Sr Design Program Manager, AI Commerce

Job Description

W2 Engagement: the rate reflects a W2 engagement

Paypal Hubs preferred: NYC, SF Bay Area/San Jose, Austin, Chicago

We are seeking a Sr. Design Program Manager for the SP Team to build for the future by implementing 0-1 strategic initiatives that drive growth across the company. You will collaborate closely with design, product, marketing, engineering, research, and business teams to ensure that innovative thinking is aligned with company goals and contribute to long-term growth. You will manage the operational execution of high-impact design projects and ensure continuous optimization of design processes, with a focus on experimentation and scalability.

Your Day to Day:

• Lead and manage the development of 0-1 design initiatives, integrating AI-driven solutions into commerce products to create groundbreaking, innovative user experiences from the ground up.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including AI engineers, product managers, and UX/UI designers, to define, prototype, and launch new AI-powered features for commerce platforms.
• Drive the design of AI-powered products and features in their early stages, ensuring a user-centric approach while aligning with business objectives and technical capabilities.
• Define and manage the roadmap for new AI and commerce design initiatives, balancing rapid experimentation with strategic long-term goals to ensure successful, scalable product launches.
• Partner with research on efforts to develop personas and journey maps that inform AI and commerce product designs, ensuring solutions meet real user needs and deliver seamless, personalized experiences.
• Advocate for best practices in AI-driven design, ensuring the team leverages cutting-edge AI advancements to deliver innovative commerce solutions that drive business growth and user satisfaction.

What You Need to Bring:

• A successful candidate should have at least 10+ years of experience as a producer, project manager, or program manager with
• Experience working with product teams or programs from road mapping through delivery.
• Proven expertise in collaborating with senior leadership, UX/UI designers, engineers, and product teams to deliver high-quality design systems that align with business and user goals.
• Extensive experience in program management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum) with a deep understanding of design tools (Figma, Sketch, etc.) and version control systems (GitHub, Abstract).
• In-depth knowledge of design system terminology and concepts, including design tokens, components, patterns, and atomic design principles, with the ability to drive their practical implementation and scalability.
• 7+ years of experience in design operations, design program management, or a similar role within a fast-paced environment.
• Expert in applying user-entered design methodologies, design thinking, and inclusive design best practices to product development.
• Proactive approach to work, comfortable in ambiguity with an ability to get work organized and completed.
• Experience with design tools and project management software (e.g., Asana, Figma, Jira).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment.
• Experience working in FinTech and/or AI Commerce or a similar industry is an advantage.