UX Designer (H/F)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (H/F)
Company: Smile Group (UX-Republic)
Location: Bordeaux, France
Job Type: Full-time
Category: UX/Product Design & Digital Transformation Consulting
Date Posted: May 12, 2026
Experience Level: Senior (5+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end user experience design process, ensuring utility, simplicity, and performance for client-facing digital products.
• Transform complex business requirements into intuitive and fluid user journeys through comprehensive discovery, design, and testing methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to evangelize UX best practices and influence product strategy.
• Contribute to a dynamic and innovative consulting environment within a leading French UX and digital transformation agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior UX Designer within UX-Republic, an agency integrated into Smile Group. The focus is on client-facing projects, demanding strong consulting skills alongside core UX expertise. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for self-management and effective remote collaboration, balanced with on-site client or office engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive UX discovery activities, including ergonomic audits, competitive benchmarks, and in-depth user interviews to define project scope and user needs.
• Develop robust information architecture, user flows, and sitemaps to map out complex user journeys and ensure logical navigation structures.
• Create detailed wireframes (Lo-fi/Mid-fi) and interactive prototypes to visualize user interfaces and test design concepts effectively.
• Plan, execute, and analyze user testing sessions to gather feedback, iterate on designs, and validate usability and user satisfaction.
• Evangelize UX best practices and advocate for user-centered design principles among clients and internal stakeholders to foster a strong UX culture.
• Collaborate with product managers, developers, and clients to ensure seamless integration of UX designs into the development lifecycle.
• Provide expert guidance and consulting services to clients, contributing to their digital transformation initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle UX design process, from initial research and strategy to iterative testing and stakeholder management. The "evangelize" aspect highlights the need for strong communication and persuasion skills, crucial for a consulting role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for senior UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in UX design, with a strong preference for experience gained in a digital agency setting.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of UX discovery techniques: Ergonomic audits, user interviews, competitive analysis, and user research methodologies.
• Proficiency in information architecture and user journey mapping: Creating sitemaps, user flows, and defining intuitive navigation.
• Expertise in wireframing and prototyping tools: Specifically, advanced proficiency in Figma and FigJam for creating Lo-fi, Mid-fi, and interactive prototypes.
• Experience in conducting and analyzing user testing: Planning, facilitating tests, and translating findings into actionable design improvements.
• Strong analytical and methodological rigor: Ability to approach complex problems with a structured and data-driven mindset.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills: Capable of effectively presenting UX concepts and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user testing platforms: Familiarity with tools such as Maze and Lookback for efficient remote and in-person testing.
• Consulting experience: Proven ability to advise clients on UX strategy and digital transformation.
• Understanding of agile development methodologies and experience working in agile teams.
• Knowledge of UI design principles and visual design aesthetics.
• Familiarity with UX evangelism and training methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and FigJam is critical. The requirement for 5+ years of experience, preferably in an agency, signifies a need for a candidate who can hit the ground running with client projects and demonstrate a strong consulting aptitude.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse UX design projects demonstrating end-to-end design thinking and execution.
• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, highlighting specific challenges, your problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design decisions.
• Include examples of user research, information architecture, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user testing outcomes.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Figma and FigJam through project examples, showcasing your ability to create sophisticated designs and interactive prototypes.
• Quantify results whenever possible, using metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion rates, conversion improvements, or other relevant KPIs.

Process Documentation:

• For each project, detail the design process followed, from initial client brief and discovery through to iteration and final delivery.
• Document the methodologies used for user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing, explaining the rationale behind tool and technique selection.
• Illustrate how you iterate on designs based on user feedback and testing results, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Provide evidence of how you collaborated with stakeholders (clients, developers, product managers) throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is non-negotiable for this role. It must not only showcase design output but also the candidate's strategic thinking, process rigor, and ability to articulate the impact of their work. The explicit mention of Figma and FigJam means candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their skills with these tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Bordeaux, France, a Senior UX Designer with 5+ years of experience, especially in a consulting agency, can expect a salary range of approximately €45,000 to €60,000 gross per year. This range can vary based on the specific client projects, the candidate's negotiation skills, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Mutuelle d’entreprise & 50% Public Transport Reimbursement: Comprehensive health insurance and partial coverage for commuting costs.
• Minimum 9 RTT Days Per Year: Additional paid days off for working beyond standard hours, a common benefit in France.
• Vacation Bonus (Prime de vacances): An extra bonus associated with taking annual leave.
• Tickets Restaurant (€10 value, 50% employer contribution): Meal vouchers to assist with daily food expenses.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, standard for full-time employment in France. The hybrid arrangement suggests flexibility in how these hours are distributed between remote and office work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX roles in major French cities, adjusted for the cost of living and typical agency compensation structures. The benefits package is typical for French employment and highlights a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation, User Experience Design, Product Design.
Company Size: UX-Republic is part of Smile Group. Smile is a significant player in digital transformation, with over 1,800 employees across multiple locations. UX-Republic itself operates with a focus on specialized UX expertise. This blend offers the agility and specialized focus of an agency with the resources and stability of a larger group.
Founded: UX-Republic was founded in 2013 and integrated into Smile Group in 2020, bringing a decade of specialized UX expertise.

Team Structure:

• The UX-Republic team comprises talented, passionate, and complementary collaborators focused on UX and Product Design.
• This role is part of the UX Design team, likely reporting to a UX Lead or Head of Design.
• Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving project managers, developers, and other design specialists within UX-Republic and potentially within the broader Smile Group.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: The core methodology places the end-user at the heart of all design and development processes.
• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to ongoing learning, skill enhancement, and refining design processes is embedded in the culture.
• Agile & Iterative Design: Projects are likely managed using agile principles, with a focus on iterative design and rapid feedback loops.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging user research, analytics, and testing to inform design choices.

Company Website: https://jobs.smile.eu (main job portal), https://www.ux-republic.com/ (UX-Republic specific)

📝 Enhancement Note: The integration into Smile Group provides a significant advantage, offering access to broader projects and resources while retaining the specialized focus of UX-Republic. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and a passion for UX.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior UX Designer. This level implies significant autonomy, the ability to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to client engagements and the agency's methodology. The role is crucial for translating client business objectives into exceptional user experiences.
Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or a Project Manager within UX-Republic. They will also collaborate closely with client-side product owners and development teams.
Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on client success by improving user satisfaction, increasing product adoption, driving engagement, and ultimately contributing to business performance through well-designed digital products and services. The consulting aspect means the impact extends to shaping client strategies and fostering UX maturity within their organizations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, interaction design, or accessibility.
• Leadership: Transition into roles such as Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Head of Product Design, managing teams and strategic initiatives.
• Consulting Expertise: Develop advanced client management and strategic consulting skills, becoming a trusted advisor to major clients.
• Cross-Disciplinary Skills: Expand into related fields like Service Design, Product Strategy, or Digital Transformation Consulting.
• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior UX designers, contributing to the team's collective growth and knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior level and consulting nature of the role offer substantial growth potential, not just in design expertise but also in strategic advisory and leadership capabilities. The integration with Smile Group further broadens the potential career pathways.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This role will involve a mix of remote work and on-site presence, likely for client meetings, team collaboration sessions, and specific project needs.
Office Location(s): The primary office location is Bordeaux, France (43 Rue d'Armagnac, 33800). The company may also have offices within the broader Smile Group network.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for brainstorming, workshops, and team interactions.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and collaboration tools, including Figma, FigJam, and potentially other project management and communication platforms.
• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to connect with fellow UX designers, consultants, and project teams, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement offering flexibility. This allows for focused work periods at home and collaborative engagement at the office or client sites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model requires strong self-discipline and communication skills. Candidates should be comfortable working independently and as part of a team, both remotely and in person.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• First Contact (Phone Call): An initial discussion to understand your career aspirations, motivations, and how the role aligns with your professional goals. Be prepared to briefly discuss your UX philosophy and what you seek in your next role.
• In-Person Meeting: A more in-depth conversation, likely with a hiring manager or senior team member, to explore your background, experience, and cultural fit with UX-Republic. This is an opportunity to ask questions about the team and the company.
• Skills Exchange (Technical Interview): A session with one of UX-Republic's experts to assess your technical UX skills, design process, and problem-solving abilities. This may involve discussing specific case studies from your portfolio or a short design challenge.
• Final Evaluation: A concluding discussion to review overall fit, discuss objectives, and potentially address any remaining questions before an offer is made.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, showcasing end-to-end UX processes, complex problem-solving, and impactful results. Tailor selections to highlight skills mentioned in the job description (Figma, user testing, etc.).
• Tell a Story: For each project, present a clear narrative: the problem, your role and process, the solutions you designed, the challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.
• Demonstrate Figma/FigJam Mastery: Prepare to walk through key screens, interactive prototypes, or collaborative FigJam boards to showcase your proficiency and creative use of these tools.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present data that demonstrates the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you handle feedback or conflicting stakeholder opinions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is presented, quickly grasp the business objectives and user needs.
• Process Over Perfection: Focus on demonstrating your UX process, problem-solving approach, and logical reasoning, rather than delivering a fully polished final design within a short timeframe.
• Articulate Your Thinking: Clearly explain your assumptions, decision-making rationale, and how you would iterate based on feedback or further research.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between understanding the problem, ideation, sketching/wireframing, and preparing to present your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical UX skills and consulting aptitude. A strong, well-presented portfolio is paramount, and candidates should be ready to articulate their process and the impact of their work clearly and concisely.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Advanced proficiency is required.
• FigJam: Utilized for brainstorming, ideation, user flow mapping, and collaborative sessions.
• User Testing Platforms: Proficiency with tools like Maze and Lookback is highly preferred for efficient and data-driven user feedback collection.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is beneficial for understanding user behavior and measuring design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) can be advantageous for understanding client project workflows and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, FigJam, Maze, and Lookback indicates a strong emphasis on proficiency with these specific tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and demonstrate their skills with them.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the end-user in all design decisions.
• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality design outcomes and delivering exceptional value to clients.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and shared knowledge across disciplines and teams.
• Continuous Learning: Embracing new methodologies, technologies, and skills to stay at the forefront of UX and digital design.
• Passion: A genuine enthusiasm for UX and its power to transform digital products and user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product managers, developers, researchers, and other designers to achieve project goals.
• Client Partnership: Building strong, trust-based relationships with clients, acting as a strategic partner and advisor.
• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and open dialogue to foster continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in internal workshops, sharing insights, and contributing to the collective expertise of the UX-Republic community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of agency dynamism and a strong professional community. It values both individual expertise and collective contribution, with a clear focus on delivering high-impact UX solutions for clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with UX Best Practices: Navigating client expectations, budget constraints, and tight deadlines while upholding rigorous UX standards.
• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Effectively communicating and aligning the needs and perspectives of various stakeholders (business, technical, user).
• Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new design tools, methodologies, and digital trends to maintain a competitive edge.
• Driving UX Adoption in Client Organizations: Educating and influencing clients who may have varying levels of understanding or buy-in for UX principles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Skills Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on cutting-edge UX methodologies, research techniques, and design practices.
• Industry Conferences and Events: Opportunities to attend leading UX and digital transformation conferences to gain insights and network.
• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from senior UX leaders and opportunities to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership development.
• Cross-Pollination within Smile Group: Exposure to a wide range of digital projects and expertise across Smile Group's various specializations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges that are common in a consulting environment but also offers significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development, making it an attractive prospect for ambitious UX professionals.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced on a client project. How did you approach it, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, decision-making, and ability to articulate results.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in a design project?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach and ability to find optimal solutions.)
• "How do you evangelize UX best practices to stakeholders who may not be familiar with them?" (Highlight your communication, persuasion, and educational skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to UX-Republic and Smile Group specifically?" (Research their mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your aspirations to their offerings.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork, knowledge sharing, and positive contributions.)
• "Describe a time you had to adapt your design process based on feedback or new information." (Demonstrate your flexibility and iterative approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem/Context -> Your Role & Process -> Solutions -> Challenges -> Outcomes/Impact.
• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your skills in Figma and FigJam, perhaps by sharing interactive prototypes or collaborative boards.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If metrics are unavailable, articulate the qualitative impact and the rationale behind your design choices.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Encourage questions and be prepared to discuss your reasoning and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also consulting acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively within a client-focused agency environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Smile Group jobs portal.
• Customize your Resume/CV: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of relevant UX design experience, emphasizing agency work if applicable. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "Ergonomic Audits," "Figma," "Prototyping," and "User Testing."
• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work with clear case studies, and prominently features your proficiency with Figma and FigJam. Be ready to present it effectively.
• Research UX-Republic and Smile Group: Understand their mission, values, client base, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you will articulate your experience, design process, and career aspirations during the initial phone call and subsequent interviews.

⚠️ 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.