(Senior) Director UX, Operations

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) Director UX, Operations

Company: HelloFresh

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) / Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-27

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (In-office presence required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead UX strategy and quality for HelloFresh's critical Operations organization, encompassing menu planning, fulfillment, and supply chain technology.

• Drive the evolution of an AI-native design practice, integrating AI tooling and redesigning team workflows to support the company's AI-first agenda.

• Spearhead service design initiatives for internal-facing operational tools, focusing on high-impact, often unglamorous, systems that operators, planners, and analysts depend on daily.

• Provide talent leadership for a geographically distributed UX team, focusing on hiring, career development, and maintaining consistent design quality standards.

• Act as a key strategic partner at the Operations leadership table, collaborating directly with senior Product and Engineering leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title includes "Director UX, Operations," the core responsibilities and required experience strongly suggest this role is deeply embedded within the operational technology and product development lifecycle. It's not a typical "operations" role in the sense of managing day-to-day business processes, but rather a leadership position focused on the user experience of the systems that enable those operations. The emphasis on AI-native practices and a strategic partnership model positions this as a high-impact, transformative leadership role within the UX domain, specifically applied to complex operational challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute the overarching UX strategy for the Operations domain, ensuring a high standard of user experience across all related products and platforms.

• Oversee the design and implementation of AI-assisted workflows within the UX practice, leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency and innovation in design processes.

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of the internal design platform and integrated AI tooling, fostering adoption across other business units.

• Manage and mentor a distributed team of UX professionals, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

• Champion service design principles to optimize the user journeys of internal stakeholders, including operators, planners, and supply chain analysts.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management and Engineering leadership to align UX initiatives with business objectives and technology roadmaps.

• Represent UX interests and contribute to company-wide strategic planning discussions, particularly concerning AI integration and operational efficiency.

• Drive the design of technology solutions for core operational areas such as algorithmic menu planning, demand forecasting, fulfillment logistics, and supply chain decision-making.

• Ensure the design quality and consistency of the technology backbone supporting warehouses and production sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: strategic UX leadership for operational systems and the advancement of an AI-native design methodology. This implies a need for candidates who can not only design sophisticated internal tools but also architect how a design team operates in an AI-first environment. The "service design for internal-facing tools" is a critical aspect, indicating a focus on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of employees using these systems, which directly impacts business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 10+ years in UX/product design, with a significant portion dedicated to leading design for complex, operational, B2B, or enterprise-grade systems. Experience in domains such as supply chain, logistics, marketplace operations, or similar is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in developing and executing comprehensive UX strategies for complex systems.

• Demonstrated ability to lead design functions through a transformation towards strategic, AI-native practices, not just familiarity with AI tools.

• Expertise in building or scaling design systems and platforms that achieve widespread adoption by other teams.

• Strong proficiency in operating at the intersection of design, product management, and engineering.

• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, capable of engaging effectively with senior product, engineering, and executive leadership.

• Comfort and experience working with ambiguous problem spaces and "unglamorous" internal-facing domains.

• Experience in talent leadership, including hiring, career development, and performance management for design teams.

• Deep understanding of service design principles and their application to internal operational workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the food tech, supply chain, or logistics industries.

• Familiarity with operations research principles and optimization models.

• Experience with AI/ML integration into design workflows or product experiences.

• Knowledge of building and managing internal design platforms and AI tooling.

• Experience with distributed team management and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "several years leading design for complex, operational, or B2B/enterprise-grade systems" signifies a need for practical, hands-on experience in enterprise environments. The emphasis on "redesigning how a team works because of them [AI tools]" suggests that candidates should be able to articulate specific examples of process innovation driven by AI adoption within design teams, rather than just listing AI tools they've used.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case studies demonstrating leadership in UX strategy and execution for complex operational or enterprise systems.

• Examples of how you've driven significant improvements in user experience and operational efficiency through design interventions.

• Documentation of your experience in building, scaling, or significantly contributing to design systems or platforms, highlighting adoption and impact.

• Evidence of your ability to manage and mentor design teams, showcasing leadership and talent development initiatives.

• Projects that illustrate your comfort with ambiguity and your ability to tackle "unglamorous" but high-impact internal-facing design challenges.

• Demonstrations of your strategic thinking, particularly how you've influenced product roadmaps and business strategy through UX insights. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your methodology for assessing user needs and pain points within operational contexts.

• Detail your approach to integrating AI tools and AI-native practices into design workflows and team processes.

• Illustrate how you've designed and implemented service blueprints or user journey maps for internal stakeholders.

• Provide examples of how you've measured the impact of your design work on operational efficiency, cost savings, or user satisfaction.

• Document your experience in establishing and maintaining design quality standards across distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this senior leadership role, the portfolio should not just showcase individual design work but also demonstrate strategic vision, leadership impact, and the ability to drive systemic change. Candidates should be prepared to discuss not only what they designed but how they led teams, influenced stakeholders, and transformed processes, particularly in the context of AI adoption and operational systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the seniority, location (Berlin, Germany), and the highly specialized nature of leading UX for a complex operational domain within a high-growth tech company, a competitive salary range is expected. For a (Senior) Director level UX role in Berlin with 10+ years of experience, this could range from €100,000 to €150,000+ annually, depending on specific experience, negotiation, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• HelloFresh subsidized Pension Scheme.

• Berlin relocation support for eligible candidates.

• Hybrid working model with deliberate in-person presence requirements.

• Exclusive discounts on weekly HelloFresh boxes.

• Subsidized office meals.

• German language learning budget.

• Access to the HelloFresh Academy for professional development.

• Comprehensive mental health support.

• Transportation perks.

• Working-parent-friendly benefits.

• 24/7 gym access.

• Subscriptions to wellbeing platforms like Headspace and Spill.

• Sabbatical leave options.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated as a fixed number, a leadership role of this nature typically implies a full-time commitment, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility for project demands and strategic initiatives. The emphasis on in-person presence suggests standard office working hours in Berlin.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX leadership roles in major European tech hubs like Berlin, considering the company's scale and the specific demands of leading UX for a complex operational division. The provided benefits list is extensive and indicative of a strong employee value proposition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage Technology / E-commerce / Logistics. HelloFresh is a global leader in the meal-kit delivery service, operating at the intersection of technology, supply chain management, and consumer services.

Company Size: HelloFresh is a large, publicly traded company. The description mentions "90+ nationalities" and being "one of Europe's fastest-growing tech powerhouses," indicating a significant global presence and employee base, likely in the thousands.

Founded: HelloFresh was founded in 2011. This relatively young company has experienced rapid growth and international expansion, fostering an agile and dynamic work environment.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is structured centrally, reporting to the VP of UX. This role leads UX for the Operations organization, which is a major technology division within HelloFresh.

• The Operations UX team is distributed across multiple geographies, requiring strong remote leadership and collaboration skills.

• This role operates at a senior leadership level, sitting at the table with senior Product, Engineering, and Operations executives, indicating a high degree of influence and cross-functional engagement. Methodology:

• HelloFresh is actively pursuing an "AI-native" approach, integrating AI into various aspects of its operations and product development.

• The UX team is transitioning from reactive delivery to a proactive, strategic partner role, building internal platforms and AI tooling.

• There's a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging operational data and user insights to drive product improvements and strategic initiatives.

• Service design is a key methodology for optimizing internal tools and processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid growth and focus on AI-native practices suggest a culture that values innovation, adaptability, and data-driven execution. The emphasis on a central UX reporting line, even for specialized domains like Operations, highlights the company's strategic investment in design as a key differentiator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations UX Leadership Level: This is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a (Senior) Director, responsible for a significant domain within the company's technology organization. It involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and significant influence on product and technology direction for critical operational systems.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the VP of UX, who in turn reports into senior Product leadership. This central reporting line for UX signifies its strategic importance within HelloFresh, providing visibility and influence across the organization.

Operations Impact: The UX team's work directly impacts the efficiency, scalability, and innovation of HelloFresh's core operations. By improving the tools and systems used by operators, planners, and supply chain professionals, this role has a direct influence on cost optimization, service quality, menu planning accuracy, and overall business performance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Expansion: Potential to grow into broader UX leadership roles, managing larger or more diverse UX domains within HelloFresh.

• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the company's AI-first agenda and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the Operations technology organization.

• Platform Development: Continued involvement in building and evolving internal design platforms and AI tooling, which can serve as a foundation for future product innovation.

• Industry Recognition: Leading a cutting-edge AI-native design practice can position the individual as a thought leader in the field.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Deepening expertise by working across multiple complex operational areas (menu planning, fulfillment, supply chain) and collaborating with senior leaders in Product and Engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to blend deep UX expertise with a strategic focus on operational efficiency and AI innovation. The central reporting structure and the direct impact on core business functions provide a strong platform for career advancement within a rapidly growing global company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: HelloFresh operates modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The Berlin office is a major hub for its technology organization.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Berlin, Germany. The job description emphasizes regular in-person presence in this office, highlighting its importance for collaboration and leadership.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires active participation in cross-functional decision-making, working closely with Product, Engineering, and Operations leadership in person.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern UX design tools, AI tooling, and a well-developed internal design platform is expected. The team is actively building and leveraging these resources.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a distributed UX team, as well as close collaboration with peers and stakeholders within the Berlin-based Operations technology organization.

Work Schedule: While a standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours/week) is implied, the leadership nature of the role suggests flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and strategic initiatives. The emphasis on in-person collaboration in Berlin points towards a hybrid model with a significant portion of time spent in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for in-person presence in Berlin underscores the company's belief in the value of face-to-face collaboration for senior leadership roles, particularly in driving complex operational initiatives and fostering team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume, focusing on alignment with experience requirements (10+ years, operational/B2B systems, AI-native transformation).

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present a curated portfolio showcasing relevant case studies, emphasizing leadership, strategic impact, and experience with complex operational systems and AI integration.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with senior Product, Engineering, and Operations leaders to assess strategic thinking, collaboration skills, and cultural fit.

• Leadership/VP Interview: Discussion with the VP of UX to delve deeper into leadership philosophy, team management, and vision for the Operations UX domain.

• Potential Case Study/Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be presented to evaluate problem-solving skills, strategic approach to operational UX, and ability to articulate solutions for complex business problems.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact and ROI of your design work. Quantify improvements in efficiency, cost savings, user satisfaction, or adoption rates.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and driven strategic initiatives. Highlight your role in transforming design practices, especially towards AI-native approaches.

• Demonstrate Operational Acumen: Select projects that clearly demonstrate your understanding of complex operational systems, supply chain, logistics, or B2B/enterprise environments.

• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, showcase projects where you've incorporated AI tools or redesigned processes to leverage AI capabilities within UX workflows.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear problem, your strategic approach, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand HelloFresh Operations: Research HelloFresh's business model, supply chain, and operational challenges.

• AI-Native Design Thinking: Prepare to discuss how you would leverage AI to enhance UX processes and outcomes within an operational context.

• Service Design for Internal Tools: Be ready to outline how you would approach improving the user experience of internal tools for operators and planners.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Practice articulating your UX vision and strategies in a way that resonates with Product, Engineering, and executive leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design expertise but also strategic leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to drive significant organizational change, particularly in the realm of AI adoption within operational systems. A strong portfolio that demonstrates tangible results and strategic thinking is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/Product Design Software: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Axure RP (or similar prototyping tools).

• Design Systems Tools: Storybook, Zeroheight, or custom-built platforms for managing design systems and component libraries.

• AI & Machine Learning Tools: Familiarity with AI tools for design assistance (e.g., AI-powered content generation, image editing, workflow automation), and understanding of how AI/ML models impact operational systems (e.g., demand forecasting, optimization).

• Collaboration Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (for understanding user behavior if any external-facing aspects exist, though focus is internal).

• Product Analytics: Mixpanel, Amplitude, Heap for tracking user interactions within internal tools.

• BI & Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker for analyzing operational data and presenting insights to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (for context): While not directly managed, understanding how CRM data might inform operational needs or be integrated with operational systems.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Familiarity with concepts and tools that automate business processes, potentially including internal scripting or integration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in standard UX design and prototyping tools, coupled with a strong understanding of design systems and how they can be extended into AI-assisted workflows. Experience with data analytics and visualization tools is crucial for demonstrating the impact of UX initiatives on operational performance. Knowledge of AI/ML concepts relevant to operations is a significant advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Excellence: A strong emphasis on using data and analytics to inform decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement in both UX and operational outcomes.

• Customer Centricity (Internal): Prioritizing the needs and workflows of internal operators, planners, and analysts to ensure they have effective and efficient tools.

• Innovation & AI-First Mindset: Embracing new technologies, particularly AI, to reimagine processes, enhance efficiency, and drive strategic advantage.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together openly, share knowledge, and provide constructive feedback.

• Bias for Action & Agility: A culture that values quick iteration, learning from experimentation, and adapting to evolving business needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Deep collaboration with Product Management and Engineering is essential, working as a unified team to define and deliver solutions.

• Strategic Alignment: Proactively engaging with senior leadership to ensure UX initiatives are aligned with broader business objectives and operational priorities.

• Feedback Culture: Encouraging open and honest feedback loops within the UX team and with cross-functional partners to drive continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across distributed teams and the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at HelloFresh, particularly within its technology and operations divisions, is likely fast-paced, innovative, and results-oriented. The emphasis on an "AI-native" approach and a transition from reactive to strategic UX suggests a forward-thinking environment that values proactive problem-solving and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Transforming a Reactive Function: Continuing the shift from a reactive delivery model to a strategic, AI-native partner for Operations requires sustained effort, change management, and consistent demonstration of value.

• Complexity of Operational Systems: Designing for highly complex, often specialized, internal operational workflows (e.g., supply chain optimization, algorithmic menu planning) requires deep domain understanding and user empathy.

• Balancing Internal vs. External UX: Managing the perception and impact of internal-facing UX, which may be less visible than consumer-facing design but carries significant business weight.

• Leading a Distributed Team: Ensuring consistent quality, fostering strong team cohesion, and driving innovation across a geographically dispersed team.

• Integration of AI: Successfully integrating AI tools and methodologies into the design process and team workflows, requiring continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening AI Expertise: Gaining hands-on experience in applying AI and ML principles to UX design and operational problem-solving.

• Supply Chain & Operations Domain Mastery: Developing in-depth knowledge of complex supply chain, logistics, and food planning systems.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Honing skills in executive communication, influence, and strategic planning within a large, global organization.

• Design System & Platform Evolution: Contributing to the growth and adoption of sophisticated internal design systems and AI-integrated tooling.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Developing coaching and mentorship capabilities for a growing UX team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity to tackle complex, high-impact challenges at the forefront of AI integration in operational technology. The growth potential lies in mastering these challenges and leveraging them to advance both personal career development and the strategic objectives of HelloFresh.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience in transforming a design function from a reactive delivery model to a strategic, AI-native practice. Provide specific examples of how you redesigned team workflows and processes."

• "How would you approach building UX strategy for a complex operational domain like supply chain or menu planning, considering the needs of diverse internal stakeholders?"

• "Walk us through a time you successfully advocated for and implemented a significant design system or internal platform that was adopted across multiple teams. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about HelloFresh's mission and its approach to leveraging AI in its operations?"

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and psychological safety within a distributed design team?"

• "How do you measure the success and impact of UX initiatives, particularly for internal-facing tools? What KPIs would you focus on for this role?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of HelloFresh's operations and the strategic importance of UX within this domain. Then, present 2-3 in-depth case studies.

• Case Study Focus: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach (including any AI considerations), the design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (quantify wherever possible).

• Leadership Emphasis: Highlight your role in leading the project, managing stakeholders, and mentoring team members.

• AI Integration: If applicable, explicitly discuss how AI tools or principles were integrated into your workflow or the solution itself.

• Q&A Readiness: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your decisions, the trade-offs you made, and how you would apply your learnings to HelloFresh's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, a deep understanding of operational systems, and a forward-thinking approach to AI in design. Candidates should be ready to articulate their vision for the Operations UX domain at HelloFresh and showcase their ability to drive significant change.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this (Senior) Director UX, Operations position:

• Submit your application through the HelloFresh careers portal using the provided link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate leadership in complex operational/B2B systems, strategic UX transformation, and ideally, experience with AI integration or design systems. Quantify your achievements.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences relevant to UX leadership, AI-native design, operational systems, supply chain, stakeholder management, and team leadership. Emphasize quantifiable achievements and strategic impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your strategic approach, leadership role, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your vision for HelloFresh's Operations UX.

• Research HelloFresh: Understand their business model, recent news, and their stated commitment to AI and operational efficiency. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company strategy.

⚠️ 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.