance domains, to continuously enhance design strategies and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given PwC's focus on professional services, particularly in areas like risk, compliance, and data analytics, this UX Designer role likely involves creating intuitive interfaces for complex enterprise software, business intelligence dashboards, or internal process management tools. Responsibilities will extend beyond typical consumer UX to encompass functional clarity, data visualization, and adherence to regulatory or compliance requirements. The "Senior Associate" title suggests an expectation of ownership over projects and some level of team guidance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UX design, with a focus on digital products and platforms.

• Experience in data engineering or software engineering is a strong asset, providing a foundational understanding of technical implementation and data flows.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in UX design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• Demonstrated experience conducting user research activities (e.g., user interviews, surveys, persona development).

• Expertise in creating wireframes, prototypes, and interactive mockups.

• Hands-on experience with leading design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or Figma.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into design recommendations.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with UI development skills/experience, particularly with platforms like Power Apps or Streamlit, to bridge the gap between design and implementation.

• Familiarity with consuming APIs and integrating dynamic content into user interfaces.

• Experience developing information architecture and user flows for complex systems.

• Proven ability to plan and conduct usability testing sessions and iterate on designs based on feedback.

• Background in risk management, SOX compliance, or internal controls, providing context for designing systems in regulated environments.

• Familiarity with enterprise data models, audit workflows, or finance & accounting systems.

• Experience supporting or working with audit, risk, or compliance functions.

• UI development skills/experience (e.g., Power Apps, Streamlit) for front-end implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for data engineering or software engineering experience, alongside UX design, indicates this role is for a UX professional who can understand the technical underpinnings of data products. This is crucial for effective collaboration with engineering teams and for designing solutions that are both user-friendly and technically feasible. The "Risk Management, SOX compliance, or internal controls" background is a significant differentiator, suggesting the UX work will be applied to financial, audit, or compliance-related platforms where precision and regulatory adherence are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a clear emphasis on data visualization, complex application interfaces, or enterprise software solutions.

• Case studies that detail the problem statement, user research methodologies, design process, wireframes, prototypes, and final delivered solutions.

• Evidence of how user feedback and data analysis were incorporated into the design iteration process.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Sketch, Adobe XD, Figma, etc.).

Process Documentation:

• Preparedness to discuss and demonstrate a structured UX design process, from discovery and research through to prototyping, testing, and handover to development.

• Ability to articulate how design decisions are documented, communicated, and managed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Examples of how user feedback and usability testing results are synthesized and applied to refine designs and improve user outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Associate UX Designer at PwC, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic design skills but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the UX process, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate the impact of design decisions on business outcomes. Given PwC's client-facing nature, projects that show client collaboration and successful delivery in a professional services context will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching.

• Paid time off, including Holiday Pay, Vacation days, Personal Sick Leave, and Family Sick Leave.

• Access to professional development resources and training programs.

• Potential eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. While the role offers remote flexibility, successful candidates should be prepared to manage their workload effectively to meet project deadlines and client demands, potentially requiring flexibility during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is extensive for a "Senior Associate" level role, suggesting that PwC uses this title to encompass a range of experience, from those with 2-3 years to potentially 5-7 years, depending on the specific project needs and candidate's demonstrated expertise. The benefits package is standard for a large professional services firm and competitive within the industry. The travel requirement of up to 60% should be factored into the overall compensation expectation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (Technology, Data, Analytics, Risk, and Financial Advisory). PwC operates within a dynamic consulting landscape, advising clients across a multitude of sectors on digital transformation, data strategy, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

Company Size: PwC is one of the "Big Four" professional services networks, employing hundreds of thousands of people globally. This signifies a large, established organization with extensive resources, diverse client portfolios, and a structured career progression framework.

Founded: PwC has a long history, tracing its roots back to the mid-19th century, evolving through mergers and growth into a global leader in assurance, tax, and advisory services. This heritage suggests a culture that values tradition, expertise, and long-term client relationships, while also driving innovation.

Team Structure:

• The "ERCS Data & Tech" team likely sits within PwC's broader technology or advisory practice, focusing on enterprise-level solutions.

• This particular role is for a Senior Associate UX Designer, implying they will be part of project teams that include project managers, business analysts, data engineers, software developers, and potentially subject matter experts in risk, compliance, or finance.

Methodology:

• PwC's approach to client engagements typically involves a structured, data-driven methodology, often aligned with industry frameworks.

• For UX design within this context, methodologies will likely blend standard UX practices (e.g., Agile UX, Lean UX) with the firm's internal quality standards and client-specific requirements.

• Emphasis will be placed on understanding client business context, gathering requirements thoroughly, designing for scalability and maintainability, and ensuring solutions deliver measurable business value and ROI.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture is generally professional, client-focused, and emphasizes continuous learning and development. For a UX Designer, this translates to working on impactful projects for large enterprises, often with complex business challenges. The "ERCS" likely stands for Enterprise, Risk, Compliance, and Security or similar areas, indicating the UX work will be applied to critical business functions where reliability, data integrity, and compliance are paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Associate. This level signifies a transition from individual contributor to a role with some level of leadership, mentorship, and client-facing responsibility. It's a crucial stage for developing strategic thinking, project management skills, and deepening specialized expertise.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a Manager or Senior Manager within the Data & Tech practice, working on project-based teams. Collaboration will be extensive with cross-functional colleagues (data engineers, software developers, business analysts) and direct interaction with clients.

Operations Impact: As a UX Designer, your impact will be measured by the usability, efficiency, and adoption of the data and technology solutions you help create. By making complex systems intuitive and effective, you will directly contribute to client operational improvements, reduced error rates, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and ultimately, client satisfaction and PwC's revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for specific industries (e.g., Financial Services, Risk & Compliance) or specialized areas like data visualization, AI/ML interfaces, or accessibility design.

• Leadership: Progress to Manager and Senior Manager roles, taking on greater project leadership, team management, and client advisory responsibilities.

• Skill Development: Access to PwC's extensive learning and development resources, including certifications, training programs, and opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects.

• Client Advisory: Develop strong client relationship management skills and become a trusted advisor for UX strategy and digital transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title at PwC typically requires a candidate to demonstrate leadership potential, strong project execution skills, and the ability to manage client expectations. Growth into a Manager role would involve leading larger projects, managing teams, and contributing to business development. The "Data & Tech" specialization within PwC is a high-growth area, offering excellent career prospects for skilled UX professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PwC offices are typically modern, professional, and designed to foster collaboration. They often include various workspaces such as open-plan areas, private offices, meeting rooms equipped with advanced technology, and collaboration hubs.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York, with potential for hybrid work. Other listed locations (Chicago, Washington, Florham Park) suggest opportunities may exist in those regions as well, or that teams are distributed. Travel to client sites is expected, which could be local or require longer trips.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment will be a blend of office-based collaboration and remote work. Expect a professional setting that encourages teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and collaborative software tools will be provided.

Work Schedule:

• While the role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week), client demands and project deadlines may require flexibility. Consultants often work extended hours during critical project phases. The hybrid nature allows for some control over work location, but availability for key meetings and collaborative sessions, whether virtual or in-person, is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Up to 60% travel" is a significant factor for this role. Candidates should be prepared for frequent travel to client sites, which could be local or require overnight stays. The hybrid/remote aspect likely applies more to the days not spent traveling or when client needs are met remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial phone screening to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager, focusing on your experience, skills, and how you align with the team's needs. Expect questions about your UX process, problem-solving approach, and mentorship experience.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a portfolio review presentation, a UX design challenge (e.g., designing a solution for a given problem statement), or technical questions related to UX tools and methodologies.

• Team/Panel Interview: You may meet with other team members, including potential peers and senior leaders, to assess collaboration skills, team fit, and broader strategic thinking.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final conversation, potentially with a senior leader, to discuss the role, career path, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your UX skills, especially those involving data, complex systems, or professional services contexts.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges you faced, and the impact/outcomes of your work. Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, final designs) effectively.

• Highlight Data & Analytics: Showcase any experience with data visualization, dashboard design, or UX for data-intensive applications.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Emphasize your systematic approach to UX design, including user research, testing, and iteration.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, take time to understand the business context, target users, and key objectives. Ask clarifying questions.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your thought process, research methods, proposed solutions, and justification for design decisions.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Showcase your ability to break down complex problems and propose practical, user-centered solutions.

• Consider Technical Feasibility: Given the role's tech focus, briefly consider how your design might be implemented from a technical standpoint.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio presentations are crucial for UX roles. PwC will be looking for not just aesthetic design but also a strong, repeatable process, a deep understanding of user needs, and the ability to articulate the business value of UX. Be prepared to discuss your design choices in detail and defend them with user research and business rationale.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Figma (proficiency in at least one is expected).

• User Research: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms), user interview platforms (e.g., Zoom, UserTesting.com), and potentially analytics platforms for user behavior tracking.

• Wireframing & Flow Mapping: Balsamiq, Axure RP, Miro, Lucidchart.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, QlikView (familiarity is beneficial for designing effective data dashboards).

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (understanding how users interact with digital products).

• Reporting & Dashboarding: Experience with creating reports and dashboards to communicate UX insights and project status.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce might be helpful if designing user experiences for sales or client management tools.

• Automation/Integration: Experience with or understanding of consuming APIs and integrating dynamic content into UIs is a plus. Knowledge of low-code/no-code platforms like Power Apps or Streamlit is specifically mentioned as a differentiator.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in modern UX design tools is a baseline requirement. The preferred skills in UI development tools like Power Apps and Streamlit, along with API integration knowledge, suggest that PwC is looking for UX designers who can contribute to more interactive and data-driven applications, potentially bridging the gap between pure design and low-code development. Familiarity with enterprise data models and audit workflows indicates a need to understand the context of the systems being designed for.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Delivering exceptional value and building trusted relationships with clients is paramount.

• Excellence: Upholding high professional and technical standards in all deliverables.

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency, adhering to the firm's code of conduct.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across diverse teams and with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and methodologies to solve complex problems.

• Impact: Driving meaningful business outcomes for clients through data and technology solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• PwC fosters a collaborative environment where teamwork is essential for success. Expect to work closely with colleagues from various disciplines, sharing knowledge and insights.

• The culture encourages open communication and constructive feedback, both within project teams and with clients.

• Mentorship is a key component, with senior members expected to guide and develop junior talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "relationships" and "growing your personal brand" suggests that PwC values strong interpersonal skills and professional presence. For a UX Designer, this means being able to effectively communicate your ideas, build rapport with clients and team members, and represent PwC professionally. The "Data & Tech" focus implies a culture that is analytical, forward-thinking, and embraces technological advancements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Navigating complex client requirements, strict technical limitations, and regulatory compliance while advocating for user-centered design.

• Designing for Complex Data and Systems: Creating intuitive interfaces for intricate data models, analytical platforms, or compliance workflows that are typically not user-friendly by nature.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating UX value and design decisions to diverse stakeholders with varying levels of technical understanding and priorities.

• Adapting to New Technologies and Methodologies: Staying current with evolving UX tools, design thinking principles, and the specific technological stacks used by clients.

• Travel Demands: The significant travel requirement (up to 60%) can be demanding and requires strong time management and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Access to PwC's extensive internal training programs: Focus on UX best practices, new design tools, data analytics, risk management frameworks, and consulting skills.

• Certification Opportunities: Pursue relevant certifications in UX, Agile methodologies, or specific technologies.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from guidance from experienced UX professionals and senior leaders within PwC.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain exposure to different aspects of consulting, including business analysis, data engineering, and client advisory, broadening your skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a resilient, adaptable, and highly communicative UX designer. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering clear paths for specialization and advancement within a leading professional services firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "How would you approach designing a user experience for a new risk assessment dashboard that needs to ingest data from multiple enterprise systems while ensuring compliance with SOX regulations?" (Focus on process, user research, data visualization, and compliance considerations.)

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between a client's business needs and user experience best practices. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk us through your process for identifying and solving a complex usability issue you encountered in a previous project." (Emphasize your systematic approach, data-driven decisions, and iterative design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on what you know about PwC and this role, how do you see your UX design philosophy aligning with our focus on data, tech, and client advisory?" (Show you've researched PwC and understand its values.)

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you approach collaborating with data engineers and software developers to ensure a seamless user experience is technically feasible and efficiently implemented?" (Demonstrate your understanding of cross-functional teamwork.)

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success of a UX redesign for an internal audit workflow tool?" (Focus on metrics like efficiency, accuracy, user adoption, and stakeholder satisfaction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy, then present 2-3 key projects. For each project:

  1. Context: Briefly introduce the client/company and the business challenge.
  2. Your Role: Clearly define your responsibilities.
  3. Process: Detail your UX process (research, ideation, design, testing). Use visuals extensively.
  4. Solutions: Showcase wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. Explain key design decisions.
  5. Impact: Quantify the results and business value achieved.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges.

• Conciseness: Aim for a clear, concise presentation that respects the interviewer's time, typically allowing 15-20 minutes for your presentation and ample time for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, testing not only your design skills but also your analytical thinking, communication abilities, and fit within a professional services environment. Be prepared to discuss your experience with data, risk, and compliance in the context of UX design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the PwC careers portal link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase relevant projects, particularly those involving data visualization, complex enterprise systems, or professional services contexts. Highlight your UX process and problem-solving skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "Data Engineering," "Software Engineering," "User Research," "Prototyping," "API Integration," and any experience in "risk management" or "compliance." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process and design decisions clearly. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss case studies that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems and deliver impactful results.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with PwC's services, values, and recent projects in the Data & Tech space. Understand the firm's approach to client engagements and its position in the market.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided input and general knowledge of PwC's operations. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.