Senior UX/UI Designer & Digital Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer & Digital Design Lead
Company: Babel Group
Location: Madrid, Spain
Job Type: Full-time
Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Design, Creative Operations
Date Posted: October 8, 2025
Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid (Telecommuting options available)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end digital design projects, encompassing user research, concept definition, wireframing, prototyping, and final interface design within a dynamic consulting environment.
• Drive client engagement through collaborative sessions, presentations, and ongoing project validation, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
• Actively contribute to the definition and articulation of design-led proposals and tenders, showcasing the value of UX/UI expertise in client acquisition.
• Mentor and guide junior design talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and design excellence within the BABELcreativa unit.
• Represent the UX/UI department in high-level client meetings, sales processes, and co-creation initiatives, acting as a key design advocate.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends senior individual contributor design responsibilities with team leadership and client-facing strategic contributions, typical for a lead position in a specialized creative unit within a larger tech consultancy. The emphasis on proposals and client interaction suggests a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations component.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire lifecycle of digital product design projects, from initial user research and discovery to the delivery of high-fidelity prototypes and final UI assets for web, mobile (native and hybrid), and responsive interfaces.
• Facilitate and manage client workshops, present design concepts, gather feedback, and ensure successful project validation and sign-off throughout the design process.
• Develop compelling design proposals and contribute to tender responses, clearly articulating the strategic value and technical feasibility of UX/UI solutions for prospective clients.
• Provide mentorship, guidance, and constructive feedback to junior designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring adherence to design best practices and quality standards.
• Act as the primary UX/UI representative in sales pitches, co-creation sessions with clients, and strategic planning meetings, influencing product direction and design strategy.
• Ensure all designs adhere to established usability, accessibility, and information architecture principles, promoting a user-centric design philosophy.
• Collaborate closely with front-end developers and other stakeholders to ensure seamless implementation of designs and to provide technical feasibility insights during the design process.
• Maintain a keen eye for design aesthetics, ensuring visual coherence, brand consistency, and a polished user experience across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design, project management, client management, and team leadership, indicating a senior-level role with significant autonomy and influence. The involvement in proposals and sales dynamics points to a GTM support function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field is beneficial. A portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles often supersedes formal education for senior roles.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in digital product design, with a proven track record of leading complex UX/UI projects from conception to completion. Experience in a consulting or agency environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A robust portfolio showcasing extensive experience in UX/UI design, demonstrating a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, product design processes, and a strong visual design sensibility.
• Multi-device Design: Expertise in designing for various platforms, including mobile applications (iOS/Android, native and hybrid), responsive web design, and complex portal interfaces.
• Client Management: Proven experience in managing direct client relationships, leading design discussions, presenting work, and navigating client feedback and validation processes.
• UX Fundamentals: Advanced knowledge of usability principles, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and information architecture design.
• Design Tools: Expert proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.
• User Research Acumen: Ability to understand and apply user research methodologies to inform design decisions.
• Visual Design Cohesion: A strong aesthetic sense for creating polished, coherent, and user-friendly interfaces.
• Conversational English: Ability to participate in meetings and presentations in English.

Preferred Skills:

• UX Research Specialization: Hands-on experience with user research techniques including in-depth interviews, persona development, user journey mapping, competitive analysis, and usability testing.
• Design Systems: Familiarity with and experience in creating or working with Design Systems, Atomic Design principles, or grid systems like the 8pt grid.
• Front-end Fundamentals: Basic understanding of HTML/CSS to facilitate discussions with development teams and ensure technical feasibility of designs.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile frameworks such as Scrum or Kanban, understanding iterative design and development cycles.
• Accessible Design: Deeper knowledge and practical application of accessible design principles and universal UX patterns.
• SEO Awareness: An understanding of how design choices can impact Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
• Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrated ability to lead design initiatives and mentor junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and specific design tools like Figma and Sketch, alongside client management and UX fundamentals, are critical for this senior role. The preferred skills offer clear pathways for candidates to differentiate themselves, particularly those with experience in research, design systems, and Agile environments, which are increasingly important in modern product development operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Project Showcase: The portfolio must clearly illustrate your involvement in the complete design lifecycle for at least 2-3 significant digital products, detailing your role from initial research to final UI implementation.
• Problem/Solution Framing: Each project case study should articulate the specific user or business problem addressed, the design process undertaken, and the resulting solutions, highlighting your strategic thinking.
• Process Documentation: Demonstrate your ability to document and articulate design decisions, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes, showing how you translate insights into tangible design artifacts.
• Impact Metrics: Where possible, include quantitative or qualitative evidence of the impact of your designs (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times) to showcase ROI.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of creating detailed user flows, information architecture diagrams, and sitemaps to map out user journeys and product structures.
• Prototyping & Iteration: Showcase examples of interactive prototypes created to test design concepts and demonstrate iterative design improvements based on feedback.
• Design System Contribution: If applicable, provide examples of contributions to or utilization of Design Systems, illustrating consistency and scalability in your design approach.
• Client Collaboration Artifacts: Include examples of materials used in client collaboration, such as workshop outputs, presentation decks, or feedback synthesis documents.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX/UI Designer and Digital Design Lead, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics to demonstrating a strategic, process-driven approach to problem-solving, client collaboration, and measurable impact. This aligns with operations expectations for data-driven decision-making and process efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers with leadership responsibilities in Madrid, Spain, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €65,000. This range accounts for the specified 5+ years of experience, leadership expectations, and the cost of living in Madrid.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Teleworking options and flexible working hours to support work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Investment in ongoing training and learning opportunities for employees.
• Health & Wellness: Private Health Insurance, Life Insurance, access to a Personal Trainer, and a comprehensive Wellbeing Program.
• Leisure & Social: Opportunities to participate in outdoor activities, sports championships, and enjoy leisure perks like streaming service subscriptions.
• Performance Bonus: A bonus system to recognize and reward employee contributions to company growth.
• Cutting-Edge Projects: Opportunity to work on innovative projects utilizing the latest technologies.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through teleworking and the company's point-based vacation system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in Spain, considering experience and leadership. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life integration, which can be a significant factor for operations professionals seeking a supportive work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Babel Group operates within the Technology, Consulting, and Creative sectors, specializing in digital acceleration for large enterprises and public organizations. This positions them at the intersection of business strategy and technological innovation.
Company Size: Babel Group is a significant international tech consultancy, indicated by their strategic plan aiming for €1 billion in revenue and a large employee base (likely hundreds to thousands globally). This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact within specialized units.
Founded: While the founding year isn't explicitly stated, their strategic plan "Hiperespacio 2029" implies a forward-looking vision and a commitment to long-term growth and evolution.

Team Structure:

• BABELcreativa Unit: This role is part of a dedicated creative unit focused on UX/UI, creativity, and front-end development, operating within the broader Babel Group. This structure allows for specialized focus and expertise.
• Reporting & Collaboration: The Senior Designer will lead projects, mentor juniors, and represent UX/UI in high-level meetings, suggesting a reporting line that likely involves a Design Director or Head of Creative, with close collaboration across project teams, client stakeholders, and potentially sales/business development.
• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with development teams, project managers, and client-side stakeholders, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to digital product creation.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: The core methodology is centered around the user, leveraging research, empathy, and iterative design to create effective digital solutions.
• Agile Practices: Familiarity with Agile methodologies is valued, indicating a preference for iterative development, flexibility, and continuous improvement in project execution.
• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated as a primary focus for this design role, the consultancy context and the emphasis on ROI suggest that design decisions are ultimately informed by business objectives and performance metrics.

Company Website: https://babelgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Babel Group's position as a large international tech consultancy is key. The existence of a specialized unit like BABELcreativa signifies a commitment to creative excellence. The emphasis on a "One Team" culture and collaborative approach is crucial for operations professionals who thrive in integrated environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a Senior-level role with clear leadership responsibilities. It sits above individual contributor designers and offers a pathway to further leadership positions within the BABELcreativa unit or broader design/consulting functions. The role requires not only deep technical design skills but also strategic thinking, client-facing capabilities, and team management potential.
Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer & Digital Design Lead will likely report to a Design Director, Head of Creative, or a similar senior leadership role within BABELcreativa. They will, in turn, lead and mentor junior designers, fostering a hierarchical yet collaborative team dynamic. Direct interaction with clients and potentially sales teams indicates a broad network of influence.
Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant, particularly in the Go-To-Market (GTM) and service delivery aspects of the consultancy. By leading high-quality design projects, contributing to winning proposals, and ensuring client satisfaction, this role directly influences revenue generation, client retention, and the company's reputation for innovative digital solutions. Effective UX/UI design is a critical component of successful digital product launches and transformations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into a Design Lead, Design Manager, or Creative Director role, overseeing larger teams and more strategic initiatives.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like UX research, design systems, accessibility, or front-end development integration.
• Client Strategy: Develop advanced client relationship management and strategic consulting skills, becoming a trusted advisor to key accounts.
• Mentorship Development: Refine leadership and coaching abilities through ongoing mentorship of junior talent.
• Business Development Contribution: Further engage in proposal development, sales support, and thought leadership within the design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a compelling career trajectory for designers who wish to combine their creative passion with leadership and strategic influence within a consulting framework. The growth opportunities are well-defined, catering to individuals looking for both technical and managerial advancement in the operations of a creative consultancy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Madrid, Spain, and offers a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a professional office environment combined with the flexibility of telecommuting, allowing for a balance between in-person collaboration and remote work.
Office Location(s): The primary office location is Madrid, Spain. Specific details about the office's accessibility and amenities would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workstations that encourage interaction among design, development, and consulting teams.
• Technology Enabled: As a tech consultancy, the workspace will be equipped with modern technology, including reliable internet, collaboration tools, and necessary hardware for design work. Access to design software and platforms is standard.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous and planned interactions with colleagues from BABELcreativa and other departments, promoting knowledge sharing and a strong team spirit.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with significant flexibility offered through teleworking and a point-based vacation system. This adaptability supports the demands of project-based work while prioritizing employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, appealing to operations professionals who value flexibility. The emphasis on collaboration within a tech-focused consultancy environment suggests a dynamic and well-resourced workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Technical Interview: An in-depth discussion focusing on your UX/UI design process, problem-solving skills, experience with specific tools (Figma, Sketch), and understanding of design principles. Expect to walk through key projects in your portfolio.
• Case Study/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a detailed case study from your portfolio, demonstrating your approach to a given problem, your strategic thinking, and your ability to articulate design decisions.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: A conversation with potential team members and leadership to assess your collaboration style, mentorship capabilities, and cultural alignment with BABELcreativa and the Babel Group's values.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior management to finalize the decision, potentially covering broader strategic alignment and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level experience, leadership potential, and diverse skillset (research, strategy, UI, client interaction).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the outcomes or impact (use metrics where possible).
• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, emphasize instances where you led a project, mentored junior designers, or managed client relationships.
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your thought process, not just final visuals. Include wireframes, user flows, research insights, and iterative design stages.
• Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate the tools used for each project, especially Figma and Sketch.
• Concise Presentation: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most critical aspects and being ready for deeper dives into specific areas.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge or case study prompt. Identify the core problem, target audience, and any constraints.
• Structure Your Approach: Outline your steps before diving into design. Consider research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases.
• Focus on User & Business Goals: Ensure your solutions address both user needs and business objectives.
• Justify Decisions: Be ready to explain the rationale behind every design choice, linking it back to research, principles, or business goals.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across different stages of the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also leadership, client management, and strategic thinking. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is crucial for success at this senior level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert-level proficiency expected for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. This is a central tool for modern design workflows.
• Sketch: Strong working knowledge is highly valued, as some teams or clients may still utilize this platform.
• Prototyping Tools: Experience with associated prototyping features within Figma/Sketch or dedicated tools like InVision, Marvel, or Axure.
• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude can inform design decisions and measure impact.
• User Feedback Tools: Experience with platforms for collecting user feedback, such as Hotjar, UserTesting.com, or survey tools.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing project workflows and tasks.
• Design System Management: Tools or processes for managing design systems and ensuring component consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and Sketch is non-negotiable for this role. While the primary focus is on design tools, an understanding of how design integrates with analytics, feedback mechanisms, and project management tools is essential for effective operations and cross-functional collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving across design, development, and consulting disciplines.
• User-Centricity: A commitment to deeply understanding and advocating for the end-user in all design decisions, ensuring products are intuitive, effective, and enjoyable to use.
• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality, polished, and impactful design solutions that meet client objectives and exceed expectations.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, experimentation, and iterative refinement of processes, skills, and design outcomes.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to deliver cutting-edge digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with developers, project managers, business analysts, and client stakeholders, fostering mutual respect and shared project goals.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive dialogue, where feedback is welcomed and design challenges are discussed openly.
• Mentorship and Support: A supportive environment where senior members actively mentor junior colleagues, and team members are encouraged to share expertise and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a human-centered approach to design and a strong collaborative spirit, which are vital for operations professionals who often act as the connective tissue between different departments and functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Design Integrity: Effectively managing client expectations and project constraints while upholding strong UX/UI principles and design quality.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and execution of design vision across diverse teams (development, sales, project management) with potentially different priorities.
• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying abreast of new design tools, technologies, and user behavior trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Leading and Mentoring: Developing and applying effective leadership and mentorship strategies to guide junior designers and foster team growth.
• Proposal Development Pressure: Contributing strategically to winning new business through compelling design proposals under tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Opportunities to attend workshops or training sessions focused on emerging UX/UI trends, advanced prototyping techniques, or specialized design domains.
• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend leading design conferences to gain insights, network, and stay updated on industry best practices.
• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship opportunities with senior design leaders within Babel Group.
• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on leadership, team management, and strategic consulting skills.
• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of projects across different industries and client types to broaden experience and skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges inherent in a fast-paced consultancy environment, with strong support for professional development and skill enhancement, particularly in leadership and strategic design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex UX/UI project from end-to-end. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints when designing a product?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and practical application.)
• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to manage difficult client feedback or a significant design pivot. How did you handle it?" (Highlight client management, communication, and adaptability.)
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Provide an example of how you've helped a team member grow." (Showcase leadership and team development skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Babel Group and specifically to the BABELcreativa unit?" (Research their values, mission, and recent projects.)
• "How would you contribute to fostering a collaborative design culture here?" (Align your approach with their stated values.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Begin with a high-level overview, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each, clearly outline the problem, your role, process, solutions, and results.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design journey and final output.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate increases, user satisfaction improvements).
• Articulate Your 'Why': Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them to user research, best practices, or business goals.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Be open to questions throughout and be ready to elaborate on specific aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your strategic design process, leadership capabilities, and client management skills. Demonstrating how you translate user needs into business value through well-documented and impactful design work will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer & Digital Design Lead position:

• Submit your application, including your CV and a link to your online portfolio, via the provided Workday portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating end-to-end project leadership, client interaction, and measurable impact, with a focus on digital products and multi-device design.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience, leadership responsibilities, expertise in Figma/Sketch, and contributions to client proposals or GTM efforts. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership style, and client management approach. Prepare to walk through specific portfolio projects and discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and design systems.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Babel Group's services, client base, and strategic goals, particularly their focus on digital acceleration and the role of BABELcreativa. Understand their company values and culture to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.

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