Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Content Designer

Company: Registers of Scotland (RoS)

Location: United Kingdom (Glasgow and Edinburgh offices)

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Category: Content Design / User Experience (UX) Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-15

Experience Level: Mid-Level (Estimated 2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user-centric content strategy and creation for public and professional audiences within a leading land and property registration organization.

• Manage the end-to-end content lifecycle, from discovery and auditing to drafting, testing, and publishing across digital and offline channels.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure content accessibility, clarity, and alignment with policy and user needs.

• Utilize content management systems (CMS), basic HTML, and adhere to government digital service standards for effective content delivery.

• Contribute to an award-winning, agile, and digitally-focused organization committed to innovation and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a "Content Designer" but involves significant operational aspects of content management, lifecycle management, and stakeholder coordination, aligning it with UX Operations or GTM Content Operations functions within a public sector context. The emphasis on user needs, data-driven decisions, and system usage points towards an operational role within the broader content strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, write, and edit clear, accessible, and user-focused online content for the RoS website (ros.gov.uk) and other digital platforms.

• Manage content design requests for statutory reports, internal resources, and website updates reflecting process changes.

• Design and create content to support new service offerings and policy intentions, ensuring alignment with user goals.

• Conduct content audits, identify gaps, and implement improvements to enhance the user journey and information architecture.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to run co-design sessions and gather input for content development and refinement.

• Upload new guidance to the Knowledge Base, ensuring adherence to best practices and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Understand and respond to evolving user needs and requirements using an Agile delivery methodology.

• Utilize evidence, data, and user research to inform content decisions and strategy.

• Apply technical knowledge of content management systems (CMS), components, and basic HTML for content publishing.

• Manage a content design inbox, responding to ad hoc enquiries and actioning requests efficiently.

• Support team planning, prioritization, and the development of Content Community of Practice (CoP) sessions.

• Assist with the yearly content audit and subsequent amends, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

• Contribute to the development of the User-Centered Design (UCD) intranet to deliver value for RoS.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a hands-on content creation and management role, with a strong emphasis on operational processes like content auditing, lifecycle management, stakeholder coordination for sign-offs, and utilizing specific systems (CMS). The "Support with" section indicates involvement in broader content operations initiatives beyond direct content creation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not detailed, a background in Communications, English, Journalism, Digital Media, or a related field is typically beneficial for content design roles.

Experience:

• Proven experience in writing, editing, and delivering fit-for-purpose, user-focused online content.

• Experience in managing the entire content lifecycle, including discovery, content audits, drafting, testing, and review.

• Experience with content management systems (CMS) for publishing and managing digital content.

• Experience in managing stakeholders and navigating content sign-off processes and policies.

• Experience in managing competing user needs and prioritizing tasks effectively.

• Familiarity with Government Digital Service Standards (e.g., Scottish Government's Digital First Service Standard or GDS Standards).

• Demonstrable experience in building accessible online experiences in line with WCAG standards.

Required Skills:

• Content Design: Ability to create clear, concise, and user-centered content for diverse audiences.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency in using CMS platforms to publish and manage content.

• Basic HTML: Technical understanding for content formatting and basic web page structure.

• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building relationships, communicating effectively, and managing expectations with various internal and external stakeholders.

• User Research & Insights: Ability to use evidence, data, and user feedback to inform content decisions.

• Agile Methodology: Familiarity with Agile principles and practices for iterative content development.

• WCAG Standards: Knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines for creating inclusive content.

• Content Auditing: Experience in evaluating and analyzing existing content to identify areas for improvement.

• User-Centered Design (UCD): A strong understanding of UCD principles and their application to content.

• Copywriting & Editing: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific government digital standards or frameworks.

• Familiarity with user journey mapping and UX principles.

• Knowledge of SEO best practices for online content.

• Experience in running co-design sessions or workshops.

• Understanding of data analysis for content performance measurement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Essential Criteria – Skills and Attributes for Success" section directly outlines the required technical and experience skills. The "Behaviours" section further elaborates on critical soft skills and attributes that are essential for success in this role, particularly "Managing a Quality Service" and "Working Together" which are assessed at the interview stage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Content Samples: Showcase a range of content types (e.g., website copy, guidance documents, reports, transactional content) demonstrating clarity, user-focus, and accessibility.

• Process Improvement Case Studies: Highlight instances where your content design improved user journeys, resolved user pain points, or met specific policy objectives. Quantify impact where possible (e.g., reduced queries, increased task completion).

• System Usage Examples: If possible, demonstrate experience with CMS platforms, including content creation, editing, publishing workflows, and managing content lifecycle within a system.

• Accessibility & Standards Adherence: Provide examples that clearly illustrate adherence to WCAG guidelines and government digital standards.

Process Documentation:

• Content Lifecycle Management: Demonstrate understanding of managing content from initial research and drafting through to testing, publication, and ongoing maintenance.

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase experience in designing or improving content workflows, including stakeholder sign-off processes.

• User-Centered Content Creation: Evidence of processes used to gather user insights and translate them into effective content solutions.

• Agile Content Development: Illustrate how you have worked within Agile frameworks to deliver content iteratively and adapt to changing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly ask for a "portfolio," the emphasis on managing the "entire Content Life Cycle (Discovery/ Content Audits)," "Managing Content Sign off processes," and experience with "content management systems" strongly implies that candidates will need to demonstrate these capabilities. A portfolio is the standard way to showcase such practical experience in content design roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £47,590 - £54,482 per annum (Total Remuneration).

• Base Salary: £41,026 - £46,968 per annum.

• DDaT Annual Pay Supplement: 16% of base salary is included in the Total Remuneration, acknowledging market rates for Digital, Data, and Technology roles. This supplement is subject to periodic review.

Pension: 28.97% employer contribution from Registers of Scotland.

Annual Leave: Starting at 38 days per year, increasing to 42 days with length of service.

Other Benefits:

• Pay Progression: Opportunities for salary increases based on performance and tenure.

• Parental Leave: Up to one year of parental leave.

• Professional Development: Investment in training and skill development.

• Flexible Working: The organization supports a variety of working patterns.

• Hybrid Working: Offices are available in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with team activities and co-design sessions expected to take place in these locations at least part of each week.

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. Flexible working patterns will be considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is presented as "Total Remuneration," which includes a base salary and a DDaT pay supplement. This is a common practice in UK public sector digital roles to attract talent. The range provided is for the combined figure. The estimated experience level of 2-5 years aligns with the HEO (Higher Executive Officer) grade common in UK Civil Service roles. For a mid-level Content Designer in the UK, this salary range is competitive, especially considering the benefits package and public sector stability.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Land and Property Registration / Public Sector / Government Services. Registers of Scotland (RoS) is a world-leading pioneer in its field, focusing on data-led, digital solutions.

Company Size: RoS is a significant public sector organization, employing a substantial number of people. The description mentions "full-stack teams" and "award-winning organisation recognised for its technology and innovation," suggesting a modern, digitally-focused environment.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, RoS has a long history as a government agency responsible for land registration in Scotland. Its current emphasis on technology and innovation indicates a forward-thinking approach.

Team Structure:

• Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Teams: The role is situated within these teams, which design, architect, and build registration products in-house.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Content Designers work across different teams and with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, implying a collaborative and integrated work environment.

• Agile & Autonomous: RoS operates as an agile, digital organization where colleagues have autonomy and understand their roles in achieving strategic objectives.

• Content Community of Practice (CoP): There is an active community for content professionals, suggesting opportunities for knowledge sharing and best practice development.

Methodology:

• User-Centered Design (UCD): A core principle guiding the design of services and content.

• Agile Delivery: Iterative development and flexible response to changing requirements.

• Data-Driven Decisions: Content decisions are informed by evidence, data, and user research.

• Digital First: A commitment to creating digital solutions that are accessible and efficient.

Company Website: https://www.ros.gov.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as agile, innovative, and focused on user needs and professional development. As a public sector organization, it offers stability and a mission-driven purpose, working for the people of Scotland. The DDaT supplement highlights a commitment to attracting and retaining talent in competitive tech fields.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a mid-level (HEO grade), focusing on the practical application of content design principles within an operational framework. It involves independent work on content projects and collaboration with various teams.

Reporting Structure: The Content Designer will work within Digital, Data, and Technology (DDaT) teams, likely reporting to a Content Design Lead or a Digital Manager. They will collaborate extensively with policy teams, legal experts, developers, and other UX professionals.

Operations Impact: The Content Designer directly impacts the user experience of RoS services by making complex information understandable and accessible. This operational function is crucial for ensuring citizens and professionals can effectively engage with land registration processes, directly supporting RoS's mission and policy goals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, UX writing, content strategy, or content operations.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead content initiatives, or contribute to the Content Community of Practice.

• Cross-Functional Experience: Gain exposure to various government projects and work with diverse teams, broadening understanding of public sector digital transformation.

• Career Progression: Opportunities to advance to Senior Content Designer, Content Strategist, or management roles within RoS or the wider Civil Service.

• Professional Development: RoS invests in training, offering chances to attend conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications relevant to content design and digital services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within the public sector, emphasizing continuous learning and impact. The DDaT pay supplement and investment in professional development signal a commitment to nurturing talent in specialized digital roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with access to modern office spaces in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The role requires a presence in these offices for specific activities.

Office Location(s):

• Glasgow: Specific office location not detailed, but presumed to be centrally located and accessible.

• Edinburgh: Specific office location not detailed, but presumed to be centrally located and accessible.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration for team activities, co-design sessions, and community events.

• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary digital tools and technologies for content creation, management (CMS), and communication is implied.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to engage with a diverse DDaT team, policy experts, and stakeholders.

Work Schedule: Standard 35-hour work week, with flexibility in working patterns considered, allowing for better work-life integration while ensuring operational needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model aims to balance the benefits of remote work flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration essential for co-design and team cohesion in a content-focused role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage One (Application):

  • Submit a CV (max 4 pages) highlighting technical/experience criteria.
  • Provide written responses (max 300 words per question) explaining how you meet the "Managing a Quality Service" and "Working Together" behaviours, ideally using the STAR format.
  • Initial sift may occur based on Technical/Experience criteria and the "Managing a Quality Service" behaviour response.
  • A pre-screening call may be conducted to verify responses, especially concerning AI usage.

• Stage Two (Assessment):

  • In-person interview at the Edinburgh office.
  • Behaviour-based interview assessing all advertised behaviours and technical criteria.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Content Relevance: Ensure your portfolio showcases work directly relevant to public sector content design, user-centered principles, and accessibility. Prioritize examples that demonstrate impact.

• Process Clarity: For each piece, briefly explain the user need, your role, the process followed (research, drafting, testing, sign-off), the tools used (CMS, HTML), and the outcome.

• Data & Metrics: Quantify your achievements wherever possible. If direct metrics are unavailable, use qualitative data on user feedback or process improvements.

• Accessibility Emphasis: Explicitly detail how you incorporated WCAG standards and ensured content accessibility.

• STAR Method Application: Structure your explanations around the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly articulate your contributions and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study: Expect a practical exercise requiring you to analyze a scenario, identify user needs, and propose content solutions. Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, content design thinking, and understanding of government standards.

• Behavioural Questions: Prepare specific examples using the STAR method for each required behaviour (Managing a Quality Service, Working Together, Changing and Improving, Developing Self and Others).

• Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with CMS, basic HTML, content auditing, and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is rigorous, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating practical skills and behaviours. The STAR method is explicitly recommended, and candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with AI tools responsibly. The case study will likely assess the candidate's ability to apply content design principles in a realistic scenario.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): Essential experience required. Specific platforms not mentioned, but experience with enterprise-level CMS is valuable.

• Basic HTML: Fundamental knowledge for content structuring and formatting.

• Collaboration Tools: Likely includes standard office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace), communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams), and project management tools (e.g., Jira, Trello, Asana) given the Agile methodology.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: While not explicitly stated, experience with tools like Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand content performance and user behaviour would be beneficial.

• Content Audit Tools: Familiarity with tools or methodologies for conducting content audits.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable: This role is focused on content design and management rather than CRM or sales automation. However, understanding how content integrates with customer journeys might be relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency with Content Management Systems and basic HTML. Given the public sector and Agile context, familiarity with common collaboration and project management tools is also expected.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A paramount value, ensuring all content is designed to meet user needs and improve their experience with RoS services.

• Clarity & Accessibility: Commitment to making information understandable, unambiguous, and accessible to all users, regardless of ability or background.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: Striving for streamlined processes and content that achieves its intended purpose efficiently.

• Collaboration: Working together across teams and with stakeholders to achieve common goals and deliver integrated solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing feedback, learning from data, and constantly seeking ways to enhance content and processes.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding the standards and principles of public service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Content Designers are expected to work closely with policy, legal, development, and UX teams, acting as a bridge between technical and user-facing aspects of services.

• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Collaboration is built on sharing data, research, and insights to reach consensus on content strategy and implementation.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, constructive criticism, and knowledge sharing within the team and the wider Content Community of Practice.

• Agile Teamwork: Participating actively in Agile ceremonies and contributing to a shared understanding and delivery of project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a strong user-first approach, combined with a commitment to quality, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving, all within the context of public service.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Managing diverse and sometimes conflicting requirements from various stakeholders while maintaining a user-centered approach.

• Translating Complex Information: Simplifying intricate legal and technical information related to land registration into accessible language for a broad audience.

• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within public sector processes and policies while striving for agility and innovation.

• Keeping Pace with Digital Standards: Ensuring content remains compliant with evolving government digital and accessibility standards.

• Measuring Content Impact: Demonstrating the value and ROI of content design efforts through data and user feedback.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training in advanced content strategy, UX writing, accessibility, and specific government digital frameworks.

• Community of Practice: Engaging with a network of content professionals for peer learning, sharing best practices, and problem-solving.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to be mentored by senior content professionals or to mentor junior colleagues.

• Exposure to Complex Projects: Working on significant digital transformation initiatives within the land registration sector.

• Government Digital Standards Expertise: Developing deep knowledge of public sector digital best practices and their application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a content role in a complex, regulated public sector environment. The opportunities for growth are substantial, particularly in developing expertise in public sector digital standards and content strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements for content. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on user needs, evidence, and communication strategy).

• "How do you approach content audits and what are the key elements you look for?" (Emphasize process, analysis, and actionable recommendations).

• "Walk us through your process for designing accessible content. What standards do you follow?" (Detail WCAG knowledge and practical application).

• "How would you translate a complex legal document about land registration into content for the public?" (Demonstrate simplification, user empathy, and clarity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Registers of Scotland specifically?" (Research RoS's mission, recent projects, and values).

• "How do you align your content design work with government digital standards like the Digital First Service Standard?" (Show understanding of public sector digital ethos).

• "What is your understanding of User-Centered Design, and how have you applied it in previous roles?" (Connect to RoS's UCD focus).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Key Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in content design, lifecycle management, stakeholder collaboration, and impact.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate:

  • Situation: The problem or user need.
  • Task: Your specific role and objectives.
  • Action: The steps you took (research, design, collaboration, system use).
  • Result: The outcome, impact, and lessons learned (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Process: Explain your methodology, how you used data/research, and how you managed the content lifecycle and stakeholder sign-offs.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Briefly mention CMS usage or any HTML applications.

• Address Accessibility: Explicitly state how accessibility was integrated.

• Be Concise: Practice your presentation to fit within allocated time, focusing on the most critical aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating practical experience using the STAR method, demonstrating a deep understanding of user-centered principles, government digital standards, and the ability to manage complex content projects operationally.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Content Designer position:

• Click 'Apply now' on the job portal and complete the online application form.

• Prepare Your CV: Tailor your CV (max 4 pages) to prominently feature your experience with content management systems, content lifecycle management, stakeholder management, user research, and agile methodologies. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft Behaviour Responses: For the "Managing a Quality Service" and "Working Together" behaviours, write concise, impactful responses (max 300 words each). Use the STAR method to structure your answers, providing specific examples of your achievements and how you met the criteria.

• Develop Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your best content design work that demonstrates your skills, process, and impact. Be ready to discuss your portfolio during the interview stage, highlighting how your experience aligns with RoS's needs.

• Research RoS: Familiarize yourself with Registers of Scotland's mission, values, recent digital initiatives, and their commitment to user-centered design and accessibility. Understand their role in the Scottish public sector.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for behavioural questions and be ready to discuss your experience with technical criteria and case study scenarios. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific tools or processes, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. The emphasis on AI use in applications also warrants careful review of RoS's policy.