Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design - US

Kids2
Full-timeAtlanta, United States

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design - US

Company: Kids2

Location: Atlanta, GA, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • This role is pivotal in defining and executing the user experience (UX) strategy for Kids2's global digital ecosystem, encompassing brand websites, digital campaigns, and future consumer-facing platforms.

  • It involves championing user-centered design principles, translating consumer insights and business objectives into intuitive, engaging, and accessible digital experiences.

  • The position requires leadership in establishing UX best practices, information architecture, and design standards, while also managing and developing the Senior Digital Designer.

  • This Sr. Manager will drive the UX vision and execution in close collaboration with Marketing, eCommerce, IT, and Development teams to strengthen brands and support the company's direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design, the responsibilities and required experience (7-10 years) align with a senior individual contributor or a manager of a small team. The focus on "defining and leading strategy" and "championing user-centered design" suggests a strategic and influential role, not purely operational execution. The "Operations" category is assigned due to the critical role UX and Digital Design play in the operational efficiency and effectiveness of digital platforms, impacting customer acquisition, engagement, and retention, which are key GTM metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • UX Strategy & Experience Leadership: Define, lead, and champion the UX vision, strategy, and design standards across Kids2's entire digital ecosystem. Develop comprehensive user journeys, customer flows, information architecture, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for websites and digital experiences.

  • User-Centered Design Advocacy: Champion user-centered design principles through rigorous research, usability testing, analytics interpretation, and continuous optimization efforts to enhance usability, accessibility, engagement, and conversion rates across all digital platforms.

  • Digital Experience Execution: Lead the UX strategy for new website launches, landing pages, campaign experiences, and future digital initiatives, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand presence. Ensure all digital experiences are responsive, accessible, and mobile-first, meeting both customer needs and business objectives.

  • Team Development & Guidance: Lead, coach, and develop the Senior Digital Designer, providing strategic direction, constructive creative feedback, workload prioritization, and fostering professional growth and design excellence within the team.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration & Partnership: Actively collaborate with Marketing, Product Marketing, Consumer Insights, IT, Development, and eCommerce teams throughout the project lifecycle, balancing user needs, business objectives, technical feasibility, and project timelines. Present UX recommendations and customer insights effectively to leadership and cross-functional partners.

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of the latest UX methodologies, accessibility standards (WCAG), AI-powered design tools, and emerging digital technologies. Recommend and implement new capabilities and enhancements to elevate the customer experience and support Kids2's digital transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic leadership role within the UX and Digital Design function. The emphasis on "defining and leading strategy," "championing principles," and "leading new initiatives" highlights a proactive and influential position. The inclusion of "UX governance" and "scalable design systems" points towards building foundational operational frameworks for digital design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Design, Graphic Design, Interactive Media, or a closely related field. Experience:

  • 7–10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX), product design, digital experience development, or interactive design.

  • A minimum of 3 years specifically leading UX initiatives for enterprise-level websites or complex digital products.

  • Proven experience in managing, mentoring, or leading creative professionals, with a focus on fostering growth and design excellence.

  • Demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with development teams and diverse cross-functional business units.

  • Prior experience in consumer products, retail, or eCommerce environments is highly preferred. Required Skills:

  • Expert knowledge of core UX disciplines including research methodologies, interaction design principles, information architecture, and customer journey mapping.

  • Strong understanding and practical application of usability testing protocols and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

  • Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite.

  • Experience in building and maintaining scalable design systems and reusable component libraries.

  • Familiarity with responsive design principles, Content Management System (CMS) platforms, and foundational web technologies such as HTML/CSS.

  • Working knowledge of UX measurement and analytics tools, including Google Analytics, Hotjar, or similar platforms.

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly.

  • Strong leadership, coaching, and collaborative abilities essential for team management and cross-functional partnerships. Preferred Skills:

  • UX, Human-Centered Design, Design Thinking, or Accessibility (WCAG) certifications.

  • Agile or Scrum certification, demonstrating familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 7-10 years with 3+ years leading UX initiatives and managing creative professionals firmly places this role at a senior management or lead individual contributor level. The emphasis on specific tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, along with knowledge of design systems, CMS, HTML/CSS, and analytics tools, is critical for operational effectiveness in a digital design context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A robust portfolio is mandatory, showcasing comprehensive UX strategy development, detailed information architecture planning, effective wireframing and prototyping execution, and a strong track record of successful digital experience design.

  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the end-to-end UX process, from initial research and ideation through to final implementation and iteration.

  • Include case studies that highlight problem identification, user research methodologies, design solutions, and quantifiable outcomes or lessons learned.

  • Showcase examples of how you've translated business objectives and user needs into cohesive and user-friendly digital interfaces. Process Documentation:

  • Candidates are expected to have experience in documenting UX processes, including user research findings, design decisions, and usability test results.

  • Evidence of creating or contributing to design systems, style guides, or component libraries, which serve as operational frameworks for consistent digital experiences.

  • Examples of how you've collaborated with development teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs and have participated in iterative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Sr. Manager role in UX/Digital Design, a portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of strategic thinking, process mastery, and impact. The requirements focus on showcasing the candidate's ability to not only design but also to strategize, document, and operationalize design processes and systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

  • Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design in Atlanta, GA, with 7-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 per year. This estimate accounts for the required experience level, leadership responsibilities, and the cost of living in the Atlanta metropolitan area, a significant hub for design and technology roles. Benefits:

  • Competitive Pay: A salary structure designed to be competitive within the market for senior-level design and UX professionals.

  • Flexible Hours: Options for flexible working hours to better accommodate personal needs and promote work-life balance, supporting efficient workflow management.

  • Generous Benefits Package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, along with retirement savings plans (e.g., 401k with company match).

  • Team Member Activities: Opportunities to engage in various team-building activities, fostering a collaborative and connected work environment.

  • Philanthropic Efforts: Company-supported initiatives for community involvement and social responsibility, allowing for meaningful contributions.

  • Company-Wide Awards and Recognition: A system for acknowledging and rewarding outstanding performance and contributions, motivating continuous excellence.

Working Hours:

  • The role is designated as Full-Time, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the core hours are expected to align with standard business operations, the mention of "flexible hours" suggests some adaptability in scheduling, particularly to accommodate project deadlines and cross-functional team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Sr. Manager level UX/Digital Design role in a major US city like Atlanta, considering the specified experience and responsibilities. The benefits listed are derived directly from the provided text and are framed to highlight their relevance to operations professionals seeking a balanced and rewarding work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

  • Kids2 operates within the Consumer Products and Retail sectors, specifically focusing on products for early-stage parents and their children. This industry context means that digital experiences must be highly user-centric, visually appealing, and trustworthy, as they directly impact consumer purchasing decisions and brand perception. The company's mission to "reimagine how brands can make it easier for early stage parents" suggests a focus on innovation and problem-solving within this niche. Company Size:

  • While the exact size isn't provided, the mention of a "global digital ecosystem," "cross-functional teams," and a "Sr. Manager" role implies a mid-to-large-sized organization with established departments and a structured approach to digital strategy. For operations professionals, this size often means opportunities for process refinement, system implementation, and cross-departmental influence. Founded:

  • Kids2 was founded in 1960. This long history suggests a stable company with a deep understanding of its market, evolving from traditional product offerings to a modern digital-first approach. This longevity can translate into a culture that values both established best practices and forward-thinking innovation, which is crucial for a UX/Digital Design leader. Team Structure:

  • The Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design will lead the "Senior Digital Designer," indicating a small, focused design team. This individual will report into a higher-level marketing or digital leadership role and will collaborate extensively with Marketing, eCommerce, IT, and Development. The structure suggests a collaborative, project-driven environment where design is integrated into broader business initiatives. Methodology:

  • The company emphasizes a "user-centered design" approach, driven by "consumer insights," "usability testing," and "analytics." This indicates a data-informed decision-making process. The mention of "entrepreneurial" and "passionate" team members suggests a culture that encourages initiative and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Company Website:

  • https://www.kids2.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and long history provide context for its operational focus on supporting parents. The UX/Digital Design role is positioned as central to enhancing the consumer journey within this mission-driven framework. The structure suggests that operations professionals in this role will need strong collaboration and communication skills to navigate various departments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

  • This role is positioned at a Senior Management level within the User Experience and Digital Design function. It signifies a transition from individual contribution to strategic leadership, involving not only hands-on design and strategy but also team management, process establishment, and cross-functional influence. It's a role that requires a blend of deep design expertise and business acumen, impacting how the company connects with consumers digitally. Reporting Structure:

  • The Sr. Manager, UX & Digital Design will directly manage the Senior Digital Designer. This individual will likely report to a Director or VP of Marketing, Digital, or Product. The role requires strong collaboration with peers in Marketing, eCommerce, IT, and Development, necessitating effective communication and relationship-building skills across different functional areas. Operations Impact:

  • The primary impact of this role is on the effectiveness and efficiency of Kids2's digital touchpoints. By optimizing user experience and digital design, this role directly influences:

    • Customer Acquisition: Enhancing website usability and engagement to attract and convert new customers.
    • Customer Retention & Loyalty: Creating seamless, intuitive experiences that encourage repeat engagement and brand loyalty.
    • Brand Perception: Ensuring digital platforms reflect the brand's values and commitment to supporting parents, thereby strengthening brand equity.
    • Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Strategy: Driving the success of Kids2's DTC channels by optimizing the online customer journey.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to build and refine UX governance frameworks, design systems, and operational processes for digital design at a global scale.

  • Leadership Development: Direct experience in managing a design team, coaching talent, and leading strategic initiatives, preparing for broader leadership roles.

  • Strategic Influence: The chance to shape the digital future of a well-established company, influencing product development, marketing strategies, and overall customer engagement.

  • Industry Exposure: Potential to work with emerging technologies, AI-powered design tools, and best-in-class digital practices within the consumer products sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed to appeal to operations professionals by highlighting the chance to build scalable processes, develop leadership skills, and exert strategic influence on the company's digital operations and GTM strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

  • The job description indicates a "General office environment" with an "On-site" work arrangement for Atlanta, GA. This suggests a traditional office setting where in-person collaboration and team interactions are expected. Office Location(s):

  • The primary location is Atlanta, Georgia, USA. This is a major metropolitan area with a thriving business and technology scene, offering accessibility and a strong talent pool. Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant collaboration with Marketing, eCommerce, IT, and Development teams. The on-site arrangement facilitates spontaneous interactions, team meetings, and hands-on workshops crucial for design and strategy development.

  • Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to standard office technology and specific design software such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and potentially project management tools like Jira or Asana, supporting efficient workflow and design execution.

  • Team Interaction: Being on-site allows for direct mentorship of the Senior Digital Designer and fosters a strong team dynamic through regular face-to-face communication and shared problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule:

  • The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week. The mention of "flexible hours" suggests some degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule, provided core business hours and project deadlines are met. This flexibility is beneficial for operations professionals who may need to balance deep work sessions with collaborative meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a general office environment and on-site work arrangement is crucial for candidates who prefer or require in-person collaboration. The mention of flexible hours within a full-time schedule is a key detail for work-life balance considerations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on UX strategy, leadership experience, team management philosophy, and how you approach user-centered design in a business context. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio and specific examples of your strategic contributions.

  • Cross-Functional/Team Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from Marketing, Development, or eCommerce, assessing your collaboration style, ability to balance competing priorities, and understanding of business objectives. This may include a presentation of a portfolio case study.

  • Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on overall fit, strategic vision, and long-term impact on the organization's digital transformation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Strategic Narrative: For each project, articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the UX process followed, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

  • Process Showcase: Detail your UX methodologies, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Demonstrate how you've applied design thinking and user-centered principles.

  • Systemic Thinking: Highlight any experience with design systems, component libraries, or establishing UX governance – this shows operational capability.

  • Quantifiable Results: Wherever possible, present data-driven results, such as improvements in conversion rates, engagement metrics, or user satisfaction scores.

  • Company Alignment: Tailor your presentation to showcase how your skills and experience can address Kids2's specific goals, such as their DTC strategy and commitment to supporting parents.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be prepared for potential case study exercises or design challenges that assess your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to translate requirements into effective UX solutions.

  • Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on how your solutions align with business objectives and user needs.

  • Consider how you would approach improving an existing digital experience for a company like Kids2, focusing on user journey mapping and optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential case studies highlights the practical, results-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to not only showcase design but also strategic thinking and operational implementation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design, requiring advanced proficiency.

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for graphic design tasks, image editing, and potentially other visual asset creation.

  • Design Systems & Component Libraries: Experience in building, maintaining, or utilizing these for consistent and scalable digital experiences is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Google Analytics: For tracking website performance, user behavior, and conversion rates.

  • Hotjar / Microsoft Clarity: Tools for heat mapping, session recording, and user feedback analysis to understand user interactions deeply.

  • UserTesting.com / Similar Platforms: For conducting remote usability testing and gathering qualitative user feedback.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly listed as primary responsibilities, familiarity with how UX/UI integrates with CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms is beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey and data flow. Project Management & Collaboration:

  • Smartsheet, Workfront, Jira, Asana: Experience with these project management and workflow tools is expected for managing tasks, timelines, and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Microsoft Office Suite & Google Workspace: Standard productivity and collaboration tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in design tools like Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is fundamental. The inclusion of analytics, testing tools, and project management software underscores the operational aspects of this role, requiring an understanding of how design impacts measurable business outcomes and integrates into broader project workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and valuable experiences for parents.

  • Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing analytics, user research, and testing to inform design strategies and measure the impact of UX initiatives. This aligns with operations' focus on metrics and performance.

  • Efficiency & Scalability: Designing with an eye towards creating scalable solutions, such as design systems, that improve development efficiency and maintain consistency across platforms.

  • Collaboration & Partnership: Fostering strong working relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure design solutions are technically feasible, business-aligned, and effectively implemented.

  • Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A mindset of staying current with industry trends, exploring new technologies (like AI-powered tools), and actively seeking ways to enhance the digital experience.

Collaboration Style:

  • The role demands a highly collaborative approach, working closely with Marketing, eCommerce, IT, and Development. This involves active listening, clear communication of design rationale, and a willingness to integrate feedback to achieve shared goals. The culture appears to value teamwork and shared responsibility for delivering successful digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a modern, agile approach to digital product development where design operations and business objectives are closely intertwined. The emphasis on data-driven decisions and collaborative problem-solving is key for operations professionals in this role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively mediating between user desires, technical constraints, and business goals to deliver solutions that are both user-friendly and commercially viable.

  • Driving Digital Transformation: Leading UX strategy in a company that is actively growing its direct-to-consumer (DTC) presence, requiring adaptability and strategic foresight to evolve digital platforms.

  • Managing a Global Digital Ecosystem: Ensuring consistent and high-quality user experiences across diverse markets and digital touchpoints, requiring a scalable approach to design and governance.

  • Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Continuously integrating new design tools, methodologies, and technologies (e.g., AI in design) into the workflow to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to develop and implement scalable design systems, UX governance, and process optimization frameworks that impact the entire digital organization.

  • Industry Conferences & Certifications: Potential for professional development through attending UX and design conferences, or pursuing certifications in areas like accessibility, design thinking, or Agile methodologies.

  • Mentorship & Leadership: Direct experience in leading and mentoring a design professional, with potential for growth into broader departmental leadership roles within Kids2.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight areas where strategic thinking and operational improvements can make a significant impact. The growth opportunities are geared towards career progression and skill enhancement relevant to operations professionals in leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you defined and led the UX strategy for a major digital product or website. What were the key challenges and how did you measure success?" (Focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and impact metrics.)

  • "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints when designing digital experiences? Provide an example." (Assesses problem-solving and negotiation skills.)

  • "How would you approach building or evolving a design system for a global organization like Kids2? What operational considerations are key?" (Tests understanding of scalability, consistency, and process.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How does your approach to UX and digital design align with Kids2's mission to help parents and create 'tiny wins'?" (Requires understanding the company mission and connecting it to user-centric design.)

  • "Describe your experience working in cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and alignment between design, marketing, and development?" (Focus on collaboration and communication style.)

  • "How do you stay current with UX trends and emerging technologies, and how would you integrate them into Kids2's digital strategy?" (Assesses proactivity and forward-thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your portfolio by key projects. For each project, clearly outline: the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact/results.

  • Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each case study, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Focus on why you made certain design decisions.

  • Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible. Use data (e.g., conversion rate improvements, engagement increases, reduction in support tickets) to demonstrate ROI.

  • Process Visualization: Visually represent your UX process (e.g., user journey maps, wireframes, prototypes) to showcase your methodology.

  • Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work within the allotted time, focusing on quality over quantity.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates showcase their strategic thinking, operational capabilities, and ability to align design leadership with business goals, which are critical for a Sr. Manager role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Kids2 Career Site.

  • Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating UX strategy, information architecture, and end-to-end digital experience design. Prioritize case studies that highlight your leadership in defining processes, implementing design systems, and achieving measurable business outcomes relevant to consumer products or eCommerce.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 7-10 years of experience, with specific emphasis on your 3+ years of leading UX initiatives and any experience managing creative professionals. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX strategy," "user-centered design," "information architecture," "Figma," "design systems," and "stakeholder management."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the strategic rationale behind your design decisions and the quantifiable impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your leadership style, how you foster collaboration, and your approach to driving digital transformation.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Kids2's mission, products, and current digital presence. Understand their commitment to supporting parents and their DTC strategy. Consider how your UX and design leadership can contribute to these specific company goals and operational objectives.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a design-related field and 7–10 years of experience in UX, product, or interactive design. Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and a strong portfolio demonstrating UX strategy and information architecture are required.