Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Dentsu

Location: Shanghai - Haisu Plaza, China

Job Type: Full time, Fixed Term Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-19

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive and effective interactive digital experiences, meticulously considering user needs, usability best practices, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

• Act as a creative problem-solver, leveraging proven methodologies and best practices to resolve user challenges within digital interactions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including visual designers, copywriters, project managers, strategists, developers, and QA specialists, to deliver cohesive and high-quality products.

• Contribute to UX/UI deliverables for new business pitches, showcasing creative solutions and strategic thinking to potential clients.

• Possess a strong understanding of creative processes and techniques, with a particular emphasis on UX discipline and its application in a dynamic agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer within Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China, indicating a need for experienced professionals who can not only execute design tasks but also contribute strategically and mentor junior team members. The "Fixed Term Contract" designation suggests a project-based engagement, requiring adaptability and a focus on delivering specific outcomes within a defined timeframe.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive UX documentation, including sketches, interaction models, and user journeys, to effectively communicate design intent to visual designers and developers.

• Create detailed prototypes and annotated wireframes to illustrate user flows and interaction designs, ensuring clarity and precision.

• Work in close partnership with the Experience Design Director and Senior Experience Designers to ensure the quality and strategic alignment of UX work.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions and contribute creative ideas to solve complex business problems through innovative digital solutions.

• Support the development of compelling UX/UI proposals for new business pitches, demonstrating a strong understanding of client needs and market trends.

• Maintain a working knowledge of current design trends, emerging technologies, and industry best practices within the UX discipline.

• Ensure all designs adhere to usability best practices and accessibility standards, promoting an inclusive user experience.

• Document and articulate design decisions, providing clear rationale based on user research, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic contribution. The emphasis on documenting interactions for developers and creating annotated wireframes points to a need for strong technical communication skills. Contribution to new business pitches suggests that the role requires not only design prowess but also the ability to articulate design strategy persuasively.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Human-Computer Interaction), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products and interactive experiences.

• Experience working within an agency or client-side environment, managing multiple projects and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience in creative problem-solving and applying UX methodologies to address business challenges. Required Skills:

• UX Design: Deep understanding of UX principles, user-centered design processes, and information architecture.

• Interaction Design: Proficiency in designing intuitive and engaging user interactions, defining user flows, and creating interactive prototypes.

• Prototyping: Expertise in using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) to create interactive prototypes at various fidelity levels.

• Wireframing: Skill in creating clear, concise, and annotated wireframes to communicate layout, structure, and functionality.

• User Journeys: Ability to map out comprehensive user journeys to understand user needs, pain points, and motivations across different touchpoints.

• Creative Problem Solving: Proven ability to identify user and business challenges and devise innovative, effective design solutions.

• Usability Best Practices: Strong knowledge of usability heuristics, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and user testing methodologies.

• Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively within interdisciplinary teams.

• Documentation: Proficiency in documenting design specifications, interaction models, and user flows for development and stakeholder review.

Preferred Skills:

• UI Design: Familiarity with UI design principles and the ability to collaborate effectively with UI designers.

• Annotated Wireframes: Skill in adding detailed annotations to wireframes to guide development and ensure design fidelity.

• Interaction Models: Experience in defining and documenting complex interaction patterns and behaviors.

• User Research: Experience conducting or contributing to user research activities (e.g., interviews, usability testing).

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and experience working in an Agile environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The listed skills align with a senior-level UX role, emphasizing both foundational design expertise and the ability to translate concepts into actionable deliverables for development teams. The preference for annotated wireframes and interaction models suggests a need for high-fidelity documentation and a deep understanding of interaction design patterns.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating a clear understanding of user-centered design principles.

• Evidence of your ability to translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective digital experiences.

• Case studies that detail your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases.

• Examples of interactive prototypes and annotated wireframes that clearly communicate design intent and interaction logic.

• Projects that highlight your experience in user journey mapping and defining user flows. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented your design process, including the rationale behind your design decisions and how you addressed user pain points and business objectives.

• Demonstrations of your ability to collaborate with developers and visual designers, showing how you effectively communicated design specifications.

• Case studies that illustrate your approach to iterative design, incorporating feedback from user testing and stakeholder reviews.

• Evidence of your contribution to improving design processes or implementing new methodologies within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing final designs; it must articulate the "why" behind the design decisions, demonstrating a strategic thought process and a deep understanding of the user. Emphasis on documentation and collaboration with development teams is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Senior UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Shanghai, China, the estimated annual salary range is ¥300,000 - ¥500,000 CNY. This range is based on industry benchmarks, the cost of living in Shanghai, and the typical compensation for senior-level design roles in international agencies operating in this market. The specific salary will depend on the candidate's experience, skills, and the exact duration of the fixed-term contract. Benefits:

• Fixed-Term Contract: While not a permanent role, this offers the opportunity to work on diverse projects within a leading global agency.

• Professional Development: Access to training programs, workshops, and potentially industry conferences, fostering continuous learning and skill enhancement in UX and related fields.

• Collaborative Work Environment: Opportunity to work with experienced professionals across various disciplines (visual design, strategy, development, copywriting).

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Work on a variety of client accounts and campaigns, broadening your portfolio and industry experience.

• Standard Benefits: May include statutory benefits as per Chinese labor laws, such as social insurance and housing fund contributions, depending on the contract terms.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with potential for overtime depending on project deadlines and client demands. Flexibility may be offered, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a benchmark for Shanghai, China, for a role of this seniority and specialization. The benefits are described in the context of a fixed-term contract, emphasizing project diversity and professional growth opportunities typical in agency settings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services. Dentsu is a global leader in advertising and marketing, known for its integrated approach across various disciplines, including creative, media, and technology services. Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China specifically focuses on delivering innovative campaigns and digital solutions for its clients in the Chinese market.

Company Size: Dentsu operates globally with tens of thousands of employees. Within China, it has a significant presence, likely comprising hundreds or thousands of professionals across its various agencies and brands. This large scale offers extensive resources and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1901 in Japan, with a long history of innovation and adaptation in the marketing industry. Dentsu Mcgarrybowen was formed through the merger of Dentsu Aegis Network's mcgarrybowen and Dentsu Brand Agencies.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design team is likely part of a larger Experience Design or Creative department within Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China.

• It operates with a matrix structure, where designers collaborate with project managers, strategists, copywriters, visual designers, and developers on a project-by-project basis.

• Reporting likely goes to an Experience Design Director or Head of Design, with close collaboration with project leads and account managers. Methodology:

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

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Adoption of agile methodologies for rapid development, continuous feedback loops, and iterative design improvements.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Strong focus on teamwork and communication across diverse disciplines to ensure holistic campaign and product development.

• Client-Centric Approach: Prioritizing client objectives and target audience needs in all design and strategic initiatives.

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/ (Global) and specific regional/agency sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu's global presence and integrated service model mean that the UX team operates within a complex, collaborative environment. Understanding Dentsu's brand values and its approach to innovation in the Chinese market will be key for candidates. The fixed-term nature suggests a focus on delivering tangible project outcomes efficiently.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, positioned to execute complex design tasks, contribute to strategic thinking, and potentially mentor junior designers. It requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to manage significant parts of the design process.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to an Experience Design Director or Head of UX within Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China. They will collaborate closely with project managers, creative directors, and client teams on a daily basis.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is direct and critical, shaping the user's interaction with digital products and services. This directly influences user engagement, conversion rates, brand perception, and ultimately, the success of client campaigns and business objectives. Effective UX design drives user satisfaction and business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as interaction design, user research, or UX strategy.

• Leadership Development: Potential to take on lead roles on projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of UX processes within the agency.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to other areas of the marketing and advertising industry, such as strategy, creative development, and media planning.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop skills in presenting design solutions and articulating their value to clients, fostering stronger client relationships.

• Portfolio Expansion: Working on high-profile campaigns and diverse client projects within a leading global agency provides significant opportunities to enrich one's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fixed-term contract, the "Senior" title implies significant responsibilities and opportunities for professional growth within the scope of the contract. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking, which can pave the way for future permanent roles or further contract engagements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Haisu Plaza in Shanghai, indicating a professional, modern office environment typical of a major international agency. This setting facilitates in-person collaboration and client meetings.

Office Location(s): Shanghai - Haisu Plaza. This is a well-established business district in Shanghai, offering accessibility and a professional atmosphere.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated project spaces designed to foster collaboration among interdisciplinary teams.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized UX research tools will be provided. High-speed internet and reliable IT support are expected.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with a diverse team of designers, strategists, copywriters, project managers, and developers, promoting a dynamic and stimulating work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, on-site, with standard working hours likely aligned with business needs and client expectations. While there may be some flexibility, the emphasis on collaboration and on-site presence suggests a structured schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime Shanghai location suggests a focus on collaborative workflows and direct client engagement. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic agency environment where project demands can influence the daily schedule.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit for the Senior UX Designer role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A key stage where you will present selected projects from your portfolio, discussing your process, design decisions, and the impact of your work. Expect to answer questions about your UX methodology, problem-solving approach, and collaboration skills.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or case study, either live or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your practical design skills and strategic thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your ability to collaborate effectively within the Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China team and align with the company's culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your experience, career aspirations, and suitability for the fixed-term contract.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your senior-level UX capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), your key contributions, the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your design process, including wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and any user research or testing methodologies employed. Annotate wireframes clearly.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times). If quantitative data isn't available, articulate the qualitative impact.

• Tailor to Dentsu: Research Dentsu's work and clients. If possible, select projects that resonate with the agency's industry focus or past campaigns.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you handle feedback and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a case study, thoroughly analyze the problem statement, target audience, and business objectives.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your design process, including research, ideation, user flows, wireframing, and potential solutions.

• Focus on Strategy: Emphasize your strategic thinking and how you would approach solving the problem, rather than just delivering a polished final UI.

• Consider Constraints: Acknowledge any limitations (e.g., time, technical feasibility) and how you would navigate them.

• Practice Presentation: Prepare to present your solution clearly and concisely, articulating your rationale and potential next steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Designer at an agency like Dentsu will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and strategic thinking. The emphasis is on understanding how you arrive at solutions and the impact of those solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (for prototyping and collaboration).

• Wireframing Tools: Balsamiq, Axure RP, or native features within Figma/Sketch.

• User Flow Tools: Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, or similar for mapping user journeys and process flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Experience with A/B testing tools and methodologies to optimize user experiences based on data. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user-facing applications can be beneficial for a holistic view. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello for project tracking and team communication.

• Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is non-negotiable. The ability to interpret analytics and understand how user behavior data informs design decisions is crucial for a senior role. Familiarity with collaboration tools is essential for working within a large agency structure.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user in all design decisions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing open communication, shared learning, and mutual support among team members across disciplines.

• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging bold ideas, experimentation, and pushing creative boundaries to deliver impactful solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to producing high-quality work that meets strategic objectives and exceeds client expectations.

• Adaptability & Agility: Embracing change, responding effectively to evolving project needs, and maintaining flexibility in a fast-paced agency environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists, copywriters, visual designers, developers, and project managers, fostering a holistic approach to project delivery.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture of constructive feedback, where ideas are shared and refined through collaborative critique sessions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings across teams to foster continuous improvement.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative development and quick feedback loops to ensure projects stay on track and user needs are continuously met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu's culture likely emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a strong client focus. For a Senior UX Designer, demonstrating an ability to integrate seamlessly with diverse teams and contribute positively to a collaborative environment will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating competing demands from clients, business goals, and technical constraints while maintaining a strong user focus.

• Project Scope & Timelines: Adapting to tight deadlines and evolving project scopes inherent in agency work, requiring efficient time management and prioritization.

• Creative Block: Overcoming creative challenges and finding innovative solutions for complex design problems.

• Cross-Cultural Design: If working on campaigns for diverse markets within China or internationally, understanding cultural nuances and adapting designs accordingly.

• Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in digital technologies and user interface paradigms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Deepening expertise in areas like service design, design thinking facilitation, or specialized UX research methods.

• Leadership Skills: Developing mentorship capabilities, leading design critiques, and potentially taking on project leadership roles.

• Industry Trends & Tools: Staying abreast of the latest UX trends, design tools, and emerging technologies through workshops, conferences, and internal training.

• Client Strategy: Gaining a deeper understanding of client business strategies and how UX contributes to broader marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in a dynamic agency environment. Candidates should highlight how they have successfully navigated similar situations and how they view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements on a UX project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, compromise, and user advocacy).

• "Walk us through a complex UX challenge you faced. What was your process for solving it, and what did you learn?" (Emphasize problem-solving methodology, iteration, and outcome).

• "How do you ensure your UX designs are aligned with business objectives and technical capabilities?" (Discuss collaboration with business stakeholders and developers). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China specifically?" (Research their recent campaigns, clients, and values).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of teamwork, communication, and knowledge sharing).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and technologies?" (Mention specific resources, publications, or communities). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process, key decisions made, and the impact/results.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals – sketches, wireframes, prototypes, user flows – to illustrate your process and solutions.

• Be Concise: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Aim for clarity and impact over excessive detail.

• Quantify Results: Wherever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs. If quantitative data is unavailable, articulate qualitative improvements.

• Prepare for Deep Dives: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design rationale, the trade-offs you made, and how you handled feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only possesses strong design skills but also demonstrates strategic thinking, excellent communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an agency setting. Your portfolio is your primary tool to showcase these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Dentsu careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that highlight your expertise in user-centered design, interaction design, and problem-solving for digital products. Tailor the case studies to showcase your senior-level contributions and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your years of experience, key skills, and significant achievements relevant to UX design, using keywords from the job description. Highlight experience with prototyping, user journeys, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, rationale, and the outcomes achieved. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenges and collaborate within a team.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dentsu's global presence, Dentsu Mcgarrybowen China's work, their clients, and their stated values to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.