Architect jobs in United Arab Emirates

Who We Are:

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

We’re looking for a strategic Senior UX Architect to join our growing Customer Experience team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on solving complex problems for enterprise-level clients and shaping multi-channel, multi-touchpoint experiences.

You’ll focus on defining, leading research, mapping journeys, structuring information, and framing strategic directions for impactful experiences. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of designers, developers, analysts, copywriters, and project managers will be key, with a focus on understanding users, aligning stakeholders, and setting the blueprint for exceptional experiences.

Part of your time will involve working on a high-profile, globally significant project, shaping experiences viewed and used by millions. You will also work across various client engagements, so adaptability and juggling multiple priorities are essential.

This role is not focused on visual design, as we already have an exceptional design team. Instead, we seek someone who can lead strategic thinking, inspire others, and bring deep UX expertise to elevate the team.

1. Lead research, strategy, and definition phases of projects, from discovery to experience architecture.
2. Plan and facilitate workshops with clients and internal teams to uncover insights, align goals, and define strategies.
3. Conduct and oversee user research using qualitative and quantitative methods.
4. Create journey maps, service blueprints, IA diagrams, wireframes, and flows to communicate experience intent.
5. Collaborate with visual designers, developers, and specialists to ensure strategic intent is realized in delivery.
6. Work on multi-channel and omnichannel experiences, ensuring consistency across touchpoints.
7. Mentor and support other UX team members, sharing expertise and fostering growth.
8. Manage time effectively across multiple projects.

You will have:

• 7+ years of agency-side experience working with enterprise clients.
• A portfolio demonstrating research, strategy, and definition work, including sketches, experience maps, and wireframes.
• Proven experience leading large, complex projects collaboratively.
• Strong knowledge of UX methodologies and their application.
• A solid understanding of Information Architecture beyond navigation design.
• Experience facilitating workshops with senior stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with various user research methods.
• A track record of mentoring UX professionals.
• The ability to balance detailed problem solving with strategic thinking.
• Experience designing multi-channel digital experiences.

Bonus points if you:

• Have experience researching and mapping omnichannel experiences.
• Have experience with conversion rate optimization projects.
• Have knowledge of cognitive science or behavioral economics.

About the Team:

You’ll join a 20-strong CX department across three countries, comprising visual designers, researchers, and architects. We are collaborative, supportive, and committed to growth and knowledge sharing.

We offer clear skills progression frameworks and initiatives to support your development, giving you the opportunity to make a significant impact on clients, work, and your team.

Why This Role is Different:

This role focuses on UX strategy, research, and definition, not visual design. We value deep expertise in these areas and seek a leader in UX strategy.

If you want to work on high-profile projects, influence experiences seen by millions, and shape a talented, multidisciplinary team, we’d love to hear from you.

#LI-EMEA

We believe in the power of in-person collaboration. Our hybrid model involves teams in the office about four days a week. Flexible arrangements can be discussed during interviews.

VML (WPP) is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive.

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