Senior Design Program Manager, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Program Manager, UX Design

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: San Mateo, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / Program Management

Date Posted: January 20, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead strategic design initiatives and complex projects from inception through the entire product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user-centered design principles.

• Drive operational excellence within the UX Design team by optimizing processes, managing resources, and meticulously tracking project schedules to guarantee timely delivery of high-quality design outputs.

• Act as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for design operations, fostering strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Product Management, and Research.

• Champion design thinking, facilitate impactful workshops, and advocate for best practices in user experience, accessibility, and design systems integration, ensuring consistent design quality across all work streams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Design Operations" or "Program Management" umbrella, focusing on the operational and strategic aspects of UX design execution. While not a traditional Revenue Operations or Sales Operations role, it shares core competencies in process optimization, cross-functional collaboration, and driving efficiency, making it relevant for operations professionals looking to transition or expand their skillset into product development environments. The emphasis on "Design Excellence" and "Operational Execution" directly aligns with operations career paths.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple design workstreams concurrently, ensuring seamless integration of various project components, including accessibility standards and design system implementation.

• Develop and maintain strategic design roadmaps in partnership with design leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, ensuring clear articulation of business priorities and project dependencies.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks, implementing effective issue management and problem-solving strategies to maintain project momentum and quality.

• Facilitate effective engineering handoffs and collaborate closely with Quality Assurance (QA) teams to ensure the final product meets design specifications and user experience standards.

• Cultivate and refine operational processes within the design team, establishing robust feedback and learning loops to drive continuous improvement and consistency in design execution.

• Manage and optimize resource allocation for design projects, ensuring efficient utilization of talent and tools to meet program objectives and timelines.

• Drive initiatives and programs that connect the design team with the broader business context, ensuring strategic alignment and impact.

• Plan and lead design thinking workshops and collaborative sessions to foster innovation and user-centered design methodologies within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic planning, which are hallmarks of effective operations roles. The mention of "resource management," "schedule tracking," "risk mitigation," and "operational execution" directly translates to operations expertise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While specific degrees are not mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Computer Science, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field is often preferred for roles of this seniority in technology.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Design Program Management, specifically within technology and creative environments.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully delivering large-scale design programs and complex projects from initiation to completion.

• Proven experience working in fast-paced, continuous delivery environments where adaptability and rapid prioritization are essential.

• Experience in managing multifaceted problem spaces, asking insightful questions to define solutions aligned with broader business priorities.

Required Skills:

• Design Program Management: Expertise in managing complex design projects, including defining scope, setting timelines, and overseeing execution.

• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design and technical requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• User Experience (UX) Acumen: A deep passion for and understanding of user experience principles and the product development process.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Proven ability to build strong, trusting relationships and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research, other PMs).

• Problem Solving: Skilled in identifying issues, anticipating trade-offs, and developing strategic solutions that balance business needs with user experience.

• Resource & Schedule Management: Proficiency in planning, tracking, and managing project schedules, resources, and deliverables.

• Design Operations: Understanding of how to optimize design processes, improve team efficiency, and support design excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility Advocacy: Experience championing and integrating accessibility standards into design and development processes.

• Design Systems Integration: Familiarity with the principles and practical application of design systems.

• Workshop Facilitation: Experience planning and leading design thinking or operational process workshops.

• Conflict Resolution: Strong skills in navigating and resolving disagreements constructively with diverse partners.

• Growth Mindset: Ability to actively seek and provide constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement and shared success.

• Technical Requirements Articulation: Ability to translate design needs into clear technical requirements for engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize transferable skills like project management, stakeholder communication, and process optimization, which are core to operations roles. The "About You" section explicitly mentions succeeding "at the intersection of design and process" and "crafting systems that improve how teams collaborate," directly aligning with the goals of operations professionals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant design programs or projects managed, detailing the scope, challenges, your role, and the successful outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Include examples of how you have improved design workflows, implemented new processes, or enhanced team efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Highlight instances where you effectively partnered with Product, Engineering, or other departments to achieve project goals.

• Metrics & Impact: Demonstrate how you measured the success of your programs, using quantifiable results (e.g., schedule adherence, on-time delivery, impact on user experience metrics, efficiency gains).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present specific examples of complex problems you encountered and the strategic solutions you developed and implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and maintaining project plans, roadmaps, and status reports that clearly communicate progress, risks, and dependencies.

• Examples of process documentation for engineering handoffs, QA processes related to design, or integration of design systems.

• Demonstration of how you established and utilized feedback loops for continuous improvement in design operations.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to resource management and schedule tracking for complex design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Design Program Manager role, a portfolio is critical. Operations candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to define, implement, and measure processes, manage complex projects, and drive efficiency. Emphasize quantitative results and strategic thinking, similar to how an operations portfolio would highlight ROI and process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $170,200 - $255,400 USD per year

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Retirement Savings: Matching 401(k) plan to support long-term financial planning.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) for rest and rejuvenation.

• Wellness Initiatives: Access to a Wellness Program designed to support employee health and well-being.

• Exclusive Discounts: Coveted employee discounts on Sony products, offering significant value.

• Bonus Potential: The role may be eligible for a bonus package, reflecting performance and company success.

Working Hours: The role is anticipated to be a standard 40-hour work week, typical for full-time positions in the technology sector. However, the fast-paced nature of project delivery may require flexibility at times, particularly around critical deadlines or launch phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level program management role in the San Francisco Bay Area, reflecting the high cost of living and demand for experienced professionals. The benefits package is robust and typical of large tech companies, offering strong support for employees' health and financial futures.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development and Entertainment Technology. PlayStation is a globally recognized leader in interactive entertainment, producing hardware, software, and services that define the gaming landscape.

Company Size: Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is a large, established global corporation, part of the broader Sony Group. This implies a structured environment with significant resources, established processes, and opportunities for impact at scale.

Founded: Sony Group Corporation was founded in 1946, with PlayStation emerging as a key division later. This long history suggests a culture of innovation and a deep understanding of consumer entertainment.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Program Management team likely consists of dedicated program managers who specialize in supporting various design disciplines and product areas within PlayStation.

• Reporting structures will likely involve direct reporting to a Design Program Management Lead or a Director of Design Operations/Program Management, with strong matrixed relationships to design leads and product management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While focused on design, the role emphasizes leveraging insights from user research and product performance data to inform design decisions and project prioritization.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Given the fast-paced technology environment, expect a strong reliance on agile methodologies, continuous delivery, and iterative development cycles.

• Design Thinking & User-Centricity: A core operational methodology will be championing and embedding design thinking and user-centered approaches throughout the product lifecycle.

• Operational Efficiency: A key focus will be on optimizing workflows, streamlining communication, and ensuring efficient resource utilization to maximize design output and impact.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PlayStation's position as a market leader in gaming provides context for the high standards of innovation, user experience, and operational rigor expected. The emphasis on collaboration and process optimization within this large organization is a key takeaway for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role, indicating significant autonomy, responsibility for complex initiatives, and the expectation of mentorship towards more junior team members. It signifies a move beyond tactical execution to strategic planning and operational leadership within the design domain.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Program Manager will likely report to a Design Program Management Lead or Director, working closely with Design Directors, Engineering Leads, and Product Managers. This structure emphasizes cross-functional leadership and influence.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is measured by the successful delivery of innovative, high-quality user experiences that drive user engagement and satisfaction for PlayStation products. This directly contributes to the company's market leadership and revenue generation through exceptional product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into Lead Design Program Manager, Director of Design Operations, or similar leadership roles overseeing larger teams or broader portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility program management, design system operations, or user research program management.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop skills transferable to other program management or operational roles within PlayStation or other divisions of Sony.

• Mentorship & Training: Access to internal training programs, industry conferences, and mentorship opportunities to enhance skills in program management, design thinking, and operational strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within operations-adjacent fields, leveraging a blend of program management, process optimization, and stakeholder management skills. The emphasis on impact and leadership development is a significant draw for ambitious operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PlayStation operates with a hybrid work model. This typically involves a combination of in-office collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility while maintaining in-person team synergy.

Office Location(s): The primary office for this role is in San Mateo, California, a hub for PlayStation's operations in the United States. This location offers access to a vibrant tech community and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The San Mateo office likely features modern, open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped for hybrid collaboration, and dedicated spaces for focused work, catering to the needs of design and program management teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, project management tools, communication platforms, and potentially specialized design operations platforms will be provided to facilitate efficient workflows.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design teams, product managers, engineers, and other program managers through stand-ups, planning sessions, and ad-hoc discussions, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is complemented by the hybrid model, offering flexibility in how and where work is performed. However, the demanding nature of product development may require adaptability and occasional extended hours to meet critical project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment and collaborative office setting are typical for tech companies and align with modern work expectations. Operations professionals accustomed to structured yet flexible environments will find this appealing.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into your experience with design program management, project delivery, and operational strategy. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your background.

• Panel Interviews: You will likely meet with a panel of cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Design Leads, Product Managers, Engineering Leads). This stage assesses your collaboration skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the product development lifecycle.

• Portfolio Presentation: A critical component where you will present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, showcasing your project management approach, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the processes you implemented or managed, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, successful delivery, improved user satisfaction).

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Problem Statement, Your Approach/Process, Key Decisions/Challenges, Results, and Lessons Learned.

• Highlight Operations Skills: Emphasize your ability to manage resources, track schedules, mitigate risks, facilitate collaboration, and drive operational efficiency within design initiatives.

• Tailor to PlayStation: Research PlayStation's recent products and design efforts. Frame your examples in a way that demonstrates an understanding of their market and user base.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle conflict, how you manage competing priorities, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Exercise: You might be given a hypothetical design problem and asked to outline a program management plan, including key milestones, risks, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

• Prioritization Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would prioritize competing design requests or projects based on business value, technical feasibility, and resource availability.

• Communication Strategy: Practice how you would communicate a complex project update, a critical risk, or a strategic shift to different stakeholders (e.g., design team, engineering leadership, executive sponsors).

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations candidates should leverage their experience in process mapping, project planning, and stakeholder communication. The portfolio presentation is an opportunity to showcase these skills in a design context, much like presenting an operations improvement case study.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar platforms for task management, backlog grooming, sprint planning, and progress tracking.

• Collaboration & Communication: Expertise with tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Confluence, and video conferencing platforms (Zoom, Google Meet).

• Design Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, Miro, and Mural for design reviews, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with tools that provide insights into project progress, team velocity, and design impact. While not a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from these tools is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM management role, an understanding of how design outputs integrate with product development pipelines and potentially CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, if applicable to product feedback loops) can be advantageous.

• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts and tools that can streamline design processes or handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is focused on Design Operations, the underlying need for proficiency in project management, collaboration, and workflow optimization tools is directly transferable from many operations roles. Highlight experience with any tool that aids in process management, communication, and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user, ensuring design decisions prioritize user needs and deliver exceptional experiences.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where open communication, shared knowledge, and mutual support are paramount across all teams and disciplines.

• Excellence & Innovation: Striving for the highest standards in design and execution, while continuously seeking innovative solutions to complex challenges.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A dedication to refining processes, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing improvements that enhance productivity and deliver value effectively.

• Growth & Learning: Embracing a continuous learning mindset, actively seeking feedback, and supporting the professional development of oneself and team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership-Oriented: Building strong, trust-based relationships with design leadership, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to drive shared goals.

• Proactive & Solution-Focused: Taking initiative to identify potential issues and proactively developing solutions, rather than simply reporting problems.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding discussions, motivating teams, and fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to better outcomes.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing insights from user feedback, performance data, and project metrics to inform strategic decisions and process improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize user advocacy, collaboration, and continuous improvement, which are central to effective operations. Operations professionals can highlight their experience in fostering these values through process implementation and team leadership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Balancing the needs and priorities of diverse teams (Design, Product, Engineering) with potentially competing objectives.

• Fast-Paced, Evolving Environment: Adapting to rapid changes in project scope, priorities, and technology within the dynamic gaming industry.

• Ensuring Design Excellence at Scale: Maintaining high standards of quality and user experience across numerous projects and product lines for a global brand.

• Integrating New Processes: Successfully introducing and embedding new operational processes or tools that require buy-in and adoption from various teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge program management methodologies specific to product development and creative industries.

• Deep Dive into UX & Design: Gaining in-depth knowledge of UX research, interaction design, visual design principles, and the latest trends in user interface design.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Developing a comprehensive understanding of product development cycles, engineering constraints, and product strategy within the gaming sector.

• Leadership Skill Development: Access to leadership training, mentorship programs, and opportunities to lead high-impact initiatives, fostering career progression within PlayStation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-moving tech environments and offer opportunities to apply operational problem-solving skills. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for career advancement and skill enhancement relevant to operations professionals seeking to expand their influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you managed a complex design program with multiple workstreams. What was your approach to planning, execution, and risk mitigation?" (Focus on your process, tools, and how you coordinated efforts.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and build trust with cross-functional teams, particularly with engineers and product managers who may have different priorities?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.)

• "Walk me through a situation where you had to balance competing business needs with user experience requirements. What trade-offs did you make, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your problem-solving and decision-making framework.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for PlayStation and contributing to the gaming industry?" (Research PlayStation's latest products, values, and market position.)

• "How do you approach providing and receiving feedback to ensure continuous improvement within a team?" (Relate this to your experience with growth mindset and operational feedback loops.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your program management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Structure for Clarity: Use a narrative approach: Problem -> Your Role & Process -> Challenges -> Solutions -> Outcomes (with metrics).

• Emphasize Operational Rigor: Highlight how you managed schedules, resources, risks, and facilitated communication to ensure successful delivery.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with designers, engineers, and product managers, and how you facilitated their interaction.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, methodologies, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on translating operations expertise into the language of design program management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on process, problem-solving, and measurable outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the PlayStation Careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to design program management, UX, project delivery, process optimization, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select case studies that best demonstrate your ability to manage complex projects, drive operational efficiency, and deliver successful outcomes. Ensure it clearly articulates your process, challenges, and results.

• Prepare for Interview Scenarios: Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions using the STAR method, focusing on examples that showcase your operational and program management skills in a design context.

• Research PlayStation: Understand their brand, products, recent news, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during interviews.

⚠️ 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.