UX Strateeg

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Strateeg

Company: iO

Location: Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time

Category: User Experience (UX) Strategy & Design

Date Posted: April 8, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and execution of UX strategies for large-scale digital platforms that impact millions of users.

• Drive the entire UX process, from initial client discovery and strategic planning to user validation and ongoing platform development.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions to foster innovation and gather essential user insights.

• Translate complex business needs and user requirements into intuitive, effective digital solutions through wireframing and prototyping.

• Champion a data-driven and research-backed approach to UX design, ensuring all strategic decisions are validated.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior UX Strategist, focusing on the strategic and leadership aspects of UX within digital platform development. The emphasis is on client-facing strategy, process ownership, and team influence rather than pure execution design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate comprehensive UX strategies for major digital platforms, aligning with client business objectives and user needs.

• Lead discovery phases for new projects, identifying core user problems and opportunities through qualitative and quantitative research methods.

• Design and facilitate engaging workshops, design thinking sessions, and co-creation events with clients and internal teams.

• Develop wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to communicate strategic direction and design concepts effectively.

• Conduct user research and validation studies (e.g., usability testing, surveys) to inform design decisions and measure success.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams (designers, developers, content strategists, project managers) to ensure seamless execution of UX strategies.

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with clients, acting as a key strategic advisor and advocating for user-centered design principles.

• Identify opportunities for digital strategy evolution and new project proposals, contributing to long-term client partnerships and company growth.

• Mentor and guide junior UX professionals, fostering their development and ensuring high-quality research and strategy output.

• Translate complex client requests into actionable UX strategies and roadmaps, managing stakeholder expectations throughout the process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, client management, and hands-on UX process facilitation. The role requires not only defining strategy but also actively guiding its implementation and validation, with a strong emphasis on building client relationships and driving business growth for iO.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in developing digital solutions for websites and applications.

Required Skills:

• UX Strategy: Proven ability to define and articulate user-centered digital strategies that align with business goals.

• Digital Strategy: Expertise in developing comprehensive digital roadmaps and solution architectures for complex platforms.

• Discovery & Research: Proficient in various user research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), including user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and data analysis.

• Workshop Facilitation: Skilled in leading design thinking workshops, co-creation sessions, and stakeholder alignment meetings.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and influence decision-making with diverse client stakeholders.

• Data Analysis & KPIs: Experience in defining and utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives to measure business impact and guide strategy.

• Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within agile, cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and shared understanding.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for simplifying complex problems and identifying the most effective UX techniques and tools for specific challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.

• Familiarity with content strategy principles and their integration into UX.

• Experience in mentoring or leading junior UX designers.

• Strong presentation and storytelling skills to effectively communicate UX vision and insights.

• Understanding of front-end development principles to ensure feasibility of designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements clearly indicate a need for a seasoned professional who has moved beyond pure UX design into strategic leadership, with specific experience in the end-to-end digital strategy lifecycle and client relationship management. The emphasis on KPIs and driving business goals is a critical differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable case studies showcasing the development of UX strategies for complex digital platforms (websites, apps).

• Examples of successful workshop facilitation, design sprint leadership, and co-creation initiatives.

• Prototypes and wireframes that clearly illustrate problem-solving and strategic thinking.

• Evidence of user research methodologies employed and how insights informed strategic decisions.

• Documentation of how KPIs were defined and utilized to measure the success of UX initiatives.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining UX strategy, including how you translate client needs into actionable plans.

• Detail your process for conducting user research and validation, emphasizing how you gather and interpret insights.

• Illustrate your methods for facilitating collaborative sessions and driving consensus among stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you have integrated data and KPIs into the UX strategy and development lifecycle.

• Document your process for transitioning strategic concepts into tangible design outputs like wireframes and prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role. It should not just display design work but evidence strategic thinking, client leadership, process ownership, and measurable impact through user research and data. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their strategic decision-making process for each case study.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €60,000 - €85,000 annually.

Explanation of Estimate: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX Strategists in Amsterdam, considering the required 5-10 years of experience, the hybrid work model, and the company's position in the creative and digital strategy sector. This range reflects the strategic and client-facing nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill development, and career advancement within iO.

• Entrepreneurial Culture: A dynamic and innovative work environment that encourages initiative and ownership.

• Learning Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and industry events to stay ahead of UX trends.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance work from home with collaborative office time.

• Competitive Pension Scheme: Comprehensive retirement planning support.

• Mobility Budget: Assistance with commuting costs or other travel-related expenses.

• Health & Wellness Programs: Initiatives to support employee well-being.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid model to accommodate project needs and personal work styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a mid-to-senior UX Strategist in Amsterdam, Netherlands, considering the provided experience level and the hybrid work arrangement. Benefits are inferred from common offerings in similar tech/creative consultancies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Creative, Digital Strategy, Consulting. iO operates at the intersection of these fields, offering a broad spectrum of digital services.

Company Size: Large (500-1000 employees). This size suggests a structured organization with established processes, but also room for entrepreneurial spirit and cross-team collaboration.

Founded: iO was founded in 2000. This longevity indicates stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• Creative Team: You will be part of the national creative team, which comprises over 100 experts in UX, content, design, and strategy.

• Reporting: Likely reporting to a Head of UX, Creative Director, or similar senior leadership within the creative department.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Daily interaction with colleagues from various disciplines (UX, content, design, strategy, development, project management) within multidisciplinary client teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: Emphasis on using data, research, and validation to inform strategic decisions and measure impact.

• Agile & Iterative: Projects are likely managed using agile methodologies, with continuous feedback loops and iterative development.

• Value-Driven Work: A core principle of iO's work ethic, focusing on delivering tangible value to clients and end-users.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: iO's description suggests a large, established digital agency with a strong focus on expertise and collaboration. The "value-driven" ethos implies a results-oriented culture where strategic contributions are highly valued. The size of the creative team offers a large pool of specialists to collaborate with.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Strategist. This role is positioned as a key strategic contributor, responsible for leading complex projects, influencing clients, and mentoring junior talent. It represents a significant step beyond individual contributor roles.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report into a senior creative lead (e.g., Head of UX, Creative Director) and work within dynamic, multidisciplinary client teams. This structure allows for both specialized guidance and broad project exposure.

Operations Impact: The role directly influences the success of major digital platforms by shaping user experiences and strategic direction. This impact translates into tangible business outcomes for clients, such as increased user engagement, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction, while also driving revenue and growth for iO through strong client partnerships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in UX strategy, digital strategy, or leadership by taking on larger accounts or more complex challenges.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Develop leadership skills by guiding and inspiring junior UX professionals and contributing to team best practices.

• Client Relationship Management: Advance into roles with greater client advisory responsibilities, potentially focusing on strategic account management or business development within iO.

• Continuous Learning: Access to iO's extensive learning resources, industry conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions to stay at the forefront of UX and digital strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within UX and digital strategy. It's ideal for professionals looking to move into leadership, deepen strategic expertise, or expand their client management and business development capabilities within a large, reputable agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: iO operates from multiple "campuses" (offices) across the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and Den Bosch. The Amsterdam office is likely a hub for creative and strategic talent.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands. This location offers excellent connectivity and access to a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are designed to foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces for multidisciplinary teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard UX design and research tools, prototyping software, and collaborative platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a diverse group of experts, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: The role is hybrid, allowing for a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This structure supports focused individual work and dynamic team sessions, aligning with the needs of strategic UX projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and collaborative office environment are designed to support both focused strategic thinking and the dynamic interaction required for complex UX strategy development and client engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A conversation with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A key stage where you'll present your work, focusing on 1-2 strategic UX projects. Be prepared to walk through your strategic thinking, research methodologies, decision-making process, and the outcomes achieved.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your strategic approach, problem-solving skills, and experience with client management and multidisciplinary teams. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your vision for UX at iO and your alignment with company values and growth objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Storytelling: Frame your case studies around the strategic challenges faced, the process undertaken, and the business impact delivered, not just the final design.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your methodology, from discovery and research to strategy definition, prototyping, and validation. Explain why you chose specific methods.

• Quantifiable Results: Whenever possible, include metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your UX strategies (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).

• Client & Stakeholder Focus: Highlight your ability to manage client expectations, build consensus, and advocate for user needs within complex stakeholder environments.

• Conciseness: Select your strongest, most relevant projects and present them efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Scenario: Be ready for a hypothetical scenario where you'll need to outline your approach to defining UX strategy for a given business problem.

• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex client requests into manageable research questions and strategic components.

• Methodology Justification: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your chosen UX techniques and research methods for specific project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, client management capabilities, and the ability to articulate complex UX processes and outcomes. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these skills, so meticulous preparation is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency expected).

• User Research Platforms: Tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar).

• Collaboration Tools: Miro, Mural for workshops and ideation; Jira, Confluence for project management and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics for understanding user behavior and performance.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI might be used by the broader team, but understanding data interpretation is key.

• Reporting Dashboards: Experience in contributing to or interpreting data presented in dashboards that track KPIs.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can inform user segmentation and personalization strategies.

• Automation Platforms: Understanding of how UX design can integrate with marketing automation or workflow automation tools.

• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different digital systems connect and how UX impacts the overall user journey across touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is strategy-focused, a strong understanding of the tools used in the UX and digital product development lifecycle is essential. The ability to leverage data from analytics and CRM systems to inform strategy is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Value-Driven: A core principle at iO, meaning work is focused on delivering tangible, meaningful value to clients and their users. This translates to a focus on impact and results.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Encouragement for initiative, ownership, and proactive problem-solving. Professionals are expected to identify opportunities and drive them forward.

• Learning & Development: A commitment to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and personal growth within a supportive environment.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and leveraging the collective expertise of multidisciplinary teams.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Daily collaboration within diverse client teams, requiring effective communication and respect for different disciplines.

• Open Feedback Culture: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular opportunities to share insights, best practices, and learnings across teams and the wider iO network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be one of high performance, continuous learning, and strong teamwork, underpinned by a commitment to delivering real value. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, a collaborative mindset, and a passion for user-centered strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Stakeholder Landscapes: Effectively managing diverse opinions, priorities, and expectations from multiple client stakeholders.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution Realities: Ensuring that strategic UX plans are feasible, implementable, and align with technical constraints and business timelines.

• Translating Ambiguous Client Needs: Deeply understanding and defining core user problems when initial client requests may be vague or unfocused.

• Measuring and Demonstrating UX Impact: Clearly articulating and quantifying the business value and ROI of UX strategies to clients.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX & Digital Strategy: Opportunities to tackle increasingly complex projects and refine strategic expertise.

• Leadership Development: Pathways to formal leadership roles, team management, and mentoring junior staff.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in conferences, workshops, and internal training sessions to stay abreast of emerging UX trends, tools, and methodologies.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to and collaboration with experts in content, design, technology, and business strategy, broadening your holistic understanding of digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges that are typical of senior strategic positions in agency environments, particularly around client management and demonstrating value. The growth opportunities are robust, catering to professionals who aim for leadership and deep strategic impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a UX strategy for a complex digital platform with multiple stakeholder groups. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on process, stakeholder management, and results.)

• "How do you approach a discovery phase when a client has a vague request or an unclear problem statement? Walk us through your methodology." (Highlight your research and problem-definition skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about iO's approach to digital strategy and UX, and why do you think you'd be a good fit for our value-driven culture?" (Research iO's values and recent work.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your strategic thinking?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly present: 1) The Client & Challenge, 2) Your Role & Responsibilities, 3) The Process & Methodology Used, 4) The Solution & Key Deliverables, 5) The Results & Impact (with data).

• Emphasis on Strategy: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your strategic choices, research methods, and design decisions.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (wireframes, user flows, prototype snippets) to support your narrative, but ensure they serve the strategic story.

• Conciseness & Engagement: Practice your presentation to be engaging and to the point, allowing time for Q&A and discussion. Be prepared to go deeper into any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Success in interviews will hinge on your ability to articulate strategic thinking, demonstrate a robust process, showcase client management skills, and provide evidence of measurable impact, all supported by a well-prepared portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Strategy position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the iO digital careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 1-2 of your strongest case studies that best represent your experience in defining and executing UX strategies for complex digital platforms. Ensure these highlight your strategic thinking, research methodologies, and impact on business goals.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your experience in UX strategy, digital strategy, client management, workshop facilitation, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your strategic process, preparing answers to common interview questions (as listed above), and rehearsing your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research iO's work, client portfolio, company values, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment during interviews. Understand their "value-driven" approach.

⚠️ 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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