Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Red Badger

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user experience design strategy and execution from discovery through to delivery, ensuring a human-centered approach.

• Lead and mentor cross-functional teams and clients in Lean, Agile, and Human-Centered Design methodologies.

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, influencing product strategy and advocating for user-centric processes.

• Facilitate workshops and design sprints to simplify complexity and drive value for clients and their customers.

• Champion user needs through proactive customer research and collaborative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in leading UX initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing client strategy. The emphasis on client-facing work and Lean Agile methodologies suggests a consulting-like environment where adaptability and strong communication are paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive audits of existing user experiences to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

• Develop prototypes at various fidelity levels, from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity interactive click-throughs, to visualize and test design concepts.

• Lead the end-to-end user experience design process, encompassing discovery, research, design, prototyping, and delivery phases.

• Plan and execute user research and usability testing throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring continuous feedback integration.

• Design and facilitate engaging workshops and design sprints to foster collaboration, ideation, and problem-solving among stakeholders.

• Coach and mentor team members and clients on the principles and application of Design Thinking, Lean, and Human-Centered Design.

• Collaborate with Product Directors on sales activities, contributing UX expertise to proposals and client pitches.

• Consult with product stakeholders on backlog prioritization, ensuring alignment between user needs and business objectives.

• Effectively communicate design rationale and decisions to a diverse range of stakeholders, from engineers to executive leadership.

• Align stakeholders across the organization on product strategy, desired outcomes, and the value of user-centered design.

• Advocate for and introduce user-centered design processes and best practices to clients, fostering a culture of user empathy.

• Build Red Badger's product capability by supporting and mentoring other UX designers, fostering their professional development.

• Proactively share knowledge and insights with the wider team, contributing to the growth of the UX and Product discipline within Red Badger.

• Support the strategic development of Red Badger's overarching product approach and methodology.

• Represent Red Badger by writing and speaking publicly about design work, case studies, and innovative practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to reflect a senior-level individual contributor with significant leadership and client-facing duties. The "Build Red Badger’s product capability" section highlights an expectation for contribution to the company's internal knowledge base and methodology, common in consulting firms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of UX principles and practices is essential. Candidates with degrees in Design, HCI, Psychology, Computer Science, or related fields may find their academic background beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience Design, with a significant portion spent in client-facing roles or within consulting environments. Proven experience leading UX initiatives from conception to completion is required.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience working within Lean and Agile development environments.

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Human-Centered Design and Design Thinking methodologies.

• Proven ability to lead UX activities and projects autonomously within cross-functional teams, including situations with a sole UX designer.

• Expertise in designing for both mobile-first responsive websites and native mobile applications (iOS and Android).

• Proficiency in planning and conducting various levels of user testing, from guerilla testing to formal lab-based studies.

• Strong facilitation skills for running workshops, design sprints, and collaborative sessions.

• Demonstrated ability to present design concepts and findings effectively to clients and stakeholders.

• Experience in auditing existing user experiences and providing actionable recommendations.

• Competency in prototyping at multiple fidelity levels, including paper prototypes and high-fidelity interactive mockups.

• Ability to advise engineers, insights teams, and QA professionals on UX best practices. Preferred Skills:

• Working knowledge of industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Sketch and Figma, with a demonstrated aptitude for learning and adopting new tools and methodologies.

• Understanding of front-end development principles and technologies that can inform design decisions and feasibility assessments.

• Application of product management principles to enhance the design and delivery of digital products.

• Experience applying Service Design methodologies to surface insights and design/test experiences that inform product development.

• Ability to influence product strategy to identify, develop, build, and test new business opportunities.

• Experience leveraging emerging technologies to create innovative user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly distinguish between essential skills for leading UX projects and those that are advantageous, particularly those related to broader product strategy, service design, and emerging technologies. The explicit mention of "sole UX Designer" emphasizes the need for strong self-direction and comprehensive skill coverage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating end-to-end ownership from discovery to delivery.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, research methodologies employed, key decisions, and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of prototypes at various fidelity levels, illustrating your ability to translate concepts into tangible designs.

• Demonstrations of user research and testing methodologies applied, with insights and how they influenced design iterations.

• Evidence of workshop facilitation and stakeholder engagement, showcasing your ability to align diverse groups.

• Projects that highlight experience with mobile-first responsive design and native mobile app design. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how you document and communicate design processes, including user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Examples of how you incorporate feedback from user testing and stakeholders into iterative design improvements.

• Documentation of your approach to conducting design audits and identifying opportunities for UX enhancement.

• Evidence of your ability to adapt design processes to fit Lean Agile frameworks and client-specific needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, especially in a consulting context, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase design output but also the strategic thinking, process rigor, and collaborative leadership demonstrated throughout the project lifecycle. The emphasis is on demonstrating impact and a systematic approach to problem-solving.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer in Cape Town, South Africa, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is ZAR 600,000 - ZAR 950,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major South African cities, considering the consulting nature of Red Badger and the demand for specialized UX skills. Factors such as specific project complexity, client engagement, and individual negotiation can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package benchmarked against industry standards.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conferences.

• Contribution to a vibrant and collaborative team culture at a leading digital product consultancy.

• Exposure to a diverse range of clients and challenging projects.

• Potential for growth within the organization, with pathways to leadership and specialization.

• Standard South African benefits may apply (e.g., medical aid, retirement fund contributions), subject to company policy.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time employment contract. While the role is on-site, Red Badger may offer flexibility in working hours where feasible, subject to client and project demands. Operations professionals are expected to be available during core business hours for team collaboration and client interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on available market data for senior UX roles in Cape Town, South Africa. The specific benefits are inferred from typical offerings at consulting firms and the emphasis on professional growth within the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Digital Product Development. Red Badger operates in a dynamic sector focused on helping businesses transform through digital products, often involving cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches. This context means operations professionals will be exposed to diverse business challenges and cutting-edge solutions.

Company Size: Red Badger is a medium-sized company, likely employing between 50-250 individuals. This size typically offers a good balance between the structure and resources of a larger firm and the agility and close-knit feel of a smaller one, allowing for significant impact and visibility.

Founded: Red Badger was founded in 2011. Its decade-plus history suggests a stable, experienced organization with a proven track record in delivering digital transformation projects and building a strong reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a client-facing, cross-functional team, working alongside Product Managers, Developers, and other specialists.

• This team operates using Lean Agile methodologies, emphasizing collaboration, rapid iteration, and continuous delivery of value.

• The UX Designer will report into a senior design lead or a relevant project lead, with direct interaction and mentorship opportunities for junior UX designers within Red Badger. Methodology:

• Red Badger champions Lean Agile and Human-Centered Design principles, focusing on delivering business and user value through iterative development.

• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, with a strong emphasis on user research, testing, and analytics to inform design and strategy.

• Collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing are core to their operational approach, fostering continuous improvement and skill development across disciplines.

Company Website: https://www.red-badger.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Badger's positioning as a digital product consultancy implies a fast-paced, client-centric environment. The emphasis on Lean Agile and Human-Centered Design shapes the operational culture, requiring adaptability, strong communication, and a focus on delivering tangible value.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX Designer, placing it at an experienced individual contributor level. It signifies a capacity to lead complex UX initiatives, mentor junior team members, and act as a strategic advisor to clients. The role demands not only design craft but also leadership, facilitation, and client management skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Head of UX, Design Director, or a senior project lead within Red Badger. They will also work closely with Product Managers and Development Leads on client projects, forming part of a cross-functional team. Mentorship responsibilities extend to junior UX designers.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer has a direct and significant impact on client success by ensuring products are user-friendly, valuable, and aligned with business objectives. Their work influences product strategy, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, the business outcomes achieved by Red Badger's clients. They are key in shaping the perception and effectiveness of Red Badger's product design capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Lead UX Designer, Head of UX, or Principal Designer roles, involving greater strategic oversight, team management, and client advisory.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like Service Design, Design Systems, UX Research, or Product Strategy.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop advanced client management, sales support, and business development skills, potentially moving into strategic consulting roles.

• Thought Leadership: Opportunities to contribute to Red Badger's internal knowledge base, speak at industry events, and publish articles, establishing a reputation as an expert.

• Mentorship: Formalized opportunities to mentor and develop junior designers, building leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation and consulting environment suggest substantial growth potential beyond pure design execution, encompassing leadership, strategy, and business development. Red Badger's focus on building its product capability implies internal growth and knowledge-sharing are valued.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site," indicating a requirement to work from Red Badger's Cape Town office. This environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and client engagement.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Cape Town, South Africa. Specific details regarding office amenities, accessibility, and proximity to public transport would need to be confirmed directly with Red Badger.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with open-plan areas and meeting rooms conducive to team work and client presentations.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology will be provided, supporting the creation of high-fidelity prototypes and research outputs.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a diverse team of UX designers, developers, product managers, and consultants, fostering a rich learning and collaborative atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, client-facing consulting often requires flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs. This may involve occasional extended hours or adjusted schedules, balanced with the need for a sustainable work-life integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation implies a preference for in-person collaboration, which is common in consulting firms for client engagement and team cohesion. The workspace context is inferred from typical consulting environments that prioritize collaboration and access to necessary tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements and experience level.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An opportunity to present a selection of your work, discuss your process, and articulate your design decisions and impact. Expect to dive deep into case studies.

• Skills & Behavioural Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience with Lean Agile, Human-Centered Design, facilitation, client management, and leadership capabilities. This may include situational and behavioural questions.

• Workshop/Design Challenge: You may be asked to participate in a short design exercise or facilitation simulation to assess your practical skills and approach.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within Red Badger.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities, covering different project types and challenges.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contribution, the design process, key challenges, your solutions, and the measurable impact (quantitative and qualitative).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodologies – user research, testing, facilitation, iteration – and how they informed your design decisions.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you've mentored others, influenced stakeholders, or led UX initiatives.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making, how you handle conflict, how you adapt to different client needs, and your understanding of Lean Agile principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a challenge, quickly grasp the business problem and user needs.

• Articulate Your Approach: Clearly state the steps you would take, the methodologies you would employ, and the deliverables you would aim for.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your thinking process rather than just presenting a final solution. Show how you would involve users and stakeholders.

• Time Management: Be mindful of time constraints and prioritize key aspects of the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to thoroughly assess not only design skills but also the critical senior-level competencies of leadership, client management, and strategic thinking, which are crucial for a consulting role. The portfolio review is a central component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma and Sketch is essential. Experience with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) is also valuable.

• User Research & Testing: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).

• Collaboration & Workshop: Experience with digital whiteboarding tools like Miro or Mural for remote facilitation and ideation.

• Project Management: Awareness of Agile project management tools such as Jira, Confluence, Trello, or Asana for workflow tracking and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of web analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) to interpret user behaviour data and inform design decisions.

• Familiarity with A/B testing tools and methodologies to measure the impact of design changes. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX, an understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes tools critical for UX design, research, and collaboration, reflecting the core responsibilities of the role. Figma and Sketch are explicitly mentioned as key requirements, alongside collaborative tools like Miro/Mural.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design decisions and product development processes.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive environment.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of design skills and processes.

• Impact & Value Delivery: A focus on creating tangible business and user value through well-designed, effective digital products.

• Continuous Learning: An ethos of staying current with industry trends, new technologies, and evolving design methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, QA, and other stakeholders to ensure holistic product development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and proactive problem-solving among team members.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding discussions and workshops to reach consensus and drive forward progress, empowering team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively contributing to the team's collective knowledge through presentations, documentation, and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style reflect a modern, agile, and client-focused consultancy. The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and continuous learning is crucial for success in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating and aligning diverse stakeholder expectations, business goals, and user needs on complex client projects.

• Managing Ambiguity: Thriving in project environments where requirements may be fluid or evolving, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills.

• Client Education: Advocating for and educating clients on the value and implementation of user-centered design practices, sometimes in organizations new to these concepts.

• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring effective collaboration and communication within cross-functional teams, especially when distributed or working on complex problems remotely.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like service design, design systems, UX research methodologies, and accessibility.

• Consulting Skills: Development in client relationship management, sales support, business analysis, and strategic consulting.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a wide array of clients across different industries, providing broad exposure to various business models and challenges.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior designers and leaders within Red Badger.

• Thought Leadership: Encouragement and support for presenting at conferences, writing articles, and contributing to the design community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in consulting, focusing on complexity, stakeholder management, and strategic influence. Growth opportunities are geared towards expanding both design expertise and broader consulting and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex problem for a client or team. What was your process and the outcome?" (Focus on your facilitation and communication skills, and ability to distill complexity.)

• "How do you approach user research when you have limited time or budget? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your resourcefulness and understanding of various research methods, including guerilla tactics.)

• "Walk me through a project where your UX recommendations significantly impacted the business or user outcomes. What metrics did you track?" (Prepare a compelling case study that highlights your strategic thinking and impact measurement.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints when designing a product?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach and ability to find optimal solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Red Badger and this specific role as a Senior UX Designer?" (Research Red Badger's work, values, and approach to design. Connect your aspirations to their offerings.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX trends and technologies?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or coaching clients on design principles." (Provide specific examples of your leadership and knowledge-sharing.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support tickets, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and how you handled challenges.

• Showcase Your Process: Don't just show final screens; illustrate your wireframes, user flows, research findings, and prototypes to demonstrate your thinking.

• Client Alignment: Explain how you involved stakeholders and aligned them with your design direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are designed to probe for senior-level strategic thinking, leadership, client management, and a deep understanding of operations within a consulting context. Portfolio presentation is key to demonstrating practical application and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Red Badger careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in Lean Agile environments, Human-Centered Design, client-facing roles, and leadership/mentorship. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 impactful case studies that showcase your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and measurable outcomes. Ensure it's easily accessible and well-organized.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, process, impact, and your strategic approach. Be ready to articulate your experience with prototyping, user research, and facilitation.

• Research Red Badger: Understand their company culture, client work, and approach to design. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company.

⚠️ 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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