Lead UI/UX Designer - Mobile Applications

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Performance-based bonus

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks a Lead UI/UX Designer to guide a design team focused on mobile applications. You will drive user research, wireframing, prototyping, and high‑fidelity UI, collaborating with product and development teams to translate requirements into intuitive experiences.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of UI/UX experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role, a strong portfolio, and proficiency with Figma, Sketch, XD, and InVision.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of UI/UX design experience with at least 3 years in a lead role for mobile apps.
• A strong portfolio showcasing mobile UI/UX design work for iOS and Android.
• Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision or similar tools.
• Solid understanding of user-centered design, IA, and interaction design.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for mobile applications from research to high‑fidelity UI.
• Mentor and manage a team of UI/UX designers and provide feedback.
• Collaborate with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to define requirements.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights.
• Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and component libraries.
• Present concepts and design rationale to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on UI/UX trends and best practices in mobile design.
• Advocate for usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction.
• Iterate designs based on user feedback and evolving requirements.

Skills

Lead UI/UX Design

Mobile UI/UX

Team Leadership

User Research

Prototyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Psychology, or related field

Tools

Figma

Sketch

Adobe XD

InVision

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech company at the forefront of mobile innovation, is seeking an accomplished Lead UI/UX Designer to join their vibrant team in **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**. This pivotal role involves conceptualizing and executing intuitive, engaging, and visually stunning user interfaces for a suite of cutting-edge mobile applications. You will lead a team of talented designers, guiding them from user research and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and final design implementation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, a keen eye for aesthetics, and a proven track record of designing successful mobile experiences. Based in the picturesque **Stellenbosch**, you will play a crucial role in shaping the user journey and overall product strategy. We are looking for a strategic thinker and creative problem-solver who can inspire a team and deliver exceptional user experiences that drive engagement and customer satisfaction. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on products used by millions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for mobile applications, from user research and persona development to wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design.
• Manage and mentor a team of UI/UX designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative environment.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to define product requirements and translate them into user-friendly designs.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights and validate design decisions.
• Develop and maintain design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure consistency across applications.
• Present design concepts and strategies to stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale and user benefits.
• Stay abreast of the latest UI/UX trends, technologies, and best practices in mobile design.
• Advocate for the user, ensuring that all design decisions prioritize usability, accessibility, and user satisfaction.
• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, data analysis, and evolving product requirements.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in UI/UX design, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role, focusing on mobile applications (iOS and Android).
• A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional UI/UX design work, particularly for mobile platforms.
• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar.
• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles, information architecture, and interaction design.
• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.
• Familiarity with mobile development processes and platform guidelines (iOS Human Interface Guidelines, Android Material Design).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively in a fast-paced, agile environment.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and a generous performance-based bonus structure.
• Employees enjoy access to professional development programs, including conferences and training.
• The company fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture with opportunities for career advancement.
• Located in beautiful **Stellenbosch, Western Cape**, you'll work in a stimulating environment.

Join our innovative team and help shape the future of mobile technology.