UX/UI Specialist - Salesforce (Contract)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Specialist - Salesforce (Contract)

Company: Thunder

Location: Remote, United States or Canada preferred

Job Type: Contract

Category: UX/UI Design / Salesforce Implementation

Date Posted: 2026-09-11

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design initiatives within the Salesforce ecosystem, acting as the technical design authority.

• Architect both the functional logic and visual identity for Salesforce Customer and Partner Communities, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user journey.

• Lead the design and implementation of accessible, high-quality user experiences, adhering to industry standards and modern design principles.

• Drive accessibility testing and validation processes, coordinating with internal teams and stakeholders to ensure broad usability across diverse user groups.

• Implement advanced prototyping and wireframing techniques to visualize complex data flows within Salesforce environments, including Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, Data 360, and Agentforce.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies UX/UI Specialist, the responsibilities and required experience within the Salesforce ecosystem strongly indicate a role focused on Salesforce Experience Cloud (formerly Community Cloud) and related platforms. This role is crucial for enhancing user engagement and operational efficiency for both external customers and internal partners interacting with Salesforce.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design and implementation of intuitive, accessible, and high-quality user experiences for Salesforce Customer and Partner Communities.

• Architect and oversee the UI component design within Salesforce and AWS environments, ensuring all solutions are user-centric and aligned with business objectives.

• Drive comprehensive accessibility testing and validation processes, coordinating efforts with development teams and stakeholders to meet compliance requirements.

• Utilize advanced prototyping and wireframing tools to effectively visualize and communicate complex data flows and user journeys across Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, Data 360, and Agentforce.

• Provide expert UX/UI guidance, mentorship, and best practices to development, consulting, and implementation teams throughout the project lifecycle.

• Ensure strict adherence to and application of the Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS) and contemporary design standards for branding, themes, and content management (CMS).

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to translate business requirements into effective user-centric design solutions for Salesforce Communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level role that requires not only design expertise but also technical understanding of Salesforce's platform capabilities, particularly Experience Cloud. The "technical design authority" implies a deep understanding of how design choices impact functional implementation and system architecture.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree highly preferred.

• Professional certifications in UX/UI design or Salesforce are a strong plus. Experience:

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in managing UX/UI design cycles, with a significant focus on the Salesforce platform.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing solutions within Salesforce Experience Cloud (Communities), Service Cloud, Data 360, Marketing Cloud, and/or Agentforce. Required Skills:

• Proficient in UX/UI design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and information architecture.

• Expertise in Salesforce Experience Cloud (Community Cloud) design, configuration, and best practices for both Customer and Partner portals.

• Strong understanding of the Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS) and its application in creating cohesive interfaces.

• Proven ability to lead accessibility testing and validation processes, ensuring compliance with WCAG standards.

• Skilled in using advanced prototyping and wireframing tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision) to visualize complex user flows.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and influence outcomes. Preferred Skills:

• Salesforce UX Designer certification or equivalent certifications from reputable organizations (e.g., Nielsen Norman Group, HFI).

• Experience with AWS environments and integrating UI components across platforms.

• Familiarity with CMS implementation within Salesforce Communities.

• Experience mentoring junior designers or development teams on UX/UI best practices.

• Strategic thinking capabilities to align creative solutions with private-sector business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 5-7+ years, coupled with the "technical design authority" responsibility, positions this as a senior or lead UX/UI role within the Salesforce ecosystem. The preference for specific Salesforce product experience (Service Cloud, Experience Cloud, etc.) highlights the need for platform-specific expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design projects, with a strong emphasis on Salesforce Experience Cloud implementations.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, highlighting your ownership of functional logic and visual identity design.

• Include examples of user journey mapping, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, illustrating the progression from concept to execution.

• Demonstrate experience in designing for complex data flows and integrations within the Salesforce ecosystem (Service Cloud, Data 360, Agentforce).

• Provide evidence of your approach to accessibility testing and validation, including any challenges faced and solutions implemented. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your process for translating business requirements and stakeholder needs into user-centric design solutions.

• Detail your methodology for applying the Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS) and maintaining design consistency across projects.

• Document your approach to user research, testing, and iterative design improvements within the Salesforce context.

• Showcase your ability to mentor and guide development teams on UX/UI best practices and implementation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, especially one requiring technical design authority, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on Salesforce Experience Cloud and specific Salesforce products indicates a need for tangible examples of successful community or portal designs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

As this is a contract position, compensation will be commensurate with experience and expertise, likely falling within a range of $60 - $90 USD per hour, depending on qualifications and location. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level contract UX/UI specialists with deep Salesforce experience in the US and Canadian markets.

Benefits:

• This is a contract role. As an independent contractor, you will not be entitled to employee benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans offered to Thunder's full-time employees.

• You will be responsible for your own taxes and insurance.

• Opportunity to work on high-impact projects within the Salesforce ecosystem.

• Flexibility associated with contract engagements. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be available, but core working hours will be determined by project needs and team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job explicitly states this is a contract role and does not include standard employee benefits. The estimated salary range is based on typical contract rates for this specialized skill set in the US and Canadian markets, considering the required experience and Salesforce expertise.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Salesforce Implementation Services

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size. However, being a "commercial practice" suggests a professional services firm with a focus on client engagements.

Founded: The provided data does not specify the founding date.

Team Structure:

• This role will likely operate within Thunder's commercial practice, focusing on client-facing Salesforce implementation projects.

• You will collaborate with project managers, Salesforce developers, business analysts, and client stakeholders.

• As the technical design authority, you will provide guidance and mentorship to development teams.

• The structure will be project-based, with cross-functional teams assembled for specific client engagements. Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles applied to Salesforce solutions.

• Agile or hybrid methodologies are likely employed for project delivery.

• Focus on translating client business objectives into functional and visually appealing Salesforce Communities.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user feedback and performance metrics to inform design iterations.

• Adherence to Salesforce best practices and the Salesforce Lightning Design System (SLDS).

Company Website: [Thunder Website URL - Not provided in input, would typically be thunderonline.com if derived]

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the role description as a "contract engagement within our commercial practice," Thunder is likely a consulting firm specializing in Salesforce implementations. This implies a client-focused, project-driven work environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Specialist / Lead Designer

This role represents a senior individual contributor position, requiring extensive experience and the ability to act as a technical authority. It's a step beyond a standard UX/UI designer, demanding deep platform knowledge and strategic design leadership within the Salesforce domain.

Reporting Structure:

As a contractor, you will likely report to a Project Manager or a Practice Lead within Thunder, depending on the project structure. You will collaborate closely with development teams and client representatives.

Operations Impact:

The UX/UI Specialist's impact is critical for the success of Salesforce Community implementations. By ensuring intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing user experiences, this role directly influences:

• User adoption and engagement rates for Customer and Partner Communities.

• Efficiency and productivity of users interacting with Salesforce.

• Overall client satisfaction with the implemented Salesforce solutions.

• Brand perception and customer loyalty through well-designed digital touchpoints. Growth Opportunities:

• For Contract Roles: While direct advancement within Thunder may be limited as a contractor, successful engagements can lead to repeat contracts, referrals, and opportunities to showcase expertise on larger, more complex projects. This role also builds a strong portfolio for future contract or full-time opportunities.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in Salesforce Experience Cloud, accessibility standards, and advanced prototyping tools.

• Leadership Exposure: Gain experience in leading design strategy and mentoring development teams on complex Salesforce projects.

• Future Full-Time Consideration: As noted in the job description, successful contractors may be considered for future full-time roles at Thunder.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, "growth" typically refers to expanding one's portfolio, network, and future contract opportunities rather than traditional career ladder progression within the hiring company. The note about potential full-time consideration is important for candidates seeking long-term employment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (United States or Canada preferred)

This role is entirely remote, offering flexibility in terms of work location within the specified regions.

Office Location(s):

• Remote, with a preference for candidates based in the United States or Canada.

• This implies that while the work is remote, there might be a need for occasional virtual meetings during standard business hours for the primary client or team location. Workspace Context:

• You will be expected to maintain a dedicated, professional home office environment conducive to focused work and virtual collaboration.

• Access to reliable high-speed internet is essential for seamless participation in virtual meetings and access to cloud-based tools.

• Collaboration will primarily occur through video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms.

• You will be working with a distributed team, requiring strong self-discipline and proactive communication. Work Schedule:

• Approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time contract engagement.

• While remote, adherence to project deadlines and availability for critical meetings during core business hours (likely Eastern Time or Pacific Time, depending on client location) will be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "United States or Canada preferred" suggests that clients or key team members might be located in these regions, requiring alignment with their time zones for effective collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and alignment with contract terms.

2. Technical/Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion focusing on your Salesforce UX/UI experience, technical design approach, problem-solving skills, and understanding of Experience Cloud. Expect scenario-based questions.

3. Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies. Be prepared to discuss your design process, challenges, solutions, and impact.

4. Stakeholder/Client Interview (Potentially): Depending on the project, you might meet with a client representative or a senior leader at Thunder to assess cultural fit and strategic alignment.

5. Offer & Contract Negotiation: If successful, you will receive an offer with detailed contract terms, including rate, duration, and payment schedule.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select case studies that best highlight your Salesforce Experience Cloud expertise, particularly complex community designs, functional logic architecture, and visual branding.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly outline the business problem, your role, the design process (research, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the technical challenges within Salesforce, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved user adoption, reduced support tickets, increased engagement).

• Demonstrate SLDS Proficiency: Show examples of how you've applied the Salesforce Lightning Design System effectively.

• Highlight Accessibility: Be ready to discuss your approach to accessibility and showcase any testing or validation work.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Anticipate questions about how your designs integrate with Salesforce functionality and data models.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to common Salesforce Community use cases (e.g., designing a partner onboarding portal, a customer self-service portal, or an internal knowledge base).

• Practice articulating your thought process, design rationale, and how you would approach solving a given problem within the Salesforce framework.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of user-centricity, efficiency, and platform best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that specifically address Salesforce Experience Cloud and related platforms.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Salesforce Experience Cloud (Community Cloud): Core platform for building customer and partner portals.

• Salesforce Service Cloud: Likely integrated for support functionalities within communities.

• Salesforce Data 360: Used for understanding customer data across various Salesforce clouds.

• Salesforce Agentforce: Potentially used for agent-specific community features.

• AWS Environments: Mentioned for interface architecture, suggesting potential integration or hosting considerations.

• Prototyping & Wireframing Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for visualizing designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Salesforce Reports & Dashboards: For tracking community usage, engagement, and performance metrics.

• Google Analytics or similar: For external website analytics if applicable to community portals. CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce CRM: The underlying platform.

• Marketing Cloud: Mentioned as a relevant Salesforce product, indicating potential integration needs for marketing communications within communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Salesforce Experience Cloud and its related modules is non-negotiable. Familiarity with design tools and an understanding of how designs integrate with the Salesforce ecosystem are key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to designing solutions that prioritize the end-user experience.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality, polished, and effective design outcomes that meet industry standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams (developers, PMs, clients) to achieve project goals.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical approach to identifying and solving design and functional challenges within the Salesforce platform.

• Innovation: Embracing modern design trends and technologies to create engaging and efficient user interfaces.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote & Distributed: Expect a highly collaborative environment that relies on digital tools for communication and project management.

• Cross-Functional: Close partnership with Salesforce developers, business analysts, and project managers.

• Client-Focused: Direct interaction with clients to gather requirements, present designs, and gather feedback.

• Mentorship: A willingness to share expertise and guide less experienced team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contractor, understanding and adapting to the client's (Thunder's) and their clients' existing team culture and collaboration norms will be crucial for success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Vision with Technical Constraints: Ensuring creative designs are feasible within the limitations and best practices of the Salesforce platform.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Aligning diverse stakeholder needs and priorities with user experience goals.

• Complex Data Visualization: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex data sets within Salesforce (e.g., Data 360).

• Ensuring Accessibility Compliance: Implementing and validating designs against stringent accessibility standards across different user groups.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration in a fully remote, distributed team environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Salesforce Expertise: Gain hands-on experience with various Salesforce clouds and their integration points.

• Master Design Tools: Enhance skills in advanced prototyping and wireframing software.

• Accessibility Best Practices: Become an expert in implementing and testing for digital accessibility.

• Client Project Exposure: Work with a variety of clients and industries, broadening your understanding of different business needs and Salesforce applications.

• Mentorship Role: Develop leadership and mentorship skills by guiding development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to become a subject matter expert in Salesforce Experience Cloud UX/UI, a highly sought-after specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex Salesforce Community you designed. What were the primary business objectives, your design approach, and the challenges you overcame?"

• "How do you ensure your UX/UI designs for Salesforce communities are both visually appealing and functionally robust, adhering to SLDS and accessibility standards?"

• "Walk me through your process for translating a vague client requirement into a detailed, user-centric design for a Salesforce Experience Cloud portal."

• "How would you handle a situation where a key stakeholder disagrees with your proposed UX/UI direction for a Salesforce community?"

• "What are your go-to tools and methodologies for prototyping and testing user experiences within the Salesforce ecosystem?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about contract work with Thunder, specifically within our commercial practice?"

• "How do you approach collaboration and communication in a fully remote, project-based environment?"

• "What are your expectations regarding client interaction and stakeholder management on a Salesforce implementation project?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX/UI design and Salesforce platform developments?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Salesforce: Prioritize case studies directly related to Salesforce Experience Cloud, Service Cloud, or other relevant Salesforce products.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased adoption, reduced support calls, higher task completion rates).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and screenshots – to illustrate your design process and final output.

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your step-by-step approach, from understanding requirements to final implementation and iteration.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical considerations within Salesforce, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to speak extensively about their experience with Salesforce Experience Cloud and demonstrate how their design skills translate into tangible business value for clients using the Salesforce platform.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on gem.com.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-7+ years of UX/UI experience specifically within the Salesforce ecosystem, emphasizing Experience Cloud, Service Cloud, and related products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and features strong case studies showcasing your Salesforce UX/UI design process, with a clear emphasis on community or portal implementations. Be ready to present 1-2 key projects.

• Research Thunder: Understand Thunder's services, client base, and approach to Salesforce implementations to better articulate your fit and interest.

• Review Contract Terms: Familiarize yourself with the implications of contract employment, including tax responsibilities and the absence of employee benefits, as this will be discussed during the hiring process.

⚠️ 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.