Freelance Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Freelance Senior UX Designer

Company: Red Badger

Location: Remote / London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Transformation Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days/week in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead UX design initiatives for a major UK bank's Content Management System (CMS) platform, focusing on discovery, improvement, and redesign.

• Drive user-centric design processes, including Human Centred Design, Design Thinking, and Lean UX methodologies.

• Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and user research to gather insights and validate design solutions.

• Collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team comprising engineering, delivery, and product specialists.

• Act as a trusted consultant, building rapport with clients and coaching them on design principles and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior UX Designer operating in a freelance/contract capacity. The primary focus is on a discovery project for a large UK bank's CMS platform, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design, and client-facing consulting. The hybrid model necessitates flexibility for in-office work in London.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and influence design stakeholders, providing expert consultation and coaching on Design Thinking, Lean UX, and Human Centred Design principles.

• Design and lead engaging workshops and design sprints to foster collaboration and generate innovative solutions.

• Conduct comprehensive user research and user testing to deeply understand user needs and validate design concepts.

• Provide strategic consulting to Product Owners, particularly in backlog prioritization and roadmap planning.

• Develop prototypes at various fidelity levels, from low-fidelity sketches to high-fidelity interactive click-throughs, to visualize and iterate on design visions.

• Conduct thorough audits of existing user experiences to identify pain points and opportunities for enhancement.

• Champion user needs throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring designs are aligned with user goals and business objectives.

• Work in close partnership with Product and Technology teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation for leadership in UX activities, strategic consultation, and the ability to operate autonomously or as the sole UX designer within a project team. The emphasis on coaching and stakeholder management indicates a strong consulting component to the role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of UX principles and methodologies is paramount. Relevant certifications in UX, Design Thinking, or Agile methodologies are a plus.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a significant portion in senior or lead roles. Proven track record of successfully leading UX activities on complex projects, ideally within large organizations or consulting environments.

Required Skills:

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Human Centred Design (HCD) and Design Thinking methodologies.

• Proven experience in managing design stakeholders, presenting design concepts, and facilitating workshops with clients.

• Expertise in conducting user research and user testing across various methods and fidelities.

• Strong prototyping skills using industry-standard tools such as Figma or Sketch, with the ability to produce designs at various levels of fidelity.

• Experience in auditing existing user experiences and formulating actionable improvement recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams (engineering, QA, delivery, product).

• Experience in leading UX activities, potentially as the sole UX representative on a project.

• Proficiency in designing for mobile-first, responsive websites and mobile native applications. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Lean UX principles and Agile development environments.

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) platforms and their UX challenges.

• Experience in consulting roles, advising clients on digital strategy and process improvements.

• Aptitude for learning and introducing new tools and methodologies to enhance the design process.

• Experience with backlog prioritization and product owner consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strategic UX leadership, hands-on design execution, and strong consulting/facilitation skills. The "sole UX Designer" requirement points to a need for self-sufficiency and the ability to manage the entire UX process independently when necessary. Proficiency in Figma/Sketch is essential, with an expectation of adaptability to new tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of case studies showcasing end-to-end UX design projects, with a particular emphasis on discovery, strategy, and problem-solving.

• Demonstrated experience in improving user experience through systematic design processes, highlighting challenges, your approach, and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of how you have applied Human Centred Design, Design Thinking, and Lean UX principles in practice.

• Evidence of your ability to manage stakeholders, facilitate workshops, and conduct user research, ideally with visual documentation of these processes.

• Prototypes at various fidelity levels, illustrating your design iteration and communication capabilities.

• Specific examples of designing responsive websites and mobile native applications. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the design process followed, including discovery, research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration phases.

• Detail the methodologies used for user research and testing, including participant recruitment, task design, and analysis of findings.

• Showcase how you've documented user journeys, personas, site maps, and wireframes to inform design decisions.

• Provide examples of workshop facilitation plans and outputs, demonstrating your ability to drive collaborative design sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior freelance UX role, the portfolio is critical. It must not only showcase design output but also the strategic thinking, process discipline, and client-facing capabilities required. Emphasis should be placed on projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of user needs and the ability to drive significant improvements through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £500 - £700 per day (Outside IR35)

Explanation: This estimate is based on market research for Senior Freelance UX Designers in London, England, with 5-10 years of experience, specializing in consulting and digital transformation projects for large enterprises. The daily rate reflects the senior nature of the role, the freelance/contract status, the requirement for hybrid work, and the specific project scope involving a major UK bank. Rates can vary based on the specific contracting mechanism (Ltd company vs. Umbrella) and the candidate's negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive daily rate, offering flexibility and direct financial return.

• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects with a household name UK bank, enhancing professional portfolio and experience.

• Potential for contract extension beyond the initial 6 months, offering stability and continued engagement.

• Flexible working arrangement with a hybrid model, balancing remote work with in-person collaboration.

• Exposure to a dynamic consulting environment at Red Badger, fostering professional development and networking.

• Opportunity to work within a cross-functional team, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and skill sets.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project delivery and client needs. The role requires 2 days per week in the office, with the choice of Old Street or Canary Wharf locations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for contract UX designers in London. The "Outside IR35" mention suggests a preference for contractors operating through their own limited company, which typically commands a higher gross rate than umbrella company engagements. Benefits are primarily those associated with freelance contracting roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting / Digital Transformation. Red Badger operates within the technology consulting sector, helping large organizations enhance their speed to market and deliver value to users and customers through strategic enhancements and new digital products.

Company Size: Red Badger is a medium-sized consultancy, likely employing between 50-200 professionals, which offers a balance of structured processes and agile team dynamics. This size allows for significant impact without excessive bureaucracy.

Founded: Founded in 2010, Red Badger has over a decade of experience helping large organizations navigate digital transformation, building a reputation for delivering tangible improvements in efficiency and user experience.

Team Structure:

• The project team is cross-functional, consisting of approximately 6 individuals, including engineering, a delivery lead, and product specialists.

• As a Senior UX Designer, you will likely be a key contributor within this team, potentially taking the lead on UX-specific initiatives.

• The consulting nature of Red Badger means teams are often formed ad-hoc for client projects, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment. Methodology:

• Red Badger emphasizes delivering value through a deep understanding of client problems and user needs.

• They employ principles of Design Thinking, Lean UX, and Human Centred Design to drive process efficiencies and strategic enhancements.

• Agile methodologies are likely integrated into project delivery, ensuring iterative development and rapid feedback loops.

Company Website: https://content.red-badger.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Badger's culture is described as client-focused and outcome-driven, leveraging modern design and development methodologies. The emphasis on "speed to market" and "delivering value" suggests a fast-paced, results-oriented environment where collaboration and proactive problem-solving are key.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the UX design discipline. It requires not just strong design execution but also the ability to lead, consult, coach, and manage stakeholders. The freelance nature means career growth is often measured by project success, client relationships, and the acquisition of diverse project experiences.

Reporting Structure: While freelance, the Senior UX Designer will report to a Delivery Lead or Project Manager within the Red Badger team and will work closely with the client's Product Owner and other stakeholders. The role requires influencing without direct authority.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of the CMS platform's improvement and redesign. This includes enhancing user satisfaction, increasing operational efficiency for content creators and consumers, and ultimately contributing to the bank's digital strategy and customer engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like CMS UX, large-scale platform redesign, or advanced user research techniques.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client management, strategic advisory, and workshop facilitation skills through direct client interaction.

• Methodology Mastery: Gain extensive experience applying and potentially teaching Design Thinking, Lean UX, and HCD in complex enterprise environments.

• Portfolio Expansion: Build a robust portfolio with high-impact projects from a well-known financial institution.

• Networking: Expand professional network within Red Badger and the client organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a freelance role, "growth" often translates to acquiring new skills, expanding a professional network, and building a more impressive portfolio. This role offers significant opportunities to hone consulting and leadership skills within a high-stakes financial services project.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model with a choice of two London office locations: Old Street or Canary Wharf. This suggests modern office spaces designed for collaboration and client engagement, catering to different geographical preferences within London.

Office Location(s): Old Street and Canary Wharf, London, England. These are well-connected business districts, offering accessibility for those working in or commuting to central London.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting the 2 days/week in-person requirement for team and client interaction.

• Access to necessary tools and technology for design, prototyping, and communication will be provided or expected to be utilized.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and spontaneous problem-solving with team members will be present during office days.

Work Schedule: The standard working week is approximately 40 hours. While flexible, the hybrid model requires presence in the office on specific days, facilitating direct collaboration and client engagement crucial for a discovery and design strategy project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with specific office days, is designed to maximize the benefits of in-person collaboration for intensive discovery phases while retaining the flexibility of remote work for focused design and research tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the senior UX role and freelance capacity.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: An interview focused on discussing your portfolio case studies in detail, understanding your design process, decision-making, and impact. Expect questions about how you managed stakeholders, conducted research, and facilitated workshops.

• Skills & Experience Assessment: Interviews may include scenario-based questions to gauge your approach to problem-solving, client management, and working within a cross-functional team.

• Cultural Fit & Logistics: Discussion about your freelance working style, availability, rate expectations, and alignment with Red Badger's consulting ethos.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies that highlight the problem, your process, your role, the solutions, and the outcomes (quantified where possible).

• Showcase Process: Emphasize the "how" – demonstrate your application of Human Centred Design, Design Thinking, and Lean UX. Include artifacts like user journey maps, personas, wireframes, and prototypes.

• Highlight Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've worked with engineers, product owners, and clients. Detail your facilitation and stakeholder management skills.

• Tailor to the Role: If possible, include projects that touch upon large-scale platforms, content systems, or financial services to demonstrate relevant experience.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design rationale, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges or scenario-based questions related to the CMS platform discovery. Think about how you would approach understanding the current state, identifying user needs, and proposing initial improvements.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to a client or the project team.

• Consider how you would manage competing priorities or stakeholder feedback in a complex banking environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your experience in a consulting context. Demonstrating a structured, user-centered approach and strong collaborative skills will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma and Sketch are explicitly mentioned as industry-standard tools. Proficiency in at least one is essential, with familiarity with both being advantageous. The ability to create prototypes at various fidelities is crucial.

• Collaboration: Expect to use digital whiteboarding tools (e.g., Miro, Mural) for remote collaboration and workshop facilitation. Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) are likely used by the wider team.

• Research & Testing: Tools for user interviews, usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze), and survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms) may be utilized.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for this UX role, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) can be beneficial for understanding user behavior on existing platforms.

• Experience with tools that track user feedback and sentiment can also be valuable. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core UX design tasks for this project, but understanding how CMS platforms integrate with other systems might be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in Figma and/or Sketch for design and prototyping. The ability to adapt to and learn new tools is also highlighted, suggesting an environment that embraces evolving technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design decisions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within cross-functional teams and with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality design solutions that meet both user needs and business objectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to learning, adapting, and refining processes and outcomes.

• Pragmatism: Balancing ideal design solutions with practical implementation constraints and business realities.

Collaboration Style:

• Consultative: Engaging with clients and team members as a trusted advisor, facilitating discussions, and guiding decision-making.

• Facilitative: Skilled in leading workshops and design sprints, empowering participants to contribute and co-create.

• Transparent: Open communication about design rationale, research findings, and potential challenges.

• Team-Oriented: Working closely with engineers and product specialists to ensure designs are feasible and effectively implemented.

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Badger's culture appears to blend a strong consulting ethos with a modern, agile approach to digital product development. The values emphasize a user-first mindset coupled with a practical, collaborative, and results-driven methodology.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Stakeholder Landscape: Navigating the needs and expectations of multiple stakeholders within a large UK bank requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Legacy Systems: Working with an existing CMS platform may involve integrating new designs with older technologies or processes, requiring careful consideration of technical constraints.

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Synthesizing diverse user requirements with the bank's strategic objectives and technical limitations.

• Driving Change: Convincing stakeholders and users of the value of proposed improvements and new design directions.

• Working as a Sole UX Designer: Taking full ownership of the UX process for the discovery phase requires strong self-management and decision-making capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Financial Services UX: Gain specialized knowledge of user needs and design patterns within the banking sector.

• Large-Scale Platform Strategy: Develop expertise in strategizing and designing for complex, enterprise-level platforms.

• Consulting Skills Enhancement: Refine client-facing communication, workshop facilitation, and strategic advisory skills.

• Cross-functional Learning: Work closely with engineers and product leads, gaining insights into their disciplines.

• Exposure to Red Badger's Methodologies: Learn and apply Red Badger's proprietary approaches to digital transformation and consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of large-scale enterprise projects, particularly within regulated industries like banking. The growth opportunities are geared towards enhancing consulting capabilities and gaining specialized domain experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach the discovery phase for a large bank's CMS platform, given the limited initial information?" (Focus on your research, stakeholder engagement, and initial assessment methods.)

• "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting stakeholder requirements on a design project. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your negotiation, communication, and user advocacy skills.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Showcase your pragmatic approach and understanding of the design trade-offs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working with a major UK bank on their CMS platform?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the project's significance and your enthusiasm for the domain.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product owners on a project?" (Emphasize your team-player attitude and cross-functional working style.)

• "What is your experience with Design Thinking and Lean UX, and how have you applied these principles?" (Be ready to provide specific examples from your portfolio.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased task completion rates, reduced error rates, improved user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals – wireframes, prototypes, user flows, research findings – to illustrate your points.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and how you handled specific challenges.

• Highlight Facilitation: If possible, include examples or descriptions of workshops you've led and their outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will be a rigorous assessment of your strategic thinking, practical UX skills, and consulting capabilities. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio in depth and articulate your approach to complex design challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Red Badger's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience with Human Centred Design, stakeholder management, workshop facilitation, and complex platform redesigns. Tailor your case study selection to highlight any experience with CMS platforms or the financial services industry.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your years of experience, key skills (Human Centred Design, Figma, Prototyping, etc.), and highlights achievements relevant to leading UX activities and consulting.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and client management approach. Prepare specific examples for common UX and consulting interview questions, focusing on demonstrating impact and collaboration.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Red Badger's work, their approach to digital transformation, and their client portfolio. Understand the potential challenges and opportunities of working within the UK banking sector.

⚠️ 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.