UX Product Design, Vice President

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Product Design, Vice President
Company: BlackRock
Location: Budapest, Hungary
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / User Experience
Date Posted: 2025-10-06
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and define the strategic vision for product design within BlackRock Global Markets & Index Investments (B.G.M.), aligning with overarching company objectives.
• Drive excellence in user-centered design practices across the entire product lifecycle, from initial research and conceptualization to detailed delivery and engineering collaboration.
• Function as a hands-on design leader, managing a small team of two designers while also contributing directly to design execution for complex, data-intensive web applications.
• Champion high-quality usability and user experience at executive and cross-functional levels, advocating for the voice of the user in all decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Vice President, indicating a significant level of strategic responsibility and leadership. The emphasis on both hands-on execution and team management suggests a need for a candidate who can operate effectively at multiple levels. The "data-heavy settings" and "complex web apps" context points towards a need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills within the design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate a clear product design vision that directly supports and aligns with BlackRock's strategic business objectives and the specific goals of B.G.M.
• Oversee and execute the end-to-end product design process, including user research, stakeholder interviews, data analysis, journey mapping, workflow design, wireframing, prototyping, and the creation of high-fidelity UI specifications.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of direct reports, fostering a collaborative, high-performing design culture, and providing clear career development paths and constructive feedback.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Business partners to identify user needs, explore innovative solutions, prioritize features, and ensure seamless translation of designs into functional, high-quality products.
• Advocate for design best practices, including accessibility standards, system guidelines, and comprehensive documentation, ensuring consistency and quality across all digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: strategic leadership in defining product vision and hands-on execution of the design process. The mention of "data-intensive applications," "business analysis," and "teasing out requirements" suggests a need for strong analytical skills to translate complex financial data and business needs into intuitive user experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in product development, UX/UI design, with a proven track record of owning end-to-end design in data-intensive, complex web applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to conduct user research, synthesize findings, and translate them into actionable design strategies.
• Expertise in creating journey maps, workflows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed high-fidelity UI specifications.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.
• Demonstrated experience in designing for complex, data-dense desktop applications and understanding business analysis to elicit requirements.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities, alongside the ability to produce high-quality design work.
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration and stakeholder management.
• Experience with accessibility standards and promoting inclusive design principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of financial markets or previous experience within a financial services company.
• Familiarity with BlackRock's specific investment products and services, such as Index Investments, Cash Management, Global Trading, ETF Markets, Securities Lending, and Financing & Financial Resource Management.
• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and a VP title suggests a senior-level candidate. The explicit mention of "data-intensive web applications" and "complex desktop applications" points to a need for expertise in enterprise-level software design, rather than consumer-facing apps. Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product development case studies.
• Demonstrations of how complex problems were approached, analyzed, and solved through design.
• Ideally, case studies should feature data-dense desktop applications, reflecting the nature of the work at BlackRock.
• Evidence of user research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and successful handoff to engineering.
• Examples that highlight strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a user-centered approach.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, detailing how they gather requirements, conduct research, iterate on designs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate adherence to design system principles and accessibility guidelines.
• Ability to explain how designs were validated and how feedback was incorporated to improve the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end product development" and "complex problems" within the portfolio requirements indicates that candidates should prepare to walk through their design journey for specific projects, highlighting their decision-making rationale and impact. Case studies focused on data visualization or complex workflow management will be particularly relevant.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Vice President level UX Product Design role in Budapest, Hungary, with 7+ years of experience and financial industry knowledge, the estimated annual gross salary range is typically between €70,000 to €100,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the precise scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Retirement investment and tools designed to help in building a sound financial future.
• Access to education reimbursement programs.
• Comprehensive resources to support physical health and emotional well-being.
• Family support programs.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) for rest and rejuvenation.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment in Hungary. The role operates under a hybrid work model, requiring employees to be in the office at least 4 days per week, with the flexibility of working from home 1 day a week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures are estimates based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/Product Design roles in major European cities, adjusted for Budapest's cost of living and the financial services sector. Exact compensation will be determined by BlackRock's internal compensation structure and the candidate's specific qualifications. The hybrid model with 4 days in office is a key aspect of the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Asset Management, Investment Management). BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management, and advisory services for institutional and retail clients.

Company Size: BlackRock is a large, publicly traded company. While the exact number of employees for the specific division isn't stated, the company as a whole employs tens of thousands globally. This scale implies robust processes, significant resources, and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: BlackRock was founded in 1988. Its history is marked by significant growth and strategic acquisitions, establishing it as a dominant force in the financial industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is part of BlackRock Global Markets & Index Investments (B.G.M.).
• The VP will lead a small, dedicated team of two designers.
• The team operates within a larger B.G.M. division focused on redefining data and analytics usage.
• Collaboration is expected with Engineering, Business stakeholders, and potentially other design teams across BlackRock's global offices.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design, data analysis, and strategic product vision.
• Driving innovation and performance through technology and data insights.
• A hybrid work model fostering collaboration and apprenticeship.
• Commitment to delivering "superior market access and index investment outcomes" for clients.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "financial well-being" and "global economy" underscores its significant impact. The B.G.M. division's ambition to "radically redefine how data & analytics are used" indicates a forward-thinking, innovation-driven environment where UX design plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Vice President (VP) level, signifying senior leadership. It requires a blend of strategic thinking, team management, and hands-on execution. This level typically involves significant autonomy and responsibility for key product areas.

Reporting Structure: The UX Product Design VP will likely report to a Director or Senior Director within the B.G.M. division, potentially heading up Product or Technology for that segment. They will directly manage a small team of two designers, fostering a close working relationship and direct mentorship.

Operations Impact: The UX Design VP's impact will be critical in how effectively clients and internal stakeholders interact with BlackRock's digital products. By creating intuitive, efficient, and data-rich experiences, this role directly influences client satisfaction, operational efficiency, adoption rates of new tools, and ultimately, the success of B.G.M.'s investment strategies and market access offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow the design team and take on responsibility for a broader portfolio of products within B.G.M. or other BlackRock divisions.
• Strategic Influence: Deeper involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and executive-level decision-making related to digital product development.
• Industry Specialization: Further development of expertise in financial technology (FinTech), complex data visualization, and enterprise-level UX design within the asset management sector.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead design initiatives that span multiple departments and geographies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The VP title implies a significant opportunity for career advancement within BlackRock, moving towards senior executive roles in Product, Design, or Technology leadership. The role's direct impact on client outcomes and internal efficiency makes it a high-visibility position with substantial growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: BlackRock operates a hybrid work model, requiring employees to spend at least 4 days per week in the office. The Budapest office is located at GTC White House, Vaci ut 47, District XIII, suggesting a modern, professional corporate office environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office location for this role is Budapest, Hungary. However, the team has a global presence with members also based in San Francisco, London, New York, Gurgaon, and Mumbai, indicating a highly collaborative, distributed team structure.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, apprenticeship, and interaction, which is crucial for the hybrid model.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma, will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, product managers, and business stakeholders will be frequent, facilitating a dynamic and integrated workflow.
• The Budapest office is expected to offer a professional and well-equipped workspace to support the hybrid model and team collaboration.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement allowing for one day of remote work. This structure aims to balance focused individual work with the benefits of in-person collaboration and team synergy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a significant in-office presence emphasizes BlackRock's commitment to in-person collaboration for learning, mentorship, and innovation, especially for new joiners. The global distribution of the team means cross-cultural communication and asynchronous collaboration will also be key aspects of the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR and hiring manager review of applications and portfolios, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with the VP level.
• Design Exercise: Candidates will be required to complete a UX development exercise, likely involving a case study or problem-solving scenario relevant to data-intensive financial applications.
• Presentation & Interview: Candidates will present their UX development exercise to the team and engage in interviews. These interviews will assess strategic thinking, design process, leadership capabilities, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Further interviews with key stakeholders from Engineering, Product Management, and Business units to evaluate cross-functional collaboration potential.
• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, leadership potential, and ability to drive design vision and execution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase End-to-End Ownership: Clearly articulate your role and contributions from initial problem definition through to final delivery and impact.
• Highlight Data-Dense Applications: Prioritize case studies involving complex data visualization, analytical tools, or intricate workflows, as these are highly relevant to BlackRock's domain.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving Methodology: Explain your design process, including research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping strategy, and how you arrived at your final solutions.
• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success and impact of your designs.
• Tailor to BlackRock: Briefly explain why your skills and experience are a strong fit for BlackRock's mission and the specific challenges of the B.G.M. division.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to complex UX challenges, particularly those involving large datasets, intricate user flows, and enterprise-level applications.
• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to senior leadership.
• Understand BlackRock's business and the financial services industry to better contextualize your solutions during the UX development exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "UX development exercise" and subsequent presentation is a critical component. Candidates should prepare a specific project that best highlights their end-to-end capabilities in complex, data-driven environments and be ready to walk through their thought process and decisions in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design. Proficiency is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is specified, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) may be beneficial for understanding broader industry practices.
• User Research Tools: Experience with platforms for surveys, usability testing, and participant recruitment (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with data analysis tools and concepts relevant to understanding user behavior and product performance. This could include tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal BI platforms.
• Ability to interpret data to inform design decisions and measure the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for design, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and workflow automation tools impact user experience in enterprise environments can be advantageous.
• Awareness of how design outputs integrate with engineering workflows and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the only explicitly mentioned tool, making it a non-negotiable requirement. However, a VP-level candidate is expected to be proficient in a range of design and research tools and understand how to leverage data for design decisions. Experience with enterprise-level tools and integrations would be a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A core value at BlackRock, emphasizing the delivery of "superior market access and index investment outcomes" to clients. Design decisions should always consider client needs and benefits.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The ambition to "radically redefine how data & analytics are used" highlights a strong emphasis on leveraging data to inform strategy and execution.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: The hybrid model and global team structure necessitate strong collaborative skills and a willingness to work effectively across diverse teams and geographies.
• Innovation & Excellence: Driving "invention excellence" and delivering high-quality, usable products is paramount.
• Integrity & Accountability: As a financial institution, maintaining high ethical standards and taking ownership of outcomes are fundamental.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with Engineering and Business stakeholders is essential for success. This involves active participation in planning, problem-solving, and feedback loops.
• Mentorship & Development: A culture that supports leading, mentoring, and developing team members, fostering a growth mindset.
• Transparent Communication: Open and honest communication is key, especially in a global, hybrid environment, to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
• User Advocacy: Consistently representing the user's perspective in all discussions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on client well-being and financial expertise implies a culture that values rigor, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of complex systems. The design team's role in enabling data-driven insights underscores the importance of analytical rigor within design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Financial Data: Translating highly complex financial data and intricate market operations into intuitive and actionable user interfaces for diverse user groups.
• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Effectively leading a small team and managing hands-on design work simultaneously, ensuring both high-level strategy and detailed execution are met.
• Global Collaboration: Coordinating design efforts and maintaining consistency across multiple time zones and cultural contexts within a distributed team.
• Driving Change in a Large Organization: Advocating for user-centered design principles and implementing new processes within a large, established financial institution.
• Navigating Technical Constraints: Working closely with engineering to understand and manage technical limitations while still delivering innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Financial Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of asset management, index investments, and global markets, which can lead to specialized UX expertise in FinTech.
• Leadership Development: Honing management and strategic leadership skills through direct team leadership and executive-level engagement.
• Exposure to Enterprise-Scale Design: Working on products that impact global markets and large client bases, offering unique challenges and learning experiences.
• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Opportunities to learn from experienced leaders within BlackRock's product and technology organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the inherent complexity of the financial domain and the need to simplify it for users through design. Candidates will need to demonstrate resilience, strong problem-solving skills, and an ability to adapt to the specific demands of enterprise financial software design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for defining a product design vision that aligns with business objectives. How would you approach this at BlackRock?"
• "How do you balance hands-on design work with the responsibilities of leading and mentoring a team?"
• "Walk me through how you would translate complex financial data and requirements into an intuitive user experience for a new trading analytics tool."
• "What are your strategies for ensuring accessibility and design system consistency across a global product suite?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about BlackRock and the B.G.M. division's mission?"
• "How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing design culture within a small team?"
• "How do you represent the voice of the user in cross-functional discussions with engineering and business stakeholders?"
• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision that faced resistance. How did you handle it?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: Begin with the problem statement, your role, the challenges, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the measurable impact.
• Focus on Data-Density: Highlight specific examples of how you've designed for complex data sets, visualizations, and analytical tools.
• Articulate Your Decisions: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, referencing user research, data, and business goals.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not just a presentation. Be ready to answer questions about your process and decisions.
• Showcase Leadership: Weave in examples of how you've mentored, collaborated, or led initiatives within your case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to handle complex, data-driven design problems and their leadership potential. Preparing specific examples that align with the financial industry and enterprise software will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Product Design, Vice President position:

• Visit the BlackRock careers portal via the provided URL: https://blackrock.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/BlackRock_Professional/job/BU3-Budapest-GTC-White-House-Vaci-ut-47-District-XIII-Budapest/UX-Product-Design--Vice-President_R257256
• Submit your application, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to the requirements of this VP-level role.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating end-to-end design for complex, data-intensive web applications, ideally within a financial context.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight your years of experience, leadership achievements, proficiency in Figma, and experience with enterprise design challenges. Use keywords like "UX Product Design," "Vice President," "Data-Dense Applications," "Figma," and "Team Leadership."
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly review potential interview questions, practice presenting your portfolio case studies, and prepare for the UX development exercise. Research BlackRock's business and the B.G.M. division's objectives.
• Company Research: Understand BlackRock's mission, values, and its position in the financial services industry. Familiarize yourself with their approach to technology and client service.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary ranges and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with BlackRock during the application and interview stages.