UX Product Design, Vice President

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Product Design, Vice President Company: BlackRock Location: Budapest, Hungary Job Type: Full-Time Category: UX/Product Design Leadership Date Posted: 2025-10-07 Experience Level: 7+ Years Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and execute end-to-end product design for complex, data-intensive web applications within BlackRock's Global Markets & Index Investments (B.G.M.) division.
• Drive innovation and ensure user-centered design principles are integrated throughout the entire product development lifecycle, from research and ideation to final delivery.
• Manage and mentor a small team of 2 designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design culture.
• Partner closely with Engineering and Business stakeholders to translate complex requirements and data into elegant, intuitive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Vice President, indicating a significant level of leadership and strategic responsibility. The emphasis on "data-heavy settings" and "complex web apps" strongly suggests a need for deep expertise in designing for sophisticated financial platforms, not just general consumer-facing applications. The hybrid model with 4 days in office points to a highly collaborative environment where in-person interaction is valued for team synergy and apprenticeship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate a compelling product vision and design strategy, aligning with BlackRock's broader company objectives and the specific goals of the B.G.M. division.
• Oversee and conduct comprehensive user research, including synthesis of user interviews, competitor analysis, and quantitative data to identify user needs and pain points.
• Lead the creation of detailed design artifacts such as journey maps, user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI specifications.
• Champion accessibility standards and best practices, ensuring designs are inclusive and meet regulatory requirements where applicable.
• Collaborate extensively with Engineering teams to ensure seamless translation of designs into functional, high-quality products, providing clear specifications and ongoing support.
• Act as the primary advocate for the user in cross-functional discussions, influencing product direction and decision-making at various levels.
• Mentor, coach, and develop direct reports, providing constructive feedback, fostering skill growth, and supporting career progression within the design team.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies within the team and across the broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: hands-on design execution and strategic leadership. The mention of "radical redefinition of how data & analytics are used" implies a significant opportunity for impact and innovation in a critical area for BlackRock.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in product development, UX design, and UI design.
• Demonstrated success in owning and delivering end-to-end design solutions for complex, data-intensive web applications.
• Proven experience throughout the entire product lifecycle: user research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, high-fidelity interface design, and handover to engineering.
• Experience in leading, mentoring, and developing a team of designers, balancing individual contribution with managerial duties.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Deep understanding of UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and best practices.
• Product Design: Ability to conceptualize, design, and deliver intuitive and effective product solutions for complex digital platforms.
• Data Analysis & Synthesis: Proficiency in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions and user insights.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Expertise in creating low-fidelity wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts.
• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• High-Fidelity UI Design: Ability to craft detailed, pixel-perfect UI specifications for development.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively with Engineering, Product Management, and Business stakeholders.
• Team Leadership & Mentoring: Proven experience in guiding, motivating, and developing junior designers.
• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and vision effectively.
• Business Analysis: Capability to understand business requirements and translate them into user-centric design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Financial Industry Knowledge: Previous experience or strong understanding of financial markets, investment products, or trading platforms.
• Complex Data-Dense Application Design: Specific experience designing for applications that handle large volumes of complex data.
• Accessibility Standards: Familiarity with WCAG guidelines and implementing accessible design solutions.
• Journey Mapping & Workflow Design: Experience in mapping user journeys and optimizing complex workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7+ years of experience" combined with a "Vice President" title indicates a senior leadership role. The emphasis on data-dense applications and financial knowledge suggests that candidates with prior experience in FinTech or financial services will have a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating your ownership of the entire product design process from initial problem definition to final UI delivery.
• Problem-Solving Focus: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed in each case study.
• Data-Driven Approach: Illustrate how data (user research, analytics, stakeholder input) informed your design decisions at each stage.
• Process Documentation: Detail your design methodology, including research techniques, ideation processes, prototyping tools used, and user testing approaches.
• UI/UX Deliverables: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.
• Collaboration & Iteration: Highlight how you collaborated with engineering and other stakeholders, and demonstrate instances of design iteration based on feedback.
• Impact Measurement: Where possible, showcase the impact of your designs, ideally with quantifiable results (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting complex user workflows and system interactions.
• Showcase an ability to create clear design specifications and guidelines for engineering implementation.
• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained design systems, style guides, or component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a VP-level role, the portfolio should not just showcase individual design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to drive process improvements. Case studies should emphasize the why and how behind design decisions and their resulting business impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimate: Given the Vice President title, 7+ years of experience, and the Budapest location for a global financial institution like BlackRock, the estimated salary range is €70,000 - €110,000 per year.
• Methodology: This estimate is based on research of VP-level Product Design roles in major European cities, adjusted for the cost of living and typical compensation structures in Budapest. BlackRock is a large, established financial firm, suggesting compensation would be competitive within the market. The specific range will depend on the candidate's exact experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Retirement Investment & Tools: Comprehensive plans and resources to support long-term financial planning and retirement savings.
• Education Reimbursement: Support for continuous learning, professional development, and advanced studies.
• Physical Health Support: Resources and programs aimed at promoting employee physical well-being.
• Emotional Well-Being Support: Access to mental health services, counseling, and wellness programs.
• Family Support Programs: Initiatives designed to assist employees with family-related needs and responsibilities.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO): A generous policy allowing employees to take time off for rest, recharge, and personal needs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are estimated at 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers flexibility, but the role requires significant in-office presence (4 days/week) to foster collaboration and team integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the Budapest market for a VP-level design role at a major financial institution. Actual compensation may vary. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting BlackRock's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services & Investment Management. BlackRock is a global leader, leveraging technology to provide investment management, risk management, and advisory services. Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees). This implies structured processes, significant career opportunities, and a global reach, but also potentially a more formal corporate environment. Founded: 1988. With decades of experience, BlackRock has established a strong reputation and deep expertise in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• UX Design Team: A small, focused team of 2 designers reporting directly to the VP. This structure allows for close mentorship and high impact from each team member.
• Reporting: The VP of Product Design will likely report into a Director or Senior Leader within the B.G.M. division's technology or product organization.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role necessitates close partnership with Engineering, Product Management, Business Analysts, and potentially other design teams across BlackRock.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong emphasis on using data and analytics to inform product strategy and design choices.
• User-Centricity: Commitment to understanding and addressing user needs through research and iterative design.
• Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, requiring close collaboration with development teams and iterative delivery.
• Strategic Planning: Focus on defining a clear vision and roadmap for product design initiatives.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: BlackRock's culture is characterized by a strong mission-driven approach, a focus on performance, and a commitment to innovation through technology. For a design leader, this means balancing user advocacy with business objectives in a complex, regulated industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Vice President (VP) - This is a senior leadership position, typically signifying significant experience, strategic influence, and management responsibilities within a specific domain. For a UX Product Design VP, it means shaping the design strategy, leading a team, and impacting product direction at a high level.

Reporting Structure: The VP will manage a small team of designers and report to a higher-level executive (e.g., Director of Product, Head of Design, or a senior leader within B.G.M.). This structure allows for direct access to senior leadership and the ability to influence strategic decisions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the usability and effectiveness of BlackRock's digital products within Global Markets & Index Investments. By crafting intuitive user experiences for complex web applications, the VP will contribute to:

• Improved client engagement and satisfaction.
• Increased operational efficiency for internal users.
• Enhanced data utilization and decision-making capabilities.
• Strengthened competitive positioning through superior product design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanded Leadership Scope: Potential to grow into managing larger design teams, overseeing multiple product areas, or taking on broader strategic design responsibilities within BlackRock.
• Domain Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services UX, becoming a recognized authority within the company and industry.
• Cross-Departmental Mobility: Opportunities to transition into related roles such as Product Management, Program Management, or strategic initiatives within the B.G.M. division or other BlackRock business units.
• Professional Development: Access to leadership training, executive coaching, and industry conferences to enhance skills and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The VP title at BlackRock implies a clear path for further advancement, either within design leadership or into broader product strategy roles, especially given the critical nature of UX to their technology-driven business model.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model. Employees are expected to work 4 days per week in the office, with 1 day of remote work flexibility. This model is designed to foster collaboration, mentorship, and a strong sense of team culture. Office Location(s): The role is based in Budapest, Hungary. However, the UX design team and B.G.M. division have a global presence, with hubs in San Francisco, London, New York, Gurgaon, and Mumbai. This suggests opportunities for cross-border collaboration and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model emphasizes in-person collaboration, suggesting an office designed for team meetings, workshops, and spontaneous interactions.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (like Figma), collaboration platforms, and potentially internal BlackRock systems for research and data analysis.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with direct reports, peers in Engineering and Product, and senior leadership, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with the hybrid model offering some flexibility around the remote day. However, the demanding nature of a VP role in financial services may require occasional flexibility beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines or address urgent issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is crucial for understanding the day-to-day work environment. The expectation of 4 days in the office highlights a company culture that values face-to-face interaction for effective teamwork and knowledge transfer, particularly important for leadership roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, leadership style, and approach to product design, focusing on your ability to lead strategy and manage a team.
• Portfolio Presentation & UX Exercise: You will likely be asked to present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Candidates who proceed will also be required to complete a UX development exercise, which they will then present to the team.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Engineering, Product Management, and potentially other design leaders to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Executive Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, business acumen, and overall fit for the VP role within BlackRock.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best showcase your experience with complex, data-dense web applications and your leadership capabilities. Prioritize quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the tangible outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Leadership: Demonstrate how you mentored team members, influenced stakeholders, and drove design strategy.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to support the success of your designs.
• Prepare for the Exercise: Understand the typical format of a UX development exercise (e.g., a design challenge, critique, or problem-solving task) and practice articulating your thought process under pressure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research BlackRock's business, specifically the Global Markets & Index Investments division, and common challenges in designing for financial platforms.
• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your design decisions, trade-offs, and the rationale behind them.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a robust and adaptable design process that can handle complexity and ambiguity.
• Showcase Leadership: Be prepared to discuss how you would lead a team, foster collaboration, and advocate for user needs within a corporate environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a UX development exercise and presentation is a key differentiator. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase past work but also demonstrate their real-time problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking relevant to BlackRock's specific needs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect advanced usage for complex component systems and interactive prototypes.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Axure) might be beneficial for diverse project needs.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior and measure product performance.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or internal BlackRock analytics platforms to interpret complex data and inform design.
• Business Intelligence (BI) Tools: Understanding of how to access and interpret BI reports to gain insights into product usage and market trends.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) might inform user segmentation or business context could be advantageous.
• Familiarity with workflow automation concepts, especially as they relate to user processes within complex applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is critical. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate advanced proficiency. The emphasis on "data-heavy settings" and "complex web apps" implies a need to work with sophisticated data visualization and analytics tools to translate business and user data into actionable design insights.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to BlackRock's core mission of helping more people experience financial well-being. This translates to designing products that genuinely serve client needs.
• Integrity & Transparency: Upholding the highest ethical standards in financial services and in design practices.
• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing teamwork across departments (Design, Engineering, Business) to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation & Excellence: Continuously seeking new ways to improve products, processes, and client outcomes through technology and design.
• Data-Driven Approach: Relying on data and rigorous analysis to inform decisions and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

• User-Centric Advocacy: The design team acts as the voice of the user, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed throughout the product development process.
• Partnership with Engineering: A close working relationship with engineers is essential for effective implementation, problem-solving, and iterative development.
• Strategic Alignment: Design leaders actively engage with business stakeholders to ensure design initiatives are aligned with strategic objectives and deliver measurable business value.
• Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement, both within the design team and across cross-functional partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: BlackRock's emphasis on its mission and values is a key aspect of its culture. For a design leader, this means understanding how to align design choices with these broader principles, particularly in a regulated industry where trust and reliability are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Financial Data: Designing intuitive interfaces for highly complex, data-intensive financial applications requires deep understanding and careful information architecture.
• Balancing User Needs with Business/Regulatory Requirements: Navigating the constraints of financial regulations and business objectives while advocating for optimal user experience.
• Global Stakeholder Management: Collaborating effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders across different time zones and cultures.
• Driving Design Adoption: Ensuring user-centered design principles are consistently applied and valued across different product teams and business units.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of new design technologies, methodologies, and user expectations in the fast-paced financial technology landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Financial Services Expertise: Deepen knowledge of investment management, global markets, and financial technologies.
• Leadership Development: Access to formal leadership training programs, executive coaching, and opportunities to lead strategic initiatives.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX, product design, and financial technology conferences.
• Mentorship: Opportunities for mentorship from senior leaders within BlackRock and potentially through industry networks.
• Cross-Functional Skill Enhancement: Gaining exposure to product management, business strategy, and engineering practices within a leading financial institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior design roles in the financial sector, requiring a blend of technical design skill, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal abilities to navigate complex organizational dynamics and technical requirements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly complex, data-dense application. What were the key challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and outcomes.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and regulatory constraints in your design process?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and negotiation skills.)
• "How would you define and drive a product design vision for a new digital initiative within our B.G.M. division?" (Showcase strategic leadership and alignment with company goals.)
• "Discuss your approach to mentoring and developing junior designers. What are your strategies for fostering a high-performing team?" (Highlight your leadership and people management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about BlackRock's mission, and how do you see UX design contributing to it?" (Show you've done your research and understand the company's purpose.)
• "How would you foster collaboration between design, engineering, and product teams in a hybrid work environment?" (Address your understanding of hybrid collaboration dynamics and your approach.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate strongly for a design decision that faced resistance. How did you handle it?" (Assess your communication, persuasion, and resilience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career and leadership philosophy. Then, dive into 2-3 case studies, dedicating ample time to each.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the "why" and "so what" – the business impact and user value derived from your work. Quantify results whenever possible.
• Highlight Leadership: For each case study, articulate your specific role, your decision-making process, and how you influenced the outcome. If you led a team on a project, explain your role in managing and guiding them.
• Interactive Elements: Be prepared for questions throughout your presentation. If possible, include interactive elements in your prototype demos.
• Prepare for the UX Exercise: Understand that this is a practical test of your skills. Be ready to articulate your thought process, justify your design choices, and handle feedback constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss not only their individual design contributions but also their strategic thinking, leadership experience, and ability to drive impact within a large, complex organization like BlackRock. The UX exercise is a critical component, so practicing problem-solving and articulation under pressure is essential.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight 7+ years of experience in product development and UX/UI, emphasizing achievements in complex, data-dense web applications and any leadership/mentorship experience.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product development, problem-solving, data utilization, and impact. Ensure they align with the requirements for complex web apps and ideally financial products.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your process, highlighting your leadership role, and quantifying results. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentorship and cross-functional collaboration.
• Research BlackRock: Familiarize yourself with BlackRock's mission, values, the B.G.M. division, and recent industry trends in financial technology and UX design. Understand how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals.
• Prepare for the UX Exercise: Anticipate a design challenge and practice articulating your strategy, decision-making process, and rationale under time constraints.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.