Digital Strategy & User Experience (UX) Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Digital Strategy & User Experience (UX) Lead

Company: Dobbs Defense Solutions, LLC

Location: Chester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Digital Strategy & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead digital strategy and user experience (UX) initiatives, ensuring alignment between user needs, business objectives, and platform capabilities within a government contracting environment.

• Lead the Strategy & Scoping phase for digital transformations, focusing on evidence-based user insights and a pragmatic, execution-oriented approach.

• Synthesize existing research and conduct targeted validation to inform critical redesign scope decisions, content prioritization, and user experience trade-offs.

• Facilitate structured scoping workshops with diverse stakeholders, driving consensus on website redesign scope, content strategies, and migration approaches to optimize speed to delivery.

• Ensure all digital solutions adhere to established frameworks such as the Maryland Drupal Platform and the Maryland Web Design System (MDWDS), prioritizing accessibility and plain-language best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a lead within a specialized phase (Phase 1 - Strategy & Scoping) of digital transformation projects, emphasizing execution and rapid synthesis over traditional exploratory UX research. The "operations" aspect is derived from the strategic planning, process definition, and system alignment required to move projects from conceptualization to actionable roadmaps, particularly within a government-contracting context that demands rigorous documentation and stakeholder management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary authority on UX and digital strategy for Phase 1 engagements, advising stakeholders on redesign scope, content prioritization, and user experience trade-offs.

• Translate government client missions, policy drivers, and public-facing service objectives into measurable digital goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), such as task completion rates, self-service adoption, and user satisfaction scores.

• Conduct thorough reviews and rapid synthesis of all existing client-provided research, analytics, and prior findings to avoid duplicative discovery efforts.

• Identify critical research gaps that require targeted, evaluative validation activities to support informed decision-making, applying pragmatic UX judgment to maintain efficiency.

• Plan and lead structured scoping workshops with executive sponsors, business owners, content teams, and technical stakeholders to facilitate crucial decisions regarding website redesign scope, content consolidation, and user task prioritization.

• Define high-level content strategy principles to support significant footprint reduction (50-75%) while ensuring the preservation of mission-critical information and adherence to public-sector usability expectations.

• Advise on the application of experience patterns using the Maryland Web Design System (MDWDS) components to ensure consistency and scalability across all client websites.

• Collaborate closely with Solution Architects to ensure the proposed UX strategy is technically feasible within the Maryland Drupal Platform and contributes to a phased migration roadmap that delivers incremental user value.

• Support the development of pilot (proof-of-concept) recommendations designed to place a usable product in front of end-users quickly for early validation.

• Lead or contribute to the development of critical Phase 1 deliverables, including business goals and KPI definitions, UX-driven scoping rationale, and inputs for the project roadmap and pilot recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on strategic planning, stakeholder management, and execution within a defined project phase. The "operations" focus is evident in the requirement to synthesize existing data, facilitate structured decision-making, define content strategies for efficiency, and contribute to technical and migration roadmaps, all aimed at optimizing the delivery process for digital transformation projects in a government context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, UX Design, Digital Strategy, Information Science, Public Policy, or a related field.

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive experience leading digital transformation, UX strategy, or large-scale public-facing web redesign projects.

• Demonstrated experience working with government or public-sector organizations, navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Required Skills:

• Digital Strategy Development: Ability to translate business objectives and user needs into a coherent digital vision and actionable strategy.

• User Experience (UX) Leadership: Expertise in leading UX efforts, from strategy and scoping to advising on design patterns and user-centered content.

• Research Synthesis & Validation: Proficiency in reviewing, synthesizing, and validating existing research and data to inform decisions without redundant efforts.

• Stakeholder Facilitation & Management: Skilled in planning and leading workshops, facilitating decision-making, and managing diverse stakeholder expectations in a government context.

• Content Strategy & Optimization: Experience in defining content strategies that support efficiency, footprint reduction, and adherence to best practices.

• Accessibility & Standards Compliance: Deep understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and plain-language best practices relevant to public-sector digital platforms.

• Agile Methodologies: Certification and practical experience in Agile frameworks (e.g., CSM, SAFe Agilist) for project execution.

• Platform & System Alignment: Familiarity with or ability to quickly adapt to specific platforms like the Maryland Drupal Platform and design systems like MDWDS.

Preferred Skills:

• Maryland Drupal Platform & MDWDS Expertise: Direct experience with these specific technologies is highly advantageous.

• User-Centered Design (UCD) & Design Thinking: Certification or strong practical application of HCD principles and Design Thinking methodologies.

• Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) or Certified User Experience Professional (CUXP): Formal recognition of UX expertise.

• Accessibility Certification (IAAP CPACC or WAS): Demonstrates formal expertise in web accessibility.

• Public Policy or Government IT Background: Deeper understanding of the nuances and operational constraints within government IT projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of strategic thinking, practical UX execution, and specific technical/process knowledge relevant to government digital transformation projects. The required certifications underscore the need for formally recognized expertise in UX, accessibility, and project management methodologies, aligning with the operational rigor expected in this sector.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Digital Strategy Case Studies: Examples showcasing the development and execution of digital strategies that led to measurable business outcomes or user improvements.

• UX Scoping & Strategy Documentation: Demonstrations of how complex projects were scoped, including stakeholder facilitation, user needs analysis, and the definition of digital goals and KPIs.

• Content Strategy & Optimization Examples: Portfolios that illustrate how content was strategically reorganized, reduced, or optimized for user access and platform efficiency.

• Process Improvement Documentation: Evidence of leading or contributing to process improvements in digital project lifecycles, particularly in the Strategy & Scoping phases.

• System Alignment Illustrations: Examples of how proposed digital solutions were aligned with existing technology platforms (e.g., Drupal) and design systems (e.g., MDWDS), demonstrating technical feasibility.

Process Documentation:

• Workshop Facilitation Agendas & Outcomes: Documented examples of structured workshops, including objectives, participant lists, key decisions, identified risks, and dependencies.

• Research Synthesis Summaries: Clear, concise summaries of existing research findings, highlighting key insights and identifying gaps for further validation.

• Scoping Document Templates: Examples of documentation used to capture and communicate redesign scope, including business goals, user tasks, and content prioritization rationale.

• Roadmap Contribution Examples: Evidence of how UX and strategy input was integrated into project roadmaps, showing phased approaches and user value delivery.

• Accessibility & Plain Language Guideline Adherence: Documentation or examples demonstrating how accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and plain-language principles were incorporated into project planning and deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on strategy and scoping, the portfolio should emphasize the process of strategic planning and decision-making, rather than just the final visual output. The focus is on how the candidate structures work, facilitates input, synthesizes information, and documents rationale to achieve defined outcomes within specific technical and organizational constraints.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is estimated to be between £60,000 - £90,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level Digital Strategy and UX Lead roles in the United Kingdom, considering the required experience (8+ years), specialized certifications, and the government/defense sector context. Factors such as specific qualifications, depth of experience, and location within the UK can influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Employer-matched contributions to a pension or retirement savings scheme, supporting long-term financial security.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays, providing opportunities for rest and rejuvenation.

• Professional Development Support: Opportunities for continued learning, including access to training, conferences, certifications, and workshops relevant to digital strategy and UX.

• Hybrid Work Flexibility: A blend of on-site and remote work, allowing for a balance between collaborative in-office engagement and personal flexibility.

• Life Insurance: Basic life insurance coverage to provide financial security for dependents.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services for employees facing personal or work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work environment offers some flexibility in scheduling, with core hours likely established for team collaboration and stakeholder engagement, particularly during on-site days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on typical UK market rates for senior digital strategy and UX roles, factoring in the specialized nature of the work and the defense industry. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in the UK, with an emphasis on professional development, which is crucial for maintaining expertise in fast-evolving digital fields.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, Government Contracting, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics. Dobbs Defense Solutions operates within a critical sector, providing advanced IT, cyber, and data analytics solutions to government and commercial clients. This implies a culture that values precision, security, mission focus, and innovation.

Company Size: Dobbs Defense Solutions, LLC is a growing organization, likely falling into the small to medium-sized business (SMB) category, which often fosters a more agile and collaborative work environment where individual contributions are highly visible.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company's focus on "convergence of automation, innovation, training, and education" suggests a forward-thinking approach to solving complex client challenges.

Team Structure:

• The Digital Strategy & UX Lead will likely be part of a project-based team, collaborating closely with Solution Architects, Project Managers, Business Analysts, Developers, and potentially subject matter experts from the client organization (MDH).

• Reporting is likely to a Director of Digital Transformation, a Program Manager, or a senior IT leader responsible for digital initiatives.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using user insights, analytics, and evidence-based research to inform strategic recommendations and scope decisions.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Adherence to Agile principles for efficient project delivery, with a focus on phased approaches and rapid iteration.

• User-Centered Design Principles: Embedding user needs and feedback throughout the strategy and scoping process to ensure effective and usable digital solutions.

• Process Optimization: A core focus on streamlining processes, reducing rework, and ensuring speed to delivery through structured scoping and planning.

Company Website: https://thinkd2s.us

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and vision suggest a culture that values technical expertise, problem-solving, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative solutions. The "operations" aspect is tied to the structured methodologies and processes required to manage complex government IT projects efficiently.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the digital strategy and UX domain. It's a "Lead" role, indicating significant autonomy and responsibility for guiding strategic direction and execution within specific project phases. The 8+ years of experience and required certifications position this individual as an expert practitioner.

Reporting Structure: The Digital Strategy & UX Lead will likely report to a senior program manager, director, or VP overseeing digital initiatives. They will, in turn, influence and guide project teams, developers, and business stakeholders through their strategic recommendations and facilitation.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and significant, influencing the strategic direction of major digital transformation projects. By ensuring alignment between user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility from the outset, this role minimizes costly rework in later development phases, optimizes resource allocation, and ultimately drives the successful delivery of user-centered, mission-critical digital solutions for government clients. This directly contributes to the client's operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to lead broader digital transformation initiatives, manage larger teams, or take on program management responsibilities for complex client engagements.

• Specialization Deepening: Opportunity to become a recognized expert in specific government IT domains or advanced UX methodologies, potentially leading to consulting roles or specialized practice development.

• Mentorship & Training: Chance to mentor junior UX designers, strategists, and analysts, contributing to the growth of the company's talent pool.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing deeper relationships with government clients, potentially leading to business development opportunities or strategic advisory roles.

• Technology Adoption Leadership: Leading initiatives to adopt new digital technologies or methodologies within the company or for client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for this role is focused on deepening strategic influence, broadening project scope, and potentially moving into program leadership or specialized consulting within the government IT sector. The emphasis is on leveraging expertise to drive significant operational improvements for clients.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This suggests a blend of remote work and required on-site attendance at client locations or Dobbs Defense Solutions offices. The "as-needed basis" for on-site attendance implies flexibility, but also a need for adaptability and readiness to be physically present when required for critical meetings or workshops.

Office Location(s): While the primary location is listed as "Multiple" in MD (Maryland, USA), the derived location is Chester, England, United Kingdom. This discrepancy needs clarification, but assuming the Chester, UK location is current for this specific posting: The work environment will involve collaboration with a distributed team and potentially direct engagement with UK-based government clients.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: On-site days will likely involve working in office environments that support team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and stakeholder meetings.

• Technology Enablement: Access to necessary digital tools, software, and communication platforms to facilitate both remote and on-site work, enabling seamless interaction and productivity.

• Client-Centric Focus: The work environment is heavily influenced by client needs and project requirements, demanding a proactive and responsive approach to engagement.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time employment (40 hours per week).

• The hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in managing personal time and work location, but requires adherence to project timelines and stakeholder availability, particularly during on-site requirements. This flexibility is key for operations professionals who may need to manage data analysis and process refinement outside of standard meeting times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role requires strong self-management skills and the ability to transition effectively between remote and in-office environments. The location discrepancy between the raw data (MD, USA) and derived data (Chester, UK) is noted and would require candidate verification.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter to assess foundational qualifications and experience alignment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with the hiring manager to explore your strategic approach, leadership style, and experience with digital transformation and UX in government contexts. Expect questions about your process for synthesizing research and facilitating stakeholder decisions.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: A session focused on presenting and discussing your portfolio. This will involve walking through specific case studies, demonstrating your thought process, and explaining how you've applied UX principles and digital strategy to achieve defined outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your role in scoping, content strategy, and system alignment.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Potentially meet with other team members or key stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaborative abilities, and how you would integrate into the existing project team dynamics.

• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to finalize the decision and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process Over Polish: While a professional presentation is key, emphasize the how and why behind your work. Detail your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and stakeholder engagement methods.

• Highlight Strategy & Scoping: Showcase examples where you led the initial strategy and scoping phases of a project. Demonstrate how you translated business needs into actionable digital plans.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the outcomes of your work. For this role, focus on metrics related to efficiency, speed to delivery, user task completion, and stakeholder alignment.

• Address Constraints: If possible, include examples where you had to work within specific technical constraints (like the Maryland Drupal Platform or MDWDS) or aggressive timelines.

• Showcase Facilitation Skills: Include evidence of your ability to lead workshops and facilitate decision-making among diverse groups. This could be through documented workshop outcomes or descriptions of your facilitation approach.

• Accessibility & Compliance: Clearly articulate how you incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and plain-language principles into your strategic plans and recommendations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for questions that present a hypothetical digital transformation challenge within a government context. Prepare to outline your strategic approach, how you would gather insights, and how you would facilitate stakeholder consensus.

• Process Walkthroughs: Prepare to verbally walk through your typical process for leading a Strategy & Scoping phase, from initial client engagement to delivering a defined scope and roadmap input.

• Stakeholder Management Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting stakeholder priorities or resistance to UX-driven recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and specific certifications suggests that candidates will be evaluated not just on experience but on their demonstrated ability to apply structured methodologies and strategic thinking to complex digital projects, particularly within government constraints.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing, prototyping, and user flow design.

• Collaboration & Communication Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace for team communication, virtual meetings, and document sharing.

• Project Management Software: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for tracking tasks, progress, and managing project workflows.

• Documentation & Knowledge Management: Confluence, SharePoint, or similar for creating and storing project documentation, research findings, and strategy documents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for reviewing website performance data and user behavior.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, or similar for creating dashboards and reports to communicate insights to stakeholders.

• User Feedback & Survey Tools: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, UserTesting.com, or similar for gathering qualitative and quantitative user feedback.

CRM & Automation:

Specialized Platforms:

• Maryland Drupal Platform: Deep familiarity or ability to quickly learn and operate within this specific government CMS.

• Maryland Web Design System (MDWDS): Understanding and ability to apply components and guidelines from this established design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with standard UX/digital strategy tools is expected, but the critical requirement is the ability to work within and leverage the specific government-mandated platforms like the Maryland Drupal Platform and the MDWDS. This highlights the operational need to adapt to and optimize for existing enterprise systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving the mission objectives of government clients, ensuring digital solutions directly support public service delivery.

• Data-Driven Integrity: A commitment to using objective data and evidence to guide decisions, ensuring that strategies and recommendations are defensible and impactful.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Valuing strong working relationships with clients and internal teams, fostering an environment of shared understanding and mutual success.

• Efficiency & Speed to Delivery: An operational mindset that prioritizes streamlined processes, rapid synthesis, and timely execution to meet aggressive project timelines.

• User Advocacy: Championing the needs and experiences of end-users, ensuring that digital platforms are accessible, usable, and meet public expectations.

Collaboration Style:

• Facilitative Leadership: Leading through structured discussions, active listening, and enabling consensus-building among diverse stakeholders.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working seamlessly with technical teams, business owners, and policy experts to ensure holistic project alignment.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and transparent communication channels, providing regular updates and clearly articulating rationale and recommendations.

• Feedback-Oriented: Open to constructive feedback and iterative refinement of strategies and plans based on input from team members and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to emphasize a blend of technical excellence, client focus, and operational efficiency, particularly within the unique environment of government contracting. The values align with the needs of a role that bridges strategic thinking with practical execution.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Government Bureaucracy & Stakeholder Complexity: Working within government structures often involves multiple layers of approval, diverse stakeholder interests, and established procurement processes. Effectively managing these dynamics is crucial.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical & Policy Constraints: Synthesizing user requirements while adhering to specific platform limitations (Maryland Drupal Platform, MDWDS) and government policies requires strategic problem-solving.

• Aggressive Timelines & Rapid Synthesis: The requirement for time-boxed engagements and rapid insight synthesis demands exceptional efficiency, prioritization skills, and the ability to make informed decisions with incomplete information.

• Driving Change in Established Systems: Influencing established practices and securing buy-in for new digital strategies or UX approaches within a government agency can be challenging.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Government Sector Expertise: Gaining specialized knowledge of government IT procurement, policy, and operational challenges.

• Mastery of Specific Platforms: Becoming an expert in the Maryland Drupal Platform and MDWDS, potentially leading to specialized consulting roles.

• Advanced UX & Digital Strategy Techniques: Staying abreast of emerging trends in UX research, digital strategy, and government digital services.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone leadership skills in managing complex projects, diverse teams, and high-stakes client relationships.

• Certification Pursuits: Potential for company support in obtaining further advanced certifications in UX, Agile, or government IT management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex, mission-critical projects within a highly regulated sector. The challenges are inherent to government contracting but also provide fertile ground for developing advanced strategic and operational skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading the Strategy & Scoping phase of a large-scale digital transformation project, particularly within a government context." (Focus on your structured approach, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making framework.)

• "How do you balance user needs and business objectives with technical constraints like a specific CMS (e.g., Drupal) and a design system (e.g., MDWDS)?" (Highlight your pragmatic problem-solving and ability to find optimal solutions within limitations.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to synthesize a large amount of existing research to make critical recommendations under a tight deadline. What was your approach, and what were the outcomes?" (Demonstrate your research synthesis skills and ability to deliver under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Dobbs Defense Solutions and our mission?" (Research the company's website, mission statement, and recent projects.)

• "How do your values align with our focus on mission-centric IT, automation, and innovation?" (Connect your professional values to the company's stated principles.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Scoping: Select a case study that clearly illustrates your role in a project's strategy and scoping phase. Detail the problem, your approach, the stakeholders involved, the key decisions made, and the resulting scope.

• Demonstrate Synthesis: If possible, show how you reviewed existing data or research and used it to inform your strategy, rather than starting from scratch.

• Highlight Process: Explain the methodologies you employed (e.g., Design Thinking, Agile), the tools you used, and how you facilitated discussions and decision-making.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to show the positive impact of your strategic recommendations, such as improved efficiency, reduced rework, clearer project direction, or defined user task success.

• Address Constraints: Be prepared to discuss how you operated within specific platform (Drupal) or design system (MDWDS) constraints, or how you would approach it if you haven't before.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating your strategic leadership, your ability to operate within specific government frameworks, and your capacity for rapid, evidence-based decision-making. Your portfolio should be curated to showcase these specific skills and experiences.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Dobbs Defense Solutions careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in digital strategy, UX leadership, government projects, and your proficiency with relevant certifications (CUA, Design Thinking, Accessibility, Agile).

• Portfolio Showcase: Prepare a portfolio that specifically demonstrates your experience in the Strategy & Scoping phase of digital transformations. Focus on case studies that show your ability to synthesize research, facilitate stakeholder decisions, define content strategies, and align with technical platforms like Drupal and design systems like MDWDS. Quantify your impact wherever possible.

• Company & Role Research: Thoroughly research Dobbs Defense Solutions, their mission, and the specific context of this role within government contracting. Understand the Maryland Drupal Platform and MDWDS to demonstrate your preparedness.

• Interview Practice: Practice articulating your strategic process, stakeholder management approach, and research synthesis skills. Be ready to discuss your portfolio items in detail and answer scenario-based questions related to government digital transformation.

⚠️ 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.