UX/UI Designer and Researcher Assistant Manager
π Job Overview
Job Title: UX/UI Designer and Researcher Assistant Manager Company: stc Location: Saudi Arabia Job Type: Full-Time Category: User Experience (UX) & User Interface (UI) Design / Research Management Date Posted: 2025-11-17 Experience Level: Senior Professional (5-10 years) Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Lead and manage comprehensive <b>UX/UI design and research initiatives</b> to ensure the delivery of high-quality, user-centric digital experiences across all platforms.
- Drive the <b>end-to-end design process</b>, from user research and insights gathering to wireframing, prototyping, and final interface optimization for digital products and services.
- Foster <b>cross-functional collaboration</b> among IT, development, and business stakeholders to translate strategic goals and user needs into actionable design solutions.
- Champion <b>design systems, accessibility standards, and performance optimization</b> to maintain brand consistency and enhance user satisfaction across omni-channel interfaces.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at a Senior Professional level, indicating significant responsibility for strategic direction and team management within UX/UI design and research. The focus on "Assistant Manager" suggests a leadership role supporting a manager or leading a specific function within a larger department. The domain experience in telecommunications is a key differentiator.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Design and iterate on intuitive <b>user interfaces and end-to-end digital experiences</b>, ensuring seamless user journeys across web, mobile, and other digital touchpoints.
- Lead <b>user research, usability testing, and behavioral analysis</b> initiatives to gather actionable insights that inform design decisions and product strategy.
- Translate complex business objectives and user insights into comprehensive <b>user journeys, wireframes, information architecture, and interactive prototypes</b>.
- Oversee the conversion of user stories, research findings, and functional requirements into <b>high-fidelity designs and detailed specifications</b> for development teams.
- Manage and facilitate <b>cross-functional collaboration</b> with product managers, engineers, marketing, and customer support teams to ensure aligned execution of UX/UI strategies.
- Define and manage <b>testing scenarios</b> for new features and product updates, validating development outputs and ensuring successful deployments that meet user experience standards.
- Ensure strict adherence to and continuous improvement of <b>design systems, brand guidelines, and accessibility standards</b> (e.g., WCAG) across all digital assets.
- Provide strategic input and manage the <b>budget planning for UX/UI design and research</b> activities, including tool procurement, external research, and team development.
- Stay abreast of <b>emerging design trends, innovative research methodologies, and digital experience advancements</b>, integrating them into stc's digital strategy.
- Monitor and analyze <b>performance analytics, user feedback channels, and research data</b> to identify areas for design enhancement and propose new features that drive engagement and satisfaction.
- Manage <b>UX/UI design and research resources, project timelines, and priorities</b> for multiple omni-channel initiatives simultaneously.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design oversight, and team management. The emphasis on "omni-channel" implies a need to consider the entire customer journey across various digital touchpoints. The requirement to manage budgets and resources indicates a significant level of accountability.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Business Administration (Marketing), or a related field.
Experience:
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in digital user experience (UX) and interface (UI) design.
- Proven experience in leading and managing UX/UI design and research initiatives.
- Prior experience within the telecommunication industry is highly preferred.
Required Skills:
- <b>User Experience (UX) Design:</b> Deep understanding of UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and information architecture.
- <b>User Interface (UI) Design:</b> Proficiency in creating visually appealing, intuitive, and functional user interfaces for various digital platforms.
- <b>User Research:</b> Expertise in planning and conducting various research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry) to gather user insights.
- <b>Usability Testing:</b> Skilled in designing and executing usability tests, analyzing results, and iterating on designs based on findings.
- <b>Wireframing & Prototyping:</b> Proficient with industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
- <b>Cross-Functional Collaboration:</b> Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams including product managers, developers, marketers, and business analysts.
- <b>Design Systems:</b> Experience in developing, implementing, and maintaining design systems for consistency and scalability.
- <b>Accessibility Standards:</b> Knowledge of accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and best practices for inclusive design.
- <b>Performance Analytics:</b> Ability to interpret analytics data and user feedback to drive design improvements.
Preferred Skills:
- <b>Behavioral Analysis:</b> Understanding of how users interact with digital products and services.
- <b>Omni-Channel Strategy:</b> Experience in designing cohesive experiences across multiple digital channels.
- <b>Budget Management:</b> Experience in planning and managing budgets for design and research projects.
- <b>Telecommunication Industry Knowledge:</b> Familiarity with the unique user needs and digital landscape of the telecom sector.
- <b>Agile Methodologies:</b> Experience working within Agile/Scrum development environments.
π Enhancement Note: While a Business Administration degree is listed, the role's core functions strongly suggest that a degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field would be more directly applicable. Candidates with a Business degree but extensive UX/UI experience should emphasize their practical skills and project work. The "Sr. Professional" band and "Assistant Manager" title imply a need for strong leadership and strategic thinking alongside technical design skills.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of <b>UX/UI design projects</b>, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from research to implementation.
- Demonstrate experience in <b>optimizing user interfaces and end-to-end user journeys</b> for digital products or services, ideally within a corporate or telecommunications context.
- Include case studies that detail your <b>research methodologies, user insights, design decisions, and the quantifiable impact</b> of your work (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction).
- Showcase your ability to translate <b>complex user needs and business requirements</b> into intuitive wireframes, prototypes, and final visual designs.
- Evidence of working with or contributing to <b>design systems and adhering to accessibility standards</b> should be clearly presented.
Process Documentation:
- Ability to articulate and document <b>UX/UI design processes</b>, including user research plans, usability testing protocols, and design iteration cycles.
- Demonstrate experience in <b>workflow design and optimization</b> for digital product development, ensuring efficient handoffs between design, development, and QA.
- Showcase methods for <b>measuring and analyzing design performance</b>, including the use of analytics tools and user feedback mechanisms.
π Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Manager role, the portfolio should not only showcase individual design talent but also the ability to manage projects, lead research efforts, and influence design strategy. Case studies that highlight problem-solving, stakeholder management, and measurable business outcomes will be highly valued.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range:
- Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Professional/Assistant Manager role in UX/UI Design and Research in Saudi Arabia, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between SAR 18,000 to SAR 30,000 per month. This estimate accounts for the specialized nature of the role, management responsibilities, and the telecommunications sector.
Benefits:
- <b>Comprehensive Health Insurance:</b> Coverage for the employee and potentially dependents, a standard offering in Saudi Arabia.
- <b>Paid Time Off:</b> Generous annual leave allowances and public holidays, in line with Saudi labor law.
- <b>Professional Development:</b> Opportunities for training, workshops, certifications, and conference attendance to stay updated on UX/UI trends and methodologies.
- <b>Performance Bonuses:</b> Potential for performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company objectives.
- <b>Retirement Savings Plan:</b> Contributions to a national pension scheme (GOSI) and potentially a company-sponsored retirement plan.
- <b>Transportation Allowance:</b> May be provided to facilitate commuting to the office.
Working Hours:
- Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with potential for flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.
π Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for similar roles in Saudi Arabia and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and performance during the interview process. Benefits are typical for large organizations in the region.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Telecommunications. stc (Saudi Telecom Company) is a leading telecommunications provider in Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region, offering a wide range of digital services, mobile, fixed-line, and internet solutions. This industry context implies a fast-paced, technology-driven environment with a strong focus on customer experience and digital transformation.
Company Size: stc is a large, publicly traded company, likely employing thousands of individuals across various divisions and geographies. This scale suggests structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for impact within a major organization.
Founded: stc was established in 1998. Its long history in the telecommunications sector indicates a mature organization that has navigated significant technological shifts and market evolution, likely with a commitment to innovation and customer service.
Team Structure:
- The UX/UI Design and Research team likely operates within a broader Digital Transformation, Product Development, or IT department.
- As an Assistant Manager, the role likely involves managing a team of UX/UI designers and researchers, reporting to a Head of UX/UI or a Director of Digital Experience.
- Collaboration is expected to be extensive, with close ties to product management, engineering, marketing, and business units to ensure a unified digital strategy.
Methodology:
- The team likely employs a combination of agile and iterative methodologies for design and development, emphasizing continuous improvement and rapid iteration based on user feedback and data.
- Data-driven decision-making is crucial, leveraging analytics, user research, and A/B testing to validate hypotheses and optimize digital experiences.
- A strong focus on user-centered design principles will guide the creation of intuitive and effective digital products and services.
Company Website: https://www.stc.com.sa/
π Enhancement Note: As a major telecommunications player, stc is likely undergoing significant digital transformation. This means the UX/UI team plays a critical role in shaping the company's future digital offerings and customer interactions. The culture is expected to be professional, results-oriented, and focused on innovation within a regulated industry.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Sr. Professional" and an "Assistant Manager," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a strong foundation of technical expertise in UX/UI design and research, coupled with emerging leadership and management capabilities. The scope includes overseeing projects, guiding a team, and contributing to strategic planning.
Reporting Structure: The Assistant Manager will likely report to a UX/UI Manager, Head of Digital Experience, or a similar senior leader within the digital or product organization. They will, in turn, manage a team of UX/UI Designers and Researchers, providing direction, feedback, and career development support.
Operations Impact: The UX/UI team's impact is directly tied to the user experience of stc's digital products and services, which are critical touchpoints for customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction. Effective UX/UI design and research can lead to:
- Increased customer engagement and loyalty.
- Higher conversion rates for digital sales and service sign-ups.
- Reduced customer support costs through improved self-service capabilities.
- Enhanced brand perception and competitive advantage in the digital space.
- Successful adoption of new digital products and features.
Growth Opportunities:
- <b>Leadership Advancement:</b> Potential to progress to a full UX/UI Manager or Head of UX/UI role, leading larger teams and defining broader design strategies.
- <b>Specialization:</b> Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, or design systems, potentially becoming a Principal Designer or Lead Researcher.
- <b>Digital Strategy Involvement:</b> Greater involvement in strategic product planning and digital transformation initiatives, influencing the direction of stc's digital offerings.
- <b>Cross-Functional Leadership:</b> Opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives that span multiple departments, enhancing broader business acumen.
- <b>Industry Recognition:</b> Contributing to award-winning designs or innovative UX solutions that gain industry recognition.
π Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Manager" title suggests a clear path for growth into a full management role. Success in this position will likely hinge on demonstrating not only design excellence but also leadership potential, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive measurable outcomes through the team.
π Work Environment
Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment within stc's corporate facilities. This setting typically promotes direct collaboration, team cohesion, and access to in-person mentorship.
Office Location(s): The role is based in Saudi Arabia. Specific office locations are likely within major cities where stc has significant operations, such as Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam. These facilities would be equipped with modern office infrastructure.
Workspace Context:
- The workspace will likely be collaborative, designed to facilitate interaction among UX/UI team members and with cross-functional partners through meeting rooms, open-plan areas, and potentially dedicated design studios.
- Access to necessary <b>operations tools and technology</b>, including high-performance workstations, design software licenses (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), and potentially specialized research equipment or software, is expected.
- The environment will foster regular <b>operations team interaction</b>, design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge-sharing forums to promote continuous learning and best practice adoption.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, likely Monday to Friday. While on-site, there might be some flexibility offered for project-specific needs or personal appointments, managed through team coordination and manager approval. The focus on delivering high-quality digital experiences may sometimes require extended hours during critical project phases.
π Enhancement Note: An on-site environment in a large corporation like stc usually implies a structured and professional setting. The emphasis on collaboration suggests that the office layout and available resources will support team-based work and rapid design iteration.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- <b>Initial Screening:</b> HR or a recruiter will likely conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
- <b>Portfolio Review & Technical Interview:</b> Candidates will present their portfolio, discussing case studies, design process, research methodologies, and their role in achieving project outcomes. This may involve a technical assessment or design challenge.
- <b>Hiring Manager Interview:</b> An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate leadership potential, strategic thinking, team management approach, and alignment with team goals.
- <b>Cross-Functional Interview(s):</b> Interviews with key stakeholders from product, development, or marketing to assess collaboration skills and understanding of integrated digital product development.
- <b>Final Interview:</b> Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Digital) for final approval, focusing on strategic vision and cultural fit within stc.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- <b>Narrative Structure:</b> For each case study, clearly outline the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the process followed (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions made, and the measurable results achieved.
- <b>Quantify Impact:</b> Whenever possible, use data and metrics (e.g., % increase in conversion, % decrease in bounce rate, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the tangible impact of your UX/UI work.
- <b>Showcase Process:</b> Highlight your thought process, research methods, and how you iterated based on feedback and data. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
- <b>Tailor to Role:</b> Emphasize projects that align with stc's business, particularly those involving complex digital products, omni-channel experiences, or improvements in user engagement within a telecommunications context.
- <b>Prepare for Questions:</b> Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle design disagreements, how you manage junior designers, and your approach to staying current with industry trends.
Challenge Preparation:
- <b>Design Challenge:</b> Be prepared for a practical design exercise, which might involve analyzing a given scenario, proposing solutions, creating wireframes, or critiquing an existing interface. Focus on your problem-solving approach and justification of design choices.
- <b>Research Scenario:</b> You might be asked to outline a research plan for a specific problem or to interpret given research data.
- <b>Presentation Skills:</b> Practice presenting your portfolio and any challenge work concisely and compellingly, focusing on clarity and impact.
π Enhancement Note: Given the Assistant Manager level, expect questions that probe your ability to lead, mentor, and manage projects, not just your individual design skills. The interview process will likely assess your strategic thinking and ability to integrate UX/UI principles into broader business objectives.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- <b>Design & Prototyping:</b> Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (proficiency expected in at least one, ideally Figma or Sketch).
- <b>User Research Platforms:</b> UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey (experience with tools for remote testing, surveys, and qualitative feedback collection).
- <b>Wireframing Tools:</b> Balsamiq, Miro, Whimsical (for quick ideation and low-fidelity mockups).
Analytics & Reporting:
- <b>Web Analytics:</b> Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior on digital platforms).
- <b>Product Analytics:</b> Mixpanel, Amplitude (for in-depth analysis of user engagement with digital products).
- <b>Data Visualization:</b> Tableau, Power BI (useful for presenting research findings and performance metrics to stakeholders).
CRM & Automation:
- While not directly a CRM or automation role, understanding how UX/UI impacts customer journeys within systems like Salesforce, Oracle, or Dynamics 365 can be beneficial. Familiarity with how design influences customer portals or self-service applications is key.
π Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. Experience with user research platforms and analytics tools is crucial for demonstrating a data-driven approach to design. The ability to integrate design insights with performance metrics will be highly valued.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- <b>User-Centricity:</b> A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design and research decisions, ensuring that stc's digital offerings meet user needs effectively and delight customers.
- <b>Collaboration & Teamwork:</b> Fostering an environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount, working effectively across diverse teams to achieve common goals.
- <b>Data-Driven Excellence:</b> Utilizing data, research insights, and performance analytics to inform design strategies, validate hypotheses, and measure the impact of UX/UI initiatives.
- <b>Innovation & Continuous Improvement:</b> Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and design trends to continuously enhance digital experiences and drive innovation within the telecommunications sector.
- <b>Quality & Accessibility:</b> Upholding high standards for design quality, usability, and accessibility across all digital touchpoints, ensuring inclusivity for all users.
Collaboration Style:
- <b>Cross-Functional Integration:</b> Proactive engagement with product management, engineering, marketing, and business stakeholders to ensure design solutions are aligned with business objectives and technically feasible.
- <b>Iterative Feedback Loops:</b> Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback through regular design reviews, usability testing sessions, and collaborative workshops.
- <b>Knowledge Sharing:</b> Actively participating in team meetings, sharing best practices, presenting findings, and contributing to a collective understanding of UX/UI excellence within the organization.
π Enhancement Note: For an Assistant Manager role, demonstrating an understanding and embodiment of these values, particularly in leading a team and fostering collaboration, will be critical. The emphasis on data-driven approaches and continuous improvement aligns with the operational excellence expected in a large, competitive industry like telecommunications.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- <b>Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives:</b> Navigating the inherent tension between creating ideal user experiences and meeting strict business requirements, timelines, and budget constraints within a large corporation.
- <b>Driving Design Adoption:</b> Influencing stakeholders and overcoming resistance to change to ensure user-centered design principles are integrated effectively across stc's diverse digital ecosystem.
- <b>Managing Complex Projects:</b> Overseeing multiple, large-scale UX/UI projects simultaneously with varying priorities and cross-functional team dependencies.
- <b>Staying Ahead of Digital Trends:</b> Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of digital technologies, user expectations, and design methodologies in the fast-moving telecommunications sector.
- <b>Measuring ROI of UX:</b> Clearly articulating and demonstrating the return on investment for UX/UI design and research initiatives to secure ongoing support and resources.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- <b>Advanced UX Research Techniques:</b> Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized research methods (e.g., ethnographic studies, advanced quantitative analysis).
- <b>Leadership and Management Training:</b> Formal training programs focused on people management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.
- <b>Industry Conferences & Workshops:</b> Attending leading UX/UI and digital transformation conferences (e.g., NN/g conferences, UXPA) to network and learn about cutting-edge practices.
- <b>Mentorship:</b> Potential to be mentored by senior leaders within stc or to mentor junior designers and researchers, fostering leadership growth.
- <b>Cross-Departmental Exposure:</b> Gaining broader business acumen by working closely with different departments and understanding their operational challenges and goals.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges listed reflect common obstacles in large organizations undergoing digital transformation. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant career development, both in terms of technical expertise and leadership capabilities.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business requirements. How did you approach the situation, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a STAR method example emphasizing negotiation and compromise.)
- "How do you ensure a consistent and high-quality user experience across multiple digital platforms and touchpoints (omni-channel)?" (Discuss your approach to design systems, style guides, and cross-functional alignment.)
- "Walk us through a complex UX/UI project you led. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable results?" (Focus on your leadership, problem-solving, and impact demonstration.)
- "How do you conduct user research to validate design decisions, and what methods do you find most effective for a telecommunications context?" (Highlight your research toolkit and ability to extract actionable insights.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What interests you about stc, and how do you see your skills contributing to our digital transformation goals?" (Research stc's recent initiatives and express genuine interest.)
- "How would you foster a user-centric culture within a large organization like stc?" (Discuss strategies for advocacy, education, and collaboration.)
- "Describe your experience managing a team of designers/researchers. What is your leadership philosophy?" (Emphasize mentorship, performance management, and team motivation.)
- "How do you stay current with emerging UX/UI trends and technologies, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Showcase continuous learning and proactive adaptation.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- <b>Storytelling:</b> Structure your portfolio presentation as a series of compelling stories, highlighting the narrative arc of each project from problem to solution and impact.
- <b>Focus on Impact:</b> Clearly articulate the business value and user benefits of your work. Quantify results whenever possible with metrics.
- <b>Showcase Process:</b> Be prepared to deep-dive into your design process, research methods, and decision-making rationale for selected projects.
- <b>Highlight Leadership:</b> For this role, emphasize projects where you took a leadership role, managed others, or significantly influenced strategy.
- <b>Conciseness:</b> Respect the interviewer's time by being concise and focusing on the most relevant aspects of your work. Practice your delivery to ensure a smooth and impactful presentation.
π Enhancement Note: The interview process for an Assistant Manager role will heavily weigh leadership potential, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage both projects and people. Prepare specific examples that demonstrate these qualities, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions.
π Application Steps
To apply for this UX/UI Designer and Researcher Assistant Manager position:
- Submit your application through the official stc careers portal via the provided link.
- <b>Curate Your Portfolio:</b> Select 3-5 of your strongest UX/UI projects that best demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, research capabilities, and measurable impact, particularly those relevant to digital services or telecommunications.
- <b>Tailor Your Resume:</b> Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of experience in UX/UI design and research, leadership responsibilities, and any telecommunications industry background. Use keywords from the job description.
- <b>Practice Your Presentation:</b> Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable results, and articulating your leadership approach. Be prepared to discuss your design process and research methodologies in detail.
- <b>Research stc:</b> Understand stc's current market position, digital initiatives, and customer-facing products. Identify potential areas where your UX/UI expertise can add significant value.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
A minimum of 5 years of experience in digital user experience and interface design is required, preferably in the telecommunication industry. A Bachelor Degree in Business Administration or Marketing is also necessary.