Senior Design Strategist at Thoughtworks

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Strategist Company: Thoughtworks Location: Lima, Peru Job Type: Full-Time Category: Design Strategy / User Experience Date Posted: August 1, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Remote OK (within Spain)

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on integrating experience design principles with agile software delivery to transform client operations and develop innovative digital products and services.
You will be instrumental in shaping client strategies through design, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and business objectives to craft impactful solutions.
The position requires active participation in the full project lifecycle, from initial research and strategy development to the delivery of high-quality, user-centered digital experiences.
As a Senior Design Strategist, you will lead workshops, define design hypotheses, and contribute to strategic decision-making at a portfolio level, acting as a key advisor to clients and internal teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided location is Lima, Peru, the job description explicitly mentions "We work remotely from all around Spain." This suggests the role is open to remote candidates within Spain, with Lima possibly being a placeholder or an administrative location for the company in Peru, not necessarily the primary work location for this specific role. The focus on remote work within Spain is a critical detail for potential applicants.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Lead the design and delivery of technology projects, focusing on transforming client operations and developing new digital products and services through user-centered design methodologies.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional, agile teams to produce a comprehensive suite of experience design deliverables, including journey maps, service blueprints, product roadmaps, interactive prototypes, and robust design systems.
Facilitate client workshops and internal brainstorming sessions to define unique design strategies for products and services, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.
Spearhead the application of diverse research methods, such as contextual analysis, moderated interviews, experiments, and user testing, to gather critical insights and inform design decisions.
Develop and present inspiring design hypotheses to delivery teams, comprising both Thoughtworks professionals and client personnel, to guide the development process.
Proactively manage project scope, identify and mitigate risks, and communicate project updates and progress to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and effective project governance.
Effectively balance client expectations and Thoughtworks' delivery standards by clearly articulating experience design deliverables and their strategic value.
Mentor and support less-experienced designers, fostering a collaborative learning environment and contributing to the overall growth of the design community within Thoughtworks.
Represent Thoughtworks and advocate for experience design expertise within the broader technology community through speaking engagements at conferences, webinars, and meetups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work, strategic client advisory, and community engagement, typical for a senior role in a consultancy like Thoughtworks. The emphasis on "transforming client operations" suggests a strong focus on business impact and process improvement through design, aligning with GTM and operational efficiency goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

A strong foundation in design principles, user experience, and related fields is expected, though formal education requirements are flexible.
Emphasis is placed on demonstrated practical expertise and a portfolio showcasing successful design projects.

Experience:

5-10 years of progressive experience in experience design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful digital products and services.
Experience in enterprise/SaaS environments is essential, demonstrating an understanding of complex business needs and B2B product design.
Experience in leading design initiatives, facilitating workshops, and mentoring junior team members is highly valued.

Required Skills:

User Experience (UX) Design: Deep expertise across the UX spectrum, including user research, service design, digital product design, interface (UI) design, and visual design. Proficiency in at least three of these specializations is required.
Research & Analysis: Proven ability to lead and advise on research activities, employing various methodologies such as contextual inquiry, moderated interviews, experiments, and user testing to uncover user needs and pain points.
Storytelling & Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate research methods and findings clearly to diverse stakeholders, using compelling narratives to drive understanding and buy-in.
Facilitation & Workshop Leadership: Skill in leading client brainstorms, internal team sessions, and workshops to foster collaboration and drive strategic design thinking.

Preferred Skills:

Design Systems: Experience in creating and managing design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across digital products.
Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile software development processes and how design integrates within these frameworks.
Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to effectively liaise with clients and stakeholders, build trust, and ensure project alignment and buy-in.
Mentorship & Team Development: A demonstrated passion for building confidence in design teammates and contributing to the growth of the design community through knowledge sharing and peer support.
Community Engagement: Experience or a strong desire to contribute to the broader tech and design community through public speaking, writing, or other forms of knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for expertise in "at least three additional areas" within experience design suggests a need for versatile designers who can adapt to various project needs. The emphasis on "Enterprise / SaaS Experience" is a key differentiator for understanding complex business workflows and B2B operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrated Impact: Showcase a portfolio that clearly illustrates your expertise in Digital Products (Web and Mobile) and Enterprise/SaaS solutions, highlighting the impact of your design strategies.
Process Walkthroughs: Include case studies that detail your design process from problem identification and research to solution design and implementation, emphasizing how you tackled complex challenges.
Strategic Thinking: Present examples of design strategy development, including how you’ve defined unique approaches for products and services based on user and business needs.
Collaboration Evidence: Illustrate your ability to work collaboratively within cross-functional teams and manage stakeholder relationships effectively through project examples.

Process Documentation:

Research Methodology: Detail the research methods employed in your projects, explaining your rationale for choosing specific techniques (e.g., contextual inquiry, user interviews, usability testing) and how insights were synthesized.
Deliverable Showcase: Provide examples of key design deliverables such as journey maps, service blueprints, wireframes, prototypes, and design systems, explaining their role in the project lifecycle.
Outcome Measurement: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success of your design interventions, such as improvements in user engagement, task completion rates, or client satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that showcases "Enterprise / SaaS Experience" and "Digital products - Web and Mobile" is critical. Applicants should prepare case studies that not only demonstrate design skills but also strategic thinking, process rigor, and tangible business impact within these specific contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a Senior Design Strategist role in a global consultancy, and specific salary information is not provided for Peru, a competitive salary range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in tech hubs and consulting firms. For Lima, Peru, a Senior Design Strategist with 5-10 years of experience might expect a gross annual salary ranging from PEN 90,000 to PEN 150,000, depending on specific skills, project experience, and Thoughtworks' internal compensation structure. This translates to approximately USD 24,000 - USD 40,000 annually.

Benefits:

Flexible Benefits Budget: A versatile budget that can be allocated across various needs such as dining, public transportation, nursery expenses, or health insurance.
Learning & Development Budget: Dedicated funds for continuous professional growth, including courses, certifications, and skill enhancement.
Additional Learning Days: Two extra paid days off per year specifically for learning and development activities.
Unlimited Business Udemy Access: Comprehensive access to Udemy's business platform for continuous skill acquisition and upskilling.
Language Classes: Free online classes to improve proficiency in English, Spanish, and Catalan, supporting professional and personal development.
Mental Well-being Support: Access to the ifeel app, providing resources and support for mental health and well-being.
Work from Home Budget: A budget to enhance the remote work setup, ensuring a comfortable and productive home office environment.
Team Outing Budget: Funds allocated for team-building activities and social events, fostering camaraderie and collaboration.
Travel Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage for business trips, ensuring peace of mind during client engagements or company travel.
International, Diverse, and Inclusive Environment: The opportunity to work within a global team that values diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Working Hours:

The role is described as full-time. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility often provided to accommodate project needs and remote work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is robust, emphasizing continuous learning, well-being, and flexibility, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The mention of "We work remotely from all around Spain" implies that the benefits might be aligned with Spanish employment standards and practices, irrespective of the listed job location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting. Thoughtworks operates at the intersection of strategy, design, and engineering, helping clients navigate digital transformation and build bespoke software solutions. Company Size: Thoughtworks is a global firm with a substantial presence, employing thousands of professionals worldwide. This scale offers opportunities for diverse project exposure and a broad professional network. Founded: Thoughtworks was founded in 1993, bringing over three decades of experience in pioneering agile software development and integrating design thinking into technology delivery. This long history signifies stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

Cross-functional Teams: Designers work as integral parts of small, multidisciplinary teams that include developers, project managers, and other specialists. This collaborative model ensures a holistic approach to project delivery.
Reporting: While specific reporting lines are not detailed, senior designers typically report to design leads, practice managers, or engagement leads, with opportunities to influence project direction and team dynamics.
Collaboration: The culture emphasizes strong collaboration both within project teams and across the broader design practice at Thoughtworks. This includes peer reviews, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving.

Methodology:

Agile & Lean Principles: Thoughtworks is a proponent of agile software delivery and lean principles, integrating design processes seamlessly within these frameworks.
Human-Centered Design: The core methodology is human-centered, prioritizing user needs and business outcomes through iterative design, research, and prototyping.
Continuous Improvement: A strong emphasis is placed on continuous learning, experimentation, and process optimization, both for projects and for the professional development of employees.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' culture is known for its intellectual rigor, emphasis on learning, and commitment to social impact through technology. The blend of design and engineering expertise creates a unique environment for professionals who thrive on tackling complex problems. The "remote from all around Spain" aspect is crucial for understanding the operational footprint for this role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Design Strategist," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant experience, the ability to lead initiatives, mentor others, and influence strategic decisions. It's a step towards leadership within the design practice. Reporting Structure: Senior designers typically report into design leadership or client engagement leads. They are expected to work autonomously on projects while also contributing to the broader design community and mentoring junior colleagues. Operations Impact: The role directly impacts client operations by transforming how they work through innovative digital products and services. Design strategists are key in identifying opportunities for efficiency gains, improved user experiences, and new revenue streams through technology.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into roles like Design Lead, Principal Designer, or Practice Lead, managing larger engagements or leading specific design disciplines.
Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of design (e.g., service design, AI/ML interfaces, complex enterprise systems) or broaden skills into related fields like product management or strategy consulting.
Thought Leadership: Opportunities to contribute to the company's intellectual capital through writing, speaking, and developing new methodologies, becoming a recognized expert in the field.
Client Advisory: Grow into a trusted advisor role for clients, influencing their long-term digital strategy and transformation roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of autonomy and responsibility, with expectations for mentorship and strategic contribution beyond project execution. Growth paths are likely to involve increased client-facing responsibilities, leadership, and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Thoughtworks operates with a hybrid and remote-first approach, particularly evident in their "remote from all around Spain" policy. While physical offices may exist in some locations, the emphasis is on flexible work arrangements. Office Location(s): The job listing mentions Lima, Peru, as a location, but crucially states, "We work remotely from all around Spain." This suggests that while there might be a legal or administrative presence in Lima, the actual work environment for this role is remote within Spain.

Workspace Context:

Remote & Flexible: The primary work environment is remote, offering flexibility in location within Spain. This requires self-discipline and effective communication to maintain collaboration.
Collaborative Digital Tools: Expect extensive use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Miro, Figma, video conferencing) to connect with distributed teams and clients.
Cross-functional Interaction: Frequent interaction with diverse teams (developers, product managers, business analysts, clients) is a core aspect of the work, fostering a dynamic and learning-oriented environment.

Work Schedule:

Standard full-time hours are expected, but flexibility may be offered to accommodate project deadlines and personal needs. Effective time management is key for remote work success and ensuring availability for collaboration across different time zones if necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote from all around Spain" is a critical detail that overrides the listed Lima, Peru location for the actual work environment. Candidates should be aware that they are expected to be based in Spain to perform this role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.
Hiring Manager/Recruiter Interview: Discussion about your background, motivations, and understanding of the role and Thoughtworks' culture.
Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to present a portfolio case study or complete a design exercise that demonstrates your strategic thinking, research skills, and problem-solving approach. This will likely focus on how you'd tackle a hypothetical client challenge.
Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with potential colleagues and/or client stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and final alignment with the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Focus on Impact: Select case studies that clearly demonstrate the business impact and user value of your design work. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).
Showcase Process: Detail your end-to-end design process, including research methodologies, strategic decision-making, iteration, and collaboration. Use visuals like journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate key stages.
Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how you translated user needs and business goals into effective design strategies and solutions. Explain your rationale behind key decisions.
Tailor to the Role: Prioritize projects that align with Thoughtworks' focus on digital transformation, agile delivery, and enterprise/SaaS solutions. Showcase experience in both web and mobile platforms.
Storytelling: Present your work as a narrative. Explain the problem, your approach, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the outcomes achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand Thoughtworks: Research their values, methodologies (agile, design thinking), and recent projects. Understand their consulting model and client engagement approach.
Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and engaging storytelling. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.
Strategic Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a design strategy challenge for a hypothetical client, focusing on understanding the business context, identifying key user needs, and outlining a phased approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, assessing not just design skills but also strategic thinking, consulting capabilities, and cultural fit. A well-prepared, impactful portfolio is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one advanced prototyping tool is expected.
Research & Synthesis: Miro, Mural, Dovetail, UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).
Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Workspace.
Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello.

Analytics & Reporting:

Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and user behavior analytics platforms (e.g., Hotjar, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions is beneficial.
Experience in creating dashboards or reports to communicate user insights and design impact.

CRM & Automation:

While not a primary focus for a Design Strategist, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and business processes can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, a Senior Design Strategist is expected to be proficient in industry-standard design and research software, with a strong emphasis on collaborative tools for remote work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Excellence in Craft: A commitment to high-quality design work, continuous learning, and pushing the boundaries of user experience and technology.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong belief in the power of cross-functional teams and collaborative problem-solving, valuing diverse perspectives.
Client Focus: Dedication to understanding client needs and delivering solutions that drive tangible business outcomes and digital transformation.
Social Responsibility: A commitment to using technology for positive social impact and fostering an inclusive and equitable environment.
Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning, experimentation, and intellectual curiosity to tackle complex challenges.

Collaboration Style:

Partnership: Design strategists work as partners with clients and internal teams, fostering open communication and shared ownership.
Iterative & Feedback-Driven: The collaborative style involves continuous feedback loops and iterative refinement of designs and strategies.
Knowledge Sharing: A culture of actively sharing knowledge, best practices, and learnings across teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thoughtworks' culture emphasizes intellectual curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to both client success and social impact. Professionals who are proactive learners and enjoy working in diverse, agile teams will find this environment appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Navigating Complex Client Environments: Adapting design strategies to diverse client needs, organizational structures, and technical constraints.
Balancing Innovation with Practicality: Finding the right balance between cutting-edge design solutions and feasible, scalable implementations within client constraints.
Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a remote-first environment.
Continuous Skill Evolution: Staying abreast of rapidly evolving design tools, methodologies, and technological advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Formal Training & Workshops: Access to Thoughtworks' extensive L&D programs, including workshops on new technologies, design techniques, and leadership skills.
Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by experienced leaders and to mentor junior designers, fostering growth in both directions.
Industry Conferences & Events: Support for attending and speaking at industry events, contributing to personal and company visibility.
Internal Communities of Practice: Participation in design-focused internal groups to share knowledge, discuss trends, and collaborate on best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior consultant role, requiring adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are significant, with clear paths for leadership and specialization within a global consultancy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Client Transformation: "Describe a time you helped a client transform their operations or digital offerings through design strategy. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare a case study focusing on business impact and strategic alignment.)
Cross-functional Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective collaboration between design, development, and business stakeholders, especially in a remote setting?" (Focus on communication strategies, conflict resolution, and shared understanding.)
Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced. How did you diagnose the root cause, develop potential solutions, and arrive at a final design?" (Be ready to detail your process, research, and decision-making rationale.)

Company & Culture Questions:

Thoughtworks Values: "How do your personal values align with Thoughtworks' commitment to social impact and technological excellence?" (Research their values and prepare examples of how you embody them.)
Team Dynamics: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive team dynamic." (Highlight your collaboration style, mentorship approach, and ability to work with diverse teams.)
Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your design work and communicate its value to stakeholders?" (Prepare examples of metrics and qualitative feedback you've used.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: Begin with the business context and user problem, move through your research and strategic approach, detail your design solutions, and conclude with the impact and learnings.
Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (mockups, prototypes, diagrams) to illustrate your process and final outputs. Keep text concise and focus on key insights.
Highlight Strategic Rationale: Clearly explain why you made certain design decisions. Connect your choices back to user needs, business goals, and research findings.
Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, show how you worked with others, managed feedback, and incorporated input from different disciplines.
Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, challenges, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss alternatives you considered and why you chose your final approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their strategic thinking process, ability to influence stakeholders, and how they measure the impact of their design work. A strong emphasis on the "why" behind their decisions will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Thoughtworks careers page.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in digital product design (web/mobile), enterprise/SaaS environments, and strategic design initiatives. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your process, impact, and strategic thinking.
Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "Experience Design," "Service Design," "User Research," "Digital Product Design," "Stakeholder Management," and "Design Strategy." Quantify achievements where possible.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio case studies, focusing on strategic rationale and impact.
Company Research: Thoroughly research Thoughtworks' consulting approach, values, and recent work. Understand their emphasis on agile delivery, design thinking, and social impact to better align your responses with their 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.

Senior Design Strategist