Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: American Express

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-12T16:53:20

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the elevation of UX and UI design quality for digital experiences targeting American Express's Merchant and Network customers globally.

• Collaborate intimately with Product Management, Engineering, User Research, and Analytics teams to translate complex business needs and user insights into intuitive and impactful digital solutions.

• Deliver high-fidelity designs and prototypes, working closely with engineering to ensure pixel-perfect implementation and adherence to design specifications.

• Champion a user-centric design approach, leveraging quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions and create compelling, actionable outcomes for users within the acquiring ecosystem.

• Actively participate in design critiques and reviews, sharing your work and providing constructive feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement and cross-team synergy within the GMNS Design Team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Global Merchant and Network Services (GMNS) Product team, a critical area for American Express's strategic transformation of the acquiring ecosystem. The Senior Product Designer will play a pivotal role in modernizing platforms and enhancing services, directly impacting how partners connect to and operate on the Amex Network. The emphasis on "digital experiences for Merchant and Network customers" suggests a focus on B2B or partner-facing platforms rather than direct consumer products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new features and enhancements within the GMNS digital platforms, from conceptualization to final implementation.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively communicate design solutions and user journeys.

• Partner with Product Managers to understand business objectives, market opportunities, and partner feedback, translating these into user-centered design strategies.

• Collaborate with UX Researchers to plan and integrate user research findings, usability testing results, and customer feedback into the design iterations.

• Work hand-in-hand with Engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing clear documentation and design specifications, and resolving any design-related technical challenges.

• Contribute to and advocate for the adoption of Amex's design systems and DesignOps principles to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across all digital products.

• Conduct competitive analysis and stay abreast of industry best practices in UX/UI design, particularly within the financial services and payment network sectors.

• Present design rationales and outcomes to stakeholders, effectively articulating how design solutions meet user needs and achieve business goals.

• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvements within the design team and across cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong partnership with Product and Engineering, typical for senior designers in agile environments. The mention of "Acquirer Product" and "acquiring ecosystem" highlights a focus on B2B financial technology solutions. The need to "transform ideas, business opportunities, partner feedback, and research into a vision" indicates a strategic design role, not just execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Digital Media) or equivalent practical work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in UX and Interaction Design.

• Proven track record of working collaboratively with product management and engineering teams within an agile development environment.

• Experience managing and prioritizing multiple design projects simultaneously, delivering on time and to high standards.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional proficiency in UX and Interaction Design principles and methodologies.

• Mastery of industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.

• Experience in designing for complex digital platforms and applications.

• Ability to translate user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Strong visual design skills with an eye for detail, typography, and layout.

• Experience working with or contributing to established design systems.

• Proficiency in understanding and applying agile development methodologies in a design context.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience implementing UX writing and microcopy best practices to enhance user experience.

• Solid understanding of information architecture principles and their application in designing scalable digital products.

• Experience creating detailed user journey maps and service blueprints to visualize and communicate end-to-end user experiences.

• Experience working within heavily regulated industries (e.g., financial services) or on projects with significant design constraints.

• Familiarity with DesignOps principles and practices to streamline design workflows and operations.

• Experience with user research methodologies and integrating research findings into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" requirement, coupled with "Senior Product Designer" title, suggests the expectation of a candidate who can operate independently, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to the design roadmap. Mastery of Figma is explicitly stated, making it a critical technical requirement. Experience in regulated industries is a strong plus, aligning with American Express's sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing an end-to-end design process, demonstrating problem identification, research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and final implementation.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, business objectives, your role and contributions, the design solutions developed, and the measured impact or outcomes.

• Examples of complex digital products or features designed, preferably for B2B or enterprise-level users, highlighting problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrations of proficiency with Figma, including interactive prototypes and detailed UI designs.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should implicitly or explicitly detail your approach to process optimization, such as how you improved workflows, incorporated feedback, or utilized design systems efficiently.

• Showcase examples where you transformed abstract business requirements or user feedback into concrete design deliverables, illustrating your ability to structure and execute a design process.

• Include examples of how you've ensured design quality and consistency, whether through design system adherence, style guides, or collaboration with development for faithful implementation.

• Demonstrate how you have measured or articulated the success of your designs, linking them to user satisfaction, business goals, or operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. The emphasis on "end-to-end design process" and "measured impact" suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate not just what they designed, but why and how it succeeded, using data and clear narratives. The portfolio should highlight experience with complex, enterprise-level digital products.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in New York City with 5-10 years of experience in the financial services sector, the estimated salary range is $135,000 - $200,000 annually. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the demanding nature of the financial industry, and the cost of living in New York City.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salaries and bonus incentives.

• 6% Company Match on retirement savings plan (e.g., 401k).

• Free financial coaching and financial well-being support resources.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability benefits packages.

• Flexible working model, with a requirement for at least 3 days per week in the New York City office.

• Generous paid parental leave (20+ weeks).

• Free access to global on-site wellness centers.

• Free and confidential counseling support through the Healthy Minds program.

• Robust career development and ongoing training opportunities, including access to internal and external learning resources.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, typically 40 hours. While hybrid, the role requires a consistent presence in the office on designated days, balancing remote flexibility with in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for a Senior Product Designer in New York City, considering American Express's standing as a major financial institution. The provided benefits are extensive and reflect a large corporation's commitment to employee well-being and development, which is attractive to experienced professionals. The hybrid requirement with specific office days is a key detail for work-life planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, Payment Processing, and Technology. American Express operates at the intersection of these sectors, providing a robust and secure platform for global transactions. The GMNS organization specifically focuses on the merchant and network side of the payment ecosystem, serving businesses that accept Amex cards.

Company Size: American Express is a large, established global corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and a structured environment, but also means navigating larger organizational processes. For operations professionals, this translates to potential for broad impact, access to diverse projects, and clear career paths, though individual autonomy might be balanced with corporate governance.

Founded: American Express was founded in 1850, boasting a rich history of over 175 years. This longevity signifies stability, a deep understanding of the financial landscape, and a culture of continuous adaptation and innovation to remain competitive. The company's historical commitment to trust, security, and service is a foundational element of its culture.

Team Structure:

• The GMNS Design Team is likely a specialized unit within the larger GMNS Product organization. It will comprise product designers, UX researchers, and potentially UX writers, all focused on improving digital experiences for merchants and network partners.

• The Senior Product Designer will report into a Design Lead or Director within GMNS, with a dotted line reporting structure or close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for specific projects.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount. The team will utilize insights from User Research, Analytics, and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure the success of implemented solutions.

• Agile development methodologies are standard, requiring designers to work in iterative cycles, adapt to changing requirements, and contribute to sprint planning and reviews.

• Design thinking principles are likely embedded, focusing on empathy for the user, iterative design, and a holistic approach to problem-solving.

• A strong emphasis on design systems and DesignOps practices suggests a focus on efficiency, consistency, and scalability in design production and implementation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: American Express's long history and established presence in financial services imply a culture that values trust, security, and rigorous process, while also needing to adapt to modern digital demands. The GMNS focus means this role is deeply embedded in the B2B aspects of the payment network. The mention of "Leadership Behaviors" suggests a structured corporate culture with defined expectations for employee conduct and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" level position, indicating a mid-to-senior career stage. A Senior Product Designer is expected to possess a high degree of autonomy, expertise in their domain, and the ability to influence project direction and team processes. They are often tasked with leading complex design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the strategic evolution of the product's user experience. For operations professionals, this level signifies a move towards strategic problem-solving, process ownership, and potential leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the GMNS Product organization. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific product initiatives, forming project-specific "squads" or "pods." This structure emphasizes collaborative, cross-functional teamwork.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing how millions of merchants and network partners interact with American Express. By improving the quality, usability, and efficiency of digital experiences, the Senior Product Designer contributes to stronger partner relationships, increased adoption of Amex services, and ultimately, revenue growth for GMNS. Their work helps to solidify Amex's competitive position in the acquiring ecosystem by delivering modern, user-friendly platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Director roles, overseeing larger teams or strategic design initiatives. This could involve managing a portfolio of products or a specific domain within GMNS.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like information architecture, UX writing, service design, or accessibility, becoming a subject matter expert within Amex.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management roles, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs and product development.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, contribute to design system development, and participate in company-sponsored training programs to enhance skills in areas like leadership, strategy, and new design technologies.

• Strategic Contribution: Involvement in shaping the long-term design vision and strategy for the GMNS organization and contributing to broader Amex design community initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a strategic contributor role, not just an executor. The growth paths highlight the potential for both vertical (management) and horizontal (specialization, cross-functional moves) career advancement within a large organization like American Express. The emphasis on "operations impact" is framed in terms of revenue and partner relationships, aligning with GTM objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based in a major corporate office environment within the World Financial Center in New York City. American Express offices are known for being professional, well-equipped, and designed to foster collaboration. The hybrid model means the office will serve as a hub for team meetings, strategic planning sessions, and collaborative design work.

Office Location(s): World Financial Center, 200 Vesey Street, New York, NY 10285. This location is in the heart of Manhattan's financial district, offering excellent access via public transportation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The office space is designed to facilitate interaction, with meeting rooms, collaborative zones, and open-plan areas for team discussions. The requirement to be in-office 3 days a week ensures opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming and in-person mentorship.

• Tools & Technology: Senior designers will have access to high-performance workstations, dual monitors, and the latest software, including Figma and other relevant design and prototyping tools. Access to internal Amex design systems and documentation platforms will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Expect regular team stand-ups, design reviews, cross-functional syncs, and potentially company-wide design events or forums. The hybrid nature means that effective communication across remote and in-office team members is crucial.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in choosing which days to work remotely, provided the minimum 3 days in-office requirement is met. This structure aims to balance work-life needs with the collaborative demands of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific office location in NYC's financial district suggests a high-paced, professional environment. The hybrid work model emphasizes the need for strong communication and self-management skills, with the office serving as a crucial space for team cohesion and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies. This is a critical step where you'll demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, solutions, and outcomes in detail.

• Design Challenge (Potential): You might be given a take-home design exercise or an in-interview design sprint to assess your practical design skills, ability to work under constraints, and thought process. Focus on understanding the prompt and clearly articulating your approach.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate with different disciplines.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss team fit, career aspirations, and confirm overall suitability for the Senior Product Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact in complex digital environments, ideally with B2B or financial services relevance.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the "Why" (the problem/opportunity), "What" (your role and process), and "So What" (the outcome/impact). Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Your Process: Detail your thought process, research methodologies, ideation techniques, and how you iterated based on feedback and data. Show, don't just tell.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved task completion times). If metrics aren't available, articulate the intended business and user outcomes.

• Figma Mastery: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and demonstrate interactive prototypes.

• Tailor to Amex: Understand Amex's business (GMNS, acquiring ecosystem) and try to connect your experience to their specific challenges and goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the Prompt: Thoroughly understand the design problem, target users, and business objectives presented in any design challenge.

• Define Scope: Clearly articulate your assumptions and the scope of your solution. It's better to solve a well-defined part of a problem thoroughly than to superficially address everything.

• Showcase Process: Even in a short timeframe, demonstrate your design thinking process: user empathy, problem framing, ideation, and a rationale for your chosen solution.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and confidently, as if presenting to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and communication, particularly the ability to articulate design's business value. Portfolio presentation is key, and candidates should prepare to be both a designer and a storyteller.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is a requirement.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Principle) might be beneficial for specific use cases or legacy projects.

• Design System Tools: Experience working with and contributing to design systems, utilizing tools like Storybook or internal Amex design system platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal Amex analytics dashboards to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• A/B Testing Tools: Understanding of A/B testing principles and platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO) to validate design hypotheses.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to work with or interpret data presented in tools like Tableau or Power BI.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts user experience within CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, though Amex may use proprietary systems) is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Confluence, or Asana for managing workflows, tracking tasks, and collaborating with engineering.

• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar platforms for daily team communication and coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the non-negotiable tool. The emphasis on analytics and project management tools highlights the data-driven and agile nature of product development at American Express, requiring designers to be integrated into these workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of Amex Merchant and Network customers, ensuring their digital experiences are seamless and valuable.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on working effectively across teams (Product, Engineering, Research) to achieve shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives and constructive feedback.

• Innovation & Agility: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements within the dynamic financial services landscape.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive for high standards in design execution, user experience, and overall product quality, upholding the Amex brand promise of trust and service.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from data and research to inform design choices, validate hypotheses, and measure the impact of design initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are integral members of product teams, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers from concept to launch. This involves regular communication, shared ownership, and joint problem-solving.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging a safe environment for sharing work-in-progress, receiving constructive criticism, and proactively offering feedback to peers to elevate the quality of design across the team.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design critiques, workshops, and internal forums to share learnings, best practices, and innovative approaches within the design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with typical large tech/financial services companies, emphasizing user-centricity, collaboration, and data. The collaboration style points to an integrated, agile team structure where designers are not siloed but are active participants in the broader product development lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Navigating the inherent complexities of a large financial institution, including strict regulatory requirements, legacy systems, and competing business priorities, while still advocating for an optimal user experience.

• Driving Design Maturity: Continuing to elevate the role and impact of design within the GMNS organization, influencing stakeholders and ensuring design is considered early and often in the product lifecycle.

• Global Scale & Localization: Designing for a global audience with diverse needs and cultural nuances, ensuring solutions are scalable and adaptable across different markets.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI in design) to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced interaction design, service design, UX writing, or information architecture through internal workshops, external courses, or conferences.

• Leadership Development: Access to leadership training programs designed to hone skills in mentoring, team management, strategic thinking, and stakeholder influence.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA) or participate in design sprints with other Amex divisions to gain broader perspectives.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior design leaders within Amex or to mentor junior designers, fostering a continuous learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in established, regulated industries, emphasizing the need for strategic thinking, adaptability, and strong communication. The growth opportunities highlight a commitment to professional development and career progression within American Express.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder needs (e.g., business, engineering, user) for a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating negotiation and compromise.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and maintainable, especially when working with a design system or in a large organization?" (Focus on your understanding of design systems, modular design, and documentation.)

• "Walk me through your process for transforming a business requirement or a piece of user feedback into a concrete design solution. What are your key decision-making criteria?" (Be ready to articulate your problem-solving framework and how you prioritize features.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about American Express and the GMNS organization, and how do you see your skills contributing to our goals?" (Research Amex's mission, values, and recent initiatives in GMNS, especially regarding digital transformation.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers? What makes for a successful partnership?" (Emphasize communication, shared understanding, and mutual respect.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, start with the problem and the desired outcome, then detail your process, and conclude with the achieved results (quantified if possible).

• Be the Expert: Confidently explain your role, decisions, and rationale. Be prepared to answer deep-dive questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and the technologies involved.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: If demonstrating prototypes, ensure they are polished and effectively convey the user experience you designed.

• Showcase Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with others, managed feedback, and navigated team dynamics.

• Address B2B/Enterprise Context: If possible, select projects that demonstrate experience with complex user flows, enterprise-level applications, or financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe for strategic thinking, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the design process and its business impact. Preparing specific examples from your experience that align with Amex's values and the role's requirements will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Oracle Cloud candidate portal link provided.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience in UX/UI design, Figma mastery, agile environments, and any relevant B2B or financial services experience. Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases end-to-end case studies with a strong emphasis on process and impact, and is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or PDF link).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, clarity, and demonstrating your senior-level problem-solving skills. Practice answering common interview questions related to design strategy, collaboration, and handling challenges.

• Research American Express: Familiarize yourself with Amex's history, values, recent news, and specifically the goals and challenges of the GMNS organization. Understand their commitment to innovation and customer service.

⚠️ 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.