Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: AKQA

Location: Atlanta, GA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

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

Date Posted: June 01, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office expected)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design and execution of intuitive, delightful, and on-brand digital experiences for a major quick-serve restaurant brand, impacting millions of customers and team members.

• Apply a deep understanding of user-centered design principles to craft efficient, functional, and enjoyable digital products across multiple product lanes within a complex system.

• Leverage strategic and tactical design thinking to explore solution concepts, weigh tradeoffs, and deliver innovative digital services and applications that capture imagination and drive business results.

• Conduct and synthesize user research, including IDIs and usability testing, to inform design decisions and ensure customer empathy is at the forefront of all digital product development.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional stakeholders and development teams, fostering a culture of respectful communication and continuous improvement to advocate for best-in-class design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is Senior UX Designer, the description implies a strong focus on digital product and service design within a GTM context, particularly for a consumer-facing brand. The role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution, typical of senior-level positions that bridge user needs with business objectives. The emphasis on "beautiful ideas, products and services" and "impressive returns for our clients" positions this within a broader GTM framework where UX is a critical driver of customer acquisition, engagement, and retention.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute compelling user experiences for digital products, ensuring they are intuitive, delightful, and aligned with brand standards, directly contributing to customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

• Conduct user research methodologies such as in-depth interviews (IDIs) and usability testing to gather insights, validate design decisions, and deeply understand the needs of customers, staff, and operators.

• Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final design specifications using Figma, leveraging components, layouts, and design systems to effectively communicate complex interactions and user flows.

• Strategize and ideate on design solutions, exploring multiple concepts and considering tradeoffs to address complex problems across various product lanes and interaction systems.

• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process improvement, setting new standards for digital experience delivery and advocating for advancements that enhance user value and business outcomes.

• Collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, strategists, and other stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of UX designs into the development lifecycle and achieve cohesive, high-quality digital products.

• Champion user-centered design principles throughout the product development process, ensuring that designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, efficient, and meet the needs of diverse user groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX, emphasizing the full lifecycle from research to execution. For a Senior UX Designer role, this includes strategic contribution, process ownership, and mentorship, although direct mentorship isn't explicitly stated, the "setting new standards" and "advocating for better design" aspects imply leadership. The focus on a "leading quick-serve restaurant brand" suggests a need to understand operational constraints and customer-facing impacts within a high-volume, transactional environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, 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-level UX roles.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience Design, with a proven track record of designing and delivering successful digital products and services.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Proficient in Figma, including advanced use of components, auto layout, variants, and design systems for efficient wireframing, interaction design, and prototyping.

• Strong ability to design efficient, functional, and enjoyable digital experiences across web and app platforms.

• Experience planning, conducting, and synthesizing user research, including in-depth interviews (IDIs) and usability testing.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and development teams.

• Strategic and tactical thinking, with a capacity to weigh tradeoffs and explore multiple solution concepts for complex problems.

• Solid understanding of web and mobile application paradigms and contemporary design patterns.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in service design, extending beyond digital interfaces to encompass the entire customer journey.

• A strong portfolio showcasing distinctive work in both product and service design, with clear articulation of design process and impact.

• Expertise in information architecture and user flow mapping.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within cross-functional product teams.

• Experience designing for high-volume, consumer-facing applications, particularly within the QSR or retail industries.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" implied experience level suggests that candidates should possess a broad skill set encompassing both strategic thinking and deep execution capabilities. The emphasis on Figma indicates a need for strong technical proficiency in a leading design tool. The "distinctive work showing both product and service design" in the portfolio requirement points to a need for candidates who can think holistically about the user journey.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that clearly demonstrate your product and service design capabilities.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), and the final outcomes/impact.

• Highlight your ability to design simple and elegant solutions for complex design problems, providing specific examples.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including examples of complex component usage, design system application, and interactive prototypes.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process and how you adapt it to different project needs and constraints.

• Provide examples of how you have innovated or improved design processes and deliverables to set new standards within previous roles.

• Be ready to explain how you plan and synthesize research studies to inform design decisions, detailing your approach to IDIs and usability testing.

• Demonstrate your ability to communicate and collaborate with various stakeholders and development teams, providing examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's capabilities. The emphasis on "distinctive work" and "simple and elegant design solutions to complex design problems" suggests that the review will focus on creativity, problem-solving, and the clarity of the design rationale. For a senior role, the ability to articulate process and impact is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in Atlanta, GA, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between $110,000 and $160,000 annually. This can vary based on the specific depth of experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and access to design resources.

• Provided lunch and snacks on in-office days.

• Opportunities for restaurant visits for research and innovation insights.

• Employee assistance program (EAP).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in scheduling, with a requirement to be on-site 1-2 days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry data for Senior UX Designers in a major metropolitan area like Atlanta, considering the specified experience level. AKQA, as a prominent agency, typically offers competitive compensation and benefits packages. The provided lunch and snacks are a perk, but the core benefits package is expected to be robust.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing, Digital Services, Experience Design. AKQA operates within the creative and digital transformation space, working with global clients to design and deliver innovative digital products and services.

Company Size: AKQA is a large, global agency network (part of WPP, a multinational advertising and public relations company). This implies a structured environment with access to extensive resources and a broad client base.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001. Its history signifies a mature and established presence in the digital experience design industry, known for its innovative approach and client-centric solutions.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is part of a broader digital experiences or creative department, working in multidisciplinary pods alongside strategists, art directors, copywriters, developers, and project managers.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Design Director or Lead UX Designer, with Senior UX Designers contributing to project teams and potentially mentoring junior designers.

Methodology:

• AKQA emphasizes an "imaginative application of art and science," suggesting a blend of creative exploration and data-driven decision-making.

• Design processes likely follow agile or hybrid methodologies, incorporating iterative design, user feedback loops, and close collaboration with engineering.

• Focus on "beautiful ideas, products and services" implies a commitment to high craft, aesthetic quality, and user delight, balanced with strategic business objectives and measurable client returns.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture is described as entrepreneurial, collaborative, and focused on imaginative application. For a Senior UX Designer, this means an environment that encourages bold ideas, iterative development, and strong teamwork. The scale of AKQA and its parent company, WPP, suggests opportunities to work on high-impact projects for major brands.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX Design discipline. It requires not just execution skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving for complex challenges, and the ability to influence design direction. Senior designers are expected to take ownership of significant project components and contribute to setting design standards.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Director, or Head of Experience Design. They will work within project-based teams, collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is significant, directly shaping the customer and employee experience for a major quick-serve restaurant brand. This influences customer acquisition, engagement, loyalty, operational efficiency (for staff and operators), and ultimately, revenue and brand perception. By designing intuitive and delightful experiences, they contribute to driving user adoption, reducing support costs, and increasing conversion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like service design, interaction design, user research, accessibility, or design system management.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Lead UX Designer or Design Manager role, taking on team leadership, mentorship, and strategic oversight responsibilities.

• Client Engagement: Develop stronger client-facing skills, becoming a trusted advisor and presenter for design strategy and solutions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas within AKQA, such as strategy, content, or technology, to foster a more holistic understanding of digital product development.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to thought leadership through speaking engagements, writing, or internal best practice development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior UX Designer role is a critical stepping stone for a career in experience design. The emphasis on strategic contributions and problem-solving for a large client suggests ample opportunities for growth within AKQA's extensive network, potentially leading to leadership positions or specialized expert roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AKQA operates with a hybrid work model. This specific role requires the candidate to be on the client's Atlanta-based campus 1-2 days per week. The company culture values in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary work location for this role is Atlanta, GA, with specific requirements for client-site presence. AKQA itself has multiple global offices, but this particular position is anchored to Atlanta.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster creativity and collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous interaction and brainstorming.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Figma and potentially other relevant software, will be provided.

• Regular interaction with diverse teams (design, strategy, engineering, client) is expected, promoting a dynamic and stimulating work atmosphere.

• The hybrid model balances the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical. The hybrid schedule allows for flexibility in how and where work is performed, with specific days designated for in-office attendance to facilitate collaboration and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid Expectation" section clearly defines the on-site requirement. For operations professionals, understanding the balance between remote flexibility and required in-office days is crucial for managing workflow and collaboration. The mention of visiting restaurants for research offers a unique aspect to the work environment, blending office-based design with real-world user observation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your process, rationale, and impact. This is a key stage for Senior UX Designers.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or an in-interview design exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and proficiency with tools like Figma.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members, design leads, product managers, and/or client representatives to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your problem-solving abilities, end-to-end design process, and impact. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, user needs, your specific role and contributions, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Demonstrate your mastery of Figma by showcasing complex component usage, design system implementation, and interactive prototypes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user satisfaction scores, task completion rates).

• Be Ready to Defend: Understand your design decisions deeply and be prepared to discuss tradeoffs, alternative solutions, and how you incorporated user feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly analyze the brief and the client's business (e.g., QSR industry).

• Focus on Process: Even if you don't have time to fully polish a design, clearly articulate your thought process, research approach, and design rationale.

• Time Management: Practice designing within realistic time constraints, prioritizing key deliverables.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your challenge solution concisely and effectively, highlighting your key insights and design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenge indicates that AKQA places a high value on practical design skills and the ability to articulate the design process and outcomes. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is a must.

• User Research Tools: Familiarity with platforms for conducting and analyzing user interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Dovetail).

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, tools like InVision or Principle might be used for more complex interactions or presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of how to interpret user analytics data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or product-specific dashboards to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how UX design integrates with customer journeys managed by CRM systems and marketing automation platforms is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a primary tool. Proficiency in this tool is non-negotiable. General familiarity with user research platforms and analytics tools is also expected for a senior role, as it informs data-driven design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Imaginative Application: A core value that encourages creative thinking and the innovative use of art and science to solve problems.

• Customer Focus: Deep empathy for users, ensuring that designs are user-centered and deliver delightful experiences.

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A commitment to producing "beautiful ideas, products and services" with high attention to detail and aesthetic excellence.

• Collaboration: Fostering a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial environment where teamwork and open communication are paramount.

• Continuous Improvement: Proactively seeking better ways to design, innovate, and deliver value for clients and users.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working within multidisciplinary teams on project-based assignments.

• Emphasis on open communication, respectful dialogue, and constructive feedback to push for the best solutions.

• Cross-functional integration with strategists, developers, producers, and client teams is standard practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's values emphasize creativity, user-centricity, and strong collaboration. For a Senior UX Designer, this means being a proactive team member who can both contribute creatively and work effectively with diverse skill sets to achieve client objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Experience: Navigating the demands of a large client (QSR brand) while advocating for and delivering optimal user experiences.

• Complexity of Digital Ecosystem: Designing for a complex system of interactions across multiple product lanes and platforms, requiring strategic thinking and meticulous execution.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping up with rapidly evolving digital trends, user behaviors, and technological advancements in the UX and QSR space.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and buy-in from various stakeholders (client, internal teams) with potentially differing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like service design, complex interaction design, or advanced user research techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Working on high-profile projects for a leading QSR brand provides significant industry experience and portfolio-building opportunities.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and take on more strategic project leadership roles.

• Access to AKQA's Global Network: Learning from and collaborating with experts across AKQA's worldwide offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of agency work, particularly on large client accounts. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both specialized skill development and leadership progression within a global organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design problem you faced and how you approached solving it, detailing your process and the outcome." (Focus on your methodical approach, user-centricity, and problem-solving skills).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Demonstrate your ability to find optimal solutions through compromise and strategic thinking).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AKQA and this specific role working with a QSR client?" (Research AKQA's work, values, and recent projects; connect your passion to the client's industry).

• "How do you approach collaboration with developers and non-design stakeholders?" (Provide specific examples of successful cross-functional teamwork and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Project Overview -> Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Key Design Decisions -> User Research Insights -> Prototypes & Deliverables -> Outcomes & Impact -> Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes. Keep text concise and let your visuals speak.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative. Explain the "why" behind your decisions.

• Figma Emphasis: Be prepared to demo specific Figma features if asked, showing your efficiency and mastery of the tool.

• Conciseness: Respect the interviewer's time. Aim for clear, impactful presentations without unnecessary detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your design process, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and showcasing quantifiable impact through your portfolio. Being able to speak confidently about your experience with Figma and your collaborative approach is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a link to your online portfolio, through the AKQA careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features work that demonstrates your skills in product and service design, ideally with examples relevant to consumer-facing digital experiences or the QSR industry. Highlight your Figma proficiency and user research capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5-10 years of experience, specific UX methodologies, achievements in user-centered design, and any experience with complex digital systems or consumer brands. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting 2-3 key portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your process, design rationale, and measurable outcomes. Prepare for questions on collaboration, problem-solving, and your approach to user research.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's work, client portfolio, and company values. Understand the QSR industry and the challenges such a brand might face in its digital 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.

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