Senior Associate, Senior Product Designer, Field Experience

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Associate, Senior Product Designer, Field Experience

Company: New York Life

Location: New York, NY, US

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-04-15

Experience Level: 6+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end design execution for a portfolio of products supporting agent recruitment, onboarding, collaboration, and client service within the Field Experience (FX) value stream.

• Drive design from discovery through delivery, translating business and user needs into intuitive workflows, interaction patterns, and high-fidelity UI.

• Partner closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders to ensure thoughtful, scalable, and user-centered solutions.

• Operate with a high degree of autonomy and ownership in a collaborative, agile environment, managing multiple concurrent workstreams with competing priorities.

• Leverage qualitative and quantitative insights, user research, and data analytics to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior Product Designer focusing on internal-facing tools for agents, rather than customer-facing products. The "Field Experience" context implies a focus on the user journey of New York Life's agents, encompassing their operational workflows and client engagement processes. This requires a deep understanding of complex business processes and the ability to design for efficiency and productivity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and drive the complete design lifecycle for multiple products within the Field Experience portfolio, from initial concept and discovery to final delivery and post-launch iteration.

• Define user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UI mockups, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications for engineering teams.

• Collaborate extensively with Product Managers to translate business requirements and product strategy into effective user experience solutions.

• Work hand-in-hand with Engineering teams within an agile sprint cycle, ensuring clear communication and providing design support throughout the development process, including design QA.

• Partner with User Research and Data Analytics teams to identify user pain points, uncover opportunities for improvement, and gather insights to inform design decisions.

• Ensure consistency and cohesion across the Field Experience product suite by contributing to and leveraging design systems, reusable patterns, and best practices.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance user experience within existing product frameworks and contribute to the overall design quality and craft of the team.

• Present design concepts, solutions, and rationale clearly and persuasively to cross-functional partners and senior stakeholders, effectively incorporating feedback.

• Apply design perspective to ambiguous problem spaces and contribute to the prioritization of product initiatives based on user and business impact.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles, promoting equitable experiences for all users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "complex, workflow-driven products" and "customer self-service experiences" suggests the need for designers who can manage intricate information architecture and user journeys. The mention of "AI-powered or automation features" and "generative AI (LLM) features" indicates a forward-looking role requiring comfort with emerging technologies and their application in improving workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Design, Interaction Design, Fine Arts, HCI) or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 6+ years of digital product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping high-quality, impactful user experiences.

• Strong experience designing complex, workflow-driven products (dashboards, portals, servicing experiences, forms/documents) and/or customer self-service experiences.

• Experience working closely with engineers in an agile sprint environment; comfortable moving from discovery to delivery.

• Experience mentoring or providing guidance to other designers is a plus.

• Experience in life insurance, financial services, or other highly regulated environments is a plus.

• Experience partnering with Legal/Compliance and navigating content, disclosure, and governance reviews is a plus.

• Experience with experimentation (A/B testing), personalization, and optimization of key journeys (adoption, task completion, and efficiency) is a plus.

• Experience shipping generative AI (LLM) features to production, including evaluation, monitoring, and iterative improvement, is a plus.

• Familiarity with Responsible AI and privacy-by-design practices (transparency, user control, and protecting sensitive customer data) is a plus.

• Experience with AI-powered or automation features (e.g., recommendations, assistive copilots, or intelligent tooling) that improve real workflows is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong command of human-centered design principles, interaction design, visual design, and UX writing collaboration.

• Proficiency with Figma (and modern prototyping tools) and collaborative whiteboarding tools (e.g., FigJam, Miro).

• Solid understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.

• Ability to translate business requirements and product strategy into clear, effective experience solutions.

• Experience creating user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UI, prototypes, and detailed specifications for development.

• Strong facilitation and communication skills; able to align cross-functional partners and present work to senior stakeholders.

• Comfort using qualitative and quantitative inputs to make decisions and prioritize work.

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent workstreams with competing priorities and deadlines.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience mentoring junior designers.

• Experience in regulated industries like financial services or life insurance.

• Experience with A/B testing, personalization, and journey optimization.

• Experience designing and shipping AI/ML-driven features.

• Familiarity with Responsible AI and privacy-by-design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title, coupled with the 6+ years of experience requirement and the expectation of owning a portfolio of products, indicates a role with significant individual contributor responsibility and influence, operating with a high degree of autonomy. The "nice to have" skills heavily lean towards advanced product design capabilities, including AI integration and regulatory compliance, which are increasingly critical in the financial services sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design work is required for application.

• The portfolio should include case studies demonstrating experience with complex, workflow-driven products and/or customer self-service experiences.

• Case studies should highlight the candidate's process, problem-solving approach, design decisions, and the impact of their work.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their design process clearly, from discovery and research to wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration with engineering for delivery.

• Demonstrating experience in translating business requirements and user needs into clear experience strategies, workflows, and interaction models is crucial.

• Experience in creating detailed specifications for development and participating in design QA to ensure high-quality implementation is expected.

• The ability to contribute to and leverage design systems, patterns, and best practices should be evident in the presented work.

• Evidence of using qualitative and quantitative insights to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions is highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio and the emphasis on end-to-end design processes highlight the need for candidates to showcase their practical application of design thinking and execution. The mention of "discovery through delivery" and "agile sprint environment" underscores the importance of process adaptability and collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $160,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive package of benefits for employees.

• Unique offerings for a modern workforce.

• Generous leave programs.

• Adoption assistance.

• Student loan repayment programs.

• Annual discretionary bonus eligibility.

• Participation in an incentive program may be possible.

• Access to the NYL Benefits Site for detailed information.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (Full-time, Exempt).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a key piece of information for candidates. The benefits listed are standard for a large financial institution and include unique programs like adoption assistance and student loan repayment, which can be significant draws. The "Exempt" status for overtime eligibility is typical for senior-level professional roles. The salary range is a good indicator of the seniority and scope of the role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (specifically Life Insurance). New York Life is a Fortune 100 mutual company with a 180-year legacy, emphasizing stability, integrity, and purpose. The company is undergoing a transformation towards becoming more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Fortune 100). This implies a structured environment with established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact across a broad organization.

Founded: 1845. This long history signifies stability, deep-rooted values, and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Marketing, Product & Design department, specifically focused on the Field Experience (FX) value stream.

• The designer will be a critical partner to design leadership and will work closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Collaboration is expected across multiple product teams and with support functions like User Research and Data Analytics.

Methodology:

• The team operates within an agile sprint environment, emphasizing iterative development and collaboration.

• A strong focus on human-centered design, user research, and data-driven decision-making.

• Emphasis on leveraging and contributing to design systems and reusable patterns for consistency and efficiency.

• The company is actively embracing technology, including AI, to enhance its offerings and operations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: New York Life's identity as a Fortune 100 mutual company in the financial services sector means candidates should expect a blend of tradition and innovation. The "humanity and integrity" values suggest a culture that prioritizes ethical practices and employee well-being, while the stated transformation towards technology and AI indicates an environment open to modern approaches and career growth in emerging fields.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (Senior Product Designer). This level implies a significant degree of autonomy, ownership, and the ability to influence design direction and execution independently. It also suggests a level of expertise and a track record of successful project delivery.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to design leadership within the Field Experience (FX) value stream and collaborates closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads. While not a management role, there's a potential for informal leadership and mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Field Experience (FX) products directly impact the productivity, efficiency, and client service capabilities of New York Life's agents. Therefore, this role has a direct influence on the operational effectiveness of the field force, which in turn impacts revenue generation and client satisfaction. Designing intuitive and efficient tools for agents is critical to the company's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in complex workflow design, AI-driven product features, and design within regulated industries. Opportunity to contribute to and shape design systems.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to mentor junior designers and take on ownership of larger, more complex product portfolios. Develop strong cross-functional leadership and stakeholder management skills.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into higher-level design roles (e.g., Lead Designer, Design Manager) or specialize in areas like AI product design or UX strategy within the financial services sector. The company's focus on technology transformation offers avenues for growth in emerging areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Associate" title, combined with the 6+ years of experience and the expectation of owning a portfolio, positions this role as a key individual contributor with significant responsibility. The growth opportunities focus on both deepening technical design skills and developing leadership potential, aligned with a senior individual contributor track.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Employees are expected to be in the office 3 days per week (specifically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). This indicates a blended work model designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion while allowing for flexibility.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This is a major metropolitan hub, offering access to a vibrant professional community and diverse resources.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model suggests a collaborative office environment designed for in-person interaction on designated days, likely including team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional workshops.

• On remote days, candidates will need to be self-directed and equipped for effective remote collaboration.

• The role requires proficiency with digital collaboration tools like Figma, FigJam, and Miro, indicating a tech-forward workspace.

• As part of a large, established financial institution, the work environment is expected to be professional and structured, with a strong emphasis on governance and compliance.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week), with an "Exempt" status indicating that the role is not eligible for overtime pay. The hybrid schedule provides some flexibility in terms of location on non-office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement is specific (Tues-Thurs onsite), suggesting a deliberate strategy for maximizing in-person collaboration during the core of the work week. This is a common approach to balance flexibility with team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a recruiter screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing relevant case studies. This is a critical step to evaluate design process, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities. Expect to discuss your design decisions, challenges, and outcomes in detail.

• Hiring Manager/Design Leadership Interview: Deeper dive into experience, design philosophy, collaboration style, and strategic thinking. Questions may focus on how you approach complex problems, manage priorities, and influence stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration skills, understanding of agile development, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Final Round: May involve a design exercise or a more in-depth discussion with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase end-to-end design for complex, workflow-driven products or internal tools.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you encountered, your design solutions, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your approach to discovery, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration with engineering. Show how you use data and research to inform decisions.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved efficiency, increased adoption, reduced errors). If quantitative data is unavailable, articulate the qualitative impact and user benefits clearly.

• Address AI/Regulated Environments: If applicable, include projects that demonstrate experience with AI features, complex workflows, or designing within regulated industries.

• Format for Access: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible via a direct link or document, and provide any necessary passwords. Avoid restricted platforms.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design exercise, which could involve solving a problem related to agent workflows or improving an existing feature.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely.

• Research New York Life's business, its mission, and its current digital initiatives, particularly within the Field Experience domain.

• Understand the importance of compliance and user-centered design within the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design exercises indicates that practical demonstration of skills and process is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their work and articulate their decision-making rationale thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.

• Prototyping Tools: Modern prototyping tools are expected, with Figma being primary.

• Collaborative Whiteboarding Tools: FigJam and Miro are explicitly mentioned for ideation, workshops, and brainstorming.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are listed as required for the designer, but the context of "Field Experience" products implies interaction with systems that support agent workflows, which may include CRM-like functionalities or automation features. Experience designing for such systems is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on design and collaboration tools. While direct experience with analytics or CRM software isn't a stated requirement, an understanding of how these systems provide data for design decisions will be advantageous. The mention of AI features suggests potential exposure to ML platforms or frameworks in a design capacity.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Humanity: Core values of New York Life, emphasizing ethical conduct, respect, and a people-centric approach.

• Purpose-Driven: Employees are encouraged to do meaningful, life-changing work.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working together, sharing knowledge, and learning from one another.

• Innovation: Openness to new ideas and embracing technology, including AI, to drive progress.

• Inclusiveness: Commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive work culture where all individuals feel valued.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality output and continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Close collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Research, and Analytics is fundamental.

• Agile Environment: Working in sprints requires a dynamic and adaptive collaboration style.

• Design Critiques: Active participation in design reviews to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared learning and quality improvement.

• Open Communication: Clear and effective communication with stakeholders at all levels, including senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as a blend of traditional financial services values (integrity, humanity, stability) and a forward-looking approach focused on technology and innovation. The collaborative nature of the role, especially in a hybrid setting, means strong interpersonal and communication skills are key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Priorities: Managing multiple concurrent workstreams with competing deadlines and ensuring focus on high-impact areas.

• Complex Workflows: Designing for intricate, workflow-driven products within a regulated industry requires careful consideration of business rules, compliance, and user efficiency.

• Integration of AI: Designing user experiences for AI-powered features requires understanding model capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations, while ensuring user trust and transparency.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively communicating design decisions and gaining buy-in from diverse stakeholders, including those in Legal/Compliance.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maximizing productivity and collaboration in a hybrid work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Deepen expertise in complex UX/UI design, interaction design, and user-centered methodologies.

• AI & Emerging Tech: Gain hands-on experience designing for AI-powered features and modern technologies.

• Industry Expertise: Develop a strong understanding of the financial services and life insurance industry, including regulatory nuances.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and develop leadership capabilities.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Enhance skills in working with product, engineering, research, and analytics teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only technically proficient but also a strong problem-solver, communicator, and strategic thinker, capable of navigating complexity and ambiguity. The growth opportunities are geared towards evolving skill sets in demand within the tech and financial services sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage competing design priorities across multiple products. How did you decide what to focus on?" (Assesses prioritization, time management, strategic thinking).

• "Describe a complex workflow you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure it was intuitive for users?" (Assesses understanding of workflow design, problem-solving, user-centricity).

• "How do you approach incorporating AI or automation features into a user experience? What are the key considerations?" (Assesses understanding of emerging tech, ethical design, and user trust).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about New York Life and this specific role in Field Experience?" (Assesses research, alignment with company values, and understanding of the role's impact).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment?" (Assesses teamwork, communication, and cultural fit).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), key design decisions and rationale, and the final outcome/impact.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results wherever possible. If quantitative data is unavailable, clearly articulate the qualitative benefits and user improvements.

• Showcase Your Process: Emphasize how you used research, data, and collaboration to arrive at your solutions. Demonstrate your iterative approach.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, how you handled feedback, and what you would do differently.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with complex workflows, internal tools, or financial services if possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities within complex environments, and strong collaborative and communication skills. The portfolio presentation is a key opportunity to showcase these attributes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the New York Life careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 strong case studies that highlight your end-to-end design process for complex, workflow-driven products or internal-facing tools. Ensure they are easily accessible and clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, and the impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 6+ years of experience, proficiency in Figma and collaboration tools, experience with agile methodologies, and any relevant experience in financial services or AI-driven design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design decisions, and demonstrating the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to complex problems and collaboration.

• Research New York Life: Understand the company's mission, values, and its strategic shift towards technology and AI. Familiarize yourself with the importance of the Field Experience for their agent network.

⚠️ 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.