VP, UX Creative Director

Role Summary/Purpose

As UX Creative Director, you will be responsible for shaping and executing a holistic visual and brand strategy that aligns with company goals and user needs across all digital products. You will direct the visual and brand design process, oversee the ongoing development and adoption of Synchrony's Digital Design System, and ensure rigorous adherence to brand standards through quality reviews and comprehensive documentation. You will participate in executive strategic planning, champion innovation, and advocate for accessibility and inclusive design. Your success in this role will depend on your ability to collaborate with executives, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams to ensure a unified enterprise approach, while providing ongoing mentorship to the UI design team to support talent development and deliver outstanding design quality.

Essential Responsibilities

Creative Strategy Leadership & Collaboration

Lead the creation of a holistic UX visual and brand strategy and vision that aligns with company's goals across many digital channels
Foster cross-functional collaboration by partnering closely with brand, consumer engagement, product and development to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to enterprise design
Present to and persuade senior executives and leaders to adopt UX strategies and recommendations
Educate business stakeholders on best practices and standards as well as push the boundaries of user experience design

Creative Design Management & Execution

Direct the visual and brand design of many digital channels, guaranteeing that they meet UX and SYF brand and design standards
Develop, manage and ensure adoption of Synchrony's Digital Design System, overseeing the creation and ongoing refinement of the design system
Maintain and update comprehensive documentation for design standards, guidelines, and system components
Conduct quality reviews to ensure UI designers adherence to brand standards
Collaborate closely with UX leadership on the refinement and execution of consistent user-centered design processes across the enterprise
Champion innovation in visual and interaction design by staying informed on and educating the team on industry trends, new technologies, and emerging best practices
Advocate for accessibility and inclusive design throughout all digital products and experiences

Team Performance

Act as people manager for a creative team designer(s), including hiring, onboarding, retaining and developing talent
Accountable for creative team's timely delivery, quality of work and professionalism
Act as dotted-line manager to a large group of UI designers, providing guidance and feedback to foster professional growth and ensuring high-quality design outputs

Culture & Leadership

Assist in driving team culture to keep high GPTW scores
Deliver on UX department strategic priorities and special projects
Mentor junior level designers, interns and/or BLPs
Bring a strong positive attitude to UX teams and projects

Qualifications/Requirements

Bachelor's or associate's degree in UI/UX, HCI, graphic design, psychology, marketing, information technology, or similar area, or related certifications
12+ years of experience in UI or Visual Design experience or in lieu of degree 14+ years of experience
4+ years of experience working on brands, brand development, brand identity
2+ years of UX leadership/managerial experience
Strong understanding of color, photography, typography, iconography, and animation usage in digital experiences
Strong understanding of user centered design, design thinking and related methodologies
Strong communication and collaboration skills
Strong time management and organizational skills
Strong executive presence and professionalism
Expertise in modern design tools and methodologies
Ability and flexibility to travel for business as required

Desired Characteristics

Experience working on agile teams
Experience working in eCommerce and/or Financial Industry
Experience identifying and conducting user research and user testing
Ability to work in low or high fidelity as needed
Expertise with industry standard design tools (e.g., Illustrator, Sketch, Figma, Principle).
Familiarity with asset creation: icons, illustrations, UI components
Familiarity with motion design using tools such as After Effects, Principle, Lottie or similar
Expertise building and maintaining Style Guides, Design Libraries/Design Systems
Ability to ensure designs are ADA Compliant across all projects / platforms
Understanding of today's creative landscape and trends within the design industry

Grade/Level: 14

The salary range for this position is 150,000.00 - 250,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Our Way of Working

We're proud to offer you flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. You will be required to commute to our nearest Hub (either virtual or physical) for in-person engagement activities such as weekly business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Field Sales and some Commercial team roles may have varied location requirements based upon partner obligations or preferences.