Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Kohl's Location: Kohl's Corporate Offices (0900), Tallahassee, Florida, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-25 Experience Level: Senior (6-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end product and experience design for Kohl's loyalty and incentives programs, driving customer loyalty and business growth.
• Guide design strategy and foster cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations teams to deliver cohesive customer experiences.
• Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies, ensuring intuitive, accessible, and impactful digital products.
• Influence product vision and execution by translating business goals and user research into compelling design solutions across various customer touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Product Designer, its focus on loyalty and incentives programs, cross-functional collaboration with operations, and driving business outcomes through customer experience directly aligns with the strategic objectives of Revenue Operations and GTM functions. Therefore, this description is enhanced with an operations perspective to provide relevant context for operations professionals.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead research and design efforts within balanced teams, employing iterative design processes to deliver high-quality customer experiences.
• Collaborate with business and technology leaders, creative branding, marketing, and operations teams to conceptualize and define key product features and enhancements.
• Champion user-centered design by conducting user research, creating storyboards, defining workflows, and developing wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and design standards aligned with business objectives.
• Drive the integration of Product Design as a critical process for company improvement and innovation.
• Mentor, coach, and potentially recruit design team members, fostering a culture of growth and excellence.
• Ensure a cohesive end-to-end user experience by collaborating effectively with teams outside of immediate project scope, across various channels.
• Advocate for the value of user experience design across the organization through compelling storytelling and demonstrable impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize collaboration with "operations" directly and the design of programs that drive "customer loyalty and business return," which are core GTM and Revenue Operations objectives. The focus on research, strategy, and cross-functional alignment is key for operations professionals to understand how design impacts business performance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field, or equivalent practical work experience.

Experience:

• 6-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives and teams.
• Specific experience designing for loyalty programs and customer growth as a key business outcome.
• Demonstrated success in applying User-Centered Design (UCD) principles within Lean Startup or Agile development environments.
• Experience in retail, particularly in e-commerce or digital customer engagement, is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Mastery in at least one core design discipline: User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design, or Service Design.
• Exceptional analytical, strategic, and conceptual design skills with an exquisite eye for detail and a commitment to world-class design quality.
• Proven ability to identify strategic gaps and uncover unseen opportunities for creative exploration across diverse business lines.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, capable of articulating design vision, best practices, and advocating for user needs in various settings.
• Demonstrated facilitation skills to align teams and stakeholders on product vision, priorities, and desired outcomes.
• Proficiency in modern front-end systems and open-source frameworks, understanding technical constraints and possibilities.
• Ability to manage stakeholder expectations and navigate conflict to achieve productive resolutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in retail environments, specifically with e-commerce platforms or digital customer engagement strategies.
• Deep understanding of customer lifecycle marketing and loyalty program mechanics from a design perspective.
• Familiarity with data analysis and its application in user research and design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "customer growth as a business outcome" and "loyalty and incentives programs" directly links this design role to revenue generation and customer retention, key metrics for Revenue Operations and GTM strategy. The requirement for collaboration with "operations" and understanding "business goals" further solidifies this connection.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 complex projects demonstrating leadership in product design from concept to launch.
• Highlight specific case studies that illustrate your process for understanding business objectives, user needs, and technical constraints.
• Include examples of how you've translated user research insights into actionable design decisions and measurable improvements.
• Demonstrate experience with designing for customer loyalty, incentives, or retention programs, with clear articulation of the business impact.
• Present a strong understanding of design systems, style guides, and the ability to maintain consistency and quality across a product portfolio.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies detailing your approach to user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing).
• Showcase examples of workflow mapping, user journey mapping, and information architecture design to illustrate your process for structuring complex experiences.
• Include artifacts that demonstrate your iterative design process, such as wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, showing evolution based on feedback and testing.
• Detail your experience with Agile and Lean Startup methodologies, including how you collaborate with engineering and product teams within these frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, a portfolio demonstrating process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and measurable business impact is crucial. This section is tailored to guide designers on how to present their work in a way that resonates with operations-minded stakeholders who value efficiency, ROI, and strategic alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer in Tallahassee, Florida, with 6-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $110,000 and $150,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in similar cost-of-living areas, considering the company's retail sector presence and the seniority of the position.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match.
• Employee discounts on Kohl's merchandise.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring around 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected, there may be flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules. Expect a standard 9 AM to 5 PM workday with potential for occasional extended hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable compensation resources for design roles in the specified location and experience level. The benefits package is typical for a large retail organization and aligns with what professionals in senior roles would expect.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Department Stores, E-commerce). Kohl's operates within a highly competitive retail landscape, focusing on providing value and convenience to its customers through a blend of physical stores and a growing online presence. Company Size: Large (Kohl's is a major national retailer with tens of thousands of employees). This size implies established processes, potential for significant impact, and opportunities for career advancement within a structured environment. Founded: 1962. With a long history, Kohl's has evolved significantly, adapting to market changes and technological advancements, particularly in its digital transformation efforts.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a larger Digital or Technology organization, potentially structured around specific customer journeys or business domains (like loyalty, e-commerce, marketing).
• This Senior Product Designer will be part of a "balanced team," which typically includes a Group Product Manager, Engineering Anchor/Lead, and other designers/developers working collaboratively on a specific product area.
• Collaboration extends beyond the balanced team to include business leaders, marketing, branding, operations, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and cohesive customer experiences.

Methodology:

• The design team utilizes User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, integrating user research and feedback throughout the design lifecycle.
• Agile and Lean Startup methodologies are employed, emphasizing iterative development, rapid prototyping, and data-driven decision-making to adapt to market needs and customer behavior.
• Design thinking and problem-solving frameworks are integral to how the team approaches complex challenges and identifies opportunities for innovation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kohl's as a large, established retailer with a focus on digital transformation and customer loyalty provides context for the operations and strategic importance of this design role. The mention of "balanced teams" and collaboration with "operations" highlights the cross-functional nature of the work, which is vital for operations professionals to grasp.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role represents a significant level of expertise and responsibility within the product design function. It involves not just execution but also strategic input, team guidance, and cross-functional influence. Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Director of Product Design, or a similar senior design management role. Within the "balanced team" structure, they will collaborate closely with a Group Product Manager and Engineering Lead. Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on customer acquisition, retention, and lifetime value through the design of loyalty and incentives programs. By creating seamless and engaging experiences, the designer contributes to increased customer engagement, repeat purchases, and ultimately, revenue growth and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Director roles, managing larger teams and strategic design initiatives.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as loyalty program design, customer journey mapping, or advanced UX research methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, UX Strategy, or even roles with a direct GTM or Operations focus, leveraging design thinking and customer advocacy skills.
• Skill Development: Access to training, workshops, and conferences to stay current with design trends, tools, and methodologies. Mentorship from senior leaders is also a likely component.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how a Senior Product Designer's role contributes to business objectives and how their career can align with or transition into broader operations or GTM functions, emphasizing the strategic impact and transferable skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate Office. This is an on-site role at Kohl's Corporate Offices, suggesting a professional, structured office environment. Office Location(s): Kohl's Corporate Offices (0900) in Tallahassee, Florida. This location implies a specific regional hub for the company's operations and talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be a collaborative office setting designed to foster teamwork and innovation, with dedicated spaces for individual work and group discussions.
• Access to modern design tools, software, and collaboration platforms will be provided to support efficient workflow and communication.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Operations) are inherent to the role, encouraging a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. While the core hours are typically Monday to Friday, the nature of design and product development may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines and accommodate collaborative sessions with teams in different time zones or with varying schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement at a corporate office highlights the collaborative and integrated nature of the role within the broader business operations of Kohl's. This is relevant for candidates assessing their preferred work environment and the opportunities for direct engagement with stakeholders.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Screening: Initial review of resume and portfolio for alignment with required skills and experience.
2. Recruiter Screen: A call with a recruiter to discuss background, motivations, and general fit for the role and company culture.
3. Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Design Lead or Director) focusing on experience, design philosophy, leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking.
4. Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, walking through selected case studies to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This often includes a hypothetical design challenge or a deep dive into a past project's business outcomes.
5. Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Marketing or Operations to assess collaboration skills and ability to work within a balanced team.
6. Final Interview / Executive Review: Potentially a final conversation with a senior leader to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your experience with loyalty programs, customer growth, and end-to-end product design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the measurable impact (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, customer satisfaction). Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
• Highlight Process: Detail your research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping tools, and how you incorporated feedback and data into your design iterations.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Operations) and managed stakeholder relationships.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and their contribution to business objectives. Focus on metrics relevant to loyalty and customer engagement.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design exercise that might involve synthesizing user feedback, competitive analysis, and business requirements to propose a solution for a loyalty program feature.
• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining your design rationale, trade-offs, and potential impact.
• Consider how your proposed solutions align with Kohl's brand identity and business goals.
• Be ready to discuss your familiarity with Agile/Lean methodologies and how you approach design within those frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The detailed interview process and portfolio review tips are designed to equip operations-minded candidates with the insights needed to highlight their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and focus on measurable business outcomes, which are critical for success in operations roles and for impressing hiring managers in design-centric positions that impact business performance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one major design and prototyping tool is essential.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Google Analytics, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey. Experience with tools for qualitative and quantitative user data collection and analysis.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams. Familiarity with tools used for team communication, task management, and workflow tracking within Agile environments.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel. Ability to interpret user behavior data, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and use insights to inform design decisions.
• Tableau, Power BI, Looker. Experience with data visualization tools to create dashboards and reports that communicate design impact to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM/Automation role, understanding how loyalty programs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Adobe Experience Cloud) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot) is beneficial for designing cohesive customer journeys. Familiarity with loyalty program management platforms is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting proficiency in design tools, user research platforms, and analytics software emphasizes the data-driven and process-oriented nature of the role, which resonates strongly with operations professionals who rely on these systems for execution and performance measurement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the customer's needs, ensuring all design decisions prioritize a positive and valuable customer experience.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations to achieve shared goals and deliver integrated solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure the impact of design initiatives on business outcomes.
• Innovation & Iteration: Embracing a culture of continuous improvement, experimentation, and learning to drive product evolution and stay ahead of market trends.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, well-crafted designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, with meticulous attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively seeking input from and providing design expertise to diverse teams, ensuring alignment on product strategy and execution.
• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructively given and received, and discussions are transparent.
• Process-Oriented: Working within established design and development processes while also identifying opportunities for streamlining and improvement.
• Team Empowerment: Encouraging team members to take ownership, develop their skills, and contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: Framing the team's values and collaboration style through an operations lens emphasizes the importance of efficiency, data, and cross-functional alignment, which are core tenets of successful operations teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder requirements and business objectives into user-centric designs that drive measurable results.
• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Managing expectations and aligning priorities across multiple departments (Marketing, Operations, IT, Merchandising) with potentially competing interests.
• Driving Adoption of Design Best Practices: Championing user experience principles and advocating for design-led innovation within a large, established organization.
• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Designing for a dynamic market that requires continuous adaptation to new technologies, customer behaviors, and competitive pressures, particularly in loyalty and digital engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like service design, behavioral economics applied to loyalty, or advanced UX research methods.
• Industry Exposure: Attending retail, e-commerce, and design conferences to gain insights into emerging trends and best practices.
• Leadership Development: Training programs focused on mentorship, team management, strategic planning, and influencing stakeholders.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to the strategic and operational aspects of marketing, loyalty program management, and e-commerce operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and growth opportunities from an operations perspective helps candidates understand the strategic complexities of the role and how it contributes to broader business growth and operational efficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design of a customer loyalty program. What were the key business objectives, what was your design process, and what was the measurable impact on customer engagement or revenue?"
• "How do you balance user needs with the technical constraints and business priorities of a large retail organization? Provide an example."
• "Walk me through your process for collaborating with Product Managers, Engineers, and Operations teams to ensure a cohesive end-to-end customer experience."
• "How do you stay current with design trends, and how have you influenced your team or organization to adopt new methodologies or tools?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to manage conflicting stakeholder feedback on a design. How did you navigate it, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Kohl's and specifically to designing for our loyalty and incentives programs?"
• "How do you see your role as a Senior Product Designer contributing to Kohl's overall business strategy and customer experience vision?"
• "How would you approach integrating user feedback and operational data into your design process on a day-to-day basis?"
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you build strong working relationships with technical and business partners."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your experience and then diving into 2-3 key case studies. For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the solution, and the results, emphasizing business impact.
• Focus on Process & Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, business requirements, and your design principles.
• Quantify Outcomes: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs, such as improvements in conversion rates, engagement, customer satisfaction (NPS/CSAT), or loyalty program participation.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked effectively with cross-functional teams, including how you managed feedback and influenced decisions.
• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly, stays within the allotted time, and clearly communicates your value proposition. Be ready to answer questions about your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions and strategies are tailored to help candidates showcase their operational mindset, strategic thinking, and ability to drive business results through design, aligning their expertise with the needs of a GTM-focused organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kohl's careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight specific experience with loyalty programs, customer growth initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration with business and operations teams. Showcase projects that demonstrate a clear link between design decisions and measurable business outcomes.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 6-10 years of experience, specific design skills (User Research, Interaction Design, Visual Design), leadership capabilities, and familiarity with Agile/Lean methodologies. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Preparation for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on telling a compelling story about the problem, your process, your solutions, and the business impact. Be ready to discuss how your designs contributed to customer loyalty and revenue growth.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kohl's current strategies in retail, e-commerce, and loyalty programs. Understand their brand positioning and customer base to articulate how your design approach aligns with their business 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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