UX/UI Product Designer (m/w/d) - Elternzeitvertretung

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Product Designer (m/w/d) - Parental Leave Replacement

Company: Axel Springer National Media & Tech

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time, Part-time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX/UI)

Date Posted: January 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (80% Office, 20% Remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the conceptual, functional, and visual design of digital journalistic products across all devices, serving millions of users.

• You will be instrumental in translating complex content and structures into intuitive and engaging user experiences, ensuring a high standard of aesthetic appeal through typography, color, imagery, and layout.

• A key aspect involves working with, maintaining, and evolving an existing design system to ensure a consistent visual language throughout our digital offerings.

• The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams including developers, product managers, researchers, editorial staff, and marketing to identify and implement optimal solutions.

• As a designer, you will stay abreast of current trends and innovations, actively contributing to team knowledge sharing and creative exchange within the UI/UX & Research department.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX/UI Product Designer," the description emphasizes a strong visual and conceptual design component, suggesting a role that bridges product thinking with detailed visual execution. The "parental leave replacement" aspect indicates a fixed-term contract, likely for one year, as stated in the additional information.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design digital journalistic products conceptually, functionally, and visually across all devices (desktop, mobile, tablet).

• Translate complex content and structures into intuitive, user-friendly experiences for a large user base.

• Create clear, aesthetic, and engaging interfaces by applying strong principles of typography, color theory, visual language, icons, and layout.

• Maintain, evolve, and contribute to an existing design system, ensuring consistency in visual language and user experience.

• Drive the design process from initial ideas and sketches through wireframes and prototypes to the final product, with a user-centric approach.

• Collaborate effectively with developers, product managers, research teams, editorial staff, marketing, and external partners to achieve the best possible solutions.

• Stay current with design trends and innovations, sharing knowledge within the team and actively participating in creative discussions.

• Develop and refine user flows, interaction models, and visual designs based on user research, data analysis, and product requirements.

• Create high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user journeys.

• Contribute to user research initiatives and integrate findings into the design process to inform product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on design role with significant user-facing product impact. The emphasis on "digital journalistic products" and "millions of users" suggests a need for scalability, performance, and a deep understanding of content presentation within a media context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience in User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, with a portfolio showcasing innovative solutions.

• Experience working with and contributing to design systems.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in common design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Cloud for creating high-quality visual assets.

• Strong conceptual and creative design skills, with the ability to effectively translate ideas into impactful visual solutions.

• Proficiency in using prototyping tools to craft compelling user experiences and validate design concepts.

• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS to facilitate a better understanding of technical requirements and constraints.

• Excellent command of typography, color theory, and layout principles.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge or experience in motion design, animation, video production, or livestreaming.

• Experience with user research methodologies and integrating user feedback into design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of the digital media or journalism industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for basic HTML/CSS knowledge is a key indicator of the collaborative nature of this role, aiming to bridge the gap between design and development. The preference for motion design and video experience suggests an interest in richer media presentations, common in modern digital journalism.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record in UX/UI product design, with a focus on digital products.

• Showcase case studies that highlight your process from problem definition to solution, emphasizing user-centricity and design thinking.

• Include examples of visual design, interaction design, and prototyping, clearly articulating your role and contributions.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems, including contributions to their maintenance or evolution.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Articulate how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, content creators) throughout the design process.

• Illustrate your methods for ensuring design consistency and adherence to brand guidelines or design systems.

• Demonstrate how you iterate on designs based on feedback, data, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the hands-on nature of the role, a robust portfolio is critical. Applicants should be prepared to walk through specific projects, detailing their design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of their contributions, particularly in relation to user engagement and content presentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Never Stop Learning: Access to diverse learning content and development opportunities for personal and professional growth.

• Free Food: Complimentary breakfast snacks and lunch provided in employee restaurants.

• Generous Vacation: 30 days of paid annual leave.

• Work From Abroad: 10 days of "work from abroad" allowance, offering flexibility in location.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Various health offerings including sports courses (Wellhub), preventive check-ups, and professional coaching through partners like PME Familienservice.

• State-of-the-Art Equipment: Provision of high-quality hardware and software, including a MacBook and iPhone, which can also be used privately.

• Modern Office Environment: Access to modern office spaces designed for collaboration and productivity.

• Temporary Contract: This is a fixed-term position for one year.

Working Hours:

• Full-time (40 hours per week) is standard, with a hybrid work model allowing for 20% remote work.

• The role is advertised as both "Vollzeit" (Full-time) and "Teilzeit / Vollzeit" (Part-time / Full-time), suggesting flexibility in the exact hours or days worked, though a 40-hour week is typical for full-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical German market rates for mid-level UX/UI designers in major tech hubs like Berlin, considering the company's industry and size. The benefits package is quite comprehensive, reflecting Axel Springer's commitment to employee well-being and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Technology. Axel Springer is a leading digital publisher, investing in journalism and technology to shape the future of media.

Company Size: Axel Springer is a large, publicly traded media conglomerate with a significant global presence. The specific division, Axel Springer National Media & Tech, is likely a substantial entity within this group, employing many professionals.

Founded: Axel Springer was founded in 1946, bringing a long history and established presence in the media landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UI/UX & Research team is described as a creative hub focused on user-centric product development.

• It acts as a key interface for creative and innovative new developments, working closely with product managers, developers, research, editorial, marketing, and external partners.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Product Development: The core philosophy of the team, ensuring that user needs and experiences are at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Iterative Design: The process involves continuous improvement of existing digital products and the development of new ones, driven by user feedback and market trends.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working closely with diverse teams to ensure holistic product development and execution.

• Design System Management: Maintaining and evolving a design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across digital products.

Company Website: http://www.axelspringer.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Axel Springer's "five Essentials" (Freedom, Passion, Integrity, Independence, Responsibility) likely influence the company's operational culture, promoting a proactive and value-driven approach. The focus on journalism and technology suggests a dynamic environment where innovation is encouraged.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX/UI Product Designer, acting as a replacement for a team member on parental leave. This suggests a role with defined responsibilities and expectations, contributing directly to product design efforts. It's a hands-on design position rather than a strategic operations role.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Lead UX/UI Designer or a Head of Design/Product within the UI/UX & Research team. They will work closely with Product Managers and development teams.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, this designer's work directly impacts the user experience of millions of readers. Successful design translates into higher user engagement, retention, and potentially conversion rates for journalistic content and digital subscriptions, indirectly contributing to revenue operations and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, visual design, or prototyping.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working with various departments (Product, Development, Editorial, Marketing) to understand broader business objectives.

• Design System Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to and influence the evolution of a large-scale design system.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop a strong understanding of the digital media and journalism landscape.

• Potential for Extension/Permanent Role: While a fixed-term contract, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for permanent positions within Axel Springer's extensive network of brands and teams, depending on business needs and availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is more aligned with product design than traditional revenue or sales operations. The growth analysis focuses on design career progression within a media tech company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Axel Springer operates modern, state-of-the-art offices designed to foster collaboration and productivity. The description mentions "state-of-the-art Offices" and links to information about their new building, suggesting a contemporary and well-equipped workspace.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Zimmerstraße 50, 10117 Berlin, Germany, described as a modern office in the heart of Berlin.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office design likely includes various spaces for team collaboration, brainstorming, and focused work.

• Technology Access: Employees are provided with modern hardware (MacBook, iPhone) and software, supporting efficient design workflows.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model (80% office) encourages in-person collaboration and spontaneous interactions with colleagues from design, product, development, and editorial teams.

• Amenities: Access to employee restaurants offering free meals and breakfast snacks enhances the daily work experience.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours for full-time.

• The hybrid model allows for 20% remote work, meaning approximately 1-2 days per week can be worked remotely, with the remaining 80% (3-4 days) requiring office presence. This structure is designed to balance focused individual work with essential team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on 80% office presence highlights a preference for in-person collaboration, which is beneficial for design teams that rely heavily on visual communication, brainstorming, and quick feedback loops.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application documents (CV, cover letter, portfolio).

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their process, key projects, and problem-solving approaches. This stage assesses design skills, conceptual thinking, and communication abilities.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical design exercise or case study may be assigned to evaluate specific skills in areas like UI design, prototyping, or problem-solving within a given scenario.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (developers, product managers, other designers) and hiring managers to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with team dynamics.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion with senior leadership to finalize decisions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from understanding the problem to delivering the solution. Use visual aids like user flows, wireframes, and sketches.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, conversion rates).

• Showcase Visual Design: Ensure your portfolio includes strong examples of visual design, typography, and UI execution, demonstrating your aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.

• Explain Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially if working in a team environment.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and skills most relevant to digital media, journalistic products, and large-scale user bases.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully grasp the problem statement and target audience.

• Focus on User-Centricity: Demonstrate how you would approach solving the problem from the user's perspective.

• Iterative Approach: Show how you would gather feedback and iterate on your design solutions.

• Consider Technical Constraints: If applicable, briefly mention how you would consider technical feasibility (e.g., using basic HTML/CSS knowledge).

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your solution clearly and concisely, justifying your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a tangible portfolio and potential design challenges means applicants should be portfolio-ready and able to articulate their design thinking process effectively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: A widely used tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Essential for this role.

• Sketch: Another popular vector design tool for UI, often used in conjunction with other tools.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: A suite of applications including Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, useful for visual design, asset creation, and motion graphics.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how user data is managed and utilized can be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern UI design roles. The inclusion of Sketch and Adobe Creative Cloud indicates a need for versatility. Familiarity with motion design tools might also be relevant given the preferred skills.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: The team's primary focus is on creating products that serve users effectively and engagingly.

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to product development in the evolving media landscape.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and mutual support within and across departments.

• Passion for Journalism: A shared belief in the importance of journalism and a drive to enhance its delivery through technology.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated with industry trends and developing new skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Open Exchange: The team fosters an environment of open and creative dialogue, encouraging the sharing of ideas and feedback.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Designs are developed in close partnership with product managers, developers, researchers, and editorial teams to ensure holistic product solutions.

• Agile & Iterative: Likely operates within agile methodologies, characterized by iterative development cycles and continuous feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (Freedom, Passion, Integrity, Independence, Responsibility) likely permeate the team's culture, encouraging autonomy, initiative, and a commitment to quality.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating user experience with journalistic integrity and business objectives (e.g., subscriptions, ad revenue).

• Designing for Scale: Creating intuitive interfaces that work seamlessly for millions of diverse users across multiple devices and platforms.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting designs to new technologies and evolving user expectations in the fast-paced digital media landscape.

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across a portfolio of digital products while evolving a design system.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Working within a defined timeframe (one year) for a parental leave replacement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to refine skills in specific areas like interaction design, motion graphics, or user research.

• Industry Insights: Deepen understanding of the digital journalism space and the business models that support it.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to product management, development processes, and editorial strategies.

• Networking: Build professional connections within a large media organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "challenges" are framed to highlight areas where a candidate can demonstrate problem-solving skills and growth potential, rather than deterring them.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio. What was the problem, how did you approach it, what were the key decisions, and what was the outcome?"

• User-Centricity: "How do you ensure your designs are user-centered, especially when dealing with complex content or tight deadlines?"

• Collaboration: "Describe a time you had to collaborate with developers or product managers who had different priorities. How did you reach a solution?"

• Design Systems: "What is your experience with design systems? How do you contribute to or leverage them?"

• Problem-Solving: "Given a scenario where user engagement on our news app is declining, how would you approach identifying and solving the problem through design?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at Axel Springer and specifically on digital journalistic products?"

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and innovations in the media industry?"

• "What is your preferred work style (e.g., solo, collaborative, hybrid) and how do you ensure productivity in a hybrid environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or impact. For each project, include a brief overview, your role, the challenge, your process, the solution, and the results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your work.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as stories – detailing the problem, your journey to the solution, and the impact.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a limited timeframe, focusing on the most relevant aspects.

• Interactivity: If possible, have interactive prototypes ready to demonstrate user flows and interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also understands the context of digital journalism and can collaborate effectively within a large media organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Product Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features UX/UI design work relevant to digital products, ideally with examples of content-driven interfaces or media applications. Highlight your process, user-centric approach, and visual design skills.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to emphasize your experience with design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC), prototyping, user experience principles, and any relevant industry experience (media, journalism). Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Portfolio Review: Practice presenting 2-3 key projects from your portfolio, focusing on your process, design decisions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems and cross-functional collaboration.

• Research Axel Springer: Understand the company's mission, its brands, and its position in the media and technology landscape. Familiarize yourself with their "five Essentials" and how they might influence design at the company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Axel Springer National Media & Tech during the application process.