Director, UX Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, UX Design

Company: Teague

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Leadership / UX Design

Date Posted: April 17, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee multiple concurrent UX design engagements, ensuring exceptional quality and strategic alignment with client objectives.

• Drive user-centered design strategies and execution for complex software, systems, and service design projects.

• Provide senior-level design authority and hands-on leadership, guiding teams through problem framing, research, and iterative design processes.

• Foster a culture of design excellence, mentorship, and continuous learning within the UX team.

• Collaborate closely with Business Development and Program Management to pursue new opportunities, shape proposals, and drive revenue growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within a design consultancy, focusing on strategic UX design and client engagement. The emphasis on "owning," "thinking," and "doing" suggests a blend of strategic vision, team leadership, and hands-on contribution. The specific mention of industries like automotive, aviation, and smart cities indicates a need for domain expertise or the ability to quickly adapt to complex, regulated environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for complex, information-rich software experiences, from problem definition and research to final design delivery.

• Provide senior design leadership and critique to project teams, ensuring the highest standards of UX rigor, clarity, and impact.

• Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., Program Management, Business Development) to define project scope, develop compelling proposals, and estimate resources accurately.

• Facilitate client workshops, design reviews, and working sessions to drive alignment, gather insights, and ensure successful project outcomes.

• Mentor and develop UX designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring the team's collective capabilities meet evolving client needs.

• Translate complex client challenges into clear, strategic, and actionable design solutions that align with brand goals and business objectives.

• Contribute to Teague's thought leadership by participating in speaking events, panels, and writing articles that shape industry conversations.

• Champion a strong design culture within the organization, promoting best practices, tools, and internal processes for complex UX and software design.

• Manage and nurture a high-performing creative environment, ensuring team dynamics, processes, and tools align with Teague's strategic priorities.

• Ensure the creative function operates with clarity, efficiency, and effectiveness, making daily decisions that drive high-quality output and meaningful design impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured around "Owning," "Thinking," and "Doing," emphasizing a holistic approach to leadership. The "Doing" section highlights significant involvement in business development and project execution, suggesting this role is not purely strategic but requires active participation in client acquisition and project delivery oversight.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in design consulting, with a robust and diverse portfolio showcasing impactful, multidisciplinary work.

• 3+ years in a creative leadership role (e.g., Creative Director) within a consulting or agency environment.

• Proven success leading cross-functional and ad hoc teams to deliver complex projects, driving outcomes through collaboration, influence, and direct leadership.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Strategy: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, methods, and strategic frameworks for complex software and systems.

• Creative Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and critique design teams, fostering a high-performance culture and elevating design craft.

• Stakeholder Management & Communication: Exceptional ability to build rapport and collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders at all levels, translating complex ideas into persuasive narratives.

• Business Acumen & Development: Experience in shaping proposals, developing project estimates, and contributing to business development conversations with credibility and passion.

Preferred Skills:

• Industry Expertise: Strong professional network or deep understanding of the airline, transportation, automotive, or space sectors.

• Systems & Service Design: Experience in designing complex systems, enterprise software, or integrated service experiences.

• Research & Product Strategy: Proficiency in applying user research methodologies to inform product strategy and design decisions.

• Business Development Support: Demonstrated ability to contribute to client engagement and uncover new opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10+ years of experience in design consulting" and "3+ years in a creative leadership role" clearly indicates a senior-level position. The emphasis on a "robust and diverse portfolio of impactful, multidisciplinary work" is critical for showcasing leadership and breadth of experience. The preferred skill of having a network in aviation or transportation suggests a strategic focus for some client engagements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 10 years of design consulting experience with a diverse range of projects.

• Highlight examples of leading cross-functional teams and driving complex projects to successful completion.

• Demonstrate experience in strategic planning and day-to-day operational oversight within design projects.

• Include case studies that illustrate exceptional project framing skills, defining approach, deliverables, stages, and processes.

• Present work that reflects a visionary leadership style, creative thinking, and the ability to shape industry conversations.

• Feature examples of exceptional relationship-building across diverse organizational levels and backgrounds.

• Provide evidence of a deep understanding of the design process and its operations, particularly within aviation, transportation, or product development.

• Showcase instances where business and creative disciplines were bridged to lead strategic initiatives.

• Include examples of successful project delivery and the cultivation of long-term client relationships.

• Demonstrate thought leadership through impactful contributions to industry discourse.

• Exhibit understanding of global design trends and their influence on the design landscape.

• Showcase experience with brand and marketing strategies, including communication tactics and evolving technologies.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the design process followed, from initial problem framing to final delivery.

• Demonstrate adaptability in applying and adapting a range of design, research, and product methodologies to specific client contexts.

• Illustrate how user-centered perspectives were developed and translated into persuasive design and business decisions.

• Show evidence of guiding UX teams through ambiguity with clear, actionable critique and decision-making support.

• Detail how complex ideas were framed and communicated through persuasive storytelling and strategic framing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are extensive and emphasize not just the final design output but also the strategic thinking, leadership, and client engagement aspects. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a deep understanding of the design process and its operational implications.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): Directly share in the company's long-term success as an employee-owner.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Competitive medical and dental plans, with a Health Savings Account (HSA) option.

• Vision Insurance: Coverage for eye care needs.

• Retirement Savings: 401k plan to support long-term financial goals.

• Paid Time Off: Accrual of 4 weeks of PTO per year for full-time employees, plus 10 paid holidays.

• Parental Leave: Support for new parents.

• Disability & Life Insurance: Employer-provided Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life/AD&D insurance.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): For healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Voluntary Benefits: Including additional life insurance, accident & injury, critical illness, identity theft protection, legal services, and long-term care insurance.

• Pet Insurance Discounts: Discounted rates for pet insurance.

• HealthCare Bluebook Access: Resource for managing healthcare costs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule of 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be expected based on project demands and client needs, consistent with a leadership role in a client-facing consultancy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided for most US geographic locations. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting the ESOP as a key differentiator. The inclusion of PTO accrual rates and specific details about eligibility for interns and temporary employees adds significant value.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design Consultancy (specializing in technology, automotive, commercial aviation, smart cities, advanced mobility, space, and defense). Teague has been operating for nearly a century, indicating stability and deep industry experience.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of a "UX team," "studio leadership," and "cross-functional teams" suggests a medium to large-sized organization. Being employee-owned implies a strong internal culture focused on shared success.

Founded: Approaching its one-hundred-year anniversary.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely comprises designers of various experience levels, overseen by design directors.

• This role will collaborate closely with Studio Leadership, Program Management, and Business Development teams.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design: A foundational approach, integrating user needs with technical realities and business goals.

• Systems Thinking: Applied to understand complex interdependencies in software, systems, and services.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Adaptable methodologies suited for client projects, with an emphasis on selecting the right approach for each context.

• Data-Driven Insights: Research and analysis are used to inform strategic decisions and design solutions.

• Collaborative Workshops & Critiques: Integral to problem-solving, alignment, and elevating design quality.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and employee-owned structure are key cultural indicators, suggesting stability, a strong sense of ownership among employees, and a collaborative environment. The diverse industry focus means operations professionals need to be adaptable and capable of understanding complex business challenges across various sectors.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Director, UX Design is a senior leadership role, responsible for strategic direction, team management, and significant client engagement. This level implies autonomy, influence over design strategy, and accountability for team performance and business outcomes.

Reporting Structure: This role likely reports to a higher level of design leadership (e.g., VP of Design, Executive Director) or potentially a Studio Lead. They will, in turn, manage and mentor a team of UX designers and potentially creative leads.

Operations Impact: The Director of UX Design has a direct impact on client success by delivering high-quality, strategic design solutions. They also contribute to Teague's business growth through client acquisition, proposal development, and fostering strong client relationships. The role influences the overall design maturity and capabilities of the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher executive design roles (e.g., VP of Design, Chief Design Officer) or lead larger studios/practices.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in company-wide strategy, business development, and shaping the future direction of Teague's design offerings.

• Industry Specialization: Deeper expertise and leadership within specific industry verticals (e.g., aviation, automotive).

• Mentorship & Team Development: Opportunity to build and scale design teams, develop talent, and establish best practices.

• Thought Leadership: Further development as a recognized industry expert through speaking engagements, publications, and community involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Director in a design consultancy typically involves moving up the leadership ladder, taking on more responsibility for business units, and increasing strategic influence within the firm and the industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Seattle, WA. Teague emphasizes collaboration and a creative environment, suggesting a studio-like workspace designed to foster interaction and idea exchange.

Office Location(s): Greater Seattle area, Washington State. Employees must reside in Washington State unless otherwise noted.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment is likely designed to encourage interaction among team members, facilitating spontaneous idea sharing and feedback.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and collaboration tools will be essential. The role requires proficiency in the design process and its operations.

• Client Interaction: Opportunities to engage directly with clients, both on-site and potentially at client locations, are inherent to the role.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is mentioned, the nature of consulting and client-facing roles often requires flexibility. This might include occasional extended hours during critical project phases, client workshops, or business development activities. Travel is expected at 15-20%.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation and the requirement to reside in Washington State are crucial details. The emphasis on collaboration and client interaction points to a dynamic, in-person work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will present their portfolio, highlighting key projects that demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and execution. A design challenge or case study presentation may be part of this stage to assess problem-solving skills and design approach.

• Team/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with peers, direct reports, and senior leadership to evaluate leadership style, collaboration skills, and strategic vision.

• Client Scenario Discussion: Potential scenarios or discussions involving how the candidate would handle client challenges, manage stakeholder expectations, and drive project success.

• Final Round: May involve senior executives to assess overall fit with Teague's vision and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, and impact on complex software/systems design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process (your strategic thinking and operational considerations), the solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples where you led teams, managed stakeholders, and drove consensus. Highlight your mentorship approach.

• Highlight Business Acumen: Demonstrate how your design solutions addressed business goals and contributed to client success or revenue growth.

• Process & Operations: Be prepared to discuss the operational aspects of design delivery, project framing, estimation, and managing design workflows.

• Tailor to Teague: Research Teague's work and clients; highlight relevant experience and articulate how your skills align with their industry focus (e.g., aviation, automotive).

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Practice breaking down ambiguous problems into actionable design challenges.

• Strategic Articulation: Prepare to clearly articulate your strategic approach, methodology, and rationale for design decisions.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Consider how you would gain buy-in and manage expectations from diverse stakeholders.

• Process & Execution: Be ready to discuss how you would operationalize a design strategy and manage its execution through a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the seniority of the role, the interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and business development potential, in addition to core design skills. The portfolio is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD), and potentially specialized tools for complex systems (e.g., CAD software interfaces, data visualization tools).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Miro, Mural, Slack, Microsoft Teams for remote collaboration, workshops, and team communication.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for managing project timelines, tasks, and deliverables, often in conjunction with PMs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Awareness of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation tools may be beneficial for understanding client business contexts, but direct hands-on experience is not explicitly required for this UX role.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job is for UX Design, a Director level role requires an understanding of the broader technology landscape and how design integrates with development, project management, and business operations. Specific tools for complex systems design in aviation or automotive might be relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core driver, encouraging new ideas and pushing design boundaries.

• Collaboration & Trust: Essential for client success and internal team synergy; valuing diverse perspectives.

• Accountability & Ownership: Encouraging employees to treat Teague as their own company and be vested in results.

• Continuous Learning & Growth: A commitment to professional development and staying ahead of industry trends.

• Impact & Excellence: Striving to deliver meaningful, high-impact design solutions that drive client success.

• Inclusivity & Equity: Actively promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in work, hiring, and team culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Business Development, Program Management, and other design disciplines.

• Client-Centric Approach: Building strong client relationships and partnering closely to understand and solve their challenges.

• Open Critique Culture: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is valued to elevate design quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings, and insights across teams and projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and commitment to DEI are important for candidates to understand. The emphasis on "treating Teague as if it was your own company" highlights a culture of ownership and accountability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Leading design for complex, often ill-defined problems in diverse industries.

• Balancing Multiple Engagements: Effectively managing workload, client expectations, and team resources across several concurrent projects at a senior level.

• Driving Strategic Alignment: Ensuring design strategies are deeply integrated with client business objectives and technical realities.

• Talent Development & Retention: Mentoring and growing a team of designers in a competitive market.

• Business Development Integration: Contributing effectively to sales cycles and proposal development while maintaining design leadership.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, methodologies, and industry trends across various sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Strategy: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like service design, systems thinking, and product strategy.

• Leadership Development Programs: Formal or informal training to enhance management, strategic planning, and business acumen.

• Industry Immersion: Working across diverse sectors (automotive, aviation, space) provides exposure to unique challenges and operational contexts.

• Thought Leadership: Platform to build personal brand and influence within the design community.

• Mentorship: Both receiving mentorship from senior leaders and providing it to junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges reflect the demanding nature of a senior role in a high-caliber design consultancy, requiring both strategic foresight and operational execution.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex UX design project from inception to delivery. What was your strategic approach, and how did you manage the operational aspects?"

• "How do you approach framing ambiguous problems for clients and design teams? Can you provide an example?"

• "How do you balance long-term strategic vision with the day-to-day demands of project execution and team management?"

• "Walk us through a proposal you helped shape. What was your role, and how did you ensure accurate project estimates and compelling content?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Teague, and how do you see your skills aligning with our employee-owned culture and values?"

• "How do you approach building relationships and gaining consensus with diverse stakeholders, including clients and internal teams?"

• "What are your thoughts on Teague's work in [mention a specific industry like aviation or automotive]? How would you contribute to projects in this space?"

• "Describe your experience mentoring designers and helping them grow their careers."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the strategic approach, the design process and operational considerations, the solution, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Emphasize Leadership: Highlight instances where you led teams, managed stakeholders, and made critical decisions.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Explain the "why" behind your design choices and how they aligned with business objectives.

• Demonstrate Process Fluency: Be prepared to discuss your methodology, how you adapt it, and the operational aspects of delivering design work.

• Connect to Teague: Tailor your presentation to resonate with Teague's known clients and industries. Articulate how your experience is directly relevant.

• Be Ready for Critique: Expect questions that challenge your decisions and approach; view this as an opportunity to demonstrate your critical thinking and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe beyond design skills to assess strategic leadership, business development aptitude, and cultural fit within an employee-owned, client-focused consultancy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director, UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that showcase your leadership in UX strategy, complex problem-solving, and successful client engagements. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your role, process, and the outcomes achieved.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 10+ years of design consulting experience, 3+ years in creative leadership, and specific achievements in leading cross-functional teams and contributing to business development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, strategic rationale, and your approach to design operations and team leadership. Be ready to discuss your experience with clients in aviation, automotive, or similar complex industries.

• Research Teague: Understand their mission, values, client base, and recent work. Prepare to articulate how your leadership style and experience align with their culture and business objectives, particularly their employee-owned structure.

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

---