UX Design Lead - Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Lead - Manager Company: PwC Location: Dallas, Texas, United States (with flexibility for Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; New York, NY) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design / Product Innovation / Management Date Posted: October 27, 2025 Experience Level: Manager (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of user experience (UX) design initiatives, focusing on creating intuitive and impactful digital products.
• Manage and mentor a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that drives high-quality design outcomes.
• Integrate AI technologies and data-driven insights into the design process to enhance user experiences and product innovation.
• Oversee project lifecycles from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to quality standards, timelines, and client expectations within PwC's consulting framework.
• Drive the development of AI-enabled digital solutions that align with PwC's strategic goals and client needs, emphasizing cutting-edge software and product innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Manager within PwC's software and product innovation practice, specifically focusing on User Experience Design. The emphasis on AI technologies, agile development, and leadership suggests a strategic function requiring not only design expertise but also team management and a forward-thinking approach to digital product creation within a consulting context. The inclusion of multiple potential office locations indicates a hybrid or flexible on-site model, with travel expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end UX design process for complex digital products, from user research and ideation to wireframing, prototyping, and final UI design.
• Manage a team of UX/UI designers, providing mentorship, coaching, and performance feedback to foster professional growth and ensure project success.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders, to translate user needs and business requirements into effective design solutions.
• Champion the integration of AI technologies and data analytics into the design workflow to inform decisions, personalize user experiences, and drive innovation.
• Conduct and oversee user research, usability testing, and journey mapping exercises to gather insights and validate design concepts.
• Ensure design deliverables meet PwC's quality standards, brand guidelines, and client expectations, while managing project timelines and budgets effectively.
• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, particularly in AI-assisted design and data visualization, and advocate for their adoption.
• Facilitate design thinking workshops and brainstorming sessions to foster a creative and inclusive team culture.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of PwC's design methodologies and standards.
• Manage client relationships and present design strategies and solutions to stakeholders, effectively articulating the value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design leadership, team management, and strategic input. The emphasis on "AI-driven digital products" and "AI technologies" indicates a need for designers who are not only proficient in traditional UX/UI but also understand how to leverage artificial intelligence in design. The role requires strong stakeholder management and the ability to navigate a consulting environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a similar role, with a strong focus on technology-driven or AI-enabled environments.
• Proven experience in a leadership or management capacity, guiding design teams and projects.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, InVision, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience with user research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, and persona development.
• Strong understanding of usability testing principles and techniques.
• Ability to create detailed user flows, journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Experience working within Agile product development frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale to diverse audiences.
• Project management skills, including planning, execution, and delivery oversight.

Preferred Skills:

• Master's Degree in Design, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools and workflows.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience in consulting or professional services environments.
• Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and leverage emerging technologies in design.
• Portfolio showcasing a range of complex digital product design projects, with an emphasis on AI-enabled solutions or technology-driven environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of core UX/UI expertise, leadership capabilities, and a forward-looking understanding of AI in design. The preference for a Master's degree and specific tool proficiencies, particularly in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, are key indicators of the expected technical depth. Experience in Agile and consulting environments is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in UX/UI and product design, with a focus on technology-driven or AI-enabled applications.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, design process, user research conducted, design solutions, and measurable outcomes.
• Examples of how you have leveraged user feedback and data to iteratively improve designs.
• Showcase of leadership and mentoring experience, with examples of how you have guided and developed design teams.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in defining and optimizing design workflows, including user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases.
• Examples of how you have implemented or improved design processes to enhance efficiency, quality, and collaboration, particularly within Agile environments.
• Documentation or case studies illustrating the application of AI or advanced analytics in the design process.
• Demonstration of how you manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Design Lead role at a firm like PwC, the portfolio is critical. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic design skills but also strategic thinking, user-centric problem-solving, and proven leadership in managing design processes and teams. The emphasis on AI and technology-driven environments means the portfolio should highlight projects that reflect these areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $99,000 - $232,000 annually Estimated Bonus Potential: Individuals may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid Holiday Pay.
• Generous Vacation time.
• Personal and Family Sick Leave.
• Additional benefits as detailed at: https://pwc.to/benefits-at-a-glance

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site with up to 20% travel.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Manager-level UX Design role in major US metropolitan areas. The inclusion of specific benefits and the reference to an external benefits overview page provide valuable information for candidates. The travel requirement of up to 20% should be factored into the overall work-life balance consideration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting (Technology & Innovation focus) Company Size: Large Enterprise (PwC is a global network of firms with over 327,000 employees worldwide) Founded: 1998 (as PricewaterhouseCoopers)

Team Structure:

• This role sits within PwC's software and product innovation practice, specifically in User Experience Design.
• The UX Design team likely operates as a specialized unit within broader technology consulting or digital transformation service lines.
• Managers are expected to lead teams, report to senior leadership (e.g., Directors, Partners), and collaborate extensively with other PwC service lines and client teams.

Methodology:

• PwC emphasizes a client-centric approach, leveraging its global expertise and methodologies to deliver innovative solutions.
• The team likely operates using Agile methodologies for product development, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Design processes are expected to be rigorous, adhering to professional and technical standards, and incorporating emerging technologies like AI.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's culture is characterized by professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to client service. For this role, there's a strong emphasis on innovation, technology adoption (especially AI), and collaborative problem-solving within a structured consulting framework. The scale of PwC means opportunities for diverse project exposure and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Manager

• This level signifies a transition from individual contributor to leadership. Managers are responsible for leading project teams, managing client relationships, and contributing to business development. They are expected to develop strong domain expertise, hone their leadership and client-facing skills, and begin contributing to practice development.

Reporting Structure:

• The UX Design Lead - Manager will typically report to a Senior Manager, Director, or Partner within the relevant PwC practice (e.g., Digital & Technology, Experience Design).
• They will directly manage a team of UX/UI designers, potentially including junior designers, senior designers, and other specialized roles.

Operations Impact:

• The impact is significant, directly influencing the usability, adoption, and success of digital products developed for PwC's clients.
• By leading innovative UX design, this role contributes to PwC's reputation as a leader in digital transformation and AI-driven solutions, impacting client satisfaction, revenue generation, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in AI-assisted design, data visualization, and advanced user research techniques. Develop strategic planning and business development skills.
• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior Manager, Director, or Partner roles, taking on larger teams, more complex client engagements, and greater strategic responsibilities within the firm.
• Specialization: Focus on specific industry verticals or emerging technology areas within UX design.
• Learning & Development: Access PwC's extensive training programs, certifications, and mentorship opportunities to continuously enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Manager level at PwC is a crucial step for career progression, demanding a balance of technical leadership, people management, and client advisory skills. The growth path is well-defined, leading towards senior leadership roles and significant strategic impact within the firm's digital transformation offerings.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Professional office environment within PwC's established locations. Office Location(s): Dallas, TX (2121 North Pearl Street); Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; New York, NY.

• These are major business hubs, offering excellent infrastructure and accessibility. The specific office assigned will depend on the candidate's preference and business needs.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with access to modern office amenities, meeting rooms, and technology infrastructure.
• Expect a dynamic environment where interaction with colleagues, clients, and cross-functional teams is common.
• The role requires a balance of focused individual work (designing, analyzing) and collaborative activities (meetings, workshops, team discussions).
• Access to relevant design software, hardware, and collaborative platforms is standard.

Work Schedule:

• Primarily on-site, aligning with typical business hours (e.g., 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday).
• The role requires up to 20% travel, which may involve client sites or other PwC offices.
• Flexibility may be offered for personal needs, but client demands and project timelines will dictate work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in major cities suggests a focus on in-person collaboration and client engagement, which is typical for consulting roles. The travel component is moderate and should be manageable for most professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume for basic qualifications.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on experience, leadership style, team management approach, and understanding of UX principles.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, design process, challenges, and outcomes. This is a critical stage to assess design thinking and communication skills.
4. Skills-Based Assessment/Case Study: A potential exercise involving a design challenge or problem-solving scenario to evaluate practical skills and strategic thinking.
5. Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, senior leaders, and cross-functional collaborators to assess cultural fit and collaboration potential.
6. Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize assessment and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest and most relevant projects, prioritizing those showcasing AI integration, complex problem-solving, and leadership.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the business problem, user needs, your role and contributions, the design process, key decisions, challenges faced, and the final results (quantifiable if possible).
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your role in mentoring, team collaboration, and driving design strategy.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate your UX process, including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing methodologies.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, conflict resolution, and your experience with AI in design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with PwC's services and recent innovations, particularly in digital transformation and AI.
• Practice articulating your design process and decision-making logic concisely.
• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge relevant to PwC's client base.
• Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and PwC's approach to UX and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate both technical UX skills and leadership/consulting capabilities. The portfolio review is paramount, and candidates should prepare to deeply articulate their contributions and strategic thinking. Understanding PwC's business context and their focus on AI will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly preferred), Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Sketch, InVision, Axure RP.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Tableau, Power BI, Mixpanel.
• Tools for A/B testing and conversion rate optimization.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms is beneficial for understanding client ecosystems, though not primary tools for UX design.
• Understanding of API integrations and how they impact user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a strong differentiator given its industry prevalence. The ability to work with a range of user research, collaboration, and analytics tools is essential for a comprehensive UX role, especially one that emphasizes data-driven design and AI integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, client delivery, and professional conduct.
• Integrity: Upholding PwC's code of conduct and ethical standards in all interactions.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues.
• Innovation: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and creative approaches to solve complex problems.
• Client Focus: Deeply understanding client needs and delivering solutions that drive value and success.
• Impact: Focusing on delivering tangible, measurable results for clients and the firm.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Active collaboration with product managers, engineers, business analysts, and client stakeholders is expected.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent feedback, constructive criticism, and knowledge sharing.
• Mentorship & Development: A culture of continuous learning and mutual development, where senior members actively mentor junior colleagues.
• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: PwC's values are foundational to its culture. For this role, expect a highly professional, collaborative environment that values innovation, client success, and ethical practice. The emphasis on teamwork and continuous learning is particularly relevant for a leadership position managing a design team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Best Practices: Navigating client demands, budget constraints, and timelines while ensuring optimal user experience and design integrity.
• Integrating AI Effectively: Translating the potential of AI into practical, user-centric design solutions that deliver real value, rather than simply incorporating buzzwords.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations across various client and internal teams with different priorities.
• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, AI capabilities, and digital trends.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to PwC's extensive internal training programs on UX, AI, digital strategy, and leadership.
• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in UX, design thinking, or AI.
• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from mentorship from senior leaders within PwC's extensive network.
• Cross-Industry Exposure: Work on projects across various industries (e.g., Financial Services, Healthcare, Technology), broadening your understanding of different business challenges and user contexts.
• Leadership Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression within PwC's consulting structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior design leadership role in consulting, requiring strong problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging PwC's extensive resources for professional development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature for [mention a relevant PwC client industry, e.g., financial services] that personalizes user recommendations?
• Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centric design decision against strong business or technical opposition. What was the outcome?
• How do you ensure your design team stays current with rapidly evolving technologies like AI and new design tools?
• What is your philosophy on mentoring junior designers, and how do you foster their growth?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What interests you most about PwC's approach to innovation and AI in design?
• How do you see yourself contributing to PwC's culture of collaboration and continuous learning?
• How have you previously adapted your leadership style to different team dynamics or project needs?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Use a consistent framework for each project (Problem, Solution, Process, Outcome).
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated their feedback.
• Highlight Leadership: Point out instances where you guided team members, made strategic design decisions, or influenced project direction.
• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your narrative to ensure it flows well and captures the interviewer's attention. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only strong UX skills but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and an understanding of PwC's business context, especially regarding AI and consulting services. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Lead - Manager position:

• Visit the PwC Careers website and search for Job ID 676318WD to submit your application.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords from the job description, focusing on leadership experience, AI in design, UX/UI expertise, Agile methodologies, and specific tools like Figma. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, well-organized, and ready for presentation. Select projects that best align with the requirements, especially those involving technology or AI.
• Research PwC: Understand PwC's digital transformation services, their stance on AI, and their company values. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and answers to common interview questions, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and demonstrating your leadership 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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