Lead UX Designer

Chicago, IL or Dallas TX (Hybrid) | Full-Time | Direct Hire

Our client, a leading professional services organization, is seeking an experienced User Experience Lead to define and drive the UX vision across a suite of digital products and platforms. This role will play a key part in shaping intuitive, accessible, and innovative experiences that align user needs with business objectives.

The ideal candidate is a strategic UX leader who can combine high-level vision with hands-on design execution. This person will lead user-centered design initiatives, collaborate with product and engineering teams, establish UX standards, and champion the use of emerging AI tools to enhance the design process.

Responsibilities

• Define, communicate, and execute the UX vision and strategy across multiple products and platforms.
• Lead the end-to-end UX design process, including user research, journey mapping, wire framing, prototyping, interaction design, and final visual design.
• Leverage AI-assisted design and research tools to accelerate workflows, improve insights, and enhance user experiences.
• Conduct usability testing, user research, and validation activities to inform product decisions.
• Partner closely with product managers, developers, and business stakeholders to translate user needs into scalable solutions.
• Create and maintain UX design systems, standards, patterns, and best practices across digital products.
• Balance strategic UX leadership with hands-on design execution when needed.
• Advocate for accessibility, usability, and inclusive design principles across the organization.
• Mentor and provide guidance to UX designers while fostering a collaborative, feedback-driven culture.
• Define and monitor UX metrics and analytics to continuously improve experiences.
• Facilitate design workshops, collaborative sessions, and stakeholder presentations.
• Stay current with UX trends, emerging technologies, and AI-driven design innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience in a UX leadership role driving product vision and design strategy.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in UX research, interaction design, wire framing, prototyping, and UI design across web and mobile platforms.
• Experience using AI tools to enhance design workflows, research, prototyping, or development processes.
• Experience incorporating accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present and influence design decisions with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with in professional services, financial services, legal, consulting, or enterprise environments.
• UX certification or design thinking methodology experience.
• Experience with analytics and user behavior tools such as Google Analytics, Hotjar, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with AI-powered design and research platforms.

What You'll Bring

• A passion for creating simple, intuitive, and impactful user experiences.
• A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on design expertise.
• The ability to collaborate across teams and influence stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for how AI can transform the future of UX design.

This is an opportunity to join a forward-thinking organization where you can shape digital experiences, influence product strategy, and help define the future of user-centered design.