Company Description

Burnet Media is an independent publishing house based in Cape Town, established in 2010, with a strong focus on close collaboration with authors. The company publishes into the South African trade through its Mercury, Two Dogs, and Two Pups imprints and showcases titles with international potential at the London Book Fair each year. In addition to traditional publishing, Burnet Media delivers customized publishing projects and offers consulting and production services tailored to client needs. Its books are sold and distributed throughout southern Africa via Jacana Media and Booksite Afrika, giving authors and partners broad regional reach. Role Description The Director User Experience Design is a full-time remote role responsible for leading the end-to-end user experience strategy for Burnet Media’s digital products and services. This position oversees UX vision and standards, guiding the design of interfaces for web and mobile applications that support authors, readers, and internal teams. The director will manage and mentor UX designers and researchers, collaborate with product, engineering, and editorial stakeholders, and ensure that design decisions are grounded in user insights and business objectives. Day-to-day tasks include defining UX roadmaps, conducting and reviewing user research, creating and refining interaction and visual design concepts, and establishing usability and accessibility best practices. The role also involves continuous optimization of digital experiences through testing, analytics, and iterative design improvements.

Qualifications

Strong expertise in Design Thinking and User Research, with the ability to translate insights into effective UX strategies. Solid foundation in Human Computer Interaction and experience designing for Mobile Applications, web platforms, and cross-device ecosystems. Demonstrated proficiency in Visual Design, including layout, typography, color, and design systems that support consistent brand experiences. Experience leading UX teams, mentoring designers and researchers, and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders in product and engineering. Proven track record delivering complex digital products, ideally in content, publishing, media, or related industries. Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to advocate for user-centered design to technical and non-technical audiences. Familiarity with UX tools and methodologies (e.g., wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, analytics-driven iteration). Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Interaction Design, HCI, UX Design, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.