Senior UX/UI Designer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (m/w/d)
Company: Crewmeister
Location: München, Germany
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-23
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for a leading SaaS time-tracking and shift planning platform, impacting over 200,000 daily users.
• Drive user research initiatives, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, with a specific focus on the needs and challenges of small and micro-businesses.
• Develop and refine wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for both web and mobile interfaces, prioritizing clarity and ease of use.
• Lead the creation and implementation of Crewmeister's first design system, ensuring consistency and reusability across all products and features.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a strong user-centric approach, particularly for an audience with potentially low technical understanding. The "m/w/d" designation indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The role is positioned as senior, implying a need for independent work, strategic thinking, and potentially mentoring junior designers.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to deeply understand the specific needs and pain points of small business owners and their employees.
• Translate complex user needs and business requirements into simple, elegant, and intuitive wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for web and mobile applications.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to champion user-centered design principles and ensure a cohesive product vision.
• Take ownership of developing and evolving Crewmeister's design system, defining reusable components, patterns, and guidelines to ensure brand consistency and streamline design and development workflows.
• Champion the adoption of user feedback and data-driven insights to iteratively improve existing designs and ensure maximum accessibility and intuitiveness for all users.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging design tools, and best practices, with a strategic focus on solutions applicable to the small business and micro-business segments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Kleinstunternehmen" (micro-businesses) and users with "geringes technisches Verständnis" (low technical understanding) is a critical differentiator for this role, requiring a designer who can simplify complex processes and reduce onboarding friction. Leading the development of the first design system is a significant, impactful project for a senior-level individual.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a related field are expected.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion focused on designing for users who possess limited technical proficiency.
• Proven track record of successfully translating complex workflows into simple, intuitive, and user-friendly digital experiences.

Required Skills:

• User Research & Analysis: Expertise in conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, with a proven ability to synthesize findings into actionable design insights, specifically for diverse user groups.
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable software.
• UI Design Excellence: Demonstrated ability to create clean, clear, and immediately understandable user interface designs that enhance usability and user satisfaction.
• Design System Development: Experience in initiating, developing, and maintaining design systems, including defining reusable components, establishing style guides, and promoting consistency across platforms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong ability to work effectively with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, fostering a collaborative and user-centric design process.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a talent for simplifying complex processes and user journeys.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for SaaS platforms and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this domain.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within cross-functional product teams.
• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience in branding and visual identity development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5 years of experience" and the responsibility for building a design system strongly indicate a Senior level. The emphasis on users with "low technical understanding" is a crucial qualifier for user research and design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for user research, including methodology, participant recruitment, and insight synthesis, with case studies showcasing how user needs informed design decisions.
• Showcase a range of design artifacts, including wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, highlighting intuitive UI design and clear problem-solving.
• Include examples of how you have simplified complex functionalities or processes for end-users, particularly those with limited technical expertise.
• Present examples of contributions to or development of design systems, illustrating component reusability, consistency, and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of a systematic approach to design, from initial concept and user research through to final implementation and iteration.
• Highlight your ability to document design decisions, rationale, and user feedback to ensure clear communication and knowledge transfer within the team.
• Showcase how you measure and iterate on designs based on user feedback and performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX/UI role, especially one focused on simplifying complex software for less technical users, a portfolio must clearly articulate the design process, demonstrate empathy for the target audience, and showcase tangible improvements in usability and user experience. The ability to build a design system is a key differentiator for this senior position.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers in Munich, Germany, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €65,000 and €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Munich, the company's industry (SaaS), and the senior nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexible schedule combining remote work and in-office days in Munich.
• Modern Office: Access to a contemporary office space in the Werksviertel Start-Up Hub, complete with an in-house barista.
• Team & Social Activities: Participation in regular team events, activities, yoga classes, and football championships.
• Employee Perks:
  • Essensgutscheine (Food Vouchers)
  • JobRad (Company Bicycle Program)
  • Fitnessstudio-Rabatte (Gym Discounts)
  • Freikarten (Free Tickets)
  • MacBook provided for work.
  • Vergünstigtes Deutschlandticket (Discounted Germany Travel Pass).
• Visa Sponsorship: Support for visa applications is available.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week, likely around 40 hours, with a focus on flexible scheduling to accommodate the hybrid work model and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior UX/UI Designer in Munich. The listed benefits are derived directly from the job description. The inclusion of visa sponsorship is a significant benefit for international candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software as a Service (SaaS), specifically Human Resources Technology (HR Tech) focusing on time tracking and shift planning solutions. Company Size: Crewmeister has grown to over 60 employees, indicating a phase of significant expansion and maturity while retaining some startup agility. Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, the company's description suggests it has achieved market leadership with over 14,000 customers, implying a solid history and established presence.

Team Structure:

• The design team is part of a larger, multi-disciplinary product development function.
• Collaboration is expected across product management, engineering, and potentially marketing.
• The role reports into a design lead or product lead, with a focus on contributing to the overall product strategy and user experience.
• As a senior role, there is potential for informal mentorship or guidance to more junior team members.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on understanding and serving the needs of small businesses, particularly those with limited technical expertise.
• Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, requiring iterative design processes and close collaboration with development teams.
• Data-Informed Decisions: User feedback and performance metrics are key drivers for continuous improvement and design iteration.
• Design System Implementation: A strategic initiative to build a foundational design system signifies a move towards scalable, efficient, and consistent product development.

Company Website: https://crewmeister.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Crewmeister positions itself as a leader in its niche, balancing the stability of an established company with the dynamic culture of a growing startup. The emphasis on "Herzblut, Neugier, Analytik und eine Menge Grips" suggests a passionate, driven, and intelligent workforce.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer position, indicating a high level of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. The role is expected to contribute strategically to product direction and lead design initiatives, such as the development of the company's first design system.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or Product Manager. They will work closely with a cross-functional team comprising product managers and software engineers.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts the usability and adoption of Crewmeister's SaaS platform, influencing customer retention, user satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth. By simplifying complex HR processes for small businesses, the designer plays a critical role in the company's value proposition and market differentiation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to shape the future of design at Crewmeister, potentially leading the design team as it grows and becoming the custodian of the design system.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in user research for specific demographics, design system architecture, or product strategy.
• Cross-Functional Development: Gain broader experience in product management and software development lifecycles through close collaboration.
• Impactful Projects: Lead and deliver key design initiatives that have a measurable impact on user experience and business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential, especially for someone looking to build foundational design infrastructure (like a design system) and influence product strategy in a growing SaaS company. The "startup culture within a financially strong group" suggests opportunities for rapid career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining remote flexibility with in-office collaboration. Office Location(s): Modern office located in the Werksviertel Start-Up Hub in Munich, Germany. This area is known for its vibrant ecosystem of startups and innovative companies.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting in a start-up hub encourages interaction and networking with other professionals. Regular team activities and events foster a strong sense of community.
• Tools & Technology: Access to a MacBook and a dedicated workspace equipped with necessary design tools. The presence of an in-house barista suggests a focus on employee comfort and a positive office atmosphere.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face collaboration with product managers and developers, essential for iterative design processes and design system development.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered within the full-time employment, supporting the hybrid model and enabling employees to balance work and personal life effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and modern office location in a dynamic hub are attractive aspects for designers seeking a balance between focused work and collaborative engagement. The emphasis on team activities highlights a company culture that values social connection.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, detailing their design process, problem-solving approaches, and specific contributions to past projects, particularly those involving user research and simplifying complex interfaces.
• Technical/Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be presented to evaluate design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design tools. This might involve critiquing an existing interface or proposing solutions for a specific user scenario.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Discussions with product managers and developers to assess collaboration skills, communication clarity, and understanding of technical constraints.
• Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to discuss motivations, career aspirations, and alignment with Crewmeister's values and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design journey for each project, emphasizing user research, ideation, iteration, and the rationale behind your design decisions.
• Highlight Simplicity: Showcase examples where you successfully translated complex functionalities into intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces, especially for non-technical users.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, higher user satisfaction scores).
• Design System Expertise: If you have experience building or contributing to design systems, dedicate a section to this, outlining your approach, tools, and the benefits achieved.
• Tailor to Crewmeister: Research Crewmeister's current product and target audience. Briefly explain how your skills and experience are particularly relevant to designing for small businesses with limited technical backgrounds.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to analyze a user problem and propose design solutions, focusing on clarity, simplicity, and user-friendliness.
• Practice articulating your design decisions and justifying them with user-centric principles and data.
• Familiarize yourself with common challenges in SaaS UX design, particularly for user onboarding and feature adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on simplifying for less technical users and building a design system, the interview process will likely scrutinize the candidate's ability to empathize with the target demographic and their strategic thinking regarding design scalability and consistency.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, as it's industry standard and often preferred for team collaboration and design systems), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• User Research Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com (or similar platforms for surveys and usability testing).
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Jira, Confluence (common in tech environments for team communication and project management).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, familiarity with product analytics tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI designer role, but awareness of how design impacts customer onboarding within a CRM context could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for a role involving design system creation. While other tools are mentioned, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to learn new technologies within the stack is crucial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of small business users, prioritizing their experience above all else.
• Simplicity & Clarity: A drive to make complex processes effortless and intuitive, reducing barriers to adoption and use.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared openly, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards common goals.
• Curiosity & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, exploring new trends, and constantly seeking ways to enhance the product and user experience.
• Impact & Ownership: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their work and contribute meaningfully to the company's success and customer satisfaction.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work hand-in-hand with product managers and developers, ensuring that user needs are integrated into every stage of the product development lifecycle.
• Open Feedback Loops: A culture that values constructive feedback, encouraging designers to both give and receive input to refine designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing insights from user research, design best practices, and learnings from design system development to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value both individual initiative and collective success, with a strong emphasis on making a tangible difference for their target audience. The mention of "Herzblut, Neugier, Analytik und eine Menge Grips" points to a culture that appreciates passion, intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and intelligence.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse Technical Aptitude: Creating universally intuitive interfaces for users with varying levels of technical skill requires deep empathy and rigorous testing.
• Balancing Simplicity with Functionality: Ensuring that the pursuit of simplicity doesn't compromise essential features or flexibility for more advanced users.
• Building a Design System from Scratch: Establishing and gaining adoption for a new design system requires strategic planning, stakeholder buy-in, and ongoing maintenance.
• Scaling Design Processes: As Crewmeister grows, ensuring design processes remain efficient and effective across an expanding product suite and user base.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to become the go-to expert and leader for Crewmeister's design system, influencing its evolution and adoption.
• User Research Specialization: Deepen expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored to understanding small business user behavior.
• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute directly to the product roadmap and strategic decisions through user-centered design insights.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to building a strong design culture within the company.
• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry conferences or workshops related to SaaS design, design systems, and user research.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lie in establishing and championing the company's design system, which is a significant undertaking for a senior-level designer and offers substantial career development potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a user group with significantly lower technical literacy than yourself. What was your process, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on user research, empathy, simplification strategies, and impact.)
• "How would you approach building a design system from the ground up for a SaaS product? What are the critical first steps, and how would you ensure adoption by engineering and design teams?" (Highlight your strategic planning, collaboration approach, and understanding of reusable components.)
• "Imagine a core feature in our time-tracking software is proving difficult for new users to understand. Walk us through how you would diagnose the problem and design a more intuitive solution." (Demonstrate your problem-solving process, user-centricity, and iterative design approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Research Crewmeister's current product. What do you see as its biggest design strengths and potential areas for improvement, particularly for small business owners?" (Showcase your understanding of the product and target market.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to Crewmeister's mission of simplifying HR processes for small businesses?" (Connect your skills and passion to the company's core value proposition.)
• "Describe your ideal collaboration dynamic with product managers and developers. How do you ensure design ideas are understood and effectively implemented?" (Focus on communication, feedback, and shared ownership.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project or by design skill (e.g., User Research, UI Design, Design Systems).
• Storytelling: For each case study, tell a compelling story: the problem, your approach, your role, the solution, and the impact.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work, but ensure they support your narrative rather than replacing it.
• Process Emphasis: Clearly explain how you arrived at your solutions, not just what the solutions are. This is crucial for a senior role.
• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs you made, and how you handled challenges or conflicting feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that directly address the nuances of designing for users with low technical understanding and experience in building design systems. Be ready to discuss your thought process and strategic reasoning in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that demonstrate your expertise in user research, simplifying complex interfaces, and ideally, any experience with design systems. Tailor your case studies to highlight your understanding of the needs of small businesses.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of UX/UI design experience, emphasizing your work with user-centric design, problem-solving for diverse user groups, and proficiency with key design tools. Use keywords such as "User Research," "UI Design," "Prototyping," "Design Systems," and "SaaS."
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to user research for less technical audiences and your strategy for building a design system.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Crewmeister's product, target market, and company mission. Understand their value proposition and how your design expertise can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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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