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

Category: User Experience (UX) Design

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

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

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

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end design initiatives, encompassing discovery, planning, and execution for digital products serving millions of travelers and partners.

• Collaborate with product managers, designers, and analysts to identify and prioritize opportunities that align with both business objectives and user needs.

• Translate complex data, survey insights, and market benchmarks into actionable design solutions, driving implementation with internal development teams.

• Foster a culture of continuous research and learning within cross-functional teams, advocating for user-centric design throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Effectively communicate design propositions and strategies to diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels, tailoring communication to audience requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a full-cycle design ownership, from initial user research and ideation to final implementation oversight and stakeholder buy-in. The "Reports to: Head of Product" indicates a direct line of influence on product strategy, requiring strong communication and strategic thinking beyond pure design execution. The remote/hybrid options across multiple CEE countries suggest a distributed team environment requiring robust communication and collaboration tools.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire design process for new features and service improvements, from initial user research and concept development through to final design handoff and post-launch analysis.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to deeply understand user pain points and needs within the online travel agency (OTA) context.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Analyze quantitative data, user feedback, and market trends to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for optimization and innovation.

• Work closely with product managers to define product roadmaps and prioritize design initiatives based on business impact and user value.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure the accurate and efficient implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and ongoing support.

• Present design proposals, user research findings, and project outcomes to stakeholders at various levels, articulating the rationale and expected impact of design solutions.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices across the organization, contributing to a strong design culture.

• Support the Head of Product in defining the overall product design strategy and setting design standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end design initiatives" and "facilitating implementation end-to-end" suggests that the candidate will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of a design project, including ensuring its successful adoption and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 3–5 years of hands-on experience in UX design, with a strong preference for experience within digital products for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), or at least 1 year of UX design experience in a B2C e-commerce environment.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Proficient in creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard tools.

• Product Design: Ability to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective digital product experiences.

• User Research & Analysis: Experience conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Skilled in creating interactive prototypes and detailed wireframes to visualize user journeys and interactions.

• Agile Methodology: Familiarity with working in agile development environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams on iterative design processes.

• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to communicate design concepts, present findings, and build consensus with stakeholders at various levels.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly and persuasively.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address user pain points and business challenges through design.

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing implemented designs for online services, demonstrating end-to-end project management capabilities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the Online Travel Agency (OTA) sector or B2C e-commerce.

• Basic knowledge of analyzing quantitative data and interpreting market benchmarks.

• Familiarity with design systems and their implementation.

• Knowledge of additional CEE region languages.

• Experience with A/B testing design variations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "proven track record in creating already implemented designs" and the request for "1-2 case studies demonstrating your designs" underscore the importance of practical, impactful work over theoretical concepts. The "basic knowledge in analyzing quantitative data" points towards a data-informed design approach, which is crucial for optimizing user experience in a data-driven company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Implemented Designs: Showcase at least 1-2 comprehensive case studies detailing your involvement in creating and implementing designs for online services. Focus on the impact of your contributions.

• End-to-End Project Management: Demonstrate experience managing design projects from initial discovery and scoping through to implementation and presentation.

• User-Centric Approach: Highlight how user research, data analysis, and feedback were integrated into your design process to solve user problems and achieve business goals.

• Design Artifacts: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that illustrate your design process and final output.

• Quantifiable Impact: Where possible, include metrics or evidence of the positive impact your designs have had on user engagement, conversion rates, or other key performance indicators.

Process Documentation:

• Discovery & Research: Detail how you approach understanding user needs and business objectives, including methodologies used for user research and data analysis.

• Design & Prototyping: Explain your process for translating insights into design solutions, including the tools and techniques used for wireframing and prototyping.

• Collaboration & Handoff: Describe how you collaborate with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, and how you ensure smooth design implementation.

• Iteration & Optimization: Showcase how you gather feedback post-launch and iterate on designs to continuously improve the user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "already implemented designs" and "end-to-end design projects" implies that candidates should be prepared to discuss the practical challenges and successes of bringing designs to life, not just the conceptual stages. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's role, process, and the tangible outcomes of their design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for UX Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Central and Eastern European tech hubs, a competitive salary range is estimated between €30,000 - €50,000 annually, depending on experience, specific location, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility between remote and office-based work.

• Competitive compensation package, reflecting the candidate's skills and experience.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Exposure to cutting-edge travel-tech products and a dynamic market.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment with talented colleagues.

• Chance to make a significant impact on products used by millions of travelers across the region.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid and remote options provide flexibility in managing work schedules within these parameters.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a specific salary range was not provided, industry research for a UX Designer role with 3-5 years of experience in major CEE cities like Budapest, Cluj-Napoca, or Warsaw suggests the estimated range. Benefits are derived from the "Why Szallas Group?" section, emphasizing flexibility, impact, and professional growth, which are attractive to operations and design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology (Travel-tech), Online Travel Agency (OTA), E-commerce. Szallas Group operates at the intersection of technology and hospitality, aiming to simplify and enhance travel experiences across Central and Eastern Europe.

Company Size: Over 500 professionals. This indicates a mid-to-large sized organization with established processes but also room for agility and individual impact. For operations professionals, this means potential for structured career paths, cross-functional collaboration opportunities, and access to a diverse range of business functions.

Founded: The company's founding history is not explicitly stated, but its position as a "leading online travel company" suggests a mature and established player in the market. This implies a stable operational environment with a focus on growth and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer reports directly to the Head of Product, indicating a close alignment with product strategy and decision-making.

• The role is part of a cross-functional team, likely including Product Managers, Developers, Analysts, and potentially other Designers.

• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on working within an agile environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The role requires translating quantitative data, user feedback, and market benchmarks into design decisions, suggesting a strong emphasis on data analysis and evidence-based approaches.

• Agile Development: Working within an agile environment means embracing iterative development, continuous feedback loops, and flexible planning.

• User-Centricity: A core principle is understanding and advocating for user needs throughout the product development cycle.

Company Website: https://szallas.group/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "shaping the future of regional travel" and its "local expertise, cutting-edge technology" positioning highlight an innovative and growth-oriented culture. The "Own your adventure!" slogan suggests an empowering environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative and ownership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level UX Designer. This role is positioned for an individual with a solid foundation in UX principles and methodologies, capable of independently managing design projects from conception to implementation. It requires more than just execution; it demands strategic thinking, stakeholder influence, and the ability to drive design initiatives forward.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer reports directly to the Head of Product. This provides a clear line of sight to product strategy and executive decision-making, offering opportunities to influence the product roadmap and understand broader business objectives.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of millions of travelers and partners. By leading design initiatives, the UX Designer can significantly influence customer satisfaction, engagement, conversion rates, and ultimately, the company's revenue and market position within the competitive travel-tech landscape.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager roles, overseeing larger projects or managing a team of designers.

• Product Strategy: Deepen involvement in product strategy, potentially transitioning into Product Management roles by leveraging design expertise and business acumen.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or accessibility, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within Product Management, Marketing, or Business Analysis, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Continuous Learning: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and ongoing professional development to stay current with UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on "end-to-end design initiatives" and "driving real impact" suggests opportunities for significant professional growth. The direct reporting line to the Head of Product offers high visibility and the chance to contribute strategically, accelerating career progression beyond typical mid-level design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid working model, with options for remote work and occasional office presence. This suggests a modern, flexible work environment that balances the benefits of in-office collaboration with the autonomy of remote work.

Office Location(s): Multiple primary locations are specified across Central and Eastern Europe: Budapest (HU), Cluj-Napoca (RO), Constanța (RO), Miskolc (HU), Liberec (CZ), Lublin (PL), and Warsaw (PL). This distributed presence allows for talent acquisition across a wide geographical area and offers flexibility to candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, indicating that the workspace (whether physical or virtual) is designed to facilitate teamwork and communication.

• Agile Setting: The agile environment suggests a dynamic and fast-paced workspace where flexibility, adaptability, and rapid iteration are valued.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools and technologies will be essential for efficient workflow and collaboration.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid model providing flexibility. This allows operations professionals to balance project demands with personal needs, potentially optimizing workflow around key data analysis periods or stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote options, coupled with multiple office locations, indicate a forward-thinking approach to work arrangements, catering to a diverse talent pool and promoting work-life balance. This flexibility is particularly valuable for roles that require deep focus and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience. Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights relevant UX design projects, especially those with implemented outcomes.

• Technical/Design Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approaches, and how you've used data and user research. Expect questions about specific case studies.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: You will likely meet with product managers, developers, or other team members to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work within an agile framework.

• Stakeholder Interview: An interview with the Head of Product or other senior stakeholders to evaluate your strategic thinking, understanding of business objectives, and ability to influence decisions.

• Potential Design Challenge: A practical exercise or case study may be assigned to assess your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver a solution under time constraints.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best represent your end-to-end design process and its impact. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing, implementation), the challenges faced, and the final outcomes (quantifiable if possible).

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize how your designs solved user problems and contributed to business goals. Use metrics where available.

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration with development teams.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer detailed questions about each aspect of your portfolio and your design decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly analyze the brief and understand the underlying business and user problems.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your plan, including research, ideation, design, and validation steps.

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly articulate the reasons behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.

• Consider Constraints: Be mindful of time limitations and the resources typically available in an agile, fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end design initiatives" and "facilitating implementation end-to-end" means candidates should be prepared to discuss the practical aspects of design delivery, including collaboration with developers and ensuring the final product aligns with the intended design. The portfolio should reflect this full-cycle involvement.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one major design tool is essential.

• User Research & Analytics: Tools for user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and potentially analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) for understanding user behavior.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Trello, Asana. Familiarity with agile project management tools is crucial for cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Basic proficiency in analyzing quantitative data, possibly using spreadsheets (Excel, Google Sheets) or BI tools if exposure exists. Understanding how to interpret user behavior data from analytics platforms is key.

• Reporting: Ability to present findings and design rationales clearly, potentially using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data is managed and how design impacts customer journeys within a CRM context can be beneficial. Familiarity with how design influences automated user flows or communication campaigns is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the responsibilities imply a need for proficiency in industry-standard UX design software for wireframing, prototyping, and visual design. Experience with collaborative platforms and basic data analysis tools is also expected given the role's requirements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the primary driver for design decisions and product development.

• Data-Informed: Valuing quantitative and qualitative data as essential inputs for decision-making, ensuring designs are validated and optimized based on evidence.

• Collaboration: Fostering a spirit of teamwork and open communication across departments, recognizing that the best outcomes are achieved through collective effort.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting quickly to market changes, and continuously seeking ways to improve products and processes.

• Ownership & Impact: Encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their work and strive to make a tangible, positive impact on the business and its users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely and fluidly with Product Managers, Engineers, Analysts, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficient execution.

• Agile & Iterative: Participating actively in agile ceremonies, providing constructive feedback, and embracing iterative design processes.

• Open Communication: Maintaining transparent communication channels, sharing insights, and being receptive to feedback from all team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture where best practices, learnings, and insights are shared freely to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's slogan "Own your adventure!" and emphasis on "shaping the future" suggest a culture that values proactivity, initiative, and a forward-thinking mindset. The "talented and supportive colleagues" point to a collaborative and growth-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively navigating the inherent tension between delivering optimal user experiences and meeting strict business objectives and timelines.

• Designing for Scale: Creating intuitive and scalable designs for products that serve millions of users across diverse markets and devices.

• Cross-Cultural Design Considerations: Adapting designs to resonate with users from various cultural backgrounds within the Central and Eastern European region.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Keeping up with the demands of an agile development cycle, requiring quick design iterations and adaptations.

• Advocating for UX in a Data-Driven Culture: Ensuring that user experience remains a priority, even when faced with strong quantitative data that might suggest alternative paths.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Deepen expertise in areas like service design, design thinking workshops, and advanced user research techniques.

• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest trends in travel-tech, e-commerce UX, and emerging design technologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain a broader understanding of product management, business strategy, and engineering processes through close collaboration.

• Leadership Skills: Develop skills in stakeholder management, presentation, and mentorship, preparing for potential leadership roles.

• Language Proficiency: Opportunity to improve skills in CEE regional languages, enhancing cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for mid-level designers in growing tech companies, focusing on strategic impact and navigating complex stakeholder environments. The growth opportunities are aligned with advancing UX design careers and broadening professional skill sets within the travel-tech industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an end-to-end design initiative from discovery to implementation. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives when designing a new feature? Can you provide an example?" (Demonstrate your understanding of trade-offs and your ability to find optimal solutions.)

• "How do you leverage quantitative data and user research to inform your design decisions? Walk me through an example from your portfolio." (Highlight your analytical skills and data-driven approach.)

• "How do you communicate your design rationale to stakeholders at different levels, especially when there might be disagreement?" (Showcase your communication and persuasion skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

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

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional, agile team?" (Relate your experience to agile methodologies and teamwork.)

• "What does a 'user-centric' approach mean to you in practice?" (Articulate your philosophy and how you implement it.)

• "How do you contribute to a culture of continuous learning and research within a team?" (Show your proactive attitude towards knowledge sharing and improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your contributions, the challenges, and the outcomes (with metrics if possible).

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize how your designs solved problems for users and benefited the business.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, the tools you used, and the decisions you made at each stage.

• Highlight End-to-End Ownership: Clearly articulate your involvement from initial concept through to implementation and post-launch analysis.

• Showcase Your Process: Walk through your wireframes, prototypes, and final designs, explaining the rationale behind each step.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating end-to-end ownership, data-informed decision-making, and strong stakeholder communication. Candidates should be ready to use their portfolio as a foundation for answering behavioral and situational questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Szallas Group's careers page.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to UX design, product development, agile environments, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 of your strongest case studies that demonstrate end-to-end design ownership, user research integration, and implemented solutions. Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and clearly showcases your process and impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on the problem, your solution, your process, and the quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and collaboration style.

• Research Szallas Group: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, products, and its position in the regional travel market. Understand their target audience and business objectives.

⚠️ 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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