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TEKsystems

Lead UX Designer

TEKsystems, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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Lead UX Designer

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TEKsystems

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Lead Designer – UX

will drive design excellence and strategic vision on the Customer UX team, leading cross‑functional design initiatives and mentoring design talent while elevating the quality of digital experiences across the travel journey. This role is responsible for setting design direction, leading complex design projects, managing stakeholder relationships, and fostering a culture of design excellence while contributing to the design system and organizational design maturity.

We’re looking for an experienced design leader who combines strategic thinking with hands‑on craft excellence, demonstrates strong leadership and mentoring capabilities, and can drive design decisions that balance user needs with business objectives in a complex, fast‑paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead design strategy and vision: Define and communicate a design strategy for complex, multi‑platform initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs across the travel ecosystem.

Mentor and develop design talent: Provide guidance, feedback, and career development support to junior and mid‑level designers, fostering growth and maintaining high design standards across the team.

Drive cross‑functional collaboration and stakeholder management: Lead design discussions with senior stakeholders, product managers, and engineering leaders, advocating for user‑centered design decisions and managing competing priorities.

Oversee complex, omnichannel experience design: Lead the design of sophisticated user journeys that span multiple touchpoints, ensuring consistency and excellence across platforms, devices, and channels.

Establish design standards and governance: Define interaction patterns, design principles, and quality standards that guide team decisions and ensure scalable, maintainable design solutions.

Lead prototyping and validation initiatives: Direct the creation of high‑fidelity prototypes and design validation studies, working with research teams to inform design decisions through user insights.

Champion design system evolution: Partner with the Atmos team to drive design system strategy, contributing advanced patterns and establishing governance that promotes consistency and craft excellence.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Human‑Computer Interaction, Information Design, Communications, Computer Systems, Visual Design, or related disciplines)

6–10+ years of experience in UI/UX design with 3+ years in a lead or senior design role

Proven experience leading design teams and mentoring designers

Portfolio demonstrating leadership in complex design projects, strategic thinking, and measurable business impact

Experience presenting design work and strategy to senior leadership and executive stakeholders

Deep expertise in emerging UI trends, tools, and technologies with the ability to evaluate and implement new approaches

Advanced proficiency in digital design and prototyping tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.)

Expert‑level experience applying WCAG accessibility standards and advocating for inclusive design practices

Proven track record leading cross‑functional initiatives with business analysts, researchers, developers, and product owners

Experience with design strategy, roadmap planning, and resource allocation

Extensive design experience for web, mobile, and emerging platforms

Demonstrated ability to balance user advocacy with business constraints and technical considerations

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence and align stakeholders

Strong leadership presence with the ability to drive consensus and manage conflict

Experience managing multiple complex projects and teams while maintaining high attention to detail

Strategic problem‑solving abilities with a focus on scalable solutions

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship

Preferred Qualifications

Airline or complex enterprise experience

Advanced degree in design, HCI, or related field

Deep expertise in design principles, visual systems, and best practices, including advanced layout, typography, and color theory

Experience with design research methodologies and user testing

Familiarity with front‑end technologies and development patterns across iOS, Android, and web platforms

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Not assigned to a specific project, will flex for projects within the Commercial UX team (external customer facing)

Project Name: The 4 roles will support initiatives for all areas of the Customer UX team

The length of the assignment: 6‑month contract, option to renew

Possibility to extend if less than 1‑year assignment: Yes

The contractor will report to me, but will work with all senior managers and the director at times depending on the project need

Work Schedule: Remote, Hybrid, Onsite

Role is hybrid. If in Chicago or Houston, we go to the office one week on Wednesdays or as needed.

Job Type & Location This is a contract position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $70.00–$80.00/hr.

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Dec 19, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer TEKsystems is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

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