Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Manulife

Location: Chengdu, Sichuan, China

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of world-class digital services by applying conceptual thinking to user needs, business goals, and technical realities.

• Champion user-centered design principles to advocate for user needs across complex digital projects and platforms.

• Lead comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.

• Develop and maintain scalable design systems and large-platform interfaces, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design execution.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and CX service design, to deliver cohesive and impactful user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a strong blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution, requiring a Senior UX/UI Designer to not only create compelling interfaces but also to deeply understand and advocate for the end-user within a complex financial services environment. The requirement for multiple languages suggests a key role in the Asia market, necessitating cultural sensitivity in design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Apply conceptual thinking to design elegant digital services across multiple platforms, balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints.

• Translate complex system functionalities and user requirements into intuitive and simplified designs, focusing on clarity and ease of use.

• Conduct in-depth customer discovery and research, including observational studies, interviews, and quantitative analysis, to understand user behaviors and validate design concepts.

• Develop service blueprints, customer journey maps, and personas to articulate user insights and guide design strategy.

• Facilitate problem statement definition by validating product assumptions and advocating for the customer's perspective throughout the design lifecycle.

• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes optimized for various devices and interfaces, ensuring a seamless user experience.

• Rapidly test and iterate designs using storytelling and prototyping methods, from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity digital prototypes.

• Collaborate closely with development teams to ensure accurate implementation of design specifications and maintain design integrity.

• Actively participate in interdisciplinary teams, contributing design expertise to product management, brand strategy, and engineering initiatives.

• Share knowledge and mentor junior design team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collective growth within the design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and collaborative approach, emphasizing the designer's role in problem definition, user advocacy, and cross-functional leadership. The expectation to "tell stories" with design insights indicates a need for strong communication and presentation skills to influence stakeholders.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Design, Psychology, Human-Factors, or a closely related discipline.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated UX/UI design experience, with a strong track record of designing complex solutions for complete digital environments across mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in user-centered design processes, including research methodologies, usability testing, and accessibility standards.

• Extensive experience creating and managing scalable design systems and large-platform interfaces, with a strong command of design tools like Figma.

• Expertise in translating user insights and business goals into compelling design strategies and actionable design solutions.

• Deep understanding of human-centered design principles and their application in advocating for user needs.

• Ability to lead and facilitate cross-functional collaborations with engineering, product management, and CX service design teams.

• Excellent and effective communication and persuasive skills, with a proven ability to articulate design concepts and rationale.

• Excellent command of spoken and written English, Cantonese, and Mandarin for effective communication within the Asia market. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with front-end development technologies such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

• Demonstrable skills in illustration, photography, or diagrammatic expertise and iconography.

• Experience in Agile development environments and working with product owners.

• Passion for mentoring teammates, sharing knowledge, and fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Openness to receiving feedback and constructive criticism to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The language requirements (English, Cantonese, Mandarin) are a critical differentiator for this role, suggesting a primary focus on the Asian market and requiring the candidate to bridge communication gaps across diverse user bases and internal teams. The emphasis on design systems and Figma points to a need for modern, scalable design practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 5 years of UX/UI design work, demonstrating experience with complex digital solutions across various platforms (mobile, tablet, desktop).

• Include case studies that highlight your user-centered design process, from initial research and ideation through to final implementation and iteration.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and utilizing design systems, with examples of how they have improved efficiency and consistency.

• Present examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, clearly articulating the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Highlight experience with usability testing and how user feedback was incorporated to improve designs and achieve desired outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to conducting user research, including methods used (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how insights were synthesized.

• Provide examples of how you've translated complex business requirements and user needs into clear service blueprints, journey maps, or personas.

• Illustrate your process for rapid prototyping and iteration, showcasing how you've tested and refined designs based on feedback.

• Document your experience collaborating with engineering and product teams, demonstrating how design specifications were communicated and implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is crucial for this senior role. It should not only display visual design skills but also clearly articulate the candidate's strategic thinking, user research methodologies, and ability to manage design systems effectively. The emphasis on collaboration and problem-solving within the portfolio will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Senior UX/UI Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and the location in Chengdu, China, the estimated annual salary range would be ¥250,000 - ¥450,000 CNY. This estimate considers the cost of living in Chengdu, the demand for experienced UX/UI professionals in the tech and financial sectors in China, and industry benchmarks for senior-level design roles.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Environment: Manulife offers a flexible work arrangement that supports work-life balance.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to learning and growth initiatives, including mentorship and training programs to advance your design career.

• Inclusive Work Environment: A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

• Global Exposure: Opportunity to work with a leading international financial services provider, contributing to projects with regional and global impact.

• Comprehensive Health and Wellness Programs: Access to programs designed to support employee well-being.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to manage work schedules within the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for senior UX/UI designers in major Chinese cities and the financial services sector. It accounts for the significant experience required and the specialized language skills. Benefits are directly pulled from the provided AI data and are highlighted for their relevance to a positive work experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Insurance, Banking, Wealth Management). Manulife operates in a highly regulated and competitive global market, emphasizing customer-centricity, digital transformation, and innovation to meet evolving client needs. This context means that UX/UI design plays a critical role in simplifying complex financial products and processes, building trust, and driving engagement.

Company Size: Manulife is a large, global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a structured corporate environment with established processes and significant resources. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for specialization, cross-functional collaboration on a large scale, and potential for career advancement within a complex matrix.

Founded: Manulife was founded in 1887, signifying a long-standing history and deep expertise in the financial services industry. This heritage suggests a company that values stability and long-term relationships, while also needing to adapt to modern digital demands.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX/UI Designer will be part of the Asia Segment Experience Design community, working within a regional structure that likely includes other designers, researchers, and CX specialists.

• They will collaborate closely with local market Product Owners (POs) and teams, implying a matrixed reporting structure where the designer has both functional reporting within the design community and project-based reporting to local market leads.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving Product Management, Engineering, and Service Design teams, requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills to align diverse perspectives toward a common user experience goal. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role requires a strong emphasis on using qualitative and quantitative research data to uncover user insights and inform design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designers are expected to map out user journeys, create service blueprints, and design efficient workflows that simplify complex financial processes.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not directly an operations role, UX/UI design contributes to operational efficiency by creating intuitive interfaces that reduce user errors and support automation initiatives within digital products.

Company Website: https://www.manulife.com/en/about/our-story.html

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes customer focus, innovation, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, which are key considerations for any candidate. The large, global nature of Manulife offers both stability and opportunities for significant impact within specific regions like Asia.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the User Experience and User Interface design discipline. It signifies a professional who is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, contribute strategically to design initiatives, mentor junior colleagues, and influence design direction. The role demands not just execution but also thought leadership in user-centered design within the financial services context.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will report into the Asia Segment Experience Design community, likely to a Design Lead or Head of Experience Design for the region. Concurrently, they will work closely with local market Product Owners and teams, indicating a project-based reporting line and a need to manage stakeholder expectations effectively across different functional areas.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. By creating intuitive and user-friendly digital experiences, the Senior UX/UI Designer directly influences customer satisfaction, adoption rates of digital products, and operational efficiency. In the financial services sector, clear and accessible interfaces are crucial for customer trust, transaction completion, and reducing support costs. This role is pivotal in making complex financial decisions easier and lives better for millions of end-users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Lead UX/UI Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Experience Design roles within the Asia region or globally.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management, Service Design, or even business strategy roles by leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and business objectives.

• Mentorship and Training: Formal opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead workshops, and contribute to the development of Manulife's design talent pool.

• Global Projects: Involvement in larger, cross-border design initiatives that offer exposure to diverse markets and complex challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies significant responsibility beyond individual contribution, including mentorship and strategic input. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for those looking to advance within a large, established financial institution that is actively investing in digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This model aims to provide flexibility while ensuring opportunities for in-person team interaction, brainstorming, and essential face-to-face meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is the Manulife Information and Technology Center in Chengdu, Sichuan, China. This suggests a dedicated IT and potentially R&D hub for Manulife in the region, likely equipped with modern facilities to support tech and design teams.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional collaboration suggest a workplace designed to facilitate teamwork, with common areas for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal discussions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: As a Senior UX/UI Designer, access to industry-standard design software (like Figma), collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Teams), and potentially project management software is expected. The presence of an IT center implies robust IT infrastructure.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with local and regional design peers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, both virtually and in person, are key to the hybrid work model.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in how these hours are structured, allowing for a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office days. This flexibility is beneficial for deep design work and iterative processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in a dedicated IT center in Chengdu suggests a professional and technologically advanced work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work and possess the self-discipline to manage their time effectively.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Screening Call: An initial conversation with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit, including language proficiency.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key projects, their design process, and problem-solving approach. This may be followed by a practical design challenge or case study to evaluate design thinking, execution, and ability to articulate rationale.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, including other designers, product managers, and engineering leads, to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and fit within the existing team dynamics.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, Regional Director) to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with Manulife's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling is Key: Structure your portfolio presentations around compelling narratives. For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are important, emphasize your design process, research methodologies, and how you leveraged user insights. Demonstrate your ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

• Showcase Design Systems: If you have experience with design systems, dedicate a section to it. Explain how you contributed to or utilized them, and the benefits they brought.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder feedback, and integrated different perspectives.

• Address Language Skills: Be prepared to discuss how your language skills (English, Cantonese, Mandarin) enhance your ability to serve the Asia market and collaborate effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Manulife's products, services, and target audience in the Asia market. Understand common challenges in financial services UX.

• Focus on User Needs: For any design challenge, prioritize understanding the user's goals and pain points. Frame your solutions around addressing these needs.

• Demonstrate Iteration: Show that you can quickly ideate, prototype, and test concepts. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your design decisions.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your thought process concisely and effectively, both verbally and visually.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively (especially in multiple languages), and contribute strategically within a large corporate environment. A well-prepared portfolio that tells a story of problem-solving and user advocacy is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency is essential for creating scalable and collaborative design assets.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma offers robust prototyping, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Sketch, or Adobe XD may also be beneficial for specific project needs or integrations.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior on digital platforms and measure the impact of design changes.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data from dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to inform design decisions and report on UX metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not a direct user, understanding how customer data is managed in CRM systems can inform the design of customer-facing applications and portals.

• Project Management & Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for agile development workflows, documentation, and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The strong emphasis on Figma indicates that it is the primary design tool within Manulife. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced skills in Figma, including its capabilities for design systems and collaborative prototyping. Familiarity with the broader digital product development ecosystem, including analytics and project management tools, is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs is paramount, driving all design decisions and product development efforts.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing flexibility, continuous learning, and iterative development to respond effectively to changing user needs and business priorities.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective effort, open communication, and mutual support to achieve shared goals, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's work, driving projects to completion, and being accountable for the impact of design solutions.

• Integrity & Doing What is Right: Upholding ethical standards and making decisions that are fair, transparent, and in the best interest of customers and the company.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product management, engineering, service design, and other departments to ensure a holistic approach to user experience and business outcomes.

• Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback and continuous process improvement, where design strategies and outputs are regularly reviewed and refined.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where team members share expertise, best practices, and learnings, particularly through mentorship and design community activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align closely with modern design and product development principles, emphasizing customer advocacy, teamwork, and a proactive approach. The emphasis on "doing what is right" and "sharing humanity" suggests a culture that values ethical conduct and inclusivity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating the complexities of a large financial institution to deliver user-centric solutions that are also feasible and aligned with business objectives.

• Designing for Diverse User Segments: Creating experiences that cater to a wide range of users across different demographics, technical proficiencies, and cultural backgrounds within the Asia market, requiring deep research and localization.

• Driving Adoption of New Design Standards: Championing the use of design systems and new UX methodologies within a large, established organization, which may involve overcoming resistance to change.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, technologies, and user behavior trends to ensure Manulife's digital offerings remain competitive and innovative.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepening expertise in advanced UX research techniques, interaction design patterns, and accessibility standards relevant to the financial services industry.

• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend leading UX/UI conferences and pursue certifications to stay abreast of industry best practices and innovations.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Engaging in mentorship programs, both as a mentee and a mentor, and developing leadership skills to guide design teams and influence strategic decisions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to product management, business strategy, and engineering through collaborative projects, broadening understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges in a dynamic industry. The company's commitment to development means that individuals can expect to expand their skillset and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex digital product you designed. What were the key user needs and business goals, and how did you balance them? What was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic approach, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach user research and translate insights into actionable design decisions, especially in a regulated industry like financial services?" (Demonstrate your research methodology and user advocacy.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating and maintaining a design system. What challenges did you face, and how did you ensure its adoption and effectiveness?" (Highlight your experience with scalable design and cross-functional buy-in.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Manulife and the financial services industry, specifically within the Asia market?" (Show research into the company, its mission, and your understanding of the regional context.)

• "How do you see your language skills (English, Cantonese, Mandarin) contributing to your success in this role and supporting Manulife's customer-centric approach in Asia?" (Explain how your linguistic abilities facilitate collaboration and user understanding.)

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had different priorities or perspectives. How did you approach it, and what was the result?" (Assess your communication, negotiation, and persuasion skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Projects: Choose 3-4 projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, diversity of experience, and problem-solving skills.

• Tell a Story: For each project, create a narrative arc: the challenge, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact. Use visuals effectively to support your story.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methods, and collaboration experiences. Be ready to elaborate on specific wireframes, user flows, or UI elements.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: If possible, demonstrate aspects of your Figma workflow, especially related to design systems or complex prototyping, to highlight your technical skills.

• Articulate Cultural Nuances: For projects relevant to the Asia market, discuss how you considered cultural factors, localization, and diverse user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, demonstrating a deep understanding of user-centered design processes, and showcasing the ability to collaborate and communicate effectively across diverse teams and languages. A strong portfolio presentation that tells a clear story of impact is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Manulife careers portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in complex digital solutions, user-centered design processes, design systems, and proficiency with Figma. Quantify achievements where possible, focusing on impact.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest UX/UI design case studies that demonstrate your senior-level skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience across different platforms. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your process and impact, and be ready to present it effectively.

• Prepare for Language Assessment: Be ready to discuss your proficiency in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin and how these skills will be leveraged in the role. You may be asked to demonstrate these skills during the interview process.

• Research Manulife: Understand Manulife's mission, values, and its presence in the Asia market. Familiarize yourself with their digital products and services to better align your responses with the company's strategic goals.

⚠️ 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.