User Experience (UX) Designer I

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Experience (UX) Designer I

Company: O'Reilly Auto Parts

Location: Headquarters, Kentucky, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop visual and user experience (UX) elements for websites and cross-platform applications, aligning with business and product strategy.

• Support channel management through rigorous analysis of best practices, competitive benchmarking, customer insights, A/B testing, and feedback from cross-functional partners.

• Conduct research and interpret data, trends, and benchmarks relevant to digital product and service design, ensuring a data-driven approach to UX.

• Contribute to the entire lifecycle of prototype development, from planning and design to construction, testing, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with user needs and project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "User Experience (UX) Designer I", has significant overlap with "Design Operations" due to its focus on process improvement, data analysis for UX, and supporting channel management with operational insights. The emphasis on analyzing best practices, interpreting data, and contributing to change management programs suggests a need for someone who can not only design but also contribute to the operational efficiency of the design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop draft website maps, application models, and image/page templates, presenting them for review by senior colleagues to ensure alignment with user needs, industry standards, and project objectives.

• Analyze best practices through competitive benchmarking, customer insights, A/B testing, and feedback from cross-functional partners to support channel management and drive site feature/functionality enhancements.

• Research and interpret data, trends, and benchmarks relevant to digital products and services design, translating findings into actionable UX recommendations.

• Contribute to the planning, designing, construction, testing, communication, and evaluation of prototype development projects, ensuring a robust and iterative design process.

• Support the implementation of differentiating customer experience initiatives, tools, and processes, including planning and executing customer experience testing.

• Identify shortcomings in existing processes, systems, and procedures, and leverage established change management programs to implement improvements and optimize workflows.

• Collate and analyze data using preset tools, methods, and formats, working independently to extract meaningful insights.

• Contribute to the understanding of customer segments, trends, needs, and expectations by reporting on and providing feedback from client interactions.

• Develop personal capabilities through assessment and development planning, as well as formal/informal training and coaching, staying current with relevant technology and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX design tasks and operational responsibilities. The emphasis on "identifying shortcomings in existing processes" and "leveraging established change management programs" indicates a need for proactive problem-solving and process optimization skills, which are crucial in operations roles. The expectation to work independently in data collation and analysis also points towards a strong operational mindset.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Level

Experience: 7 to 12 months of sound experience and understanding of straightforward procedures or systems. Limited managerial experience (0 to 3 months).

Required Skills:

• UX Design Principles: Foundational understanding of user-centered design, usability, and accessibility principles.

• Website Mapping & Application Modeling: Ability to create site maps, user flows, and application architecture diagrams.

• Competitive Benchmarking & Market Research: Skills in analyzing competitor offerings and market trends to inform design decisions.

• A/B Testing & Customer Insights: Experience supporting or conducting A/B tests and gathering customer feedback to validate design hypotheses.

• Prototype Development: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes to visualize and test design concepts.

• Data Analysis: Ability to collate and analyze data using established tools and methods to derive insights.

• Change Management Acumen: Understanding and ability to contribute to processes for managing change within systems and procedures.

• Graphic Design Fundamentals: Basic graphic design skills for creating visual elements and page layouts.

• Presentation Software Proficiency: Ability to create digital presentations for design concepts and findings.

Preferred Skills:

• Cross-platform App Design: Experience designing for various digital platforms (web, mobile, tablet).

• Customer Experience Testing: Familiarity with methodologies for testing and evaluating customer experiences.

• User Interface (UI) Design: Deeper understanding of UI design principles and tools.

• Content Production & Editing: Experience in developing and refining content for digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "7 to 12 months of sound experience and understanding of straightforward procedures or systems" combined with the "limited managerial experience" positions this as an entry-level role. However, the breadth of responsibilities, particularly those involving data analysis, competitive benchmarking, and contributing to change management, suggests that candidates with a strong operational aptitude or coursework in business analysis alongside their UX education will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Documentation: Showcase a clear, step-by-step design process, from initial research and ideation to wireframing, prototyping, and testing. Highlight how you iterate based on feedback and data.

• Case Studies with Data Insights: Present 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your ability to analyze user data, market trends, and competitive landscapes to inform design decisions and drive measurable outcomes.

• System Integration Examples: If applicable, include examples where your designs considered or integrated with existing systems or workflows, showing an understanding of technical constraints and operational impact.

• Process Improvement Contributions: If possible, include a project where you identified an inefficiency in a design or development process and proposed or implemented a solution.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of how to map out user journeys and design workflows that are efficient and user-friendly.

• Implementation and Automation Methods: While not a primary developer role, show awareness of how designs are implemented and any considerations for automation or streamlined processes.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Detail how you would measure the success of your designs, using metrics from A/B tests, user feedback, and performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level UX Designer role, the emphasis on portfolio should lean towards demonstrating a structured design process and the ability to interpret and apply data. The "process and systems" aspect should be framed around how the candidate understands and contributes to efficient design workflows, rather than deep systems implementation. Highlighting any experience with process analysis or improvement, even in academic projects, will be beneficial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a User Experience (UX) Designer I role in the Springfield, MO area, with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $55,000 and $75,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Springfield, MO, and typical compensation for entry-level design roles within retail technology sectors.

Benefits:

• Competitive Wages & Paid Time Off: Standard PTO accrual and competitive pay.

• Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to invest in the company's growth.

• 401k with Employer Contributions Starting Day One: Robust retirement savings plan with immediate employer matching.

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage options.

• Optional Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Pre-tax savings for healthcare or dependent care expenses.

• Team Member Health/Wellbeing Programs: Initiatives supporting employee health and wellness.

• Tuition Educational Assistance Programs: Support for continuing education and professional development.

• Opportunities for Career Growth: Emphasis on internal promotions and career advancement.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, standard business hours. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, subject to team and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on publicly available compensation data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. It is crucial for candidates to understand that this is an approximation, and the actual offer will depend on individual qualifications, interview performance, and O'Reilly Auto Parts' internal compensation structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Parts Retail. O'Reilly Auto Parts operates within a highly competitive retail sector, focusing on providing a wide range of automotive aftermarket parts, accessories, and services. This context means UX design must support both online and in-store customer experiences, aiming for efficiency and ease of use.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees, based on typical retail operations of this scale). This size implies established processes, a structured hierarchy, and opportunities for specialization within design and operations teams.

Founded: O'Reilly Auto Parts was founded in 1957, indicating a long history of operational experience and market presence. This longevity suggests a stable work environment with a focus on long-term growth and customer loyalty.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: Likely part of a larger Digital or IT department, with UX designers collaborating closely with UI designers, product managers, and developers.

• Reporting Structure: As a "Designer I," this role typically reports to a Senior UX Designer, UX Manager, or a Director of Digital Experience.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role requires significant collaboration with various departments, including Marketing (for campaign assets and insights), IT (for technical implementation), Store Operations (for in-store experience feedback), and Customer Service (for user feedback and issue resolution).

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data from A/B testing, analytics, and customer feedback to inform design decisions.

• Agile/Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, large retail organizations often adopt agile methodologies for digital product development, requiring designers to work in sprints and adapt to changing priorities.

• User-Centric Approach: Core to UX, focusing on understanding and meeting customer needs through research and testing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding O'Reilly's position as a large, established retail entity is key. The "operations" aspect of this UX role will be heavily influenced by the need to support a vast retail network, maintain brand consistency across numerous touchpoints, and efficiently manage digital assets and customer journeys for a broad customer base.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level (UX Designer I). This level is characterized by learning foundational design and operational processes, executing tasks under supervision, and contributing to specific project components. The focus is on skill development and understanding established procedures within the company's operational framework.

Reporting Structure: Reports to a more senior design professional or manager, receiving guidance and feedback on design work and process adherence. This structure allows for mentorship and gradual assumption of more complex responsibilities.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer I contributes to the operational efficiency and customer satisfaction of O'Reilly Auto Parts' digital platforms. By improving website and app usability, they directly influence customer engagement, conversion rates, and overall brand perception, which in turn impacts sales and operational costs associated with customer support.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as user research, interaction design, or information architecture.

• Advanced Design Tools & Techniques: Learning to master more sophisticated design and prototyping software, and adopting advanced UX methodologies.

• Project Leadership: Progressing to lead smaller design initiatives or taking ownership of specific features within larger projects.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience collaborating with diverse teams, potentially leading to roles in product management or operations analysis.

• Potential for Senior Roles: With demonstrated growth and experience, advancement to UX Designer II, Senior UX Designer, or specialized roles within the digital experience team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" context for this UX role means growth will likely involve not just design excellence but also a strong understanding of how design impacts business operations, customer service, and sales. Career paths may involve moving into roles that bridge design and operational strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment where collaboration and team interaction are expected to occur in person.

Office Location(s): Headquarters, Springfield, MO. This location serves as the central hub for operations, design, and corporate functions.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is likely designed to foster teamwork, with shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and areas for informal collaboration. This facilitates direct interaction with colleagues on design projects and operational challenges.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, and potentially O'Reilly's internal systems for project management and asset creation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a dedicated design team, product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, enabling knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. While the role is on-site, O'Reilly Auto Parts may offer some flexibility in daily working hours, provided operational needs and team collaboration are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. It suggests an environment where in-person collaboration, spontaneous brainstorming, and direct mentorship are prioritized, which can be beneficial for an entry-level designer learning the ropes and understanding operational nuances within a large retail company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: Candidates will present their portfolio, showcasing their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to analyze data. A practical design challenge or case study analysis might be assigned to evaluate on-the-spot problem-solving and design thinking.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, understanding of UX principles, and how candidates approach operational challenges within design.

• Team/Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and stakeholders (e.g., senior designers, product managers) to assess collaboration skills and technical fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, emphasizing how you used research, data, and feedback to arrive at your solutions.

• Highlight Data Analysis: For this role, explicitly demonstrate how you used data (customer insights, A/B tests, market research) to inform your design decisions. Quantify results where possible.

• Emphasize Problem-Solving: Frame your projects around the problems you solved for users and the business, rather than just presenting aesthetically pleasing mockups.

• Tailor to O'Reilly: Research O'Reilly's brand, customer base, and digital presence. Briefly mention how your skills and approach align with their specific operational context and business goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Retail UX: Be prepared for challenges related to e-commerce, in-store digital integration, or customer loyalty programs common in retail.

• Think Operationally: When presented with a design problem, consider the operational implications: how will this impact store staff, inventory, customer service, or backend systems?

• Structure Your Response: For any design challenge, outline your approach: define the problem, identify users/stakeholders, brainstorm solutions, select the best approach with justification, and outline how you'd test/measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a "Designer I" often includes a practical assessment to gauge foundational skills and potential. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate not just design talent but also an understanding of how design integrates with business operations and drives tangible results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, UI design, and interactive prototyping.

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for project management and workflow tracking.

• Communication Tools: Effective use of Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily team communication and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Exposure to tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for understanding user behavior on websites.

• A/B Testing Platforms: Familiarity with platforms like Optimizely, VWO, or internal A/B testing frameworks.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data presented in dashboards or reports, potentially using tools like Tableau or Power BI if exposed to them.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Awareness): While not directly managing a CRM, an understanding of how CRM data (e.g., customer purchase history, loyalty status) can inform UX design is beneficial.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Familiarity with CMS platforms used for website content updates.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, the expectation is proficiency in core design tools. Exposure to analytics and project management tools is a strong plus, demonstrating an understanding of the broader operational context in which UX designs are created and implemented.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of O'Reilly Auto Parts customers, both in-store and online.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Driving processes and designs that are efficient for users and the business, minimizing waste and maximizing impact.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data analysis, customer feedback, and performance metrics to guide strategy and design.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where team members work together, share knowledge, and support each other to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: An ongoing commitment to identifying areas for enhancement in processes, systems, and user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Openness to working closely with marketing, IT, operations, and customer service teams to ensure holistic solutions.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange during design reviews and project discussions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote sharing of best practices, learnings from research, and insights from data across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "operations" lens on culture means emphasizing values like efficiency, data-driven approaches, and collaborative problem-solving. These are critical for ensuring that design initiatives align with and support the broader business objectives of a large retail organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Navigating the complexities of a large retail organization to deliver exceptional user experiences while adhering to budget, technical limitations, and strategic business goals.

• Adapting to Evolving Retail Landscape: Staying current with digital trends in the automotive aftermarket and retail sectors to ensure O'Reilly's digital platforms remain competitive and user-friendly.

• Integrating Digital and In-Store Experiences: Designing cohesive customer journeys that seamlessly connect online interactions with the physical store experience.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders across different departments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship Programs: Access to guidance from experienced UX designers and design managers.

• Industry Workshops & Webinars: Opportunities to attend sessions focused on UX best practices, new technologies, and retail design trends.

• Internal Training: Learning about O'Reilly's specific business operations, customer segments, and existing technology stack.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of design challenges across different digital touchpoints within the O'Reilly ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, understanding potential challenges and identifying growth opportunities is crucial for career planning. This role offers a solid foundation in UX within a stable retail environment, with clear pathways for skill development and advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or business requirements in a design project. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for analysis, compromise, and justification).

• "How would you approach designing a feature to improve customer loyalty for O'Reilly Auto Parts, considering both online and in-store interactions?" (Think about user journeys, data points, and potential operational impacts).

• "Walk me through your process for analyzing user feedback or A/B test results to make design improvements." (Emphasize your data interpretation and iteration skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about O'Reilly Auto Parts' current digital presence, and what opportunities do you see for UX improvement?" (Show you've done your research and can think critically about their brand).

• "How do you approach collaborating with developers and product managers who may have different priorities?" (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies, especially within the retail sector?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion lift, reduction in errors, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the business value of your design work.

• Be Prepared for 'Why': Be ready to explain the rationale behind every design decision you made.

• Showcase Process Visuals: Include wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your design thinking at various stages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also an understanding of business objectives, operational considerations, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a large organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User Experience (UX) Designer I position:

• Submit your application through the O'Reilly Auto Parts careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight any experience with user research, data analysis, A/B testing, or process improvement, using keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "Website Mapping," "Competitive Benchmarking," and "Change Management."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your design process, problem-solving abilities, and any experience with data-driven decision-making or process optimization. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the challenges, your approach, and the outcomes.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common UX challenges in the retail sector and practice articulating your design thinking process under time constraints.

• Research O'Reilly Auto Parts: Understand their business model, target audience, current digital offerings, and company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.