UX/UI Designer at PA Consulting

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: PA Consulting

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UI/UX Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-11T08:54:37.417

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🎨 Role Summary

Collaborate within cross-functional teams, integrating user-centered design principles into agile development workflows.
Contribute significantly to the conception and execution of innovative software solutions, focusing on user experience and interface design.
Engage directly with clients across diverse sectors (Consumer & Manufacturing, Public Sector, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Transport) to problem-solve and deliver impactful design solutions.
Support senior design team members on key initiatives, including client proposals and internal digital design projects, while actively seeking opportunities for skill enhancement and industry trend integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Based on the "Mid-Level" experience range (2-5 years) and the requirement to "support senior team members," this role is positioned for a designer with foundational skills looking to deepen their expertise through diverse project exposure and mentorship within a consulting environment. The emphasis on client interaction and cross-sector work indicates a need for adaptability and strong communication in addition to core design skills.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Apply foundational knowledge of UX/UI principles and methodologies to design and deliver intuitive and effective user experiences.
Utilize design tools proficiently to create wireframes, prototypes, and comprehensive design systems that align with project requirements and brand guidelines.
Conduct usability testing, user research, and analysis of insights to inform iterative design decisions and validate concepts.
Actively participate in cross-functional team discussions, contributing creative ideas and design solutions throughout the product development lifecycle.
Support senior designers by contributing to design initiatives, preparing design assets, and assisting in the development of client proposals and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a standard mid-level UX/UI design role with a strong emphasis on practical application of core design skills (prototyping, research, testing) and collaborative contributions. The inclusion of supporting senior team members aligns with a growth-oriented position within a consulting firm where project work is often structured in teams with varying levels of experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in UX/UI design, demonstrating proficiency through a strong portfolio showcasing user-centered design processes and project outcomes.

Required Skills:

Foundational knowledge and practical application of UX/UI principles and methodologies (e.g., user-centered design, usability heuristics, information architecture, interaction design).
Hands-on experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).
Experience with conducting usability testing, user interviews, and synthesizing user research data to inform design decisions.
Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to translate complex requirements into intuitive design solutions.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working within an agile development environment and collaborating with product managers and engineers.
Familiarity with design systems principles and experience contributing to or utilizing design systems.
Experience with visual design principles, typography, and branding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications align with a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer role. The emphasis on foundational knowledge and hands-on tool experience, coupled with the need for strong collaboration and communication, reflects the requirements for contributing effectively within project teams and interacting with clients in a consulting context.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Include a curated selection of 3-5 case studies that demonstrate your user-centered design process from problem definition to solution delivery.
Showcase your proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and visual designs using standard design tools.
Highlight projects where you actively participated in user research, usability testing, and the iteration of designs based on feedback.
Present examples of your contribution to design systems or your understanding of their application in maintaining design consistency.

Process Documentation:

For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role in the project, the research methods used, and how insights informed your design decisions.
Document your ideation process, including sketches, wireframes, and alternative design explorations.
Explain your approach to testing and validation, including methodologies and how feedback was incorporated into the final design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements for a consulting firm like PA Consulting typically emphasize not just the final design output but the entire design process, including research, iteration, and collaboration. Case studies are crucial for demonstrating problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively within a team and respond to user needs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £40,000 - £55,000 per annum. This estimate is based on typical Mid-Level UX/UI Designer salaries in London, United Kingdom, considering the cost of living and the consulting nature of the role. Actual salary may vary based on experience, skills, and interview performance. (Source: Average salary data for UX/UI Designers in London from platforms like Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, and Payscale, adjusted for consulting sector benchmarks).

Benefits:

Comprehensive health and lifestyle perks, including private healthcare coverage for the employee and their family.
Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days, with the option to purchase an additional 5 days, plus a bonus half-day on Christmas Eve.
Participation in a generous company pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.
Opportunities to engage in community and charity-based initiatives, aligning with PA Consulting's values.
Annual performance-based bonus, recognizing individual and company achievements.
Opportunity for PA share ownership, allowing employees to share in the company's success.
Access to tax-efficient benefits such as Cycle to Work scheme and Give As You Earn.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week. The hybrid working model offers flexibility, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office or on client site, with potential for up to five days on a client site depending on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on publicly available data for comparable roles in the specified location and industry. The provided benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with competitive offerings in the consulting sector in the UK, emphasizing health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: Business Consulting and Services. PA Consulting operates across diverse sectors including Consumer & Manufacturing, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Services, Health & Life Sciences, and Transport. This provides designers with exposure to a wide range of complex challenges and client environments.

Company Size: Approximately 4,000 employees globally. Working in a firm of this size means designers are part of a large, interdisciplinary network with significant resources and opportunities for collaboration across various expertise areas.

Founded: While the exact founding date is not provided, PA Consulting has a long-standing history in the consulting sector, suggesting a mature and established organizational structure with a focus on delivering impactful results for clients.

Team Structure:

Designers work within the Digital & Data community, collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, and other experts.
Teams are cross-functional and often project-based, requiring adaptability and strong teamwork skills.
Reporting structures likely involve reporting to a design lead or manager within the Digital & Data practice.

Methodology:

Emphasis on agile best practices, indicating iterative development and flexible workflows.
Use of live in-person whiteboarding sessions for collaborative problem-solving, complemented by asynchronous communication tools like Teams.
A focus on customer-centric service design combined with strategic thinking and agile engineering.

Company Website: http://www.paconsulting.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights the consulting nature of the role, emphasizing diverse project exposure and cross-functional collaboration. The focus on agile methodologies and a blend of in-person and asynchronous communication reflects a dynamic work environment typical of consulting firms. The size of the company suggests a structured environment with established practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer. The expectation is for a designer with foundational skills to contribute actively to projects, refine their expertise, and potentially take on more complex tasks under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a more senior designer or a design lead within the Digital & Data practice, providing mentorship and guidance for professional development.

Design Impact: Designers at PA Consulting have the opportunity to significantly influence product and service outcomes by applying user-centered design principles to solve complex client challenges across various industries.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunity to progress on a technical career track within the Digital & Data community, specializing in areas like UX research, interaction design, or design strategy.
Access to a culture of learning and growth with a budget for technical and non-technical training courses and certifications.
Potential for advancement to Senior UX/UI Designer roles, leading design initiatives and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis of career and growth opportunities is based on the explicit mention of a technical career track and a culture of learning. The Mid-Level positioning suggests a clear path for advancement within the design practice, with opportunities to deepen technical skills or move into leadership roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: Hybrid work environment, combining in-office/client site presence with remote work flexibility. The office/client site presence is a minimum of two days per week, promoting in-person collaboration and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Primary listed location is London (Bressenden Place), with another potential location in Manchester (York St). The requirement to be in the office or on client site a minimum of two days per week implies that applicants should be based within commutable distance of either London or Manchester.

Design Workspace Context:

The hybrid model supports both focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.
In-office time likely provides access to dedicated creative spaces and tools for design activities and team meetings.
The emphasis on in-person whiteboarding sessions suggests a value placed on real-time, collaborative problem-solving within the workspace.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the hybrid work model offering flexibility in terms of location for a portion of the week. Project demands may require increased time on client sites, which could involve varying schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment directly reflects the hybrid model and the company's values regarding in-person collaboration. The mention of specific office locations clarifies the geographical requirements for applicants.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

Round 1: Competency Interview (45 mins): Focuses on assessing your behavioral and situational competencies, likely including questions about your problem-solving approach, collaboration style, and adaptability in fast-paced environments. Be prepared to provide examples from your past design experiences.
Round 2: Case Study Presentation (60 mins): You will present a detailed case study from your portfolio, focusing on your design process, rationale, and impact. This is an opportunity to showcase your storytelling skills and ability to articulate complex design decisions. Prepare to walk through your research, ideation, testing, and iteration phases.
Final Round: Meeting with a PA Leader (60 mins): This round likely focuses on assessing your cultural fit with PA Consulting, your motivation for joining the firm, and your potential for growth within the organization. Be prepared to discuss your career aspirations and how they align with PA's values and opportunities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Select case studies that demonstrate your ability to work on diverse projects across different industries, aligning with PA Consulting's multi-sector focus.
Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your design process, key decisions, and the outcome or impact of your work.
Highlight your contribution to team projects and your ability to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders (clients, developers, product managers).
Ensure your visual presentation is clear, professional, and easy to follow, showcasing your attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

While a specific design challenge isn't listed, the case study presentation serves as a form of design challenge. Practice presenting your case studies concisely and engagingly within the allocated time.
Be prepared to discuss alternative solutions you considered and the rationale behind your final design choices.
Anticipate questions about your design process, collaboration experiences, and how you handle feedback or constraints.

ATS Keywords: UX Design, UI Design, User Experience, User Interface, User Research, Usability Testing, Prototyping, Wireframing, Design Systems, Agile, Collaboration, Problem Solving, Analytical Thinking, Storytelling, Presentation Skills, Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Service Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture, Design Thinking, Cross-functional Teams, Client Consulting, Digital Transformation, Innovation, Consulting, London, Manchester, Hybrid Work, Mid-Level Designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process details are provided, allowing for specific preparation. The emphasis on a case study presentation indicates the importance of demonstrating a robust design process and the ability to communicate it effectively. The final round with a PA leader suggests an assessment of cultural fit and long-term potential within the firm.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision is required. Expect to use these tools for creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
Experience with design systems within these tools is beneficial for maintaining consistency and efficiency.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Tools like Teams are used for asynchronous communication and collaboration within teams and across disciplines.
Familiarity with handoff tools or features within primary design tools (like Inspect mode in Figma or Zeplin) for seamless collaboration with developers is likely expected.

Research & Testing:

Experience with tools used for facilitating user research and usability testing (e.g., remote testing platforms, survey tools) is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool names beyond general categories are not explicitly listed, the requirement for "hands-on experience with design tools" strongly implies proficiency in the most common industry-standard software. The mention of Teams highlights a key collaboration tool used internally.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

A strong belief in the "power of ingenuity" to create a positive human future, encouraging innovative thinking and creative problem-solving in design.
Emphasis on being "customer-centric," ensuring design solutions are focused on meeting user needs and delivering value.
Valuing excellence, innovation, and curiosity within the design practice, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
A commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets in the design process.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative and cross-functional, working closely with product, engineering, and other experts.
Utilizing both in-person whiteboarding sessions for real-time problem-solving and asynchronous communication for ongoing discussions.
A supportive environment that encourages knowledge-sharing, peer-level support, coaching, and mentoring within the tech community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis of team culture and values is based on the company's stated values and description of their working style. The emphasis on ingenuity, customer-centricity, and collaboration aligns with the requirements of a consulting firm focused on delivering innovative solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

Working across a diverse range of sectors and client environments requires adaptability and the ability to quickly understand different industries and user needs.
Balancing client expectations, project constraints, and user requirements to deliver effective design solutions within tight timelines.
Continuously staying updated with evolving design trends, tools, and technologies to provide cutting-edge solutions.
Effectively communicating the value of design to non-design stakeholders and advocating for user needs within project teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Access to a dedicated budget for technical and non-technical training courses and certifications to deepen design expertise or explore new areas.
Opportunities to work on a broad variety of projects and tech stacks, providing exposure to different challenges and learning experiences.
Participation in knowledge-sharing sessions and the supportive tech community for peer learning and mentorship.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inferred from the nature of consulting work in a multi-sector firm, requiring adaptability and strong communication skills. The growth opportunities are directly stated in the job description, highlighting the company's investment in employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Be prepared to discuss your approach to the user-centered design process, from initial research and discovery to testing and iteration. Use specific examples from your portfolio case studies.
Explain how you collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle. Provide examples of successful cross-functional collaboration.
Describe a challenging design problem you faced and how you approached solving it, highlighting your problem-solving methodology and the design decisions you made.

Company Culture Questions:

Research PA Consulting's values and be prepared to discuss how your own values and working style align with their culture, particularly the emphasis on ingenuity, collaboration, and client focus.
Ask questions about the design team structure, how design is integrated into projects, and opportunities for professional development within the firm.
Be ready to discuss your experience working in fast-paced or ambiguous environments, relevant to the consulting nature of the role.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Choose case studies that demonstrate your ability to handle complex problems and deliver impactful solutions across diverse industries, if possible.
Focus on telling a compelling story for each case study, highlighting the user problem, your process, and the results.
Practice presenting your portfolio within the allocated time, ensuring you can clearly articulate your design decisions and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice is tailored to the likely focus areas based on the job description and the nature of a consulting role. The emphasis on design process, collaboration, and company culture aligns with the typical assessment criteria for design roles at this level within a firm like PA Consulting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Customize your design portfolio to highlight case studies that demonstrate your user-centered design process and experience working on diverse projects, particularly those with a focus on problem-solving and client interaction.
Optimize your resume for design roles by incorporating relevant ATS keywords such as UX/UI Design, User Research, Prototyping, and specific design tools, while clearly outlining your experience and key contributions.
Prepare for the interview process by practicing presenting your portfolio case studies and formulating responses to potential questions about your design process, collaboration skills, and cultural fit with PA Consulting.
Conduct thorough research on PA Consulting, focusing on their work in the Digital & Data space, their values, and recent client projects, to demonstrate your understanding and interest in the firm.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

UX/UI Designer