Digital Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Product Designer

Company: Virgin Atlantic Airways

Location: Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-01-09T14:39:35

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days at VHQ, Crawley)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver the Virgin Atlantic digital product roadmap, aligning with business objectives and quarterly agile delivery cycles.

• Champion the user and brand identity throughout the digital product lifecycle, from concept to implementation.

• Collaborate closely with in-house Digital Development & Delivery teams to ensure seamless execution of designs.

• Drive innovation in user experience by applying design thinking principles and creating frictionless, pleasurable digital interactions.

• Contribute to the overall brand narrative and visual design standards across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a blend of strategic product vision and tactical design execution within an agile framework. The emphasis on "Digital Product Designer" suggests a focus on the end-to-end product lifecycle, not just visual aesthetics. The mention of "in-house Digital Design team" and "Digital Development & Delivery team" indicates a need for strong collaboration and integration within a dedicated internal structure.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Roadmap Design & Execution: Deliver the Virgin Atlantic digital roadmap through strategic design and execution, working collaboratively with Digital Development & Delivery teams towards shared goals.

• Concepting & Innovation: Help solve new business problems by applying best practices in design thinking to create innovative solutions that address user needs.

• Brand Identity & Visual Design: Play an influential role in brand identity, visual design, and the implementation of the brand narrative, working closely with the broader Creative Team.

• User Experience Leadership: Drive a significant improvement in the user experience of Virgin Atlantic digital products, acting as a champion for both the user and the brand within scrum teams and with wider business stakeholders.

• Interaction Design: Design interactions that prioritize usability, aiming to create frictionless, pleasurable, and unique user experiences that adhere to WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards by default.

• Process Development: Support the wider design team in refining processes and establishing best practices for digital design across Virgin Atlantic, collaborating with Product Owners to ensure products are conceived and designed effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to product development, emphasizing user advocacy, brand consistency, and process improvement. The mention of "agile delivery," "scrum teams," and "sprint reviews" indicates a need for familiarity with agile methodologies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a related field is often expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Solid experience in digital product design, demonstrating a strong portfolio of UX/UI work. Experience within the travel or aviation industry is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in design tools, primarily Figma.

• Strong understanding of mobile-first and responsive design principles.

• Proven experience in conducting user research and usability testing to inform design decisions.

• Familiarity with design systems and their application across diverse digital touchpoints.

• Excellent ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including developers and product managers.

• Strong problem-solving skills with a consistent user-centered design approach.

• Hands-on experience and curiosity regarding AI tools and their potential applications in design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with developers.

• Experience working within agile/scrum development environments.

• A portfolio that showcases innovation and a clear impact on user engagement or business goals.

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Figma proficiency is explicit. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking organization looking to leverage emerging technologies in its design processes. The specific mention of WCAG 2.2 AA is critical for ensuring inclusive design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI work, demonstrating end-to-end product design capabilities.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your process, design solutions, and the measurable impact (e.g., user engagement, conversion rates, task completion).

• Examples of mobile and responsive design solutions, illustrating adaptability across different devices and screen sizes.

• Demonstrations of how design systems were utilized or contributed to, highlighting consistency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in creating user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes.

• Illustrate how you've translated user research and testing feedback into actionable design improvements.

• Provide examples of collaboration with development teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.

• Demonstrate an understanding of agile workflows and how design fits within sprint cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is crucial for this role. It should not only display visual design skills but also the strategic thinking, user advocacy, and collaborative processes involved in digital product design. Quantifiable results are highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Competitive, with an estimated annual range of £40,000 - £60,000, depending on experience and skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and pension scheme.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.

• Generous holiday allowance.

• Discounted flights and travel-related benefits.

• Opportunities for professional development and training.

• Access to a range of wellbeing programs and support.

• Involvement in a dynamic and innovative team environment.

Working Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While a standard schedule, the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for Digital Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in the UK, considering the company's industry (aviation) and location (Crawley, West Sussex). Benefits are typical for a large, established airline.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation / Travel & Tourism. Virgin Atlantic is a globally recognized airline known for its customer service and innovative approach to travel.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (likely thousands of employees globally, based on its status as a major airline).

Founded: 1984. Virgin Atlantic has a long-standing reputation for challenging the status quo in the airline industry.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Product Designer will be part of an in-house Digital Design team.

• This team collaborates closely with the Digital Development & Delivery team.

• They also work alongside product designers and the broader Creative Team.

Methodology:

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

• Agile Delivery: Utilized for quarterly planning and iterative development.

• User-Centered Design: A core principle guiding design decisions and user experience enhancements.

• Brand Integration: Ensuring the brand narrative and identity are seamlessly implemented across all digital touchpoints.

• Accessibility Focus: Commitment to WCAG 2.2 AA standards as a default.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, customer-centricity, and a collaborative spirit, aligning with the Virgin brand ethos. The operations context here is about how the digital product design function supports the airline's broader customer experience and business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Digital Product Design Career Level: This role is positioned as an intermediate to mid-level position, requiring solid foundational experience (2-5 years) and the ability to work independently on design tasks while collaborating effectively. It's a step towards senior or lead design roles.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports into a Head of Digital Design, Lead Digital Product Designer, or a similar senior role within the Digital Design or Creative team. The role involves close collaboration with Product Owners and development teams.

Digital Product Design Impact: This role has a direct impact on customer acquisition, retention, and overall satisfaction through the design of digital products and user experiences. It influences how customers interact with Virgin Atlantic online, impacting brand perception and revenue generation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like UX research, interaction design, or AI-driven design tools.

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior Digital Product Designer or Lead Designer role, taking on more complex projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on different digital products or collaborating with other departments within Virgin Atlantic.

• Industry Trends: Stay at the forefront of digital design innovation, particularly in AI and emerging technologies, contributing to the company's forward-thinking approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests opportunities to become a subject matter expert or to move into leadership positions within the growing digital design function of the airline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a requirement to spend 3 days per week at the Virgin Atlantic Headquarters (VHQ) in Crawley. This indicates a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): Virgin Atlantic Headquarters (VHQ), Crawley, West Sussex, United Kingdom. This location likely offers modern office facilities designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The VHQ environment is expected to be dynamic and collaborative, supporting cross-functional teamwork.

• Access to necessary design tools and technologies, including Figma and potentially other relevant software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with design, development, product, and creative teams.

• A culture that encourages sharing ideas and continuous improvement in design practices.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) are expected, but the hybrid arrangement provides some flexibility in how and where those hours are fulfilled, balancing personal needs with team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, requiring individuals to manage their time effectively between remote work and in-office collaboration, ensuring they are present for key team interactions and meetings at VHQ.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess suitability against core requirements.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior designer to discuss experience, portfolio, and cultural fit. This may include a deeper dive into specific case studies.

• Design Challenge/Task: A practical exercise to assess design thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in Figma. This could involve a hypothetical scenario or a task related to Virgin Atlantic's digital products.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meeting with other members of the design, development, or product teams to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Focus on 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UX/UI skills, problem-solving abilities, and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, testing, iteration), key design decisions, and the outcomes/results. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your understanding of components, auto-layout, prototyping, and design system implementation.

• Showcase User-Centricity: Emphasize how user research and testing informed your design decisions.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, include examples or discuss how you collaborated with developers, product managers, or other stakeholders.

• Address AI Curiosity: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on AI in design and any relevant experience you have.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Virgin Atlantic's current digital products (website, app) and identify potential areas for improvement from a user experience perspective.

• Practice problem-solving exercises and common UX interview question frameworks.

• Be prepared to articulate your design process clearly and concisely under time pressure.

• Think about how you would approach designing for accessibility from the outset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also problem-solving capabilities, collaborative potential, and alignment with the company's user-centric and innovative approach. A strong, well-presented portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Marvel might be beneficial.

• User Research & Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar for gathering user feedback and validating designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Understanding of tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to interpret user behavior data and measure design impact.

• Heatmapping/Session Recording: Tools like Hotjar or FullStory to visualize user interactions and identify friction points.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how digital products interact with CRM systems or customer data platforms can be advantageous for holistic design.

Emerging Technologies:

• AI Tools: Curiosity and hands-on experience with AI tools relevant to design, such as AI-powered design assistants, content generation tools, or data analysis aids.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as the primary design tool. The broader stack reflects a modern digital product development environment where data, user feedback, and agile processes are integral to the design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Digital Design Values:

• Customer Obsession: A deep understanding and advocacy for the user, ensuring their needs and experience are at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Innovation: A drive to challenge the status quo, explore new ideas, and leverage emerging technologies like AI to create cutting-edge digital experiences.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing knowledge, and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Brand Excellence: Upholding and enhancing the Virgin Atlantic brand identity and narrative through consistent, high-quality visual design.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to refining design processes, learning new skills, and embedding best practices across the organization.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Digital Development & Delivery, Product Owners, and the broader Creative Team.

• Agile Partnership: Participating actively in scrum teams, sprint reviews, and providing design input throughout the development lifecycle.

• Open Communication: Encouraging feedback, constructive critique, and knowledge sharing to elevate the quality of digital products.

• Brand Stewardship: Acting as a collective guardian of the brand, ensuring its consistent and impactful representation across all digital touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values align with the Virgin Group's broader ethos of customer focus, innovation, and challenging norms. The emphasis on collaboration is critical given the matrixed and agile structure.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively integrating user requirements with commercial objectives and technical constraints.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, design tools, and digital trends to maintain a competitive edge.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring consistent design vision and execution across various teams and stakeholders with potentially different priorities.

• Scalability of Design Systems: Developing and maintaining design systems that can effectively scale across a growing portfolio of digital products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Workshops: Exploring and experimenting with AI tools to enhance design workflows and create innovative solutions.

• Advanced UX/UI Training: Access to courses and certifications in specialized areas of user experience and interface design.

• Design System Management: Opportunities to contribute to or lead the development and governance of design systems.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from senior designers and leaders within Virgin Atlantic to develop strategic thinking and leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant design conferences to gain insights into the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to work on impactful projects within a well-established brand while navigating the complexities of a large organization and the dynamic digital landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on negotiation, user advocacy, and finding common ground).

• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile application, from initial concept to handoff to development." (Emphasize your systematic approach, research, iteration, and collaboration).

• "How do you ensure accessibility is a core part of your design process, not an afterthought?" (Highlight your knowledge of WCAG and practical application).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Virgin Atlantic's brand and its digital presence?" (Research their website/app, brand values, and recent initiatives).

• "How would you contribute to our culture of innovation and collaboration?" (Relate your past experiences and enthusiasm for teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, present: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flow diagrams, and prototypes.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, highlighting your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Figma Demo: Be prepared to share your screen and walk through a key Figma file, explaining your file structure, component usage, and design system integration.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, an understanding of the Virgin Atlantic brand, and a collaborative mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Digital Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the VA Career Site.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to digital product design, UX/UI, Figma, user research, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure it showcases your best UX/UI work, with detailed case studies that demonstrate your process, problem-solving approach, and measurable outcomes. Focus on projects relevant to a customer-facing digital product.

• Prepare for the interview: Research Virgin Atlantic's digital presence, brand values, and recent news. Practice answering common UX interview questions and be ready to present your portfolio effectively.

• Understand the role's context: Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to Virgin Atlantic's vision of becoming the most loved travel company through exceptional digital experiences.

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

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