UX & UI Designer (m/w/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX & UI Designer (m/w/d)

Company: Aufinity

Location: Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (with remote options)

🚀 Role Summary

• Translate complex B2B and FinTech processes into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces across web and mobile platforms.

• Act as the guardian and driver of the company's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency in digital product development.

• Leverage data-driven insights from user research and funnel analysis to continuously optimize user journeys and validate design hypotheses.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing teams to deliver high-quality, technically sound, and visually appealing digital products.

• Create compelling visual product marketing and sales materials aligned with the company's Corporate Identity (CI).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid position, offering flexibility with remote work while requiring collaboration in the Köln office. The emphasis on B2B and FinTech processes indicates a need for designers who can handle complex business logic and translate it into user-friendly interfaces. The role also involves a significant amount of collaboration and communication, requiring strong interpersonal skills in addition to design expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design intuitive user interfaces, wireframes, user flows, and responsive high-fidelity prototypes for web and mobile applications.

• Proactively maintain and evolve the central design system, ensuring component reusability and preventing design inconsistencies across the platform.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather feedback, analyze funnel abandonment rates, and inform data-driven design decisions for enhanced user journeys.

• Provide precise design specifications and act as a key partner for the development team throughout the sprint cycle, performing UX QA to ensure visual and ergonomic integrity.

• Develop engaging visual assets for product marketing and sales collateral, strictly adhering to Aufinity's Corporate Identity (CI).

• Bridge the gap between complex B2B business logic and elegant, simple user experiences that drive adoption and satisfaction.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy by advocating for the user and ensuring design solutions meet both user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "Data-Driven Optimizer" and "User-centric Analyst" suggests that data interpretation and user feedback are integral to the design process, not just afterthoughts. The "Dev-Handover & QA-Partner" aspect points to a collaborative role within the agile development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for mid-level UX/UI roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in product and interface design for digital products, with a strong portfolio showcasing web and mobile design projects.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in UX/UI design principles and methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes using tools like Figma.

• Solid understanding of responsive design principles for mobile, tablet, and desktop interfaces.

• Expertise in conceptualizing and managing scalable component libraries within design systems.

• Experience in conducting user research, usability testing, and analyzing funnel abandonment rates.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Product Managers and Developers.

• Strong communication skills in both German and English, both written and verbal. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with data analysis tools and interpreting metrics to inform design decisions.

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.

• Knowledge of FinTech or B2B SaaS product design.

• Experience in creating visual product marketing and sales materials.

• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical application and a user-centric, data-informed approach. The explicit mention of Figma and design systems indicates specific tool and methodology proficiency required. Strong German and English language skills are crucial, reflecting the company's operational base and potential international reach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your process from problem identification to solution implementation for digital products.

• Highlight projects that involved translating complex business logic (preferably B2B or FinTech) into intuitive user interfaces.

• Include examples of responsive design for various devices (mobile, tablet, desktop).

• Demonstrate your experience with design systems, including how you've contributed to or utilized component libraries for consistency and scalability.

• Present user research findings, usability testing results, and how data (e.g., funnel analysis) informed your design decisions and led to measurable improvements. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your design process, including steps for user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

• Explain how you approach design system governance and maintenance.

• Detail your collaboration process with Product Managers and Developers, including handover and QA procedures.

• Provide examples of how you use data and analytics to drive design optimizations and measure impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it's the primary way to assess design skills and process. The emphasis on case studies should focus on problem-solving, user-centricity, and quantifiable outcomes. Demonstrating an understanding of design systems and data-driven optimization will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level UX/UI Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Köln, Germany, the estimated annual gross salary range is €50,000 - €65,000. This range considers the cost of living in Köln, industry benchmarks for FinTech/SaaS companies, and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• Workation Options: Flexibility to work from different locations.

• Team Events & Company Events: Opportunities for team building and social interaction.

• Subsidies: Contributions towards lunch, internet, and the Deutschlandticket (public transport pass).

• Professional Development: Access to further training, cross-functional learning formats, and individual mentoring.

• Ownership & Impact: Full responsibility for topics with a focus on quality and sustainable impact.

• Growth Opportunities: Encouragement for continuous learning and personal development.

• Open Culture: Emphasis on open communication and collaboration at all levels.

• Chancengleichheit: Commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered for hybrid work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for UX/UI Designers in major German cities like Köln, adjusted for the FinTech sector. Benefits are comprehensive, focusing on work-life balance, professional growth, and employee well-being, which are attractive to mid-level professionals. The inclusion of the Deutschlandticket is a significant perk for employees commuting within Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: FinTech / Automotive Software. Aufinity operates in the rapidly growing FinTech sector, specifically providing digital payment management solutions for the automotive industry through its platform, bezahl.de. This niche requires an understanding of both financial processes and industry-specific needs.

Company Size: Aufinity is described as one of Germany's fastest-growing FinTech scale-ups. This suggests a dynamic, agile environment with a growing team, likely between 50-200 employees, offering opportunities for significant impact and rapid career progression.

Founded: Founded in 2018, Aufinity is a relatively young company but has achieved rapid growth, indicating a strong product-market fit and a motivated team driving innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Product team likely includes Product Managers, UX/UI Designers, and potentially Product Owners working closely with Engineering teams (Frontend, Backend, QA).

• The UX/UI Designer will report into a Head of Product or a Design Lead, collaborating daily with Product Managers and Frontend Developers.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with regular interaction between Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales to ensure cohesive product development and go-to-market strategies. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using analytics, user testing, and funnel data to inform design decisions and measure success.

• Agile Development: Likely follows Agile or Scrum methodologies, with designers embedded within sprints, participating in planning, reviews, and daily stand-ups.

• Design System Governance: A structured approach to maintaining and evolving a central design system for consistency and efficiency.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and advocating for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on FinTech and the automotive sector implies a need for designers who can grasp complex financial workflows and business-to-business (B2B) user needs. As a scale-up, the environment is likely fast-paced, with opportunities to shape processes and contribute significantly to the product's evolution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX/UI Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of relevant experience. It involves taking ownership of design tasks, contributing to the design system, and collaborating with other teams. The role is crucial for translating business requirements into user-friendly interfaces, directly impacting product adoption and customer satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, a Design Lead, or a Product Manager. They will work closely with Product Managers on feature definition and development, and with Frontend Developers to ensure accurate implementation.

Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer's work directly influences customer acquisition and retention by ensuring the platform is intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable to use. A well-designed user experience can reduce customer support load, increase conversion rates on key funnels, and enhance overall brand perception within the competitive FinTech and automotive payment sectors.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior UX/UI Designer: Progress to leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and taking on more complex product areas.

• Lead UX/UI Designer / Head of Design: Transition into a leadership role, defining design strategy, building and managing a design team, and overseeing the entire user experience vision.

• Product Management: Leverage deep product understanding gained from a design role to move into Product Management, focusing on strategy, roadmapping, and feature definition.

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific areas like design systems, user research, or interaction design.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for professional development through workshops, conferences, and internal knowledge sharing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX/UI Designer at a scale-up like Aufinity is typically strong, with opportunities to advance into senior individual contributor roles or management positions as the company grows. The emphasis on "Ownership & Gestaltungsspielraum" suggests that proactive individuals can carve out significant career development pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Aufinity offers a hybrid work model, combining the benefits of remote flexibility with in-office collaboration. This suggests a modern office environment designed for teamwork and innovation, likely in Köln.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Köln, Germany. This central location in North Rhine-Westphalia provides good accessibility for employees within the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan workstations conducive to team discussions and brainstorming sessions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design software (Figma is specified), high-speed internet, and modern office equipment to support design work.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, and other team members, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The typical work schedule is around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to manage personal time and balance remote and office-based work. This allows for focused work periods and integration with personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a trust-based work culture that values both individual productivity and team synergy. The Köln location is a significant hub for technology and business in Germany, offering a vibrant professional environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A more in-depth session with the hiring manager (likely Head of Product or Design Lead) and potentially a Product Manager. This will involve a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate design decisions. Expect questions about your experience with design systems, user research, and translating complex logic.

• Practical Exercise/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise to assess your skills in action. This could involve refining an existing UI element, designing a new feature flow, or solving a specific UX problem.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: A conversation with potential colleagues (e.g., Product Managers, Frontend Developers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Aufinity's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term career aspirations, and overall fit within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (B2B, FinTech, complex logic, design systems, data-driven optimization).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the impact/results achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, research methods, and how you navigated challenges. Show how you think, not just what you designed.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased engagement).

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to speak in detail about every aspect of your portfolio projects, including your design choices and rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly understand the problem statement and Aufinity's business (FinTech, B2B, Automotive).

• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate your systematic approach to solving the problem.

• Communicate Assumptions: Clearly state any assumptions you make and why.

• Deliverable Clarity: Ensure your final output (wireframes, prototypes, presentation) is clear, well-organized, and addresses all aspects of the challenge.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your challenge solution concisely and effectively, anticipating potential questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely structured to assess not only design proficiency but also problem-solving capabilities, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Aufinity's data-driven and user-centric approach. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is paramount for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) might be beneficial, but Figma is the primary focus.

• Design System Management: Experience with building, maintaining, and utilizing component-based design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Funnel Analysis Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms to track user behavior and identify drop-off points.

• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Hotjar).

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret charts and dashboards to understand user behavior and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can be advantageous for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and a deep understanding of design systems are non-negotiable. The role also requires a strong analytical mindset, leveraging data from various tools to inform and validate design decisions. Familiarity with the FinTech ecosystem and its associated data streams would be a significant plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Ownership: A commitment to high-quality work and taking full responsibility for one's contributions, driving sustainable impact.

• Purpose & Gestaltungsspielraum: Encouraging employees to bring their ideas, shape their roles, and contribute to the company's future success.

• Openness & Eye-Level: Fostering transparent communication, direct exchange, and collaboration across all levels of the organization.

• Growth without Stillstand: A dedication to continuous learning and personal/professional development through various formats.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by data, user insights, and measurable outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between Product, Design, and Engineering is expected to ensure cohesive product development.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is shared openly and constructively to improve designs and processes.

• Proactive Communication: Encouraging team members to communicate proactively about progress, challenges, and ideas.

• User Advocacy: Designers are expected to champion the user's perspective in all discussions and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Aufinity emphasizes a culture of ownership, continuous learning, and open communication. The ideal candidate will be proactive, collaborative, and driven by a desire to create impactful user experiences within a fast-paced FinTech environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: The primary challenge will be simplifying intricate B2B and FinTech processes into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. This requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Design System Evolution: Ensuring the design system remains robust, scalable, and adopted across the growing product suite while accommodating new features and requirements.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively mediating between user desires, technical constraints, and business objectives to create solutions that satisfy all stakeholders.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to a fast-paced scale-up environment where priorities can shift and new challenges emerge frequently.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Deepen expertise in areas like interaction design, information architecture, user research methodologies, and accessibility.

• Product Strategy: Gain exposure to product roadmapping, strategic planning, and market analysis through close collaboration with Product Management.

• FinTech Domain Knowledge: Develop a specialized understanding of payment processing, financial regulations, and the automotive industry's payment landscape.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a growing FinTech scale-up, offering significant opportunities for a designer to develop specialized skills and take on increasing responsibility. The company's commitment to growth suggests ample resources for professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate a complex business process into a simple user interface. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem definition, user research, design process, and impact.)

• "How do you approach building or maintaining a design system? What are the key principles for ensuring its scalability and adoption?" (Highlight experience with component libraries, documentation, and collaboration.)

• "Walk us through a project where you used user data or analytics to inform your design decisions. What data did you look at, and how did it influence your final design?" (Emphasize data interpretation, hypothesis validation, and measurable results.)

• "How do you collaborate with Product Managers and Developers to ensure a smooth design handover and high-quality implementation?" (Focus on communication, documentation, and partnership.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Aufinity and our mission in the FinTech/Automotive payment space?" (Research the company, its product bezahl.de, and its market position.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to our data-driven culture and commitment to excellence?" (Align your skills and values with Aufinity's stated values.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you thrive in a hybrid setting." (Showcase your understanding of collaboration and autonomy.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, your solutions, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Your "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions at every step.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points effectively.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs solved problems and delivered value to users and the business.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX/UI principles, a data-driven approach, experience with design systems, and excellent collaboration skills. Be ready to articulate your thought process and showcase the impact of your work through your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX & UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with complex B2B/FinTech processes, design systems, responsive design, and data-driven optimization. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize keywords relevant to UX/UI design, Figma, design systems, user research, data analysis, and FinTech. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, explaining your design rationale, and preparing answers to common UX/UI interview questions, especially those related to problem-solving and collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Aufinity, its product bezahl.de, its market position in FinTech and automotive payments, and its company culture to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment.

⚠️ 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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