Lead UX/UI Designer Digital Experience (DX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX/UI Designer Digital Experience (DX) Company: adesso Netherlands Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Digital Experience Design / UX/UI Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-25T00:00:00 Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid to Senior Level) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and growth of the UX/UI practice within adesso Netherlands, driving client acquisition and establishing best practices for digital experience design.
• Lead cross-functional teams through the entire design lifecycle, from initial client engagement and needs analysis to the delivery of high-fidelity wireframes, prototypes, and interface designs.
• Act as a subject matter expert, conducting UX/DX audits, usability tests, and translating complex client challenges into user-centric, innovative digital solutions.
• Foster a culture of design excellence, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement among the UX/UI team, leveraging a "lead by example" approach.
• Collaborate closely with sales and stakeholders to identify opportunities, present design strategies, and ensure the successful implementation of digital products aligned with business objectives and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Lead UX/UI Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a strategic, team-building, and client-facing leadership position focused on establishing and growing a Digital Experience (DX) practice. This goes beyond traditional UX/UI design execution and involves business development, team management, and strategic consulting within the digital product space. The "Operations" aspect is derived from building and managing the practice, implementing processes, and ensuring quality delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Practice Development & Client Engagement:
  • Take ownership of building and scaling the UX/UI capability at adesso Netherlands, defining service offerings and go-to-market strategies.
  • Actively participate in sales processes, identifying client needs, developing compelling proposals, and translating business challenges into actionable UX/DX solutions.
  • Motivate and guide clients through the design process, ensuring alignment and buy-in for user-centered design strategies.
• Design Leadership & Execution:
  • Conduct comprehensive DX/UX audits and usability testing to identify areas for improvement and provide data-driven, actionable recommendations.
  • Translate strategic insights, user research, and data analytics into well-structured user journeys, information architecture, wireframes, and intuitive interface designs.
  • Apply generative methodologies and leverage state-of-the-art techniques for analyzing and evaluating UX concepts throughout the project lifecycle.
• Team Building & Mentorship:
  • Act as a visionary and hands-on leader, setting the direction for UX/UI design within the organization and mentoring junior designers.
  • Foster internal knowledge sharing and contribute to the growth and development of the UX/UI team through training, coaching, and performance management.
  • Collaborate with international DX specialists to leverage global best practices and drive innovation.
• Project Delivery & Quality Assurance:
  • Manage the delivery of UX/UI design projects, ensuring high-quality outputs that balance client requirements with technical feasibility and available resources.
  • Present design work and strategic recommendations clearly and persuasively to clients and stakeholders, effectively justifying design decisions.
  • Ensure the optimal balance between user needs, business goals, and technical constraints in all design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a dual role: establishing a new practice (business development, strategy) and leading design delivery. The focus on "building the UX/UI practice" and "motivating customers" suggests a strong emphasis on client relationship management and business growth, typical of a senior or lead position in consulting or agency environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed HBO or WO (Bachelor's or Master's) degree in Communications, Human-Computer Interaction, Design, or a related UX/UI-focused field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record in digital product development, website design, and mobile applications.
• Demonstrable experience in leadership roles, including team building, mentorship, and driving design initiatives within an organization.
• Proven experience with client-facing roles, including sales support, presenting design solutions, and managing stakeholder expectations.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Proficient in user research methodologies, information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and visual interface design.
• Design Thinking & Methodologies: Strong command of Design Sprints, User Testing, usability analysis, and generative design techniques.
• Tool Proficiency: Expertise in industry-standard design and collaboration tools, including Figma, Miro, and the Atlassian Suite (Confluence, Jira).
• Leadership & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to translate business objectives and user needs into cohesive digital experience strategies and actionable design roadmaps.
• Portfolio: A compelling and well-curated portfolio (website or PDF) showcasing a strong understanding of UX/UI principles, design process, and successful digital product outcomes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design systems and their implementation.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles.
• Knowledge of data analysis and AI as they relate to enhancing digital experiences.
• Experience in sectors like banking, energy, or e-commerce.
• Fluency in both Dutch and English.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience, combined with the leadership and practice-building aspects, positions this role as a senior or lead position. The emphasis on "motivating clients" and "supporting new client acquisition" indicates a need for strong business acumen and sales support skills, in addition to core design competencies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Process Showcase: Clearly articulate your end-to-end design process, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and final delivery.
• Problem/Solution Framing: For each project, clearly define the client's challenge or business objective and how your design solution addressed it.
• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your design work with relevant metrics (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user satisfaction scores, task completion rates, adoption metrics).
• User-Centricity: Demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs and how they informed your design decisions through user research summaries and persona development.
• Visual Design & Interaction: Showcase high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that highlight your UI design skills and attention to detail in user interaction.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate design processes, methodologies, and best practices for internal knowledge sharing and client presentations.
• Experience in creating and maintaining design system documentation, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Proficiency in using tools like Confluence for detailed process documentation and knowledge management.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical, not just for showcasing design skills, but for demonstrating leadership potential, strategic thinking, and the ability to articulate process and impact. The emphasis on "building the practice" means candidates should be prepared to discuss how they would establish and document design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the lead role, 7+ years of experience, and the location in Utrecht, Netherlands, a competitive salary range for a Lead UX/UI Designer is estimated to be between €5,500 and €7,500 gross per month. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in the Dutch tech and consulting sector, considering responsibilities for practice building and client acquisition.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications (e.g., UX strategy, accessibility, design leadership), and international knowledge sharing with over 480 DX specialists.
• Career Growth: The chance to define and shape the DX practice in the Netherlands, offering significant autonomy and impact.
• Team Environment: A close-knit team in NL, supported by a larger European group, fostering collaboration and direct communication with minimal bureaucracy.
• Initiative & Autonomy: Freedom to take initiative, share knowledge, and contribute to team success and company growth.
• Work-Life Balance: While the role is on-site, the company culture values collaboration and initiative, suggesting a dynamic but potentially supportive work environment.
• Standard Dutch Benefits: Likely includes pension contributions, holiday allowance, and potential for performance-based bonuses, typical for full-time positions in the Netherlands.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, common in consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in the Netherlands. The benefits highlight the unique opportunity to build a practice from the ground up and access international expertise, which are key selling points for ambitious design leaders.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology & Services, Consulting, Digital Transformation. Company Size: adesso Netherlands has approximately 100 colleagues, while the broader adesso group has over 11,000 employees globally. This offers the stability and resources of a large international firm with the agility and close-knit feel of a local Dutch team. Founded: While the founding date of adesso Netherlands isn't specified, the global adesso SE was founded in 2000. This indicates a well-established company with a history in IT consulting and digital solutions.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of the Digital Experience (DX) practice within adesso Netherlands.
• This role involves building and leading the UX/UI team, implying a direct reporting structure to senior leadership or a regional head, with the expectation to mentor and manage a growing team of designers.
• Close collaboration with sales, project management, development teams, and international DX specialists across Europe is a key aspect of the role.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Focus on understanding and addressing client challenges through innovative digital solutions.
• Agile & Collaborative: Work within cross-functional, often agile, teams to deliver projects efficiently.
• Data-Driven Insights: Utilize data, AI, and user research to inform design decisions and enhance customer journeys.
• Best Practices & Innovation: Commitment to adopting state-of-the-art methods and fostering continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Company Website: adesso.nl

📝 Enhancement Note: The company size provides a strong foundation, while the Dutch entity allows for a more agile and entrepreneurial approach to building the DX practice. The emphasis on international collaboration is a significant advantage for knowledge sharing and professional development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior-level role with significant responsibility for establishing and growing a new practice area. It requires a blend of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and business development acumen. Reporting Structure: The Lead UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Managing Director or Head of Digital Services within adesso Netherlands, with the direct responsibility of building and managing a team of UX/UI designers. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on revenue generation through client acquisition and project delivery, as well as on operational efficiency by establishing robust design processes and standards. The success of the DX practice will be a key performance indicator.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into a senior leadership role, potentially heading the entire DX division in the Netherlands.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX strategy, accessibility, service design, or design operations through training and project experience.
• Business Building: Gain invaluable experience in establishing and scaling a business unit within a large international organization.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a broad understanding of IT consulting, digital transformation, and various industry sectors through diverse client projects.
• International Networking: Build a network with over 480 DX specialists across Europe, facilitating knowledge exchange and potential international project involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunity lies in building the DX practice from the ground up, offering a unique entrepreneurial challenge within a corporate structure. This role is ideal for someone looking to make a significant impact and shape a service offering.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The office is located at Jaarbeursboulevard 294 in Utrecht, a modern business district known for its accessibility and professional environment. Office Location(s): Utrecht, Netherlands. This central location in the Netherlands makes it accessible for many professionals.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Utrecht office likely serves as a hub for client meetings, team collaboration, and focused work. Expect a dynamic environment with opportunities to interact with colleagues from various disciplines.
• Technology Enabled: As an IT consulting firm, adesso likely provides modern technology and tools to support design and development workflows.
• Team Interaction: The emphasis on a "close-knit team" suggests a supportive atmosphere where designers can collaborate, share ideas, and receive feedback regularly.

Work Schedule:

• The role is full-time and on-site, requiring presence in the Utrecht office. While standard working hours apply, the nature of consulting and practice building may necessitate some flexibility to meet client demands or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Utrecht is a key factor. Professionals seeking this role should be comfortable commuting to this location and engaging in in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understand career aspirations.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader at adesso Netherlands) focusing on leadership experience, strategic thinking, and vision for the DX practice.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A session dedicated to reviewing the candidate's portfolio, discussing past projects in detail, and potentially a practical design exercise or case study presentation to assess problem-solving skills and design methodology.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members or key stakeholders from sales or delivery to evaluate collaboration style and cross-functional compatibility.
• Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a higher-level executive to confirm fit and discuss terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Present your portfolio as a series of stories, detailing the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the impact.
• Process Emphasis: Highlight your design methodology, research techniques, and decision-making rationale. Show how you arrived at the solution, not just the final output.
• Leadership Examples: Include examples where you've led projects, mentored others, or influenced design direction.
• Client-Facing Experience: Showcase projects where you've successfully presented to clients, managed feedback, and driven adoption.
• Conciseness & Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your key contributions are immediately apparent. Tailor the presentation to highlight aspects most relevant to building a practice.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions about how you would establish and grow a UX/UI practice, attract clients, and build a team.
• Anticipate scenarios related to managing client expectations, handling difficult feedback, and balancing competing priorities.
• Practice articulating your design philosophy and how you stay current with industry trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review will be a critical component, serving as a primary tool to assess not only design skills but also leadership potential and strategic thinking. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience in a consultative context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Miro: Crucial for brainstorming, user journey mapping, workshops, and collaborative ideation.
• Atlassian Suite (Confluence & Jira): Used for project management, documentation, knowledge sharing, and tracking design tasks within development workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and BI tools for data interpretation would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and measuring design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• Knowledge of CRM systems for client management and understanding how UX/UI integrates with sales processes would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Miro, and the Atlassian Suite is a hard requirement. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience integrating these tools into design workflows and team processes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Future-Forward: A commitment to creating "digital experiences of tomorrow" and leveraging cutting-edge methods.
• Customer Focus: Dedication to building accessible, personal, and innovative digital platforms that meet user needs.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working in cross-functional teams and sharing knowledge across the international group.
• Initiative & Autonomy: Encouragement for employees to take initiative, drive new ideas, and contribute to growth.
• Quality & Excellence: A drive for high-quality delivery and continuous improvement in design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with sales, project managers, developers, and other consultants, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge Sharing Culture: The company promotes active knowledge sharing within the team and across the international network of DX specialists.
• Proactive Engagement: A culture where initiative is valued, encouraging team members to contribute ideas and actively participate in shaping the practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to blend the agility and directness of a growing local team with the resources and expertise of a large international corporation. Candidates who thrive in environments that encourage initiative and collaboration will be well-suited.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Practice: The primary challenge is building the UX/UI practice from the ground up in the Netherlands, which requires significant strategic planning, business development, and team building.
• Client Acquisition: Convincing new clients of the value of DX and securing initial projects will be a key hurdle.
• Balancing Leadership and Execution: As a Lead, you'll need to balance strategic vision and practice building with hands-on design work and team mentorship.
• Market Differentiation: Differentiating adesso's DX offering in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Impact: Directly influence the direction and success of a new service line within a major international company.
• Leadership Experience: Gain extensive experience in team management, practice development, and business growth.
• Skill Enhancement: Access to training and development in UX strategy, accessibility, design leadership, and other relevant fields.
• International Exposure: Collaborate with and learn from a large network of DX specialists across Europe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but come with substantial growth opportunities for ambitious professionals looking to build something impactful.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• How would you approach building a UX/UI practice from scratch in a new market? What are the first 90 days?
• How do you identify and prioritize client needs in a sales context? How do you translate business requirements into design solutions?
• Describe your process for conducting UX audits and usability tests, and how you present actionable recommendations to clients.
• How do you foster a culture of design excellence and knowledge sharing within a team?
• What is your approach to mentoring and developing junior designers?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What attracts you to adesso Netherlands and this specific role?
• How do you see yourself contributing to our company culture and values?
• How do you handle ambiguity and a fast-paced, evolving environment?
• How do you collaborate with sales and technical teams?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, ensuring each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact.
• Narrative: Tell compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities.
• Process Visualization: Use diagrams, flowcharts, and examples of your work (wireframes, user flows, prototypes) to illustrate your design process.
• Client Impact: Focus on how your designs delivered value to clients and their users. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Preparation: Be ready to present specific projects in detail and answer in-depth questions about your design decisions and methodologies. Practice your presentation to ensure it’s clear, concise, and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of strong design skills, strategic vision, leadership potential, and a proactive, client-focused approach. Demonstrating an understanding of how to build and manage a design practice will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the adesso careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in building and leading design practices, client acquisition support, and your leadership philosophy. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases projects relevant to establishing and growing a service offering.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, and proficiency in key tools like Figma, Miro, and Atlassian Suite. Use action verbs and quantify achievements where possible, focusing on impact and process improvement.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your vision for DX at adesso Netherlands, preparing specific examples of how you've driven design initiatives, led teams, and contributed to business growth. Rehearse your portfolio presentation and be ready to discuss your approach to client challenges.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with adesso's broader services, their presence in Europe, and their client sectors (e.g., banking, energy, e-commerce) to demonstrate a genuine interest and understanding of their business context.

⚠️ 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.