UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Universal Music Group (UMG)

Location: New York, NY or Santa Monica, CA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design, Digital Product

Date Posted: March 18, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and optimize direct-to-consumer (D2C) online stores for leading artists and labels, focusing on creating high-performing e-commerce experiences.

• Translate music culture, brand identity, and merchandising into seamless, emotionally engaging online stores that drive sales and fan loyalty.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including developers, merchandisers, and marketing to ensure pixel-perfect implementation and exceptional end-to-end customer journeys.

• Utilize analytics, A/B testing, and fan feedback to continuously refine and improve store performance and user experience.

• Advocate for best-in-class UX practices, accessibility, and responsive design across all digital touchpoints within the artist's online presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically within Famehouse, a division of UMG focused on D2C solutions for artists. The core responsibility is to enhance the digital storefronts where fans interact and purchase directly from artists, blending artistic expression with commercial success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on a variety of e-commerce experiences, including landing pages, product detail pages, checkout flows, and campaign-specific microsites, to effectively bring artist brands to life online.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that strategically balance storytelling, user usability, and conversion goals.

• Present design concepts and rationale clearly to stakeholders, advocating for user-centric design principles and optimal interface experiences.

• Work closely with store front developers and back-end systems teams to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of design solutions, pushing for innovative user experiences.

• Translate core brand aesthetics and album visuals into cohesive digital experiences that align with overall campaign visuals and creative direction.

• Leverage insights derived from user analytics, A/B testing results, and direct fan feedback to inform design decisions and optimize store performance metrics.

• Champion and implement best practices in UX design, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards and responsive design principles across all digital platforms.

• Conduct user research and testing to gather insights into fan behavior and preferences, informing iterative design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong blend of creative execution and data-driven optimization within the e-commerce domain, specifically tailored for the music and entertainment industry. The role requires not just design skills but also an understanding of conversion rate optimization (CRO) and customer journey mapping within a D2C context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for this level of UX/UI design role. Equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: 3+ years of dedicated experience in UI/UX design, with a strong preference for experience within e-commerce, entertainment, or prominent consumer brands.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability in UI/UX design, with a strong portfolio showcasing responsive design principles, visual design systems, and effective UX problem-solving.

• Excellent proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma.

• Strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Good working knowledge of Shopify and/or other Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) e-commerce platforms.

• Understanding of digital merchandising strategies, conversion optimization techniques, and best practices for checkout flows.

• Familiarity with front-end technologies, including HTML5, JavaScript (JS), and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to understand design feasibility.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing specifically for music artists, record labels, or fan-focused digital products.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Experience with data analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and A/B testing platforms.

• Understanding of content management systems (CMS) beyond e-commerce platforms.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, campaign-driven environment with frequently shifting priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills highlight a need for both strong visual design capabilities and a solid understanding of e-commerce functionality and optimization. The preference for music artist experience and familiarity with D2C platforms indicates a specialized niche within the broader UX/UI field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 3 years of professional UI/UX design work, with a focus on responsive design across various devices (desktop, tablet, mobile).

• Showcase at least 2-3 distinct e-commerce projects, detailing the problem, your design process, challenges faced, and the solutions implemented.

• Include examples of visual design systems, style guides, or component libraries you have developed or contributed to.

• Present case studies that clearly articulate your UX problem-solving approach, including user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, clearly outline the design process followed, from initial research and ideation through to final design and (if applicable) implementation.

• Provide examples of how you have translated brand identity and creative direction into cohesive digital experiences.

• Detail how you have utilized analytics, A/B testing insights, or user feedback to iterate and improve designs.

• Showcase examples of collaboration with developers and other stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and effective implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of the candidate's design skills, process, and understanding of e-commerce principles. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating a user-centered approach and a tangible impact on conversion and fan engagement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,010 - $147,345 USD per year. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as the applicant's qualifications, years of relevant experience, specific skills, education, certifications, and the primary work location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• 100% coverage for out-patient, in-network mental health services.

• Fertility coverage for eligible medical plan participants.

• Wellbeing reimbursements of up to $720/year for fitness classes, spa treatments, meal services, travel, and more.

• Student Loan Repayment Assistance.

• Tuition Reimbursement programs.

• 401(k) plan with immediate vesting on the first 5% of employee contributions, plus an additional UMG contribution.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) for exempt employees.

• 3 weeks PTO for non-exempt employees.

• 2 weeks paid Winter Break.

• 10 Company Holidays (including Juneteenth and Wellbeing Day).

• Summer Fridays (between Memorial Day and Labor Day).

• Generous paid parental leave for all types of parents.

Working Hours: The role is listed as Full-Time, which typically equates to approximately 40 hours per week. The company offers Summer Fridays, indicating a potential for slightly adjusted schedules during that period.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, reflecting potential variations based on experience and location (New York City and Santa Monica generally have higher cost of living and thus higher salary potential). The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, financial planning (401k, student loan assistance), and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Music & Entertainment, Digital Services (D2C)

Company Size: UMG is a large global organization, employing thousands worldwide. Famehouse, as a division, operates with an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit, suggesting a culture that values innovation and direct impact within a larger corporate structure.

Founded: Universal Music Group has a long history, with its modern iteration formed in 1999, evolving from earlier music entities. Famehouse was established to specifically address the growing need for artist-centric D2C strategies.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a broader Creative or Digital Product team within Famehouse.

• This team will include other designers (potentially motion designers), developers (front-end and back-end), merchandisers, and marketing specialists.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a Design Lead or Head of Product, with close collaboration across departments.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and A/B testing are central to optimizing store performance and user experience.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are employed to ensure efficient design and development processes.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated to streamline D2C operations and enhance fan engagement.

Company Website: https://www.universalmusic.com/ (UMG Corporate), https://www.umusic.com/careers (Careers Page)

📝 Enhancement Note: UMG's culture emphasizes artistry, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Famehouse specifically aims to empower artists through D2C, suggesting a fast-paced, creative, and results-oriented environment where understanding fan culture is paramount.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience), focusing on executing design strategies and contributing to product development within the D2C e-commerce space. It's a hands-on design role with significant impact on artist-fan relationships and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will report to a Design Lead or similar management role within Famehouse. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, merchandisers, and marketing specialists, requiring strong collaboration and communication skills.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly impacts revenue by optimizing e-commerce store performance, increasing conversion rates, and fostering fan loyalty. Well-designed D2C experiences contribute significantly to an artist's brand building and direct-to-fan business model, which is a critical component of the modern music industry's revenue streams.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in e-commerce UX/UI, D2C strategies, or specific platform optimization (e.g., Shopify Plus).

• Leadership: Advance into Senior UX/UI Designer roles, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, or managing design projects.

• Product Management: Transition into Product Management roles, leveraging design and e-commerce understanding to define product roadmaps and strategies.

• Cross-functional Roles: Move into related areas like Digital Marketing, Merchandising Strategy, or Brand Management within the entertainment sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this role involves a combination of deepening technical design skills and expanding strategic understanding of e-commerce, brand building, and the music industry's D2C landscape. The potential for career progression within a large, diversified company like UMG is substantial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as On-site, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. Locations are specified as New York, NY, and Santa Monica, CA, suggesting modern, collaborative office spaces typical of creative industries.

Office Location(s):

• New York, NY (1755 Broadway)

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork among designers, developers, and marketing professionals.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology, including Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially other e-commerce platforms and analytics tools.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with team members through design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and project meetings.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with potential for flexible arrangements like Summer Fridays, as noted in the benefits. The fast-paced, campaign-driven nature may occasionally require extended hours to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for design roles requiring constant feedback and ideation. The specific locations place the role in major creative hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving skills. A practical design challenge or take-home assignment may be given to assess specific skills in Figma, e-commerce design, or problem-solving.

• Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion with the hiring manager about experience, design philosophy, and how they would approach specific challenges within Famehouse.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (developers, merchandisers, marketing) to assess collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI/UX skills, e-commerce experience, and ability to translate brand identity into digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), your specific contributions, and the impact/results achieved (quantify where possible).

• Showcase Process: Include early-stage artifacts like user flows, wireframes, and sketches to demonstrate your thinking. Highlight how you iterated based on feedback or data.

• Highlight E-commerce & D2C: Emphasize projects related to online stores, product pages, checkout flows, and fan engagement. If you have music industry or entertainment experience, make that prominent.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and how you leverage them in your workflow.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Practice designing user flows or interfaces for hypothetical artist D2C scenarios. Focus on user-centered design, conversion optimization, and brand alignment.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly research Famehouse, UMG, and the typical D2C artist landscape. Understand the goals of driving sales and fan engagement.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Demonstrate a clear, logical approach to solving the given design problem. Start with understanding the user and business objectives.

• Prioritize & Justify: Be prepared to explain your design choices and justify why you prioritized certain features or solutions over others.

• Time Management: If it's a timed challenge, manage your time effectively to deliver a polished, well-reasoned solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and design challenges indicates that practical application of skills is highly valued. Candidates should be prepared to defend their design decisions with data-driven reasoning and a clear understanding of e-commerce best practices within the unique context of artist branding.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop for image editing and Illustrator for vector graphics, commonly used in conjunction with Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics (or similar): To analyze user behavior, traffic sources, conversion rates, and overall store performance.

• A/B Testing Platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO): To test design variations and optimize conversion rates.

CRM & Automation:

• Shopify / Shopify Plus: A core D2C e-commerce platform. Understanding its capabilities, themes, and app ecosystem is crucial.

• Other D2C Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like WooCommerce, BigCommerce, or custom-built solutions may be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello are likely used for task management and workflow tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Deep expertise in Figma and a strong working knowledge of Shopify are critical for this role. Familiarity with web analytics and A/B testing tools will be key for demonstrating data-driven design optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: While not explicitly listed as "operations values," UMG and Famehouse likely embrace values that translate to their operations and work culture:

• Artistry & Creativity: A deep appreciation for creative expression and innovation, applied to design and fan engagement.

• Entrepreneurship: A proactive, results-driven mindset, akin to a startup within a larger entity, focused on building artist businesses.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and shared success across diverse teams.

• Fan-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the artist's fanbase, creating meaningful connections.

• Data-Driven Insight: Using data to inform decisions, measure impact, and optimize performance in design and business strategies.

• Efficiency: Streamlining processes and workflows to deliver high-quality results effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with developers, merchandisers, marketing, and potentially artist management.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing best practices, insights, and learnings to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

• Agile Methodologies: Likely adoption of agile principles for project management, allowing for flexibility and iterative development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of creative passion for music and entertainment with the pragmatic needs of e-commerce and business operations. Success hinges on the ability to collaborate effectively and translate artistic vision into commercially successful digital experiences.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Artist Vision with E-commerce Best Practices: Ensuring designs are artistically authentic while also driving conversions and providing a seamless user experience.

• Fast-Paced, Campaign-Driven Environment: Adapting quickly to new artist launches, album releases, and marketing campaigns, often with tight deadlines.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the limitations of e-commerce platforms like Shopify and ensuring designs are feasible for development.

• Measuring Impact: Clearly demonstrating the ROI of design decisions and their contribution to sales and fan engagement metrics.

• Evolving Fan Expectations: Keeping pace with changing digital trends and fan behaviors in the music and entertainment space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized E-commerce UX Training: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in conversion rate optimization (CRO), user journey mapping, and e-commerce platform best practices.

• Music Industry Insights: Gaining a deeper understanding of the music business, artist branding, and fan engagement strategies within the D2C model.

• Advanced Design Tools & Techniques: Exploring new features in Figma, learning advanced prototyping, or delving into design systems.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Learning about merchandising, digital marketing, and the technical aspects of e-commerce development.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or product leads within Famehouse or UMG.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities to grow within a dynamic niche of the entertainment industry, blending creative design with commercial strategy. Overcoming the challenges involves a combination of technical skill, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a D2C artist storefront from scratch. What are the key considerations?" (Focus on user research, brand translation, conversion goals, and iterative design).

• "How do you balance artistic expression with the need for conversion optimization in an e-commerce setting?" (Discuss strategies for integrating brand elements seamlessly into user flows and product pages).

• "Walk me through a challenging UX problem you solved on an e-commerce project. What was the problem, your solution, and the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method case study highlighting your problem-solving skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working for Universal Music Group and Famehouse specifically?" (Research UMG's mission, recent artist successes, and Famehouse's role in D2C).

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, especially within the music and entertainment industries?" (Mention specific blogs, publications, or communities you follow).

• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, campaign-driven environment. How do you manage shifting priorities?" (Highlight organizational skills, adaptability, and communication).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's objectives. Then, detail your process step-by-step, using visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes).

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly state the quantifiable results or improvements achieved due to your design work (e.g., increased conversion rate, reduced bounce rate, higher engagement).

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions. Why did you choose a particular layout, color scheme, or interaction?

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to briefly showcase how you used Figma or other tools to achieve specific design outcomes.

• Be Coachable: Show openness to feedback and discuss how you would iterate on designs based on new insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both design craft and strategic thinking, with a clear understanding of the unique intersection of music, D2C commerce, and fan engagement. Practicing portfolio presentations and design challenge responses is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with UI/UX design, e-commerce platforms (especially Shopify), D2C, and any relevant creative or entertainment industry work. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features e-commerce projects, responsive design examples, and case studies demonstrating your design process and problem-solving skills. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio projects, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your designs. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Research UMG & Famehouse: Understand their business, recent artist campaigns, and the importance of D2C in the music industry. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewer.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided information. All details regarding responsibilities, qualifications, and processes should be verified directly with Universal Music Group during the application and interview stages.