Lead UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UI Designer

Company: Frima Studio

Location: Quebec, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-09

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Quebec Residents) / Hybrid / On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a UI design team to define and execute interface requirements for major co-development video game projects.

• Ensure the visual consistency and high-quality execution of user interfaces across all game platforms and deliverables.

• Foster seamless collaboration between UI/UX, game design, art, and production teams to integrate UI elements effectively.

• Drive continuous improvement in UI production processes, identify risks, and propose innovative solutions.

• Mentor and develop direct reports, providing coaching and feedback to enhance their UI design skills and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead" within a creative studio, implying a dual focus on both hands-on design execution and team leadership. The emphasis on co-development projects suggests a need for strong stakeholder management and the ability to adapt to partner requirements, which are critical GTM (Go-To-Market) and operational considerations in a project-based industry.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and document UI interface and usability requirements, aligning with client expectations and project specifications.

• Maintain artistic quality and visual consistency across all UI assets and game interfaces.

• Facilitate effective communication and coordination with cross-functional teams (UX, game design, art, production) to ensure cohesive UI integration.

• Oversee UI production timelines, monitor progress, and ensure deliverables meet internal standards and project deadlines.

• Proactively identify UI production issues, propose practical and creative solutions, and mitigate potential risks.

• Organize and lead regular UI progress meetings, ensuring clear communication and alignment with the team and relevant leads.

• Mentor, supervise, and support the skill development of direct reports through constructive feedback and coaching.

• Act as the primary point of contact for external partners on all UI-related matters, ensuring rigorous follow-up.

• Participate in project reviews and post-mortems to drive continuous process improvement and enhance future deliverables.

• Collaborate with other leads and the Design Director to share best practices, explore industry innovations, and optimize UI team efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a blend of strategic oversight and operational execution. The emphasis on "client expectations," "partner," and "co-development" highlights a strong Go-To-Market (GTM) component, requiring the Lead UI Designer to act as a bridge between internal creative teams and external stakeholders. The focus on process improvement and team development is core to RevOps and Sales Ops principles of driving efficiency and scalability within a function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Multimedia, or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of dedicated experience within the video game industry, with a focus on UI/UX design.

• Proven experience in a leadership, mentoring, or UI team coordination capacity. Required Skills:

• Exceptional command of UI/UX design principles specifically tailored for mobile gaming contexts.

• Strong proficiency in Unreal Engine and its integrated UI tools for game development.

• Deep understanding of video game interface production and implementation constraints.

• Excellent command of both French and English, written and spoken, for effective communication.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and anticipate risks throughout the game development lifecycle.

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, crucial for on-time project delivery.

• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, essential for cross-functional team alignment.

• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.

• Ability to motivate and mentor junior designers, fostering a positive and productive team environment.

• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.

• Keen critical eye for detail and a commitment to delivering polished, high-quality products.

• Willingness to travel internationally as required for client meetings and project coordination. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other game engines or relevant design software.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Portfolio showcasing a diverse range of mobile game UI projects with demonstrable impact.

• Ability to question assumptions and drive innovative design solutions.

• Diplomacy, patience, resourcefulness, and meticulous attention to detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Unreal Engine and mobile gaming UI/UX expertise is highly specific. The emphasis on bilingualism and international travel suggests a global GTM strategy for Frima Studio, requiring operational adaptability. The "Ability to question assumptions" and "Diplomacy" point to a culture that values critical thinking and nuanced stakeholder management, common in sophisticated operations environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of five (5) years of UI design work, with a significant portion dedicated to mobile gaming projects.

• Include case studies that detail the UI/UX design process, from initial concept to final implementation, highlighting problem-solving and design rationale.

• Demonstrate experience with Unreal Engine's UI integration tools and how they were utilized in delivered projects.

• Present a clear understanding of the production and implementation constraints specific to video game interfaces.

• Highlight examples of leadership, mentoring, or team coordination within past projects, if applicable. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how UI requirements were translated into actionable design specifications.

• Illustrate methods used for ensuring visual consistency and quality control across UI assets.

• Detail collaboration workflows with UX, game design, art, and production teams.

• Showcase how UI production issues were identified and resolved, including any process improvements implemented.

• Demonstrate experience in leading team meetings and facilitating communication with external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate the candidate's ability to manage a process, lead a team, and integrate with broader project operations. The emphasis on Unreal Engine and mobile gaming specifics means the portfolio should ideally contain projects developed using these technologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Lead UI Designers in Quebec City, Canada, with 5-10 years of experience and specialized skills in game development (Unreal Engine, mobile gaming), the estimated salary range is CAD $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Quebec City and the specialized nature of the role within the gaming industry. Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: 4.5-day work week (Friday afternoons off), truly flexible working arrangements (100% remote for Quebec residents, hybrid, or 100% in-person).

• Time Off: Up to 7 weeks of vacation per year, plus sick days and personal days.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive group insurance from day one, contribution to RRSP, $400 allowance for ergonomic equipment purchase.

• Studio Perks: Access to chair massages, fresh fruit and snacks, gym access, and sports activities.

• Professional Development: Regular project presentations and updates on studio developments.

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week, with a 4.5-day schedule providing a dedicated half-day off each week. Flexibility is emphasized, aligning with the "truly flexible working" benefit.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for similar roles in Canada. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the company's internal compensation structure. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, particularly the work-life balance and flexibility, which are significant draws for creative professionals and can be seen as operational strategies to attract and retain top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Video Game Development & Co-development. Frima Studio operates within a dynamic and competitive global entertainment technology sector, known for its rapid innovation and demand for high-quality creative output.

Company Size: Frima Studio employs hundreds of passionate talents, indicating a medium-to-large studio environment that can support specialized teams and large-scale projects. This size allows for structured career paths and dedicated operational support.

Founded: Over 20 years ago, Frima Studio has established a strong legacy and deep expertise in game development, suggesting a stable and experienced organization with a mature understanding of project lifecycles and talent management.

Team Structure:

• The UI team is likely structured to support multiple co-development projects, requiring efficient resource allocation and clear communication channels.

• The Lead UI Designer reports to a Design Director and works closely with other leads (UX, Game Design, Art, Production), indicating a collaborative leadership model.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with seamless integration expected between UI/UX, game design, art, and production departments. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on "usability requirements" and "client expectations" implies a data-informed approach to UI design, even within a creative field.

• Agile Project Management: The mention of "meeting deadlines," "progress monitoring," and "risk identification" strongly suggests the use of agile or iterative development methodologies common in game development.

• Continuous Improvement: Regular project reviews and post-mortems are integral to identifying and implementing process optimizations.

Company Website: https://frimastudio.com/en/about/

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima's longevity and size suggest a professional operational framework. The co-development model means the UI team must be adaptable and responsive, mirroring the operational agility required in many GTM functions. The emphasis on "passionate talents" points to a culture that values creativity and dedication.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a mid-to-senior level role. It involves not only individual contribution but also team leadership, mentorship, and strategic input into process optimization. It sits above individual contributor UI Designers and below senior management like a Design Director.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UI Designer will report to the Design Director and will manage a team of UI designers. They will also collaborate closely with leads from other disciplines (UX, Game Design, Art, Production) and external partners. This structure highlights a matrixed environment common in complex project-based operations.

Operations Impact: The Lead UI Designer's impact is critical to the user experience and overall success of video games. By ensuring high-quality, intuitive interfaces and efficient production processes, they directly influence player engagement, game marketability (GTM), and client satisfaction. Their operational efficiency in managing the UI team and processes contributes to project timelines and budget adherence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Design Director role, overseeing larger creative departments or multiple project portfolios.

• Specialized Expertise: Deepen expertise in specific game engines (like Unreal Engine) or emerging UI/UX technologies within gaming.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to implement new design tools, workflows, or automation techniques to enhance team productivity and quality.

• Cross-Disciplinary Roles: Transition into broader production management or creative direction roles, leveraging their understanding of UI/UX within the larger game development ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a clear career trajectory within Frima Studio, moving from individual contribution to team management and then potentially to broader departmental leadership. The role's operational impact is tied directly to project success and client relationships, aligning with GTM objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Frima Studio offers multiple work arrangements: 100% remote (for Quebec residents), hybrid, or 100% in-person at their Quebec City or Montreal studios. This flexibility caters to diverse operational needs and employee preferences.

Office Location(s): The primary studio location mentioned is Quebec City, with a secondary presence in Montreal. This offers potential for employees to choose their preferred work environment while remaining within the province of Quebec for remote roles.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Even with remote options, the studio culture emphasizes "close-knit, caring and inclusive teams." This suggests a focus on fostering strong team dynamics and communication through various digital and in-person channels.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools and potentially dedicated resources for ergonomic equipment (indicated by the $400 allowance) supports efficient and comfortable work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular project presentations and updates ensure team members are informed and engaged, facilitating operational awareness and alignment.

Work Schedule: The 4.5-day work week (Friday pm off) and flexible working arrangements are key features, allowing operations professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring project deliverables are met. This flexibility is a strategic operational benefit for talent retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on flexible work arrangements and maintaining team cohesion across different work models (remote, hybrid, in-person) is a modern operational challenge that Frima Studio appears to be addressing proactively. This flexibility is a significant factor for operations professionals seeking work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application materials (CV, portfolio) for essential qualifications and experience.

• Technical/Design Assessment: Potential for a practical UI design challenge or a detailed portfolio review to assess skills in Unreal Engine, mobile gaming UI/UX, and problem-solving. This stage is crucial for evaluating hands-on capabilities and operational thinking.

• Team/Leadership Interview: Discussion focused on leadership style, team management experience, mentoring approach, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams. This assesses operational leadership potential.

• Client/Partner Alignment Discussion: For a Lead role in co-development, expect questions about stakeholder management, handling client feedback, and ensuring project alignment with external partners. This tests GTM readiness.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership (e.g., Design Director, Studio Head) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall fit for the studio's operational goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Mobile Gaming Focus: Ensure your portfolio prominently features mobile game UI projects, showcasing your understanding of platform-specific constraints and best practices.

• Unreal Engine Integration: If possible, highlight projects where you utilized Unreal Engine and its UI tools, detailing your specific contributions and challenges overcome.

• Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes achieved (quantify if possible).

• Leadership Examples: Include any case studies or descriptions of situations where you led a UI team, mentored junior designers, or managed project deliverables.

• Visual Clarity & Storytelling: Present your work clearly, using high-quality visuals. Tell a compelling story for each project that demonstrates your thought process and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• UI Design Fundamentals: Brush up on core UI/UX principles, mobile design patterns, and accessibility standards.

• Unreal Engine UI Tools: Familiarize yourself with common UI elements and workflows within Unreal Engine (e.g., UMG - Unreal Motion Graphics).

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach common UI challenges, such as optimizing user flow, ensuring consistency across different screen sizes, or integrating complex game mechanics into an intuitive interface.

• Leadership & Collaboration: Prepare examples of how you have managed teams, resolved conflicts, and collaborated effectively with diverse disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead role in a creative and collaborative environment like Frima Studio will likely be multi-faceted, evaluating technical skill, leadership capability, and operational alignment. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as a tangible demonstration of the candidate's ability to execute and manage UI/UX operations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UI/UX Design Software: Proficient use of industry-standard tools such as Figma, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Sketch, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and asset creation.

• Game Engine UI Integration: Strong command of Unreal Engine's UMG (Unreal Motion Graphics) for creating and implementing UI elements within the game environment. Experience with other game engines like Unity may also be beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or Axure for creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for a UI Designer, an understanding of how UI impacts user analytics (e.g., engagement metrics, conversion rates) is valuable. Familiarity with basic analytics platforms used in game development may be an asset. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this role's core responsibilities, but an understanding of project management and collaboration tools used within the studio's operational framework (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Asana) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Unreal Engine and its UI tools (UMG) is a critical technical requirement. While this role is primarily design-focused, proficiency with common design software and an understanding of how UI design integrates with game development pipelines and analytics is key to operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A core value driving the creation of engaging and unique game experiences. For operations, this translates to finding creative solutions to production challenges.

• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse talents can contribute freely, regardless of work arrangement. This is crucial for effective cross-functional operations.

• Quality & Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-caliber games that meet player expectations and client standards. This drives operational rigor in design and production.

• Well-being & Balance: Prioritizing employee health and work-life balance through flexible arrangements and generous benefits. This operational approach aims for sustainable performance.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning from projects, sharing knowledge, and refining processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with UX, game design, art, and production to ensure cohesive and unified game development.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback among team members and leads to foster growth and improve deliverables.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular project presentations and team meetings facilitate the sharing of best practices, industry insights, and lessons learned, contributing to the studio's collective operational intelligence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Frima Studio's values highlight a balance between creative output and operational well-being. The emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement aligns with best practices in operations management for creative industries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Partner Demands: Navigating co-development projects requires the ability to integrate external partner visions with Frima's creative direction and technical capabilities, demanding strong negotiation and compromise skills.

• Maintaining UI Consistency Across Platforms/Projects: Ensuring a unified and high-quality user experience across different games, platforms, and project teams, especially with flexible work arrangements.

• Leading and Mentoring a Diverse Team: Effectively motivating, guiding, and developing a team with varied experience levels and work preferences (remote vs. in-person).

• Adopting New Technologies: Staying abreast of evolving game engine capabilities and UI/UX trends, particularly within the fast-paced mobile gaming sector.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Unreal Engine Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Unreal Engine's UI systems and related tools.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to workshops or mentorship focused on team management, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Participation in events focused on game design, UI/UX, and emerging technologies to stay current and network.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Involvement in projects that allow for learning from other departments (e.g., game design, programming) to gain a holistic understanding of game development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a lead role in a co-development environment, requiring strong operational management and adaptability. The growth opportunities are geared towards both specialized technical skills and broader leadership competencies, supporting long-term career development within the gaming industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting client requirements with your team's creative direction. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on negotiation, stakeholder management, and operational decision-making.)

• "How do you ensure UI consistency and quality across multiple projects or platforms managed by different teams?" (Prepare examples of process implementation, style guides, and quality assurance.)

• "Walk us through your process for mentoring and developing junior UI designers, including how you provide constructive feedback." (Highlight your leadership and team development operational strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Frima Studio and our approach to co-development?" (Research Frima's recent projects and values.)

• "How do you foster a sense of team cohesion and collaboration when working with a mix of remote and in-person team members?" (Prepare examples of communication strategies and team-building initiatives.)

• "How do you measure the success of your UI designs and your team's performance?" (Focus on metrics like user engagement, task completion rates, client feedback, and team productivity.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, your approach (process), the solution, and the impact.

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, detail instances where you led a team, mentored designers, or managed project timelines and deliverables.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Unreal Engine and other design tools, explaining how they facilitated your work.

• Quantify Outcomes: Whenever possible, use data (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, client satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the impact of your designs.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Aim for a presentation that is clear, visually appealing, and keeps the interviewer engaged. Practice your delivery to ensure smooth communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for this role should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also leadership acumen, operational efficiency, and GTM-focused communication skills, particularly in a co-development context. The portfolio is the primary tool to showcase these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on smartrecruiters.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest mobile gaming UI projects, emphasizing those that demonstrate your leadership, problem-solving skills, and experience with Unreal Engine. Ensure case studies clearly outline your process and impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in the video game industry, specific leadership roles, proficiency in Unreal Engine, and bilingual capabilities. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for a Portfolio Review: Practice presenting your case studies, focusing on your design rationale, operational process, and leadership contributions. Be ready to discuss your experience with client collaboration.

• Research Frima Studio: Understand their recent projects, company culture, and their co-development model to articulate why you are a good fit and how you can contribute to their operational goals.

⚠️ 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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