Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Graybar

Location: Corporate - Clayton, MO

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-06

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX design for an AI-powered customer-facing project management portal, encompassing features like project dashboards, material tracking, order management, document repositories, and billing visibility.

• Establish foundational design practices, systems, and standards to support the growth of the AI product team, including the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive design system and component library.

• Conduct user research with lighting project customers and internal stakeholders to deeply understand workflows, identify pain points, and define a best-in-class project management experience.

• Design human-AI interaction patterns, focusing on trust, transparency, and agent-assisted workflows for AI features and custom-built AI agents within the Copilot Studio environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "founding role" for UX within the AI team, indicating a significant opportunity to shape processes, standards, and methodologies from the ground up, with a strong emphasis on establishing and maintaining a design system. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong remote collaboration skills alongside in-office presence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the UX design for the customer-facing project management portal across all phased releases, ensuring intuitive user experiences for key functionalities.

• Define and implement information architecture and navigation patterns for complex project data, enabling efficient access to multi-project views, material hierarchies, order status, and document management.

• Create detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using Figma, ensuring alignment with product requirements and user needs.

• Design effective data visualizations for project dashboards to provide real-time, actionable insights to customers.

• Collaborate closely with the AI Product Owner to translate product requirements into robust design solutions, critically evaluating assumptions and proposing innovative UX directions.

• Partner directly with frontend engineers to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, facilitating a seamless development cycle.

• Design human-AI interaction patterns for agent-assisted workflows, focusing on building trust and transparency in AI-powered features.

• Collaborate with AI engineers and data scientists on designing conversational and agentic UX patterns for Copilot Studio agents and custom-built AI agents.

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive design system and component library to ensure consistency and scalability across customer-facing and internal applications.

• Define and promote best-in-class UX processes for the AI team, fostering a culture of user-centered design and continuous improvement.

• Create and maintain detailed design documentation, pattern libraries, and UX guidelines to support team onboarding and knowledge sharing.

• Demonstrate the value of UX investments through measurable outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Support UX design initiatives for internal tools such as takeoff, pre-fabrication, submittals, and agent-assisted interfaces, ensuring consistency with customer-facing applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on customer-facing product design and internal process/system establishment. The emphasis on AI interaction patterns and collaboration with AI engineers is a key differentiator for this role, requiring a forward-thinking approach to design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Four-year degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), UX Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Psychology, or a related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX/product design, with a proven track record of working on complex, workflow-heavy applications.

• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining design systems or component libraries is essential.

Required Skills:

• UX/Product Design: Extensive experience in end-to-end user-centered design processes, from research to high-fidelity mockups.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma, including design systems, component creation, auto-layout, and interactive prototyping.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Proven ability to plan, conduct, and analyze user research, interviews, and usability tests to inform design decisions.

• Information Architecture: Expertise in organizing complex data and workflows into intuitive and navigable structures for enterprise applications.

• Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, and governing design systems, component libraries, and pattern libraries.

• Agile/Scrum Collaboration: Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams in an Agile/Scrum framework.

• Communication & Presentation: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly to diverse stakeholders, including non-designers.

• Visual & Interaction Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create engaging and functional user interfaces.

Preferred Skills:

• AI/ML Interface Design: Experience designing AI-assisted or AI-native interfaces, including agent UX, conversational UI, AI-generated content surfaces, and AI output verification patterns.

• B2B/Enterprise Portals: Background in designing for Business-to-Business portals, project management tools, order management systems, or applications within the construction/lighting industry.

• Frontend Architecture Familiarity: Working knowledge of React or Angular component-based frontend architectures.

• Data Visualization: Experience with designing data-heavy dashboards and complex analytical interfaces.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA and inclusive design practices.

• Industry Familiarity: Familiarity with the electrical distribution, supply chain, or construction industry.

• Collaborative Tools: Experience with FigJam, Miro, or similar tools for collaborative workshops, journey mapping, and ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "founding role" and "self-directed senior designer" implies a need for a proactive individual who can define processes and drive initiatives with minimal oversight. The preference for AI-native interface design experience is critical for success in this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing end-to-end, user-centered design solutions for B2B, enterprise, or data-rich applications.

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process: user research, problem definition, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity design, and iteration based on feedback.

• Include case studies that highlight complex challenges, your design approach, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your solutions.

• Showcase your ability to design for complex workflows and present sophisticated information in a simple, navigable manner.

Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate your ability to define and maintain UX processes for an AI team.

• Highlight examples of how you've established design systems, component libraries, and UX guidelines in previous roles.

• Include case studies that illustrate the application of user research findings and usability testing results to drive design improvements.

• Showcase how you have collaborated with engineering teams to ensure accurate design implementation, ideally with examples of your involvement in Agile/Scrum ceremonies.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, especially given its "founding" nature. Candidates must be prepared to articulate not just the final designs, but the strategic thinking, process, and impact behind them, with a particular emphasis on design systems and AI interaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The expected base salary for this position starts at $125,000 annually.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This starting salary is estimated for a Senior UX Designer role in the Clayton, MO area, considering the experience level (5+ years) and the specific technical requirements (AI design, Figma, design systems). Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and qualifications. Regional market research for Senior UX Designer roles in major metropolitan areas such as St. Louis (Clayton) suggests a range of $110,000 - $150,000+, making $125,000 a competitive starting point.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Prescription Drug Benefits.

• Life Insurance coverage for employees and options for family.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Company-sponsored Disability Benefits (Short-term and Long-term) at no cost to the employee.

• Profit Sharing Plans, allowing employees to share in the company's success.

• 401(k) Savings Plan with a company match to support retirement savings.

• Paid Vacation and Sick Days for work-life balance and personal well-being.

• Paid Holidays throughout the year.

• Paid Wellness Day to encourage preventive health and self-care.

• Community Time Off for volunteering and giving back to the community.

• Predictable Work Schedules (Monday-Friday, standard business hours, no weekends/nights for most roles).

• Employee Recognition Program to acknowledge achievements and contributions.

• Educational Reimbursement and Career Development Programs to support professional growth.

Working Hours:

• Standard business hours, Monday through Friday.

• The role involves 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The "Predictable Work Schedules" benefit directly reinforces the standard Monday-Friday, business hours, which is typical for many corporate roles and aligns with the role's responsibilities in designing customer-facing portals and internal tools.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Distribution and related supply chain services. Graybar is a leading distributor of electrical supplies, communications, data, and security equipment.

Company Size: Large enterprise, with a significant employee base suggesting established processes and a broad market reach.

Founded: 1869, indicating a long-standing history and deep industry expertise, which can translate to stability and a strong understanding of customer needs in their sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is likely part of a larger product or technology department, with this specific role being a "founding" position within the AI product team.

• Reporting structure will involve a UX Lead or Director, with close collaboration with AI Product Owners, AI Engineers, Data Scientists, and Frontend Engineers.

Methodology:

• The company operates within an Agile/Scrum development environment, requiring iterative design and development cycles.

• Emphasis on user-centered design methods, including user research, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with a focus on demonstrating the value of UX through measurable outcomes.

• Establishing design systems and promoting UX processes are key methodological contributions for this role.

Company Website: [Graybar Website URL] (Please refer to the provided company_url for the official website.)

📝 Enhancement Note: Graybar's long history and industry leadership suggest a culture that values reliability and deep customer understanding, while the new AI focus indicates an openness to innovation. The "employee ownership culture" mentioned in the description points to a strong sense of shared purpose and long-term commitment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer, with a "founding role" designation within the AI product team. This implies a high level of autonomy, responsibility for establishing foundational design practices, and significant influence on product direction and team development.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Product/Design, with direct collaboration and influence over AI Product Owners, AI Engineers, and Frontend Developers. This structure offers visibility and impact across key innovation initiatives.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on improving customer experience for project management, driving efficiency through AI-powered features, and enhancing internal operational workflows. The success of the customer-facing portal and AI integrations will directly influence customer satisfaction, retention, and operational efficiency, contributing significantly to Graybar's digital transformation efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in AI-native UX, conversational UI, and human-AI interaction patterns, becoming a subject matter expert in these emerging fields.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Potential to grow into a UX Lead or Manager role as the AI product team expands, mentoring junior designers and shaping the future of UX at Graybar.

• Process & Strategy Development: Lead the definition and implementation of UX strategy, processes, and methodologies for new product development, gaining experience in strategic planning and operational excellence.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Develop strong stakeholder management skills and influence product strategy across multiple departments by demonstrating the value of UX and data-driven design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "founding role" aspect signifies a unique opportunity for significant impact and career acceleration. Candidates should highlight their ability to build, strategize, and lead in ambiguous environments, showcasing potential for future leadership within Graybar's evolving tech landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid office environment. Employees are expected to be in the office 3 days per week, with flexibility for remote work considered for exceptional candidates.

Office Location(s): Clayton, MO. This is a corporate headquarters location, suggesting a professional and well-resourced office setting.

Workspace Context:

• The Clayton, MO office likely provides a professional and collaborative workspace conducive to the hybrid model.

• Access to necessary tools and technology, including Figma and collaborative platforms like FigJam or Miro, will be available.

Work Schedule:

• The work schedule is Monday - Friday, during standard business hours.

• The role is full-time, with an expected 40 hours per week.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature requires a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative team engagement (on-site). Candidates should be comfortable with this structure and able to manage their time effectively across both modes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will review applications and resumes, likely focusing on alignment with required experience and skills, especially Figma proficiency and portfolio submission.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their online portfolio, detailing case studies, design process, and impact. This is a critical stage to assess UX thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication abilities. Expect to discuss your role in complex projects, especially B2B or data-rich applications.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Interviews with the hiring manager and key team members (e.g., AI Product Owner, Lead Engineer, Data Scientist). These will delve into your experience with Agile/Scrum, collaboration style, and specific technical skills. Questions about designing for AI and complex workflows will be prominent.

• Design Challenge (Potential): A practical design exercise or case study might be assigned to evaluate your problem-solving approach, design thinking, and ability to articulate solutions under pressure. This could involve a specific task related to the customer portal or AI features.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with senior leadership, to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the "founding role" aspect of the position.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Cases: Organize your portfolio around 3-5 strong case studies that best represent your experience with complex B2B/enterprise applications and highlight your UX process from problem to solution.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, responsibilities, and decision-making processes within each project. Use "I" statements for your direct actions and "we" for team efforts.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design thinking. Explain your rationale behind key design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or measurable outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced task completion time, improved conversion rates).

• Highlight AI Experience: If you have experience with AI-assisted interfaces, conversational UI, or human-AI interaction patterns, ensure these are prominently featured and discussed.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma, including design systems, components, and advanced features.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Graybar, its industry (electrical distribution, construction, supply chain), and typical customer needs for project management portals.

• Practice AI UX Concepts: Familiarize yourself with common patterns and challenges in designing AI-powered interfaces, human-AI collaboration, and conversational AI.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to walk through your design process for a hypothetical or past project, focusing on problem-solving, user research integration, and iterative design.

• Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Anticipate questions about teamwork, conflict resolution, handling ambiguity, and leading initiatives, especially relevant for a "founding role."

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate design strategy and process, particularly concerning complex systems and emerging AI technologies. The "founding role" aspect means interviewers will be looking for proactivity, leadership potential, and the ability to establish best practices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is expected, including design systems, components, auto-layout, and prototyping features.

• Figma/FigJam or Miro: Essential for collaborative workshops, journey mapping, ideation sessions, and cross-functional brainstorming.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools can be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience designing dashboards and visualizations that communicate complex project data effectively. Understanding how data is captured and presented is key.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with how user behavior data is collected and analyzed (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): Understanding how customer data and project information are managed within CRM systems can be beneficial, especially for B2B portals.

• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with common project management workflows and tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) as the design team operates within an Agile/Scrum framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is clearly the central design tool. Proficiency in collaborative whiteboarding tools and an understanding of how data informs design and product decisions are also critical components of this role's technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that design decisions are grounded in user needs and research.

• Collaboration: Fostering a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, data scientists, and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, and exploring creative solutions to complex user problems.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and intuitive user experiences, supported by robust design systems and best practices.

• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data and metrics to inform design decisions, measure impact, and demonstrate the value of UX initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product owners to translate requirements into user-centric designs, and with AI engineers/data scientists to integrate AI capabilities effectively.

• Agile & Iterative: Working within Agile/Scrum teams, participating in ceremonies, and embracing iterative design and development cycles.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing among team members to drive continuous improvement.

• Empowerment & Autonomy: A culture that empowers senior designers to take ownership, define processes, and lead initiatives, particularly in this "founding role" context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company emphasizes