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: Full-Time

Category: UX/Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-04-28

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and develop a cross-functional team of 14 UX experts in concept, design, and research, fostering a strong user-centered mindset across the organization.

• Drive the advancement of design systems and champion product discovery methods, leveraging data-driven insights (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods) to enhance customer experiences.

• Cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration between UX, product management, and technology teams, ensuring clear communication of goals, progress, and challenges.

• Facilitate the professional growth and coaching of team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning and innovation within the UX discipline.

• Synchronize efforts and build synergy with the Barcelona location to strengthen global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided job title is "Teamlead UX, Design & Research," this role is positioned within a "Product Area" and emphasizes "interdisciplinary collaboration," "agile principles," and "customer experiences." This suggests a strong connection to Go-To-Market (GTM) and Product Operations, where UX leadership directly impacts product adoption, user satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation. The focus on "product discovery methods and data-based work" further aligns it with operations-centric responsibilities of understanding market needs and optimizing product-market fit.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide disciplinary and functional leadership for a team of 14 UX professionals specializing in concept development, UI/UX design, and user research.

• Drive the technical and methodological advancement of the UX team, ensuring best practices and innovative approaches are adopted.

• Foster and strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration with product management and technology departments to ensure seamless product development cycles.

• Champion the user-centered design mindset throughout the organization, promoting empathy and understanding of customer needs.

• Ensure the establishment of clear team responsibilities, transparent objective setting, and effective collaborative workflows.

• Oversee the continuous development and refinement of design systems in close alignment with the various product teams.

• Promote and implement product discovery methodologies, encouraging data-based decision-making in all phases of the product lifecycle.

• Maintain transparent communication regarding team goals, progress, and any challenges encountered to all relevant stakeholders.

• Coordinate and align with the Barcelona location to enhance collaboration and leverage shared expertise across international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a senior UX/Design leadership role. For operations professionals, the key takeaway is the emphasis on "product discovery methods," "data-based work (quantitative, qualitative, Mixed-Methods)," and "user-centered mindset." These directly translate to understanding customer needs, informing product strategy, and optimizing user journeys, which are critical for GTM success and revenue operations. The mention of "design systems" also has operational implications for consistency and efficiency in product delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Several years of leadership experience or proven experience in the functional leadership of teams.

• Profound knowledge of product discovery methods and data-driven work (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods).

• Strong understanding of design systems and their further development.

• Expertise in current developments and tools within the UX discipline to drive new initiatives.

• Passion for team development and coaching.

• Strong communication skills, strategic clarity, and empathy in dealing with people.

• Up-to-date with current developments and tools in the UX discipline to set new impulses.

Required Skills:

• Team Leadership & Development

• UX Design & Strategy

• User Research Methodologies (Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed-Methods)

• Product Discovery & Data-Driven Decision Making

• Design Systems Development & Management

• Agile Methodologies & Principles

• Coaching & Mentoring

• Cross-functional Collaboration & Communication

• Strategic Planning & Execution

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international team synchronization (e.g., with Barcelona office).

• Proficiency in specific UX/Design tools relevant to Haufe Group's stack.

• Experience in driving organizational change towards user-centricity.

• Knowledge of AI technologies within UX/product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of leadership, technical UX expertise, and a strong operational focus on data and process. For operations candidates, emphasizing experience with "data-driven work (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods)" and "product discovery methods" is crucial. The requirement for "strategic clarity" and "interdisciplinary collaboration" also aligns with the need for operations leaders to bridge gaps between departments. The language requirements (C1 German, B2 English) are critical for effective communication in a German-based company with international ties.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience in leading and growing UX teams, showcasing team development and leadership impact.

• Case studies illustrating the successful application of product discovery methods and data-driven research to solve complex user problems.

• Examples of how design systems were developed, implemented, or significantly contributed to.

• Evidence of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and influencing product strategy through UX insights.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how team processes were documented, optimized, or standardized within a UX or product development context.

• Documentation highlighting the implementation of agile principles and workflows within a team setting.

• Case studies detailing the measurement and analysis of UX initiatives' impact, linking them to business objectives.

• Examples of how user feedback and research findings were systematically integrated into product development workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Team Lead role, the portfolio should not only showcase individual UX expertise but also evidence of leadership, team development, and strategic impact. Operations candidates should highlight their ability to define, implement, and optimize processes, particularly those related to product development, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "product discovery methods" and "data-driven work" means portfolios should include examples of how these were applied to inform strategy and measure outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the role's leadership scope (managing 14 individuals), the location in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, and the required experience level (5-10 years of leadership), a competitive salary range for a Teamlead UX, Design & Research position would typically fall between €70,000 and €95,000 gross per year. This estimate considers German market standards for senior leadership roles in the tech/digital product sector, adjusted for regional cost of living and industry benchmarks.

Benefits:

• Hybrid work model: Combination of office presence and home office, based on team needs and agreement.

• Flexible working hours: Allowing for better work-life balance and personal scheduling.

• Professional development opportunities: Access to training and educational programs for continuous skill enhancement.

• Great Place to Work® certification: Indicating a positive and supportive work environment.

• International collaboration: Opportunity to work with teams in Barcelona, fostering global perspectives.

Working Hours:

The role is a full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered by the company's hybrid and flexible working hours policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Team Lead positions in Germany, specifically for UX/Design leadership roles with significant team management responsibilities. Factors considered include the cost of living in Freiburg im Breisgau and the company's likely positioning as a significant player in its industry (Haufe Group). The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text and are typical for tech companies offering modern work arrangements and employee development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Solutions, Knowledge Management, Legal & Business Software. Haufe Group provides intelligent solutions that combine smart offerings with legally compliant expertise, leveraging AI to make knowledge intuitively applicable. This positions them at the intersection of technology, content, and B2B services, requiring a strong focus on user experience to ensure their complex solutions are accessible and effective.

Company Size: The input data does not explicitly state the company size in terms of employee count, but the description of a "Product Area" with a dedicated UX team of 14 members, plus collaboration with another international office, suggests a medium to large organization. The "Great Place to Work®" certification further indicates a company culture that values its employees.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but Haufe Group is a well-established entity in its field, known for its expertise in legal and business knowledge. This history implies a culture that balances tradition and innovation, with a growing emphasis on digital transformation and user-centric product development.

Team Structure:

• The UX team consists of 14 individuals across concept, design, and research, indicating a substantial investment in user experience.

• The team operates within a larger "Product Area," suggesting a matrixed or product-aligned structure where UX collaborates closely with Product Management and Technology.

Methodology:

• User-centricity is a core mindset, guiding all product development efforts.

• Agile principles are actively lived and applied within the team and product development process.

• Product discovery methods are promoted, emphasizing continuous learning and iteration.

• Data-driven decision-making is a key practice, utilizing quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research.

• Design systems are actively developed and utilized to ensure consistency and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Haufe Group's focus on digital solutions and knowledge management, with a significant emphasis on user experience and AI. For operations professionals, this means the company values data-driven insights, efficient processes, and products that are both powerful and user-friendly. The international collaboration aspect suggests opportunities for exposure to diverse markets and operational approaches.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into senior leadership within the UX/Design domain, with direct responsibility for a substantial team and strategic influence on product direction. It bridges technical UX expertise with people management and organizational strategy, making it a pivotal position for driving GTM success through enhanced user experience.

Reporting Structure: The Team Lead likely reports to a Head of Product, VP of Product, or a Director overseeing the entire Product Area. They will manage a team of 14 UX professionals, and their role involves close collaboration with Product Managers and Technology Leads.

Operations Impact: The Team Lead's impact is critical for GTM success by ensuring products are designed to meet user needs, are intuitive to use, and drive high adoption rates. By fostering data-driven decision-making and efficient design processes, they directly contribute to product-market fit, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth and retention. Their leadership in design systems also ensures scalability and consistency across the product portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into higher leadership roles like Head of UX/Design, Director of Product, or VP of Product, managing larger teams and broader product portfolios.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the overall product strategy and user experience vision for Haufe Group, influencing key business decisions.

• Specialization & Expertise: Deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven UX, advanced product discovery techniques, or scaling design systems across complex organizations.

• International Exposure: Further develop skills in managing and collaborating with international teams, potentially leading global initiatives.

• Mentorship: Serve as a mentor to aspiring UX professionals and contribute to the broader design and research community within Haufe Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for an operations-minded leader who can translate user needs into actionable product strategies and drive efficiency through well-managed teams and processes. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career progression within a company that values user experience as a strategic differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, combining office-based work with remote flexibility. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.

Office Location(s): The primary location for this role is Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, at Munzinger Straße 9. There is also a collaborative synergy with a location in Barcelona, Spain, indicating a potential for international interaction and possibly travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space likely supports interdisciplinary collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and areas for informal discussions.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to modern UX/Design tools, research platforms, and collaboration software is expected, given the company's focus on agile principles and modern tooling.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX team, product management, technology teams, and potentially leadership from both Freiburg and Barcelona offices.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time with flexible working hours, accommodating the hybrid work model and allowing for a balance between structured team activities and personal productivity needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and flexible work environment is a key aspect for operations professionals who value autonomy and efficient work practices. The emphasis on collaboration within the office space, coupled with access to modern tools, supports the implementation of optimized workflows and effective project execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on leadership experience, UX/Design expertise, and alignment with Haufe Group's values.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your leadership philosophy, team management experience, and strategic approach to UX, Design, and Research. Expect questions on team development, fostering collaboration, and driving user-centricity.

• Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (UX designers, researchers) and key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Tech Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, showcasing leadership achievements, successful UX initiatives, and how you've applied product discovery and data-driven methods. This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate your impact.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Leadership Focus: Showcase examples of how you've led teams, developed talent, and fostered a positive, productive work environment. Quantify team growth or performance improvements where possible.

• Process & Impact: Present case studies that clearly outline the problem, your approach using product discovery and data-driven methods, the implemented solution, and the measurable impact on user experience and business outcomes.

• Data Integration: Highlight how you've used quantitative and qualitative data to inform decisions, validate hypotheses, and drive product strategy.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, demonstrate your role in developing or evolving design systems, emphasizing their contribution to efficiency and consistency.

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives that highlight your strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership acumen.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential case study or exercise focused on team development, strategic UX planning, or problem-solving related to product discovery or design system implementation.

• Practice articulating your leadership philosophy and how you would approach specific challenges (e.g., improving cross-functional collaboration, driving adoption of new research methods).

• Prepare to discuss how you would synchronize efforts between the Freiburg and Barcelona teams, considering potential cultural and operational differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and the practical application of UX/Design principles within an operational context. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to lead teams, drive data-informed product development, and foster collaboration, all crucial for GTM success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/Design Software: While not explicitly named, expect industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, or similar for design and prototyping.

• Research Tools: Platforms for user surveys, usability testing, and feedback collection (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Hotjar).

• Collaboration Tools: Project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• Design System Management Tools: Tools or platforms used for documenting and managing design system components and guidelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel for understanding user behavior on digital products.

• Data Visualization: Potentially Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboards for reporting on UX metrics and team performance.

• A/B Testing Tools: For running experiments and optimizing user flows.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by UX, understanding how CRM data (e.g., from Salesforce) can inform user segmentation and personalization would be beneficial.

• Workflow automation tools might be used for research participant recruitment or data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong understanding of modern UX/Design tooling is essential. For operations professionals, familiarity with analytics platforms and how user data informs product strategy and GTM efforts is highly valuable. The ability to leverage these tools for "data-driven decision making" is a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user, making their needs the primary driver of product decisions.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing agile principles to respond quickly to changing market demands and user feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Encouraging open communication and teamwork across departments to achieve shared goals, ensuring everyone is aligned on objectives and progress.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data and research to validate ideas, measure impact, and drive innovation, ensuring that decisions are grounded in evidence.

• Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where team members are encouraged to learn, grow, and stay current with the latest UX trends and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Integration: A proactive approach to working closely with Product Management and Technology, ensuring seamless integration of UX insights into the entire product lifecycle.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Cultivating a culture where constructive feedback is openly exchanged, leading to iterative improvements in design and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, research findings, and learnings across the team and with other departments to elevate collective expertise.

• Empowerment & Ownership: Empowering team members to take ownership of their work, fostering a sense of responsibility and driving high-quality outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a strong user focus, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative work, which are all hallmarks of effective operations. Operations candidates will find a receptive environment for implementing process improvements and driving efficiency through well-defined workflows and cross-functional partnerships.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling UX in a Growing Organization: Ensuring consistent UX quality and team effectiveness as Haufe Group continues to grow and evolve its product offerings.

• Balancing Global Collaboration: Effectively synchronizing UX efforts and maintaining a unified vision between the Freiburg and Barcelona teams, potentially navigating language and cultural nuances.

• Driving Organizational Mindset Shift: Continuing to embed a deep user-centric and data-driven mindset across all departments, not just within the UX team.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with emerging UX technologies (e.g., AI in design, advanced research methods) and integrating them effectively into workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to company-sponsored training and mentorship to enhance leadership, strategic planning, and team management skills.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend leading UX, design, and product management events to gain insights and network.

• Specialized Training: Further education in areas like advanced qualitative research, AI in UX, design system architecture, or product strategy.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Deepening understanding of product management and technology development through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing tech company with international operations. Operations professionals will be well-suited to address these by implementing robust processes, fostering clear communication channels, and leveraging data to drive strategic decisions and ensure scalable growth. The learning opportunities align with continuous improvement, a core tenet of operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your leadership philosophy and how you foster a high-performing, user-centric UX team." (Prepare with examples of team development, coaching, and driving user focus.)

• "How would you approach synchronizing UX strategies and processes between our Freiburg and Barcelona teams to ensure cohesive product experiences?" (Focus on communication strategies, shared tools, and bridging potential cultural differences.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Haufe Group, how would you integrate our company values into your team's daily operations and decision-making?" (Research Haufe's values and connect them to UX practices.)

• "How do you build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with Product Management and Technology teams?" (Prepare examples of successful cross-functional projects and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role/Approach -> Process (Discovery, Design, Research) -> Solution -> Impact (Quantifiable Results).

• Highlight Leadership: For each case study, clearly articulate your role in leading the team, making strategic decisions, and enabling others.

• Emphasize Data & Process: Show, don't just tell, how data and well-defined processes (like product discovery) drove your outcomes. Use visuals and charts.

• Company Alignment: Tailor your examples to resonate with Haufe Group's focus on digital solutions, knowledge management, and AI.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful projects that demonstrate your leadership and operational capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, and a data-driven, process-oriented approach to UX/Design. Candidates should be ready to showcase how their work directly contributes to business objectives and GTM success.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight leadership experience, team management achievements, and specific experience with product discovery, data-driven research (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods), and design systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic impact, and ability to drive user-centered design through data and process. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your approach, the solution, and quantifiable results.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, your approach to team development, and how you foster collaboration with product and technology teams. Be ready to discuss your experience with international team synchronization.

• Research Haufe Group: Understand their business, products, and company culture. Prepare to discuss how your UX leadership can contribute to their mission of making knowledge intuitively applicable.

⚠️ 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.