Senior UX/UI Designer (f/m/d)

Nortal
Full-time•Germany

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (f/m/d)

Company: Nortal

Location: Germany (Remote with quarterly on-site meetings)

Job Type: Part-Time

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design, Digital Transformation

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years Professional Experience

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote within Germany, quarterly on-site meetings)

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • This role is focused on designing impactful digital services for the public sector, leveraging user-centered design principles to improve citizen interactions.

  • You will be responsible for the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and user research to the delivery of intuitive and accessible interfaces.

  • The position involves close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Product Owners, developers, and stakeholders, to ensure successful product development and implementation.

  • A significant aspect of this role is contributing to and maintaining a design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across digital products.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the input specifies "Part-Time," the responsibilities and experience level suggest a demanding role. This may indicate flexible part-time hours or a misclassification. Clarification with the employer is recommended. The role is firmly within the Product Design and Digital Transformation domain, focusing on public sector applications.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Conceptualize and design user interfaces using Figma, progressing from early concepts and user flows to high-fidelity mockups.

  • Translate complex user needs and business requirements into well-defined UX/UI user stories, collaborating closely with the Product Owner and development team.

  • Plan, execute, and support user testing sessions to validate design decisions and gather critical feedback for iterative improvements.

  • Actively contribute to the development and maintenance of the company's design system, ensuring design consistency and adherence to established standards across various digital products.

  • Conduct UX/UI reviews of developed increments, working hand-in-hand with frontend developers to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs.

  • Ensure all designs adhere to and meet accessibility standards, specifically WCAG 2.1 Level AA.

  • Proactively consider the testability of designs early in the development cycle, aligning with QA teams on UI states crucial for automated end-to-end testing (e.g., using Playwright).

  • Facilitate effective communication and alignment with stakeholders, the cross-functional product team, and the broader design community within the organization.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep integration of design within agile development cycles, emphasizing collaboration with Product Owners and developers. The specific mention of WCAG 2.1 AA and Playwright for automated testing indicates a mature and quality-focused development environment.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and expertise in UX/UI design is paramount. Candidates should possess a solid understanding of design principles, user-centered methodologies, and digital product development.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience as a UX/UI Designer, with a strong preference for experience within a product development environment and ideally within the public sector or regulated industries.

Required Skills:

  • Advanced proficiency in Figma, including expert-level experience with component libraries and design system management.

  • Proven experience across the entire product development lifecycle, from user research and pain point identification to the creation of detailed UX/UI specifications.

  • Hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust design systems.

  • Solid practical experience in designing for accessibility, specifically meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.

  • Demonstrated experience working within agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or similar frameworks, in cross-functional teams.

  • Confident and proficient use of Jira and Confluence for team collaboration, task management, and documentation.

  • Strong stakeholder management capabilities, including the ability to facilitate productive discussions in complex or high-risk environments.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both German and English, with a minimum proficiency level of C1 for both languages.

Preferred Skills:

  • Previous experience designing digital solutions for the public sector or highly regulated environments.

  • Experience functioning as a Product Owner or Proxy Product Owner, or a strong understanding of PO responsibilities and workflows.

  • Awareness and understanding of how design choices impact automated UI testing, particularly with frameworks like Playwright (e.g., stable selectors, test IDs, predictable states).

  • Prior experience working in a consulting or agency setting, bringing diverse project perspectives.

  • Experience in supporting WCAG 2.1 Level AAA compliance where applicable.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for C1 level German and English is critical for this role, indicating significant client and internal communication needs within Germany. The emphasis on Figma, design systems, accessibility, and agile methodologies points to a modern, efficient design practice.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and problem-solving capabilities.

  • The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to translate user needs and business objectives into intuitive and effective digital interfaces.

  • Specific examples of contributions to design systems, including component creation, documentation, and maintenance, should be highlighted.

  • Evidence of work on accessible designs (WCAG 2.1 AA) and how these were integrated into the design process is essential.

Process Documentation:

  • Candidates are expected to showcase their ability to document design processes, including user research findings, design rationale, and iterative changes.

  • Experience with Agile workflows, including the creation and refinement of user stories within tools like Jira, should be evident.

  • Examples of how design decisions were validated through user testing and how feedback was incorporated into design iterations are crucial.

  • Documentation around design system components, guidelines, and best practices is expected.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is non-negotiable and should specifically highlight experience with Figma, design systems, and accessibility. Candidates should prepare to walk through case studies that detail their thought process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration methods.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As no specific salary range is provided, and this is a Part-Time role within Germany, a competitive hourly rate or pro-rata annual salary would be expected. Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UX/UI Designer with 5+ years of experience in Germany, a typical full-time equivalent salary might range from €60,000 to €85,000 annually. For a part-time role, this would be adjusted accordingly. Factors such as specific location within Germany, the exact number of part-time hours, and the candidate's specific expertise would influence the final offer.

Benefits:

  • Fully remote work arrangement within Germany, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

  • Quarterly on-site team meetings for enhanced collaboration, team building, and strategic alignment.

  • Participation in a cross-functional, collaborative team environment focused on impactful digital solutions.

  • Opportunity to work on meaningful projects within the public sector, contributing to real-world societal improvements.

  • Professional development opportunities within a leading digital transformation company.

Working Hours: Specified as Part-Time. The exact number of hours per week should be clarified, but the role implies a significant commitment due to its senior nature and the requirement for quarterly on-site meetings. A typical full-time role in Germany is around 35-40 hours per week.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Germany and a full-time equivalent role, requiring adjustment for the part-time nature of this position. Candidates should inquire about the specific hourly rate or part-time salary structure. The hybrid work model, with mandatory quarterly on-sites, needs to be factored into the overall compensation and benefits assessment.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Digital Transformation, Government & Public Sector, Consulting. Nortal operates at the intersection of these sectors, focusing on building complex digital solutions that drive efficiency and improve user experiences for large organizations and government bodies.

Company Size: Nortal is a significant player in digital transformation, employing over 2,000 people across multiple countries. This size suggests a structured organization with established processes but also provides opportunities for impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Nortal was founded over 25 years ago, indicating a stable company with extensive experience in the digital transformation landscape and a proven track record.

Team Structure:

  • The role is part of a cross-functional product team, suggesting close collaboration with Product Owners, developers, QA, and potentially other designers.

  • Reporting likely falls within a design leadership structure or a product development hierarchy, with dotted lines to project stakeholders.

Methodology:

  • Nortal emphasizes an AI-driven transformation approach, leveraging data and AI to create business value.

  • The company focuses on designing solutions that are practical and effective in real-world scenarios, not just theoretical.

  • Agile methodologies are standard, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.

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

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Nortal's focus on public sector digital transformation and AI-driven solutions provides a unique context for this UX/UI role. The company's long history suggests stability and deep expertise, while its size offers both structure and potential for influence.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer position, indicating a mid-to-senior level role. It requires a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor or guide others. The focus is on leading design initiatives within a product context, rather than managing a team directly, though leadership in design thinking and best practices is expected.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Product Development Manager. They will work closely with Product Owners and development teams on specific projects.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital services for the public sector. Successful designs can lead to improved citizen engagement, increased efficiency in public service delivery, and greater user satisfaction. The work contributes directly to Nortal's mission of delivering impactful digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in public sector design, accessibility standards (potentially AAA), or AI-driven design principles.

  • Leadership: Potential to evolve into a Lead UX/UI Designer, Design System Lead, or even transition towards Product Ownership roles, given the familiarity with PO responsibilities.

  • Skill Development: Continuous learning through working on complex, real-world projects, exposure to AI technologies, and collaboration with experienced professionals. Participation in industry conferences or advanced training might be supported.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a need for demonstrated leadership in design thinking and process, not just execution. Growth opportunities are likely tied to deepening expertise in specialized areas like public sector UX or leading design initiatives.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is predominantly remote, with a hybrid component involving quarterly on-site team meetings. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote within Germany, the quarterly on-site meetings could occur at any of Nortal's European offices or a designated project location. Candidates should inquire about the specific location for these meetings.

Workspace Context:

  • The remote aspect allows for a personalized home office setup.

  • On-site meetings will foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging direct interaction, brainstorming, and relationship building within the cross-functional team.

  • Access to standard design tools (Figma) and collaboration platforms (Jira, Confluence) is expected.

Work Schedule: The role is designated as Part-Time. The specific daily or weekly schedule needs to be clarified with the hiring manager. However, the nature of agile development and the need for collaboration with teams in different time zones (even within Germany) may require some flexibility.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature. Candidates should clarify the frequency, location, and purpose of these quarterly on-site meetings to ensure it aligns with their expectations.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience and alignment with core requirements.

  • Technical Interview: This will likely involve a deep dive into your Figma skills, design system experience, approach to accessibility (WCAG), and understanding of agile workflows. Expect to discuss your process for user research and testing.

  • Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio, explaining your design thinking, problem-solving approach, collaborative efforts, and the impact of your work.

  • Cross-functional Team / Stakeholder Interview: An opportunity to interact with potential colleagues (developers, Product Owner) and possibly senior stakeholders to assess your collaboration style, communication skills (especially in German and English), and ability to navigate complex requirements.

  • Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss cultural fit, long-term aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your skills in Figma, design systems, accessibility, and public sector (if applicable) design.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

  • Highlight Design System Contributions: If you've worked on design systems, demonstrate your understanding of component creation, documentation, and how you ensured consistency.

  • Showcase Accessibility: Clearly explain your approach to WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and provide examples of how you integrated accessibility considerations from the outset.

  • Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you worked with Product Owners, developers, and stakeholders, and how you handled feedback or disagreements.

  • Prepare for Figma Walkthrough: Be ready to share your Figma files and walk through the project structure, components, and key design decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Challenge: You might be given a small design problem or scenario to solve within a time limit, or asked to critique an existing interface and propose improvements. Focus on your thought process and justification.

  • Agile Scenario: Be prepared to discuss how you would integrate into an agile team, handle conflicting priorities, or translate user feedback into design actions.

  • Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating design decisions clearly and persuasively, especially when justifying choices based on user needs or accessibility requirements, and be ready to do so in both German and English.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and rationale, particularly in relation to accessibility and design systems. Fluency in both German and English will be assessed throughout.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for all aspects of UI design, prototyping, component creation, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is a core requirement.

  • Jira: Used for task management, sprint planning, bug tracking, and workflow management within agile teams.

  • Confluence: Utilized for documentation, knowledge sharing, project specifications, and design system guidelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Playwright: Specifically mentioned for its role in automated UI testing. Designers are expected to understand how their work impacts testability, ensuring stable selectors and predictable states.

  • Basic understanding of how CRM data or other backend systems might influence user interface design is helpful, though direct CRM tool proficiency is not listed as a requirement.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone tool for this role. The mention of Playwright highlights the expectation for designers to have a technical awareness of the development and testing process, particularly concerning automation.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Impactful Solutions: A strong emphasis on creating digital services that genuinely matter and improve people's lives, especially within the public sector.

  • User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and accessible experiences.

  • Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving.

  • Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design execution, accessibility, and overall product quality.

  • Data-Driven Approach: Utilizing data from user research, testing, and analytics to inform design choices and measure success.

Collaboration Style:

  • Integrated Teamwork: Designers are integral members of cross-functional product teams, working closely with Product Owners and developers daily.

  • Iterative Feedback: A culture that encourages continuous feedback loops, both within the design discipline and across development disciplines.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing best practices, insights, and learnings, likely facilitated through tools like Confluence and internal design community discussions.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The company culture values practical, impactful design delivered through collaborative, agile processes. The emphasis on public sector impact suggests a mission-driven environment.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Complexity and Usability: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex public sector services that cater to diverse user needs and technical proficiencies.

  • Ensuring Universal Accessibility: Consistently meeting and potentially exceeding WCAG 2.1 AA standards across all design outputs, and understanding when AAA might be relevant.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing stakeholder expectations within a multi-disciplinary team and with external clients.

  • Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective design workflows while working primarily remotely, leveraging quarterly on-sites strategically.

  • Impact Measurement: Demonstrating the tangible impact of design decisions on user experience and service effectiveness, especially in a public sector context.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Public Sector Design Expertise: Deepening understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in designing for government and civic services.

  • Advanced Accessibility: Gaining expertise in WCAG 2.1 AAA and other accessibility best practices.

  • AI in Design: Exploring how AI can be integrated into the design process or product features, aligning with Nortal's strategic focus.

  • Design System Leadership: Growing expertise in building and scaling design systems, potentially leading design system initiatives.

  • Product Ownership Acumen: Developing a stronger understanding of product management by working closely with POs, potentially leading to future career paths.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges in a meaningful sector, with a strong emphasis on accessibility and collaboration.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex public sector service you've designed for. What were the key user needs and how did your design address them?" (Focus on problem definition, user research, and iterative design.)

  • "How do you approach building and maintaining a design system? Can you walk us through a component you designed and its lifecycle?" (Highlight Figma skills, component thinking, and documentation.)

  • "Walk us through a project where accessibility was a critical requirement. What steps did you take to ensure WCAG 2.1 AA compliance?" (Detail your process, tools, and any challenges.)

  • "How do you collaborate with Product Owners and developers in an agile environment? Give an example of a design disagreement you resolved." (Showcase communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about working for Nortal and specifically on public sector digital services?" (Research Nortal's mission and values.)

  • "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid remote/on-site setting?" (Emphasize proactive communication and teamwork.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, user flows, and screenshots. Annotate key decisions and rationale.

  • Figma Deep Dive: Be prepared to share your screen and navigate your Figma files, demonstrating component usage, auto-layout, and design system integration.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., improved task completion rate, reduced error rate, positive user feedback) to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, describe the qualitative impact.

  • Language: Be comfortable presenting and answering questions in both German and English.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application of design skills, especially within the context of accessibility and design systems. Your ability to articulate your process and collaborate effectively in both languages will be key.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application directly through the provided link on the Nortal career portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to highlight projects demonstrating advanced Figma skills, design system contributions, and a strong focus on accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA). Prioritize projects relevant to public sector or complex digital services if available.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of relevant UX/UI design experience, explicitly mentioning Figma, design systems, accessibility standards, agile methodologies, Jira, Confluence, and your C1 proficiency in German and English. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on a clear narrative of problem, process, solution, and impact. Prepare to discuss your approach to accessibility and design systems in detail. Rehearse answers to common interview questions, including those related to collaboration and agile environments.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Nortal's mission, its work in digital transformation, and its focus on public sector solutions. Understand their values and how your approach to design aligns with their culture.

āš ļø 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.

Application Requirements

Candidates must have 5+ years of professional UX/UI design experience and advanced proficiency in Figma. Strong communication skills in both German and English are required, along with a portfolio demonstrating relevant work.