Manager - UX/UI Designer(Open Finance) 6 Months Contract Onsite in UAE - Octopus

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Manager - UX/UI Designer (Open Finance)

Company: Robusta

Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: March 16, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (6-8 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design process for innovative Open Finance digital products, ensuring a user-centered approach.

• Develop intuitive, seamless, and engaging user journeys across web and mobile platforms, aligning with business objectives and user needs.

• Drive the end-to-end design lifecycle, from conceptualization and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and visual design, ensuring consistency with established design systems.

• Foster strong collaboration with Product Managers, Developers, and other cross-functional teams to translate product strategy into exceptional user experiences.

• Contribute to the evolution of UX strategy and continuous improvement of design processes within an Agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 6-month contract position, focusing on the Open Finance sector. The "Manager" title suggests leadership responsibilities within the design function for this specific project, requiring not only strong design skills but also the ability to guide processes and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders. The emphasis on "Open Finance" indicates a need for understanding financial product user flows and regulatory considerations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and architect intuitive information architecture and interaction flows for complex digital platforms, including websites and mobile applications.

• Create detailed wireframes, user flows, and sitemaps to clearly define navigation, content hierarchy, and user journeys.

• Develop low-fidelity and high-fidelity interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, or Miro to effectively communicate design concepts.

• Produce high-quality UI designs, mockups, and visual assets that adhere to brand guidelines and design system requirements.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to understand product requirements, user needs, and business goals, translating them into effective design solutions.

• Partner with Software Developers to ensure design feasibility, provide detailed specifications, and maintain design integrity throughout the development process.

• Support and contribute to user research activities, including usability testing, user interviews, and feedback analysis, to inform design decisions.

• Present design concepts, research findings, and usability insights clearly and persuasively to stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

• Advocate for user needs and best practices in UX/UI design throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of UX strategy, design processes, and workflows.

• Ensure designs comply with digital accessibility standards and consider responsive design principles for various devices.

• Manage design project timelines and deliverables, ensuring successful execution from concept to final implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight ownership of the design lifecycle, from strategic input (UX Strategy) to detailed execution (UI Design, Prototyping). The mention of "Open Finance" implies a need to understand financial services user journeys, data security, and potentially regulatory compliance within the design context. Collaboration with "stakeholders" suggests communication and presentation skills are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Manager-level UX/UI role.

Experience: 6-8 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in designing complex web and mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX/UI design for web and mobile applications, with a strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Extensive experience in wireframing, creating user flows, and developing interactive prototypes.

• Proficiency in leading UX/UI design tools such as Figma, Sketch, Miro, or Adobe XD.

• Demonstrated ability to conduct and support user research, usability testing, and analysis of user feedback.

• Experience working effectively within cross-functional teams in an Agile or Lean development environment.

• Strong understanding of interaction design, information architecture, and visual design principles.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Open Finance sector or broader FinTech industry.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems.

• Basic understanding of HTML/CSS and front-end development principles to facilitate collaboration with developers.

• Experience with user journey mapping and service design.

• Familiarity with project management methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Manager" title and the 6-8 year experience requirement suggest that candidates should not only possess strong individual design skills but also demonstrate leadership potential, process ownership, and the ability to influence design direction and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. The "Open Finance" context is a significant differentiator for preferred skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6-8 years of professional UX/UI design experience, with a strong emphasis on digital products for web and mobile platforms.

• Clear demonstration of end-to-end design process, from initial research and wireframing through to high-fidelity prototyping and UI design.

• Case studies that highlight problem-solving skills, user-centered design methodologies, and how design decisions were informed by user research and business goals.

• Examples of contributions to design systems, style guides, or UI pattern libraries.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams, including product managers and developers.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and demonstrate the design process used for past projects, including ideation, user flow mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Examples of how user feedback and research findings were integrated into design iterations and improvements.

• Documentation of how designs were translated into specifications for development teams.

• Understanding of Agile/Lean methodologies and how design processes adapt within these frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature and the focus on a specific domain (Open Finance), the portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to deliver impactful UX/UI solutions within a defined scope and timeline. Demonstrating process and how it leads to tangible results (user adoption, satisfaction, business goals) will be critical for evaluation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Manager-level UX/UI Designer with 6-8 years of experience in Abu Dhabi on a 6-month contract, the estimated salary range would typically be between AED 25,000 to AED 40,000 per month, depending on experience, specific skill set, and the client's budget. This translates to an approximate annual equivalent of AED 300,000 to AED 480,000.

Benefits:

• Contract Duration: 6-month contract, offering a defined project scope and potential for extension or future opportunities.

• On-site Work Environment: Access to a dedicated workspace in Abu Dhabi, facilitating in-person collaboration.

• Professional Development: Opportunity to gain specialized experience in the rapidly evolving Open Finance sector.

• Exposure to Innovative Projects: Work on cutting-edge digital products within the financial technology space.

• Standard UAE Contractual Benefits: This would typically include end-of-service benefits as per UAE labor law, and potentially health insurance coverage for the contract duration, though specific details would need to be confirmed with Robusta.

Working Hours: The role is expected to be full-time, aligning with standard business hours in the UAE, likely around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required based on project deadlines and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a contract role, benefits may differ from full-time permanent positions. Salary estimates are based on general market rates for senior UX/UI roles in Abu Dhabi and the contract duration. It's crucial for candidates to clarify all contractual terms, benefits, and payment schedules directly with Robusta. The "Manager" title, even for a contract, implies a higher compensation bracket.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Financial Services (specifically Open Finance), Consulting. Robusta appears to be a company that provides technology solutions and expertise, potentially acting as a consultancy or development partner for clients in specialized sectors like Open Finance.

Company Size: Information on Robusta's exact size is not provided, but the nature of offering specialized contract roles suggests a dynamic organization that may scale based on project needs.

Founded: Specific founding date for Robusta is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will likely be part of a project-specific team, reporting to a Project Manager or a Lead within Robusta's client engagement structure.

• Close collaboration is expected with client-side Product Managers and Development teams, as well as internal Robusta leads or other specialists.

Methodology:

• Agile and Lean methodologies are explicitly mentioned as preferred for design iterations and optimization, indicating a fast-paced, iterative approach to product development.

• A user-centered design approach is fundamental, emphasizing research, feedback loops, and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration and stakeholder engagement are key to ensuring alignment and successful project outcomes.

Company Website: https://robustagroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Robusta is likely a consultancy or solutions provider, the culture will be project-driven and client-focused. The emphasis on "Open Finance" suggests the company has expertise in this niche, and the roles are designed to bring specialized skills to client projects. The "Manager" title indicates a need for individuals who can lead design within these client engagements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level within the UX/UI design discipline. The "Manager" title, though for a contract, implies a responsibility for overseeing the design process for a specific product area (Open Finance), requiring strategic thinking, leadership in design execution, and significant stakeholder interaction.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will report to a Project Manager or a Lead at Robusta, and will work closely with client-side Product Managers and Development teams. This is a typical matrixed reporting structure for contract roles within consulting or project-based organizations.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of the Open Finance digital products. By creating intuitive and user-friendly experiences, they will influence user adoption, customer satisfaction, engagement rates, and ultimately the achievement of business objectives for the client. Strong design can reduce development rework, improve conversion rates, and enhance brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in the Open Finance sector, a rapidly growing and complex field within FinTech.

• Project Leadership: Gain experience managing design deliverables and processes within a client-facing project environment.

• Skill Enhancement: Refine skills in advanced prototyping, user research, and design system development.

• Portfolio Expansion: Add significant, high-impact projects within the financial services domain to their professional portfolio.

• Networking: Build professional relationships with stakeholders in the UAE's financial technology ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is often measured by the experience gained, the complexity of projects handled, and the skills honed. This role offers a unique opportunity to specialize in Open Finance and demonstrate leadership in a project setting, which can be a stepping stone to permanent roles or further specialized contract opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role in Abu Dhabi, implying a professional office setting. It will likely be an environment conducive to focused design work, team collaboration, and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This location places the candidate within a key business hub in the UAE, offering exposure to the region's financial and technological landscape.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires extensive interaction with Product Managers, Developers, and client stakeholders, necessitating an environment that supports frequent communication and feedback loops.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma, Sketch, Miro, etc.) and collaboration tools will be essential. The office environment should support these technological needs.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily stand-ups, design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and workshops with both Robusta and client teams.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours in Abu Dhabi (likely Sunday-Thursday, approximately 40 hours per week). Flexibility may be needed to accommodate project deadlines or cross-time-zone collaborations, although the on-site nature minimizes time-zone issues for immediate team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Abu Dhabi suggests a need for candidates who are either local or willing to relocate for the contract duration. The emphasis on collaboration points to an office setup that facilitates teamwork and communication.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review the resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience.

2. Technical Interview: This will likely involve a deep dive into UX/UI design skills, tool proficiency (Figma, Sketch, etc.), and understanding of design principles. Expect questions about past projects and design challenges.

3. Portfolio Review Session: A dedicated session to walk through selected case studies from the portfolio. Candidates will be expected to explain their process, design rationale, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work.

4. Stakeholder/Manager Interview: An interview with a Project Manager or Lead from Robusta, and potentially a representative from the client's product team. This will assess cultural fit, collaboration style, understanding of Open Finance, and leadership potential.

5. Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your UX/UI process, problem-solving skills, and relevance to Open Finance or complex digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), your key design decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize how you arrived at the final design. Show wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and explain the rationale behind them.

• Showcase Tools: Clearly indicate which tools you used (Figma, Sketch, Miro, etc.).

• Open Finance Focus: If possible, include projects related to FinTech or financial services to demonstrate domain understanding. If not, emphasize transferable skills in complex data visualization, secure transactions, and user trust.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the value of your design work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges faced in past projects and how you overcame them.

• Anticipate questions about your approach to user research, usability testing, and integrating feedback.

• Consider how you would approach designing for Open Finance, given its unique requirements around data sharing, security, and user trust.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of Agile/Lean methodologies and how you integrate design within these frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, the emphasis will be on demonstrating immediate impact and the ability to integrate quickly into an existing project team. The portfolio review is crucial, and candidates should be ready to defend their design decisions with data and user-centric reasoning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Miro, Adobe XD. Expertise in at least one of these is mandatory. Figma is increasingly becoming the industry standard for collaborative design.

• Wireframing & User Flow: Tools like Balsamiq, Whimsical, or features within Figma/Sketch/Miro.

• Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, or working within established design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools that facilitate remote or in-person usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).

CRM & Automation:

Other:

• Collaboration Tools: Jira, Confluence, Slack for team communication and project management.

• Basic HTML/CSS: A plus for understanding front-end implementation constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly recommended given its prevalence in modern design workflows. The "Manager" title suggests a need for a broad understanding of the design technology landscape and how different tools integrate into the product development lifecycle.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value that drives all design decisions, ensuring user needs are paramount.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: Encouraging creative problem-solving and the exploration of new design approaches and technologies.

• Excellence: Commitment to delivering high-quality, polished, and effective design solutions that meet stringent standards.

• Agility: Adaptability and responsiveness to changing requirements and feedback within iterative development cycles.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with Product Managers, Developers, business analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic product vision.

• Open Feedback: Fostering an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and incorporated into the design process.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share insights, best practices, and learnings with team members.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication to keep all parties informed and aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is likely to be fast-paced, project-oriented, and focused on delivering tangible results for clients. A candidate who is adaptable, a strong communicator, and dedicated to user advocacy will thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Domain Specificity: Navigating the complexities of Open Finance, which involves financial data, security concerns, and potentially diverse user needs (consumers, businesses, developers).

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively integrating user-centric design with stringent business objectives and technical constraints.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse opinions and priorities from various stakeholders to reach consensus on design decisions.

• Fast-Paced Contract Environment: Adapting quickly to new projects, teams, and client environments within a defined contract period.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the limitations of existing technology stacks and development capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Open Finance Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge and practical experience in a cutting-edge financial technology sector.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working with international teams and understanding different market needs within the UAE and potentially beyond.

• Advanced Design Tools & Methodologies: Staying current with the latest UX/UI tools and design thinking approaches.

• Project Leadership Experience: Developing skills in managing design processes and influencing product direction on client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for specialized contract roles in emerging tech sectors. The growth opportunities focus on skill specialization and project-based learning, which are key benefits of contract work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature for a financial product. How would you ensure user trust and data security are prioritized?"

• "Walk me through a complex UX/UI project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your role, your process, the challenges, and the outcome?" (Be prepared to discuss specific design decisions and trade-offs).

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical limitations in your designs?"

• "How would you approach designing for Open Finance, considering data privacy, regulatory compliance, and diverse user groups?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working on Open Finance products specifically?"

• "How do you adapt to new teams and project environments, especially in a contract role?"

• "What are your preferred design tools and why? How do you stay updated on new design technologies?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate key design elements and interactions.

• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., "This redesign led to a 15% increase in user engagement").

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a set timeframe (e.g., 10-15 minutes per project).

• Interactivity: If possible, have interactive prototypes ready to demonstrate key user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a strong understanding of the design process, problem-solving capabilities, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to deliver user-centered designs. Specific knowledge or demonstrated interest in the Open Finance sector will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 6-8 years of UX/UI design experience, specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Sketch, Miro), and any experience with financial products or Open Finance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most relevant case studies. Ensure they clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Prepare to discuss them in detail.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review core UX/UI principles, interaction design patterns, and common prototyping techniques. Be ready to discuss your design rationale for past projects.

• Research Robusta & Open Finance: Understand Robusta's business and the Open Finance landscape in the UAE to demonstrate genuine interest and domain awareness.

⚠️ 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.