UX Designer (H/F)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (H/F)

Company: Smile Group (UX-Republic)

Location: Lille, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing high-quality user interfaces and delivering exceptional user experiences for clients within an agency setting.

• Responsibilities include conducting regular UX research and user testing to inform design decisions and drive client performance.

• The UX Designer will be instrumental in providing personalized, high-impact consulting services across various innovative projects.

• A strong emphasis is placed on collaborative problem-solving and continuous improvement within a dynamic team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "UX Designer," the description strongly indicates a focus on User Experience (UX) Research and Product Design, particularly within the e-commerce sector. The emphasis on "UX Research," "Research," and "user testing" suggests this is not solely a UI design position but a more holistic UX role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct regular UX research initiatives, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights and identify areas for improvement.

• Design intuitive and engaging user interfaces for web and mobile applications, ensuring adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG) and ergonomic best practices.

• Collaborate closely with clients to understand their business objectives, user needs, and technical constraints, translating these into effective design solutions.

• Develop and present detailed wireframes, prototypes, and mockups using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD.

• Manage multiple design projects concurrently, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality deliverables that align with client expectations and project scope.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of UX processes and methodologies within the agency, sharing knowledge and best practices with the team.

• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations to communicate research findings, design strategies, and project progress to both internal teams and external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights the need for a "senior" UX Designer with "minimum 6 years of experience in E-commerce and Research." This implies a significant level of autonomy, strategic thinking, and ability to lead research initiatives independently.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific educational requirements are listed, a degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for senior UX roles.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in UX Design, with a strong focus on UX Research and E-commerce. Agency experience is preferred but not mandatory.

Required Skills:

• UX Research: Proven ability to initiate and execute regular user testing and research methodologies.

• Design Tools: Expertise in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• User Testing Tools: Proficiency with various user testing platforms and methodologies.

• Foundational Knowledge: Deep understanding of web and mobile accessibility standards (WCAG), ergonomics, and user-centered design principles.

• Technical Aptitude: Awareness of technical constraints and capabilities for web and mobile development.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, with a proven track record of presenting design concepts and research findings effectively.

• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyze complex problems, synthesize data, and develop innovative solutions.

• Project Management: Demonstrated capability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Reporting: Competence in creating and delivering clear, concise reports on project progress and findings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the automotive, finance, or retail sectors.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

• Experience mentoring junior designers.

• Knowledge of user journey mapping and persona development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "minimum 6 years of experience" and the emphasis on "UX Research" and "Reporting" suggest that candidates with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end project involvement, from research to implementation and reporting, will be highly favored.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive UX case studies demonstrating end-to-end project lifecycle, from initial research and problem definition to design solutions and impact measurement.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each case study, highlighting specific UX research methodologies employed.

• Include examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, emphasizing user-centered design principles.

• Demonstrate how you've incorporated user feedback and testing results into the design iteration process.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to establishing and conducting regular UX research and user testing protocols.

• Detail your process for translating complex client requirements and user needs into actionable design specifications.

• Provide examples of how you document design decisions, user flows, and system interactions.

• Showcase your methods for reporting on UX findings and presenting design recommendations to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "UX Research" and "Reporting," the portfolio should strongly feature case studies that detail the research process, methodology, findings, and how these insights directly influenced design decisions and outcomes. Demonstrating a systematic approach to research and its integration into the design workflow is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX Designer with 6+ years of experience in Lille, France, the estimated annual gross salary range is €45,000 - €65,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the complexity of client projects, and the extent of their research and e-commerce expertise.

Benefits:

• Mutuelle d’entreprise: Company health insurance coverage.

• Transports en commun pris en charge: Public transport subsidy (50% coverage for annual Navigo pass).

• Minimum de 9 RTT par an: A minimum of 9 days of Recuperation (RTT) per year, offering additional paid time off.

• Prime de vacances: Annual holiday bonus.

• Tickets Restaurant: Meal vouchers valued at €10, with 50% employer contribution.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in France. The role is described as hybrid, suggesting a flexible arrangement with a mix of on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for senior UX Designer roles in France, specifically in the Lille region, and considers the stated experience level and industry (E-commerce, Digital Transformation Consulting). The benefits listed are directly translated from the provided job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation, UX/Product Design, Software Development. Smile Group, through UX-Republic, operates within the digital services sector, focusing on enhancing user experiences and driving client performance through design and technology.

Company Size: Smile Group is a significant player in the digital transformation space, with UX-Republic positioned as a specialized agency within it. This offers the stability and resources of a larger group combined with the focused expertise and agile environment of a dedicated UX agency.

Founded: UX-Republic was founded in 2014 and integrated into the SMILE group, a digital services company with a long history, providing a blend of established corporate structure and innovative agency culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX-Republic team is composed of talented, passionate, and complementary collaborators, suggesting a highly skilled and cohesive unit.

• The reporting structure likely involves a direct line to a UX Lead or Head of Design, with close collaboration across project teams that may include developers, product managers, and other specialists.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Emphasis on leveraging UX research and user testing data to inform design decisions and client strategies.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on designing efficient and user-friendly workflows for clients and optimizing internal processes for continuous improvement.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly detailed for this role, the broader Smile Group context suggests an interest in leveraging technology and efficient processes to deliver value.

Company Website: https://jobs.smile.eu (primary job portal) and likely https://ux-republic.fr/ for UX-Republic specifics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration into Smile Group suggests opportunities for broader project scope and cross-pollination of expertise, while UX-Republic's specialization ensures a deep focus on UX/Product Design. The culture is described as valuing human richness alongside technical skills.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a position of significant experience and responsibility. It implies the ability to lead projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute strategically to client engagements and internal process improvements. The role is focused on delivering high-quality UX research and design, with a strong client-facing component.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a UX Lead, Design Director, or a Project Manager within UX-Republic. Collaboration will be extensive with clients, product owners, and development teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is centered on improving client performance through superior user experiences. This involves enhancing user satisfaction, increasing conversion rates, and driving engagement for client products and services, thereby directly contributing to client business objectives and the agency's reputation for excellence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific UX research methodologies, e-commerce UX, or emerging design trends.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or even a Product Design Lead role, involving team management and strategic client advisory.

• Specialization: Focus on niche areas within UX, such as accessibility, UX strategy, or service design, becoming a recognized expert.

• Cross-Functional Learning: Exposure to different industries and project types within Smile Group, broadening professional experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "senior" designation and the focus on research and client interaction suggest a path towards becoming a key individual contributor, a team lead, or a strategic consultant within the UX/Product Design domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence at the Lille office. This offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 7 Bd Louis XIV, 59800 Lille, France. This location within Lille provides access to a vibrant business environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The agency culture emphasizes collaboration, suggesting an open and interactive workspace designed to foster teamwork and idea sharing.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and research tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and various user testing platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with UX experts, designers, researchers, and potentially other digital transformation specialists within UX-Republic and Smile Group.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, with the hybrid model offering flexibility in balancing work and personal life, conducive to focused deep work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-office collaboration for design sprints and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• First Contact (Phone Call): An initial discussion to explore candidate aspirations and alignment with the role and company offerings. Preparation: Be ready to articulate your career goals and why this specific role at UX-Republic appeals to you.

• Meeting (In-Person/Video): A more in-depth conversation to get acquainted and discuss your professional background and experience. Preparation: Prepare to walk through your resume and highlight key achievements relevant to senior UX research and e-commerce design.

• Technical Discussion (Expert Exchange): An in-depth conversation with a UX expert to assess your skills, methodologies, and strategic thinking. Preparation: Be ready to discuss your UX research processes, tool proficiency, and problem-solving approaches with specific examples.

• Final Evaluation: Assessment of overall fit, skills, and potential contribution to the team and clients.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best represent your UX research capabilities, e-commerce experience, and ability to drive measurable impact.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the methodologies used (especially research techniques), the design process, the solutions implemented, and the results achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Research: Explicitly detail your UX research process – how you planned, executed, and analyzed research. Showcase how findings informed design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to verbally walk through your portfolio, answer detailed questions about your process, and defend your design choices.

Challenge Preparation:

• While no specific challenge is mentioned, be prepared for potential design exercises or scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and approach to UX research and design.

• Focus on articulating your thought process clearly and demonstrating a user-centered approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to progressively assess both cultural fit and technical expertise. A strong, well-documented portfolio that clearly articulates UX research methodologies and their impact is paramount for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD are explicitly mentioned as required expertise.

• Prototyping: Tools integrated within Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD, or standalone prototyping software.

• User Testing: Expertise with various user testing platforms and methodologies is required. Specific tools are not listed but could include platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, etc.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Reporting Tools: Proficiency in generating reports using data from user testing, analytics platforms, and potentially CRM data.

• Data Visualization: Ability to present findings clearly, likely using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) or dashboarding tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not core to the UX Designer role, familiarity with how CRM systems and automation tools impact user journeys and data collection in e-commerce environments would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, along with user testing tools, indicates a need for hands-on proficiency in the core design and research stack. Understanding how to leverage data from these tools for reporting and analysis is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Placing the end-user at the heart of all design and research activities.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, process refinement, and skill development.

• Collaboration & Human Richness: Valuing teamwork, diverse perspectives, and the personal qualities of team members.

• Performance & Quality: Delivering high-quality, impactful solutions that drive client performance.

• Curiosity & Learning: Encouraging technological curiosity and a proactive approach to learning new skills and trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly working with clients, developers, and other specialists to ensure holistic project success.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for sharing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the dissemination of expertise and best practices within the team, fostering a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to foster a supportive yet high-performance environment, balancing technical excellence with strong interpersonal relationships and a commitment to continuous growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands & User Needs: Effectively navigating client expectations while advocating for optimal user experiences based on research.

• Managing Diverse Projects: Adapting UX strategies and methodologies to a variety of client industries and project scopes within the e-commerce domain.

• Staying Current: Keeping pace with evolving UX trends, tools, and technologies to maintain a cutting-edge approach.

• Quantifying Impact: Demonstrating the ROI of UX initiatives, especially in complex e-commerce environments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Research Techniques: Opportunities to master specialized research methods and tools.

• E-commerce UX Specialization: Deepening expertise in the nuances of online retail user behavior and conversion optimization.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior experts or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to resources for continuous professional development in UX and digital transformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant potential for professional growth by tackling complex e-commerce UX challenges, honing research skills, and contributing to impactful digital transformation projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX research project you led. What was the problem, your approach, the key findings, and the impact on the final design?" (Focus on research methodology, problem-solving, and quantifiable results).

• "How do you balance client requirements with user needs, especially when they conflict?" (Prepare to discuss your negotiation and advocacy skills, grounded in research).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UX-Republic and the Smile Group?" (Research their recent projects, values, and integration impact).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies?" (Highlight your proactive learning habits and sources).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative – the challenge, your journey, and the successful outcome.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions, grounded in research and user insights.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows) effectively to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Everything Possible: Be ready to discuss metrics and the business impact of your work.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, inviting questions and demonstrating your passion and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, research acumen, and strong communication skills, all crucial for a senior role in a consulting environment. Prepare to deeply articulate your UX research process and its impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Smile Group jobs portal.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience in UX design, specifically emphasizing your expertise in UX Research, E-commerce, and relevant tools like Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your strongest UX research case studies, and clearly articulates your process and impact. Be ready to present it confidently.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with UX-Republic and Smile Group's recent projects, values, and their approach to digital transformation and UX.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your responses to common UX interview questions and prepare to walk through your portfolio, focusing on your research methodologies and the results achieved.

⚠️ 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.

---