Associate Director, Senior UX Designer (12 Month FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Director, Senior UX Designer (12 Month FTC)

Company: Janus Henderson

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract / Temporary

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Operations

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years estimated)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a critical position within the digital product development lifecycle, focusing on enhancing user experience for a global financial services firm.

• The Senior UX Designer will be instrumental in defining and executing UX strategies, driving design quality, and fostering a user-centered approach across digital initiatives.

• Key responsibilities include leading design efforts, championing accessibility, contributing to a robust Design System, and collaborating with diverse internal teams to deliver impactful digital solutions.

• Success in this role will be measured by the delivery of user-centric experiences that improve engagement, usability, and ultimately, business outcomes for Janus Henderson.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UX Designer," the "Associate Director" designation and the emphasis on leading strategy, mentoring, and influencing the broader organization suggest a role with significant leadership scope, potentially bridging senior individual contributor and junior management responsibilities within the UX function. The 12-month FTC nature implies a project-driven focus, likely on a specific digital transformation or product enhancement initiative.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the UX strategy and define comprehensive design approaches for complex, cross-functional digital initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.

• Design and develop user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that translate into intuitive, accessible, and engaging digital experiences.

• Champion accessibility best practices and inclusive design principles, ensuring all digital products adhere to WCAG standards and promote equitable user access.

• Drive the evolution and adoption of the JHI Design System by contributing new patterns, components, and clear usage guidance, fostering consistency and efficiency across digital products.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product management, engineering, content strategy, and brand teams, to ensure cohesive and user-centered product development.

• Translate complex business goals, data-driven analytics insights, and user research findings into actionable UX recommendations and design solutions.

• Effectively guide and influence stakeholders, including senior leadership, towards user-centered decision-making through compelling storytelling, structured rationale, and persuasive presentations.

• Actively participate in and support all phases of the UX design lifecycle, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, user testing, and post-launch iteration.

• Uphold and enforce high-quality design standards, with a particular focus on mobile-first design principles, visual consistency, meticulous attention to detail, and overall design craft.

• Stay abreast of the latest UX methodologies, emerging design tools, industry trends, and best practices to continuously innovate and elevate the user experience offerings.

• Lead cross-functional workshops, discovery sessions, and design review meetings to foster collaboration and gather critical input for design solutions.

• Mentor junior and mid-level designers, sharing expertise, providing constructive feedback, and contributing to the overall growth and capability of the design team.

• Act as a UX advocate and thought leader within the broader organization, influencing product strategy and design culture.

• Manage stakeholder expectations, project timelines, and communication streams effectively across diverse geographical regions and functional teams.

• Deliver experiences that demonstrably improve user engagement, usability metrics, and key business outcomes.

• Drive increased adoption, quality, and consistency of the JHI Design System across all digital touchpoints.

• Foster positive stakeholder alignment and achieve successful cross-functional collaboration outcomes.

• Demonstrate leadership through proactive ownership, initiative-taking, and strategic impact on digital product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring not just execution but also strategic leadership, process definition, and cross-functional influence. The emphasis on mentoring and driving the Design System points to a desire for someone who can elevate the overall UX practice within the organization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a proven track record of creating impactful digital experiences across various platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in leading UX strategy, defining design approaches for complex projects, and driving user-centered design processes from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Profound understanding and practical application of UX principles, methodologies, and best practices for designing intuitive and effective digital products.

• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: Mastery of modern prototyping tools beyond Figma, capable of creating interactive and high-fidelity prototypes to test user flows and interactions.

• Research Tools: Proficiency in utilizing various user research tools and methodologies to gather insights, validate designs, and inform decision-making.

• UX Strategy: Proven ability to define and articulate UX strategies that align with business goals, user needs, and market opportunities.

• Interaction Design: Deep knowledge of interaction design principles, information architecture, and creating seamless user journeys.

• Responsive Design: Strong understanding and practical experience in designing for responsive web and mobile interfaces that adapt across devices.

• Accessibility (WCAG): Expert knowledge of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA, and the ability to implement inclusive design solutions.

• Design System Contribution: Experience in contributing to, maintaining, or evolving a design system, including creating and documenting components, patterns, and guidelines.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product managers, engineers, marketers, brand specialists, and other stakeholders.

• User-Centered Decision Making: Skill in translating business requirements, analytics data, and user feedback into user-centric design decisions.

• Storytelling & Influence: Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, simplify complex concepts, and influence stakeholders at all levels.

• Mobile-First Design: Commitment to mobile-first design principles, ensuring optimal user experiences on smaller screens and scaling up.

• Workshop Facilitation: Experience in leading and facilitating cross-functional workshops, design sprints, and discovery sessions.

• Mentoring Junior Talent: Ability and willingness to mentor and guide junior designers, fostering their professional development.

Preferred Skills:

• HTML/CSS Familiarity: Basic understanding of HTML and CSS to facilitate better communication with engineering teams and ensure design feasibility.

• User Research Leadership: Experience in planning, conducting, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative user research.

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and how UX integrates within them.

• Financial Services Industry Experience: Prior experience working within the financial services or asset management sector is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must have skills" section in the raw job description is very comprehensive. The enhancement here is to categorize these into "Required" and "Preferred" for better clarity and to infer a typical experience level range based on the seniority and breadth of skills described. The "Associate Director" title and leadership responsibilities imply at least 5-10 years of experience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate UX Strategy: Showcase examples where you defined and executed UX strategy for complex digital products or initiatives, detailing the process from understanding business goals to delivering user-centered solutions.

• Showcase Design Process: Present case studies that clearly articulate your end-to-end design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and iteration. Highlight how you translated insights into design decisions.

• Highlight Design System Contributions: Include examples of your work with design systems, whether contributing to an existing one, defining new components/patterns, or establishing usage guidelines. Demonstrate an understanding of scalability and consistency.

• Illustrate Accessibility & Inclusivity: Provide examples where you actively incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles into your work, explaining the impact.

• Quantify Impact & Outcomes: Whenever possible, demonstrate the impact of your design work through metrics, such as improvements in user engagement, task completion rates, conversion rates, reduction in support tickets, or stakeholder satisfaction. Focus on ROI.

• Showcase Collaboration & Influence: Detail instances where you collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams and influenced stakeholders to adopt user-centered solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Candidates are expected to have a strong foundation in designing and optimizing user workflows, demonstrating how they map out user journeys and identify areas for improvement.

• System Implementation & Automation: Evidence of understanding how UX designs integrate with underlying systems and potentially leverage automation to enhance user experience.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Ability to define key performance indicators (KPIs) for user experience and analyze data to measure the success of designs and identify areas for further optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is implicitly required for a UX Design role. This section extrapolates common expectations for senior UX designers, particularly those involved in strategy and design systems, focusing on demonstrating strategic thinking, process rigor, and measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For an Associate Director, Senior UX Designer (12 Month FTC) in London, England, United Kingdom, with an estimated experience level of 5-10 years, the typical salary range is expected to be between £70,000 to £95,000 per annum, plus potential for an annual discretionary bonus.

Methodology: This estimate is based on research of similar contract roles for senior UX Designers in London, considering the financial services industry, the "Associate Director" designation implying a higher level of responsibility, and the current market rates for experienced design professionals in a major global city. Contract roles often command higher base rates than permanent positions due to the lack of long-term benefits and job security.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working: Flexibility to balance office-based collaboration with remote work.

• Generous Holiday policies: A comprehensive leave allowance to support work-life balance.

• Health and Wellbeing benefits: Access to a range of health and wellness programs and support.

• Corporate membership to ClassPass: Encourages physical activity and access to fitness facilities.

• Paid volunteer time: Opportunities to contribute to the community while being compensated.

• Professional development courses: Access to training to enhance skills and knowledge.

• Tuition/qualification reimbursement: Support for pursuing further education or certifications relevant to the role.

• Maternal/paternal leave benefits and family services: Support for employees starting or expanding their families.

• Complimentary subscription to Headspace: A mindfulness and meditation app to support mental wellbeing.

• All employee events: Opportunities for networking, social interaction, and team building.

• Lunch allowance: Contribution towards meals, likely usable at subsidized onsite canteen facilities.

• Annual discretionary bonus Opportunity: Potential to earn a bonus based on company, department, team, and individual performance, tied to a profit pool.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, common for full-time contract positions in the UK. Flexibility may be available, but core hours will likely be expected for team collaboration and meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw data provided a detailed list of benefits and mentioned an annual bonus opportunity. The salary range is an estimation based on the role, location, and contractual nature, as no specific figure was provided.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Asset Management). Janus Henderson is a global investment management company, operating in a highly regulated and competitive sector that demands precision, trust, and a client-centric approach. This context implies a culture that values rigorous analysis, robust processes, and a deep understanding of client needs and financial markets.

Company Size: Janus Henderson is a large, established global firm with thousands of employees. This size suggests a structured environment with defined processes, opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, and potentially a mix of established corporate culture with evolving digital-first initiatives.

Founded: Janus Henderson was formed through the merger of Janus Capital Group and Henderson Group in 2017, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies. This history indicates a company with a long-standing presence and expertise in investment management, now navigating digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Context: The UX Designer will likely be part of a broader Digital Product or Technology department. This team may include Product Managers, Engineers, other UX/UI Designers, Content Strategists, and potentially Data Analysts.

• Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Head of UX, Director of Digital Product, or a similar senior leadership position within the digital or technology function. There is a clear reporting line for the 12-month FTC.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Extensive collaboration is expected with Marketing, Brand, Product Development, Engineering, and potentially Compliance and Legal teams, given the regulated nature of the financial services industry. The role emphasizes influencing and partnering across these functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The company emphasizes leveraging analytics insights and user needs to inform design decisions, indicating a data-informed approach to product development.

• Process Optimization: The role is expected to contribute to the optimization of digital experiences and potentially internal design processes, aligning with a culture of continuous improvement.

• User-Centered Practices: A core tenet is translating business goals into user-centered solutions, highlighting a commitment to prioritizing the end-user in product design.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and values provided in the raw input were used to infer the industry context, company culture, and team dynamics relevant to a UX design role within a large financial institution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as an Associate Director, Senior UX Designer on a 12-month fixed-term contract. It represents a significant step beyond a mid-level designer, requiring strategic leadership, ownership of complex projects, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders. It’s a role for an experienced practitioner who can operate with a high degree of autonomy and lead design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a senior leader within the Digital Product or Technology department, such as a Head of UX, Director of Digital Product, or VP of Product. They will also collaborate extensively with product managers, engineering leads, and marketing counterparts. While a direct line management role isn't specified, the "Associate Director" title and mentoring responsibilities suggest a leadership presence within the team.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to enhancing the digital user experience for Janus Henderson's clients and internal stakeholders. This includes improving the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital platforms, which can directly influence client engagement, satisfaction, conversion rates, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the firm's reputation and financial outcomes. By driving adoption of the Design System, the role also impacts the efficiency and consistency of digital product development across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design System Leadership: Deepen expertise and leadership in design systems, potentially leading its future development and advocating for its adoption across a larger portfolio.

• Strategic UX Leadership: Transition into a permanent role with broader strategic responsibilities, potentially leading a UX team or a specialized area of UX design.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Gain deeper insights into product management, marketing strategies, and the intricacies of financial services product development through close collaboration.

• Mentorship & Team Capability Building: Further develop leadership and mentoring skills by guiding junior designers and contributing to the overall elevation of UX capabilities within the organization.

• Project Diversification: Depending on the project scope, gain experience with a variety of digital products and user journeys within the asset management domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Associate Director" title, mention of mentoring, and the strategic nature of the responsibilities point to significant growth potential, even within a fixed-term contract. The analysis focuses on how this role can serve as a stepping stone for further career advancement in UX and product leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Janus Henderson operates a hybrid working model. This suggests a modern office environment designed to facilitate both individual focused work and collaborative activities. The office will likely be well-equipped with meeting rooms, collaboration spaces, and potentially quiet zones.

Office Location(s): The role is based in London, England, United Kingdom. Janus Henderson has a significant presence in the city, offering access to a vibrant business hub. Specific office location details would be provided upon further engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional workshops indicate a workplace that encourages interaction and knowledge sharing among colleagues from different departments.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools, including Figma, prototyping software, and communication platforms, to support their work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX/design team, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, both in person during office days and virtually.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a mix of office and remote work. This provides a degree of flexibility, enabling employees to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring necessary face-to-face collaboration and adherence to project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid working" aspect is a key differentiator. The description emphasizes the blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, common in contemporary professional environments, particularly in large financial firms embracing modern work practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will likely conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, interest in the role, and understanding of the contract duration.

2. Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, highlighting 2-3 key projects that demonstrate their UX strategy, design process, collaboration skills, and impact. This is a critical stage where your ability to articulate your work and its outcomes will be evaluated.

3. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other senior UX designers or product leads. This will focus on your experience, approach to complex problems, leadership style, and how you contribute to a team.

4. Cross-Functional Interview: An interview with key stakeholders from product, engineering, or marketing to assess collaboration skills and ability to influence diverse teams.

5. Final Interview/Offer: A concluding conversation, potentially with a more senior leader, to finalize the decision and discuss contract terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your ability to lead UX strategy, design complex user flows, contribute to design systems, and ensure accessibility. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes achieved. Use visuals effectively.

• Emphasize Impact: Quantify the success of your projects with data and metrics whenever possible. Focus on how your designs improved user engagement, efficiency, or business results.

• Highlight Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with different teams, managed stakeholder expectations, and influenced decisions.

• Address the FTC Nature: Be ready to discuss your understanding and commitment to a 12-month contract role and your ability to hit the ground running.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You might be given a short design challenge or asked to critique an existing digital experience, focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and articulating your recommendations.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your approach to developing UX strategy for a new product or feature within the financial services context.

• Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your design process in detail and how you adapt it to different project needs and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is designed to provide actionable advice for candidates preparing for the application and interview process, focusing on how to best present their UX skills and experience, particularly in a senior and contract capacity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required expertise and will be the core tool for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: Modern prototyping software beyond Figma for creating interactive and high-fidelity prototypes. This could include tools like InVision, Principle, or Axure, depending on the complexity required.

• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting and analyzing user research, such as UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, Hotjar, or internal survey/analytics platforms.

• Design System Management Tools: While not explicitly named, tools or platforms used for documenting and managing design system components and guidelines might be in use.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar to understand user behavior on digital platforms and inform design decisions.

• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing and presenting user data and design performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct UX tool, familiarity with how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) function and store customer data can be beneficial for understanding user contexts.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking design tasks, sprints, and collaborating with engineering teams.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for daily communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw data explicitly mentions Figma and "modern prototyping and research tools." This section expands on common tools used in a senior UX role within a large corporation, emphasizing proficiency in core design software, research, analytics, and project management tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Clients Come First - Always: This core value will translate into a strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of Janus Henderson's clients through user-centered design. Every design decision should ultimately aim to benefit the client.

• Execution Supersedes Intention: A culture that values tangible results and effective implementation. Designers are expected to not only conceptualize but also ensure their designs are well-executed and deliver on their intended purpose.

• Together We Win: This emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. The UX Designer must be a strong team player, working effectively with diverse groups to achieve shared goals and foster a sense of collective success.

• Diversity Improves Results: A commitment to inclusivity, both in the design process and in the products created. This means considering a wide range of users, needs, and perspectives, ensuring digital experiences are accessible and relevant to a diverse global audience.

• Truth Builds Trust: This value underpins the importance of transparency, honesty, and data-driven decision-making. Designers should be prepared to back their recommendations with research and data, fostering trust with stakeholders.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role is designed for deep integration with product, engineering, marketing, and brand teams. Collaboration is expected to be proactive, communicative, and solution-oriented.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback loops and regular reviews of design processes and outputs to ensure continuous improvement and alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where best practices, insights, and learnings are shared openly among team members, contributing to collective growth and innovation within the design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are directly integrated to illustrate how they would manifest in the daily work and expectations for a Senior UX Designer, emphasizing client focus, execution, teamwork, diversity, and integrity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Regulated Industry: The financial services sector is heavily regulated, which can impose constraints on design innovation and require careful consideration of compliance, legal, and security requirements.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: With numerous stakeholders across different departments and regions, managing competing priorities and influencing diverse perspectives to reach consensus on design solutions can be challenging.

• Driving Design System Adoption: Ensuring widespread adoption and consistent application of the JHI Design System across various teams and projects requires ongoing advocacy, training, and support.

• Delivering Impact in a Fixed-Term Contract: Making a significant and measurable impact within a 12-month timeframe requires efficiency, strong project ownership, and the ability to onboard quickly.

• Hybrid Work Logistics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion in a hybrid work environment, especially across different time zones, can present logistical challenges.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Financial Services UX Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for the complex needs of the asset management industry, including regulatory considerations, investor behavior, and financial data presentation.

• Advanced Design System Leadership: Opportunity to significantly contribute to and potentially lead aspects of a mature design system, enhancing skills in scalability, governance, and cross-functional adoption strategies.

• Strategic Influence & Stakeholder Management: Hone skills in influencing senior leadership and cross-functional teams, developing robust communication and negotiation tactics within a corporate setting.

• Mentorship & Skill Elevation: Develop leadership capabilities through mentoring junior designers and contributing to the overall uplift of UX maturity within the organization.

• Exposure to Global Markets: Understand the nuances of designing for a global user base and diverse market needs within Janus Henderson's international operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section anticipates potential difficulties a candidate might face in this specific role and company context and frames them as opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the UX strategy for a complex digital initiative. What was your process, and how did you ensure it aligned with business goals and user needs?" (Focus on strategic thinking, process, and alignment.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for our client portal, considering our target audience and the need for accessibility and a robust design system?" (Assess problem-solving, user-centricity, and system thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Janus Henderson and the financial services industry, what do you see as the biggest UX challenges or opportunities for our digital products?" (Demonstrate research and industry awareness.)

• "How do you see your role contributing to our company values, particularly 'Clients Come First' and 'Diversity Improves Results'?" (Show alignment with company culture.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed, key decisions made (and why), the final solution, and critically, the measurable outcomes and impact.

• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Emphasize how you approached the problem from a strategic level, not just tactical execution. Discuss user research, competitive analysis, and how your design decisions supported broader business objectives.

• Showcase Design System Work: If presenting a project involving a design system, clearly explain your contributions, whether it was building components, defining guidelines, or driving adoption.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Prepare to answer detailed questions about your design choices, the rationale behind them, and how you handled any challenges or trade-offs.

• Address the FTC: Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the contract's duration and your ability to integrate quickly and deliver results within that timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides concrete examples of interview questions tailored to a Senior UX Designer role in a financial services context, along with strategic advice for presenting a portfolio and preparing for common interview scenarios.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is essential for all design activities, including wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative workflows.

• Prototyping Software: Proficiency in modern tools like InVision, Axure, or similar for creating interactive, high-fidelity prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools such as UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or internal survey tools for conducting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative user research.

• Design System Tools: Familiarity with platforms or methodologies for documenting, managing, and distributing design system components and guidelines (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar to monitor user behavior, track key metrics, and derive insights for design optimization.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing and presenting performance data related to user engagement and conversion.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks, sprint planning, and collaborating with development teams in an Agile environment.

• Collaboration & Communication: Proficiency in platforms like Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for seamless day-to-day communication and team coordination.

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): A general understanding of how CRM systems are used to manage customer relationships can provide valuable context for user-centered design in financial services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section consolidates and elaborates on the tools mentioned in the raw data, categorizing them into primary design tools, analytics/reporting, and collaboration/project management, which are critical for a UX role in a corporate environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and prioritizing client needs in all digital product development and UX decisions. This translates to designing intuitive, efficient, and trustworthy experiences for Janus Henderson's global clientele.

• Execution Excellence: A drive to not only conceptualize but also to deliver high-quality, well-implemented digital solutions. This means a focus on detailed design, robust prototyping, and close collaboration with engineering to ensure successful deployment.

• Collaborative Spirit ("Together We Win"): An emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships. The UX Designer is expected to be a proactive collaborator, fostering a positive and productive environment where all team members contribute to shared success.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: A dedication to creating digital experiences that are accessible and beneficial to a wide range of users, respecting and celebrating diversity in all its forms. This includes adhering to WCAG standards and considering varied user needs in the design process.

• Integrity & Transparency ("Truth Builds Trust"): A commitment to making decisions based on data, research, and honest assessment. This means being prepared to articulate design rationale clearly, acknowledge limitations, and build trust with stakeholders through reliable insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: The role emphasizes working closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and brand teams, requiring a collaborative approach to problem-solving and product development.

• Feedback & Iteration: An open culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative design processes, where critique is seen as an opportunity for improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing & Mentorship: A willingness to share expertise, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the collective growth of the design team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section reiterates and expands upon how the company's stated values translate into actionable behaviors and expectations for team culture and collaboration within the UX function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Regulatory Compliance: Operating within the highly regulated financial services sector requires a keen awareness of compliance, legal, and security requirements, which can influence design choices and innovation pace.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively navigating and aligning numerous stakeholders with potentially competing priorities across different departments and geographies is a significant challenge.

• Design System Evolution: Driving consistent adoption and ongoing development of the JHI Design System across a large organization requires continuous effort in advocacy, training, and support.

• Impact within FTC: Demonstrating significant, measurable impact within a 12-month contract necessitates rapid onboarding, efficient execution, and strong project ownership.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining seamless collaboration, team cohesion, and effective communication in a hybrid work environment, especially across different time zones, can be logistically complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Financial Services UX: Deepen expertise in the unique UX challenges and opportunities within the asset management industry, including investor psychology, data visualization, and regulatory communication.

• Design System Leadership: Gain advanced experience in leading or significantly contributing to the governance, strategy, and adoption of a mature design system.

• Strategic Influence & Advocacy: Hone skills in influencing senior leadership and cross-functional teams, developing robust communication, negotiation, and advocacy strategies.

• Mentorship & Team Development: Enhance leadership capabilities through mentoring junior designers and actively contributing to the growth and maturity of the UX practice within Janus Henderson.

• Global Product Strategy: Gain exposure to designing for international markets and understanding the complexities of global product strategies within a large financial institution.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides a forward-looking perspective on potential difficulties and frames them as valuable learning experiences and growth opportunities for the candidate.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for developing UX strategy for a new digital product or feature in a regulated industry like financial services. How do you balance user needs with business and compliance requirements?" (Focus on strategic thinking, risk assessment, and regulatory awareness.)

• "Walk me through a complex design challenge you faced where you had to influence multiple stakeholders with differing priorities. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Assess negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you believe are the most critical UX challenges or opportunities facing Janus Henderson in the current digital landscape?" (Demonstrate proactive research and industry insight.)

• "How do you embody the company values of 'Clients Come First' and 'Diversity Improves Results' in your UX design practice?" (Show alignment with core principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Strategic Impact: Select projects that best showcase your ability to define UX strategy, solve complex problems, and deliver measurable business outcomes. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Detail Your Process: For each case study, systematically outline your approach, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping fidelity, testing methods, and iteration cycles.

• Quantify Success: Whenever possible, present data and metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your work on user engagement, conversion rates, task completion, or operational efficiency.

• Emphasize Collaboration and Influence: Be prepared to discuss how you partnered with cross-functional teams, managed feedback, and influenced stakeholders to drive user-centered solutions.

• Showcase Design System Contributions: Clearly articulate your role and impact in contributing to or utilizing design systems, highlighting your understanding of consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides specific, actionable advice for interview preparation, including example questions and portfolio presentation strategies tailored to a senior UX role within a financial services firm.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Janus Henderson careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your UX strategy leadership, experience with design systems, accessibility expertise, and ability to influence stakeholders within a corporate environment. Focus on 2-3 strong case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, key skills (Figma, UX strategy, accessibility), and achievements relevant to senior UX design roles. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss how you handle challenges in regulated industries and hybrid environments. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Janus Henderson's mission, values, recent digital initiatives, and the financial services industry. Understand their client base and business objectives to better tailor your responses.

⚠️ 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.

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