Senior Design Program Manager, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Program Manager, UX Design

Company: PlayStation Global

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Program Management

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the execution of design initiatives for the PlayStation Partners team by coordinating between designers, engineers, and product managers.

• Manage timelines, risks, and operational processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality B2B user experiences and robust design systems.

• Champion user-centered design principles and integrate accessibility standards throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Act as a trusted point of contact for Design Operations, fostering strong relationships and alignment across cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Design Operations, focusing on managing the process and execution of UX design work, particularly for B2B software products aimed at game creators. The emphasis is on bridging the gap between design vision and successful product delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Strategically drive design processes across key programs within PlayStation's Partners team, integrating workstreams involving designers, writers, engineers, and researchers.

• Champion accessibility and integrate deeply with design systems, ensuring design excellence through rigorous engineering handoffs and Quality Engineering (QE) processes.

• Serve as a trusted partner and Design Operations point of contact, establishing and maintaining roadmaps by understanding business priorities and building strong cross-organizational relationships.

• Facilitate collaboration between design leaders, designers, product managers, researchers, engineers, and other design program managers, acting as a multiplier to inspire optimal team performance.

• Cultivate design thinking, plan and lead workshops, and advocate for user-centered design principles to refine operational processes and strengthen feedback loops.

• Drive consistency across design teams within the assigned domain, anticipating bottlenecks, managing issues, prioritizing initiatives, and tracking programs to ensure timely delivery of design excellence.

• Own strategic artifacts and drive initiatives that connect the team to the broader business context, supporting resource management and problem-solving efforts.

• Balance operational execution with strategic problem-solving to strengthen both the team and the product offering for game creators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic program management and hands-on operational execution. The role requires a deep understanding of the B2B software development lifecycle, particularly as it pertains to empowering external partners (game creators).

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, Project Management, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Design Program Manager role. Advanced degrees or relevant certifications in project management or UX are a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 6+ years of design program management experience in technology, design, or creative environments, with a proven track record in Enterprise / B2B software products.

Required Skills:

• 6+ years of Design Program Management experience in technology, design, or creative environments.

• Proven experience in Enterprise / B2B software products, understanding their unique development and go-to-market dynamics.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design and technical requirements.

• Ability to develop strategic communications tailored to various partner groups, including internal teams and potentially external stakeholders.

• Track record of successfully delivering large-scale design programs and projects.

• Experience working in continuous delivery environments with rapid iteration and shifting priorities.

• Passion for user experience (UX) and design, with a solid understanding of the product development process.

• Experience in identifying and raising issues, making trade-offs, and balancing business needs with technical constraints to improve business benefits while delivering exceptional user experiences.

• Ability to navigate multifaceted problem spaces and ask insightful questions to drive effective solutions aligned with broader business priorities.

• Demonstrated ability in relationship and trust-building with diverse partners, guiding, informing, and supporting efforts.

• Possess strong conflict resolution skills with a wide range of partners.

• Model a growth mindset, actively seeking and providing constructive feedback to support shared success. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in partnership with Product Managers, Engineering, and Technical Program Managers.

• Familiarity with design systems, accessibility standards, and best practices for engineering handoffs and QE.

• Experience in planning and leading workshops, cultivating design thinking, and advocating for user-centered design.

• Understanding of B2B strategies and developing systems that help teams perform at their highest level.

• Ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently and adapt to evolving priorities while maintaining momentum.

• Experience with Agile or Lean development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a strong blend of program management rigor, B2B software domain knowledge, and a deep understanding of UX design principles and processes. The "growth mindset" requirement is a key indicator of the desired cultural fit.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of managing complex design programs from inception through launch, demonstrating end-to-end execution.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to integrate design systems, ensure accessibility, and manage engineering handoffs effectively.

• Provide evidence of strategic roadmap development, cross-functional alignment, and risk mitigation in B2B software contexts.

• Demonstrate how you have improved operational processes within design teams, leading to increased efficiency and higher quality outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Documented workflows for managing design initiatives, including planning, prioritization, execution, and review phases.

• Examples of process improvements implemented to enhance collaboration between design, product, and engineering teams.

• Methodologies for tracking program progress, identifying bottlenecks, and managing risks to ensure timely delivery.

• Processes for integrating user feedback and learnings into ongoing design and development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a requirement for submission, a strong portfolio demonstrating these elements will be crucial for interview stages, especially for senior-level roles in program management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their process and system improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Senior" title, 6+ years of experience, and location in London, UK, a competitive salary range would likely be between £70,000 and £100,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Design Program Managers in tech in London, considering the company's prestige and the specialized nature of UX Design Operations.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between office and remote work.

• Discretionary bonus opportunity, providing potential for performance-based additional compensation.

• Comprehensive Private Medical Insurance and a Dental Scheme for health and well-being.

• London Allowance, acknowledging the higher cost of living in the capital.

• Generous 25 days of holiday per year, promoting work-life balance.

• On-site amenities including a Gym, Subsidised Café, Free soft drinks, and an On-site bar, fostering a positive work environment.

• Access to cycle garage and showers, encouraging active commuting.

Working Hours: The role implies a standard 40-hour work week, common for full-time positions in the UK tech industry. The hybrid arrangement suggests flexibility in how these hours are structured, with expectations for core collaboration times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a guideline based on typical compensation for this level and location. Actual salary will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The benefits package is substantial and reflects a commitment to employee well-being and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Video Game Development & Publishing, Entertainment. PlayStation Global operates at the forefront of interactive entertainment, leveraging cutting-edge hardware, software, and network services to deliver immersive gaming experiences. The PlayStation Partners team specifically focuses on enabling third-party game creators, highlighting a B2B facet to their operations.

Company Size: As part of Sony Group Corporation, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) is a large, multinational corporation with thousands of employees globally. This scale offers stability, resources, and extensive career opportunities.

Founded: Sony Interactive Entertainment was established in 1993 (as Sony Computer Entertainment) and has since evolved into a dominant force in the gaming industry. This long history signifies a mature organization with established processes and a deep understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Operations team is a specialized group focused on optimizing the design process and fostering collaboration.

• This Senior Design Program Manager will likely work within the PlayStation Partners team, a group dedicated to empowering game creators.

• Expect a matrixed reporting structure, with the individual reporting to Design Operations leadership while collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams within the Partners domain.

• Collaboration is key; the role will interact with multiple teams, including other Design Program Managers, designers, writers, researchers, and engineers. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement are likely core tenets, given the operational focus.

• Agile and Lean methodologies are probably employed to manage the fast-paced product development cycles typical in the tech and gaming industries.

• Emphasis on user-centered design, ensuring that operational processes support the creation of exceptional experiences for both end-users and B2B partners.

• Strong focus on process optimization, efficiency, and the integration of design systems and accessibility standards.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture is a blend of innovation in entertainment and structured operational excellence, especially within B2B functions like the Partners team. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a modern approach to workplace flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level, indicating significant responsibility and a strategic contribution to the Design Operations function. It's a pivotal position for professionals who want to shape how design work is executed within a large, influential technology company. The focus is on program execution, process improvement, and cross-functional facilitation rather than direct people management, though leadership through influence is critical.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Program Manager will report into Design Operations leadership, likely within the broader UX or Product organization. They will work very closely with product managers and engineering leads within the PlayStation Partners team, requiring strong collaboration and alignment across these functions.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the efficiency and quality of design output for the PlayStation Partners platform. By streamlining processes, managing risks, and fostering collaboration, the Design Program Manager enables the creation of better tools and services for game developers, which in turn influences the success of games available on PlayStation devices. Optimizing the B2B experience is crucial for maintaining strong relationships with the game development community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Design Operations, B2B product development, or specific areas like accessibility program management.

• Leadership: Progress to Lead Design Program Manager roles, managing larger or more complex programs, or potentially moving into people management within Design Operations.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, Technical Program Management, or other strategic roles within SIE, leveraging a strong understanding of the product lifecycle and cross-functional dynamics.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in areas like advanced program management methodologies, UX strategy, design systems, and emerging technologies relevant to game development platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within Design Operations or into adjacent strategic functions within SIE, leveraging the unique experience gained managing design programs for a B2B platform in the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job listing specifies a "Hybrid working" arrangement. This typically means a mix of in-office days for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work, and remote days for individual tasks and flexibility. PlayStation Global's London office is expected to be a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support this hybrid model.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is London, England, United Kingdom. Specific details about the office building, its facilities, and accessibility would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is likely designed to encourage interaction, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workstations. This is crucial for design teams and program managers who rely on frequent communication and brainstorming.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized hardware for design and development work. The role will heavily utilize project management software, communication platforms, and design collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with designers, product managers, engineers, and fellow program managers, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment. The on-site amenities (gym, cafe, bar) also contribute to a vibrant workplace culture.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with flexibility provided by the hybrid model. Core working hours are likely expected for team collaboration and meetings, with some flexibility around start and end times. The fast-paced nature of the role may occasionally require extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, indicating a modern approach to employee flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with a blend of in-office and remote work, and the associated communication and collaboration strategies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process for a Senior Design Program Manager at PlayStation Global is likely to be multi-stage and rigorous, focusing on assessing program management skills, strategic thinking, B2B expertise, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager may conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and interest in the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, program management approach, and understanding of UX Design Operations. This may include behavioral questions and scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, showcasing specific case studies of complex design programs you have managed. This is where you demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders, such as Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other Design Program Managers, to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to navigate complex relationships.

• Executive/Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit within the company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, faster delivery, higher quality B2B user experience).

• Showcase B2B Context: Highlight your experience with Enterprise/B2B software products, demonstrating an understanding of their unique challenges and stakeholder needs.

• Demonstrate Process & Systems: Detail the operational processes you've designed, implemented, or improved. Explain how you integrated design systems, managed engineering handoffs, and championed accessibility.

• Structure and Storytelling: Organize your portfolio logically. Use clear visuals and concise narratives to tell the story of each project, emphasizing your strategic contributions and problem-solving abilities.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your decisions, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges and conflicts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions asking how you would handle specific situations, e.g., "How would you manage competing priorities between two critical design programs?" or "How would you resolve a conflict between design and engineering on a tight deadline?"

• Process Design Exercise: You might be asked to outline a process for a hypothetical design initiative, demonstrating your ability to think strategically about execution.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you build relationships, communicate effectively, and influence stakeholders with different priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly vet candidates for a senior role that requires significant strategic, operational, and interpersonal skills. A well-prepared portfolio and thoughtful responses to scenario-based questions will be critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Project & Program Management: Tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar platforms for task tracking, workflow management, and roadmap visualization.

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace for daily communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

• Design Collaboration: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (for understanding design outputs), and potentially specialized tools for design system management and UX research synthesis.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or internal SIE dashboards for tracking program progress, identifying trends, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to design execution and B2B partner satisfaction.

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

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM management role, understanding how design operations integrate with CRM and other enterprise systems is beneficial, especially for B2B platforms. Experience with Salesforce or similar enterprise CRM systems might be a plus for understanding the partner ecosystem.

• Automation tools for workflow management and process streamlining could be relevant, though specific tools are not highlighted.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, proficiency in common project management, collaboration, and design-adjacent software is assumed. The role will likely involve navigating and potentially optimizing the use of SIE's existing technology stack for design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality user experiences and operational processes that support design innovation.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where cross-functional partners work together seamlessly to achieve common goals.

• User-Centricity: Championing the needs of both end-users and B2B partners (game creators) in all operational decisions and process designs.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Continuously seeking ways to improve workflows, reduce friction, and maximize the impact of the design team.

• Growth Mindset: Encouraging continuous learning, feedback, and adaptation to evolve with industry trends and improve individual and team performance.

• Transparency: Ensuring clear communication and visibility into program status, risks, and decisions across all relevant stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and Partnership-Oriented: Actively seeking out collaborations and building strong relationships across design, product, engineering, and other departments.

• Facilitative: Guiding discussions, leading workshops, and ensuring all voices are heard to drive consensus and effective decision-making.

• Transparent Communication: Regular updates, clear articulation of needs and challenges, and open feedback loops to maintain alignment.

• Problem-Solving Focus: Approaching challenges collaboratively, focusing on identifying root causes and developing solutions that benefit the broader team and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "growth mindset" and collaborative approach suggests a culture that values continuous improvement and supportive teamwork, essential for a dynamic role like this.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The fast-paced tech environment and the complexity of managing multiple B2B programs can present ambiguous situations with evolving priorities. Success requires adaptability and strong prioritization skills.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and collaboration across diverse teams (design, product, engineering, marketing, legal) with potentially competing objectives.

• Balancing Strategy & Execution: Effectively managing the day-to-day operational execution while also contributing to strategic planning and process improvement initiatives.

• Maintaining Design Quality at Scale: Ensuring that high standards of design excellence, accessibility, and user experience are maintained as programs scale and B2B offerings expand.

• Influencing Without Authority: Leading and motivating teams and stakeholders who may not directly report to you, relying on strong communication, trust, and strategic insight.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Program Management Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like Agile transformations, scaled agile frameworks, or specialized program management certifications.

• UX Strategy & Design Thinking: Further development in understanding and applying advanced UX principles, design thinking methodologies, and user research techniques within a B2B context.

• Product Development Lifecycle Mastery: Gaining deeper insights into the entire product development lifecycle for enterprise software and gaming platforms.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership through influence, mentorship, and potentially leading larger initiatives or teams.

• Industry Exposure: Engaging with industry trends in gaming, B2B software, and design operations through conferences, webinars, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to tackle complex challenges within a leading entertainment technology company, providing rich learning experiences and pathways for career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you identified a critical bottleneck in a design process. What steps did you take to address it, and what was the outcome?" Prepare examples demonstrating your analytical approach to process improvement.

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you build trust and align priorities with product managers and engineers who have different objectives than the design team?" Be ready to share specific strategies for effective cross-functional collaboration and conflict resolution.

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a complex B2B software design challenge you managed. What were the key trade-offs you had to make, and how did you ensure the user experience remained a priority?" Focus on articulating your decision-making process and the business impact.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "Based on your understanding of PlayStation and the PlayStation Partners team, how would you approach integrating new design initiatives into our existing operational framework?" Research the company's mission, values, and the specific function of the Partners team.

• Operations Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment, especially within a hybrid work setting?" Prepare examples of how you foster collaboration and support team members.

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of design operations initiatives, particularly in a B2B context?" Be ready to discuss relevant KPIs and how you track ROI.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results. Use a framework like STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where applicable.

• Highlight B2B Nuances: Emphasize how your approach considered the specific needs and complexities of B2B software and empowering external partners.

• Showcase Process Improvements: Clearly articulate any operational processes you designed, optimized, or managed, and the positive impact they had on efficiency, quality, or team effectiveness.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making, trade-offs, and how you handled challenges. Be ready to discuss your methodologies for managing timelines, risks, and cross-functional dependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just your program management skills, but also your strategic thinking, B2B software understanding, and ability to collaborate effectively within a large, dynamic organization like Sony Interactive Entertainment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Program Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience with design program management, UX design operations, B2B/enterprise software, cross-functional collaboration, and process optimization. Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your capabilities in these areas.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 6+ years of relevant experience, using keywords from the job description such as "Design Program Management," "UX Design Operations," "B2B Strategy," "Roadmap Management," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice answering behavioral and situational questions focusing on your program management approach, problem-solving skills, and experience in fast-paced, B2B environments. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, articulating your process and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research PlayStation Global, the PlayStation Partners team's mission, and the company's values. Understand their market position in gaming and B2B services for developers. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.

---