Sr. UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. UX Designer Company: Lincoln Financial Location: Radnor, Pennsylvania, United States Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Experience Date Posted: August 08, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (7+ Years) Remote Status: Hybrid Preferred

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design strategy for critical Life Insurance and Annuity digital experiences, focusing on customer engagement and self-service through innovative solutions.
• Drive end-to-end UX design processes, encompassing user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing to validate design decisions.
• Collaborate closely with product owners, developers, and cross-functional teams in an Agile environment to deliver next-generation digital experiences across multiple platforms.
• Act as a key liaison, consulting with senior IT and Business leaders to champion a customer-centric and data-driven design approach across the organization.
• Contribute to the evolution of enterprise design standards and maintain consistency with the company's design style guide.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, implying significant ownership and leadership in design strategy, execution, and stakeholder management. The emphasis on "leading the design strategy" and "consulting with senior IT and Business leaders" suggests a strategic and influential position, not just an execution-focused one. The focus on "next-generation digital experiences" indicates a forward-thinking approach to design within the financial services sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including competitive analysis, stakeholder interviews, and persona development, to deeply understand customer needs and pain points within the Life Insurance and Annuity domains.
• Translate research findings and analytics data into intuitive and effective wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for web and mobile platforms.
• Lead and execute usability testing sessions to gather feedback, iterate on designs, and ensure optimal user experience and adherence to web accessibility (ADA) standards.
• Partner with business stakeholders and product owners to align design solutions with strategic business objectives, ensuring successful integration of new features and improvements.
• Collaborate with other UX designers to maintain and evolve enterprise design systems, style guides, and best practices, ensuring a cohesive and consistent brand experience.
• Provide detailed design specifications and direct guidance to front-end development teams throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) to ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Stay current with emerging design tools, industry trends, competitor offerings, and user experience research to continuously enhance design quality and innovation.
• Champion a customer-centric mindset and data-driven decision-making process across all design initiatives, influencing product roadmaps and strategic priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The mention of "leading the design strategy" and "consulting with senior IT and Business leaders" points to a senior-level individual contributor role with significant influence. The emphasis on "next-generation digital experiences" and "evolving enterprise design standards" suggests a role focused on innovation and continuous improvement of the digital product offering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Visual Design, Computer Science, Information Systems, IT, Computer Engineering, or a related field, OR equivalent work experience (4 years of experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree).

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in user experience design, with a direct alignment to the responsibilities outlined for this position. This includes a strong track record in leading design initiatives and driving user-centered design practices.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in UX design and prototyping tools: Expertise in tools such as Axure (preferred), Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar platforms for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user flows.
• Deep understanding of user research methodologies: Proven experience conducting various research methods including user interviews, usability testing, persona development, journey mapping, and competitive analysis.
• Expertise in responsive design principles: Demonstrated ability to design for multiple breakpoints and devices, ensuring a seamless user experience across various screen sizes and platforms.
• Strong knowledge of web accessibility (ADA) standards: Proven experience implementing and advocating for accessible design practices (WCAG guidelines) in digital products.
• Proven collaboration with development teams: Experience working closely with front-end developers, providing clear design specifications, assets, and guidance throughout the SDLC.
• Data-driven design acumen: Ability to leverage user analytics, A/B testing results, and other data sources to inform design decisions and measure success.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills: Ability to articulate design rationale, present findings, and influence stakeholders at all levels.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within Agile/Scrum development environments.
• Familiarity with design systems and component-based design approaches.
• Experience designing for financial services, specifically Life Insurance or Annuities, is a plus.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7+ Years" and "Advanced level experience" clearly positions this as a senior-level role. The preference for Axure, while not mandatory, indicates a specific tool proficiency that could be an advantage. The inclusion of both "customer needs" and "analytics data" for design creation emphasizes a balanced approach to user-centered and performance-driven design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstration of end-to-end UX process: Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies detailing your involvement from initial user research and problem definition through to final design implementation and iteration.
• Evidence of strategic impact: Highlight projects where your UX contributions directly influenced business outcomes, such as increased customer engagement, improved conversion rates, enhanced self-service capabilities, or reduced support inquiries.
• Proficiency in design tools: Include examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups created using industry-standard tools (e.g., Axure, Figma, Sketch).
• User research and usability testing artifacts: Present examples of personas, journey maps, usability test plans, and reports that illustrate your research capabilities and how they informed design decisions.
• Accessibility considerations: Showcase examples where web accessibility (ADA/WCAG) principles were integrated into the design process and final output.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow design and optimization: Your portfolio should reflect experience in mapping out user journeys, designing intuitive workflows, and optimizing existing processes for efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Prototyping and user testing execution: Demonstrate your ability to create functional prototypes for testing and articulate the insights gained from user feedback and testing sessions.
• Cross-functional collaboration documentation: Include examples or descriptions of how you collaborated with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders to bring designs to life and ensure alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, a robust portfolio is critical. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, end-to-end process ownership, and measurable impact. Highlighting collaboration with development and business stakeholders, along with a strong understanding of accessibility, will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $93,300 - $169,700 annually.

Anticipated Pay for New Hires: New hires are expected to be compensated between the minimum and midpoint of the stated salary range.

Other Compensation Components:

• Annual Incentive Program: The role may be eligible for a discretionary annual incentive program, contingent upon the performance of the company, business unit, and individual.
• Long-Term Incentives: Potential eligibility for long-term incentive programs.
• Sales Incentives: May be applicable depending on specific team focus or client engagement, though less common for a pure UX role.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) / Parental Leave: Generous leave policies to support work-life balance.
• Competitive 401K and Employee Benefits: Comprehensive retirement savings plan and a robust benefits package.
• Financial Wellness Support: Free financial counseling, health coaching, and an employee assistance program (EAP).
• Professional Development: Tuition assistance program for continued learning and skill enhancement.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options that support employee needs and productivity.
• Productivity Tools & Training: Access to effective productivity and technology tools, along with necessary training.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured for a standard 40-hour work week. The "Hybrid Preferred" arrangement indicates a need for flexibility, with employees expected to work approximately 3 days per week in a Lincoln office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is comprehensive for a Senior UX Designer in a major metropolitan area like Radnor, PA. The note about new hires being placed between the minimum and midpoint is a common practice. The inclusion of multiple incentive programs and a broad suite of benefits speaks to Lincoln Financial's commitment to total rewards for its employees. The hybrid preference with specific office days is a key detail for candidates to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance and Annuities)

• Lincoln Financial operates within the highly regulated and competitive financial services sector, specifically focusing on life insurance, annuities, group protection, and retirement plan services. This industry demands a strong emphasis on trust, security, compliance, and long-term customer relationships. For UX professionals, this means designing experiences that are not only intuitive but also build confidence and clearly communicate complex financial information.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. As a publicly traded company (NYSE: LNC) with a 120-year history, Lincoln Financial is a significant player in the financial services market. This size implies established processes, a structured organizational hierarchy, and potentially a slower pace of change compared to startups, but also offers stability and resources for innovation.

Founded: Over 120 years ago. The company's long history signifies stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record. This longevity suggests a culture that values tradition and reliability, while also needing to adapt to modern digital expectations.

Team Structure:

• Operations team aspect 1: The UX team likely operates within a broader Digital or Technology division, potentially reporting into a Head of Digital Experience or Chief Product Officer. It's likely to be a dedicated UX/Product Design team with specialized roles (e.g., UX Researchers, UX Designers, UI Designers, Content Strategists).
• Operations team aspect 2: The Senior UX Designer will report to a UX Manager or Director and will work closely with Product Owners, Scrum Masters, and development leads within specific product lines (Life Insurance, Annuities). Collaboration with other UX designers across different product areas is also expected for consistency.
• Operations team aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of this role. Expect regular interaction with Product Management, Engineering (front-end and back-end), Marketing, Legal, Compliance, and Business Stakeholders to ensure designs meet user needs, business goals, and regulatory requirements.

Methodology:

• Operations process 1: A data-driven approach is explicitly mentioned, meaning UX designers will likely utilize analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and user feedback tools to inform design decisions and measure the impact of their work.
• Operations process 2: The role operates within an Agile framework, implying iterative design cycles, close collaboration with development sprints, and a focus on delivering value incrementally. Design thinking principles are likely applied throughout the process.
• Operations process 3: Emphasis on continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends and best practices suggests a culture that values professional development and innovation in design methodologies and tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Lincoln Financial's position as a large, established financial services firm is crucial. This context shapes the UX challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the need for designs that are trustworthy, compliant, and user-friendly within a complex product suite. The hybrid model and multiple office locations (Radnor, Charlotte, Fort Wayne, Greensboro) indicate a distributed but collaborative team structure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role represents a significant step beyond junior or mid-level UX positions. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor junior designers. Professionals in this role are expected to lead complex design projects and contribute to the overall UX strategy and vision.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer typically reports to a UX Manager or Director of Digital Experience. They will work closely with Product Owners and Engineering Leads within specific product teams, forming part of a larger cross-functional Agile squad. Peer collaboration with other Senior UX Designers is also a key aspect.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and operational efficiency through intuitive digital interfaces. By improving the user experience of digital platforms for Life Insurance and Annuities, the Senior UX Designer can drive higher conversion rates, increase self-service adoption, reduce customer support costs, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth and market competitiveness for Lincoln Financial.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to specialize in specific areas of UX, such as UX Research, Interaction Design, or Product Design leadership within the financial services domain.
• Leadership: Progression into a UX Lead or Managerial role, overseeing a team of designers, managing projects, and shaping the UX strategy for larger initiatives.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or related digital strategy roles, leveraging deep understanding of user needs and product development.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal training, industry conferences, and exposure to new design tools and methodologies, fostering growth in areas like AI-driven design or advanced analytics integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a trajectory towards leadership or deep specialization. The impact on customer acquisition and operational efficiency is a key selling point for UX roles in established companies like Lincoln Financial. The growth paths are typical for senior individual contributors in tech-focused roles within large organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Preferred. Employees are expected to work 3 days a week in a Lincoln office, with flexibility for remote work on other days. This blended approach aims to balance collaborative in-office interactions with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Radnor, PA, but alternate locations are mentioned including Charlotte, NC; Fort Wayne, IN; and Greensboro, NC. This suggests that while the primary role is in Radnor, there might be opportunities for collaboration with teams in these other locations, or potential for relocation for candidates based near these hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and face-to-face meetings with stakeholders, fostering a connected team dynamic.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and potentially specialized financial industry software.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX peers, product managers, developers, and business leaders, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in the work location across the week, provided the 3-day in-office requirement is met. This structure supports the need for focused design work and collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid Preferred" model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with this arrangement and understand the expectation of being in the office for a portion of the week. The mention of multiple alternate locations suggests a potentially distributed team, which can be an advantage for collaboration but also requires strong remote communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on experience, approach to UX design, leadership qualities, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, showcasing case studies and demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This may be accompanied by a specific design challenge or exercise to assess practical skills.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other UX designers, Product Owners, or key business stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss overall career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate strategically: Select 3-5 strong case studies that best represent your senior-level experience, highlighting end-to-end process, strategic thinking, and measurable impact. Tailor your selection to showcase relevant experience in financial services or complex digital products if possible.
• Structure for clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved (quantifiable metrics are key).
• Emphasize your contribution: Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions within team projects. Use "I" statements for your actions and "we" for team efforts.
• Prepare for questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, why specific tools or methods were chosen, how you handled challenges or disagreements, and how your work aligned with business goals.
• Showcase collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with developers, product managers, and business stakeholders, and how you incorporated their feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the problem statement, target users, and business objectives.
• Think aloud: When presenting your approach to a challenge, articulate your thought process, assumptions, and decision-making criteria.
• Prioritize scope: For time-limited challenges, focus on the most critical aspects and demonstrate a clear plan for addressing other considerations if time allowed.
• Accessibility & Responsiveness: Keep ADA compliance and responsive design principles in mind, as these are explicitly required skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount for UX roles. Candidates should be prepared to not just show work, but to tell a compelling story about their process, decision-making, and impact. The emphasis on collaboration and strategic alignment with business goals is crucial for a senior-level role in a corporate environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping: Axure (preferred), Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Balsamiq. Proficiency in at least one advanced prototyping tool like Axure or Figma is highly valued for creating interactive and complex prototypes.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Optimal Workshop, or internal tools for conducting usability studies and gathering user feedback.
• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, Zoom, Google Workspace. Essential for cross-functional team communication and project management in an Agile environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics. For tracking user behavior, conversion rates, and performance metrics on digital platforms.
• Data Visualization/Business Intelligence: Tableau, Power BI, Looker. To analyze data and create dashboards that communicate user insights and design performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, familiarity with CRM systems like Salesforce can be beneficial for understanding customer data and journey mapping within the sales and service context. Automation tools related to user testing or feedback collection might also be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description specifically mentions Axure as preferred, demonstrating adaptability and proficiency with other leading UX tools like Figma is also important. Understanding how UX tools integrate with analytics and project management platforms is key for a senior role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing the needs of the customer in all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and valuable experiences.
• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing, business) to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing user research, analytics, and testing results to inform design choices and measure the effectiveness of solutions.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and design methodologies to constantly enhance user experiences and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Designing products that are usable and accessible to all users, regardless of ability or background.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with various departments to gather requirements, share insights, and ensure designs are technically feasible and align with business objectives.
• Feedback Exchange: Participating in design critiques and reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers, and being receptive to feedback from stakeholders to drive iterative improvement.
• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the team's collective knowledge base through documentation, presentations, and mentoring junior designers, fostering a learning-oriented environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lincoln Financial's values likely extend to a culture that respects expertise, encourages professional development, and emphasizes teamwork within a structured corporate environment. Highlighting how UX designers embody these values, particularly customer-centricity and data-driven approaches, will resonate well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing user needs with business/technical constraints: Navigating the complexities of financial regulations, legacy systems, and business requirements while advocating for optimal user experiences.
• Driving adoption of new design methodologies: Introducing and championing modern UX practices and tools within a large, established organization that may have ingrained processes.
• Quantifying UX impact: Effectively measuring and communicating the ROI of UX initiatives to stakeholders who may not be fully familiar with design's strategic value.
• Maintaining consistency across diverse product lines: Ensuring a unified and coherent user experience across different digital products within Life Insurance and Annuities, while catering to unique user needs for each.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Financial Services UX: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for complex financial products, understanding customer journeys, and navigating industry-specific challenges.
• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Opportunities to master advanced features of UX tools like Axure or explore emerging design technologies and AI applications in UX.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior designers, leading project initiatives, and potentially taking on team lead responsibilities.
• Industry Engagement: Attending relevant UX conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with industry professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Acknowledging the inherent challenges in a large financial institution, such as regulatory constraints and legacy systems, demonstrates a realistic understanding of the role. Highlighting the growth opportunities in specialized financial UX and leadership will appeal to ambitious senior designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• User-Centric Strategy: "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with strict business or technical constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare with a specific case study demonstrating this balance.)
• Collaboration & Influence: "How do you effectively collaborate with product managers and developers to ensure your design vision is realized while respecting their expertise and timelines?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and mutual respect.)
• Problem Solving & Process: "Walk us through a complex UX problem you solved. What was your process from understanding the problem to delivering the solution, and what key decisions did you make?" (Be ready to detail your end-to-end UX methodology.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Understanding: "What excites you about Lincoln Financial, and what do you see as the biggest UX challenges or opportunities in the Life Insurance and Annuity space?" (Research Lincoln's mission, values, and recent news.)
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to work within a UX team, and how do you contribute to a positive and productive team culture?" (Highlight your collaborative style and willingness to share knowledge.)
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UX designs, and how do you communicate that impact to stakeholders?" (Prepare to discuss KPIs, A/B testing, and reporting.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative: the problem, the journey, the solution, and the impact.
• Focus on "Why": Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design decisions at each stage.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your process and final designs.
• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.
• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, back up your outcomes with data and metrics to demonstrate tangible impact.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, challenges, and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the prompt: Understand the core problem, target audience, and constraints.
• Outline your approach: Verbally walk through your steps (e.g., identifying assumptions, defining user needs, sketching solutions, prioritizing features).
• Focus on process: Demonstrate your thinking, even if you can't fully complete a design in the allotted time.
• Consider accessibility: Integrate ADA/WCAG principles into your proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a Senior UX role should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to articulate impact. Candidates should be ready to defend their design choices and showcase their expertise through their portfolio and potential design challenges.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official Lincoln Financial careers portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 7+ years of UX experience, specifically emphasizing projects related to digital product strategy, customer engagement, and self-service features within complex industries. Showcase your proficiency in leading design initiatives and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your experience with UX design tools (especially Axure, if applicable), user research methodologies, prototyping, usability testing, and web accessibility (ADA). Quantify your achievements wherever possible, using metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design work.
• Interview Practice: Prepare to present 3-5 strong case studies from your portfolio, focusing on your role, process, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Practice articulating your design rationale and how you address business objectives and user needs. Be ready to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Lincoln Financial's business, its position in the financial services market, and its core values. Understand the specific challenges and opportunities within the Life Insurance and Annuity digital experience landscape to inform your answers 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.