Teamhead UX/UI at PUMA Group

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Team Head UX/UI Company: PUMA Group Location: PUMA Way Headquarters, Germany Job Type: Full-time / Part-time Category: Design Leadership / User Experience Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-22 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and inspire a team of UX/UI designers focused on enhancing digital experiences for PUMA's Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) channels, including e-commerce and mobile applications.
Drive the UX/UI vision by collaborating closely with Product Management, Development, Strategy, and Brand teams to ensure alignment with overarching business objectives and PUMA's strategic goals.
Champion user-centered design principles and maintain consistency in user experience through the development and governance of robust design systems and brand guidelines, crucial for scalable operations.
Utilize data analytics, user research, and performance insights to continuously optimize the digital customer journey, focusing on improvements in usability, accessibility, and conversion rates, directly impacting operational efficiency and revenue.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while labeled "Team Head UX/UI," carries significant operational responsibilities. The emphasis on DTC touchpoints (e-commerce, app), design systems, data-driven optimization, and cross-functional collaboration positions this as a critical function within the broader GTM and operational framework. The "operations" aspect lies in ensuring the seamless, efficient, and effective delivery of digital user experiences that directly support sales and brand engagement, requiring a strategic approach to design processes and team management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Guide and mentor a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a high-performance culture focused on delivering exceptional, user-centric digital products for PUMA's e-commerce platforms and mobile applications.
Partner with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Brand stakeholders to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive, engaging, and technically feasible digital solutions that align with PUMA's global strategy.
Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive design systems and style guides to ensure brand consistency, streamline design workflows, and facilitate efficient product development across all digital touchpoints.
Conduct and leverage user research, usability testing, A/B testing, and data analytics to identify user pain points, validate design hypotheses, and drive continuous improvement in user experience, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction.
Oversee the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and wireframing to prototyping and final UI design, ensuring high standards of quality and user experience across all digital initiatives.
Act as the primary global point of contact for UX/UI matters, ensuring effective communication and alignment between regional teams and global design strategies to maintain a cohesive brand experience.
Proactively research and integrate emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices into PUMA's digital product strategy to foster innovation and maintain a competitive edge in the e-commerce landscape.
Cultivate a collaborative and innovative design environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-functional synergy to elevate the overall quality and impact of digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a need for strong process management and operational oversight within the design function. The expectation to "develop, implement, and maintain design systems" and "leverage data analytics" points to a need for structured approaches to design operations, ensuring scalability and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a related field.

Experience:

5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion in a leadership or team management capacity.
Proven track record of leading design initiatives within the E-Commerce or Retail sectors, demonstrating a deep understanding of online consumer behavior and digital product lifecycles.
Experience in managing and mentoring design teams, fostering collaboration, and driving creative excellence.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing design systems and style guides that promote consistency and efficiency.
Proficiency in conducting user research, usability testing, and leveraging data analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.
Strong understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and responsive design principles across various devices and platforms.
Project management experience, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Required Skills:

UX/UI Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire design teams to deliver high-quality, user-centered digital experiences.
Design Systems Management: Expertise in creating, implementing, and maintaining scalable design systems and component libraries.
User Research & Testing: Proficiency in various user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and data analysis to derive actionable insights.
Prototyping & Wireframing: Advanced skills in industry-standard tools for creating interactive prototypes and detailed wireframes.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional ability to work effectively with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, present findings, and influence stakeholders.
E-Commerce Domain Knowledge: Understanding of e-commerce best practices, user journeys, and conversion optimization strategies.
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to interpret user data, analytics, and performance metrics to drive design decisions and measure success.

Preferred Skills:

Retail Industry Experience: Specific experience within the apparel or sports retail sector.
Mobile App Design: Expertise in designing for native mobile applications (iOS and Android).
A/B Testing & Experimentation: Experience designing and analyzing A/B tests to optimize user interfaces and flows.
Visual Storytelling: Strong visual design skills with the ability to create compelling narratives through design.
Global Design Strategy: Experience in developing and implementing design strategies for global markets.
Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and experience working within an Agile team structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design systems," "data analytics," "usability testing," and "conversion optimization" strongly suggests that operational efficiency and measurable outcomes are key performance indicators for this role. The inclusion of "project management" and "cross-functional collaboration" further reinforces the operational nature of managing design projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrated Leadership: Case studies showcasing leadership in guiding design teams, mentoring designers, and influencing product strategy.
User-Centered Design Process: Detailed examples of your design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and final implementation, highlighting how user needs were central.
Design System Implementation: Showcase examples of design systems you have contributed to or led the development of, including component libraries, style guides, and their impact on design consistency and development efficiency.
E-Commerce Optimization: Projects that clearly illustrate how your UX/UI work directly improved key e-commerce metrics such as conversion rates, average order value, user engagement, or task completion rates.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Examples demonstrating how you successfully collaborated with product managers, engineers, and marketing teams to bring digital products to life, highlighting communication and problem-solving skills.
Problem-Solving & Innovation: Portfolios should include examples of tackling complex user problems and delivering innovative solutions that address both user needs and business objectives.

Process Documentation:

Workflow Design & Optimization: Evidence of creating efficient design workflows, from project initiation to final handoff, including documentation on how these workflows have been optimized for speed and quality.
System Implementation & Governance: Documentation or case studies detailing the implementation and ongoing governance of design systems, including processes for component updates, version control, and team adoption.
Measurement & Performance Analysis: Examples of how you have established metrics, tracked the performance of UX/UI initiatives, and used data to drive iterative improvements and demonstrate ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be the primary mechanism for assessing practical application of design leadership and process management skills. The focus on "demonstrated leadership," "design system implementation," and "e-commerce optimization" highlights the need for candidates to showcase their ability to manage and improve operational aspects of the design function.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the experience level (5-10 years), leadership responsibilities, and location in Germany (a major European hub for fashion and retail), a competitive salary range for a Team Head UX/UI is estimated between €70,000 to €100,000 annually. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific qualifications, prior experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
Employee discounts on PUMA products and merchandise.
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Contribution to retirement or pension plans.
Access to a modern, well-equipped workspace at the PUMA Headquarters.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.
The role may offer some flexibility, allowing for part-time arrangements as indicated in the job posting, which can be discussed during the application process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on industry benchmarks for UX/UI leadership roles in Germany, considering the company's profile and the specified experience level. Benefits are typical for a large, international corporation like PUMA. The mention of full-time/part-time options suggests a flexible operational approach to staffing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sportswear, Fashion, Retail, and E-Commerce. PUMA operates within a highly competitive global market, requiring continuous innovation and efficient operations to maintain its brand presence and market share. Company Size: PUMA Group is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This scale implies established processes, a global reach, and opportunities for significant impact. Founded: PUMA was founded in 1948. Its long history in the sports industry signifies a strong brand heritage, deep market understanding, and a legacy of adaptation and growth.

Team Structure:

Operations Team Aspect 1: The UX/UI team likely operates within a broader Digital Product or E-Commerce division, comprising UX designers, UI designers, researchers, and potentially content strategists. The "Team Head" role suggests direct management of this group.
Operations Team Aspect 2: This role will report to a senior leader within the digital product or e-commerce organization, such as a Head of Digital Product, VP of E-Commerce, or Chief Digital Officer. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and Marketing Directors.
Operations Team Aspect 3: Expect a highly collaborative environment where design integrates closely with product strategy, engineering execution, and marketing campaigns. This requires strong communication protocols and shared understanding of project goals and operational constraints.

Methodology:

Operations Process 1: Data analysis and insights are crucial, driven by analytics platforms, user feedback, and market research to inform design decisions and optimize digital touchpoints.
Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization will focus on Agile methodologies, design sprints, and efficient handoffs between design, development, and marketing teams to ensure timely and high-quality product releases.
Operations Process 3: Automation and efficiency practices will likely be employed in design tooling, prototyping, and the implementation of design systems to speed up the design and development cycles.

Company Website: https://about.puma.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding PUMA's position in the sportswear and e-commerce industry is key. The company's size and global presence necessitate robust operational frameworks, where the UX/UI team's work directly impacts sales and customer engagement on a large scale. The emphasis on "digital consumer touchpoints" highlights the operational importance of these channels.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant leadership position within the design function of a major global brand. It is a mid-to-senior level management role, responsible for a specialized team and a critical aspect of the company's digital operations. The scope includes strategic input, team development, and direct impact on customer experience and revenue generation.

Reporting Structure: The Team Head UX/UI will likely report to a Director or VP level executive within the Digital, E-Commerce, or Product organization. This position will have direct reports (UX/UI designers) and will collaborate extensively with peers in Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and potentially regional digital leads. This structure requires strong operational communication and alignment across departments.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI team's work directly influences customer acquisition, conversion rates, customer retention, and overall brand perception across PUMA's digital channels. Effective UX/UI design is a key driver of operational efficiency in sales, marketing, and customer service by creating intuitive self-service experiences and reducing friction in the customer journey. Insights from this role can shape product roadmaps and impact revenue forecasts.

Growth Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in managing design operations, scaling design systems, and leading teams in a global e-commerce environment.
Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Head of Digital Product Design, Director of Global UX, or similar senior leadership roles, expanding scope and strategic influence.
Cross-Functional Leadership: Exposure to and potential leadership opportunities in broader digital transformation initiatives, product strategy, and brand experience management.
Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the fast-paced sportswear and fashion retail industry, working on innovative digital projects with global reach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path in an organization like PUMA often involves moving from team leadership to functional leadership or expanding into broader strategic roles. For this position, growth could mean leading a larger design organization, influencing product strategy more broadly, or specializing further in areas like design operations management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: PUMA Way Headquarters is likely a modern, corporate office environment designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and efficiency. It will be equipped with contemporary design tools and technology infrastructure. Office Location(s): The primary location is PUMA Way Headquarters in Germany. This central hub will serve as the core for global digital strategy and team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: The workspace will likely feature open-plan areas, meeting rooms equipped for brainstorming and presentations, and dedicated spaces for focused design work. Expect a dynamic atmosphere with frequent interaction with cross-functional teams.
Operations Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), prototyping tools, user research platforms, and project management systems will be standard. High-speed internet and reliable IT support are expected.
Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, cross-functional syncs, and informal collaboration will be abundant, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is primarily on-site at the Headquarters. While full-time is standard, the mention of part-time availability suggests potential flexibility in work hours or days to accommodate specific needs, which can be a valuable operational consideration for work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: As an on-site role at a global headquarters, the emphasis will be on in-person collaboration and leveraging the resources of a large corporate campus. The work environment is expected to be structured to support efficient operations and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Process Step 1: Initial screening by HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your leadership philosophy and approach to design operations.
Process Step 2: Interview with the hiring manager (likely a senior leader in Digital Product) to discuss your experience, leadership style, and strategic vision for UX/UI. Expect questions on team management and process optimization.
Process Step 3: Portfolio presentation and in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potentially key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, or Marketing. This is where you'll showcase your design process, leadership examples, and impact. Focus on how your work drove operational improvements.
Process Step 4: Potential interview with a wider panel or senior leadership to assess broader strategic alignment and cultural fit. This may include a case study or a challenge to solve a specific design problem relevant to PUMA's business.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies that highlight your leadership, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business metrics. Start with a summary of the challenge, your approach, your role, the solutions, and the measurable results.
Process Improvement Focus: For each case study, emphasize how your design process or system implementation led to operational efficiencies, improved user experience, or increased conversion rates. Quantify outcomes whenever possible.
Design System Showcase: If you have experience with design systems, dedicate a section to this, explaining your contribution to their creation, implementation, and impact on design and development workflows.
Storytelling: Present your work as compelling narratives. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions, demonstrating strategic thinking and a deep understanding of user needs and business goals.
Tailor to PUMA: Research PUMA's current digital presence and brand. Prepare to discuss how your skills and experience can address their specific challenges and opportunities in e-commerce and mobile.

Challenge Preparation:

Understand PUMA’s Business: Familiarize yourself with PUMA's products, target audience, competitors, and recent digital initiatives.
Design Process Practice: Be ready to walk through a design process for a hypothetical PUMA-related challenge, focusing on user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing methodologies.
System Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would approach building or scaling a design system for a global brand like PUMA, considering consistency, scalability, and developer collaboration.
Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, anticipating questions from non-design stakeholders and demonstrating how your solutions align with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to evaluate not only design skills but also leadership capabilities and operational acumen. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a structured, data-informed, and collaborative approach to design will be crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one major design tool is essential for daily operations.
Design Systems: Tools for creating and managing component libraries, style guides, and design tokens (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, internal tooling).
User Research & Testing: UsabilityHub, UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, Lookback, Optimal Workshop, or similar platforms for conducting research and analyzing user behavior.
Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Asana, Trello, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for workflow management, task tracking, and team communication.
Analytics & Reporting: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude for tracking user behavior, conversion funnels, and performance metrics.

Analytics & Reporting:

Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding website traffic, user journeys, and conversion performance.
Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights to stakeholders.
A/B Testing Platforms: Optimizely, VWO, Google Optimize for designing and analyzing experiments.

CRM & Automation:

CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce, especially how user data is managed and impacts personalization and customer experience.
Marketing Automation: Understanding of how marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketing Cloud, HubSpot) integrate with digital platforms for targeted campaigns.
Integration Tools: Awareness of how design systems and user data integrate across different platforms and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong command of modern design and collaboration tools, with a particular emphasis on platforms that support design systems and data-driven decision-making, reflecting the operational needs of a digital-first company.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Data-Driven Decisions: A commitment to using data, user research, and analytics to inform all design choices and operational strategies, ensuring measurable impact.
User-Centricity: A core belief in designing for the user first, ensuring intuitive, accessible, and delightful experiences across all digital touchpoints.
Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open and collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and cross-functional partnerships are prioritized for efficient operations.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to exploring new design trends, technologies, and methodologies to constantly enhance digital experiences and streamline operational processes.
Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, from concept to delivery, and driving projects to successful completion with a focus on operational excellence.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Actively engaging with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Brand teams to ensure seamless integration of UX/UI strategies into broader business objectives and operational plans.
Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture of regular design critiques and process reviews to foster continuous learning, share best practices, and optimize workflows.
Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of insights, tools, and methodologies within the design team and across departments to build collective expertise and drive efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with modern operational excellence in design: data-informed, user-focused, collaborative, and innovative. These principles are crucial for managing the complexities of a global digital operation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Global Consistency with Local Needs: Ensuring a unified brand experience across diverse international markets while accommodating specific regional user preferences and operational requirements.
Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying ahead of fast-paced changes in technology, user behavior, and design trends to maintain PUMA's competitive edge in the digital space.
Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively managing differing priorities and perspectives from various departments (e.g., Marketing, Sales, IT, Operations) to achieve cohesive digital product development.
Scaling Design Operations: Developing and maintaining efficient processes and systems that can scale with PUMA's growth and evolving digital strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop expertise in design operations management, including advanced design system implementation, workflow automation, and cross-functional process optimization.
Industry Exposure: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the sportswear and fashion retail industries, understanding consumer behavior trends, and contributing to global digital strategies.
Leadership Mentorship: Access to senior leadership and mentorship programs to hone leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
Innovation Workshops: Participation in innovation labs or workshops focused on emerging technologies and future design trends, fostering continuous learning and adaptation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the operational complexities of leading design in a global e-commerce environment. Growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing both design leadership and operational management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How would you approach building or scaling a design system for a global brand like PUMA, considering both efficiency and adaptability?" (Focus on process, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.)
"Describe a time you used data and user research to significantly improve a digital product's user experience and commercial performance. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Highlight data analysis, problem-solving, and ROI.)
"How do you foster a collaborative and innovative design culture within your team, and how do you ensure alignment with broader business objectives?" (Discuss team management, communication strategies, and operational alignment.)

Company & Culture Questions:

"What excites you about PUMA's brand and its digital presence? How do you see UX/UI contributing to PUMA's 'SPEED & SPIRIT' ethos?" (Research PUMA's values, recent campaigns, and digital strategy.)
"How would you integrate the UX/UI team into PUMA's broader operational framework, ensuring effective collaboration with Product, Marketing, and Development?" (Focus on cross-functional synergy and process integration.)
"How do you measure the success and impact of your design team's work? What KPIs are most important to you in a digital operations context?" (Prepare to discuss metrics like conversion rates, task completion, NPS, and operational efficiency.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Case Study Structure: For each case study, clearly articulate: The Challenge, Your Role & Process, The Solution, and The Results (quantified impact).
Highlight Operational Impact: Explicitly show how your design decisions or process improvements led to tangible operational benefits (e.g., faster development cycles, reduced support tickets, increased conversion).
Design System Demonstration: If applicable, present a clear overview of a design system you've worked with, detailing its structure, benefits, and how it streamlines design and development operations.
Interactive Elements: Be prepared to discuss your prototypes and workflows in an interactive manner, demonstrating your familiarity with design tools and your ability to articulate design choices.
Storytelling for Stakeholders: Frame your presentation to resonate with a non-design audience, focusing on business outcomes and strategic alignment rather than just aesthetic details.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating strategic thinking, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of how design contributes to business success, particularly within an e-commerce context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Team Head UX/UI position at PUMA Group:

Submit your application through the provided link on the PUMA careers portal.
Concrete preparation step 1 related to operations portfolio customization: Curate 2-3 key case studies that best showcase your leadership in managing design teams, implementing design systems, and driving measurable improvements in e-commerce operational efficiency (e.g., conversion rate increases, reduced design cycle times). Ensure these highlight your process for research, iteration, and cross-functional collaboration.
Concrete preparation step 2 related to resume optimization for operations roles: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, project management skills, and quantifiable achievements in UX/UI design, especially those related to e-commerce, design systems, and process optimization. Use keywords like "design operations," "UX strategy," "conversion optimization," and "team leadership."
Concrete preparation step 3 related to operations interview preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on the operational impact of your work. Prepare to discuss how you manage design projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and leverage data to drive decisions. Rehearse answers to common leadership and problem-solving questions.
Concrete preparation step 4 related to company research with operations culture focus: Thoroughly research PUMA's current digital strategy, recent product launches, and brand values. Understand how their "SPEED & SPIRIT" philosophy translates into their digital operations and team culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Teamhead UX/UI