Teamlead UX, Design & Research (d/m/w)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Teamlead UX, Design & Research (d/m/w)

Company: Haufe Group

Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Vollzeit (Full-Time)

Category: User Experience (UX) Design & Research Leadership

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years (Professionals)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a 14-member UX team encompassing concept, design, and research functions, fostering a user-centric mindset across the organization.

• Drive interdisciplinary collaboration between UX, product management, and technology teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Champion advanced product discovery methods and data-driven decision-making at both quantitative and qualitative levels.

• Oversee the strategic development and evolution of comprehensive design systems in close coordination with development teams.

• Synchronize and strengthen collaborative efforts with the Barcelona location to foster global synergy and knowledge sharing within the UX discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided title is "Teamlead UX, Design & Research," the core responsibilities and qualifications clearly indicate a leadership role focused on managing and developing a team within the User Experience domain, rather than a hands-on individual contributor role. The emphasis on "Führung" (leadership) and "Team-Entwicklung" (team development) solidifies this interpretation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide disciplinary and technical leadership for a team of 14 UX experts in concept, design, and research.

• Drive the professional and methodological advancement of the UX team through coaching, training, and skill development initiatives.

• Foster strong interdisciplinary collaboration between UX, product management, and technology departments to achieve aligned product strategies and execution.

• Promote and embed a user-centric mindset throughout the organization, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of product development.

• Establish clear responsibilities, transparent goals, and effective collaboration frameworks within the team and across departments.

• Lead the continuous development and refinement of design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability across all products.

• Encourage the adoption of product discovery methods and data-driven approaches to inform design decisions and validate hypotheses.

• Maintain transparent communication regarding team objectives, progress, and any challenges encountered.

• Ensure seamless synchronization and collaboration with the Barcelona office to leverage global expertise and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of people management, strategic UX leadership, and operational process improvement within a product development context. The emphasis on "Führung" (leadership), "Weiterentwicklung" (development), and "Förderung" (promotion) indicates a strategic, proactive role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Media Informatics, Communication Design, or a comparable field of study.

Experience: Several years of leadership experience or proven experience in the technical management of teams within the UX/Design domain.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Management: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of UX professionals.

• UX Design & Research Expertise: Deep understanding of UX principles, design methodologies, and research techniques (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods).

• Product Discovery: Strong knowledge of product discovery methods to identify user needs and validate product hypotheses.

• Design Systems: Comprehensive understanding of design systems, their implementation, and ongoing development.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to leverage quantitative and qualitative data to inform design strategies and measure impact.

• Coaching & Mentoring: Passion for team development, coaching, and fostering individual growth.

• Communication Skills: Excellent strategic communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with agile principles and their application in UX workflows.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product management and technology teams.

• Language Proficiency: Native-level German (C1) and strong English (B2) language skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international team synchronization (e.g., between Germany and Spain).

• Familiarity with modern tooling for UX design, research, and collaboration.

• Experience in driving organizational change towards a stronger user-centric culture.

• Knowledge of AI technologies and their application in UX and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a balance of leadership capabilities, deep UX domain expertise, and strategic thinking. The explicit mention of "aktuellen Entwicklungen und Tools der Disziplin" (current developments and tools of the discipline) suggests a need for a forward-thinking leader.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Team Leadership Case Studies: Demonstrations of successful team development, mentorship, and performance improvement initiatives led by the candidate.

• Design System Frameworks: Examples of design systems conceptualized, implemented, or significantly evolved under the candidate's guidance, showcasing scalability and impact.

• Product Discovery Frameworks: Case studies illustrating the application of product discovery methods, including user research, hypothesis testing, and iterative design processes that led to measurable outcomes.

• Process Optimization Examples: Documentation of how the candidate has improved UX team workflows, collaboration processes, or the integration of UX with product and technology.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Ability to document and optimize workflows for UX concept creation, design execution, and research activities.

• Implementation & Automation: Experience in implementing and potentially automating aspects of the UX process to enhance efficiency and consistency.

• Measurement & Analysis: Proficiency in defining KPIs for UX team performance and product outcomes, and analyzing data to drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a leadership role, a portfolio should showcase not just individual contributions but also the candidate's ability to guide and grow a team, implement strategic processes, and drive measurable impact on product development and user experience. The focus is on strategic oversight and team enablement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Team Lead position, leadership experience, and location in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, a competitive salary range for this role would typically fall between €70,000 and €100,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX leadership roles in Germany, considering factors like team size, scope of responsibility, and cost of living in Baden-Württemberg.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: A combination of office presence and remote work, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Flexible Working Hours: Adaptable work schedules to accommodate individual needs and team coordination.

• Continuing Education & Development: Opportunities for professional growth through training, workshops, conferences, and other learning resources.

• Great Place to Work® Certification: Indication of a positive and supportive work environment.

• International Collaboration: Opportunity to work with and synchronize efforts with a sister location in Barcelona.

• Modern Tooling: Access to contemporary tools for UX design, research, and collaboration.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid and flexible working hours policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for similar roles in Germany. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits listed are derived from the "Zusätzliche Informationen" section of the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software and Digital Solutions (specifically focusing on intelligent solutions for knowledge application and legal/business expertise). Haufe Group is known for its innovative products, leveraging AI to make knowledge easily applicable for customers.

Company Size: The provided data does not explicitly state the company size, but the mention of a 14-person UX team and collaboration with a Barcelona office suggests a mid-to-large-sized organization with a significant international presence.

Founded: The founding date of Haufe Group is not specified, but its established reputation in the market indicates a long-standing presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is part of the broader product division, consisting of 14 members specialized in concept, design, and research.

• The Team Lead reports to a higher-level product or design management position.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management and Technology departments.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A core principle driving all UX activities.

• Agile Principles: Integrated into the team's way of working.

• Data-Driven Approaches: Utilization of quantitative and qualitative data for informed decision-making.

• Product Discovery: Emphasis on methods to explore and validate new product ideas and features.

• Design Systems: Strategic development and maintenance of consistent design frameworks.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes innovation, AI, and making knowledge accessible. This suggests a forward-thinking culture that values expertise and practical application, which would likely extend to its UX team's approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior leadership within the UX domain. It's a "Professionals" level role with a clear management and strategic focus, moving beyond individual contribution to team enablement and organizational impact.

Reporting Structure: The Team Lead will likely report to a Head of Product, Director of Design, or similar senior executive within the product organization. They will manage a team of 14 UX professionals.

Operations Impact: The UX Team Lead has a direct impact on the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of Haufe Group's digital products. By fostering a strong UX culture and driving user-centric design, they contribute significantly to customer satisfaction, product adoption, and ultimately, business success and revenue. Their role in developing design systems and promoting product discovery also influences product strategy and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential to advance to roles like Head of UX, Director of Design, or VP of Product, overseeing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like AI-driven UX, global design system strategy, or advanced research methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead strategic initiatives that span multiple departments or geographical locations.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Developing strong people leadership skills that can be applied to broader organizational development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key leadership position within the product development lifecycle, offering substantial opportunities for career advancement and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is advertised as hybrid, indicating a blend of office-based work and remote work. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, at Munzinger Straße 9. This location will serve as the base for the Team Lead and a significant portion of their team. Collaboration with the Barcelona office is also a key aspect.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas conducive to interdisciplinary teamwork.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern UX design, research, and collaboration tools will be provided to facilitate effective work.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with the local UX team, as well as product and technology colleagues, are expected. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in how this interaction is structured.

Work Schedule: While the standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, the hybrid model and flexible working hours policy offer significant autonomy in structuring the workday, balancing team needs with personal productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests an emphasis on results and effective collaboration, rather than strict adherence to office presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and cover letter, focusing on leadership experience, UX expertise, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess leadership style, strategic thinking, and alignment with the team's vision. Preparation should include examples of how you've led teams, developed talent, and driven UX strategy.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and key cross-functional partners (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering Leads). Be prepared to discuss your collaborative approach, how you foster team spirit, and your experience working with different disciplines.

• Case Study Presentation: A common element for leadership roles, this might involve presenting a past project where you led a significant UX initiative, focusing on strategy, execution, team management, and measurable outcomes.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior executive to discuss overall fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Leadership Impact: Showcase projects where your leadership directly led to improved team performance, successful product outcomes, or significant process improvements.

• Demonstrate Strategic Thinking: Highlight how you've influenced product strategy through UX insights and data.

• Showcase Team Development: Include examples of how you've mentored team members, fostered skill growth, and built high-performing UX teams.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work and your team's efforts (e.g., increased user satisfaction, improved conversion rates, reduced development rework).

• Process & Methodology: Clearly articulate the UX processes, discovery methods, and design system frameworks you've implemented or evolved.

Challenge Preparation:

• Leadership Scenarios: Be ready to discuss how you would handle common team leadership challenges (e.g., conflict resolution, performance management, motivating a hybrid team).

• Strategic UX Questions: Prepare to discuss your vision for UX at Haufe Group, how you would address current challenges, and how you see UX evolving with AI.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you've successfully partnered with product and engineering teams to deliver user-centered products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process for a leadership role will likely assess not only technical acumen but also strategic vision, people management skills, and cultural alignment. A strong portfolio showcasing leadership impact and strategic thinking is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for design creation and prototyping.

• UX Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and analytics (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Hotjar, Google Analytics).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Miro, or similar platforms for workflow management, documentation, and collaborative ideation.

• Design System Management: Tools or platforms used for creating, maintaining, and distributing design system components.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Proficiency with Google Analytics or similar platforms for understanding user behavior on digital products.

• Data Visualization: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Data Studio for creating dashboards and reports that communicate UX insights effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX integrates with CRM data (e.g., customer feedback, usage patterns) can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with automation tools that might aid UX workflows or data collection processes is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a leader who is not only familiar with current UX tools but also understands how to leverage technology to enhance team productivity, drive data-informed decisions, and manage design systems effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value that guides all decision-making, ensuring products meet genuine user needs.

• Collaboration: Emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork, open communication, and shared ownership of product success.

• Data-Driven Innovation: A commitment to using data and research to inform strategy, validate ideas, and drive continuous improvement.

• Excellence & Continuous Learning: A drive for high-quality output and a proactive approach to staying updated with industry trends and new methodologies.

• Empathy & Respect: Fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued and team members support each other.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team Lead is expected to foster strong partnerships with Product Management and Technology, ensuring seamless integration of UX insights into the product development lifecycle.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback within the team and with stakeholders to drive continuous improvement in design and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting practices where team members share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective expertise of the UX function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on "wegweisende Arbeitsbedingungen" (pioneering working conditions) and being a "Great Place to Work®" suggests a culture that values employee well-being, growth, and a positive, collaborative atmosphere.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Leading a Large, Distributed Team: Effectively managing and motivating a 14-person team across potentially different locations (Freiburg/Barcelona) and work arrangements (hybrid).

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Operational Execution: Ensuring the team delivers high-quality UX work while also contributing to broader product strategy and organizational goals.

• Championing User-Centricity in a Tech-Driven Organization: Continuously advocating for user needs and data-driven approaches within product and technology discussions.

• Integrating New Technologies (e.g., AI): Staying ahead of technological advancements and integrating them effectively into UX processes and product development.

• Developing and Maintaining Design Systems: Ensuring design systems remain relevant, scalable, and adopted across multiple products and teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Training: Formal programs or workshops focused on advanced leadership, people management, and strategic decision-making.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading UX and design conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within Haufe Group or external mentors for guidance on career development and leadership challenges.

• Cross-Functional Projects: Involvement in high-impact projects that offer exposure to different business areas and strategic challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth, aligning with Haufe Group's commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a UX strategy for a new product line, considering our focus on AI and knowledge application?" (Prepare to discuss discovery, validation, and iterative design).

• "Describe a time you successfully led a team through a significant change or challenge. What was your approach to communication and team motivation?" (Focus on leadership, empathy, and strategic communication).

• "How do you ensure a data-driven approach is embedded within a UX team's workflow, and what metrics do you typically track?" (Prepare examples of quantitative and qualitative data use, KPIs, and reporting).

• "How would you foster collaboration between your UX team, product management, and engineering, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Discuss communication strategies, shared goals, and conflict resolution).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Haufe Group and our mission to make knowledge applicable?" (Research company values, products, and recent news).

• "How do you see the role of UX evolving with the increasing use of AI in software development?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation around key leadership achievements, focusing on 2-3 impactful projects.

• Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach as a leader, the methods used (discovery, design, research), the team's execution, and the measurable impact.

• Visuals: Use strong visuals (e.g., wireframes, prototypes, dashboards) to illustrate your points, but keep the focus on your leadership and strategic contributions.

• Team Focus: Highlight how you empowered your team, leveraged their strengths, and fostered their growth.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that directly address the requirements of leading a UX team, driving product discovery, and managing design systems will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Team Lead UX, Design & Research position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your leadership experience, team management successes, and specific achievements in UX design, research, and product discovery. Quantify your impact wherever possible.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Articulate your passion for user-centric design, your leadership philosophy, and why you are a strong fit for Haufe Group's culture and mission. Address your experience in leading teams and driving strategic UX initiatives.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate examples that showcase your leadership impact, strategic thinking, and ability to develop high-performing UX teams. Focus on process, results, and how you've driven user-centricity.

• Research Haufe Group: Understand their products, market position, and commitment to innovation (especially AI). Prepare to discuss how your leadership style and UX approach align with their values and business objectives.

⚠️ 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.