Senior Manager, Product Designer - Capital One Software

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, Product Designer - Capital One Software Company: Capital One Location: New York, NY; Richmond, VA; McLean, VA Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / Experience Design Operations Date Posted: November 07, 2025 Experience Level: 6-8+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of product design for Capital One Software's digital experiences, focusing on B2B customer journeys and website optimization.
• Drive the creation of a compelling, user-centric digital platform that aligns with brand, sales, and growth objectives through a deep understanding of usability, customer empathy, and funnel optimization.
• Mentor and guide a team of designers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Experience Design team.
• Partner closely with Product, Technology, and business leaders to shape product strategy, ensuring user needs are paramount in developing innovative and impactful solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as "Senior Manager, Product Designer," which implies a blend of hands-on design execution and leadership responsibilities. The "Capital One Software" division suggests a focus on B2B products and services, requiring a nuanced understanding of enterprise user needs and a strong emphasis on conversion, engagement, and retention metrics, which are key to revenue operations and GTM strategies. The emphasis on "funnel optimization" and "performance-driven platform" directly aligns with revenue operations goals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute product design strategies across the Software website, focusing on optimizing user flows for task completion and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (Product Directors, Engineering, Marketing) to define product vision, user journeys, and high-fidelity designs that meet business and user needs.
• Champion human-centered design methodologies, utilizing data, research insights, and design expertise to solve complex problems and advocate for user needs.
• Mentor and develop junior designers, providing constructive feedback, sharing best practices, and fostering a high-performing design culture.
• Contribute to and leverage established design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across digital products.
• Drive strategic influence by translating user insights and business goals into actionable design recommendations that shape product direction and outcomes.
• Present design work and strategic recommendations effectively to stakeholders across various levels and functions, articulating the value of design solutions.
• Manage design project portfolios, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and adapting scope as needed to maximize impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic leadership in design, directly impacting user experience that influences conversion rates and customer retention. This aligns with GTM operations and revenue operations by ensuring the digital platform effectively supports sales and growth objectives. The mention of "funnel optimization" and "performance-driven platform" is a strong indicator of the role's connection to revenue generation and operational efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Manager role in design.

Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in Product Design roles, with a strong track record of delivering user-centered digital experiences.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design projects, teams, or initiatives, showcasing leadership and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Experience working within heavily regulated, data-intensive problem spaces is highly preferred, indicating an ability to navigate complex business environments.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Expertise: Proficient in end-to-end product design, including interaction design, visual design, and user research methodologies.
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Advanced proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar, for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.
• Human-Centered Design: Deep understanding and practical application of human-centered design principles, user research, and usability testing to inform design decisions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, researchers, and business stakeholders, and to clearly articulate design rationale and strategy.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Experience contributing to, managing, or working extensively with established design systems to ensure brand consistency and design efficiency.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives and user insights into cohesive product strategies and innovative design solutions.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Proven experience in mentoring designers, guiding design practice, and fostering a positive team culture.
• B2B Digital Experience: Familiarity with designing for B2B platforms, understanding enterprise user needs, and optimizing complex digital workflows.
• Funnel Optimization: Experience in analyzing user funnels and implementing design solutions to improve conversion rates, task completion, and customer satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level (6+ years) and preferred experience (8+ years) point to a senior individual contributor or a manager of individual contributors. The emphasis on "funnel optimization," "customer empathy," and "performance-driven platform" suggests that candidates with a background in e-commerce, SaaS, or B2B platforms where conversion rates are critical will be highly valued. Experience with design systems is a strong plus, indicating a need for scalable and consistent design solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing leadership in product design, demonstrating a clear process from problem identification through to solution delivery.
• Detailed case studies that highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design decisions on user experience and business outcomes.
• Examples of complex B2B digital experiences or website optimizations that illustrate your ability to manage intricate user flows and achieve specific performance goals (e.g., conversion rates, task completion).
• Demonstrations of your proficiency with design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma), including examples of high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of your ability to document and articulate design processes, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, and testing protocols.
• Examples of how you have leveraged data and research insights to drive design decisions and iterate on product solutions.
• Showcase experience in working with and contributing to design systems, demonstrating an understanding of scalable design principles and component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design skills but also articulate the "why" behind design choices, demonstrating strategic thinking, user advocacy, and an understanding of business impact. The emphasis on "funnel optimization" and "performance-driven platform" means case studies should ideally quantify results, showing how designs improved key metrics. The mention of a "design system" is crucial, indicating a need for candidates who can work within or contribute to established frameworks for efficiency and consistency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• McLean, VA: $193,000 - $220,300 annually
• New York, NY: $210,500 - $240,300 annually
• Richmond, VA: $175,500 - $200,300 annually

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary ranges are specific to the listed locations and reflect a Senior Manager level in a major financial institution. These figures are competitive for experienced design leaders in these markets. The ranges are based on Capital One's disclosed compensation data and industry benchmarks for similar roles in the financial services and technology sectors. The annual salary is supplemented by potential performance-based incentive compensation, including cash bonuses and Long-Term Incentives (LTI), which is common for management roles at this level.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to support employee well-being.
• Financial Well-being: Competitive salary, potential for performance-based incentive compensation (bonuses, LTI), and retirement savings plans.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and potentially flexible work arrangements.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and career advancement within Capital One.
• Other Benefits: A comprehensive package designed to support total well-being, specifics can be found on the Capital One Careers website.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, implying standard business hours. Given the Senior Manager level and the nature of product development, some flexibility may be expected, but the core work will likely align with standard business days. The role is on-site, suggesting a typical 40-hour work week within office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Capital One offers a robust benefits package, typical for a large financial institution. For operations professionals, benefits related to financial well-being (bonuses, LTI) and professional development are particularly relevant, as they support career growth and long-term incentives. The emphasis on "total well-being" suggests a holistic approach to employee benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Technology. Capital One is a leading technology-oriented bank, heavily investing in digital transformation and innovation. This means a culture that blends traditional financial services rigor with agile tech methodologies. Company Size: Large enterprise (over 10,000 employees). This implies structured processes, established career paths, and significant resources, but also potential for bureaucracy. Founded: 1994. Capital One has a history of innovation, particularly in credit cards and digital banking, indicating a culture that values forward-thinking and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• Experience Design Team: This team is at the forefront of shaping digital and physical customer experiences. It likely comprises various design disciplines (Product Design, UX Research, Content Design, Visual Design).
• Capital One Software: This division focuses on building and delivering digital products and services, likely catering to developers, IT professionals, or other businesses, implying a B2B focus.
• Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Product Designer will report to a Director or VP within the Software Experience Design team. They will work in close partnership with Directors of Product and Engineering within Capital One Software.

Methodology:

• Human-Centered Design: A core philosophy, emphasizing user needs, research, and empathy.
• Agile Development: Likely integrated with agile software development processes, requiring designers to be adaptable and iterative.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data, analytics, and research insights to inform design and strategy.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

Company Website: https://www.capitalone.com/ and https://www.capitalonecareers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Capital One's culture is known for its blend of financial services stability and tech-forward innovation. For operations-minded designers, this means a focus on measurable outcomes, process efficiency, and data-driven improvements, especially within the "Capital One Software" division, which likely operates with a more product-centric and GTM-focused mindset. The emphasis on collaboration indicates a need for strong interpersonal and communication skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Senior Manager level, indicating significant experience and a blend of individual contribution and leadership. It sits above individual contributor designers and potentially manages a small team or leads major initiatives. The focus on "strategic influence" and "shaping product direction" highlights its senior standing.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Product Designer will report to a Director level within the Experience Design organization. They will work closely with Product Directors and Engineering leads within the Capital One Software business unit. This structure emphasizes cross-functional leadership and influence without direct line management of all team members.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue and business objectives by optimizing the digital experience for Capital One Software's B2B offerings. Through "funnel optimization" and creating a "performance-driven platform," the designer contributes to lead generation, customer acquisition, and retention, all critical to revenue growth and operational efficiency. Success in this role means driving measurable improvements in user engagement, conversion rates, and overall customer satisfaction, directly impacting the bottom line.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles, managing larger teams or broader design portfolios within Capital One Software or other business units.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as B2B design strategy, design systems leadership, or growth-focused UX optimization.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead design strategy across multiple product lines or contribute to broader digital transformation initiatives within Capital One.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through internal training, external conferences, and exposure to complex design challenges within a large, innovative organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth into more senior leadership positions. The focus on B2B digital experiences and performance optimization within Capital One Software positions the candidate to develop expertise highly relevant to GTM and revenue operations, making them valuable for future strategic roles. The opportunity to influence product strategy and drive measurable business impact is a key differentiator for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role requires presence in one of the specified office locations (New York, NY; Richmond, VA; McLean, VA). This suggests a traditional office-based work environment. Office Location(s):

• New York, NY: A major metropolitan hub, offering access to diverse talent and industry events.
• Richmond, VA: Capital One's headquarters, likely offering extensive resources and a significant employee base.
• McLean, VA: Located in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, offering access to a robust tech and business community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on collaboration suggests an open office layout or designated team spaces designed to facilitate interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and internal Capital One platforms will be provided. The role specifically mentions Figma as a key tool.
• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, cross-functional syncs, and brainstorming sessions are expected. The on-site nature facilitates spontaneous collaboration and team building.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site. Standard business hours are expected, likely Monday through Friday. Given the senior nature of the role and the fast-paced tech environment, occasional extended hours might be necessary to meet project deadlines or launch critical features, particularly around product releases or strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, which can be beneficial for complex problem-solving and team cohesion. For operations professionals, understanding the physical workspace and its impact on collaboration and efficiency is key. The locations offer access to major business and technology ecosystems.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Hiring Manager (likely a Director of Design or Product) to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key case studies. This is crucial for evaluating design process, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and impact. Expect to discuss challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.
4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders (Product Managers, Engineering Leads, other Designers) to assess collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate with diverse teams.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with higher leadership to confirm strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, your role, the design process, and the measurable impact of your solutions. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., % increase in conversion, % decrease in task time, improvement in NPS).
• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, including user research, ideation, iteration, and how you handled constraints or conflicting priorities.
• Highlight Leadership: For a Senior Manager role, demonstrate instances of leading projects, mentoring others, and influencing product strategy.
• Tailor to B2B & Optimization: Emphasize projects related to B2B platforms, website optimization, or funnel improvements, aligning with the role's core focus.
• Be Prepared for Design Challenges: While not explicitly stated, be ready for a potential design exercise or a deeper dive into specific case study problem-solving.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand B2B & SaaS: Familiarize yourself with common challenges and user needs in B2B software and SaaS environments.
• Funnel Optimization Strategies: Prepare to discuss how you've analyzed and improved user funnels, focusing on metrics relevant to lead generation, conversion, and retention.
• Design Systems: Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems – how you've used them, contributed to them, or advocated for their adoption.
• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've managed expectations, communicated design decisions, and collaborated with diverse stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the portfolio to demonstrate practical skills and strategic thinking. For a role focused on "funnel optimization" and "performance," case studies that showcase quantifiable improvements are paramount. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their leadership contributions and how they've influenced product direction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill. Proficiency in creating high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and collaborating within Figma is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools like InVision, Principle, or Axure may be beneficial.
• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to design system libraries and component-based design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior, track key metrics, and inform design decisions.
• User Behavior Tools: Experience with tools like Hotjar, FullStory, or Mouseflow for heatmaps, session recordings, and user flow analysis.
• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of tools like Tableau or Power BI for interpreting data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a CRM role, understanding how design impacts CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be advantageous, especially in how leads are captured and nurtured through the website.
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating within agile development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Proficiency in analytics tools is crucial given the role's focus on "funnel optimization" and creating a "performance-driven platform." Understanding how design impacts broader GTM and CRM processes adds significant value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs, ensuring solutions are empathetic and effective.
• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by data, research, and measurable outcomes, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Collaborative: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Innovative: Encouraging creativity, experimentation, and a willingness to challenge the status quo to drive meaningful change.
• Growth Mindset: A commitment to continuous learning, skill development, and embracing challenges as opportunities for advancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Research teams, acting as a central hub for user experience strategy.
• Iterative Feedback: A culture of constructive critique and feedback loops to refine designs and ensure alignment across teams.
• Shared Ownership: Encouraging a sense of collective responsibility for product success, where design is seen as a critical partner in achieving business objectives.
• Transparency: Open communication regarding design processes, rationale, and outcomes, fostering trust and understanding among stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Capital One emphasizes values that are highly compatible with operations-focused roles: data-driven decision-making, collaboration, and a focus on measurable outcomes. The "human-centered" approach ensures that efficiency and performance gains are balanced with genuine user value.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing B2B Complexity with Usability: Designing intuitive experiences for complex enterprise software and websites that cater to professional users with specific, often demanding, needs.
• Driving Performance Metrics: Translating design efforts into tangible improvements in conversion rates, engagement, and customer satisfaction for a B2B audience.
• Navigating a Large Organization: Effectively collaborating across multiple departments and influencing stakeholders within a large, established financial institution.
• Integrating with Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, search technologies, and digital platforms to enhance the user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to hone strategic thinking, team leadership, and influence skills through mentorship and high-impact projects.
• Industry Trends: Exposure to cutting-edge design practices, AI applications in user experience, and B2B digital strategy through internal resources and potential external engagements.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Work alongside experts in Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Marketing, broadening understanding of the full product lifecycle and GTM strategies.
• Formal Training & Conferences: Capital One typically supports professional development through internal training programs, workshops, and industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the role's focus on B2B software, performance optimization, and large-scale collaboration. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement within design leadership and strategic product roles, particularly those with a GTM or revenue operations nexus.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you optimized a user funnel. What was the problem, your approach, and the quantifiable results?" (Focus on metrics, stakeholder buy-in, and iterative process).
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in a complex B2B environment?" (Highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving framework, and collaboration skills).
• "Walk us through your process for collaborating with product managers and engineers on a major feature release." (Emphasize communication, alignment, and iterative feedback).
• "How have you leveraged user research and data to influence product strategy and design decisions?" (Provide specific examples demonstrating your analytical and advocacy skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Capital One Software and this particular role?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent initiatives in software/tech).
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially within a hybrid or on-site environment?" (Discuss your mentorship style and approach to team dynamics).
• "How do you stay current with design trends, especially concerning AI and search technologies?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the proposed solution, the design process, and the impact. Use a consistent framework.
• Quantify Everything Possible: Use numbers, percentages, and specific metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Articulate Your "Why": Be prepared to deeply explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them to user needs and business goals.
• Showcase Leadership: For this Senior Manager role, highlight instances where you led initiatives, mentored others, or influenced strategic direction.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Be ready to answer probing questions and discuss alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and a results-oriented approach, especially concerning funnel optimization and B2B product design. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so candidates must be adept at storytelling and quantifying their impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Manager, Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Capital One Careers portal via the provided link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your experience in B2B product design, website optimization, funnel improvement, and leadership. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and quantifiable results.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "Figma," "Usability," "Funnel Optimization," "Mentorship," "Strategic Influence," and "B2B." Quantify your achievements with specific numbers where possible.
• Prepare for the Portfolio Review: Practice presenting your case studies, focusing on clear communication, strategic rationale, and impact. Be ready to discuss your design process and leadership experience in detail.
• Research Capital One Software: Understand the company's mission, values, and the specific goals of the Capital One Software division. Familiarize yourself with their current digital offerings and target audience.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding specific responsibilities, team dynamics, and interview processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization during the application and interview stages.