Sr Manager, UX and Visual Design
Job Summary:
This is not a remote role. Must be in the area or willing to relocate.
Senior Manager, Design – Studio Technology
The Senior Manager of Design leads the UX and Visual Design team supporting production services across The Walt Disney Studios. This role develops, inspires, and champions a multidisciplinary team of UX, Systems, and Visual Designers who deliver world-class products, platforms, and communication artifacts.
This leader will transform Design into a strategic partner for Studio Technology and Disney product teams, shaping how products and platforms are envisioned, prioritized, and adopted across the studio ecosystem. The Design team drives initiatives that improve how filmmakers, studio employees, and technology partners engage with tools, platforms, and services.
This role reports into the Director of Studio Technology Operations & Insights.
Responsibilities
Design & Technical Leadership
- Must have experience transforming design from a support service into a strategic partner that shapes how products and platforms are conceived, built, and adopted.
- Elevate standards in UX, platform design, and visual communication.
- Translate complex stakeholder needs into clear, scalable design solutions.
- Guide the evolution of design systems, component libraries, and shared best practices.
- Oversee high-quality delivery of workflows, prototypes, wireframes, presentations, style guides, and branded assets.
- Integrate emerging technologies and AI into workflows and platform building, guiding teams on adoption and best practices.
- Partner with product and technology leaders to shape vision and deliver measurable business outcomes.
Administration & Strategy
- Responsibility for defining how design contributes to business strategy.
- Serve as design ambassador for Studio Technology, building visibility for team efforts.
- Lead design-driven initiatives that enhance efficiency, adoption, and user satisfaction.
- Define and execute a long-term design vision aligned with business goals. Collaborates with the Director of Studio Tech Operations and Insights and peers within Studio.
People Management
- Build an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing design culture.
- Champion team visibility and advocate for design’s business impact.
- Recruit, develop, and retain talent across all levels, from junior designers to leads.
- Coach and mentor the team to consistently deliver high-quality work on time and on budget.
- Align resourcing with business priorities while supporting individual growth.
- Technology Operations and Insights to shape organizational vision, priorities, and strategy.
- Communicate the value and function of design to executive partners with clarity and influence.
- Manage tools, budgets, and vendor relationships effectively.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree plus 10+ years of relevant experience in product design, including at least 3 years leading teams.
- Proven track record leading diverse design teams and delivering at scale.
- Must have strong foundation in both UX and visual design, with experience in platform design.
- Functional knowledge of emerging technology, design trends, and AI, with experience guiding integration into workflows and platforms.
- Excellent communication and storytelling skills with the ability to influence executives and cross-functional partners.
- Deep expertise in user-centered design methods, rapid prototyping, interaction models, and scalable design systems.
- Advanced proficiency with tools such as Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Functional knowledge in building and evolving design systems.
- Experience working in agile environments with large project portfolios and demanding timelines.
- Demonstrated ability to build culture, foster engagement, and drive growth across design teams.
#DISNEYTECH
The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $171,600 to $230,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
About The Walt Disney Studios:
For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios.
Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.
Hiring Process
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The Next Chapter
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Explore this Location Burbank, CA
Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.
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