Senior UX Designer (2 Month Contract - onsite)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer (2 Month Contract) Company: Ziosk Location: Plano, Texas, United States Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: User Experience (UX) / Design Operations Date Posted: August 06, 2025 Experience Level: Senior (6+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on conceptualizing and creating exceptional UX/UI designs for Ziosk's Customer Experience and Reputation Manager (CXRM) product, specifically for tablet-based restaurant applications.
• The Senior UX Designer will be instrumental in user research, strategy, information architecture, and interaction design, ensuring a user-centric approach to product development.
• A key aspect involves translating business requirements from stakeholders into intuitive and engaging user experiences that drive guest engagement and business results.
• This position requires strong collaboration skills within a cross-functional team and effective communication of design rationale to both internal stakeholders and external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is UX/UI design, the "operations" aspect of this role lies in optimizing user workflows and experiences within the restaurant technology ecosystem. The "CXRM" product implies a focus on customer feedback and operational efficiency, bridging the gap between user experience and business operations. This role is crucial for streamlining interactions for restaurant guests, management, and staff.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and execute UX/UI design for the Ziosk CXRM product, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience for restaurant guests and internal users.
• Lead and participate in user research activities, including persona creation, customer journey mapping, card sorting, and usability testing, to inform design decisions.
• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for mobile and tablet interfaces, adhering to user-centric design principles.
• Utilize qualitative and quantitative research to craft compelling online experiences that align with business objectives and deliver measurable results.
• Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to define requirements, conduct competitive analysis, and ensure successful product implementation.
• Create interactive prototypes to clearly illustrate proposed navigation, information hierarchy, and user flows for stakeholder review and validation.
• Articulate research findings, conceptual ideas, and detailed design rationale both verbally and visually to clients and internal stakeholders, fostering understanding and buy-in.
• Design visually appealing and impactful user interface layouts, leveraging Ziosk's product aesthetic and potentially partner brand guidelines, primarily using Figma.
• Integrate an understanding of motion design principles to enhance user experience through animations, transitions, and interactive elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a hands-on design role with a strong emphasis on the end-to-end UX process, from research to final UI. The mention of "business results" and "guest engagement" highlights the operational impact of the UX design, aiming to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction within the restaurant setting. The contract nature implies a need for quick ramp-up and delivery within a defined scope.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required, with a preference for disciplines such as Interaction Design, Information Design, Interface Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Design Planning, or Graphic Design.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of dedicated UX experience in web and/or mobile environments, focusing on computer interaction or related fields.
• Proven track record in developing consumer-facing mobile and tablet applications.
• Demonstrable practical experience with all aspects of user-centered design (UCD) and heuristics, utilizing standard industry tools.
• Strong understanding of current UX principles and the ability to implement them effectively in a product development cycle.
• Experience in creating and presenting detailed design rationale and research findings to diverse audiences.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in conceptualizing and creating user interfaces and experiences for digital products.
• User Research: Proficiency in conducting user research methodologies such as persona creation, journey mapping, and usability testing.
• Wireframing & Prototyping: Skilled in creating low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes.
• Design Tools: Strong command of Figma; proficiency with Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar design software is also required.
• Information Architecture: Ability to structure and organize content logically for optimal user navigation.
• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and visual communication skills for presenting design concepts and research findings.
• Consumer-Facing Applications: Experience designing for end-users, with a focus on guest engagement and satisfaction.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design: Understanding of motion in UX and ability to incorporate animations and transitions.
• Graphic Design: Solid foundation in graphic design principles to ensure visually appealing interfaces.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Familiarity with Photoshop for image editing and asset creation.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within agile development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 6+ years of "dedicated UX experience" emphasizes the need for specialized expertise, not general design skills. The focus on consumer-facing mobile/tablet applications and specific tools like Figma points to a need for practical, up-to-date UX proficiency relevant to Ziosk's product environment. The emphasis on portfolio with "success metrics" suggests a data-driven approach to design evaluation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• An outstanding online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of UX/UI solutions.
• Portfolios must clearly demonstrate the candidate's design process, from initial ideation and concept development through to final execution.
• Include case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches, design iterations, and user-centric decision-making.
• Where possible, portfolios should feature success metrics or quantifiable outcomes resulting from implemented UX/UI designs.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to user research, including documentation of findings and how they informed design decisions.
• Showcase workflow design and optimization through wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Provide examples of how usability testing and feedback loops were incorporated into the design and development process.
• Articulate methods for measuring the impact of UX/UI designs on user engagement and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "outstanding online portfolio" with "success metrics" and a clear "design process" is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their rationale, the challenges encountered, how Ziosk's business objectives were considered, and the measured impact of their design solutions. This reflects a need for accountability and a results-oriented approach in the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As this is a 2-month contract position, compensation will likely be competitive and commensurate with the Senior UX Designer's experience level and the specialized skills required. Based on industry averages for senior contract UX/UI designers in the Plano, TX area, a typical hourly rate could range from $60 to $90+ USD.
• Methodology: This estimate is derived from analyzing current market data for contract UX/UI designers with 6+ years of experience in similar technology-focused roles within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, considering the specialized nature of restaurant technology and tablet interfaces.

Benefits:

• While specific benefits for a short-term contract role may vary, typical offerings can include:
• Competitive hourly wage.
• Potential for extension or future contract opportunities based on performance.
• Exposure to innovative technology in the restaurant industry.
• Opportunity to work with a leading company in its sector.
• Professional development through challenging project work.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The contract is onsite, requiring daily presence at the Plano, TX office. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team coordination, but a consistent presence is anticipated for effective collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the contract nature and the specific duration (2 months), a detailed benefits package like that of a full-time employee is unlikely. The primary "benefit" is the opportunity to gain experience with a notable company in a unique industry niche and potentially expand their professional network. The salary estimation is based on general market rates for contract roles of this seniority in the specified location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Restaurant Technology, Point-of-Sale (POS) Systems. Ziosk operates at the intersection of hardware, software, and AI, providing solutions that enhance the dining experience and operational efficiency for restaurants. Company Size: Ziosk falls into the mid-size company category, likely employing between 50-200 employees. This size often allows for a blend of structured processes and a more agile, collaborative environment. Founded: Ziosk was founded with the vision to innovate the restaurant payment process, pioneering the pay-at-the-table concept. This history suggests a culture rooted in innovation, adaptation, and a drive to disrupt traditional industry norms.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be part of a cross-functional team dedicated to the Ziosk Customer Experience and Reputation Manager (CXRM) UX.
• This team likely includes product managers, other designers (UI/UX), researchers, and engineers working collaboratively on specific product features or initiatives.
• Reporting structure will likely be to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Product Lead responsible for the CXRM product area.

Methodology:

• Ziosk emphasizes creating user experiences that are both engaging for guests and beneficial for restaurant operations and management.
• The company likely employs agile development methodologies, requiring designers to work iteratively and collaboratively with development teams.
• A data-driven approach is implied through the focus on user research, metrics, and business results, suggesting that design decisions are informed by both qualitative insights and quantitative data.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Ziosk's focus on innovation and its pioneering role in the restaurant tech industry suggest a dynamic and forward-thinking culture. The emphasis on "guest experience" and "bottom line growth" for clients indicates a results-oriented mindset. For a UX designer, this means understanding the business impact of design decisions and effectively communicating them to stakeholders who are focused on operational outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX design discipline. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers if needed, though the contract nature may limit formal mentorship. The scope includes end-to-end ownership of UX/UI for specific product features within the CXRM suite. Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, UX Lead, or Product Manager overseeing the CXRM product. They will work closely with product managers, engineers, and potentially marketing or client success teams, demonstrating strong cross-functional collaboration skills. Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to improving the guest experience at restaurants and enhancing operational efficiency for Ziosk's clients. Successful UX/UI designs can lead to increased guest satisfaction, higher table turnover, reduced errors, and improved client retention, all of which contribute to Ziosk's "bottom line."

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX for tablet-based interfaces within the specific context of the restaurant industry.
• Project Exposure: Gain experience with a well-established company and its proprietary technology stack, contributing to a key product line.
• Networking: Build connections within the restaurant technology sector and with professionals at Ziosk.
• Potential for Future Contracts: Successful performance could lead to opportunities for extended contracts or future projects with Ziosk.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the "Senior" title implies a high level of responsibility and influence. The growth opportunities are primarily focused on gaining specific industry experience and building a portfolio with impactful projects, rather than traditional long-term career pathing within Ziosk.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly stated as "onsite," indicating a traditional office environment. This suggests a collaborative workspace where in-person interaction, whiteboarding sessions, and spontaneous discussions with team members are expected. Office Location(s): Plano, Texas. This location is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, a significant hub for technology and business. Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be designed to foster collaboration among cross-functional teams. Expect a dynamic environment where designers work closely with product, engineering, and potentially other stakeholders.
• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware will be provided.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with team members for brainstorming, design reviews, and problem-solving are a key aspect of the onsite experience.

Work Schedule: Standard business hours are expected, typically Monday through Friday. The contract is for 2 months, implying a focused period of intense work to deliver specific design outputs for the CXRM product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Being onsite in Plano, TX, is a firm requirement. Candidates should be prepared for a typical office setting that facilitates in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex design projects requiring rapid iteration and feedback. The focus is on delivering tangible design outcomes within the defined contract period.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and portfolios for basic qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting relevant UX/UI case studies. Expect in-depth questions about their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their work.
• Skills/Technical Interview: This may involve a design exercise or a more detailed discussion of UX principles, user research methodologies, and proficiency with design tools like Figma.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: Candidates may meet with members of the product and engineering teams to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager or a senior leader to assess cultural fit and overall suitability for the contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest UX/UI case studies that best reflect the requirements of this role (consumer-facing, tablet/mobile, B2B/B2C interaction).
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methods, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases for each case study. Use visuals to support your narrative.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Discuss how your designs solved user problems and contributed to business objectives (e.g., increased engagement, reduced task completion time, improved satisfaction scores).
• Explain Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and other relevant design tools, demonstrating your workflow and efficiency.
• Enthusiasm for Ziosk: Research Ziosk's products and target market to show genuine interest and understanding of their business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a short, timed design challenge, potentially involving a specific user flow or problem related to restaurant technology. Focus on demonstrating your process and quick thinking.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would approach complex design challenges, handle conflicting stakeholder feedback, or integrate new technologies into existing products.
• Presentation Skills: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, as you will likely need to present your thoughts and solutions effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates must be prepared to deeply dive into their work, explaining not just what they designed but why and how it achieved specific outcomes. The contract nature suggests a need for candidates to quickly demonstrate their value and ability to hit the ground running.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary tool for UX/UI design and prototyping. Extensive experience and efficiency in Figma are critical.
• Sketch: Proficiency with Sketch is also listed as a required skill, suggesting it might be used for certain workflows or legacy projects.
• Adobe XD: Mentioned as a potential design tool, indicating familiarity is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as required for the designer, understanding how UX designs impact analytics and reporting metrics (e.g., conversion rates, task completion, user engagement) is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or similar product analytics tools is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as directly required for the UX designer role. However, understanding how the CXRM product integrates with broader restaurant management or CRM systems would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma mastery is non-negotiable for this role. Candidates should be ready to showcase their Figma skills and discuss their workflow within the tool. Familiarity with the broader ecosystem of design and analytics tools, even if not directly used daily, demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value of prioritizing the needs and experiences of restaurant guests and operational staff in all design decisions.
• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and approaches to continuously improve the restaurant experience and Ziosk's product offerings.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals and deliver high-quality products.
• Results-Driven: Focusing on delivering designs that not only enhance user experience but also contribute to tangible business outcomes for Ziosk and its clients.
• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for both streamlined design processes and high-quality, polished final outputs.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative and iterative design process, involving frequent feedback loops with product managers, engineers, and potentially other designers.
• The onsite nature encourages direct communication, whiteboarding sessions, and active participation in team discussions.
• Candidates should be comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback to collectively improve the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on user-centricity, innovation, and delivering results aligns with a proactive and impact-oriented design culture. The ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team is key to success in this contract role, as quick integration and contribution are expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Short Contract Duration: The 2-month timeframe requires rapid onboarding, efficient execution, and the ability to deliver significant impact quickly.
• Specific Niche: Designing for the restaurant technology sector requires understanding unique user behaviors, operational constraints, and guest expectations within a fast-paced dining environment.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively translating diverse business requirements from stakeholders into cohesive and user-friendly designs.
• Adapting to Existing Systems: Understanding and working within the existing Ziosk CXRM product ecosystem and design language.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gain hands-on experience in the specialized field of restaurant technology and POS systems.
• Tool Proficiency: Further hone skills in Figma and potentially other design and prototyping tools.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Contribute to a well-known product and add a significant case study to your professional portfolio.
• Networking: Build professional connections within the tech and hospitality sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the compressed timeline, demanding high productivity and immediate contribution. The growth opportunities are focused on gaining specialized experience and enhancing one's professional portfolio with a tangible project.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing a new feature for a tablet application, from initial concept to final handoff." Be prepared to detail your user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing steps.
• Problem-Solving: "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced in a previous role and how you overcame it. What was the outcome?" Focus on your analytical skills and innovative solutions.
• Stakeholder Management: "How do you handle conflicting feedback from different stakeholders on a design?" Emphasize your communication and negotiation skills to align on the best user experience.
• Tool Proficiency: "Tell me about your experience with Figma. What are your favorite features for collaboration and prototyping?" Be ready to discuss your workflow and efficiency.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Ziosk's Product: "What are your thoughts on Ziosk's current products and the role of UX in the restaurant technology space?" Show you've researched the company and understand its market.
• Team Collaboration: "How do you prefer to collaborate with product managers and engineers?" Highlight your ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UX designs?" Discuss metrics and how you tie design to business results.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative – the problem, your approach, the solution, and the results.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your points effectively.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice presenting your key projects within a set timeframe, focusing on the most relevant details.
• Engagement: Be prepared to answer questions and engage in a dialogue about your work, demonstrating your passion and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong, user-centered design process, clear communication skills, and the ability to deliver tangible results within a short timeframe. Highlighting experience with Figma and success metrics in your portfolio is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused UX design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Ziosk careers page.
• Portfolio Preparation: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best UX/UI case studies relevant to consumer-facing tablet applications, and clearly outlines your design process and any quantifiable results.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of dedicated UX experience, proficiency with Figma, user research skills, and experience with mobile/tablet design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear articulation of your design process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common UX interview questions.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Ziosk, its products, its competitors, and its target market to demonstrate your understanding and interest during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.