Sr. Design Manager, Web

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Design Manager, Web

Company: Rivian

Location: Irvine, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Product Design / UX Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of 4-6 web product designers focused on customer-facing experiences for Rivian's global website and e-commerce platform.

• Drive the end-to-end user experience strategy for product discovery, comprehension, and multi-step purchase processes.

• Partner with cross-functional leadership to define user problems, business opportunities, and strategic priorities for the web ecosystem.

• Oversee feature roadmaps, planning, and resource allocation in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Champion user research, A/B testing, and analytics to inform design decisions and optimize web platform performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a senior leadership position within the Digital Studio, focusing specifically on the strategic direction and execution of the web product design team. The emphasis on e-commerce, checkout flows, and direct-to-consumer experiences highlights the critical revenue-generating aspect of this role within Rivian's digital operations. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong on-site collaboration while allowing for flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of 4-6 web product designers, fostering design excellence and professional growth through structured feedback and development plans.

• Partner with cross-functional leadership (including commercial, service, and brand teams) to define user problems, business opportunities, and strategic priorities for Rivian’s web platform, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives.

• Drive feature roadmaps, planning, and resource allocation in collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing to set clear focus for upcoming quarters.

• Collaborate with design leaders across Rivian to ensure consistent brand expression and user experience across the entire digital ecosystem.

• Oversee multiple workstreams and projects from initiation through release, ensuring high-quality execution, adherence to design standards, and timely delivery.

• Frame design challenges through strategic briefs, setting clear scope, objectives, and vision for the team to ensure focused and impactful design output.

• Champion user research, contextual inquiry, A/B testing, and analytics to inform design decisions and continuously optimize the performance of product storytelling and commerce flows.

• Guide team iteration throughout the design process, from strategic concepts and wireframing to final polished user interfaces and interaction designs.

• Present design vision, strategy, and work to business stakeholders and executive leadership, effectively communicating rationale and impact.

• Partner with the Design Systems team to scale, refine, and evolve enterprise design patterns and components across Rivian's digital ecosystem, ensuring consistency and efficiency.

• Establish design operations and work closely with engineering leadership to streamline handoffs, define processes, and foster effective collaboration across product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of people management, strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and hands-on design oversight. The focus on "design operations" and streamlining "handoffs" points to a need for process optimization and efficiency within the design and development lifecycle, crucial for a fast-paced GTM environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 8-10+ years of experience in digital product design, with a strong emphasis on complex web platforms and user experience strategy.

• 3+ years of direct experience managing, leading, and mentoring product design teams, fostering an environment of growth and high performance. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in e-commerce, complex checkout flows, and direct-to-consumer purchase experiences, covering both visual design and user experience strategy.

• A compelling portfolio demonstrating exceptional art direction, strategic design thinking, team leadership, successful commerce frameworks, and measurable business impact.

• Proven ability to localize direct-to-consumer purchase experiences across domestic and global geographies, understanding cultural nuances and market specificities.

• Excellent presentation, communication, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and present work effectively to executive leadership.

• Strong knowledge of modern design tooling and systems, with a particular focus on agentic workflows and direct-to-code collaboration methods.

• Thorough understanding of user research methodologies, A/B testing, and core web UX/UI principles.

• Domain experience in digital commerce and complex digital ecosystems.

• Proven ability to manage multiple team workstreams, adapt to shifting priorities, and scale processes in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

• Experience leading cross-functional design efforts within agile frameworks (e.g., Scrum, Kanban). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design systems implementation and evolution.

• Familiarity with analytics platforms and data visualization tools to drive data-informed design decisions.

• Understanding of SEO best practices and their impact on web UX.

• Experience working in the automotive or direct-to-consumer (DTC) industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio with "credentials" and "login access" is a critical aspect of the application process, indicating that practical demonstration of skills and past project success is paramount. The emphasis on "agentic and direct-to-code workflows" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tooling and collaboration with engineering, requiring candidates to be abreast of modern design-tech integration.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive case studies showcasing end-to-end design ownership for complex web products or e-commerce platforms.

• Demonstrations of strategic thinking, including problem definition, user research insights, and how design decisions addressed specific business goals.

• Examples of leading and mentoring design teams, detailing team structure, project management, and individual designer development.

• Visual evidence of high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and final implemented user experiences, particularly for e-commerce and checkout flows.

• Data-backed results: Quantifiable metrics demonstrating the impact of design initiatives on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as conversion rates, average order value, user engagement, and task completion.

• Experience with localization strategies and how design was adapted for different global markets. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of establishing and refining design processes, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, and iterative design workflows.

• Examples of collaboration with engineering teams, including process for design handoffs, feedback loops, and participation in agile ceremonies.

• Documentation of how design systems were utilized or contributed to, showcasing consistency and scalability in design solutions.

• Case studies detailing the implementation of A/B testing and user feedback loops to iterate on designs and improve user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily focused on demonstrating strategic impact and leadership in a commercial context. Candidates must be prepared to showcase not just design execution but also the process, leadership, and quantifiable business results derived from their work, especially within e-commerce and DTC environments.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $196,000 - $245,000 annually for California-based applicants.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive package for eligible employees, their spouse/domestic partner, and children up to age 26.

• Paid vacation and paid sick leave.

• Competitive insurance benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Short-term disability and long-term disability insurance.

• Opportunity to participate in Rivian’s 401(k) Plan (eligibility requirements apply).

• Potential to participate in the Employee Stock Purchase Program (eligibility requirements apply).

• Annual performance bonus.

• Equity awards.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to California, reflecting regional market rates for senior design management roles. The inclusion of performance bonuses and equity awards indicates a performance-driven compensation structure common in leadership positions at growth-oriented tech companies. Benefits are comprehensive, covering health, wellness, retirement, and performance-based incentives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing (Electric Vehicles), Technology, Energy. Rivian is at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, blending automotive engineering with cutting-edge technology and a strong focus on sustainability and adventure.

Company Size: Large enterprise, indicated by the extensive benefits package, global operations, and structured hiring processes. This size implies established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a large organization.

Founded: Rivian was founded in 2009, indicating a company with significant development and market presence, moving beyond its startup phase into a mature, publicly traded entity. This history suggests a culture that has evolved from innovation-driven beginnings to a more structured, scalable operational model.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Studio likely comprises various design disciplines, including Product Design, UX Research, UI Design, and potentially Content Design.

• The Sr. Design Manager, Web will report to a higher-level design director or VP of Digital Product.

• This role requires significant cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Brand, and E-commerce teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research, A/B testing, and analytics to inform design strategy and product development.

• Agile methodologies are expected for project execution and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Emphasis on design systems for consistency and scalability across digital touchpoints.

• Focus on user-centric design principles to create intuitive and engaging customer experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rivian's mission to "keep the world adventurous forever" suggests a culture that values innovation, sustainability, and a passion for the outdoors. For operations and design roles, this translates to a dynamic environment where employees are encouraged to challenge the status quo and contribute to a forward-thinking company. The company's focus on EVs and adventure gear implies a need for design that is both functional and aspirational.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior management role, overseeing a critical function within the company's digital presence. It signifies a move into leadership, focusing on team development, strategic direction, and cross-functional influence rather than individual design execution.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Design Manager, Web will likely report to a Director or VP of Digital Product Design or Head of UX. They will directly manage a team of 4-6 web product designers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on Rivian's revenue generation through optimizing the website's e-commerce and purchase funnels. It also significantly influences brand perception and customer acquisition/retention by shaping the primary digital touchpoint for potential and existing customers. Effective UX strategy here can directly drive sales and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into Director-level roles overseeing broader digital product design functions or expanding responsibilities to include other digital channels.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term digital strategy for Rivian's web presence, impacting product launches, commerce initiatives, and brand storytelling.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen expertise in e-commerce, automotive DTC models, and large-scale digital ecosystem management through collaboration with various departments.

• Mentorship and Team Building: Develop strong leadership and coaching skills by growing and guiding a talented team of designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within design leadership, particularly for those interested in scaling teams and influencing strategic direction in a high-growth, product-focused company. The emphasis on e-commerce and DTC makes this a valuable role for gaining expertise in a rapidly evolving market segment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role, indicating a mix of remote work and in-office presence at Rivian's design offices in Irvine, California. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and cross-functional meetings.

Office Location(s): Irvine, California, specifically at 14600 Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92606. This location is within a hub for technology and automotive companies in Southern California.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional partnerships suggest a workplace that encourages open communication and teamwork. Expect regular team meetings, design critiques, and stakeholder presentations.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern design and collaboration tools will be standard. The mention of "agentic and direct-to-code workflows" implies advanced tooling and integration with engineering systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with design teams, product managers, engineers, and leadership, fostering a dynamic and fast-paced work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with the hybrid arrangement offering flexibility in where work is performed. The nature of design leadership may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Irvine implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills, alongside the ability to be present and engaged during in-office days. The workspace context points to a technologically advanced and collaborative setting, typical of leading EV manufacturers.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team. Applications without a portfolio and login credentials will not be considered.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your experience, leadership style, strategic thinking, and fit for the team.

• Design Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential direct reports, peers, and cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Management, Engineering) to evaluate collaboration skills, design process, and technical understanding.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, detailing case studies, design process, leadership approach, and impact. Be prepared to discuss specific projects, challenges, and outcomes.

• Executive/Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, company alignment, and overall fit for the role and Rivian's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic design thinking, e-commerce expertise, and ability to drive measurable business results.

• Highlight Leadership: For each project, clearly articulate your role, team structure, mentorship approach, and how you guided the team through the design process.

• Showcase Process & Strategy: Detail your problem-solving methodology, user research, A/B testing, and how design decisions aligned with business objectives and user needs.

• Quantify Impact: Use specific metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your projects. Focus on KPIs relevant to e-commerce and web performance (e.g., conversion rates, AOV, engagement).

• Provide Access: Ensure your portfolio link is active and includes necessary credentials for reviewers to access all content. Clearly label projects and your specific contributions.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your leadership philosophy, conflict resolution, design operations, and how you foster innovation within a team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge relevant to Rivian's web presence (e.g., optimizing a checkout flow, improving product discovery for a new vehicle).

• Prepare to articulate your strategic thinking, research methods, and how you would involve your team and cross-functional partners.

• Practice presenting your ideas concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with credentials and the detailed portfolio presentation step highlight the critical nature of this requirement. Candidates must be prepared to walk through their work, demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic acumen and leadership capabilities. The mention of "agentic and direct-to-code workflows" suggests interviewers might probe into how design and engineering collaboration is managed.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision or similar prototyping tools.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

• Design Systems: Experience with or ability to contribute to and manage design systems.

• Agentic/Direct-to-Code Workflows: Familiarity with tools or processes that bridge design and development, potentially including tools for component libraries, design tokens, or design-to-code handoff utilities.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Tableau, Power BI, or similar web analytics and data visualization platforms. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managing CRM, understanding how customer data from CRM systems informs web design and personalization is beneficial. Experience with marketing automation platforms might also be relevant for understanding user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern web design roles. The specific mention of "agentic and direct-to-code workflows" is a key differentiator, suggesting Rivian is investing in advanced methods for design-engineering collaboration. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with tools or processes that facilitate this integration, aiming for efficiency and accuracy in implementation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo to drive forward Rivian's mission.

• Adventure & Exploration: A passion for the outdoors and a drive to explore new possibilities, reflected in the company's products and culture.

• Sustainability: Commitment to environmental responsibility and creating a positive impact through electric vehicles.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across diverse teams and disciplines to achieve common goals.

• Excellence & Ownership: Striving for high quality in all work and taking responsibility for outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and other design teams to ensure cohesive digital experiences.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are guided by user research, analytics, and A/B testing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring all design efforts are aligned with broader business objectives and brand strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rivian's culture is likely to be fast-paced, innovative, and mission-driven. For a design manager, this means being adaptable, proactive, and able to foster a collaborative environment that encourages creative problem-solving while maintaining a strong focus on delivering measurable business results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Driving cutting-edge design solutions while ensuring they can be effectively implemented and maintained across a large, global web platform.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing diverse stakeholder needs and priorities across different departments (e.g., marketing, sales, engineering, brand).

• Pace of Change: Adapting to the rapid evolution of the EV market, consumer expectations, and digital technologies.

• Global Localization: Ensuring a consistent yet locally relevant user experience across various international markets.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Gaining experience in scaling design teams, managing complex project portfolios, and influencing organizational strategy.

• E-commerce and DTC Expertise: Deepening knowledge in direct-to-consumer sales funnels, online commerce best practices, and customer journey optimization.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of digital design, UX strategy, and automotive technology trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to learn from and contribute to Rivian's leadership development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of managing design for a large, innovative company in a dynamic industry. Growth opportunities are geared towards developing seasoned design leaders with expertise in high-impact digital commerce and strategic team management.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder priorities for a web product. How did you manage this and what was the outcome?" (Assesses stakeholder management and negotiation skills).

• "How would you approach defining the user experience strategy for a new vehicle launch on Rivian.com, considering both product storytelling and conversion goals?" (Tests strategic thinking and understanding of e-commerce funnels).

• "Walk us through your process for improving a complex checkout flow. What metrics would you track, and how would you involve your team and cross-functional partners?" (Evaluates process, data-driven approach, and collaboration). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Rivian's mission, and how does it align with your professional values?" (Assesses cultural fit and passion for the company).

• "How do you foster a culture of design excellence and continuous learning within your team?" (Probes leadership and team development philosophy).

• "Describe a situation where you used data and user research to significantly influence a product decision. What was the impact?" (Demonstrates data-informed decision-making and impact articulation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the design solutions, your leadership role, and the quantifiable results.

• Emphasize Leadership: Highlight how you guided your team, managed resources, and collaborated with stakeholders.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Explain the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them to business objectives and user needs.

• Showcase Impact: Use clear, compelling metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects and the ROI of your design efforts.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a data-driven approach to design, particularly within an e-commerce context. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practicing the articulation of impact and leadership is essential. Be ready to discuss how you leverage design operations and collaborate with engineering, especially concerning modern workflows.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Design Manager, Web position:

• Submit your application through the Rivian careers portal (https://careers.rivian.com/).

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight relevant experience in web product design, e-commerce, team leadership, and strategic UX. Include specific examples of leading design teams and driving measurable business outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your years of experience in digital product design and team management. Use keywords from the job description, such as "UX strategy," "e-commerce," "design systems," and "stakeholder management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, design process, and strategic approach using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio in detail, focusing on case studies that demonstrate your impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rivian's mission, products, and recent news. Understand their commitment to sustainability and adventure, and how the web experience supports these goals. Familiarize yourself with their current website and any known design challenges or opportunities.

⚠️ 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.