Head of UX/UI Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of UX/UI Design

Company: Yum! (KFC Global)

Location: Plano, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full time

Category: Design Leadership / Digital Product Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T17:05:57

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the global UX/UI vision and strategy for KFC's digital brand experiences, focusing on web and mobile platforms powered by the Atlas platform.

• Own and evolve the global design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficient delivery of user interfaces across diverse markets and teams.

• Drive measurable business impact through enhanced customer satisfaction, increased conversion rates, and accelerated digital sales growth.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration with product, engineering, and marketing to create seamless, intuitive end-to-end customer journeys.

• Establish and scale design principles, patterns, and best practices to enable rapid innovation and high-quality digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for defining the digital face of KFC globally, emphasizing the strategic importance of consistent brand experience and scalable design systems. The focus on 'Atlas platform' suggests a centralized approach to digital product development, requiring strong leadership in standardizing and localizing user experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and champion a cohesive UX/UI vision for KFC’s global web and mobile app experiences, leveraging the capabilities of the Atlas platform.

• Oversee the development, maintenance, and adoption of KFC’s global design system, ensuring its application across all digital touchpoints and by various teams.

• Collaborate closely with regional stakeholders to understand market-specific needs and guide the thoughtful localization of digital experiences, balancing global consistency with local relevance.

• Partner with Product Management and Engineering teams to translate business objectives and user needs into intuitive and engaging digital product designs.

• Influence digital experience strategy at a global level, advocating for user-centered design principles and best practices across the organization.

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for UX/UI performance and track their impact on business outcomes such as customer satisfaction, engagement, and digital revenue.

• Mentor and guide a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Explore and define UX/UI standards for emerging digital channels, including kiosks, in-restaurant digital experiences, and other future platforms.

• Ensure a unified and seamless brand experience across all current and future digital touchpoints, reinforcing KFC’s brand identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design system management, and cross-functional influence, typical of senior design roles in global organizations. The emphasis on "Atlas platform" and "localization" points to a need for a leader who can manage both standardization and nuanced adaptation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a related digital design field, with a strong portfolio showcasing consumer-facing digital products. Includes a minimum of 5 years leading global, multi-disciplinary design teams.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX/UI design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and information architecture.

• Extensive experience in developing, managing, and scaling global design systems for large organizations.

• Strong understanding of digital product development lifecycles, from ideation to launch and iteration.

• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring design teams, fostering talent, and driving team performance.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to executive leadership.

• Experience with user research, usability testing, and translating insights into actionable design improvements.

• Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

• Deep understanding of web and mobile app design best practices, including responsive design and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Strategic thinking with the ability to define and execute a long-term UX/UI vision that aligns with business goals. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the food & beverage or quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.

• Knowledge of localization strategies and best practices for global digital products.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional product teams.

• Experience with customer journey mapping and optimizing end-to-end user experiences.

• Understanding of emerging technologies and their potential application in digital customer experiences.

• Experience with content design governance and establishing design standards for content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize leadership in global design systems and team management, with a strong preference for experience in consumer-facing digital products at scale. The "10+" years of experience with 5+ years in leadership positions indicates a senior, strategic role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design projects for large-scale, consumer-facing digital products (web and mobile).

• Evidence of leading the development and implementation of global design systems, including examples of components, guidelines, and their impact.

• Case studies demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to drive measurable business outcomes through design.

• Examples of user research, testing, and how insights informed design decisions and improved user experience.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing) throughout the design process. Process Documentation:

• Documented processes for design system governance, including contribution workflows, version control, and adoption strategies.

• Frameworks for conducting user research, usability testing, and integrating feedback into design iterations.

• Methodologies for collaborating with product and engineering teams to ensure seamless design implementation.

• Strategies for aligning global design standards with market-specific localization requirements.

• Processes for measuring and reporting on the impact of UX/UI initiatives on key business metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to a senior design leadership role, focusing on the management of global design systems and demonstrating strategic impact. Candidates should be prepared to showcase their ability to lead, standardize, and scale design efforts across complex organizations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Head of UX/UI Design with 10+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Plano, TX, the estimated annual salary range is $157,100 - $184,900 USD. This range accounts for the experience level, leadership responsibilities, and the strategic impact of the role within a global organization.

Benefits:

• Bonus Eligibility: Performance-based bonuses are a common offering for leadership roles, reflecting the impact on business outcomes.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.

• Retirement Savings Plan: 401(k) with potential company match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday time to promote work-life balance.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning, training, and attendance at industry conferences.

• Employee Discounts: Potential for discounts on KFC products and other Yum! Brands offerings.

• Parental Leave: Support for new parents during a significant life event.

Working Hours: Standard full-time employment is typically 40 hours per week. This role, being a leadership position in a global company, may require flexibility to accommodate different time zones and urgent project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on specific qualifications, negotiation, and company compensation structures. The benefits listed are typical for a large corporation in this sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Quick Service Restaurants (QSR). KFC is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., a global leader in the restaurant industry with a significant international presence.

Company Size: KFC is a large, global enterprise with a vast network of restaurants and employees worldwide. As part of Yum! Brands, it benefits from extensive resources, established processes, and a strong market position.

Founded: KFC was founded in 1952 by Colonel Harland Sanders, bringing a rich heritage of quality, hospitality, and innovation to the fast-food industry. This legacy emphasizes "doing things the hard way" for quality results.

Team Structure:

• The Atlas / Brand Experience team likely comprises specialists in UX/UI design, product management, engineering, and marketing, working collaboratively to build and maintain KFC's global digital platforms.

• This role reports into a senior leadership position within the Brand Experience or Digital Product organization, with direct oversight of a global UX/UI design function.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, with close partnerships expected with regional marketing, operations, and product teams to ensure both global consistency and local market relevance. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with a focus on using analytics to understand customer behavior, measure the effectiveness of design changes, and identify areas for improvement.

• Workflow planning and optimization are key, especially in managing the development and evolution of the global design system and digital platforms.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design and development processes to accelerate delivery and maintain scalability.

Company Website: https://careers.global.kfc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes KFC's global reach, rich history, and commitment to innovation and responsible growth. The "Atlas platform" represents a strategic initiative to standardize and scale digital experiences, making this role central to the company's digital transformation efforts.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior leadership level, often referred to as "Head of" or "Director" within a specialized function like UX/UI Design. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant influence on the company's digital product direction and customer experience globally.

Reporting Structure: The Head of UX/UI Design will likely report to a Vice President or Senior Director of Brand Experience, Digital Product, or a similar executive role. They will lead a team of UX/UI designers and collaborate extensively with peers in Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial, directly influencing customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, digital sales growth for KFC worldwide. By defining and scaling the global digital experience, this role shapes how millions of customers interact with the brand, impacting brand perception and competitive positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into more senior leadership roles within the global digital product organization, overseeing broader design or product functions.

• Strategic Influence: Deepen influence on overall digital strategy and business decision-making, potentially leading new digital initiatives or global platform expansions.

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in managing complex global design systems, driving digital transformation in the QSR industry, or exploring emerging digital channels.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Build and scale a world-class global design team, setting standards for excellence and fostering a strong design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for a design leader looking to make a global impact within a well-established brand. The focus on scaling design systems and platforms provides a strong foundation for future career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The office in Plano, TX, likely serves as a hub for key teams, fostering in-person collaboration and strategic planning.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Plano, Texas. This location is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, offering a vibrant business environment and access to talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and efficiency. Expect a dynamic environment where cross-functional teams work together on critical digital initiatives.

• Access to modern design tools, collaboration software, and necessary technological infrastructure will be provided to support effective remote and in-office work.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse group of professionals across design, product, engineering, and marketing will be frequent, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Given the global nature of the role and the need to coordinate with various time zones, some flexibility in working hours may be expected to facilitate international collaboration and critical project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model suggests a balance between flexibility and the need for in-person synergy, common in senior leadership roles. The Plano location places the role within a significant corporate hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess alignment with the role's core requirements and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deep dive into your experience, leadership style, design philosophy, and strategic thinking. Expect questions about managing global teams and design systems.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A critical stage where you will present a selection of your work, focusing on how you've led design initiatives, managed design systems, and driven business impact. Be prepared to discuss process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with peers and stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and Marketing to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to align diverse perspectives.

• Executive Interview: A final discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic fit, vision, and overall leadership potential within KFC/Yum! Brands.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your leadership in global UX/UI, design system management, and driving business results.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process followed, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and quantifiable business outcomes.

• Highlight Design System Expertise: Dedicate a section or specific examples to showcase your experience with creating, scaling, and governing design systems. Explain the governance model and adoption strategies.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentation to tell a compelling narrative about your journey and contributions, emphasizing your strategic vision and leadership capabilities.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle conflict, your approach to localization, and how you measure design success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Challenge: You might be asked to critique an existing design system, propose improvements, or outline a strategy for implementing a new one.

• Strategic Vision Exercise: Prepare to discuss your vision for KFC's digital experience over the next 3-5 years, considering industry trends and business objectives.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific design challenge, such as improving mobile app conversion rates or standardizing a global user flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess strategic leadership, hands-on design system expertise, and cross-functional collaboration skills. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable for collaborative design systems), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Axure RP.

• Design System Management: Tools that facilitate component libraries, style guides, and version control (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, internal platforms).

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics.

• User Behavior Analytics: Hotjar, FullStory, Pendo.

• Dashboarding: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (or similar business intelligence tools for tracking UX KPIs).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX/UI, understanding CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation tools is beneficial for context on customer data and journeys.

• Project management tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello will be used for workflow tracking and team management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in collaborative design tools like Figma and experience with design system management platforms are crucial. Familiarity with analytics tools will enable the role to measure and iterate on the effectiveness of design strategies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of KFC customers worldwide, ensuring every digital interaction is positive and valuable.

• Excellence & Quality: Upholding high standards in design execution, user experience, and brand representation, driven by a philosophy of doing things "the hard way" for superior results.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and design approaches to continuously improve the digital experience, while being agile enough to adapt to evolving market demands and customer expectations.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships are key to achieving shared goals. This includes promoting inclusive design practices.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and user feedback to inform design strategies, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative style, working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and regional teams to ensure alignment and cohesive execution of digital initiatives.

• Design System Advocates: Actively promoting the adoption and best use of the global design system, providing support and guidance to teams across the organization.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing within the design team and with partner teams to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes quality, customer focus, and a forward-looking approach to innovation, all while respecting a strong heritage. The collaborative aspect is particularly important for this role, given its global reach and need to work across many functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Relevance: A primary challenge will be ensuring the core digital experience is unified across all markets while allowing for necessary and impactful localization.

• Scaling Design Systems: Effectively managing and scaling a global design system across numerous teams, markets, and evolving product needs requires robust governance and adoption strategies.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining and maintaining alignment on design vision and priorities across diverse stakeholder groups, including regional teams with unique needs and perspectives.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations in the digital space to ensure KFC remains competitive.

• Measuring Design Impact: Clearly articulating and quantifying the business value and ROI of UX/UI initiatives to secure ongoing investment and support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Global Digital Strategy: Deepen understanding and influence over global digital strategy for a major QSR brand.

• Design System Leadership: Become a recognized expert in building and scaling enterprise-level design systems.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of UX/UI trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in digital product development, particularly within the food and retail sectors.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities for executive coaching, leadership training, and exposure to senior leadership within Yum! Brands.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Enhance skills in managing and collaborating with diverse international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to managing a global digital product presence. The growth opportunities are significant for a leader looking to expand their strategic impact and expertise in a dynamic industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your vision for KFC's global digital brand experience over the next three years. What are the key strategic priorities for UX/UI?"

• "How would you approach building or evolving a global design system for a company like KFC, considering diverse market needs and varying levels of technical maturity?"

• "How do you balance the need for global brand consistency with the requirement for local market customization in digital products?"

• "What are your strategies for fostering strong, collaborative relationships with product, engineering, and marketing teams, especially in a hybrid or remote environment?"

• "How do you measure the success of UX/UI initiatives, and what KPIs do you prioritize to demonstrate business impact?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about KFC's brand and its digital presence?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into KFC's culture, particularly its emphasis on quality and doing things 'the hard way'?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had different priorities or perspectives. How did you achieve alignment?"

• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility are embedded into the design process for a global audience?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your leadership philosophy and approach to UX/UI design and design systems. Then, dive into 2-3 distinct case studies.

• Case Study Focus: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the user research and design process, key design decisions (especially those related to the design system), challenges faced, and the quantifiable results achieved.

• Design System Emphasis: Dedicate a portion of your presentation to showcasing your experience with design systems. This could include examples of component libraries, style guides, governance models, and adoption strategies.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, prototypes, and data visualizations to support your narrative. Ensure clarity and conciseness.

• Call to Action/Vision: Conclude by reiterating your vision for KFC's digital experience and how you plan to achieve it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, robust design system leadership, and a data-driven approach to improving customer experience and business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of UX/UI Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in leading global design teams, managing design systems, and driving measurable business impact through UX/UI strategy, using keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select impactful projects that showcase your expertise in consumer-facing digital products, design system development, and cross-functional collaboration. Be prepared to present case studies that demonstrate strategic thinking and quantifiable results.

• Prepare for case studies: Anticipate challenges related to global design system implementation, user experience strategy for a QSR brand, and cross-functional alignment. Practice articulating your process and outcomes clearly and concisely.

• Research KFC and Yum! Brands: Understand their global presence, brand values, digital initiatives (like the Atlas platform), and target customer. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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