Senior Manager, User Experience (UX) Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Manager, User Experience (UX) Lead Company: Pfizer Location: New York, New York, United States (Hybrid) Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience Design & Operations Date Posted: December 19, 2025 Experience Level: 6+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end user experience design for cross-functional "Forward Impact Teams" (FIT pods), focusing on rapid iteration and AI-augmented workflows.
• Drive the creation of high-fidelity prototypes within days to inform critical business decisions and accelerate product validation.
• Champion accessibility compliance (WCAG 2.1 AA) across all digital products, ensuring inclusive design principles are embedded from the outset.
• Maintain and evolve Pfizer's design system, ensuring consistency, reusability, and scalability of UI components and patterns across the enterprise.
• Collaborate closely with CX Leads, product managers, and engineering teams to translate complex customer insights and business requirements into user-centered, impactful digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Manager, indicating a leadership capacity with significant autonomy in design strategy and execution within specialized project teams (FIT pods). The emphasis on "AI-first" and "unprecedented speed" suggests a focus on operational efficiency and leveraging cutting-edge tools to deliver tangible outcomes quickly, a key trend in modern GTM and product development operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute the complete user experience design process, from concept to interactive prototype, for assigned FIT pods under the guidance of a Director.
• Deliver medium to high-fidelity prototypes within compressed timelines (days) to facilitate rapid decision-making and user testing.
• Ensure all designs meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards, promoting inclusive experiences for all users.
• Lead the design quality for Minimum Viable Products (MVPs), creating detailed specifications and assets for scalable digital products.
• Coordinate with Digital Creation Centers for seamless design handoffs and to define requirements for scaling solutions.
• Provide flexible design support across multiple pods, acting as a surge resource during peak demand periods.
• Design responsive user interfaces optimized for various platforms, devices, and screen sizes.
• Build and refine interactive prototypes for thorough user testing and stakeholder reviews to gather actionable feedback.
• Maintain and expand design system components, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and reusability across a portfolio of digital products.
• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including detailed specifications, style guides, and interaction guidelines.
• Support the adoption and configuration of design tools across FIT pods to standardize workflows and enhance collaboration.
• Track and report on key design metrics, such as velocity, quality, adoption rates, and user satisfaction, to inform process improvements.
• Coordinate and facilitate design reviews, ensuring feedback is constructive, actionable, and integrated efficiently.
• Manage design asset libraries and implement robust version control practices for design files.
• Create reusable design templates and starter kits to accelerate the design delivery process.
• Ensure design files are meticulously organized to facilitate efficient collaboration among cross-functional teams.
• Train CX Leads and other team members on rapid prototyping techniques, AI-augmented design tools, and best practices.
• Develop and curate design templates and components for self-service use by non-designers, empowering broader contribution.
• Contribute expertise and best practices to relevant Communities of Practice within Pfizer.
• Mentor junior designers, fostering their professional growth and development within the UX discipline.
• Document and disseminate successful design patterns, workflows, and innovative approaches.
• Lead design workshops and training sessions to elevate the UX capabilities across the organization.
• Establish clear design evaluation criteria and refine review processes for continuous improvement.
• Enable non-designers to independently create basic prototypes, democratizing design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: direct design execution at high velocity and the strategic operational aspects of managing and scaling design capabilities. The emphasis on "pods," "MVPs," and "AI-augmented workflows" points towards an agile, product-led operations environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design (e.g., Graphic Design, Interaction Design, HCI), or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive professional experience in user experience design, with a strong emphasis on digital products and platforms.
• Demonstrated experience in leading design initiatives and mentoring other designers or non-designers.
• Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments, adapting to evolving priorities and project demands.
• Experience within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry is highly desirable to understand specific regulatory and user context.

Required Skills:

• Expert Proficiency in Figma: Deep understanding and practical application of Figma's advanced features, including components, variants, auto-layout, and collaborative workflows.
• System Design Thinking: Ability to conceptualize, design, and maintain scalable design systems that ensure consistency, efficiency, and brand integrity across multiple products.
• Accessibility Standards (WCAG 2.1 AA): Comprehensive knowledge and practical application of accessibility guidelines to create inclusive and compliant digital experiences.
• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Proven ability to quickly develop interactive prototypes (medium to high-fidelity) for user testing and stakeholder validation.
• Agile/Lean Methodologies: Experience working within agile or lean development frameworks, understanding iterative development cycles and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Strong Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, present complex ideas clearly, and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to critically analyze user needs, business requirements, and data to translate them into effective design solutions.
• "AI-First" Mindset: A proactive approach to adopting and integrating AI tools and augmented workflows to accelerate design processes and enhance output.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design Systems at Scale: Proven track record of contributing to or managing large-scale, enterprise-level design systems.
• Knowledge of Front-End Development Principles: Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams and create more feasible designs.
• Experience with AI-Augmented Design Tools: Familiarity with generative AI tools and their application in design ideation, content creation, or workflow automation.
• Service Design or Journey Mapping Expertise: Proficiency in mapping customer journeys and designing holistic service experiences.
• Certification in Accessibility or Inclusive Design: Formal certifications demonstrating specialized knowledge in these critical areas.
• Experience in Pharmaceutical or Healthcare Design: Specific domain knowledge relevant to Pfizer's industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, AI-first mindset, and rapid prototyping indicates a practical, hands-on role focused on delivering tangible design outputs quickly. The "system design thinking" requirement is crucial for a role at a large enterprise like Pfizer, ensuring consistency and scalability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• System Design Showcase: Demonstrate experience in building, maintaining, or contributing to comprehensive design systems, including examples of reusable components, variants, and style guides.
• Rapid Iteration Case Studies: Present case studies highlighting your ability to move from concept to validated prototype within tight deadlines, showcasing the iterative process and user feedback integration.
• Accessibility Integration Examples: Include specific examples of how you've ensured accessibility compliance in your designs, detailing the standards applied and any challenges overcome.
• AI-Augmented Workflow Demonstration: Showcase instances where you've leveraged AI or other advanced tools to accelerate design processes, improve efficiency, or generate novel solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Examples: Illustrate how you've collaborated effectively with product managers, developers, researchers, and stakeholders to bring designs to fruition.

Process Documentation:

• Experience in creating clear, concise, and actionable design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and detailed specifications for development handoff.
• Ability to document design patterns, best practices, and system updates for knowledge sharing and team enablement.
• Familiarity with version control and asset management processes to maintain organized and accessible design libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be used to assess practical design skills, system thinking, and the ability to execute at speed. The focus on AI and accessibility highlights key areas of evaluation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The annual base salary for this position ranges from $120,800.00 to $201,400.00 USD.
• For Tampa, FL locations, the range is $108,700.00 to $181,100.00 USD.

Benefits:

• Bonus Eligibility: Eligible for participation in Pfizer’s Global Performance Plan with a bonus target of 17.5% of base salary.
• Long-Term Incentives: Eligibility to participate in the company's share-based long-term incentive program.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with Pfizer Matching Contributions and an additional Pfizer Retirement Savings Contribution.
• Paid Time Off: Includes paid vacation days, holiday days, and personal days.
• Leave Programs: Paid caregiver/parental leave and paid medical leave.
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage.
• Other: Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs and eligibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work across global time zones as needed.
• Hybrid work arrangement requires an average of 2.5 days per week onsite.

📝 Enhancement Note: Pfizer offers a competitive compensation package, including base salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives, reflecting the senior level of this role. The comprehensive benefits package is standard for large pharmaceutical companies, with a strong emphasis on retirement and health and wellness programs. The salary ranges provided are specific to US locations and may vary slightly by region within the US.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology. Pfizer is a global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines and vaccines, operating within a highly regulated and scientifically driven sector. Company Size: Pfizer is a large, multinational corporation, employing tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. This scale implies robust infrastructure, established processes, and a diverse range of career opportunities. Founded: 1849. With a long history, Pfizer has evolved significantly, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a sustained commitment to scientific advancement and public health.

Team Structure:

• FIT Pods: The role operates within "Forward Impact Teams" (FIT pods), which are agile, cross-functional units designed for rapid experimentation and outcome delivery. These pods likely consist of diverse specialists (e.g., CX Leads, designers, data analysts, product managers) working collaboratively.
• Reporting: The Senior Manager will report to a Director, indicating a clear leadership hierarchy within the UX or Digital Innovation function.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with CX Leads, product teams, Digital Creation Centers, and potentially other business units to ensure design solutions align with broader company objectives and user needs.

Methodology:

• AI-Augmented Design: A core methodology involves leveraging AI tools to accelerate insight generation, prototyping, and design iteration, moving beyond traditional design cycles.
• Lean & Agile Principles: The FIT pod structure and emphasis on rapid delivery suggest an adoption of lean and agile development methodologies, focusing on iterative progress and continuous feedback.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires strong analytical skills to interpret data and translate insights into actionable product decisions, underscoring a commitment to evidence-based design.
• Customer-Centricity: The position is framed as the "voice of the customer," emphasizing a deep understanding of user needs and experiences as the foundation for all design work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Pfizer's culture likely balances deep scientific rigor with a growing emphasis on digital innovation and operational agility. The FIT pod structure suggests a move towards more dynamic, project-based work within a large, established organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Manager level, indicating a mid-to-senior leadership position within the UX discipline. It requires not only expert design skills but also the ability to manage processes, mentor others, and influence stakeholders without direct authority. Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager will report to a Director, providing a clear line of mentorship and strategic guidance. This structure allows for exposure to higher-level strategic discussions and decision-making processes within the digital innovation or broader GTM operations. Operations Impact: The Senior Manager's work directly impacts Pfizer's ability to rapidly innovate and deliver digital solutions that enhance patient and healthcare provider experiences. By accelerating design-to-delivery cycles through AI and design systems, this role contributes significantly to the company's agility, market responsiveness, and ultimately, its mission of developing life-changing breakthroughs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by managing design execution within FIT pods, mentoring junior talent, and influencing cross-functional teams.
• Specialization in Digital Innovation: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge areas like AI-augmented design, rapid prototyping, and enterprise-scale design systems within a leading pharmaceutical company.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience collaborating with diverse teams across product management, engineering, data science, and business units, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.
• Career Advancement: Potential pathways to Director-level roles, UX leadership positions within specific business units, or specialization in areas like Design Operations or UX Strategy.
• Continuous Learning: Access to Pfizer's learning resources, industry conferences, and opportunities to stay at the forefront of UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of hands-on design leadership and operational process improvement, situated within an innovative "pod" structure. Growth potential is strong, given Pfizer's size and investment in digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role requires a blend of remote work and in-office presence, with an average of 2.5 days per week onsite. This indicates a commitment to flexible working while maintaining in-person collaboration. Office Location(s): While the primary posting is for the New York headquarters, Pfizer lists multiple potential locations for this role, including:

• New York, New York, USA
• La Jolla, California, USA
• Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
• Bothell, Washington, USA
• Memphis, Tennessee, USA (GFS - Global Functions Site) This broad range of locations suggests that the hybrid expectation may apply to the specific office chosen, or that the role has flexibility across major Pfizer hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: The onsite days are intended for collaborative activities, team meetings, workshops, and stakeholder engagement, fostering direct interaction and team cohesion.
• Access to Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to Pfizer's standard technology stack, including specialized design software (Figma), AI tools, and internal collaboration platforms.
• Cross-functional Interaction: The hybrid model is designed to facilitate regular interaction with colleagues from various departments, including product management, engineering, and business stakeholders, enabling a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility is expected to work across global time zones as needed, which is common in multinational organizations.
• Occasional travel may be required for workshops, team meetings, or stakeholder engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and multiple location options offer flexibility. The emphasis on onsite days for collaboration points to a structured approach to maximizing in-person interaction for team building and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Presentation (Round 1): Candidates will typically present their portfolio to a hiring manager and/or senior UX team members. This is the core evaluation of design skills, system thinking, and problem-solving approach. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, detailing your role, process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Technical/Skills Assessment (Round 2): May involve a design exercise or a detailed discussion on Figma proficiency, accessibility standards, and AI tool utilization. This could be a take-home assignment or a live collaborative session.
• Stakeholder Interviews (Round 3): Interviews with cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Management, Engineering Leads, CX Leads) to assess collaboration, communication, and ability to influence.
• Final Interview: A discussion with a Director or senior leader to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Clearly articulate your design process, from research and ideation to execution and iteration. Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced design cycle time).
• Showcase System Thinking: Highlight projects where you've applied design system principles, demonstrating an understanding of consistency, scalability, and reusability.
• Demonstrate AI Integration: If possible, include a project where you've leveraged AI tools to accelerate your workflow or enhance outcomes. Explain how and why you used these tools.
• Address Accessibility: Explicitly discuss your approach to accessibility in your projects. Detail specific standards you adhered to and any challenges you faced.
• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives that highlight the problem, your solution, and the measurable results. Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of this Senior Manager, UX Lead role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Anticipate a design challenge that requires rapid ideation and prototyping, likely focusing on a user-centered problem within the healthcare or pharmaceutical space. Practice using Figma under timed conditions.
• Process Improvement Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would improve design processes within a FIT pod, focusing on speed, efficiency, and collaboration.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating design decisions and trade-offs to different audiences, demonstrating your ability to manage expectations and gain buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical design expertise and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative, and AI-driven environment. A well-curated portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is explicitly required. This includes advanced features for component creation, variants, auto-layout, prototyping, and collaborative file management.
• AI-Augmented Design Tools: Familiarity with and willingness to use AI tools for ideation, content generation, image enhancement, or workflow automation is a key expectation. Specific tools are not listed but will likely be integrated into the existing design stack.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, other prototyping tools may be used for specific needs or integrations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to track user behavior and measure design impact.
• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with platforms for conducting A/B tests to validate design hypotheses and optimize user flows.
• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to use tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboards to present design metrics and insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not a primary design tool, understanding how UX impacts CRM processes and data can be beneficial in a GTM context.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with tools that can automate repetitive tasks within the design or product development lifecycle.
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana): Essential for managing design tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Figma expertise and the "AI-first" mindset are critical indicators of the technology stack. Proficiency in these areas will be heavily scrutinized during the evaluation process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Agility: A drive to experiment, learn fast, and deliver solutions at unprecedented speed, embracing new technologies like AI to achieve these goals.
• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the patient and healthcare provider experience in all design decisions.
• Excellence & Quality: Maintaining high standards for design quality, accessibility, and technical rigor in all delivered solutions.
• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teamwork is essential for success.
• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to Pfizer's mission of developing breakthroughs that change patients' lives, aligning personal work with a larger societal impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The FIT pod model emphasizes seamless collaboration across disciplines (design, product, engineering, data) to achieve rapid outcomes.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages open feedback, constructive criticism, and continuous improvement through iterative design reviews and team retrospectives.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and lessons learned across teams and through communities of practice to elevate the overall UX capability.
• Empowerment & Autonomy: While reporting to a Director, the Senior Manager is expected to lead without authority, drive initiatives, and make informed decisions within their domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: Pfizer's culture, as reflected in this role, values both scientific excellence and digital innovation. The emphasis on speed, AI, and customer focus suggests a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to product development operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The core challenge is to deliver high-quality, accessible designs at an unprecedented speed, leveraging AI without compromising user experience or technical integrity.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Working in "FIT pods" and with "rapid outcomes" often involves evolving requirements and priorities. The ability to lead through ambiguity and maintain focus is crucial.
• Scaling Design Systems: Continuously maintaining and expanding a robust design system across a large enterprise requires ongoing effort, discipline, and stakeholder buy-in.
• AI Integration Hurdles: Effectively integrating new AI tools into existing workflows, training teams, and critically evaluating AI outputs present ongoing challenges.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in for design vision and execution across diverse stakeholder groups with varying priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX & AI Techniques: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, rapid prototyping methodologies, and advanced Figma techniques.
• Design Systems Leadership: Gain experience in architecting and scaling enterprise-level design systems.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Develop a deeper understanding of the pharmaceutical and healthcare landscape, including regulatory considerations and user needs.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Enhance leadership capabilities through mentoring junior designers and leading design efforts within cross-functional teams.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend relevant UX, design ops, and AI conferences, as well as pursue certifications in accessibility or inclusive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges at the intersection of rapid innovation, AI, and healthcare.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to deliver a complex design solution under extreme time pressure. How did you prioritize, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tool utilization, and prioritization skills.)
• "How would you integrate AI tools into a design workflow to accelerate the delivery of MVPs for a new digital health product?" (Demonstrate your "AI-first" mindset and practical application.)
• "Walk us through your process for ensuring 100% accessibility compliance in your designs. What are the key considerations and potential challenges?" (Highlight your expertise in inclusive design.)
• "How do you approach building and maintaining a design system for a large organization? What are the key components and challenges?" (Showcase your system design thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Pfizer's mission, and how do you see your UX expertise contributing to our breakthroughs?" (Connect your passion for UX with Pfizer's purpose.)
• "How would you foster a culture of rapid prototyping and AI adoption within a new FIT pod?" (Discuss your leadership and change management approach.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to a design recommendation. How did you gain their buy-in?" (Assess your communication, negotiation, and leadership-without-authority skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically: problem, your role, process, solution, outcomes, and key learnings. Use clear visuals and concise talking points.
• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design work (e.g., improved engagement, efficiency gains, positive user feedback).
• Highlight AI & Accessibility: Explicitly call out aspects of your projects that demonstrate your proficiency in AI-augmented design and accessibility compliance.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase system design thinking, rapid iteration, and cross-functional collaboration, aligning with the Senior Manager, UX Lead responsibilities.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would apply your experience to Pfizer's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating both deep UX craft and the operational agility required for this fast-paced role, with a strong emphasis on AI and accessibility.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Manager, User Experience (UX) Lead position:

• Submit Application: Complete and submit your application through the provided link on the Pfizer careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience in Figma, design systems, rapid prototyping, AI integration, and accessibility compliance.
• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "User Experience," "Design Systems," "Figma," "AI-first," "Accessibility Compliance," "Rapid Prototyping") to ensure ATS compatibility and clearly articulate your achievements.
• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your qualifications, focusing on process, impact, and your ability to deliver at speed. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI-augmented workflows and inclusive design.
• Research Pfizer: Gain a thorough understanding of Pfizer's mission, recent innovations, and its strategic focus on digital transformation and patient impact. Consider how your UX leadership can contribute to these objectives.

⚠️ 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.

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