Digital Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Product Designer

Company: Virgin Atlantic

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-24T14:12:02

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver the Virgin Atlantic digital product roadmap, focusing on user experience and brand integration.

• Conceptualize and develop innovative digital solutions informed by design thinking and user needs.

• Champion user-centric design principles and ensure seamless, accessible digital experiences across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Digital Development & Delivery and the broader Creative team, to ensure flawless implementation and brand consistency.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of digital design practices and processes within Virgin Atlantic.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Digital Product Designer, requiring a solid foundation in UX/UI principles and practical experience. The emphasis on delivering a "digital roadmap" and contributing to "quarterly planning cycles of agile delivery" indicates a need for individuals comfortable with structured product development lifecycles and agile methodologies. The requirement to work collaboratively with both "product and creative designers" suggests a need for strong communication and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to bridge creative vision with functional product requirements.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the execution of the Virgin Atlantic digital product roadmap through strategic design thinking and hands-on delivery, working in close collaboration with the Digital Development & Delivery teams.

• Lead the concept and design of new digital products and solutions, employing user-centered design methodologies to address identified user needs and business objectives.

• Actively contribute to defining and reinforcing the Virgin Atlantic brand identity and visual design language across all digital platforms, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand narrative.

• Elevate the user experience of Virgin Atlantic's digital products by championing usability, accessibility (WCAG2.2AA standards), and creating frictionless, enjoyable interactions within agile scrum teams and with broader business stakeholders.

• Support the development and implementation of improved digital design processes and best practices across the organization, partnering with Product Owners to ensure optimal product conception and design execution.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights that inform design decisions and validate solutions throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Develop high-fidelity visual designs and interactive prototypes for digital products, ensuring they meet both user needs and business requirements.

• Integrate and experiment with AI tools to explore innovative design possibilities and enhance user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product vision and tactical execution. The mention of "quarterly planning cycles of agile delivery" strongly suggests the need for experience within an Agile/Scrum framework. The emphasis on "Accessible design by default, abiding to WCAG2.2AA" is a critical, non-negotiable requirement for modern digital product design that candidates must be prepared to demonstrate. The expectation to "support the wider design team in developing better processes" indicates a proactive role in shaping the design function's operational excellence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong academic background or equivalent practical experience in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is implied.

Experience: Solid experience (2-5 years recommended) in digital product design, with a proven track record demonstrated through a comprehensive portfolio. Experience within the travel industry or a customer-facing digital product environment is advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Digital Product Design: Demonstrated ability to design end-to-end digital products.

• UX/UI Design: Expertise in creating intuitive and engaging user interfaces and user experiences.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Mobile & Responsive Design Principles: Deep understanding of designing for various screen sizes and devices.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Experience in planning, conducting, and analyzing user research to inform design decisions.

• Design Systems: Familiarity with creating, maintaining, and applying design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a user-centered approach.

• Accessibility Standards: Working knowledge of WCAG 2.2 AA guidelines and experience implementing accessible design solutions.

• Agile Delivery: Experience working within agile development methodologies and participating in scrum ceremonies.

Preferred Skills:

• Prototyping: Advanced prototyping skills beyond Figma's basic capabilities.

• Visual Design: A strong eye for visual aesthetics and brand representation.

• AI Tools Integration: Hands-on experience and curiosity with AI tools in a design context.

• Design Thinking Methodology: Formal training or significant practical application of design thinking principles.

• Storytelling & Presentation: Ability to articulate design decisions and rationale effectively to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "About You" section directly translates into required skills. The specific mention of Figma as the primary tool, along with a strong portfolio showcasing UX/UI work, is paramount. The inclusion of "Hands-on with AI tools" suggests a forward-thinking approach and a desire for candidates who are innovative and willing to explore emerging technologies within their design practice. The experience level is inferred from the depth of responsibilities and the expectation of "solid experience."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• UX/UI Case Studies: A minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies showcasing the end-to-end design process for digital products (web, mobile, or app).

• Problem-Solution Framing: Each case study must clearly articulate the problem being solved, the target users, and the design process undertaken.

• Visual Design Examples: High-fidelity mockups and prototypes demonstrating strong visual design skills and brand alignment.

• User-Centred Approach: Evidence of user research, testing, and how user feedback directly influenced design iterations and outcomes.

• Tool Proficiency Showcase: Examples demonstrating proficiency in Figma, including complex layouts, interactive prototypes, and design system components.

Process Documentation:

• Design Process Explanation: Be prepared to articulate your personal design process, including how you approach concepting, research, prototyping, testing, and handoff.

• Collaboration Workflow: Explain how you collaborate with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders during the design and implementation phases.

• Accessibility Implementation: Provide examples of how you have actively incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA) into your design work.

• Design System Application: Showcase instances where you have utilized or contributed to a design system to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on delivering a product roadmap and working within agile teams, a portfolio that demonstrates a structured design process, collaboration, and tangible outcomes is crucial. The emphasis on "WCAG2.2AA" means that accessibility should be a visible theme in case studies. The mention of AI tools suggests that showcasing experimental or innovative uses of technology within a design context could be a differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive (Specific range not provided. Based on the role, experience level, and location in the UK, a typical range for a Mid-Level Digital Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in a major company like Virgin Atlantic would be approximately £45,000 - £65,000 per annum. This can vary based on specific skills, interview performance, and current market conditions.)

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: As stated, a competitive remuneration package.

• Hybrid Working: Flexibility with 3 days in the Crawley office and 2 days remote.

• Full-Time Contract: Permanent employment with 37.5 hours per week.

• Travel Perks: Likely includes significant flight benefits and travel discounts associated with being an airline employee.

• Pension Scheme: Standard company pension contributions.

• Health & Wellness: Access to health and wellness programs.

• Generous Annual Leave: Standard holiday allowance for permanent employees.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week. Monday to Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The absence of a specific salary range is common for many tech and design roles. The estimated range provided is a benchmark for a mid-level designer in the UK market, but candidates should be prepared for negotiation. The "travel perks" are a significant, industry-specific benefit for Virgin Atlantic employees that should be strongly considered. The working hours are standard for a full-time professional role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Aviation. Virgin Atlantic is a prominent global airline known for its customer service and innovative approach.

Company Size: Virgin Atlantic is a large, established organization with a significant global presence. This implies a structured environment with opportunities for impact across a wide user base.

Founded: 1984. This indicates a company with a strong heritage and a history of challenging industry norms, fostering an entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.

Team Structure:

• Digital Design Team: This role sits within an in-house Digital Design team, likely a multi-disciplinary group focusing on product and creative design.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is expected with the Digital Development & Delivery team, Product Owners, and the broader Creative Team. The role also interacts with "wider business stakeholders."

• Agile Environment: The mention of "quarterly planning cycles of agile delivery" and "scrum teams" suggests an agile operational framework.

Methodology:

• User-Centred Design: A core methodology, evidenced by the emphasis on user needs, research, and testing.

• Design Thinking: Employed for conceptualizing new products and solutions.

• Agile Development: Used for product delivery cycles.

• Brand Integration: Ensuring brand narrative and identity are seamlessly woven into digital experiences.

Company Website: https://www.virginatlantic.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Virgin Atlantic's culture is famously associated with innovation, customer focus, and a distinct brand personality. The "Be yourself" statement emphasizes inclusivity. For operations professionals, this means a dynamic environment that values both creative solutions and structured execution, with a strong emphasis on delivering excellent customer experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Digital Product Designer. This role is foundational for impacting digital product strategy and execution. It requires independent contribution to design projects and active participation in team processes.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Lead Digital Product Designer, Head of Digital Design, or a similar senior design leadership position. Will work within agile teams led by Product Owners.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the customer journey and digital product performance, influencing revenue through improved conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and brand loyalty. By shaping digital experiences, the designer contributes to the company's vision of becoming the "most loved travel company."

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Digital Product Designer: Progression to a more senior role with increased design leadership, mentorship of junior designers, and greater strategic input.

• Specialization: Opportunity to specialize in areas like UX research, interaction design, or design systems.

• Product Management: Potential to move into product management roles by leveraging deep product understanding.

• Leadership Roles: Advancement into team lead or management positions within the design function.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning in emerging design technologies, including AI, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design strategy and execution," "contributing to the business’s long-term vision for the digital experience," and "developing better processes" suggests that this role is not just about execution but also about strategic input and process improvement, paving a clear path for career advancement within the design or product functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Model. The role requires 3 days per week at Virgin Atlantic HQ (VHQ) in Crawley, West Sussex, and allows for 2 days of remote work. This indicates a blend of in-person collaboration and independent work.

Office Location(s): Virgin Atlantic HQ, Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom. This location is likely equipped with modern collaborative spaces and design-centric facilities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely features hot-desking, meeting rooms, and open-plan areas designed to foster collaboration among design, development, and product teams.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Jira), and potentially advanced hardware for prototyping and testing.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues in the design team, development teams, and product stakeholders, crucial for agile workflows and idea generation.

Work Schedule: Standard professional hours (Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week) with the flexibility of a hybrid arrangement. This structure allows for dedicated time for deep work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role indicates a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-office collaboration. For operations professionals, understanding the cadence of in-office days is key for effective teamwork and process alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a link to your portfolio through the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your submitted portfolio by the hiring manager and/or senior design team members. Expect to walk through 1-2 key case studies.

• Technical/Design Interview: Discussion on design process, problem-solving approach, proficiency in Figma, and understanding of UX/UI principles. This may include a take-home design challenge or live design exercise.

• Cross-functional Interview: Conversation with members of the Digital Development & Delivery team or Product Owners to assess collaboration skills and understanding of agile workflows.

• Final Interview: Meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design) to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Virgin Atlantic's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that best demonstrate your UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and process.

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your work. Quantify results where possible.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design thinking, research methodologies, iterative process, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Demonstrate advanced Figma skills, including complex prototyping and component usage.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, describe how you worked with engineers, product managers, and stakeholders.

• Accessibility Integration: Explicitly call out how you addressed accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) in your projects.

• AI Tool Usage: If you have relevant examples, showcase how you've experimented with AI in your design workflow.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a take-home challenge, meticulously analyze the brief, user needs, and business objectives.

• Process-Oriented Approach: Focus on demonstrating your design process and problem-solving methodology, not just the final visual design.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to execute your solution in Figma, potentially live during an interview.

• Clear Rationale: Be prepared to articulate your design decisions and trade-offs, referencing user data and business goals.

• Time Management: Practice completing design exercises within typical time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also collaborative capabilities and strategic thinking. A strong, well-documented portfolio is the gateway to the subsequent interview stages. The emphasis on process and outcomes is critical for demonstrating value beyond just aesthetics.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool. Advanced proficiency is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: Potentially other advanced prototyping software or Figma's advanced prototyping features.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Tools like Slack, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behaviour and product performance.

• User Feedback Platforms: Experience with tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how digital products integrate with customer data and backend systems is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement. Familiarity with agile project management tools (like Jira) is also implied. Understanding how design decisions impact analytics and customer data is a plus for demonstrating a holistic approach to product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A paramount value, reflecting Virgin Atlantic's commitment to being the "most loved travel company."

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Encouraging new ideas and challenging the status quo.

• Collaboration: Working together across teams to achieve shared goals.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: "Be yourself – Our differences make us stronger." A strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for all.

• Excellence: Striving for high standards in all aspects of work, from design to customer service.

• Passion: A drive and enthusiasm for travel and delivering exceptional experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with development, product, and creative teams to ensure seamless product delivery.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies for continuous improvement and adaptability.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open feedback and knowledge sharing within the design team and across departments.

• Brand Alignment: Ensuring all digital touchpoints consistently reflect the Virgin Atlantic brand narrative and identity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Virgin Atlantic—customer love, innovation, and inclusivity—are central to its operations. For a designer, this means creating experiences that are not only functional and beautiful but also embody the brand's personality and cater to a diverse customer base, all while working collaboratively in a fast-paced, agile environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand and User Needs: Effectively integrating Virgin Atlantic's strong brand identity with intuitive, user-friendly digital experiences.

• Evolving Digital Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid changes in digital technology, user expectations, and the competitive travel market.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across multiple departments (design, development, marketing, operations).

• Scalability & Consistency: Maintaining design quality and consistency across a growing portfolio of digital products and touchpoints.

• AI Integration: Strategically incorporating AI tools without compromising user experience or brand integrity.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Opportunities to attend events focused on UX/UI, digital product design, and travel technology.

• Internal Training: Access to Virgin Atlantic's internal learning resources and potential cross-departmental shadowing.

• Mentorship: Guidance from senior designers and leaders within the design team.

• Exposure to AI in Design: Hands-on experience and learning opportunities with cutting-edge AI design tools.

• Career Path Development: Clear pathways for advancement within the design and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a large, innovative company in a dynamic industry. The growth opportunities are tailored to a professional seeking to advance their career in digital product design, with specific mentions of AI and leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a strong brand identity with user needs in a digital product. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and results.)

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile travel app. What research methods would you use, and how would you incorporate user feedback?" (Highlight your structured approach, user-centricity, and familiarity with mobile design.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) is a core part of your design process from conception through to delivery?" (Be specific about your methods and tools.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Virgin Atlantic's brand and its digital presence?" (Showcase your research and genuine interest.)

• "How do you envision AI impacting the future of digital product design in the travel industry?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and curiosity.)

• "Describe your experience working in an agile environment. How do you collaborate with developers and product owners?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and agile principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the challenge, your journey (process), the solution, and the impact.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and clear annotations. Ensure your Figma prototypes are interactive and easy to navigate.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction).

• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in team projects.

• Address WCAG 2.2 AA: Explicitly mention and showcase how accessibility was considered and implemented.

• AI Integration: If applicable, present any work or concepts involving AI tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the entire design lifecycle, from research and ideation to execution and iteration, with a clear emphasis on user-centricity, brand alignment, and practical application of tools like Figma within an agile framework.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Product Designer position:

• Submit your application and portfolio link via the Oracle Cloud recruitment portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UX/UI expertise, mobile/responsive design, Figma proficiency, user research, and accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA). Prioritize case studies that show end-to-end design process and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (Figma, UX/UI, user research, agile), and relevant achievements, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Rehearse your answers to common UX/UI and behavioral questions. Prepare to walk through 1-2 of your strongest case studies in detail, focusing on your process, rationale, and outcomes.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Virgin Atlantic's brand, values, recent digital initiatives, and the competitive landscape of the travel industry. Understand their commitment to customer experience and inclusivity.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions. Virgin Atlantic is an equal opportunity employer.