Senior Vice President, Service Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Vice President, Service Designer

Company: BNY Mellon

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full time

Category: Service Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-27T15:15:56

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead strategic design initiatives, driving innovation and transformative solutions within the global financial services sector.

• Spearhead the application of design thinking methodologies, user journey mapping, and prototyping to enhance customer experience and engagement.

• Develop and maintain cohesive design systems and pattern libraries to ensure brand consistency and user experience coherence across enterprise-level projects.

• Conduct rigorous user research, usability testing, and heuristic evaluations to inform data-driven design decisions and product iterations.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and development, to translate user needs and business objectives into impactful service designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a Senior Vice President level position, indicating significant leadership responsibilities and strategic influence. The focus on "Service Designer" within a "Global Financial Services" company like BNY Mellon suggests a need for deep understanding of complex enterprise systems, regulatory environments, and the financial customer journey. The emphasis on "cutting-edge AI and breakthrough technologies" indicates a forward-thinking approach to design and innovation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate and lead design thinking workshops and ideation sessions to foster creative problem-solving and build consensus among diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Develop comprehensive user journey and experience maps to visualize user interactions, identify pain points, and propose service design solutions that elevate user satisfaction and drive engagement.

• Create detailed personas, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, iterating based on stakeholder feedback and usability testing to refine design concepts and user flows.

• Partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, product managers, and engineering teams to define user needs, align with business goals, and translate project requirements into actionable design specifications.

• Establish and maintain robust design guidelines, pattern libraries, and integrated design systems that embody BNY Mellon's design principles, ensuring consistency and coherence across all digital products and features.

• Execute user research, conduct usability testing, and perform heuristic evaluations, analyzing feedback to continuously improve the user experience of BNY Mellon's systems and platforms.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, industry dynamics, emerging technologies (including AI), and best practices in Customer Experience (CX) and User Experience (UX) design, bringing innovative approaches to the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and research-driven iteration. The expectation to "partner with cross functional stakeholders" and "articulate complex research in a clear and simple manner" emphasizes strong communication and collaboration skills critical for senior roles in large financial institutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for an SVP-level Service Designer.

Experience: Relevant years of experience in global financial services or fintech industry as a proven experienced UX/Service Designer, showcasing a strong portfolio of successful enterprise projects.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable expertise in Service Design and User Experience (UX) Design principles and best practices, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful enterprise-level projects.

• Proven ability to analyze complex problems and apply structured, analytical approaches to develop effective solutions aligned with business agendas and client needs.

• Proficiency in user journey mapping techniques, design thinking methodologies, and facilitating impactful ideation workshops.

• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles and modern service design frameworks.

• Experience conducting user research, usability testing, and leveraging data to inform design decisions.

• Strong command of design and collaboration tools, including Figma, Figjam, Miro, or Adobe XD.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex research and design concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to establish, develop, and maintain trust-based relationships with key stakeholders and peers.

• Solutions-oriented mindset with a track record of executing across a diverse range of priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Visual design competency with a deep understanding of user experience principles.

• Experience within the global financial services or fintech industry.

• Familiarity with AI and breakthrough technologies in the context of financial services.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design guidelines and cohesive design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, practical design skills, and strong interpersonal capabilities essential for a senior role in a complex financial organization. The mention of "enterprise projects" suggests a need for experience with large-scale, complex systems and stakeholder management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of successful enterprise-level UX/Service Design projects, ideally within the financial services or fintech sectors.

• Case studies that clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to apply design thinking and user journey mapping to solve complex business problems and enhance user satisfaction.

• Examples of wireframes, prototypes, and user flows that effectively communicate design concepts and user interactions.

• Evidence of experience in developing and maintaining design guidelines, pattern libraries, or cohesive design systems.

Process Documentation:

• The ability to articulate the candidate's design process, from initial research and ideation through to final design and iteration, emphasizing a user-centered and data-driven approach.

• Examples of how the candidate has documented design decisions, user flows, and system interactions for cross-functional teams.

• Demonstrated experience in creating and maintaining design documentation that ensures consistency and scalability across products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an SVP-level role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to showcase not just design execution but strategic thinking, leadership in process implementation, and the ability to drive significant impact within large organizations. The focus should be on demonstrating problem-solving capabilities and the tangible business outcomes of their design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $116,000 - $225,000 per year.

Explanation: This range is based on the provided information and industry benchmarks for Senior Vice President-level Service Designers in a major financial hub like New York City. Factors influencing the exact salary include the candidate's specific experience, depth of expertise in financial services, and the overall compensation strategy of BNY Mellon.

Benefits:

• Highly competitive compensation and benefits programs.

• Wellbeing programs rooted in a strong culture of excellence.

• Access to flexible global resources and tools.

• Focus on employee health, personal resilience, and financial goals.

• Generous paid leaves, including paid volunteer time.

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Basic Life Insurance

• 401(k) Plan

• Paid Time Off (including vacation and sick time)

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement requiring 4 days in the New York office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided for the role. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting BNY Mellon's commitment to employee well-being and financial security. The hybrid work model is a key component of the work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Global Financial Services. BNY Mellon is a cornerstone of the global financial system, influencing a significant portion of the world's investible assets.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by its status as a "leading global financial services company" and its extensive operations and employee base.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, BNY Mellon has a long and established history, underpinning its stability and influence in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Innovations team," suggesting a dedicated group focused on future-forward initiatives, AI, and transformative technologies.

• As an SVP, the role likely involves leading a sub-team or a significant function within the innovation space, reporting to a higher-level executive.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on leveraging "cutting-edge AI and breakthrough technologies" for client collaboration and solution development.

• A strong commitment to design thinking, user-centered design, and data-driven decision-making as core operational methodologies.

• The culture promotes innovation, bold ideas, and a forward-looking approach to finance.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: BNY Mellon's culture is positioned as a "top destination for innovators," emphasizing boldness, advanced technology, and collaboration. The company's scale and history provide a stable yet dynamic environment for innovation. The "Innovations team" is likely a key strategic unit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Vice President (SVP) - This signifies a high level of leadership, strategic responsibility, and influence within the organization. It implies management of significant projects or teams and a direct impact on the company's strategic direction in innovation and service design.

Reporting Structure: The SVP, Service Designer will likely report to a Chief Innovation Officer, Head of Design, or a similar senior executive responsible for strategic initiatives and product development within BNY Mellon's innovation arm.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on how BNY Mellon interacts with its clients and partners through its services and digital platforms. By improving user experience and driving innovation, the role contributes significantly to client retention, new business acquisition, operational efficiency, and the company's overall competitive positioning in the evolving financial landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into executive roles within Design, Innovation, or Product Strategy, potentially leading larger departments or entire business units.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future of financial services design at a global scale, influencing product roadmaps and strategic investments in technology and customer experience.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging technologies like AI within a financial context, or expand into broader leadership and strategic planning roles.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Gain experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives that span multiple business divisions and geographical regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: An SVP role offers substantial growth potential, moving beyond direct design execution into strategic leadership and organizational impact. The emphasis on innovation and technology within BNY Mellon provides a fertile ground for continuous professional development and career expansion.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a requirement of 4 days per week in the New York City office. This suggests a structured approach to in-office collaboration and team engagement.

Office Location(s): New York, NY (240 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10286). This location is a prime business district, offering access to a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and focused work, supporting BNY Mellon's status as a "top destination for innovators."

• Access to advanced technology, collaboration tools (like Figma, Miro), and potentially dedicated innovation labs or spaces.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse team of designers, product managers, engineers, and business leaders.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard work schedule (likely 40 hours/week). The hybrid model offers some flexibility, balancing in-office collaboration with potential remote workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a major financial center like New York indicates a professional, collaborative, and technologically advanced work environment. The 4-day in-office requirement points to a company that values in-person interaction for strategic work and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the SVP Service Designer role.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Discussions focused on design philosophy, approach to complex problems, leadership style, and relevant experience in financial services.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to evaluate problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate solutions, potentially involving a hypothetical BNY Mellon challenge.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with key cross-functional partners (e.g., product, engineering, business leaders) to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Executive/Final Round Interviews: Discussions with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, cultural fit, and overall leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Strategic Impact: Highlight projects that demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking, problem framing, and quantifiable business outcomes (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support costs, increased customer satisfaction).

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your design process, emphasizing how you use design thinking, user research, and data to drive decisions. Explain your role in facilitating workshops and collaborating with stakeholders.

• Tailor to BNY Mellon: If possible, research BNY Mellon's current initiatives, challenges, and design principles. Frame your portfolio examples to show how your skills can address their specific needs within the financial services context.

• Present with Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Be prepared to walk through your case studies verbally, explaining your contributions and the impact of your work.

• Highlight Leadership: For an SVP role, emphasize instances where you led teams, mentored junior designers, influenced strategy, or managed complex stakeholder relationships.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Financial Context: Be prepared for challenges that involve complex financial products, regulatory considerations, or specific user needs within the financial services industry.

• Focus on Problem Framing: Demonstrate your ability to ask clarifying questions, define the core problem, and articulate assumptions before diving into solutions.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Showcase how you would involve stakeholders and cross-functional teams in the problem-solving and design process.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss potential trade-offs, constraints, and how you would prioritize solutions based on business value and user impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process for an SVP role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic impact, leadership, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures and industry challenges. Demonstrating a deep understanding of BNY Mellon's business and its challenges will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Figjam, Adobe XD (Proficiency required).

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro (Proficiency required).

• User Research & Testing Tools: Various platforms for conducting usability testing, surveys, and analyzing user feedback (specific tools may vary, but experience is key).

• Design System Management Tools: Experience with tools or methodologies for creating and maintaining design systems and pattern libraries.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or proprietary financial data analytics tools) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts CRM processes and customer journeys within financial services is beneficial.

• Awareness of automation technologies and how they can be integrated into service design to improve efficiency and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma and Miro is explicitly required. The role also necessitates an understanding of how design integrates with analytics, user research, and potentially automation within a large financial institution.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Bold Ideas: A culture that encourages forward-thinking, embracing new technologies like AI and challenging the status quo.

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving client needs to drive satisfaction and build trust in financial services.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing research, analytics, and feedback to inform design strategies and product development.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively across diverse teams and with stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Continuous Improvement: A commitment to high standards, learning, and refining processes and outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work closely with product management, engineering, marketing, legal, compliance, and business units to ensure cohesive service design.

• Facilitative Leadership: Leading workshops and discussions to bring diverse perspectives together and drive consensus.

• Transparent Communication: Openly sharing design rationale, research findings, and progress with stakeholders to build buy-in and manage expectations.

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values constructive feedback for iterating on designs and improving processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: BNY Mellon emphasizes a culture of innovation, client focus, and collaboration. For an SVP Service Designer, demonstrating alignment with these values and possessing a collaborative leadership style will be critical for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Financial Systems: Understanding and designing for intricate, regulated financial products and platforms requires deep domain knowledge and careful attention to detail.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Integrating cutting-edge technologies and design approaches while adhering to strict financial regulations and compliance standards.

• Driving Change in a Large Organization: Influencing and implementing new design strategies and processes across a large, established financial institution can be challenging.

• Measuring ROI of Design: Quantifying the impact and return on investment of service design initiatives in a tangible way for senior leadership.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Financial Services Innovation: Gaining unparalleled experience in applying advanced design principles to one of the world's most critical industries.

• Exposure to AI and Advanced Technologies: Working with teams at the forefront of integrating AI and other breakthrough technologies into financial services.

• Executive Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills, strategic thinking, and influence within a Fortune-ranked company.

• Industry Conferences and Networking: Potential to represent BNY Mellon at leading design and financial services conferences, fostering professional growth and industry connections.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are significant but also present substantial opportunities for growth and impact. Addressing these challenges effectively will require strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a deep understanding of both design and the financial industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design thinking initiative to solve a complex problem in a regulated industry. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured problem-solving, stakeholder management, and measurable results.)

• "How would you approach designing a new digital service for retail investors at BNY Mellon, considering both user needs and regulatory compliance?" (Assess understanding of user-centered design, financial products, and compliance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of BNY Mellon, how would you ensure that our service designs align with the company's values of innovation and client-centricity?" (Demonstrate research into the company and alignment with its mission.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative design environment when working with engineering and product teams who may have different priorities?" (Showcase your ability to build bridges and find common ground.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an executive summary of your key contributions and achievements. Then, dive into 2-3 in-depth case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and process, the solutions you designed, and the tangible business or user outcomes achieved. Use data and metrics wherever possible.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Highlight instances where you led initiatives, mentored others, or influenced strategic decisions.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions, discuss your design rationale, and elaborate on specific aspects of your work. Make it a conversation, not just a presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with AI and advanced technologies, your approach to design in regulated environments, and your leadership capabilities. The portfolio presentation should be a strategic narrative showcasing your ability to drive significant impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Vice President, Service Designer position:

• Submit your application through the BNY Mellon careers portal via the provided URL.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 enterprise-level projects that best showcase your expertise in service design, user journey mapping, design thinking, and your experience within financial services or complex industries. Ensure these projects clearly demonstrate your problem-solving approach, strategic impact, and leadership contributions.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and responsibilities aligned with this role, such as "Service Design," "UX Design," "Design Thinking," "Figma," "Miro," "Stakeholder Management," and "Financial Services." Quantify achievements with metrics wherever possible.

• Research BNY Mellon: Familiarize yourself with BNY Mellon's mission, values, recent news, and its position in the financial services landscape. Understand their focus on innovation, AI, and client experience.

• Practice Your Narrative: Prepare to articulate your design philosophy, leadership style, and how your experience directly addresses the requirements and challenges of this SVP role. Practice walking through your portfolio case studies clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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.