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, wireframing, 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, wireframing, 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 within 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr