Senior Designer, UX Research and Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Designer, UX Research and Prototyping

Company: QIMA

Location: Lisbon, Portugal (Flexible: Paris, Madrid, or London preferred, hybrid)

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: August 31, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (typically 7+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the evolution of QIMA's client digital experience from static mock-ups to interactive, code-backed prototypes that directly inform engineering development.

• Conduct rigorous UX research and user discovery across a diverse global client base to deeply understand needs, pain points, and usability challenges.

• Establish and maintain a high bar for UX craft, aligning QIMA's client-facing digital products with the quality of leading consumer and enterprise applications.

• Foster strong internal partnerships with Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Finance to ensure design decisions are grounded in business context and drive growth.

• Design user-centric experiences that simplify workflows, save time, and provide timely insights, catering to both occasional and expert users.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges traditional UX Design with a strong operational focus on driving measurable business outcomes through improved client digital experiences. The emphasis on code-backed prototypes and cross-functional collaboration positions it within a GTM (Go-To-Market) Operations context, aiming to enhance client acquisition, retention, and overall customer lifetime value through superior product interaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and lead comprehensive user discovery and UX research initiatives to gather deep insights into client needs, behaviors, and pain points across diverse geographies and business segments.

• Develop and iterate on functional, clickable, and potentially code-backed prototypes that effectively communicate design intent and resolve ambiguity for engineering teams, moving beyond static mock-ups.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Operations stakeholders to define product strategy, prioritize roadmap initiatives, and ensure design solutions align with business objectives and revenue enablement.

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for the client digital experience, such as portal adoption rates, task completion times, and client retention signals, and establish processes for tracking and reporting on these metrics to demonstrate design impact.

• Champion an iterative and agile design process, breaking down complex problems into manageable increments, clearing obstacles, and ensuring a sustainable pace of delivery that supports company growth.

• Integrate AI-augmented design practices throughout the workflow, from research and ideation to prototyping and delivery, to accelerate impact and elevate the broader design team's capabilities.

• Translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive, efficient, and scalable digital experiences that cater to a wide spectrum of users, from individual entrepreneurs to global brands.

• Conduct competitive analysis and benchmark QIMA's digital client experience against best-in-class consumer and enterprise products, identifying opportunities for innovation and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant focus on "operations" in the broader sense, encompassing the operationalization of design within a business context. This includes driving adoption, measuring impact, and ensuring scalability, which are core tenets of Revenue Operations and GTM strategy. The emphasis on AI integration also points to a forward-thinking operational approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in UX research, product design, or directly transferable fields are paramount. Continuous learning and adaptation to new design methodologies and technologies are expected.

Experience: Approximately 7+ years of experience in UX research, product design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of owning complex, multi-stakeholder design problems from initial discovery through to functional prototype delivery. Experience in high-growth or scale-up environments is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• UX Research & Discovery: Expertise in designing and conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and other research methodologies to uncover deep user insights.

• Prototyping Expertise: Demonstrated ability to create functional, clickable, and code-backed prototypes using tools beyond static design software (e.g., Figma's interactive features, no-code/low-code tools, basic front-end code).

• Product Design Craft: A strong portfolio showcasing a commitment to high-quality UX/UI design, with attention to detail, friction reduction, and user-centricity, comparable to leading consumer and enterprise products.

• Stakeholder Management & Collaboration: Proven ability to build strong internal partnerships, influence stakeholders across divisions (Sales, Marketing, Operations, Finance, Engineering), and ground design decisions in business context.

• Data Analysis & Metrics-Driven Decision Making: Proficiency in using data (even imperfect data) to support design decisions, define success metrics, and report on the impact of digital experiences.

• AI-Augmented Design Practices: Demonstrable daily use and exploration of AI tools to accelerate design processes, enhance prototypes, and raise the bar for design quality.

• Agile & Iterative Mindset: A bias for action, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to deliver iteratively, testing, learning, and adjusting designs rapidly.

• Full Professional English Proficiency: Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills for global collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for complex B2B or B2B2C platforms, particularly within supply chain, quality control, or related industries.

• Familiarity with modular platform design principles and scaling digital experiences across multiple service lines.

• Experience with specific no-code or low-code prototyping tools that facilitate rapid iteration and engineering handoff.

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

• Experience defining and tracking product KPIs related to user adoption, engagement, and business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7 years" suggests a senior-level role, implying a need for strategic thinking, mentorship capabilities, and a proven ability to drive significant projects with minimal supervision. The emphasis on AI is a strong indicator of the company's forward-looking technology adoption strategy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Functional Prototypes: A portfolio that prominently features working, clickable prototypes, not just static mock-ups. Showcase instances where a prototype directly influenced engineering decisions or unblocked development.

• End-to-End Ownership: Evidence of managing complex design problems from initial discovery and research through to the delivery of a functional prototype.

• Craftsmanship & Detail: Demonstrations of obsessive attention to detail, ruthless friction removal, and a high standard of UX/UI craft, aligned with leading market products.

• Scale-Up Experience: Case studies illustrating experience operating in high-growth or scale-up environments, demonstrating the ability to design for both speed and scale.

• Problem-Solving & Agency: Examples of taking initiative, defining unclear requirements, unblocking challenges, and demonstrating accountability for design outcomes.

• AI Integration: Showcase how AI tools were leveraged in the design process to accelerate work, enhance outcomes, or explore new possibilities.

Process Documentation:

• Research & Discovery Frameworks: Document the methodologies used for user discovery and UX research, detailing how insights were gathered and translated into design requirements.

• Prototyping Workflow: Outline the process for moving from initial concepts to functional prototypes, including tools used, iteration cycles, and methods for resolving ambiguity for engineering.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you have partnered with engineering, product, sales, marketing, and operations teams to align on design strategy and secure buy-in.

• Impact Measurement: Provide examples of how you have defined, tracked, and reported on the impact of your design work using relevant metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "working prototypes, not only polished mockups" and "instances where a prototype you built directly shaped an engineering decision or unblocked a build" emphasizes a practical, outcome-oriented approach to design. This aligns with operations principles of tangible results and efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer in Lisbon, Portugal, with 7+ years of experience and specialized skills in UX research and advanced prototyping, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €50,000 and €75,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, the company's compensation philosophy, and the competitive landscape for such specialized roles in the European market.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexible working arrangements combining remote work with in-office collaboration, promoting work-life balance.

• Global Collaboration: Opportunity to work with a diverse, international client base and cross-functional teams across different regions.

• Professional Development: Access to learning opportunities, potentially including conferences, workshops, and continuous training in cutting-edge design tools and AI technologies.

• Impactful Role: A chance to significantly shape the client digital experience and contribute directly to the company's growth strategy.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Standard health insurance benefits.

• Competitive Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and public holiday allowance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexible core hours to accommodate global collaboration and personal work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for senior UX/Product Designers in Western Europe, adjusted for Lisbon's cost of living relative to major tech hubs like London or Paris. The benefits are inferred based on typical offerings for hybrid, international tech roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: QIMA operates in the quality control, compliance, and supply chain services industry, serving a broad spectrum of clients from global brands to small businesses and farmers. This diverse client base presents unique challenges and opportunities for digital product design.

Company Size: QIMA is a global company with a significant presence, indicated by its diverse client base and international focus. While the exact number isn't provided, the scope suggests a medium to large organization with established processes but also a need for agility and innovation.

Founded: QIMA was founded in 2005, giving it over 15 years of experience in its industry. This history implies a mature understanding of its market, with ongoing efforts to modernize and adapt its digital offerings.

Team Structure:

• The role reports into a technology or product development function, likely within a UX/Design team or a Product Management group.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineering teams (developers, QA), Sales, Marketing, and Operations departments.

• The role operates within a hybrid work model, suggesting a need for structured communication and collaboration tools to maintain team cohesion and project alignment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are expected to be informed by rigorous UX research, user data, and client feedback.

• Iterative Development: A focus on agile methodologies, rapid prototyping, and continuous improvement.

• AI Integration: A strategic push to embed AI across various design and development processes to enhance efficiency and innovation.

• Client-Centricity: A core principle is to understand and serve the diverse needs of QIMA's global client base.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of a traditional industry (quality control) with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and AI positions QIMA as an interesting player. The UX role is central to this transformation, acting as a bridge between client needs and technological solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Designer role, signifying a position of significant responsibility and influence. It requires not only advanced design skills but also strategic thinking, the ability to lead projects, and potentially mentor junior team members. The focus on driving business outcomes and cross-functional collaboration elevates it beyond a purely craft-focused role into one with strategic operational impact.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer will likely report to a Head of Product Design, UX Lead, or a Director of Product Management. They will work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and stakeholders from Sales, Marketing, and Operations.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to enhancing the client digital experience, which is a critical driver for client acquisition, retention, and satisfaction. By creating more intuitive, efficient, and valuable digital tools, this role contributes to:

• Revenue Growth: Improved client onboarding, engagement, and service utilization can lead to increased sales and retention.

• Operational Efficiency: Streamlined client interactions reduce support load and internal operational overhead.

• Brand Perception: A superior digital experience strengthens QIMA's brand as an innovative and client-focused organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or UX Manager role, overseeing a team and setting design strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-augmented design, complex B2B product design, or specific industry verticals served by QIMA.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain a deeper understanding of business operations, sales strategies, and marketing initiatives through close collaboration.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to the overall product strategy and digital transformation roadmap of QIMA.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor and guide junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a key enabler of QIMA's digital transformation, making it a high-impact position with clear pathways for career advancement within the product and design functions, as well as potential lateral moves into product management or GTM strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, with preferred locations in Paris, Madrid, or London. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with necessary amenities for both individual focus work and team meetings.

Office Location(s): QIMA has offices in Paris, Madrid, and London, which are preferred for this role due to the required in-person collaboration with engineering and stakeholders. Candidates located elsewhere in Europe are encouraged to apply if a hybrid arrangement is feasible. These are major European capitals offering excellent connectivity and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices likely feature meeting rooms, project spaces, and common areas conducive to teamwork and idea sharing.

• Technology Infrastructure: Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design software and hardware.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional in-person collaboration, fostering stronger relationships with engineering, product, and business teams.

• Global Connectivity: While hybrid, remote work capabilities are essential, requiring robust digital communication tools for seamless interaction with global colleagues.

Work Schedule: Flexible core hours are offered within a standard full-time work week (approx. 40 hours). This allows employees to structure their days to balance focused work, collaboration needs, and personal commitments, aligning with the demands of iterative design and global team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and preferred locations in major European cities indicate a company that values both flexibility and in-person synergy, typical of established tech-forward organizations. The focus on collaboration suggests an environment where design is integrated into the broader product development lifecycle.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, designed to assess design craft, research rigor, strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where you present your portfolio, focusing on functional prototypes and impact. This may be followed by a design exercise or case study discussion related to QIMA's business context.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with potential peers and stakeholders from Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Sales or Operations to assess collaboration and communication skills.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to assess overall fit, strategic alignment, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Prototypes: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases working prototypes and explains the problem they solved, the process followed, and the outcomes achieved.

• Showcase Impact: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible. Use metrics related to user behavior, business objectives, or process improvements.

• Demonstrate Process: Explain your thought process, research methodologies, and iteration cycles. Show how you arrived at your solutions.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to achieve design goals.

• AI Integration: Be ready to discuss how you leverage AI in your workflow and its impact on your design process and outcomes.

• Tailor to QIMA: Research QIMA's business and clients. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience can address their specific challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand QIMA's Business: Familiarize yourself with QIMA's services, target clients, and industry challenges.

• Think Strategically: Prepare to discuss how design can drive business growth and operational efficiency within QIMA's context.

• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly and concisely explain your design decisions, research findings, and the rationale behind your prototype development.

• Focus on Problem-Solving: Approach any case study or challenge with a structured problem-solving methodology, from defining the problem to proposing and justifying solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on functional prototypes and AI integration suggests that the review process will be highly practical and forward-looking, assessing not just design skills but also the ability to deliver tangible, technologically advanced solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping Software: Figma (specifically its interactive features), or other advanced prototyping tools that allow for clickable and potentially code-backed prototypes.

• No-Code/Low-Code Platforms: Familiarity with tools that enable rapid prototyping and iteration without extensive coding.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to design systems for consistency and scalability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar for tracking user behavior, adoption rates, and task completion.

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in presenting data clearly, potentially using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or integrated dashboard features within analytics platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how client data flows from CRMs (e.g., Salesforce) into product experiences is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for managing design tasks, sprints, and collaborating with engineering.

• AI Design Tools: Proficiency with AI-powered tools for ideation, content generation, image creation, code assistance, or user research analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Figma's interactive features, no-code or low-code prototyping tools, or basic front-end code" indicates a strong preference for tools that bridge the gap between design and development, enabling the creation of functional prototypes that engineering can readily use. The emphasis on AI tools is also a critical component of the expected technology stack.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the diverse needs of QIMA's global client base, ensuring digital experiences are valuable and user-friendly.

• Excellence in Craft: A dedication to high-quality design, obsessive attention to detail, and continuous improvement to match or exceed industry-leading standards.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on research, analytics, and evidence to inform design choices and measure impact, rather than solely on opinion.

• Agility & Iteration: Embracing a fast-paced, iterative approach to design and development, with a bias for action and learning from feedback.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively across diverse teams (Engineering, Product, Sales, Marketing, Operations) to achieve shared goals and drive business growth.

• Innovation & AI Adoption: Proactively exploring and integrating new technologies, especially AI, to enhance design processes and product offerings.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with various departments, acting as a bridge between user needs and business objectives.

• Evidence-Based Communication: Presenting design proposals and decisions backed by research, data, and functional prototypes, fostering constructive dialogue.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging and providing constructive feedback within the design team and with cross-functional partners to collectively elevate the product.

• Shared Ownership: Fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the client digital experience's success across all involved teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of design excellence, operational efficiency, and strategic business alignment, reflecting a modern, growth-oriented company culture that leverages technology and data to achieve its goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Diverse Needs: Designing for an exceptionally broad client base, from individual entrepreneurs to large multinational brands, each with unique requirements and technical proficiencies.

• Transitioning from Mock-ups to Prototypes: Shifting established workflows and stakeholder expectations from static designs to functional, code-backed prototypes.

• Balancing Speed and Scale: Delivering iteratively at pace while ensuring designs are scalable and modular for QIMA's growing platform and service offerings.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Successfully embedding AI tools into design workflows and rethinking client experiences in the age of AI, ensuring practical and valuable applications.

• Cross-Divisional Alignment: Navigating different business contexts and priorities across QIMA's various divisions to create a cohesive client experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI for UX research, ideation, content generation, and prototyping.

• B2B/Enterprise UX: Gain extensive experience in designing for complex business workflows, power users, and B2B SaaS environments.

• Product Strategy: Contribute to and influence the strategic direction of QIMA's digital product roadmap.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of sales, marketing, and operational processes within a global service organization.

• Leadership Skills: Grow into a senior leadership role, mentoring designers and potentially managing design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the company's unique position and its digital transformation goals, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you moved a client digital experience beyond static mock-ups to a functional prototype. What was the impact on engineering and the product roadmap?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and outcomes)

• "How would you approach user research for QIMA's diverse client base, from small farmers to large retailers? What methodologies would you prioritize and why?" (Demonstrate research strategy and adaptability)

• "Discuss your experience with AI-augmented design. How have you used AI tools to accelerate your workflow or enhance design outcomes? What are the ethical considerations?" (Showcase AI proficiency and critical thinking)

• "How do you balance the need for design simplicity with the demand for density and speed for expert users, using QIMA's inspectors as an example?" (Illustrate nuanced user understanding and design trade-offs)

• "Explain how you would measure the success of a new digital feature for QIMA's clients. What KPIs would you track and why?" (Highlight analytical skills and business acumen) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about QIMA's mission and its position in the quality control and supply chain industry?" (Show research and genuine interest)

• "How do you see your role as a Senior UX Designer contributing to QIMA's growth and digital transformation?" (Connect your skills to business objectives)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with distributed teams. How do you ensure effective communication and alignment?" (Assess collaboration and remote work skills)

• "How do you stay ahead of the curve in UX design and emerging technologies like AI?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and proactive engagement) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the problem, your process, the solution (prototype), and the measurable impact.

• Prototype Focus: Spend significant time demonstrating the interactive elements and functionality of your prototypes. Explain the rationale behind key interactions.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to showcase the success of your projects. If direct metrics are unavailable, use reasoned estimations or user feedback.

• Highlight Collaboration: Detail your involvement with cross-functional teams and how you managed stakeholder expectations.

• AI Integration Discussion: Be prepared to discuss specific instances where AI tools aided your process and the benefits derived.

• Conciseness: Respect time limits. Focus on the most impactful projects and key learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating practical application of skills, strategic thinking, and alignment with QIMA's specific challenges and technological direction, particularly AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in UX research, functional prototyping, AI-augmented design, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description, such as "prototype," "user discovery," "stakeholder management," and "AI."

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features working prototypes and clearly articulates the problem, your process, the solution, and the measurable impact. Prioritize projects that demonstrate your ability to move beyond static mock-ups and integrate AI.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your experience, focusing on how you've driven business outcomes through design and how you approach challenges unique to QIMA's context. Be ready to discuss your portfolio and AI integration strategies.

• Research QIMA: Thoroughly understand QIMA's business, client base, and industry. Prepare thoughtful questions about their digital strategy, client experience challenges, and the role of design and AI.

⚠️ 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.