Director, UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, UX/UI Designer Company: Konrad Location: San José, Costa Rica Job Type: Full-Time Category: UX/UI Design Leadership Date Posted: July 28, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Managerial) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design for digital products, ensuring best-in-class quality and user-centricity.
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of talented designers, fostering a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and design excellence.
• Collaborate closely with clients and cross-functional teams to translate complex business requirements into intuitive and visually compelling digital solutions.
• Drive design operations, including project scoping, resource planning, and the establishment of high design standards across all deliverables and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within the design function, requiring not only strong individual design craft but also the ability to manage a team, influence stakeholders, and contribute to the broader design practice and operational efficiency of the consultancy. The "Director" title indicates a significant level of responsibility and strategic input.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver exceptional user experiences and interfaces with meticulous attention to craft, usability, and overall polish across various digital platforms.
• Develop and maintain sophisticated design systems, interaction models, and user flows using Figma, ensuring consistency and scalability.
• Establish and uphold a high standard for design quality across all creative output, from initial concepts to final pixel-perfect deliverables.
• Leverage UX research methodologies, usability testing insights, and product data analytics to iteratively refine and enhance user-centered designs.
• Facilitate and lead stakeholder reviews, effectively prioritizing feedback and driving consensus on design decisions to align with project and business objectives.
• Navigate complex project landscapes, ambiguous requirements, and diverse stakeholder needs with clarity, empathy, and strategic problem-solving.
• Lead design teams through all project phases, from discovery and ideation to execution and implementation, ensuring a cohesive product vision.
• Align cross-disciplinary teams, including product managers, engineers, and marketing specialists, around a shared understanding of the product vision and design strategy.
• Identify and champion emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices to inform strategic investments and maintain a competitive edge.
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level designers, cultivating their professional growth and contributing to a team culture of continuous learning and constructive feedback.
• Contribute to design operations, providing support for project scoping, resource allocation, and timeline estimations to ensure efficient project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work, team leadership, client interaction, and operational contributions. This indicates a senior-level role focused on both strategic design thinking and practical execution, with a strong emphasis on team development and process improvement within a consultancy environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design.
• At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or management role, directly overseeing design teams and projects.
• Proven track record of successfully leading design projects from concept to launch, demonstrating impact on user engagement and business goals.
• Experience in informing project timelines, scoping requirements, and contributing to resource planning within a project management context.

Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in Figma: Demonstrated mastery in creating complex design systems, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
• Strong UX/UI Design Craft: Exceptional ability in visual design, interaction design, information architecture, and user-centered design principles.
• Portfolio Excellence: A comprehensive and compelling portfolio showcasing high-quality work across experience, visual, and interaction design, with clear articulation of process and outcomes.
• Advanced English Communication: Fluency in English, both written and verbal, for effective client and team communication, presentations, and stakeholder management.
• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, inspire, and mentor design teams, fostering professional growth and a collaborative environment.
• Stakeholder Management: Skill in presenting complex design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership and clients.
• Data Synthesis: Ability to effectively synthesize research findings, user feedback, and product data into actionable design strategies and improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with various prototyping tools beyond Figma, such as InVision, Adobe XD, or Principle.
• Branding Experience: Familiarity with brand strategy, visual identity development, and ensuring brand consistency in digital experiences.
• Design Operations: Experience in establishing and managing design processes, workflows, and best practices to optimize team efficiency and output.
• Usability Testing: Experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests to gather user insights.
• Familiarity with specific design courses: Experience with platforms like BrainStation, highlighting relevant coursework in cover letters.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma proficiency, a strong portfolio, and advanced English is critical. The preference for branding and design operations experience suggests the company values a holistic approach to design and its integration into business processes, reflecting the consultancy environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate Impact: Showcase case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, and the measurable impact of your work on user experience and business objectives.
• Process Visualization: Include visual representations of your design process, such as user journey maps, wireframes, user flows, and site maps, to illustrate strategic thinking.
• System Design: Present examples of design systems or style guides you have contributed to or led, highlighting principles of consistency, scalability, and usability.
• Interaction Design: Feature examples of sophisticated interaction design, showcasing microinteractions, animations, and intuitive user flows that enhance usability.
• Deliverables: Include a range of high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and final UI designs that reflect a high level of craft and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of designing and optimizing UX/UI workflows, from initial concept and research through to final design delivery and handoff.
• Figma Proficiency: Detailed examples of how Figma was used for collaborative design, component management, and prototyping within a team setting.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Documentation or case studies illustrating how you collaborated with engineering, product management, and other stakeholders to implement designs effectively.
• Design Operations Contribution: Examples of contributions to design operations, such as establishing design guidelines, improving design handoff processes, or contributing to project scoping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, serving as tangible proof of design expertise, leadership capabilities, and process understanding. Candidates should focus on demonstrating a strategic approach to design problem-solving and its impact, rather than just showcasing aesthetic output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Director-level UX/UI Designer with 5+ years of experience in a leadership role in San José, Costa Rica, the estimated annual salary range would be approximately CRC 35,000,000 - CRC 55,000,000 (approximately $65,000 - $105,000 USD). This range reflects the significant leadership responsibilities, strategic impact, and required expertise.

Benefits:

• Mentorship Program: Access to guidance and professional development through a structured mentorship initiative.
• Socials, Outings & Retreats: Opportunities for team building and social engagement through company-organized events.
• Culture of Learning & Development: Support for continuous professional growth, including access to training, workshops, and industry resources.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits Package: Robust health, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness programs.
• Flexible Working Hours: Adaptable work schedules to better accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.
• Work from Home Flexibility: Options for remote work, allowing for a hybrid work setup that balances office collaboration with personal flexibility.
• Service Recognition Programs: Acknowledgment and rewards for employee loyalty and contributions over time.

Working Hours:

• The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, with an emphasis on flexible working hours to promote work-life balance and accommodate diverse needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on cost of living and market rates for senior design leadership roles in Costa Rica, cross-referenced with global design consultancy salary data. The benefits package emphasizes professional development and employee well-being, aligning with modern workplace expectations for senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Consultancy / Technology Services. Konrad operates in the digital transformation space, helping global clients solve complex business challenges through innovative digital products and solutions. Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "hundreds of millions of consumers" and a consultancy model suggests a mid to large-sized organization with a global client base and significant project volume. Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's description as "next generation" implies a modern, forward-thinking approach to digital services.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team likely comprises designers with varying levels of experience, reporting into this Director role.
• The Director will report to a higher-level executive, potentially a Head of Design, Chief Product Officer, or similar, depending on Konrad's organizational hierarchy.
• Cross-functional collaboration is central, with designers working closely with project managers, client stakeholders, business analysts, developers, and QA teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using UX research, usability insights, and product data to inform design decisions and measure success.
• Agile & Iterative Processes: Likely employs agile methodologies for project delivery, allowing for flexibility, rapid iteration, and continuous improvement in design and development.
• Client-Centric Approach: A core focus on understanding and meeting client business goals while ensuring exceptional user experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Konrad's positioning as a "next generation digital consultancy" suggests a culture that values innovation, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to client challenges. The emphasis on thoughtful and driven team players points towards a collaborative and high-performance environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, equivalent to an "Associate Director" or "Senior Manager" in many organizations, specifically focused on UX/UI. It involves strategic oversight, team management, and significant client-facing responsibilities. Reporting Structure: The Director will likely report to a VP of Design, Head of Product, or a similar senior executive. They will manage a team of UX/UI designers, potentially ranging from junior to senior levels. Operations Impact: The Director's work directly influences the success of client digital products, impacting user adoption, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the client's business outcomes. By setting design standards and leading teams, they contribute to Konrad's reputation for delivering high-quality digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Head of Design, VP of Design, or a more specialized leadership role within the consultancy, managing larger teams or specific client portfolios.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the company's design methodology, influence service offerings, and contribute to business development strategy.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, accessibility, or emerging technologies through leading complex projects.
• Mentorship Development: Develop strong leadership and coaching skills by mentoring designers and contributing to the company's talent development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role in a consultancy, growth often involves expanding team responsibility, taking on larger or more strategic client engagements, and contributing to the firm's overall design practice development. The emphasis on "lifelong learners" suggests strong support for continuous skill enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting mentions "#LI-Hybrid," indicating a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a mix of in-office work for collaboration and on-site presence, and remote work flexibility. The office environment is likely modern and conducive to creative collaboration. Office Location(s): The primary location is San José, Costa Rica. The company may have other international offices, but this role is based in San José.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office is expected to feature collaborative work areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated spaces for design critiques and workshops.
• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design software (Figma, prototyping tools), collaboration platforms, and necessary hardware.
• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for interaction with design colleagues, project teams, and client representatives, fostering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Work Schedule:

• The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered. This allows designers to manage their time effectively while ensuring project deadlines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering a balance between focused individual work and collaborative team engagement. This setup is common in digital consultancies to foster innovation and client responsiveness.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will likely conduct an initial screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, case studies, and leadership approach. A design challenge or case study analysis may be part of this stage to evaluate problem-solving skills and design thinking.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Interviews with other designers or team members to assess collaboration style, technical skills, and how well the candidate would integrate into the team.
• Leadership/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior management or key stakeholders to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, client management skills, and overall fit for the Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio around compelling narratives for each project. Clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process undertaken, and the tangible outcomes or impact achieved.
• Process Depth: Showcase your entire design process, from initial research and ideation through wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and final design delivery. Explain why you made certain decisions.
• Leadership Examples: Include examples of how you've led design teams, mentored junior designers, or managed stakeholder expectations and feedback.
• Figma Mastery: Highlight specific projects where Figma was instrumental in your workflow, demonstrating your advanced skills in design systems, collaboration, and prototyping.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, increased user satisfaction).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Consultancy Model: Be prepared to discuss how design fits into a consultancy context, including client management, project scoping, and delivering value to diverse clients.
• Strategic Thinking: Practice articulating design strategy in relation to business goals and user needs. Be ready to discuss emerging trends and how they might be applied.
• Communication Clarity: Prepare to communicate complex design ideas and decisions clearly and concisely to a non-design audience. Practice presenting your portfolio and any case study work effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's comprehensive capabilities, from individual design skill and leadership to strategic thinking and client interaction. A well-prepared portfolio presentation that highlights process and impact is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool, expected to be used for UI design, prototyping, design system management, and team collaboration. Mastery is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with other prototyping tools like InVision, Principle, or Adobe XD may be beneficial for varied project needs.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for team communication, project management, and workflow tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: Experience with tools such as Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
• User Feedback Platforms: Familiarity with tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback, such as surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform) or user testing platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design integrates with customer journeys managed in CRM systems (like Salesforce) can be advantageous.
• Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools that support design team operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. Exposure to user analytics and feedback tools is important for demonstrating a data-driven approach to design. The role requires an understanding of how design outputs integrate into broader client workflows and systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to exploring new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to create forward-thinking solutions.
• Excellence & Craft: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and user-centered designs with meticulous attention to detail.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Learning: Encouraging a mindset of lifelong learning, skill development, and staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client success by deeply understanding their needs and delivering impactful digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure design alignment and successful product development.
• Constructive Feedback Culture: Openness to giving and receiving feedback to continuously improve designs and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, learnings, and best practices among team members to elevate collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be geared towards high-performance, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, typical of successful digital consultancies. The emphasis on continuous learning and client focus are key cultural pillars.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs & User Experience: Navigating situations where client business goals may conflict with optimal user experience, requiring strong negotiation and persuasive communication skills.
• Managing Design Ambiguity: Working with complex client requirements or new product initiatives that involve a high degree of uncertainty, demanding structured problem-solving.
• Leading Diverse Teams: Effectively managing and motivating a team of designers with varying skill sets, personalities, and career aspirations.
• Staying Current: Keeping pace with the rapid evolution of design tools, technologies, and user expectations in the digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Methodologies: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like service design, design strategy, or advanced UX research techniques.
• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on management, mentorship, and strategic leadership within a consultancy environment.
• Industry Exposure: Engaging with diverse clients and industries, providing exposure to a wide range of design challenges and solutions.
• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from senior leaders within Konrad and potentially external mentors to accelerate career growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a senior leadership role in a dynamic consultancy. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways for both design specialization and broader leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new feature for [example client product type], considering both user needs and business objectives?" Prepare to discuss your framework for strategy development.
• Leadership & Mentorship: "Describe a time you had to mentor a struggling designer or resolve a conflict within your design team. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" Focus on demonstrating leadership and team development skills.
• Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a complex design problem you faced, detailing your process for analysis, ideation, and solution implementation. What were the key trade-offs you considered?" Be ready to articulate your problem-solving methodology.
• Client Management: "How do you handle challenging client feedback or pushback on design recommendations?" Prepare examples of how you manage stakeholder relationships and communicate design rationale.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Konrad's Vision: "What do you understand about Konrad's mission and how does your leadership style align with a 'next generation digital consultancy'?" Research the company's services and values.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you foster a collaborative and inclusive environment within a design team?" Be ready to discuss your approach to team building and collaboration.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work and its impact on business outcomes?" Prepare to discuss metrics and how you link design to ROI.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your leadership, strategic thinking, and design craft.
• Focus on Process & Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Leadership: Integrate examples of your leadership, mentorship, and stakeholder management within your project case studies.
• Figma Demonstration: Be prepared to briefly showcase your Figma skills, perhaps by walking through a component library or a complex interaction you designed.
• Conciseness: Aim for a clear, engaging, and concise presentation, respecting the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only strong design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership acumen, and the ability to thrive in a client-facing consultancy environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical opportunity to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Director, UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Konrad careers page. Ensure your resume and cover letter are tailored to highlight relevant experience.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio that prominently features case studies demonstrating your leadership, strategic design thinking, and mastery of Figma. Tailor the selection of projects to align with Konrad's consultancy focus and client-centric approach.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience and 3+ years in a leadership role. Quantify your achievements with metrics wherever possible, focusing on impact and contribution to project success.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and problem-solving approaches. Prepare to discuss specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Konrad's services, client work, and company culture. Understand their positioning as a "next generation digital consultancy" and how your skills and experience can contribute to their mission.

⚠️ 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.