Experience & Design Strategist (m/w/d), Bregenz | Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experience & Design Strategist (m/w/d) – Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level

Company: TOWA - the digital growth company

Location: Bregenz, Vorarlberg, Austria

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Strategy & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-23

Experience Level: Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid potential with flexible work arrangements)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end digital transformation initiatives by defining and executing comprehensive experience and design strategies.

• Translate complex business models and user needs into compelling customer experiences and cohesive brand identities.

• Drive cross-functional alignment across strategy, content, design, and technology to ensure a seamless and impactful customer journey.

• Leverage AI-native workflows and advanced design methodologies to foster innovation and deliver high-quality, measurable results.

• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, challenging conventional approaches and championing user-centric design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a digital growth consultancy, blending strategic consulting with a strong design-centric approach. The "Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level" indicates a need for seasoned professionals capable of leading projects, managing client relationships, and potentially mentoring junior team members. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "end-to-end" suggests a forward-thinking environment focused on leveraging technology for efficiency and comprehensive solution delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead Experience & Design Strategy Development: Conceptualize and direct strategies for Brand Experience, Brand Identity, Customer Experience, Customer Journeys, Service Design, and Information Architecture within client projects.

• Strategic Design Consultation: Advise clients from a designer's perspective on strategic matters, translating intricate business models and use cases into clear, actionable experience principles and maintaining a consistent project vision.

• Workstream Orchestration: Ensure seamless integration of strategy, content, design, and technology by coordinating various workstreams, acting as the central point of contact to maintain a cohesive and consistent end-to-end experience.

• Methodology Mastery & Facilitation: Confidently lead and facilitate core design thinking methodologies including Ideation, Co-Creation Workshops, Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), and Service Blueprinting, selecting the most impactful formats for each project phase.

• Idea Visualization & Communication: Make complex ideas tangible and actionable through compelling storytelling, effective visualizations, and prototypes at varying fidelity levels, facilitating team alignment and informed decision-making for clients.

• Quality Assurance & Innovation Driving: Uphold high-quality standards while fostering an environment of exploration, iteration, and innovation; proactively challenge clients when conventional approaches hinder optimal outcomes.

• Team Development & Craft Leadership: Mentor and develop colleagues through constructive critique, close collaboration, and by exemplifying strong design leadership and craft within the team.

• AI-Native Workflow Integration: Embrace and integrate AI tools into the workflow, focusing on defining clear intents and objectives for generative AI to explore options, and applying critical judgment to select and refine outputs for live implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and client advisory. The emphasis on "AI-native" workflow suggests a modern approach to design and strategy development, requiring candidates to be adept at leveraging AI tools for ideation and output generation. The role demands strong facilitation skills for workshops and a capability to translate complex business logic into user-centric experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Business Strategy, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for this level.

Experience: A strong track record of 5-10 years in Experience Strategy, Design Strategy, or a closely related field, preferably within an agency or consulting environment. For Senior Manager level, demonstrated success in managing large-scale engagements and complex client portfolios is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Experience & Design Strategy Leadership: Proven ability to define and execute comprehensive strategies across Brand Experience, CX, Service Design, and Information Architecture.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Capacity to translate complex business models and use cases into clear, user-centric experience principles and vision.

• Cross-Functional Workstream Management: Skill in coordinating diverse project streams (strategy, content, design, technology) to ensure cohesive delivery.

• Methodology Expertise: Proficient in Design Thinking, Ideation, Co-Creation Workshops, Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), and Service Blueprinting, with the judgment to apply them effectively.

• Visualization & Storytelling: Strong talent for making complex ideas clear, visible, and actionable through visual aids and compelling narratives.

• Prototyping Skills: Ability to create prototypes at various fidelity levels to facilitate understanding and decision-making.

• AI-Native Workflow Proficiency: Experience or strong aptitude for leveraging generative AI tools for ideation, option generation, and output refinement.

• Client Advisory & Stakeholder Management: Ability to advise clients strategically, challenge conventional thinking, and manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

• Business Acumen: Understanding of complex business models, particularly B2B logics, and their translation into experience decisions.

• Language Proficiency: Excellent German and English language skills, both written and spoken.

Preferred Skills:

• Agency or Consulting Background: Direct experience in a fast-paced agency or management consulting environment.

• Brand Identity Development: Expertise in shaping and evolving brand identities through strategic design.

• Content Strategy Integration: Understanding of how content strategy supports and enhances user experiences.

• Technical Understanding: Familiarity with how technology underpins digital experiences and service delivery.

• Craft Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor and elevate the design craft of team members.

• Agile/Lean Methodologies: Experience working within Agile or Lean frameworks for project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level" designation implies a need for strategic leadership, client management, and potentially team leadership. The emphasis on "AI-native" workflow is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates comfortable with or experienced in leveraging AI for design and strategy will be highly valued. The requirement for both German and English proficiency points to a client base primarily in the DACH region but with an international team dynamic.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Strategic Case Studies: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating leadership in Experience & Design Strategy. Each case study should detail the project's strategic challenge, your role, the methodologies employed (e.g., Design Thinking, JTBD), the innovative solutions developed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Process Workflow Documentation: Include examples that illustrate your ability to map out and optimize complex customer journeys or service blueprints, highlighting how you brought together different workstreams (strategy, content, design, tech).

• Visualization & Prototyping Examples: Present examples of how you've made complex ideas tangible through storytelling, visual aids, and prototypes at various fidelity levels, demonstrating your ability to align stakeholders and drive decisions.

• AI-Assisted Workflow Demonstration (Optional but Recommended): If possible, include a brief example or description of how you've leveraged AI tools (e.g., generative AI for ideation, content generation, or initial design concepts) to enhance your strategic or design process.

Process Documentation:

• Strategic Planning & Execution: Demonstrated ability to document the strategic planning process from initial business model analysis to the articulation of experience principles and the execution roadmap.

• Methodology Application: Evidence of how specific methodologies (e.g., Design Thinking, Service Blueprints) were applied, documented, and adapted to project needs, showcasing your facilitation and documentation skills.

• Outcome Measurement & Reporting: Examples of how you've tracked and reported on the success of implemented strategies, focusing on metrics related to customer experience, brand engagement, or business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this level, the portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase finished products but the strategic thinking, process, and methodologies behind them. The emphasis on "AI-native" suggests that demonstrating familiarity with or openness to AI in the design process would be a significant advantage. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to manage complex projects and deliver tangible results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €130,000 gross per year (all-in). This range is the target salary and includes all components, potentially variable elements or additional benefits. The final offer will be based on the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and experience, not previous salary.

Benefits:

• Team Spirit & Collaboration: Strong collegial atmosphere with genuine camaraderie, mutual support, and a good sense of humor.

• Transparent Structure: Flat hierarchies and an open-door policy, fostering open communication and exchange at eye level.

• Generous Vacation Policy: Statutory vacation days plus additional "Above & Beyond" days for extra time off.

• Work From Anywhere: Flexibility to work remotely, including temporary periods abroad, based on personal productivity.

• Flexible Working Hours: Broad flextime options, allowing individuals to set their own rhythm, with coordination for client and team meetings.

• Flexible Employment Models: Options for full-time, part-time, fixed-term, or time-limited contracts to suit individual needs.

• Exciting Projects: Involvement in innovative, diverse projects with steep learning curves, contributing to real progress for clients.

• Personal Development Budget: Dedicated budget for workshops, certifications, or coaching to support continuous learning.

• Defined Career Paths: Clear structures for professional development and advancement, even within a flat hierarchy.

• Mobility & Events: Up to €467 for public transport or the Deutschlandticket, regular team events, and participation in trade shows/conventions.

• Modern Office Spaces: Centrally located, modernly equipped "Loft Offices" designed for collaboration, equipped with snacks and drinks.

• Performance Rewards: A system to recognize and reward personal and company successes.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with significant flexibility due to the flextime policy, accommodating individual preferences while ensuring meeting attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Consultant to Senior Manager level role in Austria, particularly within a specialized digital growth consultancy. The benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing flexibility, professional growth, and employee well-being, aligning with modern work culture expectations. The "Work from anywhere" policy is a significant perk for candidates seeking location independence.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation Consulting, Digital Growth, Strategy, Design, Technology. TOWA operates at the intersection of business strategy and digital execution, helping clients navigate complex market changes.

Company Size: The provided data lists "company_size" as null, but the description suggests a growing, dynamic consultancy with a focus on end-to-end transformation. The "Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level" indicates a need for experienced professionals, implying a team structure that supports growth and development.

Founded: The company was founded in 2010, indicating established expertise and a history of digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• Consulting Clusters: The role is part of the "Consulting Cluster," suggesting specialized teams focused on specific areas of expertise.

• Reporting: Reports to Julius Wuhnsen, suggesting a clear line of management and mentorship.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: The role explicitly requires holding "workstreams together" across strategy, content, design, and technology, highlighting a highly collaborative and integrated team environment.

Methodology:

• End-to-End Transformation: TOWA emphasizes a holistic approach, from strategy formulation to execution.

• Agile & Iterative: The mention of "Everything is BETA" and a focus on exploration and iteration suggests an agile and adaptive approach to client projects.

• AI-Native: A core tenet of their current approach, integrating AI into workflows for efficiency and innovation.

• Design-Centric Strategy: A unique blend where design principles heavily influence strategic decision-making.

Company Website: https://www.towa-digital.com

📝 Enhancement Note: TOWA positions itself as a progressive digital growth company that values innovation, agility, and a holistic approach to transformation. The culture appears to be collaborative, transparent, and focused on employee development and well-being. The "AI-native" philosophy is a key differentiator that shapes their operational approach and likely influences team dynamics and project execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Senior Consultant to Senior Manager level. It requires individuals who can independently lead significant project components, manage client relationships, and contribute strategically to the company's growth. For Senior Manager level, it implies a capacity for managing larger engagements, potentially P&L responsibility, and mentoring junior consultants.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to Julius Wuhnsen. This suggests a close working relationship with a leader who likely provides guidance, mentorship, and career development support.

Operations Impact: The core impact of this role is driving digital transformation for clients, translating complex business challenges into tangible, user-centric experiences that lead to measurable progress and real business impact. This involves shaping client strategies and guiding their execution, directly influencing client success and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Depth: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of experience design, service design, or AI-driven strategy within a specialized consulting cluster.

• Leadership Development: Clear career paths and potential for advancement to Senior Manager or leadership roles, including managing larger teams and client portfolios.

• Continuous Learning: A dedicated individual training budget for workshops, certifications, and coaching, alongside exposure to innovative projects and advanced methodologies.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from experienced leaders like Julius Wuhnsen, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.

• Industry Exposure: Working with diverse clients across various industries, gaining broad experience and a robust professional network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career progression at TOWA is structured to allow for specialization and leadership growth. The "Senior Consultant – Senior Manager Level" is a significant step, requiring strategic thinking, client management, and the ability to influence outcomes. The company's emphasis on continuous learning and development, coupled with clear career paths, makes this an attractive opportunity for ambitious operations and strategy professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, centrally located "Loft Offices" designed for creativity and collaboration. These spaces are equipped with amenities like snacks and drinks, fostering a comfortable and productive atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Bregenz, Austria. The office is described as centrally located, implying accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to encourage interaction, idea exchange, and teamwork among colleagues.

• Technology & Tools: While specific tools are detailed elsewhere, the modern office setup likely supports the use of contemporary technology required for digital strategy and design work.

• Team Interaction: The "Open Door" policy and team-centric culture ensure frequent opportunities for interaction, knowledge sharing, and support within the operations and consulting teams.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours with a broad flextime range are offered. While the standard is around 40 hours per week, individuals have autonomy in structuring their day, provided they meet client and team meeting commitments. This flexibility is crucial for balancing project demands with personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment at TOWA emphasizes flexibility and a positive, collaborative culture. The Bregenz office serves as a hub, but the "Work from anywhere" policy extends this flexibility significantly. The combination of modern office facilities and a flexible schedule aims to create an optimal balance between productivity and employee well-being for operations and strategy professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Submission of CV, salary expectations, and notice period/start date. The emphasis on salary transparency means candidates should provide their expectations.

• Portfolio Showcase: A critical step involves presenting your portfolio. This will likely include detailed case studies demonstrating your experience strategy, design thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and AI integration. Be prepared to walk through your process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Methodology & Strategy Discussion: Expect in-depth discussions about your experience with core methodologies (Design Thinking, JTBD, Service Blueprints) and how you approach translating business needs into user experiences.

• Client Scenario / Case Study: A potential exercise might involve discussing how you would approach a hypothetical client challenge, assessing your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and communication skills.

• Cultural Fit & Team Collaboration: Interviews will likely assess your alignment with TOWA's values (e.g., "Everything is BETA," AI-native approach, team spirit) and your ability to collaborate effectively.

• Leadership & Mentorship Assessment: For Senior Manager level, expect questions related to managing projects, teams, and client relationships.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Strategic Impact: Focus on case studies that demonstrate your ability to drive significant business outcomes and measurable progress through experience and design strategy.

• Showcase Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate the methodologies you used, why you chose them, and how they informed your decisions. Include process maps, workshop outputs, or service blueprints where relevant.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: If applicable, showcase how you've used AI tools (e.g., generative AI) to enhance your workflow, ideation, or output. This is a key differentiator.

• Visual Storytelling: Present your work visually and tell a compelling story about the problem, your approach, and the solution's impact. Use high-fidelity mockups or prototypes where appropriate.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, include metrics and data to demonstrate the success and ROI of your projects.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experiences that align with the responsibilities and requirements of the Experience & Design Strategist role at TOWA.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand TOWA's Philosophy: Familiarize yourself with their "end-to-end," "AI-native," and "Everything is BETA" approach.

• Prepare for "How Would You..." Questions: Think about how you would tackle common client challenges related to digital transformation, customer experience, or brand strategy.

• Practice Articulating Complex Ideas: Be ready to explain intricate strategies and design concepts clearly and concisely.

• Scenario Planning: Consider how you would manage conflicting stakeholder priorities or ambiguous project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a strong portfolio and a clear demonstration of strategic thinking, design methodology, and modern workflow integration (especially AI). Candidates should be prepared to articulate their value proposition through concrete examples and case studies. The transparency around salary expectations requires candidates to do their research and state their requirements upfront.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD) for visual design, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Workshop Facilitation Tools: Experience with digital whiteboarding tools such as Miro or Mural for remote collaboration, ideation, and workshop facilitation.

• AI & Generative Tools: Familiarity or eagerness to work with generative AI platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Midjourney, DALL-E, or specialized design AI tools) for ideation, content generation, and concept exploration.

• Project Management Software: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task management, workflow tracking, and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Customer Journey Mapping Tools: Tools that facilitate the creation and analysis of customer journeys.

• Service Blueprinting Software: Specialized software for designing and visualizing service processes.

• Data Visualization Tools (Basic): Ability to interpret and present data using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel functionalities, to support strategic recommendations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Conceptual Understanding): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) influences customer experience and strategy is beneficial.

• Automation Concepts: Understanding of workflow automation principles and how they can enhance service delivery and customer interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack for this role leans heavily towards design and collaboration tools, with a significant emphasis on AI-native workflows. Candidates are expected to be proficient in standard design software and collaborative platforms, with a proactive attitude towards adopting and leveraging AI for strategic and creative output. A conceptual understanding of how CRM and automation impact customer experience is valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• "Everything is BETA": A core value emphasizing continuous improvement, experimentation, and an open mindset towards change and iteration. This fosters an environment where new ideas are welcomed and explored.

• AI-Native Workflow: A commitment to integrating artificial intelligence at every stage of the workflow, prioritizing efficiency, innovation, and advanced problem-solving.

• End-to-End Impact: A focus on delivering comprehensive solutions that drive measurable progress and tangible results for clients, from strategy to execution.

• Customer-Centricity: A deep understanding of and focus on the end customer's experience, ensuring that all strategic and design decisions are aligned with user needs and desires.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design and strategy, encouraging excellence and attention to detail in all deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Strong emphasis on breaking down silos and fostering seamless collaboration between strategy, design, content, and technology teams.

• Open & Honest Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive critique, value-based discussions, and open communication to elevate the quality of work and team development.

• Shared Ownership & Accountability: Team members are encouraged to take ownership of their work and contribute collectively to project success, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the exchange of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team, supporting continuous professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: TOWA's culture is characterized by innovation, agility, and a strong sense of purpose in driving digital transformation. The "AI-native" and "Everything is BETA" principles are central to their operational ethos, suggesting an environment that values forward-thinking, adaptability, and continuous learning. Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on integrated teams and open communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Successfully driving strategy and design in complex client environments where requirements may be initially unclear or evolving. This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to provide direction.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Mastering the art of leveraging generative AI tools to enhance, rather than replace, human creativity and strategic judgment, ensuring quality and relevance.

• Balancing Strategy with Execution: Ensuring that strategic visions are translated into practical, implementable design solutions that deliver tangible business value.

• Client Expectation Management: Effectively managing client expectations, particularly regarding the iterative nature of design processes and the adoption of new technologies.

• Driving Change: Overcoming resistance to change within client organizations and championing user-centric approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI in Design: Opportunities to explore and master cutting-edge AI tools and their application in strategy and design.

• Strategic Leadership: Development in managing complex client engagements, leading project teams, and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Specialized Design Disciplines: Deepening expertise in areas like Service Design, Brand Strategy, or CX Architecture.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Enhancing understanding and collaboration across technology, content, and business strategy domains.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Access to experienced leaders for guidance on career progression, skill development, and leadership best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex digital transformation challenges and master emerging technologies like AI. Growth is facilitated through specialized training, leadership development, and exposure to diverse, impactful projects, allowing professionals to evolve their careers within a dynamic consulting environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated a complex business model into a clear customer experience strategy. What was your process?" (Focus on strategic thinking, methodology, and client impact).

• "How do you ensure a cohesive end-to-end customer journey when working across multiple workstreams (strategy, content, design, tech)?" (Assess collaboration, orchestration, and holistic thinking).

• "Walk us through a project where you used Design Thinking or JTBD to solve a significant client problem. What were the key insights and outcomes?" (Demonstrate methodological rigor and problem-solving).

• "How do you see AI transforming the role of a design strategist? Provide an example of how you've integrated AI into your workflow or would propose to do so." (Gauge understanding and adoption of AI-native principles). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What resonates most with you about TOWA's 'Everything is BETA' philosophy and our AI-native approach?" (Assess cultural fit and alignment with company values).

• "How would you contribute to fostering a strong team spirit and collaborative environment at TOWA?" (Understand your approach to teamwork and mentorship).

• "Describe a situation where you had to challenge a client's conventional approach. How did you handle it, and what was the result?" (Evaluate your ability to influence and drive change). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the client's challenge, your role and approach, the methodologies used, key decisions made, the solutions developed, and the measurable results.

• Highlight AI's Role: Explicitly mention and demonstrate where and how AI tools were utilized to enhance the process or outcomes.

• Visualize Your Process: Use visual aids, diagrams, or prototypes to illustrate your thinking and the solutions you developed.

• Quantify Impact: Present data and metrics that showcase the business value and ROI of your work.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your contributions, decision-making, and the specific tools and techniques you employed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strategic thinking, methodological proficiency, and a forward-thinking approach, particularly regarding AI integration. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to tell compelling stories of impact and demonstrate their process, not just the final output.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Experience & Design Strategist position:

• Submit your CV, clearly detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.

• State your expected salary range and your earliest possible start date (or notice period) as requested.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your experience in strategy, design, client leadership, and AI integration. Ensure they highlight your process, methodologies, and measurable impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse a concise and compelling presentation of your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and demonstrating how you addressed client challenges. Be ready to discuss your strategic thinking and approach to AI-native workflows.

• Research TOWA: Understand their company values, methodology ("Everything is BETA," AI-native), and typical client projects to articulate your cultural fit and strategic alignment.

• Practice Your Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to strategy, design thinking, client management, and AI integration.

⚠️ 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.