UX/UI Designer - Senior Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer - Senior Consultant

Company: EY

Location: Lisbon, Portugal; Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & Consulting (Focus on UX/UI and Service Design)

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: Mid-level to Senior (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is within EY Studio+, a specialized team focusing on design, customer experience, and marketing, specifically for UX/UI and Service Design.

• The core function involves designing end-to-end digital and service experiences, translating user insights and business requirements into functional, accessible, and visually engaging interfaces.

• A significant aspect of the role includes conducting UX research, defining information architecture, creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final visual interfaces.

• The position requires strong collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including service designers, consultants, developers, and client stakeholders, to deliver impactful solutions across various sectors.

• The candidate will contribute to the creation and maintenance of design systems, brand guidelines, and reusable design components, ensuring visual consistency and adherence to digital accessibility principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "UX/UI Designer," the context provided by "EY Studio+" and "Service Design professionals" indicates a broader scope encompassing service design principles and client-facing consulting. This implies a need for strong communication, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate complex business challenges into design solutions. The "Senior Consultant" title further emphasizes this client-facing and strategic advisory aspect.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and collaborate on the end-to-end design of digital experiences, from initial research and discovery phases through to prototyping and final interface design.

• Execute comprehensive UX research activities, including conducting user interviews, designing and distributing surveys, identifying friction points, mapping opportunities, and performing usability testing.

• Define and meticulously design information architecture, user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and visually compelling user interfaces.

• Champion and ensure visual consistency, optimal usability, and the strict application of digital accessibility principles across diverse products and user experiences.

• Create, maintain, and contribute to robust design systems, brand guidelines, and a library of reusable design components to ensure scalability and efficiency.

• Prepare clear, structured, and visually polished deliverables and presentations to effectively document and communicate project outcomes, insights, and recommendations to clients and internal teams.

• Actively participate in client meetings, collaborative sessions, and workshops, contributing expertise and driving design thinking.

• Foster close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including service designers, consultants, developers, and client stakeholders, ensuring alignment and integrated solutions.

• Apply a critical mindset to projects, proactively identifying user needs, uncovering business opportunities, and proposing areas for enhancement beyond initial project scopes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strong ownership and leadership component, typical for a Senior Consultant level. This includes not just execution but also proactive identification of opportunities and client interaction, requiring a blend of design expertise and consulting acumen.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Visual Design, UX/UI Design, Communication Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: A degree in a design-centric field is a baseline. Candidates with extensive portfolios demonstrating equivalent practical experience and expertise may also be considered.

Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of progressive professional experience specifically in UX/UI Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products and experiences.

• Experience in a consulting environment or working directly with external clients across various industries is highly desirable.

• Demonstrable experience in applying user-centered design principles and methodologies throughout the product development lifecycle. Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and visual interface design.

• Solid understanding and practical application of UX research concepts and methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, persona development).

• Proven ability to define and design user flows, information architecture, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual interfaces.

• Knowledge of design systems, prototyping tools, and current UI design best practices, including responsive design principles.

• Ability to leverage qualitative and quantitative data to inform and support design decisions.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication with international teams and clients.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts, rationale, and recommendations clearly to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience or strong knowledge in visual design principles, graphic design, or communication design.

• Familiarity with UX Writing principles and best practices for crafting clear and effective microcopy.

• Understanding of Design Thinking methodologies and their application in problem-solving.

• Experience in facilitating or actively supporting collaborative workshops with diverse participant groups.

• Awareness of digital accessibility principles (e.g., WCAG standards) and best practices for inclusive design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "3 to 5 years" requirement combined with "Senior Consultant" title suggests a need for individuals who can operate with a degree of autonomy, mentor junior designers, and lead specific project workstreams. Proficiency in Figma is explicitly called out as mandatory, highlighting its importance in EY's design workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX/UI design projects that demonstrate a user-centered design process from conception to completion.

• Each project within the portfolio should clearly articulate the problem statement, user research methodologies employed, design process, key design decisions, and the ultimate outcomes or impact.

• Showcase proficiency in creating detailed user flows, information architecture diagrams, wireframes (low to high fidelity), and interactive prototypes.

• Include high-fidelity visual designs and mockups that highlight aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and adherence to design principles.

• Demonstrate experience with or understanding of design systems, including examples of component creation, usage, or contribution. Process Documentation:

• Portfolios should ideally include case studies that detail the application of UX research techniques (e.g., user interviews, usability testing analysis).

• Evidence of how data (qualitative and quantitative) was used to inform design decisions and iterations.

• Examples of how digital accessibility principles were considered and integrated into the design process.

• Clear documentation of the problem-solving approach taken for each project, showcasing critical thinking and strategic design application.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Consultant role at a firm like EY, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just design execution but also the strategic thinking, research depth, and client-facing communication skills required for consulting engagements. The emphasis on process and outcomes is critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €35,000 - €55,000 per year.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: This estimation is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Portugal (Lisbon/Porto), considering the consulting sector and the reputation of EY. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, skills, and negotiation. Cost of living in Lisbon and Porto is moderate compared to other major European cities.

Benefits:

• Competitive Remuneration Package: Includes base salary, potential bonuses, and performance-based incentives.

• Support and Coaching: Access to mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals within EY Studio+ and the broader consulting practice.

• Continuous Learning: Opportunities for professional development through internal training programs, workshops, industry conferences, and access to learning platforms.

• Career Development Opportunities: Clear paths for advancement within EY, including opportunities to specialize, take on leadership roles, and work on diverse client projects.

• Flexible Working Arrangements: Hybrid work model allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, supporting work-life integration.

• Health and Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives and potentially comprehensive health insurance packages.

• Professional Network: Opportunity to build a strong professional network within EY and with clients across various sectors. Working Hours:

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

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While standard hours apply, the hybrid model offers flexibility. Project deadlines and client demands may occasionally require extended hours, but the emphasis on "Success as defined by you" and "flexibility" suggests a supportive approach to work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services (Consulting, Assurance, Tax, Strategy, Law, Transactions). EY operates globally, providing a wide range of services to businesses across virtually all sectors.

Company Size: EY is one of the largest professional services networks in the world, employing over 400,000 people globally. This signifies a vast organization with extensive resources, global reach, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: Ernst & Young was formed in 1989 by the merger of Ernst & Whinney and Arthur Young. However, its roots trace back much further, with predecessor firms dating back to the mid-19th century. This long history speaks to stability, established practices, and deep-rooted expertise.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of EY Studio+, a specialized internal team focused on Design, Customer Experience, and Marketing. This studio likely operates with a mix of dedicated designers and consultants who collaborate on client projects.

• The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or a Senior Manager within EY Studio+, with project-based reporting lines to Project Managers or Engagement Leaders.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, involving close work with Service Designers, Management Consultants, Technology Consultants, Developers, and client-side teams. Methodology:

• EY Studio+ likely employs a blend of design methodologies, including Design Thinking, Agile principles, and user-centered design processes tailored to consulting engagements.

• Data analysis and insights are critical for informing strategy and design recommendations, often supported by EY's broader capabilities in data analytics and technology.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to consulting, ensuring efficient project delivery and client satisfaction.

• Automation and efficiency practices are integrated where applicable, leveraging technology and streamlined processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's scale means that while there are global standards, individual teams and studios often develop their own distinct cultures and ways of working. EY Studio+ likely fosters a creative, collaborative, and client-focused environment, blending corporate structure with design-centric innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as a "Senior Consultant." In EY's structure, this typically means an individual with 3-5 years of experience who is capable of managing significant workstreams, contributing strategically to client solutions, and potentially mentoring more junior team members. They are expected to operate with a good degree of autonomy and possess strong client-facing skills.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Consultant will report to a Manager or Senior Manager within EY Studio+. On client projects, they will report to the Project Manager or Engagement Lead, who oversees the overall delivery and client relationship. Collaboration with peers—other designers, consultants, and developers—is a key aspect of daily work.

Operations Impact: As a Senior Consultant in EY Studio+, the primary impact is on enhancing client experiences through innovative digital and service design. This directly influences client satisfaction, user adoption rates, brand perception, and ultimately, the client's business outcomes (e.g., increased revenue, reduced costs, improved efficiency). The role contributes to EY's reputation as a leader in digital transformation and customer experience strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, service design, design strategy, or accessibility.

• Leadership Development: Progress to roles like Design Lead, Senior Manager, or Partner, managing teams, client relationships, and developing new business.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain exposure to broader consulting domains like strategy, technology, and management consulting, potentially leading to hybrid roles.

• Industry Exposure: Work with a diverse range of clients across various sectors, building broad industry knowledge.

• Learning & Skill Enhancement: Continuous access to EY's extensive learning and development resources, certifications, and training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Consultant" title implies a trajectory towards more strategic client advisory and team leadership. Growth hinges on demonstrating both design excellence and strong business acumen, as well as effective client management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, meaning a blend of remote work and in-office presence. EY offices are typically modern, professional corporate environments designed to facilitate collaboration, client meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The role is based in either Lisbon or Porto, Portugal. EY has established offices in these major cities, offering professional workspaces with necessary amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, hot-desking areas, and dedicated project spaces.

• Access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially specialized design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues from EY Studio+ and other EY service lines, promoting knowledge sharing and networking. Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is typically 40 hours.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model allows for flexibility in where and potentially when work is done, within project and client requirements. This is crucial for designers who may need dedicated, distraction-free time for deep work (e.g., wireframing, visual design) balanced with collaborative sessions in the office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the application, CV, and portfolio by a recruiter and/or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interview(s): Likely includes a deep dive into UX/UI design skills, process, and methodologies. This may involve discussing past projects in detail, problem-solving exercises, and potentially a design challenge.

• Case Study Presentation: Candidates may be asked to present a project from their portfolio, explaining their process, decision-making, and impact. This assesses communication skills and strategic thinking.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions focused on teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving approach, client interaction skills, and alignment with EY's values.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader within EY Studio+ to discuss career aspirations, overall fit, and confirm the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with a clear introduction to each project, outlining the challenge, your role, the process, and the outcome.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your design process, showing how you move from research and ideation to detailed design and iteration. Use visuals to illustrate each stage.

• Quantifiable Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or results that demonstrate the impact of your design solutions (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• Visual Excellence: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished, well-designed, and easy to navigate, reflecting your skills as a UX/UI Designer.

• Tailoring: Highlight projects that align with consulting work, client-facing roles, and experience across different sectors if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma extensively, including advanced features and workflows.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand common UX research methods and how to interpret findings.

• Familiarize yourself with design thinking principles and how they can be applied in a consulting context.

• Research EY Studio+ and EY's approach to digital transformation and customer experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior Consultant" title and the firm's nature, expect the interview process to heavily scrutinize strategic thinking, client-facing capabilities, and the ability to articulate design's business value, not just its aesthetic or functional merits.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Mandatory and heavily utilized for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design sessions. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe XD, InVision, Axure) may be beneficial for understanding different workflows or legacy projects.

• Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems is highly valued.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) and user feedback tools is important for informing design decisions.

• Familiarity with tools for usability testing analysis and reporting. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms is not explicitly required but can be helpful for understanding broader business contexts and client ecosystems.

• Understanding of how design integrates with development workflows and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the required technical skillset. The role emphasizes the designer's ability to translate insights into tangible designs within this ecosystem, and to contribute to scalable design solutions through design systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design and client engagements.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Empathy: Deeply understanding user needs and perspectives to create truly user-centered solutions.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality design outcomes and continuous improvement in skills and processes.

• Curiosity & Learning: A commitment to staying updated with design trends, technologies, and methodologies, and a proactive approach to learning.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering tangible value and positive outcomes for clients and their users.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a strong emphasis on teamwork within EY Studio+ and across different EY service lines.

• Open communication and constructive feedback are encouraged to foster innovation and problem-solving.

• A client-centric approach, where collaboration extends to client stakeholders to ensure solutions are aligned with business objectives and user needs.

• Knowledge sharing through workshops, presentations, and informal discussions is a key aspect of continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: EY's culture emphasizes "building a better working world," suggesting a purpose-driven environment. For EY Studio+, this translates to creating meaningful experiences that drive client success and positive societal impact. The values highlight a blend of professional rigor and creative innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Effectively mediating between user desires, technical feasibility, and business objectives in a consulting context.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating differing opinions and priorities among various client stakeholders and internal teams.

• Adapting to New Industries and Problems: Quickly learning and adapting design approaches to new client sectors and unique business challenges.

• Maintaining Design Consistency at Scale: Ensuring a cohesive user experience across multiple products and platforms, especially within large organizations.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the success and ROI of design initiatives in tangible business terms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Access to training on emerging design patterns, interaction design, and visual design trends.

• Service Design & Strategy: Opportunities to learn and apply broader service design methodologies and contribute to strategic client engagements.

• Design Leadership: Development programs focused on project management, client relationship management, and leading design teams.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining relevant professional certifications in design, user experience, or consulting.

• Mentorship Programs: Guidance from experienced senior designers and consultants within EY.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior consultant role in a large professional services firm, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders. The growth opportunities are substantial due to EY's global reach and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs and business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses problem-solving and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Walk me through your process for addressing digital accessibility." (Tests knowledge of accessibility standards and application.)

• "Imagine a client in the [specific industry] sector needs to improve their customer onboarding process. What would be your initial steps as a UX/UI Designer in a consulting engagement?" (Evaluates strategic thinking and consulting approach.)

• "How do you incorporate user feedback and data into your design iterations?" (Probes understanding of user-centered design and data-driven decision-making.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about EY Studio+ and this specific role?" (Assesses research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs from colleagues or clients?" (Evaluates collaboration and receptiveness to feedback.)

• "Describe a project where you had to work closely with developers. How did you ensure a smooth handoff and collaboration?" (Tests cross-functional teamwork.)

• "What are your thoughts on the future of UX/UI design in the consulting space?" (Gauges industry awareness and forward-thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Frame each project as a story: the challenge, your role, the process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solution, and the impact (quantifiable if possible).

• Process Transparency: Clearly articulate why you made certain design decisions, referencing user research, data, or design principles.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and keep text concise. Let your designs speak, but provide context.

• Interactive Elements: If presenting prototypes, ensure they are functional and smooth. Be prepared to guide the interviewer through them.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Consultant role, interviewers will look for more than just design skills. They'll assess your ability to think strategically, communicate effectively, collaborate within a team, and understand the business context of design. Be prepared to discuss your consulting aptitude.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer - Senior Consultant position:

• Navigate to the EY Careers portal via the provided URL and submit your application.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating end-to-end design processes, user research, problem-solving, and impact. Emphasize projects relevant to consulting or diverse industries.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your 3-5 years of UX/UI experience, specific skills (especially Figma), and any consulting or client-facing experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and experience with Figma. Prepare to present a portfolio case study and answer behavioral and strategy-based questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with EY's values, EY Studio+, their approach to design and consulting, and recent projects or case studies. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

⚠️ 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.