Experience Design Operations Manager

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them.

Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself.

As an Experience Design Operations Manager, you will lead complex programs and transformation initiatives that improve how Product, Design, Engineering, and Marketing teams deliver customer experiences. You'll partner across the organization to strengthen delivery execution, improve operational efficiency, and support scalable ways of working that drive measurable business outcomes. Your work will help teams align priorities, reduce delivery friction, and improve the speed and quality of experience development across enterprise initiatives.

What you will do

• Lead enterprise-scale programs and transformation initiatives from planning through delivery

• Drive achievement of milestones, OKRs, and Plan of Record commitments across cross-functional teams

• Develop and maintain transformation roadmaps with clear dependencies, timelines, and success measures

• Partner with Product, Engineering, Design, Marketing, Operations, and PMO teams to align priorities and execution plans

• Facilitate governance activities including steering committees, executive reviews, and stage-gate meetings

• Monitor program health, delivery timelines, risks, and dependencies while supporting proactive issue resolution

• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance collaboration, delivery efficiency, and operational consistency

• Support adoption of Agile, hybrid, and waterfall delivery practices based on business and regulatory needs

• Prepare executive-level reporting and translate delivery insights into actionable recommendations

• Coach team members and cross-functional partners on delivery practices, stakeholder engagement, and program execution

What you will bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field; or equivalent experience

• 7+ years of project or program management experience in a matrixed, fast-paced, or regulated environment

• Experience managing cross-functional programs across Product, Engineering, Design, Marketing, or Operations teams

• Strong understanding of program governance, dependency management, and delivery planning

• Experience applying Agile, hybrid, or waterfall methodologies across complex initiatives

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and stakeholder partnership skills across all organizational levels

• Experience using project, portfolio, or workflow management tools such as Jira, Workfront, Figma, or similar platforms

• Ability to balance multiple priorities while supporting predictable delivery outcomes

• Experience preparing executive-ready updates, reporting, and presentations

What will set you apart

• MBA or other advanced degree

• Financial services or highly regulated industry experience

• PMP, Agile, SAFe, or related program management certifications

• Experience supporting experience design, UX/UI, or customer experience organizations

• Background leading enterprise transformation or operational improvement initiatives

• Experience improving intake management, prioritization, or capacity planning processes

• Familiarity with PMO frameworks, delivery standards, and continuous improvement practices

• Experience translating complex delivery data into strategic recommendations

• Strong facilitation skills across executive and cross-functional stakeholder groups

• Ability to build collaborative partnerships that improve execution health and organizational alignment

***Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT.***

What we offer you

We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance.

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Retirement savings - 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year
• Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans
• Generous paid time off upon hire - including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year
• Paid volunteer time - 16 hours per calendar year
• Leave of absence programs - including paid parental leave, paid short- and long-term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA)
• Business Resource Groups (BRGs) - BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all.

Base Salary Range

The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non-sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer.

Equal opportunity employer * Drug-free workplace

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.

***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high-speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.***

Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on:

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