The lead UX designer delivers better business outcomes by improving the experience that end users have with a product or service while championing accessibility for all users. This individual believes UX is a force that can not only improve people’s experiences but also drive business forward. This individual should be a curious generalist who can work across all teams and departments, wearing different hats depending on the project.

In this role, the lead UX designer will use and conduct research and work closely with multiple disciplines to inform digital product blueprints and create experiences that meet the end users’ needs. The pre-launch intelligence gathering coupled with post-launch data analysis allows the lead UX designer to find out what’s working and what isn’t so we can adjust and release new enhancements.

This individual is a creative problem-solver with a passion for user-centered design. They can manage team dynamics and help spread the UX mindset throughout our company. They must embrace challenges, learn quickly and drive innovative thinking, all while staying open to learning and embracing new tools and trends and championing a good user experience across all areas of a project.

This person could be located in the Kansas City, MO, office; Columbia, MO, office; or remote.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Analyze consumer behavior and patterns to improve usability and overall functionality across various digital products, including websites, landing pages and applications.
Develop sitemaps and URL structures in collaboration with SEO and digital team members.
Create wireframes with annotations to clearly define the goals and functionality of each digital product to hand off to art directors and designers.
Work closely with the creative team to ensure all digital designs meet accessibility and usability best practices. This role is also responsible for ensuring that all designs are built to responsive design standards.
Work closely with project managers and QA testers to ensure that Jira tickets and stories accurately reflect intended design functionality.
Collaborate with developers and designers to bring designs to life through interaction design, animation and dynamic content.
Facilitate brainstorm sessions with cross-discipline team members.
Be a leader for large-scale website builds.
Build and document components and UI elements across digital projects.
Define opportunities and methodologies for user experience testing, including card sorting exercises, prototype testing and more.
Analyze performance against KPIs and provide recommendations for change as needed.
Participate in client meetings and lead wireframe presentations and discussion to support the account service team.
Stay current on trends, best practices and digital experiences with an eye toward proactive opportunities for client growth.
Operate as a SME (subject matter expert) and a go-to resource for building best-in-class digital experiences.
Serve as an innovator, a trendsetter, a good listener and a progressive thinker who understands how digital is connected to every aspect of client business.
Proactively educate, challenge and empower others throughout the company.

Knowledge and Skills:

Deep experience in user-centered design and is fluent in web and mobile information architecture
Expert knowledge of industry standard tools such as Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite
Working knowledge of HTML and CSS. Knowing how to write code and having experience with Chrome’s dev tools is a plus.
Working knowledge and experience with website content management systems (CMS), including WordPress
Working knowledge and experience with a variety of user testing exercises
Well versed in WCAG Level AA compliance
Well versed in SEO and how it can impact user experience
Strong analytical skills
A passion to inspire and lead great technological design while sharing ideas in a team-oriented environment on cutting-edge projects
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Life-long learner with demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement
Ability to effectively communicate in a proactive and positive manner, including sharing information in an easily digestible way with non-technical colleagues
Attention to detail
Excellent time management to stay organized and meet deadlines.

Leader Behaviors:

How leaders act on a daily basis as they seek to implement the company’s vision and strategic priorities, strive to fulfill the brand promise and live up to the values. Everyone can be a leader.

Open-minded and active listener
Continually grows people and business
Truthful and transparent
Decisive and accountable
Forward-thinking
Proactive and communicates in a positive manner.

Education/Experience/Certification(s):

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
7-10 years working in user experience design, digital design or marketing/strategy is required.
Agency experience is preferred.

Woodruff jobs

Lead UX Designer