[Elsevier Health] Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Elsevier Health (part of RELX)

Location: Tokyo, Japan

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Product Design

Date Posted: June 08, 2026

Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end User Experience (UX) design for Japan-specific digital solutions within the healthcare sector, encompassing discovery, problem framing, UX research, UI design, usability testing, and implementation support.

• Drive the synthesis of user needs, business context, and product constraints to generate clear insights and actionable recommendations for the Japanese market.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, business stakeholders, and APAC teams to translate user needs into accessible and implementable product experiences.

• Utilize problem-framing methodologies such as Jobs-to-be-Done to clarify user needs, identify high-value problems, and guide product and design decisions.

• Serve as the primary UX designer for Japan, acting as a key liaison to communicate Japan-specific insights and product direction to regional and global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title indicates a Senior UX Designer role, and the description emphasizes ownership of the entire UX process. The implied experience level of 5-10 years is based on the seniority of responsibilities and the need for independent leadership. The role is clearly on-site due to the explicit requirement for Japanese language proficiency for user research and stakeholder interaction within Japan.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and lead all UX activities for Japan-specific projects, from initial discovery and problem definition through to user research, UI design, usability testing, and implementation support.

• Conduct targeted UX research and validation tailored to the Japanese market context, including exploratory research, in-depth user interviews, concept validation, and comprehensive usability testing.

• Synthesize a deep understanding of Japanese user needs, business objectives, and product limitations to derive insightful recommendations and strategic proposals.

• Employ problem-framing techniques, such as Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), to clearly articulate user needs, prioritize critical challenges, and influence product and design decision-making processes.

• Partner effectively with Product Managers, Engineering teams, and business stakeholders to co-create solutions, navigate trade-offs, and achieve consensus on design directions.

• Produce high-quality, implementation-ready design artifacts, including detailed user flows, interactive prototypes, interaction specifications, robust design patterns, and polished UI designs.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of design systems and reusable UI components, ensuring consistency and scalability across products.

• Ensure all user research and data handling adheres to strict ethical guidelines and privacy regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are detailed to reflect the full spectrum of UX design ownership, from strategic problem framing to tactical execution and collaboration. The emphasis on "end-to-end UX" and "lead UX activities" signifies a senior-level expectation of autonomy and comprehensive project management within the UX domain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX design, with a proven track record of leading complex design initiatives from conception to launch.

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive end-to-end UX experience, covering discovery, problem framing, UX research, interaction design, UI design, prototyping, usability testing, and implementation support.

• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously as the primary UX designer for a specific region (Japan) while effectively collaborating with distributed, cross-functional teams.

• Strong proficiency in applying problem-framing methodologies, such as Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), to effectively connect user needs, business priorities, and product opportunities.

• Solid understanding of front-end development principles, product architecture, accessibility requirements (e.g., WCAG), and technical constraints to inform design decisions.

• Keen awareness and practical understanding of research ethics and data privacy when handling sensitive user research information.

• Proficient in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Native-level fluency in Japanese (N1 equivalent) is essential for user research, content review, and effective communication with local stakeholders.

• Business-level proficiency in English is required for collaboration with APAC and global teams. Preferred Skills:

• Prior UX design experience within B2B, healthcare, clinical solutions, or enterprise product environments.

• Experience managing or contributing to platform migration projects.

• Proven ability to thrive and contribute effectively within a global, distributed team setting.

• Demonstrated ability to leverage analytics, customer feedback, and product data to inform and validate design decisions; advanced data analysis skills are a plus.

• Familiarity with design systems and the creation or utilization of reusable UI patterns and components.

• Experience with AI-assisted design tools, such as Figma Make.

📝 Enhancement Note: The implied experience level is based on the "Senior" title and the breadth of responsibilities, including leading initiatives and working independently. The specific mention of Figma and the language requirements are critical for filtering candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX design projects that demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving methodologies.

• Include case studies detailing your process for discovery, user research, problem framing (e.g., JTBD), interaction and UI design, prototyping, and usability testing.

• Highlight your ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into elegant, implementable design solutions.

• Demonstrate how you collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Business) and managed stakeholder expectations.

• Provide clear articulation of the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact or learnings from each project. Process Documentation:

• Expect to discuss your approach to user research methodologies, including how you plan, execute, and synthesize findings for specific markets like Japan.

• Be prepared to explain how you integrate user insights with business objectives and technical feasibility to define product direction.

• Demonstrate your workflow for creating and iterating on design artifacts, from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Ability to articulate how you support the implementation phase and collaborate with developers to ensure design fidelity.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio demonstrating a comprehensive UX process is critical for this role. The focus on problem framing, research synthesis, and cross-functional collaboration aligns with senior-level UX responsibilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer in Tokyo, Japan, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is ¥8,000,000 to ¥13,000,000 JPY. This range is based on industry benchmarks for UX professionals in major metropolitan areas of Japan, considering the company's global standing and the specialized nature of healthcare digital solutions.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours to promote work-life balance and productivity.

• Comprehensive wellbeing initiatives to support employee health and mental wellness.

• Shared parental leave policies to support families.

• Study assistance programs for professional development and continuous learning.

• Sabbatical programs for extended leave and personal growth.

• Country-specific benefits (details available via the provided link).

• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a global organization.

Working Hours: The role operates on a standard full-time basis, with the benefit of flexible working hours, allowing employees to adjust their start and end times to optimize productivity and personal commitments. A typical 40-hour work week is standard.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical compensation for senior UX roles in Tokyo, Japan, considering the industry and company profile. Benefits are directly extracted from the job description to highlight the company's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information and Analytics, specifically within the Healthcare and Science sectors. Elsevier Health provides digital solutions that support researchers, healthcare professionals, education, and clinical practice.

Company Size: RELX (parent company of Elsevier) is a global organization with over 33,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established corporate environment with significant resources and reach.

Founded: Elsevier was founded in 1880, bringing a long history of expertise in publishing and information services, now augmented by advanced analytics and digital technologies.

Team Structure:

• The role is within Clinical Solutions Japan, part of the broader APAC region.

• You will work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, business stakeholders, and the APAC team.

• This implies a matrixed reporting structure where you collaborate with multiple functional groups, both locally and globally.

• The UX team likely operates as a center of excellence or embedded within product teams, fostering collaboration across different product lines. Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design, driven by research and data.

• Integration of user needs, business requirements, and technical constraints to deliver practical solutions.

• Application of structured problem-framing techniques like Jobs-to-be-Done.

• Collaboration and consensus-building with cross-functional teams are key to the design process.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and adapting to evolving user needs and technological advancements.

Company Website: https://www.relx.com/ (for RELX) and https://www.elsevier.com/ (for Elsevier Health)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Elsevier's position as a global leader in information and analytics for healthcare, emphasizing its mission to support scientific advancement and improve health outcomes. The team structure suggests a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer position, indicating a role with significant autonomy, responsibility for key product areas, and the expectation to mentor junior designers (though not explicitly stated, it's common at this level). You are expected to lead design initiatives and influence product strategy.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a design lead or product management lead within Clinical Solutions Japan, while collaborating closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and stakeholders across APAC and global teams. This structure allows for both specialized focus and broad cross-functional influence.

Operations Impact: As a Senior UX Designer, your work directly impacts the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of digital solutions used by healthcare professionals and researchers. By understanding and addressing user needs in the Japanese market, you contribute significantly to the success of Elsevier Health's products in this critical region, ultimately supporting better healthcare outcomes and scientific progress.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX design for the healthcare or B2B enterprise sector.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead UX Designer, Design Manager, or Principal UX Designer role, taking on more strategic responsibilities and managing teams.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or related roles, leveraging your deep understanding of user needs and product development.

• Global Exposure: Contribute to global design initiatives and gain experience working with diverse international teams and markets.

• Continuous Learning: Access to study assistance, workshops, and industry conferences to stay current with UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the progression opportunities typical for a senior-level design role within a large, global organization, emphasizing both vertical and horizontal career paths.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Tokyo, Japan, and is described as "On-site," implying a physical office location. The company promotes a culture that values work-life balance and offers flexible working hours, suggesting a supportive office environment.

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan. Specific office details are not provided but can be assumed to be in a major business district within Tokyo.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with product managers, engineers, and other design team members.

• Access to standard design tools and technology will be provided.

• The company emphasizes well-being, suggesting a workplace that supports employee health and provides resources for work-life integration.

• Flexible working hours indicate an environment that trusts employees to manage their time effectively.

Work Schedule: Full-time with flexible working hours. This allows for adaptation around core business needs and personal requirements, supporting effective UX process execution and deep work sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is synthesized from the "On-site" designation, company culture points about work-life balance, and the mention of flexible hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter review of application and resume, focusing on core qualifications, language proficiency, and relevant experience.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion of your background, experience, and fit for the role's responsibilities. This may include behavioral questions.

3. Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A critical stage where you present your portfolio, detailing your UX process, problem-solving approach, and impact. You may also be given a design challenge to assess your skills in real-time or as a take-home assignment.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.

5. Final Interview: Often with a more senior leader to discuss cultural fit, long-term vision, and final decision-making.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the methodology used (e.g., JTBD, user interviews), key design decisions, outcomes (metrics if possible), and learnings.

• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Emphasize your thought process, research insights, and how you navigated trade-offs.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience in healthcare, B2B, or enterprise solutions, and showcase your ability to work with global teams.

• Demonstrate Japanese Market Understanding: If possible, include examples of how you've considered cultural nuances or specific user behaviors in a Japanese context.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with engineering.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly.

• Prioritize problem framing and user needs before jumping into solutions.

• Clearly articulate your assumptions and rationale.

• For presentation-based challenges, practice your delivery to be clear, concise, and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, anticipating the typical interview stages and expectations for a Senior UX Designer role, with a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation and process demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with various prototyping tools is beneficial, especially if they offer advanced capabilities.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Experience with tools like Figma Make is a plus, indicating an interest in leveraging emerging technologies.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: While not explicitly named, familiarity with tools used to track user behavior and product performance (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel) would be advantageous for data-informed design decisions.

• Customer Feedback Tools: Experience with platforms for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., surveys, user testing platforms).

CRM & Automation:

• Jira/Confluence: Likely used for project management, bug tracking, and documentation, common in software development environments.

• Collaboration Suites: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for team communication and project coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on Figma as the required tool. Other tools are inferred based on standard UX design workflows in a tech-driven company.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of healthcare professionals and researchers.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing research, analytics, and feedback to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Working effectively across diverse, global teams and valuing different perspectives.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to create cutting-edge digital solutions.

• Impact & Purpose: Contributing to meaningful work that advances science and improves healthcare outcomes.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for excellence in design execution and process.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Seamless collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Business stakeholders is expected, fostering a shared sense of ownership.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving.

• Global Mindset: Adapting communication and collaboration strategies to work effectively with international teams across different time zones and cultures.

• Iterative Design: Embracing an agile approach where feedback is continuously incorporated into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are inferred from the company's mission, industry, and the emphasis on collaboration and user-centricity throughout the job description.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Global vs. Local Needs: Balancing the requirements of the Japanese market with the broader global platform strategy and design standards.

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Effectively communicating design ideas and research insights across language and cultural barriers with APAC and global teams.

• Complex Domain: Designing for the intricate and highly regulated healthcare industry, requiring a deep understanding of user workflows and compliance.

• Platform Integration: Contributing to the harmonization of Japan-specific products into a global platform, which may involve design system adoption and feature alignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Healthcare UX Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for clinical solutions, research platforms, and professional healthcare tools.

• Global UX Best Practices: Learn from and contribute to a global design community, understanding diverse user behaviors and design trends.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into management roles.

• Technology Adoption: Exposure to and application of new design tools, AI-assisted technologies, and evolving digital product development methodologies.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to resources for professional development, staying current with UX trends and gaining certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific context of a global company operating in a specialized industry with a strong regional focus. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career paths for senior designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with technical constraints or business priorities. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your problem-solving and negotiation skills.)

• "Walk us through a project where you used the Jobs-to-be-Done framework. What was the problem, how did you apply JTBD, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your understanding and application of key methodologies.)

• "How do you approach user research for a market different from your own, such as Japan? What specific methods would you use, and how would you ensure cultural relevance?" (Highlight your research planning and cultural sensitivity.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with product managers and engineers. How do you ensure alignment and effective handoffs?" (Showcase your teamwork and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Elsevier Health and our mission in the healthcare industry?" (Research the company's latest initiatives and values.)

• "How do you stay updated on UX trends and best practices, particularly in the healthcare or B2B space?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

• "How would you contribute to a global design system or adapt existing patterns for the Japanese market?" (Assess your understanding of scalability and localization.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your process and solutions), and end (impact and learnings).

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.

• Emphasize Process: Focus on how you arrived at your solutions, not just the final visuals. Show your research, ideation, iteration, and testing.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced error rates, improved task completion).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative solutions you considered, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the role's seniority, the specific methodologies mentioned (JTBD), and the industry context, providing concrete examples of questions and strategic approaches.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Visit the provided application link and submit your resume and portfolio through the company's Workday portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases end-to-end UX projects, highlighting your problem-framing skills (e.g., Jobs-to-be-Done), user research methodologies, and experience with complex digital solutions. Tailor your presentation to emphasize healthcare or B2B product experience, and your ability to work with global teams.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords related to UX design, UI design, UX research, Figma, Jobs-to-be-Done, healthcare UX, and your language proficiencies (Japanese and English). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your UX process, design rationale, and collaboration experiences. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio compellingly. Research Elsevier Health's mission and recent work.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Elsevier's role in the healthcare and information analytics sectors, their commitment to innovation, and their global presence. Understand their approach to work-life balance and company values.

⚠️ 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.