UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Szallas Group

Location: Budapest (HU), Cluj-Napoca (RO), Constanța (RO), Miskolc (HU), Liberec (CZ), Lublin (PL), Warsaw (PL)

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent employee

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-07-31T13:30:56

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

Remote Status: Hybrid or Remote (occasional office presence required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end design initiatives within a fast-paced online travel agency (OTA) environment.

• Drive the design strategy for digital products serving millions of travelers and partners across Central and Eastern Europe.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and analysts to translate user needs and business objectives into actionable design solutions.

• Facilitate the implementation of designs, ensuring they deliver measurable impact and enhance the user experience.

• Champion a culture of continuous learning and data-driven decision-making within the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Designer, requiring a solid track record of implemented designs. The emphasis on "end-to-end design initiatives" and "facilitating implementation" suggests a need for a candidate who can manage projects autonomously, from initial concept to final development handover, and can effectively communicate design rationale to technical and business stakeholders. The "OTA digital products" and "B2C e-commerce" experience points towards a need for understanding complex user journeys and conversion optimization in a commercial context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire UX design process for new and existing digital products, from user research and ideation through wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final design handoff.

• Conduct user research, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing, to gather insights into user behaviors, needs, and pain points.

• Analyze quantitative data, market benchmarks, and user feedback to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for product improvement.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Collaborate closely with product managers to define product strategy, roadmap, and feature prioritization based on user needs and business goals.

• Partner with engineers to ensure design feasibility and seamless implementation, providing clear specifications and design assets.

• Present and articulate design solutions and rationale clearly and persuasively to various stakeholders, including leadership, product teams, and development teams.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles and best practices across the organization, fostering a strong user experience culture.

• Support the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies within an agile development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution. "Lead end-to-end design initiatives" implies ownership and project management capabilities, while "Translate data, surveys, and market benchmarks into designs" emphasizes the need for data literacy and analytical skills. The requirement to "advocate for your solutions throughout the product development cycle" indicates a critical role in influencing product direction and ensuring the successful adoption of designs by the development team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred within the UX design discipline. Relevant certifications or extensive practical experience can be considered equivalent.

Experience: 3-5 years of hands-on experience in UX design, with a strong preference for experience in Online Travel Agency (OTA) digital products or other online services. A minimum of 1 year of UX design experience within a B2C e-commerce environment is also acceptable. Proven experience in creating and implementing designs for live online services is essential.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• End-to-End Design Process: Demonstrated ability to manage the full design lifecycle, from discovery and research to implementation and iteration.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes, wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard tools.

• User Research & Analysis: Experience conducting user research (qualitative and quantitative) and translating findings into actionable design insights.

• Data Literacy: Basic knowledge of analyzing quantitative data to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent ability to build trust, manage expectations, and influence decisions with stakeholders at all levels.

• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working effectively within an agile development environment.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify user problems and translate them into innovative and effective design solutions.

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing implemented designs for online services, including 1-2 detailed case studies.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the Online Travel Agency (OTA) sector.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO) principles.

• Experience with design systems and component libraries.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

• Fluency in additional Central and Eastern European languages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement is crucial, emphasizing "already implemented designs" and "proven track record." The "basic knowledge in analyzing quantitative data" suggests that while deep analytics expertise isn't mandatory, an understanding of how to interpret user data and metrics to justify design choices is important. The need for a strong portfolio with case studies is a critical filter for this role, serving as tangible proof of the candidate's capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Implemented Designs: Showcase a minimum of 1-2 comprehensive case studies detailing end-to-end UX design projects that have been successfully launched and are in use by customers.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed by each design project.

• Design Process Documentation: Demonstrate your design process, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing approaches.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs, where possible, using relevant metrics such as conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times, or reduction in support queries.

• Visual Polish: Present high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes that reflect a strong visual design sensibility and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• User Journey Mapping: Evidence of creating and utilizing user journey maps to understand and optimize the customer experience across touchpoints.

• Workflow Design: Examples of designing intuitive and efficient user flows for complex online services.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Showcase how you have collaborated with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders throughout the design and implementation phases.

• Data Integration: Demonstrate how you have used quantitative data and user feedback to iterate and improve designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "already implemented designs" and "end-to-end design initiatives" strongly suggests that the portfolio is not just about conceptual work but about demonstrable contributions to live products. The requirement to "Translate data, surveys, and market benchmarks into designs" means candidates should be prepared to discuss how they leverage various inputs to create user-centric solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the locations provided (Budapest, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, Miskolc, Liberec, Lublin, Warsaw) and the mid-level experience requirement (3-5 years), a competitive salary range can be estimated.

• Budapest, Hungary: Approximately 800,000 - 1,200,000 HUF gross per month.

• Cluj-Napoca / Constanța, Romania: Approximately 7,000 - 11,000 RON gross per month.

• Miskolc, Hungary: Similar to Budapest, potentially slightly lower, around 750,000 - 1,100,000 HUF gross per month.

• Liberec, Czechia: Approximately 60,000 - 90,000 CZK gross per month.

• Lublin / Warsaw, Poland: Approximately 8,000 - 13,000 PLN gross per month.

Note: These are estimates based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers in these regions and may vary based on specific skills, the candidate's negotiation, and the company's internal compensation structure.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to work from home or in the office.

• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package and potential for bonuses.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and attending industry conferences.

• Impactful Work: Opportunity to contribute to products used by millions and influence product strategy.

• Collaborative Environment: Work with talented and supportive colleagues in a dynamic team.

• Travel Industry Perks: Potential for benefits related to travel or the travel industry.

• International Exposure: Work within a leading travel-tech company with a strong regional presence.

Working Hours: Full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid working model. The agile environment suggests a focus on results and collaboration over strict time adherence, though core working hours will likely be established for team synchronization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges are provided as estimates for the specified locations, considering the mid-level UX Designer role. The benefits are derived from the job description's "Why Szallas Group?" section and common industry offerings. The "hybrid working model with flexibility" is a key benefit highlighted.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology (Online Travel Agency - OTA)

Company Size: 500+ employees. This indicates a well-established company with structured departments, providing opportunities for specialization and cross-functional collaboration, but also a need for individual initiative to navigate processes.

Founded: The company's founding is not specified, but its position as one of Central Eastern Europe’s leading online travel companies suggests a history of growth and adaptation in the digital travel space.

Team Structure:

• Reporting: The UX Designer reports to the Head of Product, indicating a direct line of influence on product strategy and development.

• Cross-functional Teams: The role is part of a cross-functional team, implying close collaboration with Product Managers, Software Engineers, Analysts, and potentially other designers.

• Product Focus: The team is dedicated to rebuilding services for travelers and partners, suggesting a focus on user-centricity and business impact within the travel domain.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: The company operates within an agile environment, meaning iterative development cycles, frequent collaboration, and adaptability are key.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on translating "data, surveys, and market benchmarks into designs" points to a culture that values insights and evidence.

• Research & Continuous Learning: The role supports a "culture of research and continuous learning across teams," highlighting a commitment to staying current and improving through knowledge sharing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Szallas Group operates in the competitive Travel-Tech sector, focusing on Central and Eastern Europe. The company size suggests a mature organization with established processes, but the emphasis on "rebuilding services" and "fast-moving online travel agency" implies an environment that is also dynamic and open to innovation. The reporting structure to the Head of Product signifies that UX design is considered a critical component of product strategy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Designer. This level typically involves taking ownership of specific features or product areas, contributing significantly to design strategy, and mentoring junior designers. The role requires a strong understanding of the end-to-end design process and the ability to work independently.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer reports directly to the Head of Product. This close proximity to product leadership allows for direct input into product strategy and visibility of the impact of design decisions on business outcomes.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly influences the user experience for millions of travelers and partners, impacting customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue for the company. By leading "design initiatives that directly shape our development" and ensuring changes "drive real impact," the role is central to the company's digital product success and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or information architecture within the travel domain.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer role, taking on more complex projects, leading design sprints, or mentoring junior team members.

• Product Strategy: Influence product vision and strategy more broadly by leveraging design insights and a deep understanding of user needs.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potentially move into Product Management roles, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Team Lead/Management: With significant experience and demonstrated leadership, opportunities to lead a UX team may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Head of Product" reporting line suggests that UX is strategically valued. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating impact and taking on increasing responsibility within product development, potentially leading to senior or management roles within the UX or product organization. The company's focus on "rebuilding services" indicates a fertile ground for driving significant change and demonstrating impact, which is key for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid working model, allowing for a blend of remote and in-office work. This suggests modern office spaces designed to facilitate collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion when employees are present.

Office Location(s): The job is listed with multiple potential locations across Central and Eastern Europe, including Budapest (HU), Cluj-Napoca (RO), Constanța (RO), Miskolc (HU), Liberec (CZ), Lublin (PL), and Warsaw (PL). This indicates a distributed team structure and potentially opportunities for international collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are likely equipped with meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and common spaces conducive to teamwork and idea sharing.

• Technology & Tools: Access to standard design software, collaboration platforms, and potentially dedicated research facilities or equipment.

• Agile Setup: The environment likely supports agile practices, with open communication channels and flexible work arrangements to facilitate team synchronization.

• International Atmosphere: Working across multiple countries suggests a diverse and multicultural environment, offering exposure to different perspectives.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid and remote options. The agile framework implies a focus on delivering value and meeting sprint goals, allowing for some autonomy in managing work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and multi-location nature of the role implies a need for strong digital collaboration skills and self-discipline. While remote work is an option, "occasional office presence required" suggests that in-person interaction for key meetings, workshops, or team building is still valued.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and experience.

2. Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session with the hiring manager or a senior designer to deep-dive into your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through 1-2 case studies, explaining your role, process, challenges, and the impact of your designs.

3. Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a design challenge (take-home or live), a problem-solving exercise, or a discussion about specific UX methodologies and tools.

4. Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, or Analysts to assess your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to work within a cross-functional team.

5. Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product or Design Lead) to discuss cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Impact: Focus on 1-2 projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership and measurable results. Clearly state your specific contributions if it was a team effort.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens; explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, data, or constraints.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased engagement).

• Tailor to Szallas Group: Briefly explain how your experience and approach align with the company's mission and the travel industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, ensure you fully grasp the brief and the target user/business goals.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Articulate Your Reasoning: Be prepared to explain your design choices and trade-offs clearly and concisely.

• Focus on Core UX Principles: Demonstrate your understanding of user-centered design, problem-solving, and iterative development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on "end-to-end design initiatives" and "implemented designs," expect the portfolio review to be a critical stage. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, decision-making rationale, and the tangible impact of their work, supported by data where possible. The mention of "stakeholder presentations" and "facilitating implementation" suggests interviewers will probe communication and collaboration skills extensively.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision is expected for creating wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups. Figma is increasingly becoming a standard for collaborative design.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for usability testing, surveys, and user feedback collection (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Hotjar).

• Collaboration Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Jira for communication and project management within agile teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Basic knowledge of analyzing quantitative data suggests familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or product-specific analytics dashboards to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards or reports.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a UX tool, understanding how user data is managed in CRM systems or how automation impacts user journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the requirements for prototyping, user research, and data analysis point towards the need for proficiency in standard UX design suites (e.g., Figma/Sketch/XD) and common analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics). The "basic knowledge in analyzing quantitative data" implies that while advanced analytical skills aren't mandatory, the ability to interpret key metrics from analytics tools is important for informing design decisions and demonstrating impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A strong commitment to understanding and serving the needs of travelers and partners.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by research, data analysis, and market insights.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across disciplines (product, engineering, marketing) to achieve common goals.

• Ownership & Impact: Taking responsibility for design outcomes and striving to make a tangible difference in product success and business results.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to learning, iterating, and refining processes and products.

• Agility: Adaptability and responsiveness to changing market conditions and user feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: The role requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Analysts to ensure designs are user-validated, technically feasible, and aligned with business objectives.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where ideas can be shared freely, feedback is constructive, and discussions are solution-oriented.

• Agile Teamwork: Participating actively in agile ceremonies (sprints, stand-ups, retrospectives) to ensure seamless integration of design into the development workflow.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization to gain buy-in and ensure alignment on design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of user advocacy, data-informed decision-making, and collaborative execution within an agile framework. The "Own your adventure!" slogan suggests a culture that encourages initiative and embraces new challenges, which is crucial for a role focused on product evolution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating complex user needs into solutions that also meet ambitious business objectives in a competitive travel market.

• Data Interpretation: Deriving actionable insights from "basic" quantitative data and integrating them seamlessly into the design process.

• Cross-Cultural Design: Designing for a diverse user base across multiple Central and Eastern European countries, considering varying cultural nuances and language requirements.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to the rapid iteration cycles of an online travel agency and ensuring design quality is maintained under tight deadlines.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining consensus and buy-in from diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the online travel industry and understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the OTA space.

• Advanced UX Techniques: Exploring specialized areas of UX, such as service design, ethical design, or advanced user research methodologies.

• Data Analytics Skills: Developing stronger analytical skills to leverage quantitative data more effectively for design decision-making.

• Product Strategy Influence: Gaining more influence over product roadmaps and long-term strategic planning.

• International Exposure: Expanding understanding of different markets and user behaviors across the CEE region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges will revolve around navigating the complexities of the travel industry, balancing user needs with business demands in a fast-paced environment, and effectively collaborating across diverse teams and geographies. Growth opportunities are linked to developing deeper domain expertise, enhancing analytical skills, and increasing strategic influence within product development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an end-to-end design initiative. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on your role, the methodologies used, and quantifiable impact.)

• "How do you translate quantitative data and user research into actionable design decisions?" (Be ready to discuss specific examples and your analytical approach.)

• "Imagine you need to design a new feature for our booking process. How would you approach this, and who would you involve?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the product development lifecycle and stakeholder collaboration.)

• "How do you handle disagreements or conflicting feedback from stakeholders or team members regarding your designs?" (Showcase your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Szallas Group and the travel industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you contribute to a culture of research and continuous learning within a team?" (Provide examples of how you share knowledge or drive learning initiatives.)

• "Describe your experience working in an agile environment. What are the benefits and challenges?" (Highlight your adaptability and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly outline: Problem Statement -> Your Role & Process -> Solutions & Rationale -> Outcomes & Learnings.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how it was measured or validated.

• Be Ready to Deep Dive: Anticipate questions about your specific contributions, design trade-offs, and why you made certain choices.

• Showcase Iteration: If applicable, illustrate how your designs evolved based on feedback or testing.

• Connect to Szallas Group: Briefly explain how your skills and experiences are relevant to their products and mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on articulating your UX process and demonstrating the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your experiences with data analysis, stakeholder management, and agile methodologies, using specific examples from your portfolio. Understanding Szallas Group's business and the travel industry will be crucial for tailoring your responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application via the provided link: https://szallas.jobs.personio.com/job/2736994

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases 1-2 implemented case studies that highlight your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable impact. Tailor your selection to align with B2C e-commerce or OTA digital product experiences.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "end-to-end design initiatives," "stakeholder management," "data analysis," "prototyping," and "agile methodology." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and stakeholder communication.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Szallas Group's products, mission, and the competitive landscape of the online travel industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Understand their target audience and business goals.

⚠️ 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.