Art Director UX Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Art Director UX Lead

Company: Miller Zell

Location: Atlanta, GA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: June 11, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and enhancement of user experiences for both internal and client-facing digital products and platforms, focusing on improving usability and visual appeal.

• Drive user-centered design initiatives by conducting user research, analyzing feedback, and translating insights into actionable design improvements.

• Champion brand consistency across all digital touchpoints, ensuring digital products and marketing materials align with Miller Zell's visual identity and guidelines.

• Collaborate closely with Product Development, IT, and business stakeholders to ensure digital tools are intuitive, effective, and meet strategic business objectives.

• Support the Senior Art Director in maintaining and evolving the company's digital brand presence through thoughtful design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Art Director UX Lead," the responsibilities heavily lean towards a senior UX/Product Designer role, with a strong emphasis on user experience improvement, digital product design, and brand stewardship across digital channels. The "Art Director" aspect is primarily focused on ensuring visual consistency and brand alignment within the digital realm, rather than traditional advertising art direction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iteratively improve user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) for Miller Zell's digital products, including internal tools, client portals, and web applications.

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights into user needs, pain points, and behaviors.

• Develop comprehensive user journey maps to visualize and optimize the end-to-end user experience across various digital touchpoints.

• Create detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to stakeholders and development teams.

• Collaborate with Product Managers and business stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into intuitive and user-friendly digital solutions.

• Partner with IT and development teams to ensure seamless implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and design rationale.

• Define, document, and maintain design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency and scalability across all digital products.

• Uphold and enforce Miller Zell's brand guidelines and visual identity across all digital platforms, websites, and marketing collateral.

• Provide design support for marketing campaigns, presentations, email communications, and social media content, ensuring brand integrity.

• Present design concepts, research findings, and recommendations to cross-functional teams and senior leadership, articulating the rationale behind design decisions.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in UX/UI design, accessibility standards (WCAG), and digital best practices, integrating them into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX leadership and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on user research, journey mapping, and translating business needs into practical design solutions points to a role that requires both analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, User Experience, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a closely related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, Digital Product Design, UI Design, or a related discipline.

• Proven track record of designing and delivering successful websites, web applications, SaaS products, or other digital experiences.

• Demonstrated experience working effectively within cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Business Development.

• Experience with enterprise-level applications, workflow-based systems, or SaaS platforms is highly preferred. Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, information architecture, and visual design best practices.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts.

• Design Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of industry-standard design tools such as Figma (primary) and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• User Research & Testing: Experience conducting or participating in user research, usability testing, and gathering user feedback to inform design decisions.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, influencing stakeholders and building consensus.

• Brand Stewardship: Strong understanding of digital branding principles and the ability to maintain visual consistency across digital touchpoints.

Preferred Skills:

• Journey Mapping: Experience creating detailed user journey maps to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement.

• Accessibility Standards: Familiarity with and ability to implement Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure inclusive design.

• Design Systems: Experience in defining, building, or contributing to design systems and component libraries.

• Responsive Design: Knowledge of responsive design principles for creating adaptable user interfaces across various devices.

• SaaS/Enterprise Application Design: Specific experience designing complex SaaS or enterprise-level applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is clearly defined, and the "preferred skills" offer a clear path for candidates to differentiate themselves. The emphasis on Figma is a crucial detail for candidates to note.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, emphasizing the candidate's role and contributions.

• Demonstrations of problem-solving skills, including the ability to translate user needs and business requirements into effective design solutions.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs for digital products or platforms.

• Case studies that detail the design process, including research methodologies, iteration cycles, and final outcomes with measurable results.

• Evidence of how user feedback and data influenced design decisions and improvements. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented design processes, including user research findings, design rationale, and system specifications.

• Provide insights into your approach to maintaining design consistency through design systems, style guides, or component libraries.

• Illustrate your ability to collaborate with development teams, including how you hand off designs and provide necessary documentation for implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process, articulate their design decisions, and demonstrate how their work has positively impacted user experience and business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for an Art Director UX Lead with 3-5 years of experience in the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area, the estimated salary range is $85,000 - $115,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements as company policy evolves.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While core business hours are expected, flexibility may be available based on project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in Atlanta, GA, considering the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the company based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific salary budget for the role. Benefits are standard for a full-time position at a company of this size and industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail Design and Branding, Store Fixtures, Experiential Retail Environments. Miller Zell specializes in creating impactful physical and digital brand experiences for retailers.

Company Size: Miller Zell is a mid-to-large-sized company, likely with 250-1000 employees, indicating a stable organizational structure with opportunities for cross-functional interaction and potential for career growth.

Founded: Founded in 1959, Miller Zell has a long-standing history in its industry, suggesting a stable, established company with deep expertise and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Lead will likely be part of a broader Marketing, Brand, or Digital Product team.

• The role will report to a Senior Art Director or a Director of Digital Product/UX.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, IT/Development teams, Marketing specialists, and potentially external vendor partners. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research, analytics, and performance data to inform design decisions and optimize digital experiences.

• Agile Development Support: Design work will likely integrate with agile product development cycles, requiring iterative design and close collaboration with development teams.

• Brand-Centric Approach: All digital design efforts will be guided by and contribute to strengthening Miller Zell's overall brand identity and market positioning.

Company Website: https://www.millerzell.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on retail environments suggests that digital products may support in-store experiences, e-commerce, or internal operational efficiency for retailers. Candidates should understand this context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-career to senior-level position within the UX/Digital Design field. It's a lead role, implying a significant level of autonomy and responsibility for driving design initiatives, although it is not yet a people management position. It requires a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic thinking regarding user experience and brand alignment.

Reporting Structure: The Art Director UX Lead will report to a Senior Art Director or a Director of Digital Product/UX. They will work closely with Product Managers, IT, and Marketing teams, acting as a key design resource for various projects.

Operations Impact: The UX Lead's impact is critical to enhancing the usability and effectiveness of Miller Zell's digital products. This directly influences internal productivity, client satisfaction with digital tools, and the overall perception of Miller Zell's brand through its digital presence. By improving user experiences, the role contributes to increased efficiency, better data capture, and stronger client relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior UX Designer, Principal UX Designer, or even a management role (e.g., UX Manager) overseeing a team of designers.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or Digital Strategy roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development.

• Industry Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in retail UX and branding, becoming a go-to expert within the company and industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "lead" title suggests a path towards more senior individual contributor roles or potentially people management, depending on the company's organizational structure and growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration, team meetings, and direct interaction with colleagues are expected.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Atlanta, GA (specifically within the 30336 zip code, which is in South Fulton County). This area offers access to the broader Atlanta metropolitan business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative workspaces, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios to facilitate brainstorming and team projects.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to standard office technology, including computers, software licenses (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), and high-speed internet.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature allows for spontaneous discussions, quick problem-solving sessions with colleagues from Product, IT, and Marketing, and a stronger sense of team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role generally requires adherence to standard business hours (approximately 40 hours per week). While most work will be during these hours, occasional flexibility may be needed to meet project deadlines or accommodate cross-time zone collaborations if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role, candidates should be prepared for a traditional office setting and highlight their ability to thrive in a collaborative, in-person environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to discuss qualifications, experience, and salary expectations.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Senior Art Director or hiring manager about your UX philosophy, design approach, and experience.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A critical stage where you'll present your portfolio, walk through 1-2 key case studies, and discuss your design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be prepared to articulate your decisions and answer detailed questions about your work.

• Team/Cross-functional Interview: Interviews with key stakeholders from Product, IT, or Marketing to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and fit within the broader team.

• Final Interview (Optional): May involve a conversation with a senior leader within the department.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%," "increased user satisfaction by Y%").

• Show Your Process: Detail your research, ideation, iteration, and testing phases. This demonstrates your problem-solving methodology.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, and how you incorporated their feedback.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with Miller Zell's work in retail, digital products, and brand consistency.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, and how you approach complex problems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge, which might involve a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise. This could range from critiquing an existing interface to designing a solution for a specific user problem.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, even under pressure.

• If given a take-home challenge, ensure you clearly define the problem, outline your assumptions, and present a well-reasoned solution, even if it's not fully polished.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should treat it as a presentation of their best work and problem-solving capabilities, tailored to the specific needs of Miller Zell.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially InDesign for documentation or marketing collateral.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and dashboard tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and design impact. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms is not a primary requirement but could be helpful for understanding how digital products integrate with broader business systems. Other Potential Tools:

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Sketch) may be useful, though Figma is the specified primary tool.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for surveys, interviews, or usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey).

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should highlight their extensive experience with Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite. Any experience with user research or analytics tools will be a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and constructive feedback across departments to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality, visually appealing, and functional designs that meet brand standards.

• Innovation & Improvement: A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for enhancing user experiences and digital processes.

• Brand Integrity: A strong respect for and commitment to maintaining consistent and impactful brand representation across all platforms.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely with Product, IT, and Marketing to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

• Iterative Design Process: Embracing feedback loops and iterative refinement to optimize designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing insights, best practices, and design solutions within the team and across departments.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on practical, effective solutions that address user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on retail and branding suggests a culture that values creativity, strategic thinking, and a strong understanding of customer engagement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Effectively translating user needs into solutions that also meet technical limitations, budget, and business objectives.

• Maintaining Brand Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive visual identity and user experience across a potentially diverse range of digital products and marketing materials.

• Driving Adoption of UX Best Practices: Championing user-centered design principles within a potentially diverse stakeholder group and influencing design decisions.

• Navigating Evolving Retail Landscape: Adapting designs to new retail trends, technologies, and customer expectations in a dynamic market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Training: Opportunities to attend workshops, webinars, or courses to deepen expertise in specialized UX areas.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend conferences focused on UX, digital design, or retail technology.

• Mentorship: Access to mentorship from senior designers or leaders within Miller Zell.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects across different product types and marketing initiatives to broaden skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an awareness of these challenges and how they would proactively address them, showcasing their problem-solving acumen.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced and how you approached solving it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, user-centricity, and results.)

• "How do you ensure a consistent brand experience across multiple digital touchpoints?" (Highlight your understanding of brand guidelines, design systems, and collaboration.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting user research and translating those findings into design improvements." (Detail your methodologies and how you use data.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints?" (Showcase your ability to find practical, effective solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Miller Zell and our work in the retail design industry?" (Research the company's recent projects, values, and market position.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers, developers, and marketing teams?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills.)

• "How do you stay current with the latest trends in UX/UI design and accessibility?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select 1-2 Strong Case Studies: Choose projects that best represent your skills and align with the role's requirements (e.g., digital product design, brand consistency, user research).

• Clearly Define the Problem & Your Role: Start by setting the context.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your research, ideation, design, and testing phases with specific examples.

• Showcase Your Solutions: Present wireframes, prototypes, and final designs.

• Quantify Impact: Discuss the results and how your design made a difference.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices and methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly. Be ready to defend your design decisions and demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Art Director UX Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in UX/UI design, digital product development, Figma proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it showcases relevant projects with clear case studies detailing your process, problem-solving approach, and outcomes. Be ready to present 1-2 key projects during the interview.

• Research Miller Zell: Understand their industry, client base, and recent work to articulate your interest and how your skills align with their mission.

• Practice your interview answers: Prepare for questions about your design philosophy, collaboration style, and problem-solving approach, especially concerning user experience and brand consistency.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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