UX designer - AI initiatives

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer - AI Initiatives Company: Sanoma Learning Location: Den Bosch, Netherlands / Wommelgem, Belgium Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Development Date Posted: 2025-09-25 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user experience design for innovative AI-powered educational tools, focusing on enhancing student and teacher interactions with digital platforms.
• Drive the discovery and problem-solving process through workshops and conceptual thinking to conceptualize and create intuitive, engaging digital learning experiences.
• Develop comprehensive product designs, including user flows, information architecture, and interfaces, adhering to design systems and ensuring scalability for future growth.
• Collaborate closely with a multinational team of UX designers, researchers, product managers, and developers to deliver high-impact digital learning solutions.
• Leverage a strong interest in AI technologies, such as recommendation systems and adaptive learning, to craft user-centric solutions that improve educational outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "UX Designer," the emphasis on "AI initiatives" and the specific mention of AI techniques like recommendation systems and adaptive learning suggest a specialization within UX, potentially leaning towards product-focused UX or UX research with a strong AI component. The hybrid nature with a required in-office day points to a need for collaborative in-person ideation and feedback sessions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research, ideation sessions, and workshop facilitation to identify user needs and translate them into innovative design solutions for AI-driven educational products.
• Design and create detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes (low and high fidelity), and visual interfaces for web-based digital learning platforms.
• Apply and contribute to Sanoma Learning's design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and adherence to brand guidelines across all digital products.
• Manage and communicate design concepts, user journeys, and prototypes to diverse stakeholders, including product teams, developers, and leadership, ensuring clear understanding and alignment.
• Foster a collaborative environment by working closely with cross-functional teams, providing design expertise and actively participating in agile development processes.
• Coordinate with global teams and stakeholders, ensuring designs are culturally sensitive and address the needs of a diverse European user base.
• Champion user-centric design principles and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle, with a particular focus on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by AI technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic UX thinking (discovery, problem-solving, conceptual thinking) and tactical execution (designing flows, creating prototypes, stakeholder communication). The emphasis on "scalability and the bigger picture" indicates a need for designers who can think holistically about product ecosystems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience: A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a proven track record of designing user-centric digital products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in user experience (UX) and user-centric design methodologies.
• Proven experience and a strong interest in designing user experiences specifically for AI-driven products and innovative technologies.
• Experience in conducting ideation sessions, identifying user needs through research, and collaborating effectively with user researchers.
• Proficiency in creating comprehensive product designs with a focus on scalability and the broader product vision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Dutch and English, essential for cross-cultural team collaboration.
• Strong skills in developing and communicating concepts, from initial sketches to polished prototypes.
• Experience in designing interactions for AI systems, including but not limited to chat interfaces, adaptive UIs, or predictive tools.
• Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, bringing clarity to complex problem spaces.
• Exceptional collaboration skills, enabling seamless work with UX designers, user researchers, developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, adept at leading workshops, articulating abstract ideas, and actively listening to capture end-user needs.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure inclusive design practices.
• Working knowledge of design and collaboration tools such as Figma, Miro, and Confluence.
• Familiarity with or interest in AI-powered design tools to enhance the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Formal Requirements" and "Keys to Success" sections are combined and expanded to provide a more comprehensive view of the expected qualifications. The emphasis on AI-specific design interaction skills is a key differentiator for this role. The requirement for both Dutch and English proficiency is critical for a company operating across multiple European countries.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of UX design projects, demonstrating proficiency in user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user interface design.
• Include examples of how you've translated user needs and business requirements into effective digital solutions, particularly for complex or innovative product areas.
• Highlight projects where you've designed for AI-driven features or complex technological systems, explaining the design challenges and your approach to solving them.
• Demonstrate experience with design systems, showing how you've maintained consistency and scalability in your designs.
• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your process, the solutions you designed, and the impact of your work.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document your design process, including research findings, user journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and usability testing results.
• Show evidence of your ability to manage and communicate design iterations and feedback from stakeholders through clear documentation.
• Illustrate your approach to problem-solving, detailing how you break down complex issues and develop systematic solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sanoma Learning specifically requests "raw documents that demonstrate your expertise" rather than "polished portfolios." This suggests they are more interested in the process, thought leadership, and problem-solving capabilities demonstrated through the work rather than a highly curated presentation. The portfolio should emphasize the journey of design, not just the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level UX Designer with 3+ years of experience in the Netherlands or Belgium, particularly with a specialization in AI and working in a hybrid model for a large European company, the estimated annual salary range would typically be between €45,000 and €65,000. This can vary based on specific location, exact experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on impactful AI initiatives that shape the future of education across Europe.
• Be part of a large, international, and diverse technology organization with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
• Excellent opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading European learning company.
• A dynamic and flexible working environment where initiative is encouraged and rewarded.
• Access to modern tools and technologies, including Figma, Miro, and potentially AI-powered design tools.
• The company culture emphasizes an open and informal setting, fostering initiative and rewarding contributions.
• Contribution to societal impact by improving educational tools and learning experiences.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically implying around 36-40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility, with at least one day per week required at the Den Bosch office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is not explicitly provided, so an estimate based on industry standards for the Netherlands/Belgium, the specified experience level, and the specialized nature of the role (AI) has been provided. The benefits are extrapolated from the company's description of its working environment and culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Publishing, Digital Learning Platforms. Sanoma Learning operates within the EdTech sector, focusing on providing digital learning materials and platforms to primary, secondary, and vocational education institutions across Europe. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, a focus on pedagogical impact, and the integration of new technologies like AI to enhance learning experiences. Company Size: Sanoma Learning is a large European company, with over 3000 employees and operating in 12 countries. This scale suggests a robust organizational structure, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration on a broad scale. For operations professionals, this means exposure to diverse teams, established processes, and potentially complex interdependencies. Founded: While the exact founding date of "Sanoma Learning" as a distinct entity isn't provided, Sanoma Corporation has a long history. This longevity implies stability and a deep understanding of the educational market. The focus on digital transformation and AI initiatives suggests a forward-thinking approach within this established organization.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the "digital products organization" and will report to the "UX Competence Lead."
• This implies a functional reporting structure where UX expertise is centralized, allowing for skill development and best practice sharing, while project work is likely done within cross-functional product teams.
• Collaboration is expected with UX designers, user researchers, product managers, and developers, indicating a matrixed or agile team environment where various disciplines work together towards common product goals.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes "deep teacher and student insight" and understanding their needs as the basis for developing methodologies. This points to a user-centric and research-driven approach to product development.
• The integration of "educational technologies and pedagogical expertise" suggests a focus on creating products with high learning impact, blending technological innovation with sound teaching principles.
• The mention of "digital transformation" and "AI-powered educational tools" indicates a commitment to leveraging modern technologies to innovate and improve learning processes.

Company Website: https://sanomalearning.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and industry context have been elaborated to provide a clearer picture of the operational environment. The "Methodology" section infers the company's approach to product development based on its stated values and focus areas.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in UX design principles and practices, coupled with a demonstrated ability to work independently on specific design tasks and contribute meaningfully to team projects. The "AI initiatives" focus suggests an opportunity to specialize in a high-demand, cutting-edge area of UX. Reporting Structure: The UX Designer reports to the UX Competence Lead. This structure typically means that while day-to-day project work might be within a product team, the UX Competence Lead provides guidance on UX best practices, career development, skill enhancement, and quality assurance for UX deliverables. This offers a balance between project autonomy and expert mentorship within the UX discipline. Operations Impact: As a UX Designer working on AI initiatives, the impact is directly tied to improving the learning experience for students and teachers. This involves making digital learning more intuitive, engaging, and effective. Positive UX outcomes can lead to increased user adoption, higher engagement rates, improved learning efficacy, and ultimately, greater success for Sanoma Learning's educational products and services. The role directly influences the usability and effectiveness of critical digital learning tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI UX: Deepen expertise in designing for AI-powered features, adaptive learning, recommendation systems, and conversational interfaces, becoming a go-to expert in this niche.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives within product teams, influencing product strategy, and mentoring junior designers as experience grows.
• International Exposure: Gain experience working with diverse teams and user groups across multiple European countries, enhancing understanding of global design challenges and opportunities.
• Skill Expansion: Potentially move into related roles such as Senior UX Designer, UX Researcher, Product Designer, or even UX Management, leveraging the foundational AI and product development experience.
• Continuous Learning: Sanoma Learning's focus on "initiative is expected and rewarded" suggests opportunities for training, attending conferences, and exploring new design tools and methodologies, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI and EdTech spaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" and "Reporting Structure" are clarified to provide context on the role's place within the organization and its potential for mentorship. Growth opportunities are tailored to the specific nature of the role and company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "hybrid," requiring weekly in-person meetings at the Den Bosch office. This indicates a blend of remote work flexibility and the necessity for collaborative, in-person interaction. The "open and informal setting" mentioned by the company suggests a relaxed yet professional atmosphere. Office Location(s): The primary mentioned office for in-person meetings is Den Bosch, Netherlands. However, the company also lists Wommelgem, Belgium, as a location, implying that candidates from either region would be considered, and there might be other office hubs. The hybrid nature means team members may be distributed, with specific collaboration days scheduled at a central point.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration mean the workspace is designed to facilitate teamwork, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing, both virtually and in person. Expect opportunities to engage with colleagues from various departments and countries.
• Tools and Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma, Miro, Confluence) is expected. The company's focus on AI and digital transformation suggests a commitment to providing modern technology solutions to support its employees' work.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with UX designers, researchers, product managers, and developers is a core aspect of the role, fostering a dynamic and team-oriented atmosphere. This interaction is key for design reviews, feedback sessions, and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. While core working hours may apply for collaboration and meetings, there is likely autonomy in managing individual work time, especially for tasks performed remotely. The emphasis on "result-oriented as well as flexible" suggests a focus on output and efficiency rather than strict adherence to a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" section is fleshed out to describe the likely work environment and team interaction patterns based on the hybrid nature and company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening & Portfolio Review: Applications are reviewed for CV, cover letter, and portfolio relevance. The company explicitly states they are "not looking for polished portfolios but rather raw documents that demonstrate your expertise," highlighting a focus on process and authenticity.
2. First Interview with Team Lead UX: This is an introductory call to assess motivation, cultural fit, and initial alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to discuss your career path and interest in AI in education.
3. Second Interview with the Product Team: This stage involves a "Practical challenge or case discussion" to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply UX principles to real-world scenarios relevant to AI-driven educational tools.
4. Final Conversation with the Director of UX: This final step is to gauge overall fit, discuss strategic vision, and confirm suitability for the role and the broader UX competence team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show Your Process: Since "raw documents" are preferred, include evidence of your design journey: initial research notes, user personas, journey maps, various iteration stages of wireframes and prototypes, and usability testing feedback.
• Focus on AI & Complexity: Highlight projects where you've tackled complex problems or specifically designed for AI features. Explain the unique challenges and how your design decisions addressed them.
• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples of collaborative projects, showing how you worked with developers, researchers, or product managers.
• Context is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the constraints, the solutions you proposed, and any measurable outcomes or learnings. Use brief, concise descriptions.
• Organize for Clarity: Even though "raw," ensure your portfolio is easily navigable. An online portfolio (e.g., Behance, personal website) with links to specific project documents or case studies is ideal.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Sanoma Learning: Research the company's products, mission, and recent AI initiatives in the EdTech space.
• AI Design Principles: Brush up on best practices for designing AI interfaces, conversational UIs, adaptive learning systems, and recommendation engines. Consider ethical implications and user trust.
• Problem-Solving Framework: Be ready to articulate your approach to design challenges, breaking down problems logically, exploring solutions, and justifying your choices.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your case studies and design thinking clearly and concisely, focusing on the "why" behind your decisions. Be prepared to discuss your work and answer questions thoughtfully.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is detailed, with specific advice tailored to the company's stated preferences for portfolio review ("raw documents") and the nature of the role (AI, collaboration).

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in creating and utilizing design systems within Figma is highly valued.
• Miro: Key for collaborative ideation, workshop facilitation, journey mapping, and brainstorming sessions.
• Confluence: Likely used for documentation, project management, and knowledge sharing. Familiarity with creating and organizing content within Confluence is beneficial.
• AI-Powered Design Tools: An interest in and potential working knowledge of emerging AI tools that can assist in the design process (e.g., AI for generating design variations, content creation, or user testing insights) would be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) used to track user behavior and product performance can provide valuable context for design decisions and impact measurement.

CRM & Automation:

• Sanoma Learning likely uses a CRM system and marketing automation tools for its business operations. While not directly part of the UX role, understanding how user data flows and how digital products integrate with broader business systems can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section focuses on the explicitly mentioned tools and infers other relevant tools based on the nature of a digital product organization and the role's responsibilities. The emphasis is on tools that support collaborative design and AI initiatives.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of students and teachers to create impactful learning experiences.
• Innovation & Initiative: Encouragement to take initiative, explore new technologies (especially AI), and contribute to the digital transformation of education.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and international borders to achieve shared goals.
• Impact: A focus on creating products that have a positive societal impact by improving education.
• Learning & Growth: A culture that supports continuous learning and professional development in a dynamic field.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with UX designers, user researchers, product managers, and developers, fostering a cohesive product development team.
• Open Communication: An open and informal setting where ideas can be shared freely, and feedback is actively exchanged to refine designs and processes.
• International Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds across Europe, requiring strong communication and adaptability.
• Process Improvement: A willingness to participate in workshops and discussions aimed at optimizing design processes and product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Team Culture & Values" section is constructed by synthesizing the company's stated values and the implications of its operational structure and focus areas (AI, international collaboration).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Ambiguity: Navigating the complexities and evolving nature of AI technologies to create intuitive and trustworthy user experiences. This includes managing user expectations and ensuring transparency in AI-driven features.
• Balancing Global Needs: Catering to the diverse needs and contexts of students and teachers across multiple European countries while maintaining a cohesive product experience.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with international teams that may have different working styles, time zones, and cultural nuances.
• Demonstrating ROI for UX: Clearly articulating the value and impact of UX design decisions, especially for AI initiatives, to stakeholders who may not be deeply familiar with UX principles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI UX Skills: Gaining specialized knowledge in designing for cutting-edge AI applications in education, becoming a subject matter expert.
• International Project Experience: Working on projects with a broad European scope offers invaluable experience in cross-cultural design and stakeholder management.
• Skill Enhancement in Collaborative Tools: Deepening proficiency in tools like Figma and Miro, and exploring new AI-assisted design tools.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to learn from senior UX professionals and potentially mentor junior team members as career progression occurs.
• Industry Exposure: Engaging with the EdTech industry's latest trends and innovations through company initiatives or external opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the role's specific context (AI, international teams, EdTech) and common hurdles in UX design. Growth opportunities are aligned with career progression within specialized UX roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• On AI Design: "Describe your approach to designing user experiences for AI-powered features like recommendation systems or adaptive learning. What are the key considerations for user trust and transparency?" (Prepare to discuss specific AI design patterns and ethical considerations).
• On Collaboration & Stakeholders: "How do you manage conflicting feedback from different stakeholders (e.g., product managers, engineers, business leaders) when designing a new feature?" (Prepare examples of negotiation and consensus-building).
• On Problem-Solving: "Walk us through a complex design problem you encountered on a past project. How did you break it down, explore solutions, and arrive at your final design?" (Focus on your process, not just the outcome).

Company & Culture Questions:

• On Sanoma Learning: "What interests you most about Sanoma Learning's mission and its use of AI in education?" (Research the company's vision and recent projects).
• On Team Dynamics: "How do you contribute to a collaborative and inclusive team environment, especially in a cross-cultural setting?" (Prepare examples of your teamwork and communication style).
• On Measuring Impact: "How would you measure the success of a new UX design for an AI-driven educational tool?" (Think about relevant UX metrics and business KPIs).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative for each project: problem, your process, solution, and outcome.
• Highlight Rawness: Be ready to discuss the iterative nature of your work, showing early concepts, challenges faced, and how you adapted your designs based on feedback or research.
• Focus on AI Specifics: For AI projects, be prepared to explain the unique design decisions made to accommodate AI functionality and user interaction.
• Concise & Engaging: Present your work clearly and concisely, allowing ample time for discussion and Q&A. Be enthusiastic and passionate about your design process.
• Demonstrate Facilitation: If asked to present a "case discussion," be ready to engage the interviewers in a collaborative problem-solving exercise, demonstrating your facilitation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to the specific questions likely to be asked, the company's unique context (AI in education, international teams), and the requested portfolio style.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sanoma Learning careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Carefully select 2-3 projects from your portfolio that best showcase your experience with complex digital products, AI initiatives, and your design process. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and iterative design, even if they are not "polished."
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3+ years of UX experience, specific skills in AI-driven product design, proficiency in Figma and Miro, and strong communication abilities in both Dutch and English. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and thought behind your portfolio projects. Prepare specific examples to answer behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and working with ambiguity.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Sanoma Learning's mission, values, and current AI initiatives in the EdTech space. Understand their target audience (students, teachers) and the educational context they operate within.

⚠️ 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.