UX/UI Design Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Design Lead

Company: Unlock Health

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States; Nashville, Tennessee, United States; Remote

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design Leadership

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Mid-Senior to Lead)

Remote Status: Fully Remote (with potential for hybrid in Chicago/Nashville)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UX/UI design engagements for complex healthcare client projects, from discovery and strategy to execution and optimization.

• Develop and evolve scalable design systems, component libraries, and style guides using modern best practices in Figma.

• Champion accessibility, HIPAA compliance, and inclusive design standards across all digital experiences.

• Mentor and coach junior designers, fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture within the operations function.

• Drive the integration of AI-first approaches into design processes and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead, indicating significant responsibility for design strategy, client interaction, and team mentorship within Unlock Health's operations. The emphasis on healthcare, compliance (HIPAA, accessibility), and AI integration suggests a forward-thinking agency environment focused on delivering measurable impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead UX/UI design for intricate client projects within the healthcare sector, managing the full project lifecycle from initial research and strategy formulation to final execution and ongoing optimization.

• Own the creation and implementation of comprehensive design systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and maintainability across diverse digital products and platforms.

• Conduct and lead in-depth user research activities, including user interviews, usability testing, audits, and synthesis workshops to extract actionable insights that inform design decisions.

• Develop and maintain responsive design systems and component libraries in Figma, adhering to modern design principles and best practices for efficient development handoff.

• Champion and enforce accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and HIPAA compliance requirements, ensuring all digital solutions are usable, inclusive, and legally compliant.

• Facilitate strategic client conversations, design workshops, stakeholder presentations, and review sessions with confidence, effectively communicating design rationale and impact.

• Collaborate intimately with cross-functional teams, including strategists, researchers, developers, content creators, and account managers, to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.

• Mentor, coach, and provide constructive design critique to junior designers, supporting their professional development and fostering a positive, high-performing design team environment.

• Continuously refine and optimize internal design processes, workflows, and team standards to enhance overall quality, consistency, and operational efficiency.

• Proactively integrate AI-first methodologies and tools into the design process to explore innovative solutions and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, client-facing communication, and team development, characteristic of a UX/UI Design Lead role within an agency setting. The explicit mention of AI integration and healthcare compliance indicates specialized requirements for this position.

🎓 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 this level of experience. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in UX/product design, digital experience design, or a closely related field, with a significant portion of that experience within an agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of leading UX/UI design engagements and establishing design direction for complex digital projects.

• Deep expertise in user research synthesis, strategic design thinking, and translating complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive, user-centered solutions.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, encompassing component systems, advanced prototyping, responsive design workflows, and efficient developer handoff processes.

• Strong understanding and practical application of design systems, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), usability principles, and inclusive design best practices.

• Comprehensive knowledge of core design fundamentals, including typography, visual hierarchy, spacing, layout, interaction design principles, and responsive behaviors.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior designers, providing guidance, feedback, and fostering a collaborative team atmosphere.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder facilitation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence decisions across diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and methodologies for design, demonstrating an "AI-first" approach.

• Strong understanding of healthcare industry compliance requirements, such as HIPAA.

• Experience in creating and codifying style guides alongside design systems.

• Familiarity with various design and collaboration tools beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on agency experience, client leadership, and mentorship suggests this role requires a seasoned professional capable of both strategic oversight and hands-on contribution. The preference for AI and HIPAA experience points to specific industry needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing strategic thinking, exceptional visual craft, and measurable impact in digital design, particularly within an agency or client-service context.

• Evidence of leading UX/UI design engagements end-to-end, from discovery and strategy through to execution and optimization.

• Case studies demonstrating the creation, implementation, and evolution of scalable design systems and component libraries, preferably in Figma.

• Examples of user research synthesis and how insights were translated into strategic design solutions.

• Demonstrations of implementing accessibility and inclusive design standards in practice.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of experience in refining and documenting design processes, workflows, and team standards to improve quality and efficiency.

• Examples of how user research findings were synthesized and documented to inform design decisions.

• Documentation or examples of how design systems and style guides were codified for developer handoff and ongoing maintenance.

• Evidence of adapting design processes to incorporate new tools, methodologies, such as AI-first approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, requiring not just visual examples but also evidence of strategic leadership, process improvement, and the ability to manage complex projects and systems. The emphasis on Figma and design systems is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX/UI Design Lead with 7+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area or remote capacity for a specialized agency, the estimated salary range is $120,000 - $160,000 USD per year. This range can vary based on specific experience, the candidate's location within the US, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and certifications.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Remote work flexibility and potential stipends for home office setup.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be offered, with an emphasis on meeting project deadlines and client needs. Occasional evening or weekend work might be required during critical project phases, but is generally managed through careful planning and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from similar Lead UX/UI Design roles in agencies within the US, considering the specified experience level and the specialized nature of healthcare design. Benefits are standard for a full-time position at a company of this type, with an emphasis on professional growth and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Healthcare Marketing Communications, Managed Care Consultancy, Technology. Unlock Health operates at the unique intersection of healthcare, marketing, and technology, aiming to align brand, marketing, technology, and revenue strategy for healthcare organizations. This specialized focus requires a deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, including patient acquisition, brand equity growth, and margin protection.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, the mention of "leading healthcare firms" and a "full-service marketing communication agency" suggests a mid-sized to large agency, likely with multiple specialized teams and departments. This implies a structured but potentially dynamic work environment.

Founded: The company was formed by bringing together leading healthcare firms, indicating a relatively recent consolidation or strategic expansion, suggesting a modern, integrated approach to client service.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Design team is likely part of a larger Creative or Digital Services department, working closely with Strategy, Research, Development, and Account Management.

• As a Lead, this role will report into a Director of Design, Head of Creative, or a similar senior leadership position within the agency.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research, usability testing, and analytics to inform design strategy and execution.

• Iterative design processes, allowing for rapid prototyping, feedback incorporation, and continuous improvement.

• Emphasis on scalable design systems and component-based architecture for efficiency and consistency.

• Integration of AI-first approaches to explore innovative solutions and enhance operational efficiency in design.

Company Website: unlockmanagedcare.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Unlock Health's unique positioning as an integrated agency with a healthcare consultancy backbone suggests a culture that values strategic thinking, technological innovation, and deep industry expertise. The emphasis on aligning various disciplines points to a collaborative and results-oriented environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the "Lead" level within the UX/UI design function. It signifies a professional who not only possesses advanced individual contributor skills but also demonstrates leadership qualities, including strategic vision, project ownership, client-facing confidence, and the ability to mentor and guide junior team members. The scope extends beyond individual tasks to influencing design direction and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Design Lead will likely report to a Director of Design, VP of Creative, or a similar senior creative/operations leader. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Strategists, and Developers.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role is significant. By leading the design of intuitive, accessible, and user-centered digital experiences for healthcare clients, the UX/UI Design Lead directly influences patient acquisition, brand perception, user engagement, and ultimately, the client's revenue growth and operational efficiency in their digital channels. The focus on design systems and process optimization also contributes to the agency's internal operational efficiency and scalability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Senior Design Lead, Design Manager, or Director of Design role, overseeing larger teams and more complex strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare UX/UI, accessibility, or AI-driven design processes.

• Client Strategy: Develop stronger client relationship management and strategic consultation skills, becoming a trusted advisor.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to further integrate AI and other cutting-edge technologies into the agency's design operations.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Opportunity to lead larger, cross-functional project teams on major client accounts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression within a specialized agency. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding leadership responsibilities, deepening technical and strategic expertise, and contributing to the agency's operational excellence, particularly in the evolving landscape of AI in design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a flexible work environment, supporting both remote work and hybrid options in its Chicago and Nashville offices. This suggests a modern approach to workplace design, prioritizing employee well-being and productivity regardless of location.

Office Location(s): Chicago, Illinois, United States; Nashville, Tennessee, United States. These locations provide hubs for potential in-person collaboration, team meetings, and client engagements if desired or required.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite the remote-friendly nature, the company fosters a collaborative atmosphere, likely through robust digital communication tools and scheduled virtual team interactions.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma. The company likely supports a well-equipped digital workspace.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with both the immediate design team and broader cross-functional teams through virtual meetings, workshops, and project-specific collaborations.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a predictable structure, while the remote nature allows for some flexibility in managing personal commitments. The emphasis is on delivering high-quality work and meeting project timelines, with a focus on outcomes rather than strict time-tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first or hybrid approach with physical office locations indicates a company that values flexibility and employee choice. The focus on collaboration tools and virtual interaction is key to maintaining team cohesion and operational effectiveness in a distributed workforce.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth review of your portfolio, potentially including a presentation of selected case studies. You may be given a design challenge to assess your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and approach to specific design problems relevant to healthcare and AI.

• Team and Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with potential peers, cross-functional team members (e.g., strategists, developers), and senior leadership to evaluate technical skills, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior management to finalize the offer and discuss role expectations in detail.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, end-to-end design process, and impact, especially those relevant to healthcare or complex digital systems.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you developed, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples that showcase your ability to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and facilitate stakeholder discussions.

• Showcase Design Systems & Accessibility: Ensure your portfolio includes examples of design systems, component libraries, and a strong demonstration of your understanding and application of accessibility and HIPAA compliance.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflows, component creation, and prototyping capabilities.

• AI Integration: If you have relevant experience, highlight how you've integrated AI tools or approaches into your design process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Thoroughly analyze any design challenge provided, identifying key constraints, objectives, and target users.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your process, similar to your portfolio case studies, focusing on problem framing, research synthesis (even if simulated), ideation, solution design, and justification.

• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and best practices (accessibility, HIPAA, AI).

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your challenge solution concisely and clearly, anticipating questions from a diverse audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design craft but also strategic leadership, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to integrate complex requirements like healthcare compliance and AI into the design workflow. A well-structured portfolio and strong presentation skills are crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for UX/UI design, component systems, prototyping, and developer handoff. This is the core tool for design system creation and management.

• Prototyping Tools: In-depth knowledge of Figma's prototyping capabilities; familiarity with other tools like InVision or Adobe XD may be beneficial.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and analysis (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Maze).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Asana, or Trello for team communication and project tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data visualizations and potentially contribute to dashboard design (e.g., Tableau, Looker).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a primary focus, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial.

• Workflow Automation: Awareness of how design integrates with marketing automation platforms or workflow tools.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how design outputs are integrated into development workflows and content management systems (CMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes Figma as the primary design tool. Proficiency in this area, alongside user research tools and collaboration platforms, is essential. An understanding of how design interfaces with analytics and CRM systems will enhance the candidate's value.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, ensuring all designs are intuitive, accessible, and effective.

• Strategic Impact: A focus on driving tangible business outcomes for clients through thoughtful and data-informed design solutions.

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

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to refining design processes, learning new technologies (like AI), and elevating the quality and efficiency of work.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A core value of creating digital experiences that are usable and welcoming to everyone, regardless of ability or background.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in project teams, working closely with strategists, researchers, developers, and account managers from project inception to completion.

• Open Critique Culture: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback during design reviews, fostering growth and ensuring the highest quality of work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the design team and broader agency.

• Agile & Iterative: A flexible approach to problem-solving, embracing iterative development and adapting to feedback and new information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of creative excellence, strategic business acumen, and a strong ethical foundation in healthcare. Collaboration and continuous learning are likely key to success within this dynamic agency environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Healthcare Complexities: Designing for the healthcare industry requires a nuanced understanding of patient journeys, regulatory compliance (HIPAA, FDA), and diverse user needs (patients, providers, administrators).

• Integrating AI Effectively: Staying at the forefront of AI in design means continuously learning, experimenting, and finding practical, ethical ways to integrate AI tools and methodologies without compromising user experience or human oversight.

• Balancing Client Demands with Design Quality: Managing multiple client projects with varying timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations while maintaining high standards of design craft and strategic thinking.

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring design systems remain robust, adaptable, and well-documented as the company and its clients grow, and as new technologies emerge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Workshops/Courses: Access to training and resources focused on leveraging AI tools and strategies in UX/UI design.

• Healthcare UX Specialization: Opportunities to attend industry-specific conferences, webinars, and pursue certifications in healthcare design or compliance.

• Leadership Development Programs: Training and mentorship focused on enhancing leadership, client management, and team-building skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working across a variety of healthcare clients and project types provides continuous learning and skill expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the specialized nature of healthcare and the rapid evolution of design technology. The growth opportunities are designed to equip professionals to meet these challenges, particularly in leveraging AI and deepening their expertise in the healthcare sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex UX/UI design project from discovery to launch. What was your process, and what were the key challenges and outcomes?" (Focus on leadership, process, and impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a patient portal that needs to be both highly accessible and HIPAA compliant?" (Assess understanding of healthcare constraints and best practices.)

• "Can you walk us through how you've integrated AI tools or methodologies into your design process? What was the impact?" (Evaluate AI-first approach and practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Unlock Health's specific approach to healthcare marketing and technology?" (Demonstrate research into the company's unique value proposition.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment with remote or hybrid teams, and how do you mentor junior designers?" (Assess team leadership and collaboration style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the business problem and user need for each project.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your thought process and solutions.

• Explain Your Role & Process: Be specific about your contributions, especially in leadership and strategic decision-making. Detail your research, ideation, and iteration steps.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).

• Address AI & Compliance: Explicitly mention how you considered AI integration and healthcare compliance in your relevant projects.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions and facilitate a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of the healthcare domain, and proficiency with modern tools like Figma, especially with an AI-first lens. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Design Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Optimize your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience, agency background, leadership responsibilities, and specific skills in UX/UI design, design systems, Figma, research, accessibility, and healthcare/HIPAA compliance. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects that showcase end-to-end leadership, strategic problem-solving, design system development, and measurable results. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your Figma proficiency and understanding of healthcare and AI considerations.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through 2-3 key portfolio pieces, focusing on storytelling, your strategic approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your leadership and mentorship style.

• Research Unlock Health: Understand their unique positioning in the healthcare market, their client base, and their approach to technology and strategy. Prepare to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions for a UX/UI Design Lead role within a specialized agency. All details should be verified directly with Unlock Health during the application and interview process before making application decisions.