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User Experience Design Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

UX Design Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $141K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a UX Design Manager to lead and grow a team of designers while driving product-led design maturity. You'll also play a key role in helping the team adopt modern tools ...

User Experience Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $161K/yr

Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to define product requirements and ensure design consistency. * Create and maintain UX design standards, guidelines, and ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

Ability to utilize data-driven consumer insights to develop compelling user experience design solutions. * Strong communication and presentation skills. * Able to prioritize and manage work, adhering ...

UX Strategy Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Establishing cohesive branding and design elements across apps is paramount to a seamless ... through UX discovery and delivery processes, managing expectations and championing UX best ...

Agile / Lean UX * Design Thinking & Information Architecture * Strong Stakeholder Communication & UX Storytelling 🎓 Bachelor's degree in Design or related field required Introduction The UX ...

UX/UI Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$172K/yr

Who You Are Unlock Health is hiring a UX/UI Design Lead who combines exceptional craft with systems thinking, business acumen, and a passion for mentoring others. You are a design leader who thrives ...

The UI/UX Designer will be responsible for designing intuitive and visually appealing user ... managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define project goals, user requirements, and design ...

The UI/UX Designer will be responsible for designing intuitive and visually appealing user ... managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to define project goals, user requirements, and design ...

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Showing results 1-20

User Experience Design Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$119.5K

$154K

How much do user experience design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for user experience design manager in Chicago, IL is $119,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a user experience design manager do?

A User Experience (UX) Design Manager leads and oversees a team of UX designers to ensure that products or services offer an optimal, user-friendly experience. They are responsible for setting design strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring that user needs align with business goals. UX Design Managers mentor team members, facilitate usability testing, and advocate for design best practices throughout the organization. Their work ensures that products are both functional and enjoyable for users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a user experience design manager?

To thrive as a User Experience Design Manager, you need expertise in user-centered design, UX research, and prototyping, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and experience leading design teams. Familiarity with design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and user research platforms is crucial, and certifications like UX Certified (Nielsen Norman Group) can be advantageous. Leadership, collaboration, and strong communication are essential soft skills for motivating teams and articulating design vision to stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are vital for creating effective, user-friendly digital products and ensuring alignment with business goals.

How does a user experience design manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver successful projects?

A User Experience Design Manager works closely with product managers, developers, marketers, and other stakeholders to align design goals with business objectives and technical constraints. They facilitate workshops, lead design reviews, and ensure clear communication of user insights and design concepts across teams. This collaborative approach helps in addressing potential challenges early and ensures that user-centered design solutions are integrated throughout the product development process.

What is the difference between User Experience Design Manager vs User Experience Designer?

AspectUser Experience Design ManagerUser Experience Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master’s in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related field; often requires experience in leadership rolesBachelor's degree in Design, Psychology, Human Factors, or related field; portfolio showcasing design work
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, collaborates with stakeholders, oversees project strategyFocuses on designing user interfaces, conducting user research, creating prototypes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech companies, agencies, and large organizations with UX teamsCommon in startups, design agencies, and product teams across industries

The User Experience Design Manager oversees UX teams and strategy, while the User Experience Designer focuses on creating user-centered designs. Both roles require strong design skills, but the manager has additional leadership and project management responsibilities.

Is user experience design manager a high paying job?

User Experience Design Managers typically earn above-average salaries compared to many other roles in the tech industry, with median annual pay often exceeding $100,000 in many regions. Compensation varies based on experience, location, company size, and industry, and often includes benefits such as bonuses and stock options. Strong skills in user research, prototyping tools, and leadership can contribute to higher pay levels.

Is user experience design manager still in demand in 2026?

User Experience Design Managers continue to be in high demand as companies prioritize user-centered design to improve product engagement and satisfaction. Skills in UX research, prototyping tools, and cross-functional collaboration remain essential, and demand is expected to grow with increased digital transformation across industries.

What are the most commonly searched types of User Experience Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of User Experience Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to User Experience Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For User Experience Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching User Experience Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for User Experience Design Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for User Experience Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most User Experience Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various User Experience Design Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,513 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

$88K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

We believe in the power and joy of learning
At Cengage, our employees have a direct impact in helping learners around the world discover the power and joy of learning. We are bonded by our shared purpose - driving innovation that helps millions of learners improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
About the Role
We're looking for a UX Design Manager to lead and grow a team of designers while driving product-led design maturity.
You'll also play a key role in helping the team adopt modern tools, including AI, to improve speed, quality, and impact.
What You'll Do
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of UX designers
  • Ensure teams operate with clear outcomes and strong product thinking
  • Strengthen product team collaboration across Product and Engineering
  • Encourage and guide responsible use of AI tools and other emerging technologies across the team
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and quality through tooling
  • Establish strong critique practices and quality standards
  • Partner with leadership on product direction and organizational strategy
  • Hire and grow talent to increase team capability

What We're Looking For
  • 7-10+ years of experience in product/UX design
  • 2-5+ years of people management experience
  • Strong product thinking and leadership skills
  • Experience introducing or scaling new tools and practices
  • Experience creating AI-enabled products
  • Understanding of how AI can enhance design workflows and outcomes
  • Ability to balance delivery, quality, and long-term capability

What We Look for in Your Portfolio
  • A combination of past design work and leadership impact
  • Case studies showing how you led teams, not just projects
  • Examples of improving team performance, process, or outcomes

Strong portfolios also demonstrate:
  • Evidence of developing designers and raising team capability
  • Impact on product outcomes through team leadership
  • Improvements in cross-functional collaboration
  • Systems you've built (processes, critique, hiring, etc.)
  • Use of AI tools to improve team efficiency or quality

What Success Looks Like
  • Your team uses AI and other emerging technologies to improve speed, quality, and learning
  • Designers grow in ownership, capability, and influence
  • Design is a strong, strategic partner in product decisions

Cengage is committed to working with broad talent pools to attract and hire strong and most qualified individuals. Our job applicants are considered regardless of any classification protected by applicable federal, state, provincial or local laws.
Cengage is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities including during our job application process. If you are an applicant with a disability and require reasonable accommodation in our job application process, please contact us at accommodations.ta@cengage.com.'
About Cengage
Cengage, a global education technology company serving millions of learners, provides affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready. For more than 100 years, we have enabled the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content, and now, integrated digital platforms. We serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching and research markets worldwide. Through our scalable technology, including MindTap and Cengage Unlimited, we support all learners who seek to improve their lives and achieve their dreams through education.
Compensation
At Cengage Group, we take great pride in our commitment to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower our employees. Click here to learn more about our Total Rewards Philosophy.
The full base pay range has been provided for this position. Individual base pay will vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location. Sales roles often incorporate a significant incentive compensation program beyond this base pay range.
In this position, you will be eligible to participate in the company's discretionary incentive bonus program. This position's bonus target amount, which is not guaranteed and is dependent on individual performance and overall company results among other factors, is provided below.
15% Annual: Individual Target
$88,600.00 - $141,800.00 USD