UX & Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX & Design Lead
Company: Solance
Location: Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: UX/UI & Product Design, Go-To-Market Operations Support
Date Posted: August 18, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid flexibility implied by location type)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end user experience (UX) vision and strategy for Solance's digital banking platform, encompassing both web and mobile applications.
• Drive the user interface (UI) design and visual craft, ensuring seamless integration of brand identity with intuitive, high-fidelity interfaces.
• Conduct in-depth market research, competitor analysis, and user behavior data analysis to identify opportunities for superior customer journeys.
• Develop information architecture (IA) to create logical, scalable, and user-friendly structures for content, navigation, and product flows.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, technology, and leadership teams to translate research insights into impactful, user-centric designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX & Design Lead," the description heavily emphasizes the "lead" aspect in terms of driving vision and strategy for digital products, particularly within the context of a new fintech launch. Given Solance's focus on complex corporate structures and tailored financial services, this role is crucial for translating a premium brand strategy into a tangible, user-friendly experience. This bridges the gap between marketing/brand and product development, requiring strong GTM operations support understanding.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the UX strategy for Solance's digital products, from initial research and ideation through to final delivery and iterative improvements.
• Translate complex financial processes (e.g., KYC, account opening, payments) into simple, secure, and effortless user experiences that align with Solance's brand ethos.
• Conduct comprehensive research on competitor offerings and emerging UX trends in fintech, gaming, social media, and other relevant sectors to identify differentiation opportunities.
• Develop and present customer personas based on captured data, user behavior analytics, and market insights to inform design decisions and ensure user-centricity.
• Create detailed user flows, wireframes, prototypes (clickable demos), and high-fidelity UI designs using Figma and Adobe tools, ensuring responsiveness and accessibility (WCAG standards).
• Champion user-centric design principles across the organization, advocating for user needs in product development and stakeholder discussions.
• Maintain a strong connection between Solance's brand design and product experience, ensuring a consistent, premium, and trustworthy feel across all client touchpoints.
• Collaborate closely with UI engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs and provide clear requirements for development.
• Leverage AI-enhanced processes and tools for rapid ideation, prototyping, and efficient requirement generation.
• Ensure designs are compliant with cybersecurity best practices and accessibility standards to build user confidence and trust.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX leadership and hands-on design execution. For a role leading UX/UI in a new venture like Solance, it's critical to demonstrate an ability to not only conceptualize but also to execute and iterate. The emphasis on AI tools and rapid prototyping suggests a fast-paced environment where efficiency and adaptability are key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, product design, or a similar role, with a strong emphasis on graphic design principles.
• Proven track record of leading UX vision and strategy for digital products, ideally in a fast-paced, startup, or fintech environment.
• Experience in designing for both web and mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in user-centered design principles, interaction design, and visual design.
• Information Architecture (IA): Proven ability to structure content, navigation, and user flows logically and intuitively.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, or similar for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• User Research & Analysis: Strong ability to conduct market research, analyze user behavior data (using analytics technologies), and translate insights into actionable design recommendations.
• Customer Persona Development: Experience in creating detailed and empathetic customer personas to guide design and product strategy.
• Visual Design & Branding: A keen eye for typography, layout, color theory, and visual systems that align with and enhance brand strategy.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent ability to work closely with product managers, developers, stakeholders, and leadership teams, articulating design decisions effectively.
• Responsive & Accessible Design: Solid understanding and practical application of responsive design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze user data and define success metrics to optimize user journeys and measure design impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the fintech, B2B, or regulated industries.
• Familiarity with AI-enhanced design tools and processes.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles as they relate to UX/UI design.
• Experience working with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is stated as "5+ years," but the "What You Bring" section implies a need for leadership and strategic thinking that typically comes with more significant experience, hence the 5-10 year range. The emphasis on "strong graphic design foundation" suggests that visual craft is as important as UX methodology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a blend of UX thinking, IA expertise, and visual craft.
• Demonstrations of research methodologies, user flow mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI designs.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your process, design solutions, and the impact or results achieved.
• Examples of how you've translated complex processes into simplified, elegant user experiences.
• Evidence of strong brand execution and visual design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you've documented user journeys, interaction models, and design specifications for development teams.
• Include examples of how you've used data and user feedback to iterate on and improve existing processes or designs.
• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with stakeholders to gather requirements and present design concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a lead role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design output but also the strategic thinking, research, and collaboration that underpin successful UX leadership. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and measure their impact is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Ireland's tech market, particularly for experienced UX/UI Leads in Dublin, typically sees competitive salaries. For a role with 5-10 years of experience, leading UX strategy for a new fintech venture, the estimated annual salary range in Dublin would likely be between €70,000 and €100,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in leading tech companies and fintechs in Ireland, considering the seniority and strategic impact of the position.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and the strategic importance of the role.
• Opportunity to shape a new financial services brand and its digital experience from the ground up.
• Contribution to a high-growth, ambitious startup environment with a focus on innovation and client experience.
• Potential for equity or stock options as the company grows.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package (details to be confirmed).
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in a dynamic industry.
• Collaborative and energetic work environment.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week.
• While the role is based in Dublin, the "TELECOMMUTE" location type suggests potential for hybrid work flexibility, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work. The exact hybrid model and office days will likely be defined upon joining.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for specialized tech roles in Dublin are generally high due to demand and cost of living. The "TELECOMMUTE" designation combined with a specific city location often indicates a hybrid model where some in-office presence is expected for collaboration, especially for a lead role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech, Banking, Financial Services. Solance is positioning itself as a new tier in banking, focusing on specialized financial services for clients with complex corporate structures, aiming for a high-touch, tech-enabled client experience. Company Size: Early-stage startup. With an EMI license application in progress and a launch set for early 2026, Solance is likely in a pre-launch or early-growth phase, implying a lean, agile, and ambitious team. Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company is actively preparing for launch in early 2026, indicating a relatively recent establishment and rapid development phase.

Team Structure:

• The UX & Design Lead will likely be a foundational member of the product or design team, reporting to a Head of Product, CTO, or CEO.
• Close collaboration with Product Stakeholders, Tech Leads, UI Engineers, Marketing, and potentially Compliance/Legal teams.
• As a lead, expect to mentor or guide junior designers or external agencies as the team scales.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user behavior analytics, market research, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile Development: Expected to work within an agile framework, facilitating rapid iteration and collaboration with development teams.
• User-Centricity: A core philosophy of placing the user at the center of all design and product decisions.
• AI-Enhanced Processes: Integrating AI tools for efficiency in ideation, prototyping, and requirement generation.

Company Website: solance.com (implied by domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: As a startup building its foundation, Solance's culture will likely be dynamic, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. The UX & Design Lead will have a significant opportunity to influence not just the product's interface but also the company's design philosophy and user-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor or a potential team leadership role as the company grows. It requires strategic thinking, end-to-end ownership, and the ability to influence product direction. Reporting Structure: Likely reporting to senior leadership (e.g., CTO, Head of Product, or CEO), indicating high visibility and direct impact on the company's core offering. Operations Impact: The UX/UI of Solance's platform is critical to its value proposition, aiming to provide an "effortless, elegant, and unmistakably Solance" experience. This role directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, and overall brand perception, which are key GTM metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to build and lead a design team as Solance scales post-launch.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the product roadmap and influence business strategy through user-centric insights.
• Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge in fintech, B2B financial services, and regulated industries.
• Skill Specialization: Focus on advanced UX research, AI-driven design workflows, or complex financial product design.
• Impactful Contribution: Play a pivotal role in the success of a new venture, with the potential for significant career advancement and rewards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a lead role in a startup, growth is often tied to the company's success and expansion. The opportunity here is to be instrumental in building the user experience foundation, which can lead to significant career acceleration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work arrangement, with a physical presence expected in Dublin, Ireland. This suggests a modern office space designed for collaboration and focused work. Office Location(s): Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but Dublin is a major tech hub with excellent infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that fosters teamwork and idea sharing among product, design, and engineering teams.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Suite) and potentially AI-powered design tools.
• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment and efficient execution.
• Startup Culture: Likely an open-plan office or co-working space that encourages communication and a sense of shared mission.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).
• Flexibility expected, common in startup environments, balancing project deadlines with work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" location type for a specific city usually implies a hybrid model. For a lead role, being present in the office for key meetings, brainstorming sessions, and team collaboration is often expected.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Solance.
• Portfolio Review & Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing their process, case studies, and design philosophy. Expect to discuss specific projects and how they align with Solance's needs.
• Technical/Design Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring managers and/or design/product team members focusing on UX methodologies, IA principles, tool proficiency, and problem-solving skills.
• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Meetings with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, business acumen, and cultural alignment.
• Potential Design Challenge: A take-home assignment or a live design exercise to evaluate practical design skills and problem-solving under pressure.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the solutions, and the outcomes for each case study.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing methodologies. Show your thinking.
• Showcase Impact: Quantify results wherever possible (e.g., conversion rate improvements, task completion time reduction, user satisfaction increases).
• Demonstrate Brand & Visuals: Ensure your visual design skills and understanding of brand alignment are evident.
• Tailor to Solance: Connect your experience and case studies to Solance's mission, target audience, and the challenges of building a new fintech product.
• Practice Your Presentation: Be ready to walk through your portfolio concisely and answer questions thoroughly.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the core problem and constraints.
• Prioritize a clear, user-centered approach, even if you can't complete every detail within the allotted time.
• Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and justify your choices.
• Demonstrate an understanding of Solance's context (fintech, premium service) in your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a lead role will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into tangible outcomes. The portfolio is the primary tool to demonstrate this, so preparation is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator for graphic design, asset creation, and visual refinement.
• Prototyping Tools: InVision, ProtoPie, or similar for advanced interactive prototyping.
• User Research & Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Hotjar, UserTesting.com, or similar platforms for analyzing user behavior and gathering insights.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics platforms to track user engagement and conversion funnels.
• Ability to interpret data to identify user pain points and areas for UX improvement.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts lead generation and customer onboarding within a CRM context could be beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for workflow management and collaboration with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list all tools, Figma and Adobe Suite are mentioned. Proficiency in user analytics and prototyping tools is critical for a UX Lead. The mention of AI-enhanced processes suggests familiarity with emerging design technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of every design decision and product iteration.
• Innovation & Ambition: A drive to "rethink the rules, simplify the complex," and build something exceptional in the financial services sector.
• Energy, Clarity, and Care: Bringing enthusiasm, clear communication, and thoughtful consideration to all client and internal interactions.
• Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing research and analytics to inform strategy and measure success, ensuring efficiency and impact.
• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams to achieve shared goals and deliver cohesive user experiences.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, adapting, and refining designs and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Product, Tech, Marketing, and Leadership to ensure a unified brand and product experience.
• Feedback Loops: Open to constructive feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to drive design evolution.
• Proactive Communication: Effectively communicating design rationale, progress, and challenges to all relevant parties.
• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development and adapting to changing requirements and insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are directly tied to its mission of providing exceptional financial services. The UX & Design Lead will be expected to embody these values in their daily work and design output.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing a new brand's digital identity and user experience in a competitive and regulated industry.
• Balancing Complexity and Simplicity: Making sophisticated financial services feel effortless and intuitive for users with complex corporate structures.
• Rapid Iteration: Operating in a startup environment that demands quick turnarounds and adaptability to evolving requirements.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across different departments, especially between design, product, and engineering.
• Data Integration: Effectively utilizing diverse data sources (user behavior, market research) to drive design decisions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the fintech landscape, regulatory requirements, and user needs within specialized banking.
• AI in Design: Exploring and implementing cutting-edge AI tools and workflows for design efficiency and innovation.
• Leadership Skills: Developing team management and strategic planning capabilities as the company grows.
• Industry Exposure: Participating in industry events and continuous learning to stay ahead of UX and fintech trends.
• Impactful Contribution: Directly influencing the success and user perception of a new financial services company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a startup environment but are amplified by the complexity and regulatory nature of the financial services industry. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to make a substantial impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a seamless KYC process for a fintech platform targeting high-net-worth individuals with complex corporate structures?" (Focus on user journey mapping, security, and trust-building elements).
• "Describe your process for translating a brand strategy into a cohesive and compelling digital user experience." (Highlight how you connect brand identity with UI and UX).
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Discuss trade-offs, prioritization, and stakeholder management).
• "What are your methods for researching competitors and identifying unmet user needs in a specific market like fintech?" (Emphasize market analysis, user interviews, and data interpretation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Solance's mission and our approach to banking?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's vision).
• "How do you foster a user-centric culture within a product team?" (Discuss your methods for advocating for the user and influencing stakeholders).
• "Describe your ideal working relationship with product managers and engineers." (Highlight collaboration, communication, and mutual respect).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative with a clear beginning (problem), middle (your process and solutions), and end (outcome/impact).
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals for your designs, wireframes, and prototypes. Ensure your presentation is clean and professional.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful projects and clearly articulate key learnings.
• Interactive Demos: If possible, include live or recorded interactive prototypes to showcase the user experience.
• Data & Metrics: Be ready to discuss the metrics you used to evaluate success and how your designs contributed to business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your design philosophy, process, and how you've handled challenging design problems. Be ready to connect your past experiences directly to Solance's specific needs and the challenges of the fintech industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX & Design Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UX/UI design, product design, information architecture, user research, and visual design, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Improved user task completion time by X%").
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, from research to final UI, with a focus on impactful outcomes. Ensure it clearly showcases your UX thinking, IA expertise, and visual craft.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio concisely, focusing on your process, problem-solving, and the results you achieved. Be ready to explain how your skills align with Solance's mission.
• Research Solance: Understand their target market, their unique value proposition, and their ambition to create a premium banking experience. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and demonstrate your genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.