Lead UX Designer

Bjak
Full-time

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer

Company: Bjak

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-22

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the creation of beautiful, fast, and intuitive user interfaces for AI-native applications that minimize complex prompting.

  • Drive the visual design of products, ensuring clarity, polish, and ease of use across all screens.

  • Build and maintain robust UI components and design systems to ensure visual consistency and scalability.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Designers and Engineers to translate user experience concepts into exceptional, pixel-perfect interfaces.

  • Continuously iterate and improve the quality and usability of the product interface through a data-informed and user-centric approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "Lead UX Designer" but the core responsibilities and required skills heavily emphasize User Interface (UI) Design, visual design, and design systems. This suggests a strong focus on the execution and visual polish of the product, rather than purely user research or strategy. The "Lead" aspect implies ownership and potentially guiding junior designers or contributing significantly to design direction. The company's mission to bring AI to billions of users with minimal prompting points to a need for extremely intuitive and accessible design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Design high-quality, user-centric interfaces for AI-native applications, focusing on simplicity and effectiveness for a global user base.

  • Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems, including reusable UI components, style guides, and best practices, ensuring brand consistency and efficient design workflows.

  • Refine and optimize layouts, typography, spacing, and overall visual hierarchy to enhance user comprehension and interaction with complex AI functionalities.

  • Collaborate daily with product management and engineering teams, translating user needs and technical constraints into elegant and functional interface designs.

  • Conduct design reviews and provide constructive feedback to ensure the delivery of pixel-perfect, high-fidelity interfaces that align with product goals and user expectations.

  • Proactively identify areas for interface improvement, driving iterative design enhancements based on user feedback, analytics, and emerging design trends.

  • Champion user experience best practices and advocate for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities have been expanded to include more detailed actions related to design system management, user-centricity, and cross-functional collaboration, which are standard for a Lead UX/UI role in a fast-paced tech environment. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "minimal prompting" suggests a unique challenge in designing for user adoption of new AI paradigms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is often preferred for senior design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UI design, product design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products. Experience in a lead or senior capacity is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

  • Strong Portfolio: A compelling portfolio showcasing extensive UI design work, demonstrating expertise in visual design, typography, layout, and interaction design.

  • Visual Design Excellence: Exceptional skills in creating polished, modern, and aesthetically pleasing interfaces with a keen eye for detail.

  • Typography & Layout Mastery: Deep understanding and application of typographic principles and layout design to create clear, readable, and engaging interfaces.

  • Design System Development: Proven experience in building, maintaining, and scaling design systems, including UI components and style guidelines.

  • Figma Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

  • Attention to Detail & Craftsmanship: Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a high level of polish and quality in all design outputs.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively and collaborate cross-functionally.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for AI-powered applications or complex software workflows.

  • Familiarity with prototyping tools beyond Figma for advanced interaction modeling.

  • Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design decisions.

  • Experience conducting user research and usability testing to inform design iterations.

  • Background in creating design documentation and specifications for engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level has been inferred from "Lead UX Designer" and the typical progression in design roles. Preferred skills have been added to provide a more complete picture of an ideal candidate for a leading design position in a tech-forward company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Case Studies: Present 3-5 comprehensive case studies that highlight your process from problem definition to final UI design and its impact. Focus on how you addressed user needs and business objectives.

  • UI Design Examples: Showcase a range of UI designs, emphasizing visual polish, typography, and layout. Include examples of interfaces for web and/or mobile applications.

  • Design System Work: Include examples of design systems you have contributed to or built, demonstrating your understanding of component-based design, scalability, and consistency.

  • Prototyping: Demonstrate your ability to create interactive prototypes, ideally using Figma, to illustrate user flows and interaction design.

  • Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the design challenges faced in each project and how your solutions effectively addressed them, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving skills.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Design: Demonstrate how you approach the design process, from initial ideation and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and developer handoff.

  • System Implementation: Provide examples of how you have implemented or improved design systems, focusing on consistency, reusability, and maintainability.

  • Measurement & Analysis: Explain how you measure the success of your designs, referencing user feedback, analytics, or A/B testing results where applicable to showcase impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored to a Lead UX/UI role, emphasizing not just visual output but also the strategic thinking, process, and impact behind the designs. This section provides actionable guidance for candidates to curate their portfolios effectively for this specific role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in London, United Kingdom, the estimated annual salary range is £70,000 - £100,000. This range accounts for the role's seniority, the company's focus on AI innovation, and the cost of living in London.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary package and potential for equity or performance bonuses.

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for employees and dependents.

  • Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

  • Professional development opportunities, including access to training, conferences, and workshops.

  • Pension scheme contributions.

  • Flexible working arrangements, supporting a hybrid work model.

  • Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI technology with a talented and driven team.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in structuring workdays, with an expectation of collaboration during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical Lead UX Designer compensation in London, UK. Specific benefits are inferred from standard offerings at tech companies for similar roles, with an emphasis on professional development and cutting-edge technology. The working hours are based on the "FULL_TIME" employment type and the hybrid work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Development. Bjak is focused on building AI-native applications that are accessible and useful to billions of users worldwide, aiming to bring intelligence to everyday tasks and workflows.

Company Size: The description implies a startup or scale-up environment with a focus on "small, highly capable teams" and "high talent density." This suggests a company size likely ranging from 50-250 employees, characteristic of a growth phase where agility and direct contribution are paramount.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's mission to build AI-native applications indicates a relatively modern origin, likely within the last 5-10 years, positioning it within the current AI boom.

Team Structure:

  • The design team likely operates as a close-knit unit, collaborating directly with product managers and software engineers.

  • As a Lead UX Designer, you would likely report to a Head of Design, Design Director, or potentially a Product Lead, depending on the organizational structure.

  • Cross-functional collaboration is central, with designers working hand-in-hand with engineers to ensure seamless implementation of designs. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Emphasizing the use of data, user feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

  • Agile Development: Operating within an agile framework that prioritizes rapid iteration, continuous improvement, and close collaboration between design, product, and engineering.

  • User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding user needs and creating intuitive, valuable experiences, especially for users unfamiliar with complex AI prompting.

Company Website: https://bjak.my/en/about-us

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and team structure have been inferred based on the provided description emphasizing "small, highly capable teams," "high talent density," "fast execution speed," and "strong ownership." The industry context of AI-native applications also shapes the inferred culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Lead UX Designer," indicating a senior individual contributor role with potential for mentorship and influence over design direction. It requires significant autonomy, strong decision-making capabilities, and the ability to guide design efforts.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design, working in close partnership with Product Managers and Engineering Leads. The emphasis is on direct contribution and collaboration rather than extensive management duties.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on user adoption and engagement with Bjak's AI-native products. By creating intuitive and beautiful interfaces, the Lead UX Designer will be instrumental in making AI accessible to billions, directly contributing to the company's mission and its success in organizing users' lives.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Manager or Head of Design role, overseeing larger teams and strategic design initiatives.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI UX, conversational design, or specific areas of product design.

  • Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across product strategy and company-wide design standards.

  • Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and shape the design talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis focuses on the "Lead" aspect of the title and the implications for career progression within a tech-focused, AI-driven company. The "Operations Impact" is framed in terms of user adoption and mission fulfillment, aligning with the company's stated goals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid," suggesting a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. This implies a modern office space designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is London, England, United Kingdom. This offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem and a diverse talent pool.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open collaboration areas, meeting rooms equipped for hybrid work, and quiet zones for focused individual work.

  • Tools & Technology: Access to up-to-date design software (Figma), hardware, and other essential tools to support the design process.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for spontaneous interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring workdays, with an expectation of collaboration during core business hours. This balance supports both focused design work and essential team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is built around the "Hybrid" remote status and the London location, inferring common features of modern tech office spaces designed for collaboration and employee well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Application Submission: Candidates are required to submit a portfolio as part of the initial application.

  • Initial Screening: Applications and portfolios will be reviewed by team members for fit.

  • First Round Interviews: Typically virtual meetings, focusing on assessing design skills, experience, and cultural fit.

  • Design Challenge: A practical exercise designed to evaluate problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to deliver under constraints.

  • Second Round Interviews: May involve deeper dives into design philosophy, leadership potential, and collaboration style, potentially including a portfolio presentation.

  • Onsite/Virtual Final Interviews: Final discussions with key stakeholders to confirm alignment.

  • Decision: Expect a prompt decision due to the company's emphasis on efficiency.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest work, focusing on projects that best align with the requirements of a Lead UX/UI Designer role.

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, and the quantifiable outcomes or learnings.

  • Highlight Visual Craftsmanship: Ensure your portfolio visually represents your exceptional UI design skills, typography, and layout expertise.

  • Demonstrate Design System Thinking: Include examples that showcase your ability to build, maintain, or contribute to design systems.

  • Tailor to Bjak: If possible, subtly tailor your case studies or add a brief note explaining how your skills and experience can benefit Bjak's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: Prepare for a challenge that likely involves designing an interface for an AI-native application, focusing on simplicity and user adoption.

  • Focus on Process: Be ready to articulate your design process clearly and concisely, even under time pressure.

  • Showcase Problem-Solving: Demonstrate how you break down problems, explore solutions, and justify your design decisions.

  • Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your work and rationale effectively, simulating the portfolio review or design challenge presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are structured based on the provided description and common practices for senior design roles in tech companies, emphasizing the portfolio's critical role and the need for a structured approach to the interview stages.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: The primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Advanced proficiency is expected.

  • Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other advanced prototyping tools may be beneficial for complex interaction modeling.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly mentioned, a Lead UX Designer would benefit from familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and design impact.

  • Understanding of data visualization tools to interpret and present design performance metrics. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the core design responsibilities, but an understanding of how CRM and automation tools integrate with user-facing applications could be beneficial for context.

  • Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is common for workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools section focuses on the explicit mention of Figma and infers other relevant design and potentially analytics tools that a Lead UX/UI Designer would commonly use in a tech environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Product Quality: A deep commitment to building exceptionally high-quality products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

  • Clear Thinking & Practical Execution: Valuing logical reasoning, efficient problem-solving, and the ability to translate ideas into tangible results.

  • High Talent Density & Ownership: Expecting team members to be highly skilled, autonomous, and take full responsibility for their work.

  • User-Centricity & Accessibility: A core drive to make AI technology accessible and useful to billions of users, regardless of their technical background.

  • Innovation: A forward-thinking approach to developing AI-native applications that push the boundaries of current technology.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between design, product, and engineering is fundamental, operating as a unified team.

  • Direct Contribution: An emphasis on hands-on work, with everyone expected to contribute directly and operate independently.

  • Constructive Feedback: A culture where feedback is shared openly and constructively to drive continuous improvement in product and process.

  • Ambiguity Navigation: Comfort and capability in making good decisions and driving progress even when faced with unclear requirements or evolving priorities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are synthesized from the "How We Work" section, highlighting key aspects like quality, execution, ownership, and user focus, which are critical for a high-performing tech team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Designing for AI Adoption: Creating intuitive interfaces for AI-native applications that users can adopt without complex prompting, bridging the gap between advanced AI capabilities and everyday users.

  • Balancing Simplicity and Power: Designing interfaces that are simple enough for mass adoption while still providing the power and flexibility of AI.

  • Maintaining Consistency at Scale: Ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience across a rapidly evolving product suite and a growing user base.

  • Ambiguity and Fast Pace: Thriving in a fast-paced startup environment with potential for ambiguity, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI UX Specialization: Deep dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of designing user experiences for artificial intelligence.

  • Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills through mentorship, design direction, and potential team growth.

  • Industry Exposure: Engaging with cutting-edge AI technology and contributing to products that could impact billions of users globally.

  • Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to resources, workshops, or conferences focused on the latest design trends, tools, and AI advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the company's core mission of AI-native applications and the complexities of user adoption. Growth opportunities are linked to leadership and specialization within the AI and UX fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach designing an AI assistant for users who are unfamiliar with complex prompting, ensuring it feels intuitive and helpful?"

  • "Describe a time you had to balance user needs with technical constraints. How did you reach a solution, and what was the outcome?"

  • "Walk us through your process for building or evolving a design system. What are the key considerations for scalability and adoption?"

  • "How do you ensure the visual design of an interface contributes to its usability and clarity, especially for complex functionalities?" Company & Culture Questions:

  • "Based on our mission, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges for AI-native applications?"

  • "How do you embody the values of 'high talent density' and 'strong ownership' in your work?"

  • "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and engineers."

  • "How do you approach receiving and giving constructive feedback within a design team?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and contributions, the process undertaken, key design decisions, and the final outcome or learnings.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data, metrics, or user feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your designs.

  • Showcase Visual Craftsmanship: Ensure your slides are visually polished and effectively highlight the quality of your UI designs, typography, and layouts.

  • Highlight Design System Expertise: Clearly present your contributions to design systems, emphasizing reusability, consistency, and efficiency gains.

  • Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, decision-making, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, design process, and cultural fit, aligning with the company's described values and the role's requirements.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your resume and portfolio are uploaded.

  • Tailor Your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature UI design, design system work, and case studies demonstrating problem-solving relevant to AI-native applications and user accessibility.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your experience with Figma, design systems, visual design, and any leadership or mentorship responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.

  • Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio projects, focusing on your process, decisions, and the impact of your work, ready for a potential portfolio review session.

  • Research Bjak: Understand the company's mission to bring AI to billions with minimal prompting. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with this goal and be ready to discuss it.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must have a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional UI design, typography, and layout skills. Proficiency in Figma and experience in building and maintaining design systems are required.