Lead UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead UX Designer

Company: Wiley

Location: Remote, Brazil

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/UI Design & Product Development

Date Posted: April 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead user-centered design initiatives, translating user needs and research insights into strategic product improvements and defining advanced design artifacts.

• Drive interaction design decisions, crafting clear, usable, and predictable user flows, states, behaviors, and system responses.

• Foster cross-functional collaboration with designers, researchers, and engineers, influencing strategic product and UX decisions through persuasive communication of design rationale and tradeoffs.

• Champion design excellence, ensuring inclusive and accessible experiences while mentoring junior designers and upholding craft quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead UX Designer, indicating a senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and influence. The emphasis on "independently leads design efforts," "minimal guidance," and "mentorship" suggests a need for strong leadership qualities within a design context, rather than direct people management. The focus on "strategic improvements grounded in research and feedback" and "influencing strategic product and UX decisions" highlights the GTM aspect of ensuring user needs align with business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead user research efforts by analyzing feedback across products and services to identify patterns and opportunities for strategic improvement.

• Partner with research teams to shape research direction, scope studies, and effectively apply insights to product development.

• Independently identify technical requirements and develop comprehensive design solutions through scenarios, sketches, storyboards, user flows, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Define and communicate the evolution of features and experiences, balancing short-term delivery with long-term product vision.

• Design inclusive and accessible experiences that adhere to established accessibility standards and best practices, ensuring broad user adoption.

• Lead interaction design by defining user flows, states, behaviors, and system responses to create clear, usable, and predictable user experiences.

• Drive cross-functional collaboration with designers, researchers, and engineers to explore, evaluate, and refine concepts from a customer-centric perspective.

• Synthesize research findings, business context, and customer needs to inform product vision and strategy, acting as a key design advisor.

• Proactively stay informed on emerging technologies, interaction patterns, and evolving customer expectations to enhance user experience.

• Evaluate and apply new design approaches where they demonstrably improve customer experience and achieve desired outcomes.

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in Figma, leveraging its capabilities for rapid prototyping and iterative design.

• Apply a strong foundation in information architecture and interaction design to structure clear, scalable, and intuitive user experiences.

• Act as a trusted resource for design best practices, craft quality, and decision-making, supporting and guiding less-experienced designers.

• Deliver UX solutions grounded in strong design rationale that produce measurable user impact and advance product and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover the full spectrum of a senior UX design role. The emphasis on "strategic improvements," "product vision," and "business goals" indicates a strong connection to GTM strategy and the need for the designer to understand how their work contributes to broader company objectives. The mention of "technical requirements" and "system behavior" suggests a need for a designer who can work closely with engineering and understand technical constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of leading complex design projects from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• User Research Leadership: Proven ability to study user needs, analyze feedback, and translate insights into actionable design improvements. Experience partnering with research teams to shape research direction.

• Advanced Design Development: Proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and other advanced design artifacts. Experience defining system behavior and user states.

• Interaction Design: Deep understanding of interaction design principles to create clear, usable, and predictable user experiences.

• Information Architecture: Strong foundation in structuring information logically and intuitively for scalable and user-friendly interfaces.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced, hands-on expertise with Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Accessibility Standards: Demonstrated understanding and application of inclusive and accessible design principles and best practices.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to lead and work effectively with designers, researchers, engineers, and product managers.

• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to influence strategic product and UX decisions, and to synthesize research, business context, and customer needs.

• Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to persuasively present design rationale, tradeoffs, and recommendations to stakeholders at all levels.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying complex customer problems and developing innovative design solutions.

• Mentorship: Experience guiding and supporting less-experienced designers, acting as a resource for design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the publishing, education, or scientific research industries.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.

• Experience with design systems and their implementation.

• Knowledge of emerging technologies and their application in UX design.

• Experience in agile development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, coupled with "Lead" in the title and responsibilities like "minimal guidance" and "mentorship," strongly suggests a senior individual contributor role. The specific mention of Figma as a required tool is crucial. The emphasis on strategic influence and translating research into business outcomes indicates a need for a candidate who understands the broader product and GTM context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a clear emphasis on complex problem-solving and strategic impact.

• Demonstrations of user research methodologies employed, including how insights were gathered and applied to inform design decisions.

• Detailed case studies illustrating the design process from problem framing through to final delivery, highlighting the designer's role and contributions.

• Examples of advanced design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, with clear explanations of their purpose.

• Projects that showcase the design of clear, usable, and predictable user experiences through effective interaction design.

• Evidence of designing inclusive and accessible experiences, with an explanation of how accessibility standards were met.

• Examples of how technical requirements were identified and integrated into design solutions.

• Demonstrations of influencing strategic product and UX decisions through design rationale.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, a clear outline of the design process followed, including:

  • Problem definition and scope
  • User research and analysis methods
  • Ideation and concept development strategies
  • Prototyping and iteration cycles
  • Collaboration with engineering and product teams
  • Validation and testing phases
  • Final design outcomes and impact

• Documentation of how user feedback and research were synthesized into actionable insights for UX and Product teams.

• Explanation of how features and experiences were designed to evolve over time, balancing immediate needs with long-term product vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead UX Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership in design, end-to-end ownership, and measurable impact. The requirements here are geared towards showcasing not just design execution but also the strategic thinking and process behind it, which is critical for a senior role influencing product direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a remote role in Brazil, the estimated annual base salary range is typically between BRL 180,000 and BRL 300,000. This range can vary significantly based on specific skills, the candidate's location within Brazil (cost of living), and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement, aligning with Wiley's commitment to employee growth.

• Meeting-Free Friday Afternoons: Dedicated time for focused, heads-down work and professional development, promoting productivity and work-life balance.

• Employee Programming: A robust body of employee programs designed to foster community, facilitate learning, and support employee well-being.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: This typically includes health insurance, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off. Specifics may vary.

• Potential for Performance Bonuses: While not explicitly mentioned, many senior roles offer performance-based bonuses tied to individual and company success.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a focus on outcomes and flexibility, including meeting-free Friday afternoons for dedicated work and development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Brazil are based on industry benchmarks for senior UX design roles in major tech hubs and remote positions, considering the cost of living. The inclusion of specific benefits like "Meeting-free Friday afternoons" and "Employee programming" is a strong positive differentiator for Wiley's culture.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Publishing, Education, and Scientific Research. Wiley operates at the intersection of knowledge dissemination and scientific advancement, providing essential resources for researchers, educators, and students globally. This context means the UX design work will often involve complex information, academic workflows, and professional user needs.

Company Size: Wiley is a large, established global organization. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact across a broad user base and diverse product portfolio. For operations professionals, this can mean access to resources, cross-functional teams, and potential for career mobility.

Founded: Wiley was founded over 200 years ago, signifying a long history of innovation and adaptation in the knowledge sector. This longevity suggests stability, a deep understanding of its markets, and a commitment to evolving with technological and societal changes.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team is likely part of a larger Product or Technology division.

• The Lead UX Designer will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Researchers, other UX Designers, UI Developers, and Engineering teams.

• The reporting structure for this role is likely to a UX Design Manager or Director, with a focus on individual contribution and leadership within design projects rather than direct people management.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using user research, feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• User-Centered Design: A core philosophy that places the user at the forefront of all design and product development efforts.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, requiring iterative design cycles, close collaboration with development teams, and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Design Systems: Potential use or contribution to a design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across products.

Company Website: https://www.wiley.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Wiley's industry (Publishing, Education, Science) is critical for a UX Designer. It implies a user base that is often highly specialized, requiring deep understanding of academic and professional workflows. The company's age and size suggest a stable environment with significant resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior individual contributor (IC) position, a "Lead" role within the UX Design discipline. It signifies a high level of expertise, autonomy, and influence. The scope of responsibility extends beyond individual tasks to guiding design strategy, mentoring others, and ensuring the quality and impact of design outcomes across significant projects or product areas.

Reporting Structure: The Lead UX Designer will likely report to a UX Design Manager or Director. They will work collaboratively within a matrixed structure, partnering closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and UX Researchers. While not a people manager, this role is expected to provide leadership and mentorship to more junior designers.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is measured through the success of the products they design. This includes driving user adoption, increasing engagement, improving user satisfaction, and ultimately contributing to Wiley's business goals such as customer retention, subscription growth, and the successful dissemination of knowledge. Their work directly influences how users interact with Wiley's platforms and perceive its value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX design, such as interaction design, information architecture, accessibility, or user research methodologies.

• Product Leadership: Transition into Product Management roles where UX expertise is highly valued, or take on more strategic product design leadership responsibilities.

• Design System Leadership: Become a key contributor or leader in the development and maintenance of Wiley's design system.

• Mentorship & Team Leadership: Progress to a formal management role (e.g., Design Manager) or become a recognized subject matter expert and team lead within the design function.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Leverage design skills and product understanding to move into related roles within Product, Engineering, or even Go-To-Market strategy teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title implies a growth path that is primarily focused on deepening expertise and influence as an individual contributor, with a potential to move into management or broader product strategy roles. The impact is directly tied to user experience metrics that support business objectives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: As this is a remote-only position ("Remote Solely"), there is no physical office environment to describe. The primary "workspace" is the employee's home office.

Office Location(s): Remote, Brazil. This means candidates must be legally authorized to work in Brazil and reside within the country.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy and Flexibility: The remote nature of the role offers significant autonomy over the work environment and schedule, within the bounds of core working hours and collaboration needs.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: The primary tools for interaction will be digital collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), video conferencing (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet), and project management/design tools (e.g., Figma, Jira).

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will be primarily through scheduled meetings and asynchronous communication channels with distributed team members across different departments and potentially time zones within Brazil.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. While remote work offers flexibility, specific meeting times and collaboration needs will dictate availability. The mention of "Meeting-free Friday afternoons" indicates a structured approach to managing time and promoting focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote Solely" designation is key here. The work environment is entirely digital, emphasizing the need for strong self-discipline, effective remote communication, and proficiency with digital collaboration tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume/CV through the provided link.

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will review applications for basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess experience, leadership potential, and fit with the team's needs. This may involve discussing past projects and design philosophy.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discusses key projects in detail, and potentially completes a design challenge or exercise. This is where design thinking, process, and problem-solving skills are evaluated.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering Leads, other Designers) to assess collaboration skills, communication, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in user research, interaction design, problem-solving, and strategic influence. Prioritize projects that align with Wiley's industry (publishing, education, science) if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions (and the rationale behind them), the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you led design efforts, mentored others, or influenced strategic decisions.

• Showcase Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, and iteration cycles. Demonstrate how you translate insights into tangible design solutions.

• Be Ready for Technical Questions: Prepare to discuss your proficiency with Figma and your understanding of information architecture and interaction design principles.

• Demonstrate Accessibility Focus: Be ready to explain how you incorporate accessibility into your designs and any experience with relevant standards.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If a design challenge is provided, carefully read and understand the problem statement, objectives, and constraints.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your thought process, including research assumptions, key user needs, design principles, proposed solutions, and how you would validate them.

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly articulate why you made certain design decisions. This is often more important than the final visual output.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within a given timeframe.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your solution clearly and concisely, addressing potential questions and feedback constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead UX Designer role will heavily scrutinize the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to not just present their work but to deeply discuss their decision-making, process, and impact, demonstrating strategic thinking and leadership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Required for UI design, prototyping, wireframing, and collaborative design efforts. Advanced proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma offers robust prototyping, knowledge of other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Axure might be beneficial for specific project needs or legacy systems.

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

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior on digital products.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing research data and user metrics to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and data availability can be beneficial for holistic design.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly listed as a required tool, making it a critical skill for applicants. The other tools listed are standard for UX design and product development environments, supporting the need for a well-rounded candidate.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Courageous Teammates: Encouraging individuals to take initiative, voice ideas, and challenge the status quo constructively. For a Lead UX Designer, this means bravely advocating for user needs and proposing innovative solutions.

• Needle Movers: Valuing individuals who drive significant progress and deliver impactful results. This aligns with the expectation that design work will have measurable positive outcomes for users and the business.

• Learning Champions: Fostering a culture of continuous learning, development, and knowledge sharing. This supports the need for designers to stay updated on trends and mentor others.

• Impact-Obsessed: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and making a meaningful difference for customers, colleagues, and society.

• Curiosity and Drive: Encouraging a proactive, inquisitive mindset and a commitment to pushing boundaries.

Collaboration Style:

• User-Centricity: A shared commitment to understanding and serving user needs across all functions.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: A collaborative approach where designers work seamlessly with product management, engineering, and research to achieve common goals.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and shared understanding of project goals and challenges.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: A reliance on data and research to guide decisions, promoting objectivity and evidence-based strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wiley's stated values—Courageous Teammates, Needle Movers, Learning Champions—are highly relevant to a senior, influential role like Lead UX Designer. They suggest an environment that rewards initiative, impact, and continuous improvement, which are key traits for success in this position.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively mediating between user desires and Wiley's strategic goals, technical constraints, and business viability.

• Designing for Complex Domains: Navigating the intricacies of scientific research, academic publishing, and educational workflows to create intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication, collaboration, and alignment with distributed teams across different functions and potentially time zones within Brazil.

• Driving Adoption of New Patterns: Introducing and championing new interaction patterns or design methodologies within a large, established organization.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the ROI of UX design initiatives and demonstrating their contribution to business success.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Opportunities for advanced training in areas like accessibility, interaction design patterns, design research methodologies, or UX strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Support for attending relevant UX, design, and industry-specific conferences to gain insights and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior leaders within Wiley or through external programs to guide career development.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects that provide exposure to various aspects of the business, from product development to GTM strategies.

• Leadership Skill Development: For those interested in management, opportunities to develop leadership skills through project leadership and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges often stem from the nature of the industry and the scale of the organization. The growth opportunities are structured to support both deep specialization and broader career progression within the UX and product development fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex user problem you tackled and how you used research and design to solve it. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on user research, problem framing, design rationale, and impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Tests strategic thinking, negotiation, and understanding of trade-offs.)

• "Walk me through a project where you had to influence stakeholders to adopt your design recommendations. How did you present your case, and what was the result?" (Evaluates communication, persuasion, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible? What standards do you follow, and how do you integrate them into your workflow?" (Assesses commitment to accessibility and best practices.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wiley and our mission in science, education, and research?" (Assesses research and genuine interest in the company.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers or sharing your expertise with a team?" (Evaluates leadership potential and collaborative spirit.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends, technologies, and best practices?" (Tests commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem/goal), Your Role, Process (research, ideation, design, testing), Key Decisions & Rationale, Outcomes & Impact, Learnings.

• Be Concise and Focused: Highlight the most critical aspects of each project. Avoid getting lost in minor details.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, higher user satisfaction scores).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, user flows) effectively to illustrate your points. Narrate the story behind the visuals.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and engage in a dialogue about your work. Show enthusiasm and passion for design.

• Tailor to Wiley: If possible, subtly connect your project examples to challenges or opportunities relevant to Wiley's industry or user base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on core UX competencies: strategy, research, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. The emphasis on "design rationale" and "impact" is particularly important for a Lead role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring your resume/CV is attached.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 of your most impactful UX projects, prioritizing those demonstrating strategic thinking, research-driven design, and measurable outcomes. Prepare detailed case studies that clearly articulate your role, process, and rationale.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and experiences relevant to UX leadership, user research, interaction design, Figma proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and impact using the STAR method for behavioral questions. Prepare to present your portfolio projects confidently and answer strategy-focused questions about problem-solving and stakeholder influence.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wiley's mission, industry, products, and company values. Understand their target users (researchers, educators, students) and how UX design contributes to their goals of advancing knowledge and learning.

⚠️ 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.