Director, Design Operations & Portfolio Management

Director, Design Operations & Portfolio Management

We are currently seeking a Director to join our Design Operations team. You will think strategically about how teams work together and how systems and structures scale with a deep understanding of best practices in program management and portfolio management. In this role you will rely on your judgment to lead a team of Design Operation Managers, while influencing cross‑functional stakeholders, creating clarity, and maintaining a results‑focused mindset to solve complex and ambiguous problems.

This role partners directly with the Chief of Staff of the Bank, Business, and Card Design team, serving as a trusted advisor and thought partner. Success relies heavily on building authentic relationships with direct reports, peers, partners, and leaders.

The Design team at Capital One is at the forefront of enriching our customers' digital and physical experiences. We champion a thriving environment of collaboration, authenticity, and healthy critique, in which we honor diversity of thought, create a culture of belonging, and elevate one another. If you’re an innovator and storyteller who embraces an environment where you can experiment, learn, and change banking for good, we would love to hear from you.

What You’ll Do :

Design Portfolio & Program Management

Partner with design leadership on initiatives to help the organization effectively scale impact.

Drive operational strategy (e.g., budget, allocation, resourcing, prioritization) to drive business outcomes.

Using best practices, bring order to complex programs, monitor and maintain the organization's portfolio(s), and drive large bodies of design work forward.

Develop and manage key metrics on impact of design and the health of experience teams, proactively identifying and solving for any gaps.

Partner with enterprise teams to build and implement human‑centered operational programs (i.e., Human Centered Design, Software Delivery Lifecycle, Global Learning & Development) for the benefit of the larger organization.

Business & People Leadership

Responsible for developing operational strategy to address complex business challenges associated with a large, growing design organization.

Lead a team of Design Portfolio Managers.

Advise and influence peers, design leaders, and business leaders on operational excellence that uplifts experience and business goals and imperatives.

Develop and manage a cross‑functional team of design program managers, operations professionals, designers, and project resources within the design organization who are responsible for supporting design standards and practice management as well as portfolio management.

Design Standards & Practice Management

Accountable for adherence to and evolution of design standards and practice management, as well as delivery principles and processes.

Provide functional leadership to team members on topics such as human‑centered strategy, research, alignment, analysis, process improvement, and change management.

Serve as a resource and collaborator with product, engineering, and other cross‑functional partners to collectively identify opportunities to improve products and experiences.

Advocate for the design process across the business.

Basic Qualifications

At least 8 years of project or program management of design deliverables and operations management

At least 3 years managing design teams

Preferred Qualifications

10+ years of project or program management of design deliverables and operations management

Experience working directly with designers, researchers, and strategists

5+ years managing design teams

4+ years using and managing design tools

3+ years working with corporate design teams

Expertise in design development processes

Expertise in design systems, design quality, and design measures

At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The minimum and maximum full‑time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part‑time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.

McLean, VA : $226,000 - $257,900

for Director, Design

New York, NY : $246,500 - $281,300 for Director, Design

This role is also eligible to earn performance‑based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and / or long‑term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non‑discretionary depending on the plan.

Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well‑being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website. Eligibility varies based on full or part‑time status, exempt or non‑exempt status, and management level.

This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days. No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability / vet) committed to non‑discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug‑free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries.

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