UX Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Lead

Company: WongDoody

Location: London, UK

Job Type: Contract (6-month Fixed Term)

Category: User Experience (UX) Leadership / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and oversee all user experience (UX) initiatives within the Entertainment track, ensuring customer-centric design principles are applied.

• Manage and mentor a team of designers across different locations, fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.

• Drive positive change and improve core skills and processes within the design team, implementing external best practices.

• Collaborate closely with the UI Lead on day-to-day delivery, design direction, and strategic forward-looking initiatives for digital products.

• Champion data-led design decision-making, leveraging user research, analytics, and user testing to inform product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract, requiring a candidate who can quickly integrate and drive impact. The "Design on Demand" aspect suggests a need for agility and adaptability in a project-based environment, common in agency settings. The focus on both UX and Product Design indicates a blend of strategic user advocacy and hands-on creative output.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and shape the day-to-day delivery and design for products within the Entertainment track, ensuring alignment with business needs and user expectations.

• Create user-centric and visually captivating interfaces that define future user experiences, pushing the boundaries of design excellence.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including UI designers, product managers, and development teams, to deliver optimal solutions.

• Conduct and leverage user research, analytics, and user testing to gather insights and validate design decisions, ensuring a data-driven approach.

• Develop and implement efficient delivery processes, including impact assessment, effort estimation, and resource allocation for design activities.

• Lead and facilitate discovery workshops and collaboration sessions to drive alignment and innovation with senior client stakeholders.

• Share knowledge and experiences to elevate the design team's capabilities and foster a culture of continuous learning and specialization.

• Support the Product Design Director in shaping the overall design direction and strategy for the company's digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on leadership/management and hands-on design contribution. The emphasis on "evolving efficient delivery processes" and "impact assessment, effort estimation and communication of project requirements vs available supply of design resources" points to a strong need for operations-minded thinking within the design function, a key characteristic of advanced UX and Product Design roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and expertise is paramount. Candidates with degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or related fields may have a foundational understanding.

Experience: Minimum of five years of experience in a senior, client-facing role within a design agency, with a proven track record of managing complex projects and senior stakeholder relationships. Experience working on large global digital programs is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in a senior client-facing agency role (5+ years).

• Demonstrated experience building relationships with senior client stakeholders.

• Expertise in presenting design work and facilitating workshops.

• Experience in setting up and optimizing ways of working and/or design processes.

• Experience working on large global digital programs.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members from different disciplines in different countries.

• Proficiency with the latest design and prototyping tools, including Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Familiarity with end-to-end customer experience methodologies: user research, analytics, continuous UX improvement.

• Strong understanding of design systems, grid layouts, and typography.

• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and critical thinking abilities.

• Experience working collaboratively in a fast-paced, agile environment.

• Ability to effectively communicate and present design concepts to diverse audiences.

• Experience running collaboration sessions via discovery workshops.

• Open and inclusive mindset with proven ability to navigate complex global cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data-led design decision-making and user research methodologies.

• Familiarity with the Double Diamond framework.

• Experience managing team members and fostering inclusive cultures.

• Understanding of product delivery and forward-looking design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on experience and leadership capabilities over formal education. The blend of agency, global, and client-facing experience is critical, suggesting the need for strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills alongside design proficiency. The mention of "Design on Demand" implies a need for candidates who can quickly adapt to project needs and deliver results efficiently.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of user-centric and visually captivating digital interfaces designed for global programs.

• Demonstrated examples of how you have successfully translated business needs into intuitive user experiences.

• Case studies detailing your involvement in user research, data-led design decision-making, and user testing processes.

• Evidence of your ability to manage and present design work to senior client stakeholders, including workshop facilitation.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of workflow design and optimization, particularly within agile or fast-paced environments.

• Include documentation or case studies on the implementation and automation of design processes or team ceremonies.

• Demonstrate how you have measured the performance and impact of implemented design processes or initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. It must clearly demonstrate not only design craft but also leadership, process improvement, and client-facing expertise. Specifically, evidence of setting up or improving processes and managing global teams will be critical for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Lead with 5-10 years of experience in London, UK, on a 6-month contract, the estimated salary range is likely between £60,000 - £90,000 per annum (pro-rata). This is based on industry benchmarks for senior contract roles in London, considering the specialized skills and leadership responsibilities.

Benefits: As a 6-month fixed-term contract, benefits may differ from permanent roles.

• Competitive contract rate.

• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects within the entertainment industry.

• Exposure to a leading global creative agency.

• Potential for future contract extensions or opportunities based on performance and business needs.

• Access to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team collaboration needs. The role is hybrid, requiring presence in the London office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on London market rates for senior contract UX roles with leadership responsibilities. The nature of a fixed-term contract means comprehensive benefits like health insurance and retirement plans might not be included, but the rate itself is typically higher to compensate.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Branding, Experience Design, Strategy. WongDoody operates within the creative services sector, known for its innovative and human-centered approach to brand building and digital experiences.

Company Size: Approximately 2000 employees globally across 22 studios. This signifies a large, well-established agency with significant resources and a global reach.

Founded: 30 years ago. This long history suggests stability, deep industry expertise, and a well-honed culture.

Team Structure:

• The UX Lead will be part of the "Design on Demand" team, specifically focusing on the "Entertainment track."

• This team operates within a larger Product Design group, which collaborates closely with UI designers, product teams, and development teams.

• The role involves managing team members across different locations, implying a distributed team structure that requires strong remote leadership skills.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "Creative Democracy," a founding principle encouraging open contribution and innovation.

• Commitment to human experiences, storytelling, and using design for impact.

• Strong focus on data-led design, user research, and continuous improvement.

• Agile methodologies are prevalent, requiring adaptability and efficient delivery.

Company Website: https://www.wongdoody.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: WongDoody's culture is characterized by innovation, creativity, and a strong emphasis on people and values. The "Creative Democracy" principle suggests an environment where ideas are openly shared and debated. The company's global presence and diverse client base offer exposure to a wide array of challenges and opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role (Lead) within the UX and Product Design domain, with significant operational responsibilities for process and team management. It sits below Director level but carries substantial influence over delivery and strategy within its assigned track.

Reporting Structure: The UX Lead reports to the Product Design Director and collaborates closely with the UI Lead. They will also manage a team of designers, creating a direct reporting line. This structure facilitates strategic oversight and cross-disciplinary alignment.

Operations Impact: The UX Lead directly impacts the success of digital products by ensuring user-centricity, driving efficient design processes, and fostering team effectiveness. Their work influences client satisfaction, product adoption, and ultimately, the client's business outcomes. By improving delivery processes and resource management, they contribute to the operational efficiency and profitability of the agency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to become a specialist within the Entertainment track or in specific areas of UX/Product Design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Director-level role, managing larger teams or broader strategic initiatives.

• Process Innovation: Lead further enhancements to design operations and delivery frameworks across the agency.

• Client Relationship Growth: Deepen relationships with senior client stakeholders, potentially leading to larger engagements.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning through exposure to diverse projects, tools, and methodologies within a global agency setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers significant growth potential within a leading agency. Success here could lead to further contract extensions or even full-time opportunities, especially for candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, operational acumen, and a deep understanding of client needs within the entertainment sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, indicating a blend of remote and in-office work. WongDoody has multiple global studios, suggesting a modern, collaborative office space designed to support creative work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): London, UK. This location places the role within a major global hub for creative industries and technology.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The agency culture promotes collaboration, likely facilitated by open-plan office spaces, meeting rooms, and digital collaboration tools.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), prototyping tools, and project management platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the design team, UI Lead, Product Design Director, and various client teams.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week. The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in structuring the work week, balancing in-office collaboration with remote focus time, which is beneficial for deep work and process-oriented tasks common in operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a major creative agency in London suggests a dynamic and stimulating work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with both in-person collaboration and independent work, and adept at using digital tools to maintain seamless communication and workflow across locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and cover letter, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, highlighting relevant case studies, leadership experience, and process improvements. This is a critical step for assessing practical skills and communication ability.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Interviews with the Product Design Director, UI Lead, and potentially other senior team members or clients to assess cultural fit, leadership style, and strategic thinking.

• Process/Problem-Solving Exercise: Candidates may be given a hypothetical design challenge or a problem related to process optimization to solve, demonstrating their approach to real-world scenarios.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process & Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (especially any improvements you implemented), the solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of managing teams, influencing stakeholders, and facilitating workshops.

• Demonstrate Operations Acumen: Present case studies where you identified and solved process inefficiencies, improved delivery workflows, or managed resource constraints effectively.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects within the entertainment sector or similar large-scale digital programs, showcasing your understanding of client needs and agency dynamics.

• Visual Presentation: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear language and compelling visuals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Agency Operations: Research how creative agencies operate, particularly regarding project management, client servicing, and resource allocation.

• Familiarize with UX/Product Design Frameworks: Be ready to discuss methodologies like Double Diamond, Agile, and data-driven design.

• Prepare for Process-Related Questions: Anticipate questions about how you would set up ways of working, manage cross-functional collaboration, or improve team efficiency.

• Practice Presentation Skills: Be ready to clearly articulate your thought process, decisions, and the impact of your work concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hiring process heavily relies on the portfolio's ability to showcase not just design skills but also leadership, client management, and operational process improvement capabilities. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in advanced features is expected.

• Sketch: Another industry-standard design tool, often used for UI design. Familiarity is beneficial.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, etc., for various design and asset creation tasks.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or similar for creating interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback).

• Analytics Tools: Familiarity with web analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior and performance metrics.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools that can help interpret and present data, such as Tableau or Power BI, though not explicitly stated, is a plus for data-led design.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing tasks, workflows, and team collaboration.

• Collaboration Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for daily communication and team coordination.

• Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems: Potentially used for organizing and sharing design assets across global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is likely paramount given its prevalence in modern design workflows. The emphasis on "data-led design" and "user research" suggests a need for familiarity with tools that support these activities, beyond pure design creation software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A core belief in designing for people, with a strong emphasis on empathy and user advocacy.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by research, analytics, and user feedback, rather than solely intuition.

• Collaborative: Encourages open communication, knowledge sharing, and teamwork across disciplines and locations.

• Innovative: A drive to push creative boundaries, explore new solutions, and embrace "Creative Democracy."

• Efficient: Focused on optimizing delivery processes, managing resources effectively, and delivering high-quality work on time.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with UI designers, product managers, developers, and client teams is essential.

• Process-Oriented: A proactive approach to defining and refining workflows, ensuring smooth project execution.

• Feedback Exchange: Open to constructive feedback and actively solicits input to improve designs and processes.

• Global Team Navigation: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams across different time zones and cultural backgrounds.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Creative Democracy" principle suggests a culture where diverse perspectives are valued and contribute to the final outcome. This UX Lead role requires someone who can not only lead but also foster this inclusive and collaborative spirit within their team and across client engagements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Global, Distributed Teams: Ensuring consistent quality, communication, and team cohesion across different locations and time zones.

• Balancing Client Demands with Design Best Practices: Navigating client expectations and agency operational constraints while upholding UX principles.

• Driving Process Improvement: Implementing new workflows or optimizing existing ones in a dynamic agency environment can face resistance or require significant effort.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, methodologies, and user behavior trends in the digital landscape.

• Fixed-Term Contract Constraints: Delivering significant impact and demonstrating value within a limited 6-month timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on high-profile entertainment industry clients and diverse digital products.

• Mentorship: Learning from senior leaders like the Product Design Director and gaining insights into agency operations and client management.

• Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific UX/Product Design areas, data analysis, or process optimization.

• Networking: Building relationships with a global network of creative professionals.

• Potential for Future Engagement: Demonstrating strong performance can lead to extended contracts or full-time roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in fast-paced agencies, particularly contract positions. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to expand a professional network, hone leadership skills, and gain valuable experience in a top-tier creative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you implemented a new process or way of working within a design team. What was the impact?" (Focus on your operations improvement skills.)

• "How would you approach managing and motivating a distributed team of designers across different countries?" (Assess leadership and global collaboration.)

• "Walk us through a complex project where you had to balance senior stakeholder expectations with user needs. How did you navigate this?" (Evaluate client management and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you integrate user research and data analytics into your design process, especially under tight deadlines?" (Test your data-led approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about WongDoody and our 'Creative Democracy' principle?" (Show you've researched the company values.)

• "How do you foster an inclusive culture within a design team?" (Assess your team management and DE&I alignment.)

• "What are your thoughts on the challenges and opportunities within the entertainment track for UX design?" (Demonstrate industry insight.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's objectives. Then, dive into specific case studies, detailing problem identification, your process (emphasizing any operational improvements), your solutions, and the results/impact.

• Highlight Operations: For each case study, explicitly point out instances where you improved processes, managed resources, or facilitated stakeholder alignment. Use terms like "streamlined," "optimized," "implemented workflow," etc.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced task completion time, improved client satisfaction scores).

• Engage the Audience: Be prepared to answer questions and facilitate a discussion about your work, demonstrating strong communication and presentation skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design craft but also leadership, operational efficiency, and client relationship management. The portfolio is key, so practice articulating how your work has tangibly improved processes and delivered value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Lead position:

• Submit your resume and cover letter through the provided application link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your experience in leading teams, improving design processes, managing senior client stakeholders, and working on large-scale global digital programs. Tailor your presentation to highlight your operational contributions.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of senior client-facing agency experience. Use keywords such as "UX Lead," "Product Design," "Process Improvement," "Stakeholder Management," "Global Programs," and specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Sketch). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your process, leadership, and the operational impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for strategy and behavioral questions, especially those related to process optimization and team leadership.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with WongDoody's work, culture (especially "Creative Democracy"), and their approach to client services. Understand the nuances of the "Entertainment track" and the agency environment.

⚠️ 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.

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