Senior UX and Product Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX and Product Design Consultant (Project-Based)

Company: Hire Ventures, Inc. (on behalf of CI Solutions)

Location: Los Alamitos, CA

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / UX Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the comprehensive evaluation and redesign of an existing software product's user experience (UX) and user interface (UI).

• Drive significant improvements in product usability, navigation, and workflow efficiency to reduce complexity and enhance user learnability.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, development, and customer support, to gather insights and ensure alignment.

• Conduct in-depth user research, including interviews and usability testing, to validate findings and proposed design solutions.

• Deliver a complete "UX Modernization Package" that includes audits, redesigned flows, interactive prototypes, a reusable design system, and an implementation roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a project-based engagement, initially focused on a specific software product. The successful candidate will be responsible for a end-to-end UX modernization effort, requiring strong analytical, strategic, and execution capabilities in product design and UX research. The "CONTRACTOR" employment type and project-based nature suggest a need for self-sufficiency and a strong portfolio demonstrating past success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct a thorough audit of the existing software application, examining its interface, navigation, terminology, and overall user workflows.

• Engage with internal stakeholders to understand critical customer pain points, common support challenges, and overarching business objectives.

• Plan and execute user interviews and usability testing sessions with representative end-users to gather direct feedback and identify usability barriers.

• Analyze findings to pinpoint usability issues, overly complex workflows, redundant steps, and opportunities for simplification, prioritizing them by user impact and implementation feasibility.

• Develop and present a refined information architecture and optimized user flows for key product areas.

• Create detailed wireframes and high-fidelity interactive prototypes to visualize and test proposed design improvements.

• Define a modern, cohesive UX/UI design direction and establish a reusable design system to ensure consistency and scalability across the product.

• Validate proposed design solutions through iterative usability testing and stakeholder reviews, incorporating feedback for refinement.

• Collaborate with the development team to ensure proposed designs are technically feasible and practical for implementation.

• Prepare and deliver a comprehensive "UX Modernization Package" detailing all project findings, recommendations, and design artifacts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "redesigning key workflows" and "simplifying complex workflows" indicates a need for a consultant who can tackle intricate operational software, not just superficial visual enhancements. The deliverable list further clarifies the depth of analysis and strategic output expected.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio and extensive experience are paramount. A background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field is often beneficial.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in UX design, product design, or a closely related field.

• Proven track record of redesigning established B2B, SaaS, enterprise, or workflow-heavy operational software.

• Demonstrated expertise in conducting user research methodologies, including user interviews and usability testing.

• Significant experience in simplifying complex workflows and improving operational efficiency through design, beyond just visual aesthetic enhancements.

• Strong command of interaction design principles and information architecture best practices.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma (or comparable alternatives like Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Experience in creating and maintaining scalable design systems.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively and directly with diverse stakeholders, including end-users, product managers, developers, and executives. Required Skills:

• UX Research & Analysis

• Usability Testing & Evaluation

• Information Architecture Design

• Interaction Design

• Wireframing & Prototyping (High-Fidelity)

• Design System Development

• B2B/SaaS/Enterprise Software Design

• Workflow Simplification & Optimization

• Stakeholder Communication & Management

• Figma (or comparable design tools) Preferred Skills:

• Experience with administrative software, identity/badge systems, printing workflows, education technology, or other workflow-intensive applications.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration in an agile environment.

• Understanding of front-end development principles to inform design feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience in "workflow-heavy applications" and specific examples like "administrative software" and "printing workflows" strongly suggests the target product is complex and business-critical. Candidates with experience in these niche operational software areas will have a distinct advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one significant project involving the redesign of an existing software product, clearly demonstrating measurable usability improvements.

• Include case studies that detail the process of identifying user pain points, redesigning complex workflows, and the resulting impact on user efficiency or satisfaction.

• Provide examples of information architecture, user flow diagrams, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that illustrate problem-solving and design solutions.

• Demonstrate experience in creating or contributing to a design system, including core components, typography, and interaction patterns. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to conducting current-state UX audits, including methodologies for analysis and documentation of findings.

• Outline your process for user research, detailing how you plan to conduct interviews and usability testing, and how you will synthesize findings.

• Detail your methodology for developing and validating improved user experience architecture, including information architecture and user flow design.

• Explain your approach to creating interactive prototypes and ensuring they effectively demonstrate the proposed user experience.

• Describe how you would collaborate with development teams for handoff, including the creation of specifications and assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "UX Modernization Package" deliverable emphasizes the need for a structured, documented approach. The portfolio should reflect this by showcasing not just final designs, but the entire process from audit to implementation roadmap.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125 - $175 per hour (USD) Based on the provided salary data for a Senior UX/Product Design Consultant in Los Alamitos, CA, with 7+ years of experience and specialized skills in enterprise/B2B software redesign.

Benefits: As a contractor, benefits are typically not provided by the hiring company. Consultants are usually responsible for their own health insurance, retirement planning, and paid time off. However, the project may offer:

• Potential for ongoing work or future project engagements based on successful completion.

• Opportunity to work with a dedicated client on a critical project.

• Professional development through challenging project work and stakeholder interaction. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week.

• The project-based nature may allow for some flexibility, but on-site presence in Los Alamitos, CA, is required.

• Active participation in meetings and collaboration sessions will be necessary, potentially requiring adherence to specific team schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is typical for senior-level contract UX/Product Design consultants in the US, especially those with specialized skills in enterprise software. The "CONTRACTOR" designation means benefits are usually not included, and candidates should factor this into their overall compensation expectations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The hiring entity, Hire Ventures, Inc., appears to be a recruitment or staffing firm. The client is CI Solutions, which is described as having an existing software product. The industry context for the project is likely B2B Software/SaaS, focusing on operational or workflow-heavy applications.

Company Size: Hire Ventures, Inc. is a recruitment firm, and their size can vary. CI Solutions' size is not specified, but the need for a senior consultant suggests they have an established product and likely a dedicated product/development team.

Founded: Hire Ventures, Inc. was founded in 2016. CI Solutions' founding date is not provided.

Team Structure:

• The consultant will likely be embedded within or work closely with CI Solutions' product management, UX/UI design, and engineering teams.

• Collaboration will involve individuals from product, development, and customer support.

• The reporting structure will be to a project lead or manager within CI Solutions, or potentially a point person at Hire Ventures, Inc. for contract management. Methodology:

• The project will follow a structured UX design and development process, encompassing research, analysis, ideation, prototyping, testing, and handoff.

• Emphasis will be placed on data-driven decision-making, utilizing user feedback and usability metrics.

• Agile principles may be applied to the implementation phase, requiring close collaboration with developers. Company Website:

• Hire Ventures, Inc.: http://www.hireventures.com

📝 Enhancement Note: While Hire Ventures is the recruiter, the project work and team interaction will be with CI Solutions. Understanding CI Solutions' product space (workflow-heavy B2B software) is key to tailoring the proposal and approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Consultant level, indicating a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and responsibility. It's a project-based engagement focused on delivering a specific, high-impact outcome.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/Product Design Consultant will report to a designated project lead or manager at CI Solutions. They will also interface with various stakeholders across product, engineering, and customer support.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and significant. By improving the usability and efficiency of CI Solutions' software, the consultant will directly influence customer satisfaction, reduce support costs, potentially increase adoption rates, and contribute to the product's overall market competitiveness. This role is critical for the product's success and future development.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Completion & Future Engagements: Successful completion of this project could lead to additional UX/product design work with CI Solutions as future needs arise, potentially opening doors to longer-term contract or even full-time opportunities if the relationship is strong.

• Portfolio Expansion: This project offers a prime opportunity to add a substantial, impactful case study to the consultant's portfolio, demonstrating expertise in enterprise software redesign and complex workflow optimization.

• Skill Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific industries or types of operational software (e.g., administrative, identity management) through this engagement.

• Networking: Building professional relationships with key individuals at CI Solutions and potentially within Hire Ventures, Inc.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, growth is primarily defined by project success, portfolio enhancement, and the potential for follow-on work. The "Senior" title implies a level of mastery and the expectation of independent problem-solving.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site" in Los Alamitos, CA. This suggests working from CI Solutions' offices, or potentially a co-working space arranged by the client if they utilize one.

Office Location(s): Los Alamitos, CA 90720. This location is in Orange County, California.

Workspace Context:

• The consultant will likely have access to office facilities and potentially a dedicated workspace within CI Solutions' premises.

• Collaboration will be facilitated through in-person meetings, workshops, and discussions with internal teams.

• Access to necessary software and tools (e.g., design software, project management tools) will be provided or expected to be brought by the consultant, as per proposal requirements.

• The environment is expected to be professional, with a focus on project delivery and cross-functional teamwork. Work Schedule:

• The role is project-based and requires on-site presence, implying a commitment to standard business hours, likely around 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may exist within daily scheduling, but availability for core team meetings and collaborative sessions during business hours is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement is critical. Candidates must be able to work from the Los Alamitos, CA location for the duration of the project.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely conducted by Hire Ventures, Inc. to assess basic qualifications, experience level, and fit for contract roles.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on relevant case studies of enterprise/B2B software redesign and workflow simplification. This is a critical stage to demonstrate problem-solving skills and impact.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key individuals at CI Solutions (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Developer, Head of Operations) to assess technical expertise, communication style, and strategic thinking.

• Proposal Submission: Candidates are required to submit a detailed proposal outlining their approach, timeline, estimated hours/fee, and user research methodology.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the measurable improvements achieved in previous redesign projects. Use metrics where possible (e.g., reduction in task completion time, decrease in support tickets, improvement in user satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens. Illustrate your end-to-end process: problem identification, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Focus on Workflow: For this role, specifically emphasize your experience in redesigning complex, operational workflows. Show how you simplified processes and reduced user friction.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: While Figma is mentioned, showcase your ability to use design tools effectively for wireframing, prototyping, and creating design system components.

• Tailor to Requirements: Ensure your portfolio directly addresses the project's needs: B2B/SaaS, enterprise software, usability improvements, and workflow simplification.

Challenge Preparation:

• Proposal Development: Prepare a detailed, well-structured proposal that clearly outlines your understanding of the project, your proposed methodology, a realistic timeline, and a clear fee structure. Address each of the "Proposal Requirements" thoroughly.

• User Research Strategy: Be ready to articulate how you would incorporate user research and usability testing into the project, given the client's needs and potential constraints.

• Design System Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to building or extending a design system for an existing product, focusing on reusability and scalability.

• Stakeholder Management: Think about how you would manage communication and gather feedback from diverse stakeholders, including non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The proposal requirements are extensive and form a significant part of the application. Candidates should treat the proposal as a mini-project plan and a demonstration of their strategic and execution capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as required. Proficiency in creating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and design system components within Figma is essential.

• Other Design/Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, experience with tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or Axure RP can demonstrate broader design tool proficiency.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), session recording (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory), and survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform) is beneficial.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack, or Microsoft Teams are commonly used for team communication and project tracking, especially when working with development teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly required for the design role, understanding how to interpret analytics from tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude can inform design decisions and help measure the impact of proposed changes. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) or workflow automation platforms may be relevant if the software product integrates with or automates business processes managed in these systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement. The ability to integrate design work with development workflows and understand user data will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs and experience.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on user research, usability testing, and analytics to inform design choices and validate solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering open and transparent communication with all stakeholders to ensure alignment and effective execution.

• Efficiency & Simplification: A drive to reduce complexity, streamline processes, and make software intuitive and easy to use.

• Attention to Detail: Meticulousness in design, documentation, and ensuring the quality of deliverables.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working as a collaborative partner with product, development, and support teams, rather than in isolation.

• Feedback Integration: Actively seeking and incorporating feedback from users and stakeholders throughout the design process.

• Clear Handoffs: Ensuring a smooth and well-documented transition of designs and specifications to the development team.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly updating stakeholders on progress, findings, and any potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "UX Modernization Package" and collaboration with development suggests a culture that values structured processes and clear deliverables, with a strong focus on practical implementation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Redesigning Established Software: Overcoming user resistance to change and ensuring that improvements do not disrupt existing, familiar workflows for long-time users.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing priorities and feedback from different internal departments (product, sales, support, engineering).

• Technical Constraints: Ensuring design solutions are feasible within the existing technical architecture and development resources.

• Scope Management: Keeping the project focused on key priorities and delivering a defined package within the project timeline and budget.

• Remote vs. On-site: For some contractors, the shift to an on-site requirement can be a logistical challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Specific Industries: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the operational software domain CI Solutions serves (e.g., administrative, identity, printing workflows).

• Mastering Design System Implementation: Gaining practical experience in applying and extending a design system within a complex existing product.

• Complex Workflow Optimization: Enhancing skills in deconstructing and simplifying intricate business processes through design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Improving abilities to work effectively with technical and business-focused teams.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing skills in managing client expectations and delivering high-value consulting services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section focuses on the inherent difficulties of redesigning existing enterprise software, highlighting the need for a seasoned professional adept at navigating these complexities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for auditing an existing software product to identify usability issues. What key areas would you focus on for [CI Solutions' type of product]?"

• "How would you approach simplifying a complex, multi-step workflow? Walk us through a past example and the outcomes."

• "How do you balance the needs of different stakeholders (e.g., product managers, engineers, sales) when making design decisions?"

• "What are your key considerations when developing or extending a design system for an established product?"

• "How would you prioritize recommendations for a UX modernization project with limited development resources?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What research would you conduct on CI Solutions and its product before beginning this project?"

• "How do you ensure your design approach aligns with a company's business goals and user needs?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who were resistant to your design recommendations."

• "How do you define success for a UX redesign project?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution, and the impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Focus on Process: Visually show your thought process – early sketches, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and testing insights.

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible benefits of your work.

• Address "Workflow-Heavy": Specifically highlight projects where you tackled complex operational processes and achieved simplification.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and the tools you used.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your experience with enterprise software, your ability to simplify complexity, and your strategic approach to UX modernization. The proposal itself is a significant part of the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Hire Ventures portal.

• Craft a Detailed Proposal: Thoroughly address all "Proposal Requirements," including your approach, timeline, estimated hours/fee, user research methodology, and examples of deliverables. This is critical.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and prepare case studies that specifically showcase your experience in redesigning established B2B/SaaS/enterprise software, focusing on workflow simplification and measurable usability improvements.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 7+ years of experience, specific skills in UX research, usability testing, information architecture, and proficiency with Figma. Tailor it to the job description's requirements.

• Prepare for Presentation: Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss your proposed approach in detail during interviews. Practice articulating your UX process and the impact of your work.

• Research CI Solutions: Gain an understanding of CI Solutions' business and the type of software they offer to better tailor your proposal and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.

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