Design Managers - job 5 of 16

Design Managers at American Express are responsible for leading processes to capture user requirements, identifying customer needs and opportunities. They lead design iterations based on feedback from users and usability testing, manage design operations, and provide mentorship to junior team members, all of which contribute to successful project outcomes.

To qualify as a Design Manager at American Express, candidates must possess a Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Graphic Design, or a related field, along with two years of experience in analyzing user requirements and improving user experiences. Specific experience with tools like Adobe CC, AfterEffects, Axure RP, and others is also required to succeed in this role.

American Express provides a robust benefits package for Design Managers, including competitive salaries, health insurance, retirement savings plan matching, paid parental leave, and access to wellness centers. They prioritize the physical, financial, and mental health of all employees, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their careers.

Design Managers use a variety of tools and technologies at American Express, such as Adobe CC, AfterEffects, Axure RP, InVision, JIRA, Microsoft tools, and Sketch. Proficiency in creating prototypes, mockups, and motion graphics is essential for this role to enhance the overall user experience.

Yes, American Express offers telecommuting options for Design Managers, allowing them to work from home up to two days a week. This flexibility fosters a balanced work environment while still promoting collaboration among team members.

When answering this, talk about your experience with user interviews, surveys, and usability testing. Highlight your approach to empathizing with users and how you utilize their feedback to inform your designs.

Be prepared to share a specific example, detailing how you navigated differing opinions and how you synthesized feedback into actionable design changes while keeping everyone informed and engaged.

Discuss your methods for prioritizing tasks, potentially using tools like JIRA or Kanban boards. Explain how you balance urgent needs with long-term design goals and ensure alignment with overall project timelines.

Prepare to mention specific tools you've used, such as Adobe CC, Sketch, or Axure RP, and explain your preference based on your experience and the outcomes you’ve achieved using those tools.

Share your strategies for continuous learning, such as following design blogs, attending webinars, and participating in industry conferences. Highlight how this commitment keeps your design work fresh and innovative.

Talk about the methods you use to mentor juniors, like providing constructive feedback, conducting design critiques, and fostering a supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.

Discuss your proactive approach toward communication, re-evaluating timelines, and adjusting resources. Highlight your focus on transparency with stakeholders to maintain trust and collaboration.

Choose a specific project where your design choices led to measurable improvements in usability. Use quantifiable metrics, if possible, to demonstrate the positive impact of your contributions.

Explain your philosophy regarding iterative design. You might mention how you create prototypes, gather user feedback, analyze results, and refine designs continually until the final product meets user needs effectively.

Share your insights on critical skills such as leadership, communication, creativity, and technical proficiency. Emphasize how these skills contribute to successful design outcomes and team cohesion.