UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: IntellectEU

Location: Madrid (Remote)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-15

Experience Level: 3-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement user-centered interfaces for complex web applications, leveraging modern front-end technologies including React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js.

• Conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing to gather actionable insights that drive design improvements and product strategy.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems and component libraries using tools like Storybook, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficient collaboration between design and development teams.

• Optimize user flows, interactions, and overall user experience with a strong focus on accessibility (WCAG), responsiveness, and peak performance.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers and developers, to translate business goals and technical constraints into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a 'UX Designer' but the responsibilities and technical requirements heavily lean into UI design and front-end implementation collaboration, indicating a need for a candidate with a strong hybrid skillset. The emphasis on React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js suggests a focus on modern web application development within a fintech context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and deliver intuitive, user-centered interfaces for web applications utilizing React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js.

• Execute user research initiatives, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to identify user needs and pain points.

• Translate user insights and product requirements into wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Build and maintain a comprehensive design system, including component libraries documented in Storybook, to ensure design consistency and accelerate development cycles.

• Foster close collaboration with front-end developers to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and assets.

• Advocate for and implement accessibility standards (WCAG) and responsive design principles to ensure broad usability across devices and user groups.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of user experience by analyzing user feedback, application analytics, and performance metrics.

• Partner with product, architecture, and engineering teams to align design solutions with business objectives, technical feasibility, and regulatory compliance.

• Actively participate in design critiques, offering and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the overall quality of design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "design systems," "component libraries," and "collaboration with developers" points to a need for a designer who understands the development lifecycle and can actively contribute to a scalable design framework. The mention of "financial messaging and integration" and "SWIFT service partner" suggests the complexity of the platform may require a designer adept at handling intricate workflows and data-heavy interfaces.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master's/Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Experience: 3–5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design specifically for web applications.

Required Skills:

• Upper-Intermediate English proficiency.

• Strong expertise in modern front-end frameworks, especially React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js.

• Proven proficiency in CSS3 and a deep understanding of responsive design principles.

• Hands-on experience with Storybook for component documentation and design system management.

• Mastery of design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles, accessibility standards (WCAG), and responsive design methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and interpreting analytics to inform UX improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with front-end development workflows and the ability to collaborate effectively with developers.

• Experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive design systems and reusable component libraries.

• Knowledge of performance optimization techniques and SEO best practices within the context of Next.js applications.

• Understanding of the financial services industry or experience designing for complex transactional platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a Computer Science degree with UX/UI experience, alongside strong front-end framework requirements (React, Tailwind CSS, Next.js), indicates this role is for a designer with a technical inclination or a developer with a strong design portfolio and understanding of UX principles. The emphasis on Storybook and design systems also suggests a need for a candidate who can contribute to the scalability and maintainability of the company's design assets.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design processes for web applications.

• Highlight projects that involved the use of React, Tailwind CSS, or Next.js, or similar modern front-end technologies.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, clearly articulating design decisions.

• Present evidence of user research, usability testing, and how feedback influenced design iterations and outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user-centered design, from initial concept and research through to final implementation and iteration.

• Explain your workflow for creating and maintaining design systems, including the use of Storybook for documentation and collaboration.

• Illustrate how you collaborate with developers and product managers to ensure design fidelity and project success.

• Provide examples of how you have optimized designs for accessibility (WCAG) and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX/UI role with this technical emphasis, a portfolio must go beyond static mockups. It needs to demonstrate a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle, user research methodologies, and the practical application of design systems within a development context. Specific examples of contributions to component libraries and design system documentation (e.g., using Storybook) will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €40,000 - €60,000 per year (Contractor)

Benefits:

• International experience in a stable, established company with a global presence (offices in Antwerp, Lisbon, Krakow, Kyiv, New York).

• Significant opportunities for personal and professional development, including potential for skill expansion and career progression.

• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to innovate within the fintech sector.

• A passionate and innovative work environment characterized by a casual, positive, and open culture that encourages new ideas.

• The chance to make a tangible impact on the financial world through technology solutions.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and international team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a contractor role in Madrid, Spain, the salary range has been estimated based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX/UI designers with strong front-end framework knowledge in a European tech hub. The range of €40,000 to €60,000 annually (pro-rated for contract duration) reflects 3-5 years of experience and the specific technical skill set required. Benefits are outlined based on the provided text, emphasizing professional growth and international exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, focused on Digital Finance and Emerging Technologies; a SWIFT service partner with extensive experience in financial messaging and integration.

Company Size: IntellectEU has a global presence with offices in multiple countries (Antwerp, Lisbon, Krakow, Kyiv, New York), indicating a medium to large enterprise size.

Founded: Established in 2006, IntellectEU has over 15 years of market experience, signifying stability and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team is likely part of a broader Product or Engineering department, working closely with developers and product managers.

• Collaboration extends across international teams, requiring strong communication and adaptability to different working styles and time zones.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes innovation and the use of "newest of the newest technologies."

• A hands-on approach is valued, with a focus on working closely with clients and tackling complex challenges.

• Design and development processes are expected to be agile and iterative, driven by user feedback and evolving technological landscapes.

Company Website: https://intellecteu.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: IntellectEU positions itself as an innovative fintech company with a strong foundation in financial messaging and technology. The culture appears to be a blend of a stable, experienced organization with a forward-thinking, agile approach to emerging technologies. The emphasis on "young people and industry veterans" suggests a diverse and dynamic workforce.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is mid-level, requiring 3-5 years of experience. It offers significant exposure to complex financial technology projects and modern development stacks.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX/UI Designer, a Product Manager, or potentially a Head of Product/Design within the engineering organization. They will work collaboratively with development teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences the usability and adoption of IntellectEU's digital finance products. By creating intuitive and efficient user experiences, they will contribute to client satisfaction, product success, and ultimately, the company's mission to be a top-of-mind fintech provider.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility design, design system architecture, or user research methodologies within the fintech domain.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior UX Designer or Lead Designer role, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Potentially transition into Product Management or other roles within the product development lifecycle, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and technical feasibility.

• Industry Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in financial messaging, SWIFT, and emerging fintech trends, becoming a valuable asset in a niche market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are tied to both deepening design expertise and broadening understanding within the specialized fintech sector. The company's global presence and focus on innovation suggest a fertile ground for individuals looking to expand their professional horizons and make a significant impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid role requiring 2 days per week in the Madrid office. This suggests a modern office space designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Madrid, Spain. The specific office location within Madrid is not detailed but is accessible for local employees.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between focused, remote work and collaborative, in-office sessions.

• The office environment is described as "innovative, casual, positive, and open," fostering creativity and teamwork.

• Access to relevant design and development tools will be provided, supporting the creation of high-quality digital products.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours. The hybrid nature implies flexibility in structuring the remote work days, while office days will likely be standard business hours to maximize team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup in Madrid indicates a company that values both focused individual work and collaborative team engagement. The "casual, positive, and open" environment suggests a culture that is supportive and encourages open communication, which is crucial for effective UX/UI design processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely to involve discussions about your UX/UI design process, experience with React, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, Storybook, and user research methodologies. Expect to walk through specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge (Potential): You may be given a small design exercise or asked to critique an existing interface to assess problem-solving skills and design thinking.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Focus on cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you would integrate into the international and hybrid team structure. Questions about your motivations and understanding of the fintech industry may arise.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UX/UI skills, particularly those involving web applications, React, and design systems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly mention your experience with React, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, Storybook, Figma/Sketch, and accessibility (WCAG). Show how these tools and principles were applied.

• Showcase Design Systems: If you have experience building or contributing to design systems, dedicate a section to it, explaining its structure, components, and benefits.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and that your contributions are clearly defined, especially if working in a team.

Challenge Preparation:

• Revisit UX Fundamentals: Brush up on user-centered design principles, usability heuristics, and common UX research methods.

• Study React Ecosystem: Familiarize yourself with common patterns and best practices for React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js development.

• Understand Fintech Context: Research IntellectEU, the fintech industry, and the role of SWIFT in financial messaging to better understand potential design challenges.

• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design decisions and thought process, especially for complex problems or unique user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio, especially showcasing design systems and technical skills relevant to React/Next.js, is critical. Candidates should prepare to discuss their contributions in detail and articulate how their design work aligns with business goals and technical constraints. The hybrid nature of the role may also be a focus for assessing collaboration and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD (proficiency required).

• Design System Management: Storybook (essential for component documentation and library management).

• Front-end Frameworks: Deep proficiency in React, Tailwind CSS, and Next.js is a core requirement for interface development.

• Styling: CSS3 and expert application of responsive design principles.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, experience with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) to interpret user behavior and inform design decisions is highly beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX Designer role, but understanding how designs integrate with backend systems and user management processes is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack for this role revolves around modern front-end development tools and design systems. A candidate's ability to not only design but also to understand and contribute to the implementation pipeline using React, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, and Storybook is paramount. Familiarity with tools that support data interpretation for UX improvements is also a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and launching new ideas.

• Collaboration: Working closely with clients and internal teams, valuing cross-functional partnerships.

• Excellence: Tackling challenges with hands-on experience and delivering high-quality solutions in digital finance.

• Growth: Providing opportunities for personal and professional development for all employees.

• Impact: Contributing to meaningful change within the financial world through technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with developers, product managers, and potentially client stakeholders.

• International Teamwork: Adaptability to working with diverse teams across different geographical locations and time zones.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages sharing new ideas and providing constructive feedback in a positive and open environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be forward-looking and dynamic, blending established expertise with a drive for innovation. The emphasis on an "open work environment" and "meeting new ideas" suggests a place where designers can actively contribute to product direction and process improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Domain: Designing for the fintech sector, particularly financial messaging and integration (SWIFT), requires understanding intricate workflows and high-stakes data.

• Hybrid Work Model: Effectively collaborating and maintaining design consistency across remote and in-office team members.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of the latest advancements in front-end technologies (React, Next.js) and UX best practices.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical Constraints: Ensuring designs are both user-friendly and technically feasible within the given development stack.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Specialization: Gain deep expertise in financial technology, SWIFT protocols, and emerging digital finance trends.

• Advanced Design System Development: Contribute to and potentially lead the evolution of sophisticated design systems for complex platforms.

• Cross-functional Skill Enhancement: Develop a stronger understanding of front-end development processes and product management principles.

• International Exposure: Work with diverse global teams, enhancing cross-cultural communication and project management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around mastering a complex industry and leveraging advanced technologies. The growth opportunities are substantial for designers who can adeptly navigate these challenges and contribute to IntellectEU's mission of innovation in digital finance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex web application you designed. What were the key UX challenges, and how did you address them using React, Tailwind CSS, or Next.js?"

• "Walk us through your process for creating a design system. How do you ensure consistency and scalability, and what role does Storybook play?"

• "How do you approach user research and usability testing for a fintech product? How do you translate findings into actionable design improvements?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IntellectEU and our work in digital finance?"

• "How do you thrive in a hybrid work environment and collaborate effectively with international teams?"

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how it aligns with our 'casual, positive, and open' culture."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation logically, starting with a company overview, then diving into 2-3 key case studies.

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, your specific contributions, the technologies used (React, Tailwind, Next.js, Storybook), and the resulting outcomes or metrics.

• Demonstrate Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss the technical aspects of your designs and how they integrate with the front-end development stack.

• Highlight Design System Contributions: If applicable, showcase your work on design systems and component libraries, explaining their structure and benefits.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for questions and actively involve your interviewers in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of modern web development stacks, a robust UX/UI design process, and the ability to apply these skills within the specialized fintech domain. Highlighting contributions to design systems and experience with Storybook will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the IntellectEU BambooHR careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your experience with React, Tailwind CSS, Next.js, Storybook, user research, and design systems. Ensure case studies clearly demonstrate your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Emphasize achievements and quantifiable results related to UX/UI design, focusing on web applications and technical proficiency. Use keywords found in the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, technical skills, and collaborative approach. Prepare to discuss your portfolio case studies in detail and articulate your interest in IntellectEU and the fintech industry.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with IntellectEU's mission, services, and recent projects. Understand their position as a SWIFT service partner and their focus on emerging technologies.

⚠️ 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.