Lead UX Design Operations Program Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Design Operations Program Manager

Company: Target

Location: 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX Design Operations & Program Management

Date Posted: July 30, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic planning and operational excellence within the User Experience (UX) Design organization at Target, focusing on scaling high-quality digital experiences.

• Orchestrate and optimize the people, processes, and practices essential for delivering impactful UX across the enterprise, leveraging program management expertise.

• Lead cross-functional programs and establish robust governance practices to enhance planning, prioritization, visibility, and accountability within the UX team.

• Spearhead the adoption and pilot of AI-assisted workflows, generative AI tools, and automation to improve efficiency, speed, and decision-making in the product development lifecycle.

• Act as a trusted thought partner to senior UX, Product, and Engineering leaders, influencing strategic decisions and mitigating risks for high-priority digital product initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead Program Manager within UX Design Operations, indicating a significant level of responsibility for strategic direction, process implementation, and team enablement. The emphasis on AI and automation suggests a forward-thinking organization looking to innovate its design operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with UX and cross-functional senior leaders to define portfolio strategy, operational priorities, roadmaps, and execution plans for high-impact consumer-facing digital product initiatives.

• Lead complex, cross-functional programs involving UX, Product, Engineering, Data, and business teams, ensuring alignment, managing dependencies, mitigating risks, and achieving customer and business objectives.

• Establish and refine governance practices that optimize planning, prioritization, execution visibility, accountability, and operational consistency across the entire UX organization.

• Champion the introduction of AI-assisted and agentic workflows into the product development lifecycle, supporting areas such as research, synthesis, concept development, prototyping, content creation, design systems, design-to-code, engineering handoff, testing, documentation, and delivery management.

• Collaborate with UX, Product, Engineering, and Technology leaders to identify opportunities for AI agents, coding companions, automation, and connected platforms to enhance product development speed, quality, consistency, and decision-making.

• Lead pilots and structured experimentation for emerging AI tools and workflows, defining hypotheses, success measures, human-in-the-loop controls, evaluation criteria, and scalable adoption plans.

• Drive operational excellence by identifying and implementing best practices for how the UX team works together, how work is completed, and how the team's output creates measurable business impact.

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with senior leaders, influencing strategic direction and advocating for operational improvements that support the UX organization's goals.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage risks and dependencies across the UX portfolio, providing clear communication and recommended mitigation strategies.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within UX Design Operations, encouraging the exploration and responsible adoption of new technologies and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic leadership role focused on operationalizing the UX function, with a strong emphasis on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and automation to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Design, Computer Science, Business Administration, Operations Management) is typically expected for a Lead role of this nature. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications would be a plus.

Experience: 7+ years of experience in digital software product work, with a significant portion dedicated to working with in-house or agency product design teams and their operational processes. Demonstrated experience in organizing and delivering complex, consumer-facing digital products across the entire product development lifecycle is critical.

Required Skills:

• Program Management: Proven ability to manage multiple complex, cross-functional programs simultaneously, from initiation to completion.

• Portfolio Management: Experience establishing and managing portfolio-level operations, including strategic planning, prioritization frameworks, and resource allocation.

• UX Operations: Deep understanding of the operational needs and challenges of UX design teams, including process optimization, workflow design, and best practice implementation.

• AI & Automation Fluency: Strong practical experience applying generative AI, AI agents, automation tools, or machine-learning-enabled tools within UX or digital product development workflows.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to understand and analyze interconnected relationships between customer needs, team workflows, product platforms, technology constraints, organizational structures, and business priorities.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Strong analytical capabilities, including defining metrics, interpreting product and operational data, identifying patterns, and translating insights into actionable decisions.

• Stakeholder Management & Influence: Proven ability to build trusted partnerships with senior leaders and influence strategic decisions across highly matrixed organizations.

• Product Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end digital product development process.

• Governance Frameworks: Experience establishing and implementing governance practices for planning, execution visibility, and accountability.

• Technical Acumen: Ability to effectively collaborate with designers, engineers, product managers, data practitioners, design system teams, platform teams, and technology leaders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a large, consumer-focused retail or e-commerce environment.

• Familiarity with design systems and their operational integration.

• Experience with Agile and Lean methodologies in a product development context.

• Knowledge of AI ethics, responsible AI adoption, and human-in-the-loop control mechanisms.

• Experience in change management and driving adoption of new processes and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI fluency and systems thinking points towards the need for a candidate who can not only manage existing operations but also strategically innovate and integrate new technologies into the design workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Demonstrate successful management of complex digital product initiatives, highlighting scope, timelines, cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and successful delivery.

• Process Optimization Examples: Showcase instances where you identified inefficiencies in design workflows or operational processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, quality, or cost.

• AI/Automation Integration Examples: Provide specific examples of how you've leveraged AI, automation, or advanced tools to streamline design operations, improve research synthesis, enhance prototyping, or facilitate design-to-code handoffs.

• Governance & Framework Implementation: Illustrate your experience in developing and implementing operational frameworks, governance structures, or portfolio management systems that improved visibility, accountability, and decision-making.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Present examples where you used data analysis to inform strategic decisions, identify operational risks, or measure the impact of process changes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of designing, documenting, and optimizing end-to-end workflows for digital product development, specifically within a UX context.

• Implementation & Automation Strategies: Documentation of strategies for implementing new operational processes, tools, or automation solutions, including pilot programs and scaling plans.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX operations, tracking performance, and analyzing results to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to showcase tangible examples of their process improvement capabilities, particularly in managing complex projects and integrating new technologies like AI into operational frameworks. A portfolio demonstrating analytical rigor and strategic thinking will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 - $206,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance plans.

• Life Insurance: Provided for eligible team members.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company contributions.

• Employee Discount: Significant discount on Target purchases.

• Disability Insurance: Short-term and Long-term disability coverage.

• Paid Time Off: Paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation time.

• Additional Benefits: Target offers a wide array of benefits covering financial, educational, and well-being aspects, accessible via their career benefits portal.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement, requiring presence both onsite at the Minneapolis HQ and remote work as dictated by role needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Lead Program Manager role in a major metropolitan area like Minneapolis, especially within a large retail organization like Target. The benefits package is robust and comprehensive, reflecting Target's investment in its employees. The Hybrid/Flex arrangement requires a balance of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail. Target operates as one of the largest and most recognized retailers globally, focusing on providing a wide range of merchandise and services, with a significant and growing digital presence.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Target is a Fortune 50 company with hundreds of thousands of employees worldwide). This scale implies complex organizational structures, extensive resources, and significant opportunities for impact.

Founded: 1902. With over a century of history, Target has a strong established brand and a deep understanding of consumer markets, continuously adapting to evolving retail landscapes.

Team Structure:

• UX Design Team: This role supports the Guest UX Team, which is part of a broader UX organization encompassing design, content, research, and accessibility practitioners.

• Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Operations Manager will likely report to a Director or Senior Director level within UX or Design Operations, working closely with UX leadership, Product Management, and Engineering leadership.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with Product Managers, Engineering teams, Data Scientists, Design System specialists, Platform teams, and various business stakeholders across the organization.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Target emphasizes using data to understand guest behavior, inform product decisions, and measure operational effectiveness.

• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated for operations, the product development teams likely employ agile methodologies, requiring operational support for efficient iteration and delivery.

• User-Centric Design: The core philosophy is to improve and innovate digital experiences for guests, team members, and partners, ensuring a focus on user needs.

• Innovation & Experimentation: The role's focus on AI and automation highlights a culture that encourages exploring and piloting new technologies to drive efficiency and enhance capabilities.

Company Website: https://corporate.target.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Working at a company of Target's scale means operating within established processes but also having the opportunity to influence and shape them, especially in emerging areas like UX Design Operations and AI integration. The culture values data, user experience, and continuous adaptation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility for strategic direction, program execution, and operational framework development. It requires extensive experience and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into UX leadership, likely a Director or Senior Director of Design Operations or a similar functional lead. The individual will regularly interact with and influence Directors and VPs across UX, Product, and Engineering.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Operations Program Manager will have a direct impact on the efficiency, quality, and speed of digital product development at Target. By optimizing processes and enabling the adoption of advanced technologies like AI, this role will contribute significantly to delivering superior digital experiences that drive business growth and customer satisfaction. The ability to scale high-quality user experiences across the enterprise underscores the strategic importance of this position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Director-level role within UX Design Operations, leading a team or a larger operational domain.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/automation for design, portfolio management, or specific areas of operational excellence within digital product development.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to move into broader program management, product management, or operational strategy roles within Target.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to best practices in UX Design Operations, potentially presenting at industry conferences or contributing to thought leadership in operationalizing design at scale.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior program managers and operations professionals within the UX organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a large, established organization, with opportunities for both leadership growth and specialized skill development, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of AI in design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Target's Minneapolis HQ is a modern corporate campus designed for collaboration and innovation. The role is designated as Hybrid/Flex for Your Day, meaning a blend of onsite work and remote work is expected, with the balance determined by daily task requirements.

Office Location(s): 1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403-2542. This is a central downtown Minneapolis location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is likely designed to foster interaction, with meeting rooms, common areas, and flexible desk arrangements to support both focused work and team collaboration.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to a robust technology infrastructure, including enterprise-grade project management software, collaboration tools, and potentially specialized AI/automation platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with UX designers, researchers, product managers, engineers, and leadership, facilitating effective communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours (likely 8-5 or 9-6 Central Time), Monday through Friday, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid work arrangement. The nature of program management may occasionally require working outside of standard hours to meet critical deadlines or manage global stakeholders if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires self-discipline and effective time management. Candidates should be comfortable navigating both in-office collaboration and remote work setups, ensuring productivity and communication remain high regardless of location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will assess your resume and initial qualifications.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Deep dive into your experience, program management skills, UX operations knowledge, and AI/automation expertise. Expect behavioral questions and scenario-based inquiries.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., UX leadership, Product Management, Engineering leads) to assess collaboration, communication, and strategic alignment.

• Case Study/Presentation: You may be asked to present a portfolio piece or tackle a hypothetical problem related to UX operations, AI adoption, or program strategy. This will assess your problem-solving approach, strategic thinking, and presentation skills.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to ensure cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your experience in UX operations, program management, process improvement, and AI/automation integration.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable results or business impact achieved. Use metrics to demonstrate success.

• Highlight Operations & AI: Specifically showcase how you've optimized processes, implemented governance, or integrated AI/automation tools to drive efficiency and effectiveness in design workflows.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations to be engaging narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.

• Tailor to Target: If possible, align your portfolio examples with Target's industry and potential challenges, demonstrating an understanding of their business context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Operational Case Study: Be prepared to analyze a given scenario related to UX operations, identify pain points, and propose a strategic plan for improvement, including process changes, tool recommendations, and AI integration opportunities.

• Process Mapping: Practice mapping out complex workflows and identifying bottlenecks or areas for optimization.

• AI Strategy: Think about how AI can be applied to various stages of the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, documentation) and the operational considerations for implementing these tools responsibly.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate complex operational strategies and technical concepts clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable results and a strategic approach to operational challenges, particularly those involving AI and process optimization, will be crucial for success in this application process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project Management Software: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Monday.com, or similar platforms for program tracking, task management, and workflow visualization.

• Collaboration Platforms: Expertise in tools such as Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, and Google Workspace for communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with the output and workflows of tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision, understanding how they integrate with operational processes.

• AI/Automation Tools: Practical experience with generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, Claude), AI agents, or automation scripting tools relevant to product development and design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reporting on operational performance and product metrics.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and product analytics platforms to understand user behavior and impact.

• Spreadsheet Software: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets for data manipulation, analysis, and reporting.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX operations integrate with CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) for customer insights can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Experience with tools or platforms that enable workflow automation and integration between different systems.

• Documentation Tools: Proficiency with Confluence, Notion, or similar knowledge management systems for documenting processes, playbooks, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be comfortable with a broad range of productivity and collaboration tools, with a specific emphasis on project/program management software and practical experience with AI tools and data analysis platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Operational Excellence: A commitment to continuous improvement, efficiency, and delivering high-quality operational support.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Reliance on data and analytics to inform strategies, measure impact, and drive informed choices.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships across teams and departments to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies, such as AI and automation, to enhance capabilities and drive progress.

• User Focus: Ensuring all operational efforts ultimately support the creation of exceptional digital experiences for Target's guests and team members.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Transparent: Open communication about project status, risks, and dependencies.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on identifying problems and collaboratively developing practical, effective solutions.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with diverse teams to ensure seamless integration of UX operations into the broader product development lifecycle.

• Feedback-Driven: Encouraging and actively seeking feedback to refine processes and improve outcomes.

• Empowerment: Enabling teams and individuals with the processes, tools, and insights they need to succeed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Target's culture emphasizes teamwork, data-informed decisions, and a strong customer focus. The UX Design Operations team likely embodies these values by enabling seamless collaboration and driving operational efficiency that directly impacts the guest experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Operations: Managing the complexities of scaling UX operations and design practices across a large, diverse organization like Target.

• AI Adoption & Governance: Navigating the responsible adoption of AI tools, establishing appropriate governance, and managing human-in-the-loop processes effectively.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent processes and effective collaboration across numerous product teams, departments, and leadership levels.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the ROI and impact of UX operations initiatives, especially those involving new technologies, to secure ongoing support and investment.

• Pace of Change: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI and design technologies while ensuring stability and quality in operational processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI & ML Specialization: Deepen expertise in applying AI and machine learning to design operations, potentially leading to specialized roles or advanced certifications.

• Strategic Program Leadership: Develop advanced strategic planning, portfolio management, and leadership skills through high-visibility projects.

• Industry Best Practices: Gain exposure to cutting-edge UX operations frameworks and AI integration strategies from a leading retail innovator.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Target's design, product, and technology organizations.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, and potentially attending industry conferences focused on design operations, program management, and AI in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to tackle significant operational challenges at scale, with a particular focus on the innovative integration of AI. The growth potential is substantial for individuals looking to lead in this evolving domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you established or significantly improved operational processes for a design or product team. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on process mapping, stakeholder buy-in, implementation, and metrics.)

• "How would you approach defining a portfolio management strategy for a UX organization with multiple product lines and competing priorities?" (Highlight prioritization frameworks, resource allocation, risk assessment, and reporting.)

• "Imagine we're considering adopting a new generative AI tool for content creation within UX. What steps would you take to pilot this tool, and how would you assess its effectiveness and manage associated risks?" (Emphasize pilot design, success metrics, human oversight, and responsible adoption.)

• "Tell me about a complex cross-functional program you led. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you ensure alignment and drive it to successful completion?" (Focus on communication strategies, dependency management, risk mitigation, and stakeholder influence.)

• "How do you leverage data and analytics to inform operational decisions and demonstrate the value of UX operations?" (Prepare examples of metrics used, data analysis techniques, and how insights led to action.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Target's approach to UX and digital transformation?" (Research Target's recent digital initiatives, app features, and design philosophy.)

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of UX design operations, and how would you prepare a team for these changes?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and change management awareness.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with Product Management and Engineering teams." (Highlight partnership, shared ownership, and clear communication.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project's business context and your role, then detail the operational challenges and your strategic approach.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the processes you designed, implemented, or optimized. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• AI/Tech Integration: Explicitly call out any use of AI, automation, or new technologies, explaining the rationale and impact.

• Quantifiable Results: Present key metrics and outcomes. Use phrases like "increased efficiency by X%", "reduced cycle time by Y days," or "improved quality score by Z."

• Storytelling: Weave a narrative that highlights your problem-solving skills and ability to drive tangible results. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your decisions and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with AI and automation in practical terms, demonstrating not just knowledge but also hands-on application and strategic thinking about its integration into a large enterprise's design operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Design Operations Program Manager position:

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application form via the provided Workday link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience in digital product work, program management, UX operations, AI/automation integration, and cross-functional leadership. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate 3-5 impactful projects that showcase your process optimization, program management, and AI integration skills. Focus on demonstrating measurable results and strategic thinking. Be ready to present this portfolio.

• Research Target: Understand Target's business, its digital strategy, and its commitment to UX. Familiarize yourself with their recent product launches and company values.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your experience with AI, program management, and operational excellence in a large-scale environment. Practice articulating your portfolio projects clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.

---