UI Designer (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UI Designer (all genders) Company: JAKALA Germany GmbH Location: Hamburg, Germany Job Type: Full-time, Part-time Category: User Interface Design / Digital Product Design Date Posted: July 21, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creative design of digital products for both web and mobile applications, focusing on user engagement and aesthetic appeal.
• Develop and proactively evolve innovative interface concepts and design patterns for key clients, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
• Establish and maintain comprehensive UI design guidelines, style guides, and potentially a complete design system to ensure brand consistency and design excellence.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UX designers, front-end/back-end developers, and project managers, to deliver high-quality digital solutions.
• Contribute to the optimization of customer products within the tourism sector, shaping the visual and interactive experience of users.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a UI Designer, the emphasis on "optimizing customer products in the tourism sector" and "shaping the visual experience" suggests a strong connection to Go-to-Market (GTM) strategies and user acquisition/retention, making it relevant for operations-minded individuals interested in the user-facing aspects of product development. The hybrid and flexible work model also points to a modern operational approach to employee management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creatively design digital products for diverse platforms, specifically targeting Web and Mobile App interfaces.
• Conceptualize and develop exceptional interface designs for clients, with a focus on proactive evolution and innovation.
• Define and implement robust design patterns, UI design guidelines, and style guides, or contribute to the creation of a comprehensive design system.
• Integrate a strong user-centric approach into all design work, actively incorporating and developing initial design ideas.
• Support the execution and analysis of usability tests to gather user feedback and inform design iterations.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration with UX Design, Front-End/Back-End Development, and Project Management teams to ensure seamless product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "define design-patterns, UI Design Guidelines and Styleguides or a complete Design System" indicates a strategic operational role in standardizing design processes and ensuring scalability and efficiency in product development. This aligns with operations' goal of creating repeatable, high-quality workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in UI Design, preferably gained within a digital agency or a product-focused company.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing design systems, style guides, and UI pattern libraries.
• Proven track record of contributing to the user experience (UX) and supporting usability testing initiatives.
• Exposure to agile methodologies, including Design Sprints and Design Thinking, is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in UI Design principles and best practices for web and mobile applications.
• Proficiency in Figma, including the use of common plugins and collaborative features.
• Strong understanding of Design Systems, Design Patterns, UI Design Guidelines, and Styleguides.
• Ability to think critically about User Experience (UX) and user-centered design principles.
• Experience with Design Sprints and familiarity with Design Thinking methodologies.
• Excellent communication skills in both German (fluent) and English (good command) for effective team and client interaction.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the tourism industry or with digital products in this sector.
• Familiarity with front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS) to facilitate better collaboration with developers.
• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.
• Proficiency in other design and prototyping tools such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or InVision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "2 years of experience in UI-design, preferably in an agency or Product Company" and proficiency in Figma, Design Systems, Design Sprints, and Design Thinking, suggests a need for candidates who can quickly integrate into established design operations and contribute to efficient product development cycles. The emphasis on both German and English communication highlights the operational need for clear stakeholder management in a potentially international or diverse team.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant digital product design projects that demonstrate user-centered interface concepts and aesthetic excellence.
• Include case studies detailing the design process, from initial concept and user research to final UI implementation and iteration.
• Highlight projects where you defined or utilized Design Patterns, UI Design Guidelines, Styleguides, or a Design System.
• Demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and how you leverage its features for efficient design workflows and collaboration.
• Provide examples of your contribution to improving User Experience (UX) and any involvement in Usability Testing.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline your approach to defining and implementing Design Patterns and UI Design Guidelines.
• Detail your experience in creating or working with a Design System, including version control and update processes.
• Explain your methodology for incorporating User Experience (UX) considerations and user feedback into the UI design process.
• Illustrate how you collaborate with UX Designers, Developers, and Project Managers to ensure design integrity and efficient project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio showcasing "impressive digital products and user-centered interface concepts" and detailing the "design process" indicates a strong emphasis on process and demonstrable skills. For operations professionals, this means focusing on the efficiency, scalability, and repeatability of design workflows within the portfolio, highlighting how the design process itself was optimized.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a UI Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Hamburg, Germany, the estimated salary range is €45,000 - €60,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German cities, considering the company's likely focus on digital products and client solutions.

Benefits:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Option for full-time or part-time employment, with a hybrid model allowing for a mix of remote and office-based work.
• Flexible Working Hours: Adaptable schedule to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.
• Team-Oriented Culture: Work within an open and collaborative company environment that values employee input and teamwork.
• Idea Appreciation: Your contributions and innovative ideas are actively sought and valued by the organization.
• Mobility Support: Commuting benefits including a subsidy for public transport, a mobility budget, and bike leasing options.
• Wellness & Lifestyle: Urban Sports Club membership for fitness and recreational activities.
• Social Engagement: Regular team events like weekly breakfasts or lunches to foster camaraderie.
• Unique Perks: Opportunity to join the company's Hamburg band, adding a unique cultural element to the work experience.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with the flexibility to adjust schedules as part of the hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on general market data for UI Designers in Hamburg with 2-5 years of experience. Benefits like flexible hours, hybrid work, mobility support, and a focus on team culture are key operational aspects designed to attract and retain talent, reflecting a modern approach to workforce management.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Services / Consulting / Technology Company Size: JAKALA Germany GmbH's exact size isn't specified, but JAKALA as a group is a significant player in digital transformation. This implies a dynamic environment with a substantial client base and project portfolio, offering diverse operational challenges and opportunities.

Founded: JAKALA was founded in 2000, indicating a long-standing presence and evolution within the digital consulting and services landscape. This stability suggests established operational frameworks and a history of adapting to market changes.

Team Structure:

• The UI Designer will be part of a cross-functional team, working closely with UX Designers, Front-End/Back-End Developers, and Project Management professionals.
• This structure promotes agile collaboration and efficient workflow integration, typical of modern digital product development operations.
• The reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or Head of Product/Design, providing guidance and oversight.

Methodology:

• The team employs agile methodologies, including Design Sprints and Design Thinking, to foster rapid prototyping, iterative design, and user-centric development.
• Data analysis and user feedback from usability tests are integral to the design process, aiming for continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.
• Emphasis is placed on defining and adhering to Design Systems and Guidelines to ensure consistency and scalability across digital products.

Company Website: https://jakala.com/de/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's foundation date and industry suggest a mature operational framework. The cross-functional team structure is a common operational strategy to enhance communication, speed up decision-making, and improve product quality by bringing diverse expertise together. The mention of "digital transformation" implies a focus on efficiency and innovation in their operational approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience) within the UI Design function. It offers a pathway for specialized growth within design operations, potentially leading to Senior UI Designer, Lead UI Designer, or Design System Manager roles.

Reporting Structure: The UI Designer will likely report to a Design Team Lead or a Manager overseeing Product Design. This provides a clear line of communication for feedback, project direction, and career development discussions within the operations framework of the design department.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer's work directly impacts user acquisition, engagement, and retention through the creation of intuitive and aesthetically pleasing digital interfaces. This role contributes to the overall customer experience, which is a critical aspect of Go-to-Market (GTM) success and revenue generation. By ensuring design consistency and usability, the designer supports operational efficiency in product development and marketing efforts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UI design, design systems, interaction design, or user research. Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in specific areas like mobile UI or web application design.
• Leadership Development: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic direction of design operations within the company.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working with various departments, understanding broader business operations, and potentially transitioning into Product Management or UX Strategy roles.
• Industry Exposure: Develop specialized knowledge in the tourism sector, understanding its unique user needs and market dynamics, which can be valuable for future operational roles in related industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight a structured career path within design operations. The emphasis on "cross-functional exposure" and understanding "broader business operations" is crucial for aspiring operations professionals who aim to move into strategic GTM or revenue operations roles, as it broadens their understanding of how design and user experience contribute to the overall business and its operational success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, combining remote work with office-based collaboration. This suggests a modern, flexible workspace designed to foster both individual focus and team synergy.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Hamburg, Berlin, or Vienna, indicating a distributed team structure that leverages talent across different regions. This operational setup requires robust communication and collaboration tools.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and fostering a strong team culture, essential for cross-functional operations.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and potentially other project management and communication platforms, supporting efficient workflow operations.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX Designers, Developers, and Project Managers, facilitating seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing critical for operational excellence.

Work Schedule:

• Flexible working hours are provided, allowing employees to structure their workday to optimize personal productivity and balance work with other commitments. This operational flexibility is key to employee satisfaction and efficient task management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and flexible hours are significant operational considerations. They reflect a company culture that prioritizes employee well-being and efficient work management, enabling individuals to deliver their best work by controlling their environment and schedule. This is a key aspect of modern operational strategy for talent management.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess your qualifications and fit for the role.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An opportunity to present your portfolio, discuss your design process, and highlight specific projects that demonstrate your UI design skills and user-centric approach. Be prepared to talk about how you've applied design systems and worked within cross-functional teams.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or a discussion about your proficiency with Figma and other relevant tools, focusing on practical application and problem-solving within a design context.
• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with team members and potential managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with the company's culture and values.
• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your UI design skills, user-centric thinking, and experience with design systems.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (including research, ideation, design, and testing), the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes or impact. Quantify results where possible.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize how you utilized Figma effectively, your approach to creating or using design patterns and guidelines, and your collaboration with UX and development teams.
• Showcase Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss design challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Demonstrate your ability to think critically and adapt your approach.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of user experience principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is given, ensure you fully understand the brief, the target audience, and any constraints.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.
• Focus on Process: Even with a time limit, demonstrate your thought process, not just the final output. Explain your design decisions.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work clearly and concisely, highlighting key design choices and their rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical skills and process demonstration. For operations candidates, this means framing your portfolio and interview responses around efficiency, scalability, and measurable impact. Showcasing how your design process contributes to operational excellence and faster product delivery will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential, including advanced features, component libraries, and collaboration workflows.
• Design System Tools: Experience with creating, managing, and utilizing design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, or Figma's own system features) is highly valued.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Usability Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, or Lookback for conducting and analyzing user tests.
• Analytics Platforms (Basic Understanding): Awareness of how UI design impacts web and mobile analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and guide design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM or automation tool, understanding how UI design integrates with customer-facing platforms and marketing automation tools can be beneficial for a holistic GTM perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Design System tools highlights the operational need for standardization and efficiency in the design workflow. Understanding how UI design impacts user analytics is crucial for demonstrating the operational value of design in driving business outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful and intuitive design.
• Collaboration: A strong belief in the power of teamwork, encouraging open communication and mutual support among cross-functional teams.
• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with design solutions, and continuously improve digital products.
• Quality & Precision: A dedication to high standards of design execution, paying close attention to detail and consistency.
• Efficiency: A focus on optimizing design processes and workflows to deliver high-quality results in a timely manner.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively participates in and contributes to the collaborative efforts between UI/UX Design, Development, and Project Management teams.
• Feedback Exchange: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement in design and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively shares design insights, best practices, and learnings with colleagues to build collective expertise and enhance team operational capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "user-centricity," "collaboration," "quality & precision," and "efficiency" directly aligns with core operational principles. These values guide how work is performed, how problems are solved, and how the team strives for continuous improvement, all critical aspects of successful operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Needs: Effectively translating client requirements and business objectives into innovative yet practical UI designs.
• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across multiple platforms and features, especially as the product evolves.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, methodologies, and platform-specific design trends.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Navigating different perspectives and priorities among development, marketing, and product teams to achieve unified design goals.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Figma Techniques: Workshops or training on mastering advanced features, plugins, and collaboration workflows in Figma.
• Design System Expertise: Opportunities to contribute significantly to or lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive design system.
• UX Research and Testing: Gaining deeper insights into user research methodologies and usability testing to inform design decisions more effectively.
• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of emerging UI/UX trends, especially within the digital and tourism sectors, through conferences, webinars, and industry publications.
• Mentorship: Learning from senior designers and team leads to develop strategic thinking and leadership skills applicable to operations management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented offer opportunities for developing operational skills such as project management, stakeholder management, and process optimization. The learning opportunities are geared towards enhancing technical design skills and strategic thinking, which are transferable to broader operations roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operational Efficiency: "Describe a time you optimized a design workflow to increase efficiency or reduce production time. What tools or processes did you implement?"
• Cross-functional Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration between design, development, and product teams to meet project deadlines and quality standards?"
• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging UI design problem you encountered. How did you approach it, what were the trade-offs, and what was the outcome?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Vision: "What excites you about JAKALA's mission and its work in digital transformation, particularly within the tourism sector?"
• Team Dynamics: "Based on your understanding, how do you see yourself contributing to the collaborative and team-oriented culture here?"
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your UI designs, and how do you ensure they align with business objectives and user satisfaction?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process and Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the design process, and the measurable outcomes or impact on users and the business.
• Highlight Design System Use: Specifically showcase how you applied or contributed to design systems, style guides, or design patterns, emphasizing consistency and efficiency.
• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in Figma, including component usage, prototyping, and collaboration features.
• Keep it Concise: Aim for 3-5 minutes per project to allow for discussion and questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The suggested strategy questions focus on practical application, process optimization, and collaboration – all key elements of operations. Preparing answers that highlight efficiency, problem-solving, and measurable results will be crucial for demonstrating an operations-minded approach to UI design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that showcase your UI design skills, user-centric approach, and experience with design systems. Focus on projects that demonstrate process efficiency and measurable user impact.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2+ years of UI design experience, proficiency in Figma, and familiarity with design thinking and sprints. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and how your work contributes to user experience and business objectives. Prepare examples demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and efficiency.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with JAKALA Germany GmbH, their work in digital transformation, and their focus on the tourism sector. Understand their hybrid work model and company culture to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.