Northwestern Mutual

Product Designer III

Northwestern Mutual$113K — $169K *
Consumer Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in product design, demonstrating strong design craft and process.
  • Proficiency in Figma and other contemporary design and prototyping tools.
  • Experience in delivering complex digital product experiences with cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to balance user-centered design principles with business and technical needs.
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration across teams and stakeholders.
  • Portfolio showcasing effective product thinking and design outcomes.
  • Curiosity to explore and integrate new design methodologies and technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Own the full product design lifecycle, from problem framing to iterative delivery.
  • Translate complex technical and user needs into intuitive product experiences.
  • Assess design choices against user and business goals, making strategic trade-offs where necessary.
  • Utilize Figma for prototyping and visualizing design intentions.
  • Leverage both qualitative and quantitative data to guide design decisions.
  • Collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, and Research teams to align on challenges and solutions.
  • Engage in design critique and contribute to elevating overall team output.

Benefits

  • Collaborative work environment with cross-functional teams.
  • Opportunities for professional development and learning new tools.
  • Focus on user-centered design and innovative methodologies.
  • Involvement in high-impact projects with complex product challenges.
  • Access to resources for exploring new design approaches and technologies.
Full Job Description

Summary:

The Product Designer III delivers thoughtful, user-centered product experiences through an iterative, evidence-based design process. This role works on complex product problems from early exploration through delivery, translating user, business, and technical needs into clear, intuitive experiences.


We’re looking for a strategically minded, hands-on designer who is comfortable working through ambiguity, takes initiative, and partners effectively with Product, Engineering, Research, and other cross-functional partners.


What You'll Do:


  • Own product design work from problem framing and exploration through validation, delivery, and iteration.
  • Translate complex user, business, and technical needs into clear workflows, information architecture, interactions, and product experiences.
  • Connect design decisions to broader user and business goals and make thoughtful tradeoffs between near-term needs and longer-term opportunities.
  • Use Figma and prototyping tools to explore ideas, communicate intent, and create high-quality product experiences.
  • Use qualitative and quantitative insights to understand user needs and inform design decisions.
  • Partner closely with Product, Engineering, Research, and business partners to frame problems, evaluate options, and build alignment.
  • Proactively seek context, identify gaps and opportunities, and move work forward in ambiguous environments.
  • Apply design systems, accessibility standards, and UX best practices while contributing thoughtful new ideas.
  • Explore emerging tools and approaches, including AI-assisted design and prototyping, that can improve how products are designed and delivered.
  • Contribute to design critique, shared practices, and the overall quality of the team’s work.

What You'll Bring to the Role:


  • Demonstrated experience delivering complex digital product experiences in partnership with Product and Engineering.
  • Strong product thinking and ability to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.
  • Strong interaction and visual design skills, particularly for complex workflows and information.
  • Experience applying user-centered design methods and research insights throughout the design process.
  • Ability to take ownership of work and make progress without highly prescriptive direction.
  • Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration and alignment skills.
  • Strong proficiency with Figma and contemporary design and prototyping tools.
  • Curiosity and willingness to experiment with new tools and ways of working.
  • Portfolio demonstrating product thinking, design craft, process, and outcomes.

Helpful, but not required:

  • Experience with enterprise, financial-services, CRM, workflow, or other complex products.
  • Experience working in regulated or operationally complex environments.
  • Familiarity with front-end technologies or functional prototyping.
  • Experience with AI-assisted design, prototyping, or development workflows.

Skills You Have:


Product Design (NM): Applies an end-to-end design process to create effective product experiences, including concept development, prototyping, testing, and system design. Identifies and addresses risks to ensure solutions meet user needs and business goals.


Strategic Thinking (NM): Uses critical thinking and an understanding of business needs to plan, prioritize, and deliver high-impact design initiatives.


Cross-Functional Partnering & Planning (NM): Collaborates with partners across product, engineering, research, and other business areas to coordinate work, solve problems, and achieve shared goals.


Analytical Thinking (NM): Organizes and evaluates information to identify key issues, consider different perspectives, and make informed design decisions.


Learning Agility & Critical Thinking (NM): Continuously builds knowledge of relevant design methods, tools, and trends. Uses feedback, lessons learned, and critical thinking to adapt approaches and improve outcomes.


Customer Centricity (NM): Applies a customer-first mindset when designing and improving products, services, and experiences while supporting business priorities and outcomes.


User-Centered Design Process (NM): Designs products, services, and experiences around the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the end user.

Compensation Range:

Pay Range - Start:

$113,040.00

Pay Range - End:

$169,560.00

Geographic Specific Pay Structure:

Structure 110:

$108,160.00 USD - $162,240.00 USD

Structure 115:


$113,040.00 USD - $169,560.00 USD

We believe in fairness and transparency. It’s why we share the salary range for most of our roles. However, final salaries are based on a number of factors, including the skills and experience of the candidate; the current market; location of the candidate; and other factors uncovered in the hiring process. The standard pay structure is listed but if you’re living in California, New York City or other eligible location, geographic specific pay structures, compensation and benefits could be applicable, click to learn more.


About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual has been helping people and businesses achieve financial security for more than 160 years. Through a holistic planning approach, Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of its financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and industry-leading products to help its clients plan for what's most important. Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to millions with life, disability income and long-term care insurance, annuities, and brokerage and advisory services. The company manages billion of dollars of investments owned by its clients and held or managed through its wealth management and investment services businesses. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company® (NMWMC) (fiduciary and fee-based financial planning services), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC) (long-term care insurance).

Northwestern Mutual Careers

Joining Northwestern Mutual presents a unique opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to empowering personal and professional growth, innovation, and leadership in the financial services industry. As a company renowned for its commitment to excellence and a culture that values diversity and inclusion, Northwestern Mutual offers unparalleled job opportunities for both seasoned professionals and those at the start of their careers.

Work You’ll Do

At Northwestern Mutual, we believe in building strong relationships not only with our clients but also among our team members. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the industry, all united in their commitment to leadership and innovation. Our employees are equipped with top-tier benefits and diversity training that ensure their career journey is both rewarding and inclusive.

Explore Professional Growth and Development

Northwestern Mutual is committed to fostering an environment where career growth is not just a possibility but a priority. With a variety of positions available, from financial representatives to internships for budding professionals, our company is a place where your skills and passion can thrive. We provide extensive training programs and leadership development opportunities that prepare you for success in your current role and beyond.

Innovative Work Environment

Our team at Northwestern Mutual is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology and innovative financial strategies to provide exceptional service to our clients. This focus on innovation is not just about staying current; it's about leading the way in the financial sector. Employees at all levels are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative, driving the company forward as a leader in the financial industry.

Be Part of Our Diverse and Inclusive Team

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords at Northwestern Mutual; they are integral to our company culture and business strategy. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees can flourish. Our diversity training programs are designed to enhance understanding and foster an inclusive environment for all team members.

Networking and Career Advancement

Networking within Northwestern Mutual opens doors to expansive career advancement opportunities. We encourage our employees to engage in internal networking events, which often lead to mentorship and further career development. Whether you are looking to enhance your resume, prepare for an interview, or step into a leadership role, Northwestern Mutual provides the resources and support to help you achieve your professional goals.

Join Our Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players who are ready to take their career to the next level. Explore the job opportunities and internships available at Northwestern Mutual and find out how you can contribute to our legacy of innovation and leadership.

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Join us and start your journey at Northwestern Mutual today, where your career is nurtured, your skills are honed, and your achievements are celebrated.
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7,000 employees
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