Head of UX

twentysix; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 173,009 - 227,075; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible, hybrid working policy

25 days holiday

Flexible health budget

Learning & development budget

Referral bonus program

Office meals and events

Job summary

DEPT in Zurich is seeking a Head of UX Design to lead and evolve our DACH UX practice across the full value chain—from research to delivery. You will balance craft, delivery quality, and operational health while shaping a future-ready UX discipline and engaging with ambitious brands to drive growth.

The role requires deep experience in UX, product design, and leadership, with proficiency in German and English. A hybrid working policy and international collaboration are part of the package.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in UX and product design in complex digital ecosystems.
• Experience with large international brands and agency environments.
• Over 10 years in people leadership, mentoring senior talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the DACH UX practice across the value chain from research to delivery.
• Set the standard for user-centric design and ensure strategic business impact.
• Own delivery excellence and collaborate with EMEA UX leadership to build capabilities.
• Manage operational health and client/team satisfaction.
• Foster cross-functional and international alignment with Strategy, Visual Design, Content and Tech.
• Champion thought leadership through speaking engagements and industry contributions.

Skills

UX leadership

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Research & strategy

English proficiency

German proficiency

Job description

Head of UX Design

Zürich

JOB PURPOSE

This position sits in our Zurich-based Experience & Engineering business unit. We deliver many services, from strategy and a performance-driven full‑funnel approach to campaigning, e‑commerce, data & analytics and content. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional and engaging digital experiences. As Head of UX Design, you will lead and further develop our DACH UX practice across the entire value chain — from research to delivery. You will balance craft excellence, delivery quality, and operational health, while shaping a strong and future‑ready UX discipline. You will also engage with ambitious brands to create user‑centered experiences that drive measurable growth.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Driving innovation and delivering excellence: As the UX Lead for key accounts or in new business, you’ll set the standard for user‑centric design and ensure that our work delivers strategic business impact.

• Delivery accountability: You are accountable for the department’s delivery excellence. You not only monitor quality but also collaborate with the EMEA UX leadership team to develop new capabilities and processes that ensure we stay ahead of the competition.

• Operational accountability: You proactively manage the department’s operational health as well as the client and team satisfaction.

• Foster cross‑functional and international alignment: You will foster close collaboration with international teams across the EMEA region as well as with other crafts such as Strategy, Visual Design, Content and Tech, ensuring that our local UX practice does not operate in isolation but serves as a driving force for collective growth.

• Champion thought leadership: You will act as an internal and external voice, showcasing our pioneering work through speaking engagements and industry contributions to build our reputation as a growth innovation company.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Work experience: Over 15 years of experience in UX and product design, combined with in‑depth expertise in complex digital ecosystems and fast‑paced agency environments, with proven experience working with large, international brands and complex stakeholder environments. While experience in e‑commerce isn't mandatory, it would be a great advantage.

• Portfolio: A proven track record across the entire UX value chain—from in‑depth user research and strategic planning to hands‑on concepts and iterative testing. Your portfolio demonstrates high‑impact results and measurable business growth.

• Leadership: You have over 10 years’ experience in people leadership. Managing and mentoring high‑level talent, such as Leads, Principals and Associate Directors, would be an added bonus.

• Operational Excellence: You know how to handle urgent requests or escalations with a performance‑ and solution‑oriented approach.

• Tech and AI savvy: Not only are you curious about digital trends, AI and new technologies, you are also committed to incorporating relevant innovations into your work.

• Communication and influence: The ability to transform complex UX strategies into persuasive pitches that convince senior stakeholders and establish the trust required for long‑term partnerships. Full professional proficiency in both German and English (C1 level) is mandatory.

WE OFFER:

• Flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).

• 25 days holiday with the opportunity to take unpaid leave.

• Flexible health budget and Wellness & personal day.

• Learning & development budget.

• Referral bonus program.

• Occasional breakfast & lunch at the office, Smoothie Tuesday.

• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform.

• You can choose to work from the spacious and barrier‑free location in Zurich; in Bern you can expect a small but nice and fully equipped office where you can hit the keys in peace.

• Social events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.

• A reputation for doing good. DEPT has been a Certified B Corp since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.

• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries. And we celebrate all of our successes together!

• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.

• Global annual DEPT Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.