Lead Specialist, UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Specialist, UX Designer

Company: Pearson

Location: Hoboken, New Jersey, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Experience Level: 7-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of complex, end-to-end user experiences and platform-level initiatives for higher education products, impacting millions of learners globally.

• Drive the evolution of design systems and advocate for user needs through strategic problem-framing and exceptional design craft.

• Mentor junior and mid-level designers, fostering their growth and elevating design quality across product teams.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, research, and content strategy to shape product direction and drive measurable business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a blend of individual design leadership, strategic influence, and team mentorship, requiring a candidate who can operate autonomously while fostering a collaborative design culture. The focus on "millions of learners" and "global scale" highlights the significant impact and responsibility of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design for major product areas, encompassing full user journeys and platform-level initiatives across web and mobile interfaces, from discovery through launch and iterative improvements.

• Develop high-fidelity, pixel-perfect designs, including comprehensive user flows, interactive prototypes, and detailed specifications for seamless engineering handoff.

• Define, evolve, and document reusable design patterns and components for the Pearson design system, ensuring scalability, accessibility, and long-term consistency across multiple product teams.

• Lead or co-lead user research initiatives, including planning studies, facilitating sessions, synthesizing insights, and translating findings into actionable design improvements and strategic product recommendations.

• Present design work and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional partners, building conviction and influencing product strategy and roadmap priorities.

• Facilitate design workshops and collaborative sessions to build shared understanding, align stakeholders with competing priorities, and drive consensus on design solutions.

• Partner with product management to define and frame design problems, identify opportunities, and establish clear success metrics before solutioning.

• Leverage data and analytics to validate design decisions, iteratively improve experiences through A/B testing and experimentation, and monitor performance.

• Mentor junior and mid-level designers through design critiques, pair designing sessions, and constructive feedback to accelerate their growth and career development.

• Design AI-powered teaching and learning experiences in collaboration with learning scientists, considering ethical implications, pedagogical effectiveness, and responsible AI principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level individual contributor role that also involves significant mentorship and strategic influence. The emphasis on "AI-powered experiences" and "learning scientists" indicates a forward-thinking approach to educational technology.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction), or a related field, or equivalent practical experience is generally expected for a Lead Specialist role.

Experience:

• 7-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on UX design for digital products.

• Proven experience leading design for major features or product areas that have impacted a large user base (millions of users).

• Demonstrated experience in designing AI-powered experiences is critical for this role. Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design: Deep expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• UX/Product Design Craft: Exceptional craft in creating high-fidelity, pixel-perfect interfaces, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Design Systems: Experience defining, evolving, and maintaining design systems, including component libraries and pattern documentation.

• User Research: Proficiency in planning, conducting, and synthesizing user research (qualitative and quantitative) to inform design decisions.

• Strategic Thinking & Problem Framing: Ability to approach complex problems with strategic vision, frame design challenges effectively, and make thoughtful trade-offs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration & Influence: Proven ability to partner effectively with product managers, engineers, researchers, content strategists, and senior stakeholders, influencing decisions and building consensus.

• Mentorship: Demonstrated experience mentoring junior designers, providing constructive feedback, and fostering design talent.

• AI & EdTech Understanding: Experience or strong interest in designing AI-driven learning experiences and understanding pedagogical principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis and experimentation, including A/B testing and performance monitoring to drive design iteration.

• Proficiency in accessibility standards and best practices.

• Familiarity with educational technology landscapes and learning science principles.

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills for effectively communicating design rationale to executive audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly emphasize leadership, strategic impact, and specialized experience in AI-powered learning design, alongside core UX skills. The portfolio is explicitly mentioned as demonstrating "measurable impact," indicating a focus on results.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Strategic Impact: Showcase case studies that highlight your role in defining problems, leading design strategy, and achieving measurable improvements in user satisfaction, product metrics, or business outcomes.

• Showcase Craft Excellence: Include examples of high-fidelity designs, detailed user flows, and interactive prototypes that demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and user-centered thinking.

• Highlight Design System Contributions: Present examples of how you've contributed to or led the development of design systems, including component design, pattern definition, and documentation.

• Evidence of AI/EdTech Experience: Include projects that specifically demonstrate your experience designing AI-powered features or educational technology solutions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Illustrate instances where you successfully collaborated with diverse teams (product, engineering, research) to bring designs to life.

Process Documentation:

• Problem Framing & Research Synthesis: Showcase how you identify user needs and business goals, and how you translate research findings into actionable design solutions.

• Design Iteration & Validation: Provide examples of how you iterate on designs based on feedback, user testing, and data analysis (e.g., A/B tests).

• Design Handoff & Collaboration: Detail your process for creating comprehensive design specifications and collaborating with engineering teams for successful implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio that demonstrates craft excellence, strategic thinking, and measurable impact" is crucial. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process, decision-making, and the outcomes of their work, particularly in the context of AI in education.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $175,000 USD per year (Full-time). This range is provided as required by specific state laws and reflects the general compensation band for this role based on the provided information. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and location within the specified regions.

Benefits:

• Eligible to participate in an annual incentive program.

• Comprehensive benefits package available, details can be found at pearsonbenefitsus.com.

• Information on benefits offered is accessible via the provided link.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard full-time work schedule, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected given the hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated due to legal requirements in certain US states. Candidates should note that this is a guideline and actual compensation will be determined by individual qualifications and potentially specific location nuances within the hybrid model.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology / Publishing

Company Size: Pearson is a large global organization, described as having 18,000+ employees across 70 countries. This scale suggests robust processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact.

Founded: Pearson has a long history, founded in 1844, indicating stability and deep roots in the education sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be embedded within product teams that are described as "deeply collaborative."

• These teams likely consist of Product Managers, Engineers, UX Designers (including this lead role), Researchers, and Content Strategists.

• The Lead Specialist role implies a position of influence and mentorship within these product teams, potentially leading design efforts on specific initiatives or product areas.

• Collaboration extends to "learning scientists," indicating a strong partnership with subject matter experts in pedagogy and education. Methodology:

• User-Centered & Data-Driven: The role emphasizes user research, design iteration, A/B testing, and performance monitoring, indicating a data-informed approach to design.

• AI-Centric Transformation: Pearson is undergoing a significant digital and AI transformation, focusing on "agentic, adaptive, and human-centered" learning products.

• Agile/Iterative Development: The mention of "launch and iteration" suggests an agile or iterative product development process where continuous improvement is key.

• Design System Approach: The use of a design system points to a focus on consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design and development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Pearson's large size and long history in education provide a stable yet evolving environment. The company's current strategic focus on AI and digital transformation in higher education is a significant aspect for candidates to understand, as it shapes the nature of the work and the team's objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Specialist / Senior Individual Contributor. This level signifies a senior designer with significant experience, capable of leading complex projects, mentoring others, and influencing product strategy.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, this role likely reports to a Design Manager, Director of Product Design, or a similar leadership position within the product organization. The embedded nature means daily collaboration with product teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of millions of learners, influencing engagement, learning outcomes, and overall satisfaction with Pearson's educational products. The strategic influence on product direction and roadmap priorities means the role can shape the future of Pearson's AI in education initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in AI Design: Opportunity to become a leader in designing cutting-edge AI-powered learning experiences, a rapidly growing field.

• Mentorship & Craft Development: Formal opportunities to mentor junior designers, honing leadership and coaching skills, while also continuously improving personal design craft through challenging projects.

• Strategic Influence: Grow influence on product strategy, roadmap planning, and the overall design direction for Pearson's higher education portfolio.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to innovative solutions in the EdTech space, potentially leading to industry recognition and career advancement within Pearson or the broader tech/education sector.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI in education, learning science, and large-scale design system implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth into more senior design leadership positions, with a focus on specialized and high-impact areas like AI in education. The mentorship aspect is a key growth opportunity for experienced designers looking to develop leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid" with a primary location in Hoboken, NJ. This suggests a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work.

Office Location(s): Hoboken, New Jersey, United States. Proximity to New York City offers access to a major tech and business hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The job description emphasizes "deeply collaborative" product teams, suggesting an environment where teamwork and open communication are valued.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), research platforms, and potentially AI/ML tools relevant to the product development process.

• Cross-functional Interaction: The role requires constant interaction with various departments, fostering a dynamic and interconnected work environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with the hybrid model offering some flexibility. The focus on "ownership" and "impact" suggests a results-oriented culture where dedication is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature allows for work-life balance while still facilitating in-person collaboration crucial for design leadership and mentorship. Candidates should clarify specific in-office expectations with the hiring team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical senior design interview process at a company like Pearson would likely include:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deeper dive into your portfolio with a design leader or hiring manager, potentially followed by a take-home or live design challenge focused on a relevant problem.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, or other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.

• Stakeholder Presentation: A final interview involving senior leadership where you might present your work or a proposed solution to a business problem.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. For this role, focus on metrics related to learning, engagement, or user satisfaction.

• Showcase AI/EdTech: Highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of AI's role in learning and your ability to design for educational contexts.

• Design System & Scalability: Include examples that show your ability to design for scale and consistency, particularly through design system contributions.

• Leadership & Mentorship: If possible, include examples or descriptions of how you've mentored others or led design initiatives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Pearson's Mission: Research Pearson's current AI transformation, their approach to higher education, and their "agentic, adaptive, human-centered" philosophy.

• AI in Education: Be prepared to discuss your thoughts on the ethical implications, pedagogical value, and design considerations for AI in learning.

• Problem Solving: Practice framing ambiguous problems and outlining a structured approach to solving them, even with limited information.

• Stakeholder Management: Prepare examples of how you've navigated complex stakeholder relationships and driven alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should curate their best work, focusing on strategic impact, AI/EdTech relevance, and leadership qualities. Preparing to articulate a clear design process and measurable outcomes will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD), InVision, or similar tools for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.

• User Research & Testing: Tools for user interviews, usability testing, surveys (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

• Design System Tools: Storybook, Zeroheight, or internal documentation platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and validate design decisions.

• Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks and tools.

CRM & Automation: While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with CRM systems might be beneficial for understanding user data flow in educational contexts, though not a primary requirement for this UX role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design and prototyping tools is a given. The emphasis on data validation and iteration suggests that familiarity with analytics and A/B testing tools will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User Advocacy: A strong commitment to understanding and representing the needs of learners and educators.

• Design Excellence & Craft: A dedication to high-quality, pixel-perfect, and user-friendly design solutions.

• Strategic Impact: Focusing on how design contributes to business goals and educational outcomes.

• Collaboration & Influence: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the ability to influence stakeholders across different disciplines.

• Innovation & AI Focus: Embracing new technologies like AI to enhance learning experiences responsibly and ethically.

• Mentorship & Growth: Fostering a culture where designers learn from each other and grow their careers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration within product teams, working hand-in-hand with product managers, engineers, and researchers.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Design decisions are expected to be grounded in user research, data analytics, and experimentation.

• Constructive Critique Culture: Regular design crits and feedback sessions are likely integral to the design process, fostering continuous improvement.

• Transparent Communication: Open dialogue and clear articulation of design rationale are essential for building conviction and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of user-centricity, strategic thinking, and a forward-looking approach to educational technology, particularly AI. Mentorship and cross-functional collaboration are core tenets.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Scale: Creating effective and consistent experiences for millions of diverse learners globally presents significant design challenges.

• AI Integration Ethics & Efficacy: Designing AI-powered learning tools responsibly, ensuring pedagogical effectiveness, and addressing ethical considerations.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing priorities and technical constraints from various stakeholders while championing user needs.

• Evolving EdTech Landscape: Staying ahead of rapid advancements in AI, learning science, and digital education technologies.

• Driving Design Vision: Influencing product strategy and gaining buy-in for innovative design solutions at a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Education Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing AI-driven educational products, a high-demand and impactful field.

• Leadership Development: Hone skills in mentorship, strategic influence, and leading design initiatives.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Opportunities to attend relevant design, AI, and education technology conferences or training programs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain insights into learning science, pedagogy, and AI development through close collaboration with subject matter experts.

• Design System Evolution: Contribute to the strategic direction and growth of a large-scale design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers the chance to tackle complex, impactful challenges at the intersection of AI, education, and user experience, with ample opportunities for professional growth and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design for a complex feature or product area that impacted a large user base. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what were the measurable outcomes?"

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered learning companion that adapts to individual student needs while maintaining pedagogical integrity and ethical considerations?"

• "Walk us through your process for defining and evolving a design system. How do you ensure its adoption and consistency across multiple product teams?"

• "How do you frame a design problem to ensure alignment with business goals and technical feasibility before diving into solutions?"

• "Describe your experience leading user research initiatives. How do you translate research insights into actionable design improvements?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Pearson's mission and its current AI transformation in higher education?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative design culture within cross-functional teams?"

• "Tell us about a time you had to influence senior stakeholders with a design decision they initially disagreed with."

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and contributing to their professional development?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, design craft, and impact, specifically highlighting AI/EdTech experience.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing, handoff), the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Focus on AI/EdTech: Be ready to discuss your perspective on AI in education, its ethical implications, and how you approach designing for learning.

• Design System Expertise: Be prepared to discuss your experience with design systems, including their benefits, challenges, and your specific contributions.

• Conciseness: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this role. Be prepared for follow-up questions that probe deeper into your decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership, mentorship, and a deep understanding of AI's role in education, backed by concrete examples from their portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Specialist, UX Designer position:

• Access the application portal via the provided URL: https://hccz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/24471

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7-10 years of experience, specific achievements in UX/Product Design, and any experience with AI-powered products or educational technology. Quantify your impact whenever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, design craft, and experience with AI in education. Ensure case studies clearly articulate problem, process, your role, and measurable outcomes.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Be ready for potential take-home or live design exercises that test your problem-solving skills and design approach.

• Research Pearson: Familiarize yourself with Pearson's mission, their current AI transformation initiatives in higher education, and their commitment to learning.

• Practice Your Narrative: Be prepared to articulate your design process, your approach to mentorship, and your vision for AI in education during interviews.

⚠️ 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.