Lead UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer

Company: IVANS Insurance Solutions

Location: Remote (US and Canada)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/Product Design Leadership

Date Posted: September 15, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (with 2+ years in leadership)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of UX design for complex, multi-step, high-volume B2B workflows within insurance technology solutions.

• Drive product vision and provide leadership to critical initiatives, aiming to significantly reduce time, friction, and errors for insurance agents and brokers.

• Define and implement scalable Information Architecture (IA) frameworks, interaction models, and visual design standards across multiple product domains.

• Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies, ensuring seamless integration of UX activities with product roadmaps and business goals.

• Mentor and guide a team of designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in design quality, accessibility, and maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for IVANS Insurance Solutions, a division of Applied Systems, focusing on reinventing insurance technology through cloud software and AI. The Lead UX Designer will be instrumental in shaping user experiences for thousands of agencies and brokers worldwide, directly impacting efficiency and error reduction in complex insurance workflows. The emphasis on B2B complex interaction design and systems thinking highlights the strategic importance of this position within the organization's GTM strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive UX strategies and frameworks for multi-team initiatives, ensuring alignment with product vision and user needs.

• Lead planning sessions to establish clear scope, timelines, and success metrics across various disciplines, including product management, engineering, and research.

• Shape user research agendas, ensuring insights and tangible success metrics inform cross-product strategic decisions and product roadmap prioritization.

• Design scalable Information Architecture (IA) frameworks and models that span multiple workflows and systems, validating navigation through iterative testing.

• Create system-level interaction models that unify patterns across products, developing design frameworks that support reusable and consistent user experiences.

• Oversee the visual design direction for complex experiences, ensuring system alignment and shaping the evolution of visual standards within the design system.

• Facilitate high-impact design workshops and cross-disciplinary planning sessions, effectively navigating competing priorities and building consensus.

• Deliver compelling design narratives and translate design strategy into clear, audience-specific communication to inspire action and align stakeholders.

• Define and enforce standards for quality assurance, design fidelity, and usability validation throughout the design and deployment process.

• Mentor and coach designers on complex problem spaces, advanced design principles, systems thinking, and effective facilitation techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong strategic and leadership component, moving beyond typical individual contributor tasks. The focus on "system-level interaction models," "scalable IA frameworks," and "defining visual direction for complex experiences" indicates a need for a designer who can think holistically across product lines and contribute to a mature design system. The emphasis on "mentorship" and "coaching teams" points to a senior role responsible for elevating the overall UX capability within IVANS.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related discipline; equivalent senior-level experience will also be considered.

Experience: 7+ years of experience in UX/product design, with a minimum of 2 years in a leadership or strategic role. Proven success in leading large-scale design efforts with measurable business and user impact.

Required Skills:

• B2B complex interaction design experience, specifically crafting multi-step, high-volume workflows.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating design leadership across complex, shipped digital products, showcasing problem-solving and impact.

• Deep expertise in user research methodologies and their strategic application to drive design decisions.

• Mastery of UX design principles, systems thinking, interaction models, and product strategy alignment.

• Expert-level proficiency in design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Miro.

• Exceptional facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and guide decision-making processes.

• Experience working across multiple product domains or platforms, understanding cross-functional dependencies.

• Comfort and proven ability to navigate ambiguity and lead effectively in environments with shifting priorities.

• Knowledge of technical constraints and development workflows, enabling effective collaboration with engineering teams. Preferred Skills:

• Visionary thinking with the ability to drive long-term design impact while consistently delivering short-term results.

• Experience in the insurance technology or FinTech industry.

• Familiarity with AI-powered solutions and their integration into user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "B2B complex interaction design" and "multi-step, high-volume workflows" is a critical differentiator. Candidates must demonstrate experience with enterprise-level applications where user efficiency and error reduction are paramount. The "7+ years of experience in UX/product design, with at least 2 years in a leadership or strategic role" clearly positions this as a senior, impactful position within the operations and product development lifecycle.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one significant project demonstrating leadership in defining and executing UX strategy for a complex, multi-team initiative.

• Include case studies detailing the process of designing multi-step, high-volume B2B workflows, with a clear emphasis on improvements in efficiency, error reduction, or time savings.

• Present examples of scalable Information Architecture (IA) frameworks or system-level interaction models developed for complex digital products.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems, including contributions to their evolution or application across multiple product domains.

• Highlight work that involved significant stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and influencing senior decision-makers. Process Documentation:

• Detail the methodologies used for user research, including how insights were translated into strategic design direction and prioritization.

• Explain the process of defining and implementing design standards, QA processes, and usability validation for complex product launches.

• Showcase examples of how systems thinking was applied to ensure design consistency and pattern reuse across different product areas or platforms.

• Provide evidence of facilitating design workshops or planning sessions, illustrating how alignment was achieved among diverse stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are tailored to a Lead UX Designer role, emphasizing strategic impact and leadership. Candidates must demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking, process definition, and the ability to mentor others. The focus on B2B workflows and measurable impact (efficiency, error reduction) is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $175,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage.

• Generous Holiday and Vacation Time.

• Health & Wellness Days to support employee well-being.

• A special Bonus Day for your Birthday.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range of $120,000-$175,000 USD is competitive for a Lead UX Designer role in the US and Canada, especially for a remote position with significant strategic responsibilities. This range reflects the seniority and leadership expectations of the role. The benefits package is standard for full-time employees, with a notable addition of a birthday bonus day.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance Technology (InsurTech), Software as a Service (SaaS). IVANS, a division of Applied Systems, specializes in cloud software and AI-powered solutions for the insurance industry.

Company Size: IVANS is a division of Applied Systems, which is a significant player in the insurance software market. Applied Systems has a substantial employee base, indicating a well-established organization with robust resources.

Founded: Applied Systems has a history of over 40 years, suggesting a stable and experienced company with deep roots in the insurance technology sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX team likely comprises various design roles, including UX designers, researchers, and possibly UX writers, supporting multiple product lines.

• This Lead UX Designer will report into a senior design or product leadership role, potentially a Director of UX or VP of Product.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and other cross-functional teams involved in product development and Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research and analytics to inform design strategies and product direction.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring close partnership between design and engineering teams.

• A focus on creating scalable and maintainable design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across a broad product portfolio.

Company Website: [IVANS Insurance Solutions website, likely part of Applied Systems]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context positions IVANS as a leader in a specialized, critical industry (insurance technology). The emphasis on "reinventing insurance technology" and "setting the pace" suggests an innovative yet established environment. The "people-first culture built on trust, inclusion, and growth" implies a supportive work environment, which is attractive to operations and design professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level individual contributor with significant leadership responsibilities, often referred to as a "Principal" or "Lead" designer. It involves strategic oversight, mentorship, and driving design initiatives at a program or product line level.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer will likely report to a Director of UX, VP of Product, or a similar senior leadership role within the product organization. They will lead design efforts for specific initiatives or product areas.

Operations Impact: The Lead UX Designer directly influences the usability, efficiency, and adoption of critical software used by thousands of insurance agencies and brokers. Their work has a tangible impact on user productivity, error reduction, and ultimately, the success of IVANS's cloud and AI-powered solutions in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Manager or Director of UX role, overseeing larger design teams and broader product portfolios.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven UX, complex B2B workflow optimization, or advanced design system architecture.

• Strategic Influence: Increased involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and contributing to the overall vision for IVANS's technology offerings.

• Mentorship Development: Formalizing mentorship programs and developing leadership coaching skills to further elevate the design team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for a UX professional looking to move into a leadership position with strategic impact. The "growth opportunities" focus on both people leadership and strategic influence aligns well with career aspirations for senior operations and design professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designated as remote-friendly for candidates located in the United States and Canada.

Office Location(s): While fully remote, the company operates within US and Canadian time zones, suggesting a need for availability during core business hours in these regions.

Workspace Context:

• A fully remote setup requires self-discipline and effective home office organization.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through digital tools like video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative design platforms.

• Access to robust digital tools for design (Figma), collaboration (Miro), and communication (e.g., Slack, Teams) is essential.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for remote employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring availability for team collaboration and key meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of this role is a significant aspect. It offers flexibility but also requires strong self-management and communication skills to maintain team cohesion and productivity. The mention of US and Canadian locations indicates a need to consider time zone differences for collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on complex B2B projects, leadership experience, strategic thinking, and problem-solving methodologies. This may include a design challenge or case study presentation.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate UX into the development process.

• Leadership/Stakeholder Interview: Discussion with senior leadership (e.g., VP Product, Director of UX) to evaluate strategic vision, leadership potential, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solution, and most importantly, the measurable impact (e.g., increased efficiency, reduced errors, improved user satisfaction). Quantify results wherever possible.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight projects where you led design efforts, influenced strategy, mentored others, or navigated complex stakeholder environments.

• B2B Workflow Expertise: Dedicate specific examples to complex, multi-step B2B workflows, detailing the design thinking behind streamlining these processes.

• Systems Thinking: Demonstrate how you've applied systems thinking to ensure consistency, scalability, and maintainability across products or within a design system.

• Storytelling: Prepare a compelling narrative for your portfolio presentation, guiding interviewers through your process and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve optimizing a complex workflow, defining IA for a new feature, or outlining a research strategy for a B2B context.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale behind design decisions.

• Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with engineering and product management to ensure successful implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a strong portfolio review and the ability to articulate strategic impact, particularly in complex B2B environments. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate leadership, systems thinking, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles applied to enterprise software.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (expert-level proficiency required).

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro (expert-level proficiency required).

• User Research Platforms: Experience with various tools for user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics).

• Project Management: Familiarity with Agile tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar for workflow tracking and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Pendo) to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable design improvements. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX design integrates with CRM systems and business automation processes is beneficial, especially in a B2B context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Expert-level skills in design and collaboration tools (Figma, Miro, etc.)" is a key technical requirement. Candidates must be highly proficient in these tools, as they are central to the design and collaboration process in a remote setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of insurance agents and brokers through thoughtful design.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with product, engineering, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Innovation: A drive to "reinvent" insurance technology and leverage AI to create cutting-edge solutions.

• Efficiency & Quality: A focus on designing workflows that are efficient, error-free, and maintain high standards of usability and accessibility.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, feedback, and iterative refinement of processes and products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Designers are integral members of product teams, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the development lifecycle.

• Open Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive critique and open dialogue to elevate design quality.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings across the design team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, collaboration, and a user-focused approach, which are essential for a Lead UX Designer role in a technology-driven company like IVANS. The emphasis on "people-first culture" suggests a supportive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role requires comfort and effectiveness in environments with shifting priorities and evolving project scopes, a common challenge in fast-paced tech environments.

• Complex B2B Workflows: Designing for intricate, multi-step processes used by professionals requires deep domain understanding and meticulous attention to detail to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring the design system and interaction models can effectively scale across a growing portfolio of products and features.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Gaining buy-in and alignment from diverse senior stakeholders with competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Strategy: Opportunities to refine and expand expertise in strategic UX planning, product visioning, and driving design initiatives at an organizational level.

• Industry Trends: Staying abreast of advancements in AI, cloud technology, and UX best practices within the InsurTech sector.

• Leadership Skills: Developing formal leadership and mentorship capabilities through coaching and guiding junior designers.

• Cross-Domain Experience: Gaining exposure to different product domains within IVANS's portfolio, broadening overall product understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity and strategic nature of the role, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement in areas like strategic leadership and complex problem-solving.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you defined a UX strategy for a complex, multi-team initiative. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on strategic planning, alignment, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for complex, high-volume B2B workflows? Walk us through a specific example from your portfolio and highlight the efficiency gains or error reductions achieved." (Demonstrate B2B expertise and outcome-driven design).

• "How do you ensure design consistency and scalability across multiple product domains or within a large design system?" (Highlight systems thinking and design system experience). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about IVANS Insurance Solutions and the insurance technology industry?" (Showcase research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach mentoring and coaching other designers?" (Demonstrate leadership and collaborative spirit).

• "Describe a situation where you had to navigate ambiguity or shifting priorities. How did you handle it?" (Assess adaptability and resilience). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact (quantified).

• Emphasize Leadership: Clearly delineate your contributions as a leader versus individual design tasks.

• Highlight B2B Complexity: Dedicate specific time to showcase your experience with complex B2B workflows, detailing the challenges and your innovative solutions.

• Visual Storytelling: Use clear visuals, wireframes, prototypes, and final designs to illustrate your process and outcomes effectively.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you collaborate with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, deep expertise in complex B2B UX, and the ability to drive impact through design. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, defend their decisions, and showcase quantifiable results.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official IVANS/Applied Systems careers portal link provided.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of UX/product design experience, specifically emphasizing your 2+ years in leadership roles, B2B complex interaction design, and experience with multi-step workflows. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, B2B workflow design expertise, and quantifiable impact. Ensure it aligns with the "Portfolio Essentials" and "Process Documentation" requirements.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your leadership role, and detailing the measurable outcomes of your work. Be ready to discuss your process for navigating ambiguity and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

• Research IVANS: Familiarize yourself with IVANS Insurance Solutions, Applied Systems, and the insurance technology industry to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding during interviews. Consider potential challenges and opportunities within this domain.

⚠️ 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.