Senior Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Strategist Company: Thoughtworks Location: Quito, Ecuador Job Type: Full-time Category: Experience Design / Product Strategy Date Posted: August 01, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years (Senior Level) Remote Status: Remote eligible with potential for on-site collaboration

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a Senior Design Strategist, also known internally as an Experience Designer, focusing on integrating experience design with agile software delivery.
• The position involves end-to-end customer journey design, from vision and strategy to product roadmaps, requiring strong collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Key responsibilities include creating and testing interface components using tools like Storybook, facilitating workshops, and developing unique design strategies.
• The role emphasizes measuring business outcomes and customer metrics, advocating for design thinking, and mentoring less-experienced designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Design Strategist," the description clearly states it's internally recognized as "Experience Designer." This implies a strong emphasis on user-centric design principles, user research, and the practical application of design thinking in software development. The "Senior" aspect suggests leadership, strategic input, and the ability to mentor. The remote eligibility with potential on-site needs indicates a hybrid approach might be expected for key client interactions or team syncs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design of the end-to-end customer journey, encompassing customer vision, product strategy, and product roadmap development.
• Develop and create prototypes and wireframes to visualize and test design concepts.
• Collaborate within small, cross-functional teams to produce experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, roadmaps, prototypes, and design systems, ensuring adherence to accessibility (A11y) standards.
• Develop, document, and test interface components using tools such as Storybook, ensuring quality and consistency.
• Facilitate workshops to drive design strategy and decision-making at the portfolio level for clients.
• Contribute to the planning and measurement of business outcomes and customer metrics across the entire customer journey.
• Identify and develop customer hypotheses in partnership with clients to conduct product experiments and customer tests.
• Effectively communicate business outcomes and customer value to balance client and internal expectations.
• Support and mentor less-experienced designers, sharing expertise and fostering team growth.
• Advocate for experience design principles within the broader community through speaking engagements, conferences, and meetups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking (customer vision, product strategy, roadmaps, portfolio-level decisions) and hands-on design execution (prototypes, wireframes, interface components, accessibility). The emphasis on measuring outcomes and testing hypotheses points to a data-informed approach to design. Mentoring and community advocacy are key senior-level expectations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background demonstrating proficiency in design principles is expected. This could be from a formal degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in product and experience design is required. This experience should encompass leading discovery and research initiatives, applying diverse methods and metrics, and effectively communicating research findings.

Required Skills:

• Strong background in product and experience design, with core competencies in user research, service design, digital product design, and interface design.
• Proficiency in developing and executing product strategy.
• Hands-on experience with wireframing and prototyping tools to articulate design concepts.
• Ability to lead discovery and research initiatives, utilizing various methods and metrics to demonstrate customer and business value.
• Excellent storytelling skills for clearly communicating research approaches, insights, and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Familiarity with Design Systems and their implementation.
• Comfort and skill in sharing design and research deliverables with business stakeholders.
• Effective collaboration skills within cross-functional teams and across client organizations.
• Clear and effective communication, capable of defining roles, setting expectations, and building confidence.
• Strong stakeholder management abilities, including liaising between clients and key stakeholders to gain buy-in and trust.
• Advanced Spanish language proficiency.
• Intermediate English language proficiency for effective cross-cultural communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with tools like Storybook for developing and testing interface components.
• Leadership or mentoring experience within design teams.
• Experience with accessibility practices (A11y).
• Prior experience in the banking or financial sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualification requirements are comprehensive, covering both technical design skills and essential soft skills like communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management. The explicit mention of Storybook and accessibility indicates a focus on modern design workflows and inclusive design practices. The language requirement is critical for this role in Ecuador.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio link showcasing expertise in digital products, ideally covering both web and mobile applications.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end customer journey and how your design contributions impact it.
• Include case studies that highlight your user research methodologies, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your design solutions on business outcomes and customer metrics.
• Showcase experience with wireframing, prototyping, and the creation of various experience design deliverables (e.g., journey maps, service blueprints).
• Examples of contributions to design systems or interface component development, ideally mentioning tools like Storybook.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the design process followed, from initial research and strategy formulation to implementation and testing phases.
• Evidence of how you documented design decisions, user flows, and interface specifications.
• Demonstration of how you tested and iterated on designs based on user feedback and business requirements.
• Examples of how you collaborated with development teams to ensure design fidelity and accessibility compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role. It needs to go beyond just showcasing visual design and demonstrate strategic thinking, research capabilities, process adherence, and measurable impact. Specific mention of Storybook and accessibility in the portfolio is highly recommended.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Design Strategist in Quito, Ecuador with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between $2,500 - $4,500 USD per month. This range is based on industry benchmarks for experienced design professionals in technology consulting roles within major Ecuadorian cities, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and compensation package.
• Opportunities for professional development, including access to numerous development programs and interactive tools.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment with teammates dedicated to professional growth.
• Exposure to cutting-edge technology and diverse client projects.
• Potential for international collaboration and knowledge sharing within the global Thoughtworks community.
• Mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
• Contribution to advocacy and community building within the experience design field.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected. While specific hours are not detailed, a typical professional services environment would suggest around 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available depending on project needs and client demands. The role's remote-eligible status may offer additional flexibility in managing work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary figures are estimates based on industry standards for senior-level design roles in Ecuador. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and the final negotiation. Benefits are extrapolated from Thoughtworks' general company offerings and the nature of a senior consulting role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting. Thoughtworks operates at the intersection of technology strategy, software development, and user experience design, serving a diverse client base across various sectors. Company Size: Thoughtworks is a global company with a significant employee base, indicating a robust organizational structure and a wide network of professionals. This size offers opportunities for diverse project experiences and cross-cultural collaboration. Founded: Thoughtworks was founded in 1993, bringing over three decades of experience in delivering transformative technology solutions and pioneering agile methodologies. This long history suggests a stable and experienced organization with a deep understanding of the tech landscape.

Team Structure:

• Designers at Thoughtworks are integrated into small, multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams alongside developers, testers, and business analysts.
• Reporting structures likely involve a Design Lead or Practice Lead within the region or a specific client engagement, with direct project leadership from a Project Manager or Delivery Lead.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with engineering, product management, and client stakeholders to ensure holistic product development.

Methodology:

• Thoughtworks champions agile software delivery, integrating experience design seamlessly within this framework.
• Design processes emphasize user research, iterative development, and data-driven decision-making, often employing methods like Design Thinking, Lean UX, and Agile methodologies.
• Workflow planning and optimization are continuous, focusing on delivering value early and often, with a strong emphasis on quality and client satisfaction.
• Automation and efficiency are key, especially in development and testing, which designers support through well-defined components and systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks is known for its strong culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. The company's commitment to agile and design thinking suggests an environment where designers are integral to the entire product lifecycle and have significant influence. The global presence means exposure to diverse projects and teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level within the Experience Design discipline. It positions the individual as a key contributor and potential leader in client engagements, responsible for strategic design thinking, execution, and mentoring. The scope includes influencing product strategy and business outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Strategist will likely report to a regional Design Lead or Head of Design, while working directly with project leads or delivery managers on client projects. Collaboration will be extensive with software developers, business analysts, product owners, and client-side stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts business operations by ensuring that technology solutions are user-centered, efficient, and aligned with customer needs and business objectives. This translates to improved customer satisfaction, increased adoption rates, and ultimately, better business outcomes and revenue generation for clients. By designing effective customer journeys, the role minimizes friction and maximizes value delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific areas like service design, design systems, accessibility, or user research methodologies. Potential to specialize in particular industries (e.g., finance, if desired).
• Leadership Development: Progress into roles such as Design Lead, Practice Lead, or even managing design teams and client relationships. Opportunities to lead larger, more complex projects.
• Thought Leadership: Contribute to the company's external reputation by speaking at conferences, writing articles, and participating in industry events, establishing oneself as an expert in experience design and digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path at Thoughtworks emphasizes continuous learning and skill diversification. For a Senior Design Strategist, growth primarily involves increased leadership, greater strategic influence, and potentially specialization or management track progression within the design practice.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Thoughtworks typically operates with a modern, collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and innovation. While this role is remote-eligible, it may require occasional on-site presence at client offices or for team gatherings in Quito.

Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Quito, Ecuador. Specific office addresses are not provided but can be assumed to be in a professional business district within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be conducive to collaboration, with open areas for team discussions and focused zones for individual work.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology will be provided or expected to be managed by the employee, aligning with modern digital design workflows.
• Opportunities for interaction with design peers, developers, and other Thoughtworks professionals will be frequent, supporting knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: Standard professional working hours are anticipated, typically around 40 hours per week. The remote-eligible nature of the role may offer some flexibility in structuring the workday, but coordination with global and local teams, as well as client availability, will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The environment is described as dynamic and inclusive, with a focus on collaboration. The remote-eligible aspect suggests a modern approach to work, balancing flexibility with the need for team cohesion and client-facing interactions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and understanding of the role. Be prepared to articulate your experience in product and experience design.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth discussion focused on your portfolio. Expect to walk through 1-2 key projects, explaining your process, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work. This may include technical questions related to design tools, methodologies, and strategy.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: You may meet with other members of the design or development team to assess collaboration skills and how you integrate into a multidisciplinary environment.
• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potentially): In some cases, you might be asked to handle a simulated client interaction or present a design strategy to assess stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Thoughtworks' culture and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, user research, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Ensure they cover both web and mobile if possible.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Strategy: Emphasize how you contributed to the product vision and strategy, not just the UI design. Discuss how you identified customer hypotheses and tested them.
• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with developers, product managers, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results whenever possible – e.g., improved conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores.
• Prepare for Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with wireframing, prototyping, specific design tools, design systems, and accessibility. Mentioning Storybook is a plus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercises: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you might need to outline a design approach for a new product or feature.
• Problem-Solving: Practice articulating how you would tackle complex design challenges, considering user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.
• Communication Practice: Rehearse explaining design concepts and research findings clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a non-design audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is geared towards assessing a candidate's strategic acumen, practical design skills, and ability to collaborate effectively in a consulting environment. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure. Proficiency in at least one is expected.
• Design Systems & Component Development: Storybook (explicitly mentioned), potentially related tools for design system management.
• Research & Analysis: Tools for user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), and analytics platforms for metrics.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence, Miro, Mural.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and measure business outcomes.
• Familiarity with dashboarding tools for visualizing metrics and communicating performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts CRM processes and customer journeys within CRM systems (like Salesforce) can be beneficial.
• Familiarity with automation concepts in workflows and how design can streamline them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Storybook indicates a strong emphasis on component-based design and a collaborative workflow between design and development. Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools is a given, but demonstrating an understanding of how design integrates with the broader tech stack and business processes is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purposeful Impact: A drive to create meaningful change for clients and customers through technology.
• Collaboration: A strong belief in working together across disciplines and hierarchies to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying ahead of the curve, constantly acquiring new skills and knowledge.
• Quality & Craftsmanship: Dedication to delivering high-quality work, from code to design.
• Client Focus: Prioritizing client success and building strong, trusted relationships.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to solve complex problems.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are embedded within teams, working hand-in-hand with developers, testers, and product strategists.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture of open feedback and continuous improvement, where team members regularly review processes and deliverables.
• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in sharing insights, best practices, and learnings within the design community and across the organization. Expect to engage in peer reviews and design critiques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks cultivates a culture that values collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to making a tangible impact. Designers are expected to be active participants, not just order-takers, contributing strategically and fostering a positive team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Expectations with Design Best Practices: Navigating client priorities and constraints while advocating for user-centered design principles and quality.
• Integrating Design into Agile Workflows: Ensuring design thinking is a continuous thread within fast-paced agile development cycles, not an afterthought.
• Measuring Design Impact: Developing and consistently applying metrics to demonstrate the business value and customer impact of design initiatives.
• Adapting to Diverse Client Needs: Working across different industries and company cultures requires flexibility and a broad understanding of various business contexts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like AI-driven design, advanced service design, or leading large-scale design system initiatives.
• Industry Conference & Certification Participation: Support for attending relevant design conferences, workshops, and pursuing certifications to enhance expertise.
• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Access to senior designers and leaders for guidance, mentorship, and pathways to leadership roles within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior role in a consulting firm, requiring strategic thinking and strong interpersonal skills. Growth is heavily focused on expanding leadership capabilities and deepening domain expertise, aligning with Thoughtworks' emphasis on continuous development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you influenced a product strategy based on user research and business goals. How did you measure the success of your strategic contribution?" (Prepare a case study detailing your process, key decisions, and quantifiable outcomes.)
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "How do you manage differing opinions or priorities between clients and your development team regarding design direction? Provide an example." (Focus on your communication, negotiation, and consensus-building skills.)
• Problem-Solving: "Imagine a client wants to redesign their core customer onboarding process. What would be your first steps, and how would you ensure the design addresses both user needs and business objectives?" (Outline your discovery and strategy phase, emphasizing user research and hypothesis testing.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations Culture: "What attracts you to Thoughtworks' approach to design and technology consulting, and how do you see yourself contributing to our culture?" (Research Thoughtworks' values, agile methodology, and design philosophy.)
• Operations Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal collaboration style within a cross-functional product team. How do you ensure effective communication and integration of design work?" (Highlight your experience with agile teams and your proactive communication approach.)
• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you quantify the impact of your design work on business outcomes and customer metrics? Can you share an example where your design led to significant improvements?" (Be ready to discuss KPIs and ROI related to design.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Structure your presentation to clearly show the "before" (the problem), your "process" (research, ideation, design), the "solution" (your design), and the "result" (impact and learnings).
• Metrics Presentation: Clearly display the metrics you used to define success and the results achieved. Use charts and graphs for clarity.
• Interactive Demonstration: Be prepared to demonstrate prototypes or specific design elements live, explaining your design choices and user flows. Show how your work aligns with design systems or component libraries (like Storybook).

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on being able to articulate your strategic thinking, demonstrate your process through concrete examples, and show how you drive measurable business value. Understanding Thoughtworks' specific methodologies and culture will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Thoughtworks careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating end-to-end customer journey design, product strategy, user research, and collaboration with development teams. Explicitly mention experience with design systems and tools like Storybook if applicable.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your years of experience in product and experience design, leadership or mentoring roles, and proficiency in key skills like user research, service design, wireframing, and prototyping. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, process clarity, and quantifiable impact. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to strategy, collaboration, and problem-solving in a consulting context.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Thoughtworks' mission, values, approach to agile software delivery, and their perspective on experience design. Understand their client engagement model and culture.

⚠️ 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.