Project Leader UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Leader UX
Company: Mercado Libre
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (CABA)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Product Leadership
Date Posted: February 03, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level to Senior (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and scaling of innovative and secure digital systems with significant impact across Latin America's e-commerce and financial services landscape.
• Drive the creation of visually compelling digital experiences that enhance user-vendor connections and optimize conversion rates through strategic design thinking.
• Ensure high standards of visual quality and user-centricity throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial design to final handoff and ongoing iteration.
• Identify and implement design optimizations and resolve technical debt to continuously improve user experience and product efficiency.
• Leverage artificial intelligence and emerging design trends to innovate product evolution and maintain market leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Project Leader UX," carries significant operational responsibilities within the product development lifecycle. It requires not just design expertise but also project management acumen, a deep understanding of business objectives (conversion, efficiency), and the ability to translate complex user needs into scalable, high-impact digital solutions. The focus on AI and continuous improvement indicates a strong need for data-informed decision-making and process optimization within the UX domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop intuitive, impactful digital experiences that foster strong connections between users and sellers on the Mercado Libre platform.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Development teams to define product roadmaps, prioritize features, and implement design solutions that demonstrably improve conversion metrics.
• Oversee and guarantee the visual quality and user experience standards throughout all project phases, including design execution, handoff to development, and post-launch monitoring.
• Proactively identify opportunities for UX optimization, conducting research and analysis to resolve design debt and enhance overall product usability and engagement.
• Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) models and machine learning insights to streamline design workflows, personalize user journeys, and boost product evolution efficiency.
• Conduct continuous market research, benchmark competitors, and explore disruptive design trends to inform product strategy and maintain Mercado Libre's innovative edge.
• Champion user-centered design principles and heuristic evaluations to ensure all design decisions are grounded in user needs and best practices.
• Manage design projects effectively, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design assets and clear communication with cross-functional stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "scaling innovative and secure systems" and "optimizing processes and increasing efficiency" points towards a need for candidates who can think holistically about product development and operational efficiency, not just aesthetic appeal. The inclusion of AI underscores a forward-thinking approach to UX design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field.
• Equivalent practical experience in a UX design leadership role will also be considered.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of leading digital product design initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects from conception to execution, with a focus on user-centricity and business impact.

Required Skills:

• Advanced Figma Proficiency: Mastery of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design, including expert-level use of components, auto-layout, and collaborative features.
• Design Libraries Management: Experience creating, maintaining, and scaling design systems and component libraries for consistency and efficiency across products.
• Digital Design Process Mastery: Deep understanding of the end-to-end digital design process, from user research and ideation to prototyping, usability testing, and implementation.
• User-Centered Design (UCD) Expertise: Proven ability to apply UCD principles, conduct user research (interviews, surveys, usability tests), and translate insights into effective design solutions.
• Heuristic Principles Application: Solid grasp and practical application of usability heuristics and best practices to evaluate and improve user interfaces.
• AI in Design Knowledge: Familiarity with how Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning can be applied to enhance UX design processes, personalize experiences, and optimize product features.
• Continuous Learning & Industry Awareness: Commitment to staying updated on the latest UX trends, design methodologies, laws of UX, and industry best practices through ongoing research and professional development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Basic understanding of front-end development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.
• Experience in e-commerce or financial technology (FinTech) UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on advanced Figma skills, design libraries, and the entire digital design process indicates a need for a hands-on practitioner who can also guide others. The requirement for AI knowledge in design is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates who can articulate how AI can enhance UX workflows and user experiences will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of End-to-End UX Projects: Present 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating your involvement from initial problem definition through to final solution and impact measurement.
• Process Optimization Examples: Include specific examples of how your design interventions have led to measurable improvements in conversion rates, user engagement, or task completion efficiency.
• System Implementation Standards: Detail your role in ensuring the quality and consistency of design implementation, including handoff processes and collaboration with development teams.
• ROI Demonstration: Quantify the impact of your design work by presenting key metrics, user feedback, and any demonstrable return on investment (ROI) for the business.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have mapped, analyzed, and optimized user workflows and design processes for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implementation & Automation: Showcase instances where you have contributed to or led the implementation of design systems, reusable components, or automated design tasks.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate your ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX initiatives and analyze design performance using data and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Project Leader UX" role, the portfolio is critical. Candidates must go beyond showcasing pretty interfaces and instead demonstrate a strategic, process-driven approach. The expectation is to see how they've managed projects, optimized workflows, and used data to prove the value of their UX contributions. Highlighting experience with design systems and their scaling is also a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on Mercado Libre's presence in Argentina and the mid-to-senior level of this role, the estimated annual salary range for a Project Leader UX in Buenos Aires (CABA) is ARS $6,000,000 - ARS $10,000,000. This range is an estimate and can vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and continuous learning to stay ahead in UX and AI trends.
• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance on-site collaboration and remote work.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.
• Performance Bonuses: Recognition and reward for outstanding contributions and project success.
• Employee Discounts: Special offers on Mercado Libre products and services.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation days, holidays, and personal leave.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week).
• The hybrid model allows for some flexibility in scheduling, with specific on-site days to be determined in collaboration with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Argentina can be volatile due to economic conditions. The provided range is a general benchmark for a mid-to-senior level UX professional in a leading tech company like Mercado Libre, assuming a full-time role. Benefits are standard for large tech organizations, with a particular emphasis on professional growth, given the role's focus on innovation and AI.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Financial Technology (FinTech), Technology Services. Mercado Libre is a dominant force in Latin American online retail and digital payments, operating in a highly dynamic and competitive market. Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees globally). This scale implies robust processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact across a vast user base. Founded: 1999. With over two decades of operation, Mercado Libre possesses a strong foundation, market experience, and a culture of continuous adaptation and innovation.

Team Structure:

• Cross-functional Product Teams: UX Designers typically work within agile, cross-functional teams alongside Product Managers, Developers, Data Analysts, and Researchers.
• Reporting Hierarchy: Project Leaders UX likely report to a UX Manager or Head of Product Design, with direct project accountability to Product Leads.
• Collaborative Environment: Emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and iterative development to achieve shared product goals.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Projects are typically managed using Agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) to ensure flexibility and rapid iteration.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Strong reliance on user data, A/B testing results, and analytics to inform design choices and product strategy.
• User-Centric Design Principles: A core tenet of product development, ensuring user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages ongoing refinement of products, processes, and team practices.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Mercado Libre's culture is characterized by rapid growth, innovation, and a mission-driven approach to democratizing commerce and finance. For a UX professional, this means working in a fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on measurable impact, data, and pushing technological boundaries, including AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-to-senior level, often referred to as a Senior UX Designer or UX Project Lead. It requires not only strong individual contribution skills but also the ability to guide projects, influence stakeholders, and contribute to strategic product decisions.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Project Leader UX will report to a UX Manager, Head of Design, or a Director of Product. They work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their specific product squads.

Operations Impact: The "operations" aspect of this role is deeply embedded within the product development lifecycle. The UX Project Leader's work directly impacts:

• Conversion Rates: Designing user flows that are intuitive and encourage desired actions (purchases, sign-ups, transactions).
• User Engagement & Retention: Creating experiences that are enjoyable and valuable, leading to repeat usage.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlining user journeys to reduce support costs and increase platform throughput.
• Brand Perception: Ensuring a high-quality, reliable, and modern user experience that reinforces Mercado Libre's brand as a leader.
• Innovation Adoption: Facilitating the introduction of new features, including AI-driven capabilities, by designing user-friendly interfaces.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior/Lead UX Designer: Progressing to more complex product areas or taking on larger-scale design initiatives.
• UX Manager/Director: Moving into people management and strategic leadership roles within the UX organization.
• Product Management: Transitioning to a Product Manager role, leveraging deep user understanding and product strategy skills.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in areas like AI-driven UX, accessibility, or user research leadership.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within product development, strategy, or operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Project Leader" title suggests a pathway beyond individual contribution. Candidates should assess if their career aspirations align with potential leadership tracks, either within UX or broader product management. The emphasis on scaling and impact means this role is crucial for the company's operational success in serving its massive user base.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a modern office environment designed for collaboration and innovation. Mercado Libre's "Site Polo Dot" location in AMBA (Greater Buenos Aires) suggests a contemporary workspace.

Office Location(s): Buenos Aires, Argentina (CABA). The specific site is Polo Dot, a well-known business and commercial hub in the Greater Buenos Aires area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan workspaces to facilitate interaction among team members.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Access to the latest design software, hardware, and collaboration tools necessary for cutting-edge UX work.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with product managers, developers, researchers, and fellow designers, especially on designated office days.

Work Schedule:

• The hybrid work model balances structured office days with remote flexibility. This arrangement is designed to foster team cohesion and efficient project execution while allowing for personal work preferences. Specific days in the office will be coordinated within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates who can effectively manage their time and communication across both in-office and remote settings. The Polo Dot location indicates a professional, accessible workplace in a major business district.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Mercado Libre.
• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A crucial stage where candidates present 2-3 detailed case studies from their portfolio, demonstrating their UX process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This will be followed by in-depth questions about design principles, tools, and experience.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the direct manager to delve deeper into leadership capabilities, project management, team collaboration, and alignment with company culture.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: Meeting with potential team members (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Developer) to evaluate collaboration style and technical understanding.
• Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, long-term vision, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure each case study as a narrative: the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable results.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify achievements whenever possible. Use data, metrics, and user feedback to demonstrate the value of your design decisions.
• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design methodology, research techniques, and decision-making rationale. Explain why you chose certain approaches.
• Figma & Tools: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Figma and other relevant design tools, and how you leverage them for efficiency and collaboration.
• AI Integration: If applicable, highlight any experience or ideas on how AI can be integrated into UX workflows or product features.
• Conciseness: Tailor your presentation to the time allocated, focusing on the most relevant and impactful aspects of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a short design exercise (e.g., redesigning a feature, solving a specific UX problem) to assess your on-the-spot thinking, problem-solving skills, and approach to design.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready to answer questions about how you would handle specific situations, such as conflicting stakeholder opinions, tight deadlines, or unexpected design challenges.
• Company Research: Understand Mercado Libre's business, its user base, and its competitive landscape. Think about how UX can contribute to its mission and strategic goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for this role. Candidates should meticulously prepare their case studies, focusing on demonstrating not just design skills but also project leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and a data-driven approach to UX. The inclusion of AI in the job description suggests interviewers may probe for innovative thinking in this area.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, collaboration, and managing design systems. Advanced proficiency is a must.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with Figma's prototyping features, potentially supplemented by tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Principle for more complex interactions.
• Design Systems Tools: Experience with building, maintaining, and scaling design systems within Figma or similar platforms.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for communication and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or internal proprietary tools to track user behavior and measure UX impact.
• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms like Optimizely or internal A/B testing frameworks to validate design hypotheses.
• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data from dashboards created in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX integrates with CRM and marketing automation (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context on user journeys and customer lifecycle management.
• AI/ML Tools: Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and potentially specific platforms or libraries used for design optimization or personalization (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, or cloud-based AI services).

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is advanced Figma proficiency. Beyond that, familiarity with analytics and A/B testing tools is crucial for demonstrating data-driven design. Knowledge of AI/ML tools is a bonus, indicating a candidate's forward-thinking approach and ability to contribute to innovative product features.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Mercado Libre's diverse user base across Latin America.
• Innovation & Agility: A drive to continuously explore new technologies (like AI), methodologies, and product ideas to stay ahead in a competitive market.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in collective problem-solving and knowledge sharing across disciplines and teams.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from data and user research to inform design strategies and product roadmaps.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking responsibility for delivering measurable results that contribute to Mercado Libre's mission of democratizing commerce and financial services.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Marketing teams is essential for successful product development.
• Open Communication: Encouraging constructive feedback, transparent discussions, and proactive problem-solving.
• Iterative Design Process: Working in cycles of design, testing, feedback, and refinement to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design critiques, sharing best practices, and contributing to the growth of the UX community within Mercado Libre.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mercado Libre's values are deeply tied to its mission and the fast-paced nature of its operations. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values, particularly in how they approach user problems, embrace new technologies, and work collaboratively to achieve business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: Adapting and evolving design systems to meet the demands of a rapidly growing platform and diverse product offerings across multiple countries.
• Balancing User Needs vs. Business Goals: Effectively navigating the complexities of optimizing for both user satisfaction and key business metrics like conversion and revenue.
• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Designing user experiences for AI-powered features that feel intuitive, trustworthy, and genuinely beneficial, rather than intrusive or complex.
• Cross-Cultural Design: Designing for a diverse user base across Latin America, considering varying cultural nuances, digital literacy levels, and market specificities.
• Fast-Paced Iteration: Keeping pace with the rapid development cycles and evolving priorities inherent in a high-growth tech environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in applying AI and ML to UX, potentially through training, projects, or research initiatives.
• Leadership Development: Access to programs and mentorship focused on developing project leadership, team management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Support for attending relevant UX, product, and technology events to stay abreast of industry advancements.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to other areas of product development, such as data science, engineering, and business strategy, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior leaders or to mentor junior designers, enhancing leadership and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly for those interested in the intersection of UX, AI, and product leadership. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would tackle these challenges and leverage the available growth opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature that leverages AI to personalize product recommendations for Mercado Libre users?" (Focus on user research, ethical considerations, UI design, and validation).
• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting feedback from stakeholders (e.g., Product, Engineering, Marketing) on a design project. How did you reach a resolution?" (Highlight negotiation, data-driven arguments, and collaborative problem-solving).
• "How would you measure the success of a UX redesign aimed at improving conversion rates on our checkout page?" (Discuss relevant KPIs, A/B testing strategies, and data analysis).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Mercado Libre's mission to democratize e-commerce and financial services in Latin America?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose).
• "How do you see your UX leadership style contributing to our hybrid work environment and collaborative culture?" (Focus on communication, proactivity, and team support).
• "Describe a project where your design work had a significant business impact. What were the key metrics, and how did you track them?" (Prepare a concise, data-backed case study).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and measurable results. Prioritize projects demonstrating leadership, AI considerations, or significant business impact.
• Structure for Clarity: Use a consistent narrative for each project: Problem > Your Role > Process > Solution > Outcome/Impact.
• Visual Aids: Ensure your visual materials are clean, professional, and easy to understand. Highlight key screens, user flows, and data points.
• Quantify Everything: Be ready to discuss the specific metrics you influenced and how you measured success.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Interviewers will ask detailed questions about your decisions, challenges, and rationale. Know your projects inside and out.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong UX fundamentals, leadership potential, and an understanding of how UX contributes to business operations and innovation, particularly with AI. The portfolio presentation is the cornerstone of the evaluation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Project Leader UX position:

• Submit your application through the Mercado Libre careers portal via the provided link.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies that clearly articulate your UX process, problem-solving approach, and quantifiable impact. Tailor the presentation to highlight experience with Figma, design systems, and any relevant AI/ML applications in design.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize achievements relevant to project leadership, user-centered design, conversion optimization, and experience with digital product development lifecycles. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX," "Figma," "AI," "conversion," and "project leadership."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your case studies and answering behavioral questions. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business objectives. Rehearse your presentation style for clarity and impact.
• Company Research: Deeply research Mercado Libre's mission, products, user base in Latin America, and recent innovations. Understand their market position and how UX contributes to their operational success and strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.