User Experience/User Interface Product Designer Level 2

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience/User Interface Product Designer Level 2

Company: Western & Southern Financial Group

Location: 250 EAST 5TH STREET, CINCINNATI, OH 45202, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: March 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on creating highly creative and delightful user experiences for web and mobile products within a financial services context.

• It requires a proven history in web design, graphic design, and user experience design, emphasizing innovative and highly usable interfaces.

• The designer will apply user-centered design concepts, market research, and analytics to articulate and develop intuitive end-user experiences that meet both user and business objectives.

• Key activities include developing user personas, journey maps, design concepts, wireframes, and graphic design elements, with a strong emphasis on responsive web and mobile application design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is categorized under Product Design/User Experience, but the responsibilities heavily lean into UX/UI design principles, process optimization for user journeys, and data-driven design decisions, aligning with operational excellence in product development. The "Level 2" designation suggests a mid-level position requiring independent decision-making within established design frameworks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply deep knowledge of visual design, user experience design principles, and relevant web design/development technologies to create intuitive and engaging interfaces.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business and user objectives, user research, and analytics into delightful and effective user experiences.

• Utilize user personas and journey maps to develop comprehensive user flows, information architecture, site mapping, and wireframes that ensure consistent and efficient user journeys across all platforms.

• Develop and articulate design concepts, annotated wireframes, and rapid prototypes for mobile-first responsive websites and native mobile applications.

• Design and test user engagement and conversion strategies, including optimizing element design, page placement, and copy to drive desired user actions.

• Conduct thorough evaluations of existing digital experiences to identify key areas for improvement and innovation.

• Perform and/or participate in user research, concept testing, usability testing, and analytics reviews to gather actionable insights that enhance user interaction and overall product performance.

• Interface and collaborate closely with business partners to gather requirements and translate them into functional, user-centric design solutions.

• Create, present, and champion design concepts, ensuring they align with market research, established UX/UI patterns, business requirements, and industry best practices.

• Collaborate on building solutions that meet Google Page Experience Core Web Vitals measures for optimal performance and user satisfaction.

• Ensure all designed solutions adhere to Accessibility guidelines, specifically WCAG 2.1 Level AA, to provide an inclusive experience for all users.

• Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full lifecycle UX/UI design process, from research and strategy to execution and testing. The inclusion of Core Web Vitals and WCAG 2.1 AA highlights a commitment to performance optimization and inclusivity, critical aspects of modern product operations and GTM strategy. The requirement to analyze and improve existing digital experiences points to a continuous improvement mindset, vital for operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in interactive design, computer science, graphic design, technical communications, industrial design, or a closely related field.

Experience: A minimum of four years of experience in developing user experiences for web and mobile products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience working through all UI/UX design phases, including design concepts, comps, user testing, and annotated low-mid-high fidelity wireframes. A portfolio demonstrating this experience is mandatory.

• Demonstrated expertise in user-centric design processes and methodologies.

• Proven experience in creating essential user experience deliverables such as personas, user flows, design concepts, wireframes, rapid prototypes, and site maps.

• Demonstrated knowledge of responsive web design principles and technologies (HTML, CSS, and JavaScript).

• Proven ability to design for page objectives within user flows to optimize conversion rates.

• Proven understanding of multivariate testing methodologies and their application in design.

• Demonstrated understanding of evaluating web analytics and applying UX/UI patterns to improve key performance metrics.

• Proven understanding of the UI implications of Search Engine Optimization (SEO).

• Demonstrated understanding of Google Page Experience and Core Web Vitals thresholds.

• Demonstrated understanding of Accessibility guidelines, specifically WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate UX/UI principles, patterns, and best practices effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Proven verbal and written communication and presentation skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Agile, Scrum, and Kanban methodologies, processes, and principles.

• Knowledge of Sprint Delivery software such as Team Foundation Server (TFS) or Jira.

• Experience with wireframing tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD.

• Experience with prototyping tools such as InVision or Figma.

• Proficiency in graphic design software, including Photoshop and Illustrator.

• Experience with usability testing tools like Validately or Optimizely.

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms such as Google Analytics or Sitecore Analytics.

• Working knowledge of Sitecore Content Management System.

• Relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Web Designer UX, Web Design, or Google Analytics certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong blend of creative design skills and technical understanding, crucial for a UX/UI role that bridges design and development. The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the detailed list of required skills ensure candidates have demonstrated practical experience. Preferred skills in Agile/Scrum and specific tools like Jira indicate potential integration with development and project management workflows, common in operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is required, showcasing a proven track record across the entire UI/UX design lifecycle, from initial concept to final, tested, and implemented product.

• The portfolio should clearly demonstrate experience in user-centered design processes, including the creation and application of user personas, journey maps, and user flows.

• Include examples of annotated low-fidelity to high-fidelity wireframes and design comps, illustrating the evolution of design ideas and problem-solving approaches.

• Showcase rapid prototypes developed for mobile-first responsive websites and mobile applications, highlighting interactive design and user flow validation.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies illustrating the process of evaluating existing digital experiences and identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Detail the methodology used for user research, concept testing, and usability testing, including how findings were translated into actionable design recommendations.

• Showcase examples of how Accessibility guidelines (WCAG 2.1 Level AA) and performance metrics (Core Web Vitals) were integrated into the design and development process.

• Demonstrate understanding of how UI/UX design impacts SEO and conversion optimization, with examples of design choices made for these purposes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio is paramount for a design role. For operations professionals, this translates to a need to demonstrate process clarity, data-driven decision-making, and measurable impact. The portfolio should not just be a collection of visuals but a narrative of problem-solving, process adherence, and successful outcomes, akin to an operations project portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level UX/UI Product Designer (Level 2) in Cincinnati, OH, with 4+ years of experience in a financial services context, the estimated salary range is approximately $85,000 - $115,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Life and disability insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment, typically 40 hours per week. Extended hours may be required during peak workloads or special projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for comparable roles in the Cincinnati, OH area, considering the experience level and industry. Benefits are typical for a large, established financial institution like Western & Southern Financial Group, designed to attract and retain talent in specialized roles. The mention of "Extended hours required" is common for roles that support critical business cycles or product launches.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance and Investments)

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Estimated 5,000-10,000 employees based on typical profiles for financial institutions of this nature).

Founded: 1888. Western & Southern Financial Group has a long-standing history, suggesting a culture that values stability, tradition, and long-term growth, while also adapting to modern digital demands.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Product Designer will likely be part of a Product Development or Digital Transformation team, reporting to a Design Lead or Product Manager.

• This role will involve close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers (front-end and back-end), marketing specialists, business analysts, and potentially other designers.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a blend of methodologies, with a growing emphasis on user-centered design and agile development practices for digital products.

• Data analysis and user insights are expected to drive design decisions, aligning with a focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration is key, with regular meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions integrated into the workflow.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established financial institution, Western & Southern Financial Group likely balances traditional corporate culture with a drive for digital innovation. The UX/UI designer role is crucial in bridging this gap. Understanding the company's long history can provide context for its approach to change management and digital adoption.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Level 2" Product Designer role is positioned at the mid-career stage. It signifies an individual contributor capable of independent work, handling moderately complex design challenges, and contributing to strategic design discussions. They are expected to mentor junior designers and influence design decisions within their project scope.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of UX/UI, or a Product Manager overseeing specific digital initiatives. They will work closely with development teams, product owners, and business stakeholders.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the customer experience, influencing user adoption, satisfaction, and retention for Western & Southern's digital products. By creating intuitive and effective interfaces, the designer contributes to operational efficiency by reducing support queries, improving task completion rates, and ultimately driving business objectives such as lead generation, policy sales, or investment engagement. Their work directly supports the company's Go-To-Market strategy by ensuring digital touchpoints are positive and effective.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in areas like user research, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX/UI Designer role, leading design efforts on larger projects, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to design strategy.

• Management: Transition into a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Product Management role, overseeing design teams or product roadmaps.

• Cross-functional: Explore opportunities in product management, business analysis, or digital strategy roles, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs and product development.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and certifications, especially in emerging UX/UI trends, tools, and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is typical for design roles, with opportunities for both deep specialization and broader leadership. The "Operations Impact" section connects the design role's output to tangible business outcomes and operational efficiency, highlighting its strategic importance beyond aesthetics.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests a need for physical presence at the Cincinnati headquarters.

Office Location(s): 250 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202. This is a central downtown location, likely within a modern corporate office building typical of large financial institutions.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for in-person interaction with designers, product managers, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Access to standard office technology and design tools will be provided.

• The environment likely fosters a professional atmosphere, aligned with the financial services industry, while encouraging creative problem-solving.

• The office setting facilitates spontaneous collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities integral to design and product development processes.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical. The mention of "Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects" implies a need for flexibility and commitment during critical project phases, common in product development and deployment cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator for candidates. The description of the workspace emphasizes the benefits of in-person collaboration for design and product teams, which can foster stronger team cohesion and more efficient problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing case studies, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This will likely include technical questions related to UX/UI principles, tools, and methodologies.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Further discussion about experience, working style, and cultural fit. This may involve scenario-based questions related to design challenges and collaboration.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role, focusing on web and mobile product design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Emphasize your user-centered approach, design thinking, and the rationale behind your design decisions. Show your work with wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final designs.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback). If exact metrics aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how success would be measured.

• Address Key Requirements: Ensure your portfolio showcases your experience with responsive design, accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA), and Core Web Vitals where applicable.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design tools, collaboration methods, and how you handle feedback and constructive criticism.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design exercises or case studies that may be given during the interview process. These could involve solving a specific design problem or critiquing an existing interface.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to a team.

• Research Western & Southern Financial Group's existing digital products to understand their current design language, user experience, and potential areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored to a design role. For operations candidates, the emphasis on process, measurable outcomes, and strategic alignment within the portfolio review is particularly relevant. Understanding how to "tell a story" with data and process is a transferable skill.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Sketch, Figma (highly preferred), InVision. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in creating interactive prototypes and detailed wireframes.

• Graphic Design: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. Essential for creating visual assets, icons, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Team Foundation Server (TFS), or similar Agile project management software are preferred for workflow tracking and team collaboration.

• Content Management: Familiarity with Sitecore Content Management System is preferred, indicating an understanding of how designs are implemented in a CMS environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Sitecore Analytics. Understanding how to interpret data and user behavior is crucial for informing design decisions and measuring success.

CRM & Automation:

Development Technologies:

• Responsive Web Design: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript. A strong understanding of these foundational web technologies is required to ensure designs are feasible and performant.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the specific software and technologies expected. For operations professionals, understanding the tools used by design and product teams can facilitate better cross-functional collaboration and integration of design outputs into broader GTM or operational workflows. The emphasis on data analytics and CMS integration is particularly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing user needs in all design decisions.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing analytics and research to inform design strategies and measure success.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team environment where ideas are shared openly, and constructive feedback is welcomed.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative solutions and a proactive approach to enhancing user experiences and product performance.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Maintaining high standards for visual design, usability, and technical implementation.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Ensuring digital products are usable by everyone, regardless of ability.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative and iterative approach, common in Agile environments.

• Expect regular cross-functional meetings, design reviews, and co-creation sessions with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders.

• Communication is expected to be clear, concise, and focused on achieving shared objectives. Feedback is seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values reflect a modern approach to product development within a traditional industry, emphasizing user needs and data while valuing collaboration and continuous improvement. This aligns with operational excellence principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Tradition: Integrating modern UX/UI trends and user-centric design within a long-standing financial institution that may have legacy systems and established processes.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and consistent execution of design principles across diverse teams with varying priorities and technical understanding.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the ROI of UX/UI improvements, especially in a sector where customer behavior can be complex and long-term.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Staying current with evolving web and mobile technologies, design tools, and accessibility standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to workshops and courses focused on advanced UX research, interaction design, accessibility compliance, and emerging design trends.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend relevant design and technology conferences to network and learn about best practices.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or product leaders, or to mentor junior team members.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of projects across different product lines within Western & Southern, allowing for diverse skill development.

• Certifications: Support for obtaining industry-recognized certifications in UX/UI design, accessibility, or relevant analytics tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding potential challenges and growth paths is crucial for long-term career planning. The challenges highlight areas where strategic thinking and problem-solving skills are vital, common in operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user experience problem you solved. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving methodology, user-centricity, and ability to deliver measurable results).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints?" (Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and compromise.)

• "Walk me through a project from your portfolio that you are particularly proud of. What was your specific contribution, and what made it successful?" (Be ready to dive deep into your case studies, explaining your rationale and impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Western & Southern Financial Group and our digital products? What opportunities do you see for improving our user experience?" (Research their website, app, and any news to form informed opinions.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and product managers?" (Emphasize your communication skills and understanding of cross-functional teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem/goal), Your Role, Process (research, ideation, design, testing), Solution (key screens, prototypes), Impact (metrics, learnings), Conclusion.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals. Ensure wireframes, user flows, and prototypes are clear and easy to understand.

• Focus on Rationale: For each design decision, explain why you made it, referencing user research, best practices, or business goals.

• Be Concise: Respect the allotted time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and within limits.

• Engage the Audience: Encourage questions and be prepared to discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific interview preparation advice, focusing on how to articulate your design process and impact. For operations roles, the emphasis on structured problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and stakeholder communication is directly transferable.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Product Designer position:

• Submit your application: Ensure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and submitted through the provided application link on the Western & Southern Financial Group careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience in web and mobile product design, user-centered methodologies, and measurable impact, aligning with the requirements outlined.

• Resume Optimization: Enhance your resume with keywords from the job description, such as "User Experience Design," "User Interface Design," "Responsive Web Design," "WCAG 2.1 AA," and specific tools like "Figma" or "Sketch," to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Focus on quantifiable achievements.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review case studies, practice articulating your design process and rationale, and prepare to discuss your experience with user research, prototyping, and accessibility standards. Research Western & Southern's digital presence.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of Western & Southern Financial Group's business, its position in the financial services market, and its current digital offerings to demonstrate your interest and strategic thinking.

⚠️ 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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