UX/UI Designer/in (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer (m/f/d)

Company: DFL Digital Sports GmbH

Location: Cologne, Germany

Job Type: Temporary

Category: Digital Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: February 06, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on enhancing the user experience and interface design for key digital products within the DFL Group, specifically for the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga platforms.

• The UX/UI Designer will be instrumental in ensuring creative excellence and brand consistency across all digital touchpoints, contributing directly to the success of the league's digital offerings.

• The position requires a blend of creative design skills, technical proficiency in design tools, and strong project management capabilities to collaborate effectively with internal and external teams.

• This is a two-year temporary contract opportunity, offering a hybrid work model that balances office-based collaboration with remote flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title specifies "UX/UI Designer (m/w/d)", which is a standard German designation for male/female/diverse candidates. The role is within DFL Digital Sports GmbH, a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, indicating a focus on sports media and digital content production. The primary output will be digital products, likely mobile apps and web platforms, for football leagues.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support the Design & Branding team in delivering UX/UI designs that uphold creative excellence and brand integrity for critical digital products and services.

• Continuously optimize user experience through ongoing concept and design development, including the creation and implementation of contemporary UX/UI design guidelines and standards.

• Drive the consistent implementation and ongoing evolution of the corporate design within the established Design System.

• Collaborate closely with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to refine workflows and coordinate/advance frontend design reviews.

• Enhance information architecture, produce detailed wireframes, and develop interactive visual prototypes for user interfaces.

• Present new designs, solutions, and concepts effectively to stakeholders.

• Manage and guide external agencies and freelancers specializing in UX/UI design.

• Actively participate in design sprints and cross-departmental workshops to conceptualize and develop innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process development and optimization within the design function. The role requires not just execution but also the strategic development of design standards and workflows, indicating a mid-level to senior operational focus within the design team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Completed Master's degree in Design (or a related field).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in UX/UI Design, with a proven track record of contributing to digital product development.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Expertise in Figma for UI/UX design and prototyping.

• Familiarity with JIRA for project tracking and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of information architecture principles.

• Skill in creating wireframes and interactive prototypes.

• Ability to design user interfaces that are intuitive and aesthetically pleasing.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Demonstrated creative potential and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a Design System.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and user research methodologies.

• Experience managing external agencies or freelancers.

• Participation in design sprints and agile development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree or equivalent experience, combined with 3-5 years of professional experience, positions this role as a mid-level position. The emphasis on both Adobe Creative Suite and Figma suggests a need for versatility, while JIRA points to an agile and collaborative workflow. Fluency in both German and English is crucial for effective stakeholder management within an international sports organization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, with a strong emphasis on digital products (web and mobile applications).

• Projects should demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design principles and a structured design process.

• Examples of how you have optimized user experiences and improved key user journey metrics.

• Visual evidence of information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and final UI designs.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, including how you approach concept development, user research, wireframing, prototyping, and UI implementation.

• Showcase examples of how you have developed or contributed to design guidelines and standards.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems and their application in maintaining brand consistency and design efficiency.

• Be ready to explain your collaboration process with stakeholders, developers, and external agencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated as a "portfolio requirement," the detailed responsibilities around concept development, design guidelines, and stakeholder collaboration strongly imply that a robust portfolio is essential for demonstrating these capabilities. The focus on continuous improvement and development of standards suggests a need for candidates who can document and articulate their design methodologies effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• [Based on industry standards for experienced UX/UI Designers in Cologne, Germany, with a Master's degree or equivalent experience, and considering the temporary nature of the role, a competitive salary range is estimated between €55,000 and €75,000 annually.]

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on typical ranges for UX/UI Designers in major German cities like Cologne, factoring in experience level (3-5 years post-Master's or equivalent) and the specific demands of a digital product role within a reputable sports organization. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific qualifications and the company's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Extensive training and development opportunities, including e-learning, individual learning paths, and coaching.

• Health and wellness promotion through joint sports activities and support for Urban Sports membership.

• Comprehensive life situation support via partnership with PME Familienservice (childcare, elder care, general life counseling).

• Financial security with company contributions to a pension plan.

Working Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• Hybrid work model: a combination of office-based work in Cologne and remote work, offering flexibility.

• The contract is for a fixed term of two years.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive, emphasizing professional development, employee well-being, and work-life balance support, which are attractive perks for skilled professionals. The hybrid work model and fixed-term contract are key details for potential applicants to consider.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Media & Digital Technology. DFL Digital Sports GmbH operates at the intersection of professional sports, media production, and cutting-edge digital technology, producing and distributing content for the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.

Company Size: Part of a larger sports league organization, DFL Digital Sports is likely a medium-sized entity within the broader DFL Group, allowing for both specialized focus and collaborative opportunities.

Founded: DFL Digital Sports GmbH is a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga GmbH, which has a long history. The digital arm's specific founding date isn't provided, but its mission is to modernize and globalize the league's digital presence.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of the Design & Branding team.

• This team likely collaborates closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and content teams.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes creative excellence, brand security, and continuous improvement in its digital products.

• Agile methodologies and design sprints are likely employed for rapid development and innovation.

• A data-driven approach to user experience optimization is expected, utilizing insights from user behavior and feedback.

Company Website: [DFL Group Careers Portal - link provided in input]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga means the design work will have a high-profile impact within the sports world. The culture likely values innovation, a passion for football, and a commitment to delivering high-quality digital experiences to a global audience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. It requires a solid foundation in design principles and tools, with the responsibility to not only execute designs but also contribute to the development of design standards and workflows.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report within the Design & Branding team, collaborating broadly across product development and marketing functions. This provides exposure to various facets of digital product creation.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly influences user engagement, satisfaction, and the overall perception of the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga digital platforms. Successful design can lead to increased app usage, better content consumption, and stronger brand loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, potentially specializing in areas like interaction design, visual design, or user research.

• Design System Development: Contribute to the evolution and expansion of the company's design system, gaining experience in scalability and governance.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: As experience grows, there may be opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or take on more strategic design responsibilities within projects.

• Industry Exposure: Work on high-visibility projects within the global sports industry, building a strong portfolio and network.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within digital design, particularly within the sports media landscape. The emphasis on design systems and continuous improvement suggests that candidates who are proactive in learning and development will find ample opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, meaning a mix of in-office and remote work. The office environment in Cologne is likely modern and collaborative, designed to facilitate team interaction and creative work.

Office Location(s): Cologne, Germany. This is a major media and business hub in Germany, offering good connectivity and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-office days for team meetings, design sprints, and collaborative problem-solving, fostering a strong team dynamic.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Figma) and project management tools (JIRA) will be provided, enabling efficient workflow.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to work closely with designers, product managers, developers, and branding specialists, facilitating knowledge sharing and skill development.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time working hours (40 hours/week).

• The hybrid model provides flexibility in how and where work is performed, allowing for better work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant aspect, catering to modern work preferences. The expectation is that employees will leverage office days for collaborative tasks and remote days for focused individual work, requiring strong self-management skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on CV and portfolio.

• First Interview: Typically with the hiring manager or a senior member of the Design & Branding team to assess technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. This may involve a discussion of your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Task: A practical exercise to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with design tools. This could be a take-home assignment or an in-office exercise.

• Final Interview: May involve a broader panel, including stakeholders from product or marketing, to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that demonstrate your UX/UI skills for digital products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your role, and the outcome/impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your approach to user research, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design. Show how you iterated based on feedback.

• Brand Consistency: If possible, include projects where you've worked with or developed brand guidelines, demonstrating your understanding of corporate identity.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss the tools you used (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.) and why you chose them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with design thinking methodologies and common UX/UI challenges.

• Practice creating wireframes and prototypes for common digital product features.

• Be prepared to articulate your design decisions clearly and justify them with user-centered reasoning.

• Understand the DFL and Bundesliga brand. Think about how you would approach designing for a sports audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on practical design skills and problem-solving. A well-prepared and targeted portfolio is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Expect to use it extensively for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, and potentially After Effects for creating visual assets, editing images, and developing more complex graphics or animations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Less directly relevant to the core UX/UI design tasks, but understanding how user data is managed (e.g., in CRMs) can provide context for user journeys and personalization efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of the tool stack revolves around design execution and collaboration. Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Awareness of analytics and CRM context can provide a broader understanding of the digital product ecosystem.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and develop innovative digital solutions that engage a global sports audience.

• Brand Integrity: A strong commitment to maintaining and enhancing the brand security and visual identity of the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.

• User-Centricity: A dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of users through thoughtful and intuitive design.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and mutual support to achieve common goals.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of design decisions and their impact, with a professional and reliable approach to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with product managers, developers, marketing, and branding teams, necessitating clear communication and a shared understanding of project goals.

• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for constructive feedback on designs, with an emphasis on iterative improvement.

• Agile Workflows: Participation in design sprints and agile ceremonies, promoting flexibility and adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are aligned with modern, dynamic digital organizations, emphasizing both creative output and collaborative execution. The mention of "Mut" (courage) and "Ambition" suggests an environment that encourages proactive contribution and forward-thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Ensuring that new designs adhere to strict brand guidelines while also pushing creative boundaries for a modern digital experience.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing feedback from diverse stakeholders with potentially different priorities.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with the demands of digital product development, which often requires quick turnarounds and adaptability.

• Designing for a Global Audience: Catering to the diverse needs and preferences of football fans worldwide.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Access to courses and workshops to deepen expertise in specific UX/UI areas.

• Industry Conferences: Potential to attend relevant design and sports technology conferences.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and contribute to the development of junior talent.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with the latest digital tools and platforms in the sports media landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a high-profile digital product role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and adaptability. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with a career in digital design, particularly within the sports sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a challenging UX/UI project you worked on. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and results.)

• "How do you ensure brand consistency while innovating in your designs?" (Prepare examples of balancing brand guidelines with new creative ideas.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile app, from concept to prototype." (Demonstrate your end-to-end design methodology.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for DFL Digital Sports and the Bundesliga?" (Show genuine enthusiasm for the brand and sports industry.)

• "How do you approach receiving and giving constructive feedback on designs?" (Emphasize your collaborative and open-minded attitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Design Solutions (Wireframes, Prototypes, UI) -> Outcomes & Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality images, mockups, and interactive prototypes. Keep text concise and focus on visual storytelling.

• Narrative: Clearly explain the "why" behind your design decisions. Connect your work to user needs and business objectives.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted slot, leaving time for Q&A.

• Tool Demonstration: Be ready to briefly showcase your Figma or Adobe Creative Suite skills if asked, perhaps by navigating a prototype or explaining a specific feature.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating a structured, user-centered design process and the ability to articulate design decisions effectively. Understanding the DFL's brand and mission is key to showing genuine interest.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the DFL Group careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in UX/UI design, proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, project management skills, and any experience with digital products in sports or media. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects prominently, and clearly articulates your design process and impact. Have a digital version ready to share and be prepared to present key projects.

• Research DFL Digital Sports: Understand their mission, key digital products (like the Bundesliga App), and recent initiatives. Consider how your design skills can contribute to their goals.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on clear communication and demonstrating your design thinking.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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