UX Project Leader

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Project Leader Company: Mercado Libre Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design Operations Date Posted: November 04, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and execution of digital experiences with a strong emphasis on visual impact to enhance user-seller connections within the Mercado Libre ecosystem.
• Collaborate intrinsically with Product and Development teams to define strategic objectives, drive conversion rate optimization, and ensure the successful delivery of design initiatives.
• Champion the quality assurance of visual elements throughout the project lifecycle, including handoff, execution, and ongoing monitoring.
• Proactively identify opportunities for design debt resolution and user experience enhancements, leveraging data and user insights to inform strategic decisions.
• Integrate artificial intelligence (AI) principles and tools to streamline design processes, boost efficiency, and contribute to the continuous evolution of the product.
• Conduct ongoing market research and benchmarking to stay ahead of disruptive design trends and maintain a competitive edge in user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role title "UX Project Leader" suggests a blend of design expertise and project management responsibilities. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the emphasis on conversion improvement, product development collaboration, and optimizing user experience for business objectives aligns with the strategic goals managed by operations teams. This role will likely interface heavily with GTM (Go-To-Market) strategies by ensuring the user-facing aspects of the platform directly contribute to sales and revenue targets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design intuitive, visually compelling digital interfaces that foster robust connections between Mercado Libre's vast user base and its seller community, directly impacting engagement and transaction volumes.
• Partner closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads to translate business requirements into actionable design sprints, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and timelines for feature releases.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity prototypes, user flows, and detailed design specifications for seamless handoff to development teams, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and usability standards.
• Conduct rigorous quality assurance checks at various stages of the design and development process to uphold visual consistency, functional integrity, and overall user satisfaction across all digital touchpoints.
• Proactively identify, document, and prioritize design debt, developing strategic roadmaps for iterative improvements and feature enhancements that elevate user experience and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rates and customer lifetime value.
• Explore and implement AI-driven design tools and methodologies to automate repetitive tasks, generate design variations, and optimize user journeys, thereby increasing team efficiency and accelerating product innovation cycles.
• Perform comprehensive market research, competitive analysis, and trend forecasting to inform future design strategies and ensure Mercado Libre remains at the forefront of digital commerce innovation.
• Facilitate design critique sessions and cross-functional reviews, effectively communicating design rationale, trade-offs, and potential impacts to stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Business Development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to design, emphasizing problem-solving and strategic thinking. The integration of AI and market research suggests a forward-thinking operation that values continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making. This role requires not just design execution but also strategic input into product evolution, aligning with the operational imperative to drive business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Design, or a related field is strongly preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and user-centered methodologies.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a similar role, with a proven track record of leading design projects from concept to completion within a technology-driven environment.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, usability heuristics, and interaction design patterns.
• Visual Design & UI: Strong aesthetic sensibility, proficiency in creating visually impactful interfaces, and a keen eye for detail in typography, color theory, and layout.
• Product Development Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Product Managers and Engineers, understanding development constraints and contributing to product strategy.
• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Familiarity with A/B testing, data analysis, and design strategies aimed at improving conversion funnels and user engagement metrics.
• Quality Assurance (QA) in Design: Experience in ensuring design consistency and accuracy through rigorous review processes and handoff procedures.
• Design System Management: Understanding of or experience with design systems for maintaining consistency and efficiency across products.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.
• Market Research & Benchmarking: Ability to conduct competitive analysis and research market trends to inform design decisions.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and present concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify UX issues and propose effective solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Design: Experience or a strong interest in leveraging AI tools for design generation, optimization, or workflow automation.
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with agile development processes and experience working in cross-functional agile teams.
• Data Analysis for Design: Ability to interpret user data, analytics, and A/B test results to drive design iterations.
• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG or other accessibility guidelines to ensure inclusive design practices.
• Team Leadership/Mentorship: Experience guiding junior designers or leading small project teams.
• Spanish Language Proficiency: Fluency in Spanish is highly advantageous given the role's location and primary description language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests this is a mid-level role, requiring demonstrated project ownership and a solid understanding of design processes. The emphasis on AI and CRO points towards a role that is deeply integrated with business operations and performance metrics, requiring candidates to think beyond pure aesthetics and focus on measurable outcomes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: A robust portfolio showcasing 3-5 detailed case studies that demonstrate a complete design process, from problem definition and user research through to final solution and impact.
• Visual Impact & Conversion Focus: Projects that clearly illustrate how your design decisions led to significant visual improvements and measurable gains in conversion rates or other key business metrics.
• Problem-Solving: Examples of complex UX challenges you've tackled, highlighting your analytical approach and the innovative solutions you developed.
• Collaboration & Handoff: Evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering) and a clear demonstration of your design handoff process and documentation.
• Systemic Thinking: Projects that showcase an understanding of design systems, scalability, and how your designs integrate within a larger product ecosystem.

Process Documentation:

• User Research & Analysis: Documentation of user research methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how insights were synthesized to inform design.
• Design Iteration & Optimization: Examples of how you iterated on designs based on feedback, data, or A/B testing results, with clear articulation of the changes made and their intended impact.
• AI Integration Examples: If applicable, include examples of how you've explored or utilized AI tools to enhance design processes or outcomes.
• Quality Assurance Protocols: Documentation of your QA process for design, including checklists, review steps, and how you ensured fidelity and usability standards were met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Operations-focused roles often require candidates to demonstrate not just creative output but also a structured, process-oriented approach. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to showcase their methodology, data-driven decision-making, and ability to manage design projects efficiently, akin to how operations professionals manage processes and projects. The portfolio should serve as tangible proof of their ability to drive business outcomes through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Project Leader with 2-5 years of experience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the estimated annual salary range is ARS $10,000,000 - ARS $18,000,000. This range is based on current market data for mid-level UX professionals in the Argentine tech sector, considering the influence of a major e-commerce player like Mercado Libre.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and vision care for employees and dependents.
• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses tied to individual and company performance, reflecting a results-oriented environment.
• Professional Development Budget: Allocation for training, conferences, workshops, and certifications to foster continuous learning and skill enhancement in UX and related fields.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) or Stock Options: Opportunities to invest in the company's growth and long-term success.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Ample vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Subsidized Meals or Meal Vouchers: Assistance with daily food expenses.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: While primarily on-site, potential for occasional hybrid flexibility or adjusted hours to accommodate project needs.
• Modern Office Facilities: Access to well-equipped workspaces designed for collaboration and productivity.
• Employee Discounts: Special offers and discounts on Mercado Libre products and services.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typically from Monday to Friday. However, the role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or collaborate with teams in different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available market data for Buenos Aires, Argentina, for roles with similar experience and industry. Benefits are typical for large tech companies in the region, emphasizing growth, well-being, and financial participation. The "40 hours" confirmation aligns with the input, with a note on potential flexibility common in project-driven roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce & Technology. Mercado Libre operates at the intersection of online retail, financial technology (Mercado Pago), and logistics, making it a dynamic and fast-paced environment. This industry context means a constant drive for innovation, efficiency, and superior customer experience. Company Size: Large Enterprise (10,000+ employees). This implies structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for specialization, but also potentially more bureaucracy. For operations professionals, it means navigating established systems and contributing to large-scale initiatives. Founded: 1999. With over two decades of experience, Mercado Libre possesses a mature operational framework, deep market understanding, and a history of successful adaptation and growth. This longevity suggests stability and a well-established operational foundation.

Team Structure:

• UX Team: The UX team is likely composed of various specialists, including UX Designers, UI Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UX Writers, working collaboratively.
• Reporting Structure: This role as a "UX Project Leader" likely reports to a Head of UX, Director of Product Design, or a similar senior leadership position within the Product or Design organization.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role necessitates tight integration with Product Management, Engineering (Frontend and Backend Developers), Data Science, Marketing, and potentially Operations teams responsible for logistics and customer service.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using analytics, A/B testing, and user feedback to inform design decisions and measure impact. This aligns with operational principles of performance measurement.
• Agile Development: Projects are likely managed using Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban), requiring iterative design cycles and close collaboration with development sprints.
• User-Centricity: A core philosophy of understanding and addressing user needs to drive engagement and satisfaction.

Company Website: https://mercadolibre.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Mercado Libre's scale and industry position suggest a highly competitive and results-oriented environment. Operations professionals joining such a company should expect to work with complex systems, large datasets, and a focus on measurable impact. The emphasis on data-driven and agile methodologies is critical for understanding how design and product development align with operational efficiency and GTM strategies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "UX Project Leader" role sits at a mid-level career stage. It requires individuals who can not only execute design tasks but also manage project timelines, contribute strategically to product roadmaps, and mentor junior team members. It's a stepping stone towards more senior design leadership or specialized product roles. In an operations context, this level signifies ownership of specific processes or project streams within a larger operational framework.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will likely report to a manager or director responsible for the UX/Product Design vertical. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, forming a core triad for product development. This structure allows for direct influence on product direction while operating within a larger organizational framework.

Operations Impact: While not a direct revenue operations role, the UX Project Leader's work has a profound indirect impact on revenue and operational efficiency. By enhancing user experience and conversion rates, the role directly contributes to increased sales, customer retention, and platform engagement. Optimizing design processes and ensuring seamless handoffs also improves development efficiency, reducing time-to-market and operational costs. The integration of AI for efficiency further underscores the operational value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior UX/Product Designer: Progression to a senior individual contributor role with greater autonomy and scope.
• UX/Product Design Lead: Transition into managing a small team of designers or owning a larger product domain.
• Product Management: Potential pivot into Product Management roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product strategy.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like UX Research, Interaction Design, or specialized product areas within Mercado Libre.
• Operations Alignment: Develop deeper insights into how UX impacts broader GTM, sales, and marketing operations, potentially leading to roles that bridge design and operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight how a design-focused role can intersect with operational career paths. The ability to translate user needs into business outcomes and optimize processes (design processes, in this case) is transferable to many operations roles. Understanding how to measure and articulate the impact of design on business metrics is key for career progression, aligning with operational KPIs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space designed to foster innovation and teamwork, typical of leading tech companies. This likely includes open-plan areas, meeting rooms, breakout zones, and potentially dedicated spaces for design critiques and workshops. Office Location(s): Buenos Aires, Argentina (CABA). This location is central and accessible, providing a vibrant urban setting for employees. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage interaction between design, product, and engineering teams, facilitating rapid iteration and problem-solving.
• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and potentially AI tools integrated into the workflow.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and cross-functional alignment meetings, crucial for efficient project delivery.

Work Schedule: The on-site requirement emphasizes the value Mercado Libre places on in-person collaboration, spontaneous problem-solving, and team cohesion. While core hours likely exist, the nature of project leadership may involve adapting schedules to meet critical deadlines or accommodate global team interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is crucial for understanding the company's emphasis on collaboration and culture. For operations professionals, this implies a preference for interactive team environments where processes can be discussed and refined in real-time. The modern office context suggests an investment in employee experience and productivity through physical space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, and understanding of UX project management principles.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A core part of the process will involve presenting your portfolio, detailing your process, and potentially completing a practical design exercise or case study relevant to Mercado Libre's platform. This assesses problem-solving skills, design thinking, and presentation abilities.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and potentially other Operations teams to evaluate collaboration skills and ability to work within a multidisciplinary environment.
• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, long-term vision, and alignment with Mercado Libre's company values and operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process taken, the solution, and most importantly, the measurable impact (e.g., conversion uplift, engagement increase, efficiency gains). Quantify results whenever possible.
• Showcase Process: Detail your design thinking, research methodologies, iteration cycles, and how you collaborated with other teams. Demonstrate a structured approach.
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. High-quality visuals and clear explanations are key.
• Tailor to Mercado Libre: Research Mercado Libre's platform, user base, and business objectives. Frame your experience and case studies to highlight how your skills align with their specific challenges and goals.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, decision-making process, handling of constraints, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Familiarize yourself with Mercado Libre's core business model, key products, and competitive landscape.
• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to walk through a design problem-solving exercise, articulating your thought process, assumptions, and potential solutions.
• Focus on Efficiency & Conversion: Given the role's emphasis, be prepared to discuss how design can directly impact business metrics like conversion rates and operational efficiency.
• AI Integration: If you have experience or ideas about using AI in design, be ready to discuss them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and demonstrable impact, mirroring the expectations in operations roles where process and results are paramount. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a tangible demonstration of skills and a precursor to operational project evaluations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar industry-standard tools). Proficiency in at least one is essential.
• Wireframing & User Flows: Balsamiq, Miro, Whimsical (for early-stage ideation and flow mapping).
• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence (for team communication, project tracking, and documentation).
• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, Monday.com (for task management and workflow visualization).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior and traffic patterns).
• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, VWO, Google Optimize (for running conversion experiments).
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (potentially used by data teams, but awareness is beneficial for understanding data outputs).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Indirectly): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data from CRM systems (like Salesforce, if used internally) might inform UX decisions is valuable.
• User Feedback Platforms: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com (for gathering qualitative and quantitative user insights).
• AI Design Tools: Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design assistance, content generation, or workflow automation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E for ideation, or AI-powered prototyping tools).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack highlights a blend of creative design tools and operational productivity/analytics platforms. For operations professionals, understanding how these design tools integrate with or inform data analysis and project management workflows is key. Proficiency in collaboration and project management tools is a common thread across many operations roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users and sellers, driving product decisions and design choices.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and metrics to validate hypotheses, measure impact, and guide strategic direction, a cornerstone of operational excellence.
• Bias for Action & Execution: A proactive approach to problem-solving and a focus on delivering results efficiently, characteristic of high-performing operations teams.
• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing pursuit of optimization in processes, user experiences, and product features, reflecting an operational mindset geared towards efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing diverse perspectives and working effectively across disciplines to achieve shared goals, essential for integrated GTM and product development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Seamless integration with Product and Engineering teams, fostering a shared sense of ownership and accountability for product outcomes.
• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive criticism and open dialogue to refine designs and processes, promoting continuous learning and adaptation.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to elevate the collective skill set and operational effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The stated values strongly align with operational principles. A focus on data, action, continuous improvement, and collaboration is critical for any operations professional. Understanding these values helps candidates frame their experience and articulate how they would contribute to Mercado Libre's operational success through their design leadership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Navigating the complexities of meeting diverse user demands while ensuring designs contribute directly to Mercado Libre's commercial goals and operational efficiency.
• Scalability & Consistency: Designing experiences that are scalable across a vast user base and consistent across multiple platforms and product lines within a large e-commerce ecosystem.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting designs and processes to keep pace with market changes, technological advancements (like AI), and evolving business priorities.
• Managing Design Debt: Systematically addressing accumulated design issues while simultaneously working on new features and product innovations.
• Integrating AI Effectively: Exploring and implementing AI tools in a way that genuinely enhances design workflows and user outcomes, rather than just adopting technology for its own sake.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/Product Strategy: Opportunities to deepen expertise in strategic product thinking and user-centered strategy.
• AI & Emerging Technologies: Hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI tools and their application in design and product development.
• Data Analytics for Design: Enhanced skills in interpreting complex user data to drive impactful design decisions.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing leadership capabilities through project management and potential team guidance.
• Cross-Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the intersection of e-commerce, fintech, and logistics operations within a leading Latin American tech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying these challenges and growth opportunities allows candidates to prepare for potential hurdles and demonstrate their proactivity and learning agility. For operations professionals, understanding these challenges provides context on how design contributes to solving broader business and operational problems.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly improved conversion rates through UX design. What was your process, and what were the key metrics?" - Preparation: Prepare a STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) answer focusing on a specific project. Quantify the impact on conversion and explain your design rationale.
• "How would you approach optimizing the user experience for sellers on Mercado Libre to increase their sales activity?" - Preparation: Think about seller pain points, potential solutions, and how you'd validate them. Consider the interplay between seller success and platform growth.
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" - Preparation: Discuss your framework for prioritization, stakeholder negotiation, and finding optimal solutions that satisfy multiple requirements.
• "Imagine we want to introduce a new AI-powered feature for product discovery. How would you lead the UX design process for this initiative?" - Preparation: Outline your approach, including user research, prototyping, testing, and how you’d measure success, specifically considering AI's role.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Mercado Libre and our mission?" - Preparation: Research Mercado Libre's history, values, recent news, and its impact on Latin America. Connect your personal values and career goals to the company's mission.
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, particularly AI?" - Preparation: Mention specific resources, publications, conferences, or communities you follow.
• "Describe your experience working in an Agile/Scrum environment." - Preparation: Provide examples of your participation in sprints, stand-ups, and retrospectives, and how you collaborated with development teams.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative – the challenge, your journey, and the triumphant outcome.
• Focus on Process, Not Just Pixels: Explain why you made certain design decisions, backing them up with research, data, or strategic thinking.
• Quantify Impact: Clearly present the business results and user benefits achieved. Use visuals like charts and graphs.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with Product, Engineering, and other stakeholders.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to be engaging and efficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role involves blending design thinking with business acumen and operational awareness. Candidates must demonstrate not only creative talent but also a strategic, data-driven approach to problem-solving, much like an operations professional would.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Project Leader position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the Mercado Libre careers portal via the provided URL and complete the online application form.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume highlights experience in UX/UI design, project leadership, conversion optimization, and collaboration with product/development teams. Use keywords from the job description and operations-related terms like "process improvement," "efficiency," and "stakeholder management."
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your ability to create visually impactful designs, improve conversion rates, and manage projects effectively. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and measurable results.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, articulating your design process, and clearly demonstrating the business impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI in design and your understanding of e-commerce UX.
• Research Mercado Libre: Understand the company's mission, values, products, and recent developments. Familiarize yourself with their design aesthetic and user experience on their platform. Consider how your role contributes to their broader business and operational objectives.

⚠️ 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.