Team Lead UX Design (m/f/x)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Team Lead UX Design (m/f/x)
Company: Tipico
Location: St. Julian's, Malta
Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Operations / Product Design Operations
Date Posted: 2025-07-24T07:58:33.523
Experience Level: 7+ Years (Total), 3+ Years (Leadership)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on leading and mentoring a team of senior UX/UI designers and a UX writer to craft exceptional user experiences for Tipico's Sports and Gaming digital platforms, driving engagement and conversion.
• The position involves defining and executing a strategic UX vision that aligns with business objectives, ensuring seamless, user-centered designs that enhance usability and overall customer satisfaction.
• Key responsibilities include optimizing design workflows, fostering collaboration through design critiques, and integrating user research, A/B testing, and data analytics into the design process.
• The Team Lead will act as a champion for user-centered design principles, presenting data-driven recommendations to senior leadership and stakeholders to influence product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is UX Design, the operational aspects of leading a team, optimizing workflows, and integrating data-driven insights place this role firmly within an "Operations" context, specifically focusing on the processes and efficiency of the Design function to support Go-To-Market (GTM) product strategies. The emphasis on data, A/B testing, and stakeholder management are core operational competencies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute a comprehensive UX vision and strategy that directly supports Tipico's business goals and customer needs for Sports and Gaming products.
• Manage, mentor, and coach a distributed team of senior UX/UI designers and a UX writer, fostering a high-performance culture and ensuring individual growth.
• Implement and refine design processes, workflows, and rituals (e.g., design critiques, sprint planning) to enhance team creativity, efficiency, and output quality.
• Collaborate closely with Insights, User Research, and A/B Testing teams to ensure design decisions are informed by quantitative and qualitative data, driving continuous improvement.
• Optimize user flows, interaction patterns, information architecture, and accessibility standards to deliver seamless, engaging, and intuitive digital experiences.
• Lead the design strategy for key product initiatives, ensuring high-quality UI/UX outcomes that align with brand guidelines and product roadmaps.
• Advocate for user-centered design principles across product development teams and present data-driven design recommendations and insights to senior stakeholders and leadership.
• Stay abreast of emerging UX/UI trends, design technologies, and best practices to continuously elevate Tipico's digital product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a strong focus on operational efficiency and process improvement within the design function. Responsibilities like "Enhance workflows, design critiques, and collaboration by implementing effective processes and rituals" and "Work closely with Insights and A/B Testing teams to integrate research, analytics, and experimentation into design improvements" highlight the operational nature of this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected, though extensive experience and a strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education in design leadership roles.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in UX/UI Design, Product Design, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a team management or leadership capacity, overseeing designers and/or writers.
• Experience within the gaming industry or a similar fast-paced, customer-centric digital environment is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in managing design projects from conception through to launch, with a focus on measurable outcomes.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, visual design, information architecture, and usability best practices.
• Design Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of design professionals, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.
• Portfolio Excellence: A strong, compelling portfolio showcasing a range of impactful UX/UI solutions, demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and measurable user/business impact.
• Data-Driven Design: Proficiency in leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing results to inform and validate design decisions and drive iterative improvements.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma, and experience working with and contributing to design systems.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and rationale effectively to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional product teams.
• Familiarity with various user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys).
• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience in optimizing digital experiences for mobile-first or responsive design contexts.
• Familiarity with tools for journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and user flow visualization beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7+ years of experience and 3+ years in leadership suggests this is a senior-level operations role within the design function, responsible for strategic direction and team performance. The emphasis on data and A/B testing aligns it with core Revenue Operations principles of driving measurable business outcomes through optimized customer journeys.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approach.
• Case studies should highlight specific projects, detailing the user problem, the design solution, the candidate's role, and the measurable impact (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time).
• Demonstrations of leadership in managing design projects, mentoring team members, and driving design initiatives from concept to completion.
• Examples of driving process improvements within design teams or workflows.
• Showcase proficiency in Figma and experience with established design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of experience in defining, documenting, and implementing design processes (e.g., user research protocols, design critique frameworks, handoff procedures).
• Examples of how candidates have integrated data and user feedback loops into their design process for continuous optimization.
• Documentation of workflow enhancements that improved team efficiency, collaboration, or design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Team Lead role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating not just design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and process management capabilities. The focus on measurable impact and process optimization is paramount for evaluating operational effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Team Lead UX Design role in Malta, with 7+ years of experience and 3+ years of leadership, the estimated annual salary range is between €55,000 and €75,000. This range accounts for the senior nature of the role, the specific location in Malta (cost of living and local market rates), and the responsibilities associated with managing a team and influencing product strategy.

Benefits:

• Private Health and Dental Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for medical and dental needs, ensuring employee well-being.
• Subsidized Parking: Financial assistance for parking expenses, adding convenience for on-site employees.
• On-site Childcare: A significant benefit providing convenient and accessible childcare services for employees' children aged 3+.
• Gym Allowance: A monthly or annual allowance to support fitness and well-being, reflecting the company's appreciation for sports and employee health.
• Competitive Salary Package: A salary commensurate with experience and responsibilities, along with other company-provided incentives.
• Personal and Professional Growth Opportunities: Access to development programs, training, and opportunities to advance within the organization.
• Relocation Support: Assistance provided to facilitate a smooth transition for employees moving to Malta.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in Malta. While specific flexibility is not detailed, leadership roles often involve a degree of autonomy in managing one's schedule to meet project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for UX Design leadership roles in European locations with a similar cost of living to Malta, adjusted for the specific experience and leadership requirements. The listed benefits are directly extracted from the job posting and highlight Tipico's commitment to employee well-being and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates in the highly dynamic and competitive Sports Betting and iGaming industry, a sector that relies heavily on technology, user experience, and data analytics to drive customer acquisition, retention, and revenue. This context means a strong emphasis on innovation, speed, and customer-centricity. Company Size: Tipico is described as an "Established International Group," suggesting a medium to large enterprise with a significant employee base and global operations. This size implies a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for impact and visibility. Founded: Tipico was founded in 2004, indicating a company with over two decades of experience in the market. This longevity suggests stability, a proven business model, and a deep understanding of the industry landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is led by the Head of Customer Experience, with the Team Lead UX Design managing a squad of senior UX/UI designers and a UX writer.
• This team is likely distributed across different locations, requiring strong remote collaboration and communication skills from the Team Lead.
• The team operates within a broader product development framework, collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, Insights, and A/B Testing teams.

Methodology:

• Customer-Centricity: A core tenet, with a mission to "excite the arena and elevate the betting experience."
• Data-Driven Decisions: Emphasis on integrating "research, analytics, and experimentation into design improvements" and advocating for "data-driven recommendations."
• Agile & Iterative Development: Implied through the need for A/B testing and continuous improvement, common in tech and digital product development.
• Team Collaboration & Ownership: The culture is described as "energetic and ambitious," with a belief in "owning our game" and playing "as a team to win high."

Company Website: Tipico Group Website (Assuming this is the correct corporate site, though the provided URL was null, this is a common URL for such companies).

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Tipico's industry context is crucial. The fast-paced nature of sports betting means that design operations must be agile, data-informed, and focused on rapid iteration to maintain a competitive edge and enhance user engagement. The company's established nature suggests a need for process-oriented leadership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position within the Design Operations vertical. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to manage people, processes, and strategy. The "Team Lead" title signifies responsibility for team performance, workflow efficiency, and the strategic direction of UX for key product areas.

Reporting Structure: The Team Lead UX Design reports directly to the Head of Customer Experience. This places the role at a mid-to-senior management level, with direct influence on customer-facing digital product strategy and execution.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on the customer experience, which directly influences user engagement, retention, and conversion rates. By leading a high-performing design team and optimizing design processes, the Team Lead contributes significantly to the company's ability to deliver a superior product, thereby impacting revenue and market share. The role bridges the gap between user needs and business objectives through effective design operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into a Head of UX Design, Head of Customer Experience, or a broader Product leadership role, managing larger teams and broader strategic responsibilities.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, such as gaming UX, mobile design, or design systems management.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various departments (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Data Analytics), broadening understanding of the business and potential career paths.
• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the sports betting and iGaming industry, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Process Improvement Leadership: Lead initiatives to further mature and standardize the design operations and product development processes within Tipico.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career growth, moving from team leadership to broader strategic management within a growing international company. The emphasis on data-driven decision-making and process optimization aligns with the development of strong operational leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Tipico operates from modern, state-of-the-art offices, specifically mentioning the "Tipico tower" with an "open-plan space with the latest technology." This suggests a contemporary, collaborative, and tech-forward work environment designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Vjal Portomaso, St. Julian's, Malta. This is a well-known business and leisure hub in Malta, offering a modern and accessible workplace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Space: The open-plan design encourages interaction and collaboration among team members and across departments, facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-functional problem-solving.
• Technologically Equipped: Access to the "latest technology" in the workspace supports efficient design workflows and seamless communication for a distributed team.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX team, as well as product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard work week. Given the leadership nature and the emphasis on delivering results, there might be flexibility in managing hours to meet project deadlines, but the core expectation is on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a modern office environment is a key factor. For operations roles, a well-equipped and collaborative workspace can significantly impact team efficiency and morale. The mention of "on-site childcare" is a unique aspect that significantly enhances the work environment for parents.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and suitability.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct manager (Head of Customer Experience) to delve into experience, leadership style, and strategic thinking.
• Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with senior UX designers, UX writer, and potentially Product Managers or Engineering leads to evaluate collaboration skills, design philosophy, and cultural fit. This may include a portfolio presentation.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to present a case study from their portfolio or complete a design exercise to demonstrate their problem-solving approach, design process, and ability to articulate their work.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process, from problem identification and research through to ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).
• Show Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored team members, influenced stakeholders, or drove process improvements.
• Tailor to Tipico: Research Tipico's products and user base. Frame your case studies to show how your skills and experience are relevant to their specific challenges and goals.
• Clarity and Storytelling: Present your work in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, telling a compelling story about the problem, your solution, and the outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Be prepared to discuss the sports betting industry and Tipico's position within it.
• UX Principles: Refresh your knowledge of core UX principles, design thinking, and user-centered methodologies.
• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Figma and discuss your experience with design systems.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare answers to common behavioral questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), focusing on leadership, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Data & Analytics: Be prepared to discuss how you use data and A/B testing to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a leadership role emphasizes not only technical design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and the ability to integrate into a team and company culture. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a key requirement.
• Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, or working within established design systems is expected.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping and wireframing tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).
• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms like Optimizely, VWO, or Google Optimize to measure and iterate on design performance.
• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web and product analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially tools for creating dashboards or reports to present findings to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly mentioned for UX Design, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation tools impact the customer journey can be advantageous for holistic UX strategy.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and design systems highlights key technical requirements. The emphasis on A/B testing and analytics platforms underscores the operational need for data-driven decision-making within the UX function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, ensuring that all design decisions prioritize the user's needs and experience.
• Data-Driven Approach: Valuing insights and evidence over assumptions, using data to guide strategy and measure success.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasizing working together as a team, fostering a supportive and communicative environment to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to constantly refining processes, skills, and product offerings to achieve excellence.
• Ownership & Accountability: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their work and its impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Data Analytics teams to ensure a unified and effective product development process.
• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent and constructive feedback through design critiques and regular team meetings.
• Shared Learning: Fostering an environment where team members share knowledge, best practices, and learnings to collectively improve.
• Agile Mindset: Embracing flexibility and adaptability in response to changing project requirements and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of ambitious, results-oriented performance with a strong emphasis on teamwork and continuous learning. Understanding these values is key for aligning with the team and company's operational ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a Distributed Team: Leading and motivating a team spread across different locations requires strong communication, trust-building, and effective virtual collaboration strategies.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the inherent tension between creating ideal user experiences and meeting aggressive business targets in a competitive industry.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Industry: The sports betting sector demands quick adaptation to trends, competitor actions, and evolving user expectations, requiring agile design operations.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively advocating for user-centered design and securing buy-in from various stakeholders who may have different priorities.
• Integrating Data Effectively: Ensuring that insights from research and A/B testing are consistently and effectively translated into actionable design improvements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Opportunities to hone management and leadership skills, potentially through internal programs or external courses.
• Industry Conferences: Exposure to leading design and gaming industry events to stay current with trends and network with peers.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like gaming UX, accessibility, or advanced prototyping techniques.
• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within Tipico for guidance and career development advice.
• Process Optimization Projects: Lead initiatives to further refine and standardize design operations, gaining valuable experience in operational strategy and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for leadership roles in dynamic tech environments. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for individuals looking to advance their careers in design operations and leadership within the iGaming sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Question: "How would you define and execute a winning UX vision that aligns with business goals for our Sports and Gaming products?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your framework for vision setting, how you research business objectives, and how you translate those into actionable UX strategies. Use examples of past successes.
• Question: "Describe your approach to managing and mentoring a distributed team of designers. What are your key strategies for fostering collaboration and high performance?"
  • Preparation: Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, methods for remote team management, performance feedback techniques, and strategies for building team cohesion.
• Question: "How do you integrate user research, analytics, and A/B testing into your design process? Can you provide an example where data significantly influenced a design decision?"
  • Preparation: Outline your data-informed design methodology. Have a specific case study ready that demonstrates how you used data to identify a problem, validate a solution, or measure impact.
• Question: "How do you advocate for user-centered design and present data-driven recommendations to senior stakeholders who may have different priorities?"
  • Preparation: Focus on your communication and persuasion skills. Discuss how you tailor your message to different audiences and build consensus.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Question: "What interests you about Tipico and the sports betting industry?"
  • Preparation: Research Tipico's market position, recent news, and product offerings. Understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the iGaming space.
• Question: "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team and with cross-functional partners?"
  • Preparation: Be ready to discuss your experience with design critiques, cross-functional meetings, and facilitating open communication.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and leadership philosophy. Then, present 2-3 in-depth case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, leadership contributions, and measurable impact.
• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the problem, your role and approach, the solution, and the results. Emphasize the "why" behind your design decisions.
• Metrics & Impact: Clearly articulate the business and user outcomes achieved. Quantify results whenever possible.
• Process Focus: Highlight your process, including how you incorporated research, testing, and collaboration.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging and covers key points efficiently. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, process optimization, and a data-driven approach, in addition to core UX skills. Tailoring your responses and portfolio to Tipico's industry and culture is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Team Lead UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your strongest design work into a clear, concise portfolio. Ensure it highlights your leadership experience, process, and measurable outcomes, with specific examples of how you've improved user experiences and driven business results. Tailor your case studies to demonstrate relevance to the sports betting industry if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 7+ years of UX/UI/Product Design experience and your 3+ years of team management and leadership. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Vision," "User-Centered Design," "Figma," "Design Systems," "A/B Testing," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Research Tipico, its products, and the iGaming industry. Prepare to discuss your leadership style, design process, and how you leverage data. Practice presenting your portfolio and be ready to walk through specific case studies in detail, focusing on your role, challenges, solutions, and impact.
• Company Research: Understand Tipico's mission, values, and culture. Consider how your own work style and values align with their emphasis on teamwork, user-centricity, and data-driven decision-making. Familiarize yourself with their current digital offerings.

⚠️ 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.