UI/UX Design Lead

## About the Role The UI/UX Design Lead position at Clay is a remote, full-time opportunity that combines the challenge of driving design excellence with the satisfaction of mentoring and guiding a team of designers. As a key member of the design team, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading projects from the initial research phase through to final delivery, ensuring that all design work meets the highest standards of quality and consistency. This role is ideal for a seasoned designer who is not only passionate about creating outstanding user experiences but also excels at improving processes, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring seamless collaboration between designers and other stakeholders.

Day-to-day, the UI/UX Design Lead will be involved in a wide range of activities, from conducting design reviews and providing hands-on support to team members, to overseeing the creation and implementation of design systems that ensure consistency across all projects. The ability to work autonomously in a remote setting, while also being an integral part of a global team, is essential for success in this role. Given Clay's diverse client base and commitment to delivering world-class digital products, the UI/UX Design Lead will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth.

## What You Will Do - Lead projects from research and discovery to final delivery, ensuring client-ready results that meet the highest standards of quality and design excellence.

• Review and refine team work, providing constructive feedback and stepping in with hands-on support when needed to ensure that all design work is of the highest quality.
• Mentor and guide UI/UX Designers, helping them grow professionally and personally, and maintaining high design standards across the team.
• Take responsibility for client updates, including final design checks and organizing presentation materials, to ensure that all client interactions are professional and effective.
• Improve workflows and optimize design processes to enhance efficiency and collaboration within the team.
• Validate design estimates and communicate priorities early to support effective project planning and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of design systems, ensuring scalability and consistency across all projects and products.
• Foster a collaborative design culture through the development of guidelines, workshops, and knowledge sharing initiatives that promote best practices and innovation.
• Collaborate effectively with Project Managers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery and implementation of design work.
• Participate in design operations, including organizing workflows, structuring files, preparing documentation, and optimizing collaboration tools to support the design team.

## What We Are Looking For - A minimum of 5+ years of digital design experience, including at least 2+ years in a leadership role within an agency or product team.

• Strong hands-on UI/UX skills, with the ability to guide, mentor, and inspire designers to produce high-quality work.
• Experience in solving complex UX challenges and aligning design decisions with business strategy and user needs.
• Proven track record of leading projects from research to delivery, ensuring quality and consistency at every stage.
• Confidence in conducting design reviews, giving constructive feedback, and setting clear quality standards.
• Knowledge of design operations, including organizing workflows, structuring files, and preparing documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including PMs and developers.
• Strong written and spoken English skills, with the ability to communicate complex design concepts clearly and effectively.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant software.
• Experience with design systems and their implementation.
• Understanding of human-centered design principles and methodologies.

## Nice to Have - Experience working in a fully remote setup and managing distributed teams.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles and how they intersect with design.
• Certification in design or a related field, such as UX design or human-computer interaction.
• Experience with agile methodologies and project management tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello.
• Familiarity with accessibility guidelines and principles.

## Benefits and Perks - Fully remote work arrangement, providing the flexibility to work from anywhere.

• Competitive compensation package, with regular salary reviews to ensure that your compensation reflects your value to the team.
• Individual growth opportunities, including a personal development program that supports your ongoing learning and career goals.
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick days, to ensure that you have the time and support you need to recharge.
• Opportunity to work with an amazing client base that includes top startups and leading brands.
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment that values innovation, creativity, and teamwork.
• Access to the latest design tools and technologies, to support your professional development and help you stay at the forefront of your field.
• A culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace for driving innovation and success.

- Build a Strong Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio showcases your ability to lead design projects, mentor team members, and implement design systems, highlighting specific examples and outcomes.

• Develop Your Leadership Skills: As a UI/UX Design Lead, leadership and mentorship are key. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams and improved design processes in previous roles.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Design Trends: The design landscape is constantly evolving. Stay current with the latest design tools, trends, and methodologies to bring innovative solutions to the table.
• Practice Your Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for success in this role. Practice articulating complex design concepts and feedback in a clear, concise manner.
• Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities: The ability to solve complex UX challenges is vital. Prepare examples of how you've approached and solved design problems in the past, emphasizing your thought process and solutions.
• Showcase Your Ability to Work Remotely: Given the remote nature of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience working in distributed teams, managing your time effectively, and staying connected with colleagues across different time zones.
• Prepare to Discuss Design Systems and Operations: The implementation and management of design systems are critical aspects of this role. Come prepared to discuss your experience and thoughts on design operations, including how you've optimized workflows and collaboration in previous positions.