Lead UX Designer (IGT1 Lanka: Poka)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer Company: IFS (for IGT1 Lanka client: Poka) Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka Job Type: Full-time Category: UX/UI Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-08-07T08:16:18.997 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-8 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user experience strategy and product direction with a strong AI-first mindset, ensuring user-centered design principles are integrated into the product development lifecycle.
• Lead and mentor a small team of UX designers, providing guidance, structure, and feedback to foster their growth and ensure high-quality design output.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Owners and engineers, to co-create and validate intuitive and efficient user interfaces across web and mobile platforms.
• Champion a design culture that balances user value, technical feasibility, and business outcomes, actively participating in squad-level discussions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead UX Designer within IFS's offshore talent solutions arm, IGT1 Lanka, serving their client Poka. The emphasis on "AI-first mindset" and "connected workers in manufacturing" suggests a focus on data-driven design, predictive interfaces, and user experiences that enhance operational efficiency in industrial settings. The "hybrid" work arrangement indicates a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, typical for modern tech roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to shaping product strategy by translating company goals and user needs into actionable UX strategies, identifying opportunities for product and design improvements.
• Lead and support UX Designers in crafting intuitive and efficient interfaces for web and mobile applications, providing constructive feedback and design direction.
• Drive the adoption and evolution of the design system to ensure coherence, scalability, and consistency across the product portfolio.
• Actively participate in squad-level discussions, bringing a design perspective to trade-offs and prioritization conversations to align teams on user-centered decisions.
• Establish and maintain practices for visual quality assurance (QA), bug triage, and consistent adherence to design standards throughout the development process.
• Leverage user feedback and behavioral data to drive iterative improvements and maintain a high-quality, user-friendly experience.
• Maintain detailed and accessible documentation for UI architecture, key user flows, and interaction patterns to support development and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate closely with cross-regional teams to prioritize and implement design refinements, ensuring iterative improvements align with user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design, team mentorship, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "AI-first mindset," "user feedback and behavior data," and "design system evolution" points towards a need for data proficiency and systemic thinking in design operations. The requirement to collaborate with "cross-regional teams" suggests an understanding of global design practices and communication nuances.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• University degree or equivalent qualification in a related field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

Experience:

• 5-8 years of progressive experience in UI/UX design, with a demonstrated ability to own and deliver end-to-end design solutions.
• Proven track record of leading and mentoring a team of designers, fostering their professional development and ensuring high-quality design output.
• Experience in designing for best-of-breed or enterprise-grade business applications is considered a plus, indicating a preference for complex B2B SaaS environments.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Expertise in user research, wireframing, prototyping, user flows, and information architecture.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Ability to guide, support, and develop junior and mid-level designers.
• User-Centered Design: Strong understanding and application of usability principles, user-centered design practices, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with Product Owners, engineers, and other stakeholders in a cross-functional team environment.
• Prototyping & Design Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a specific mention of Figma.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex design decisions and processes clearly to diverse audiences.
• AI-First Mindset: A proactive approach to integrating artificial intelligence concepts and capabilities into user experience strategies and design solutions.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset focused on iterative design, learning from user feedback, and driving ongoing enhancements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for the manufacturing industry or frontline workers.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions.
• Knowledge of design system implementation and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements emphasize a solid foundation in core UX principles and tools, coupled with leadership experience. The mention of "Figma" as a required tool is crucial for candidates. The preference for enterprise application design experience suggests a need for understanding complex workflows and B2B user needs. The "AI-first mindset" is a key differentiator for this role, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating end-to-end design thinking from discovery to delivery.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, user research methodologies employed, design process, challenges faced, and the impact of the final solution.
• Evidence of leadership and mentorship within design projects, highlighting how you guided team members and contributed to their growth.
• Demonstration of how you have influenced product direction and decision-making through user-centered design advocacy and data-driven insights.
• Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, showing an understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of detailed documentation for UI architecture, key user flows, and interaction patterns, showcasing clarity and thoroughness.
• Demonstration of how user feedback and behavioral data were collected, analyzed, and used to drive iterative design improvements.
• Evidence of collaboration with engineering teams, including how design intent was communicated and implemented, and how visual QA was performed.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be used to assess not only design skills but also leadership capabilities and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare case studies that highlight their ability to drive impact, mentor others, and integrate AI-first principles into their work. Demonstrating experience with design systems and rigorous documentation practices will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Lead UX Designer with 5-8 years of experience in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the estimated annual salary range is likely between LKR 3,000,000 and LKR 5,500,000. This can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, interview performance, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to work both from home and in the office, promoting a work-life balance and fostering collaborative team environments.
• Global Impact: Opportunity to work with international clients and contribute to high-impact, enterprise-level initiatives for leading manufacturing companies.
• Professional Development: Access to continuous learning opportunities, skill enhancement programs, and potential for career advancement within IFS and its subsidiaries.
• Collaborative Environment: Be part of a "people-first" culture that champions diversity, teamwork, and a supportive atmosphere.
• Competitive Compensation Package: Includes salary, and potentially other benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and performance bonuses, common for roles within multinational tech companies.

Working Hours:

• Typically, a standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility to accommodate project needs and cross-regional team collaboration, aligning with typical full-time employment in the tech sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific salary details are not provided, the role's seniority and location suggest a competitive compensation package. The benefits focus on flexibility, professional growth, and the unique opportunity to work with global clients through a reputable organization like IFS. The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Colombo, Sri Lanka, considering the experience level and the nature of the work within a multinational IT services company.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, specializing in Offshore Technology and Talent Solutions. The client, Poka, operates within the Software/SaaS sector, specifically for the manufacturing industry. Company Size: IFS is a large, established technology company. IGT1 Lanka, as a subsidiary, is described as "rapidly growing" with "over 400 professionals and counting," indicating a significant and expanding team. Founded: IFS was founded in 1983. IGT1 Lanka is a newer entity, positioning itself as a modern offshore delivery partner.

Team Structure:

• The Lead UX Designer will be part of the IGT1 Lanka team, which serves as an extension of the client's (Poka's) product and engineering teams.
• The role involves leading a "small team of designers," suggesting a direct reporting structure for these individuals.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Owners (POs), engineers, and other stakeholders within the client's "squads," indicating an agile, cross-functional team setup.

Methodology:

• AI-First Mindset: The design approach is expected to be heavily influenced by artificial intelligence, aiming to create intelligent and predictive user experiences.
• User-Centered Design: A core methodology, ensuring that user needs and behaviors are at the forefront of all design decisions.
• Agile & Iterative Development: Designers are involved at every stage of the product lifecycle, working closely with squads to shape solutions and iterate based on feedback.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Leveraging user feedback and behavior data to inform design choices and drive improvements.
• Design System Evolution: A focus on building and maintaining a scalable and coherent design system for consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.ifs.com/ (IFS), https://poka.io/ (Client: Poka)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a "people-first" approach, diversity, teamwork, and continuous learning. The offshore collaboration model means the Lead UX Designer will be integrated into the client's (Poka's) operational structure, experiencing their specific team dynamics and workflows. The focus on manufacturing and AI positions this role at the intersection of industrial technology and cutting-edge UX.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead-level position within the UX Design discipline. It signifies a transition from individual contribution to leadership, requiring both strong design craft and the ability to mentor, guide, and influence a team and product direction. Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer will likely report to a higher-level design manager or director within IGT1 Lanka or IFS, and will directly lead a small team of UX designers. They will also work very closely with Product Owners and Engineering Leads within the Poka client squads. Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer will have a direct impact on the usability, efficiency, and adoption of Poka's platform, particularly for frontline manufacturing workers. By improving the user experience, they will contribute to Poka's mission of helping manufacturers improve productivity, reduce errors, and drive continuous improvement, thereby impacting client success and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills by managing and mentoring a design team, potentially leading to larger design teams or management roles.
• Specialization in Manufacturing Tech: Deepen expertise in designing for the industrial sector and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within manufacturing operations.
• AI-Driven Design Expertise: Develop specialized skills in applying AI-first principles to UX design, a growing and high-demand area.
• Cross-functional Influence: Grow influence within product development cycles by becoming a key strategic partner to Product and Engineering.
• Career Progression within IFS: Potential for advancement into senior leadership roles within IFS's global operations or specialized design functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant step up in responsibility, moving into a leadership position with direct impact on product strategy and team development. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in a niche but critical industry (manufacturing tech) and a cutting-edge design approach (AI-first).

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company embraces flexibility and hybrid work opportunities. This suggests a modern office space designed for collaboration, complemented by the ability to work remotely. Office Location(s): The primary location is Colombo, Sri Lanka, specifically noting its presence in Port City Colombo. This indicates a modern business hub environment. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment likely supports team collaboration, workshops, and in-person brainstorming sessions, essential for design work.
• Tech-Enabled: Expect access to modern design tools, software, and collaboration platforms necessary for effective UX work.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact closely with Product Owners, engineers, and other team members from both IGT1 Lanka and the client (Poka).
• Global Connectivity: The nature of the offshore model implies a strong reliance on digital communication tools for seamless collaboration with international teams. Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the hybrid model suggests flexibility in how and when work is accomplished, provided team collaboration and project deadlines are met. This allows for efficient management of design processes and data analysis alongside team syncs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect, offering a balance between structured in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The location in Port City Colombo suggests a modern, professional setting. The emphasis on community and connection, even within a hybrid setup, points to a company culture that values team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely with an IGT1 Lanka recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A discussion with the direct manager or a senior design lead to delve deeper into UX philosophy, leadership experience, and problem-solving skills.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical assessment where candidates present their portfolio, discuss case studies, and potentially complete a design exercise. This is crucial for evaluating design thinking, process, and communication.
• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Interview: An interview with Product Owners and/or Engineering Leads from the Poka client team to assess collaboration skills and ability to contribute within a product squad.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Focus on 3-4 projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to drive impact, particularly those with complex challenges or AI integration.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes. Emphasize your leadership and mentorship contributions.
• Highlight Process: Detail your UX process, including research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping tools, and validation strategies.
• Showcase Collaboration: Provide examples of how you collaborated with engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced error rates, improved task completion times).
• Design System Examples: If you have experience with design systems, highlight your contributions and understanding of their importance for scalability and consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Poka's Product: Research Poka's platform, its target users (frontline manufacturing workers), and its value proposition.
• Practice Design Thinking: Be prepared to walk through your problem-solving process for a hypothetical design challenge, focusing on user empathy, ideation, and iteration.
• Articulate AI-First Concepts: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing with an AI-first mindset, considering data, machine learning, and predictive capabilities.
• Communicate Effectively: Practice presenting your work and ideas clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about your decisions and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess a candidate's comprehensive skill set, from core UX craft to leadership and strategic thinking. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio presentation is paramount. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design philosophy, demonstrate leadership, and show how they can contribute to an AI-driven product in the manufacturing space.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required proficiency for design and prototyping. This will be the core tool for UI design, wireframing, and creating interactive prototypes.
• UX Research Tools: Proficiency in tools for user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., Lookback, UserTesting.com, Maze).
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other advanced prototyping tools might be beneficial for complex interactions.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for day-to-day team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Experience with web/product analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that help in presenting user data and design impact (e.g., Tableau, Looker, or built-in dashboard features within analytics platforms).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX design integrates with CRM and automation platforms to create seamless user journeys would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Beyond that, a strong understanding of the broader UX toolchain, including research, prototyping, collaboration, and analytics tools, is expected. The ability to leverage data to inform design is crucial given the "AI-first mindset" emphasis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, particularly the unique requirements of frontline manufacturing workers.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members, fostering a "people-first" culture.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing emerging technologies like AI, and constantly seeking ways to enhance products and processes.
• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality design solutions, maintaining design standards, and ensuring user experience excellence.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes and contributing actively to the success of product squads.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are embedded within product squads, working closely with Product Owners and Engineers from discovery through delivery.
• Open Communication: Encouraging clear, direct, and constructive communication to ensure design intent is understood and implemented effectively.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that values and actively seeks feedback from users, stakeholders, and peers to refine designs and processes.
• Shared Ownership: Designers are encouraged to take ownership of solutions and contribute to decision-making alongside other team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of IFS's established values and the agile, collaborative environment of its client's product teams. The emphasis on "people-first," collaboration, and continuous improvement suggests a supportive yet high-performance environment. The role requires adaptability to work within the client's specific team dynamics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Frontline Workers: Understanding and catering to the specific needs, environments, and technical literacy of manufacturing floor personnel can be challenging.
• AI Integration Complexity: Effectively translating AI capabilities into intuitive and valuable user experiences requires careful design and testing.
• Cross-Regional Collaboration: Working with distributed teams across different time zones and cultures requires strong communication and coordination skills.
• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: As a lead, you'll need to navigate trade-offs effectively to deliver optimal solutions.
• Mentoring and Leading: Developing and guiding a team while also contributing strategically requires strong time management and interpersonal skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Manufacturing Technology: Gain specialized knowledge in the domain of industrial SaaS and digital transformation in manufacturing.
• Advanced AI in UX: Become an expert in applying AI-first principles and technologies to product design.
• Design Leadership Skills: Enhance your ability to lead, mentor, and manage design teams.
• Exposure to Global Best Practices: Learn from diverse teams and contribute to international projects.
• Certification & Training: Potential access to training programs and certifications relevant to UX, AI, and product management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents exciting challenges in a growing sector, offering substantial opportunities for skill development and career advancement. The ability to navigate the complexities of designing for industrial environments and integrating AI will be key to success and professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for Poka that leverages AI to predict potential equipment failures on the factory floor?" (Tests AI-first thinking, problem-solving, user-centered approach).
• "Describe a time you mentored a junior designer. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses leadership, mentorship, and team development skills).
• "Walk me through a complex design project from your portfolio. What were the key challenges, how did you overcome them, and what was the impact?" (Evaluates design process, problem-solving, and ability to communicate impact).
• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for a diverse user base, particularly those in industrial settings?" (Tests understanding of accessibility and user empathy).
• "What is your process for collaborating with engineers and product managers to ensure a design vision is realized effectively?" (Assesses cross-functional collaboration and communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Poka and the manufacturing industry?" (Assesses research and genuine interest).
• "How do you see yourself fitting into our 'people-first' culture and hybrid work model?" (Evaluates cultural alignment and adaptability).
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX design and AI?" (Tests commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as narratives with clear beginnings, middles, and ends. Focus on the "why" behind your decisions.
• Highlight Leadership: Specifically point out instances where you led, mentored, or influenced design direction.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, prototypes, and concise explanations. For case studies, focus on the process and outcomes, not just the final UI.
• Quantify Results: If possible, provide metrics demonstrating the impact of your work (e.g., conversion rates, task success, user satisfaction).
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback or criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design, AI integration, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practicing the narrative and preparing for detailed questions is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership, AI-first design thinking, and experience with complex applications or enterprise software. Focus on case studies that show your process and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-8 years of experience, leadership roles, proficiency in Figma, and any relevant manufacturing or AI experience. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design philosophy, leadership approach, and how you apply user-centered and AI-first principles. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, focusing on storytelling and measurable outcomes.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research IFS, IGT1 Lanka, and Poka. Understand their mission, products, and target markets, especially Poka's focus on manufacturing and connected workers. This will help you articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.