Front-End & Web Developer / UX/UI Designer - Remote

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Front-End & Web Developer / UX/UI Designer - Remote Company: The People Group Location: South Africa Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Front-End Development / UX/UI Design Date Posted: 2025-11-14 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• This unique dual role demands expertise in both crafting compelling user interfaces (UX/UI Design) and building robust, performant web applications (Front-End Development).
• The position focuses on driving user engagement and technical optimization for client-facing digital products, requiring a blend of creative design thinking and practical coding skills.
• Successful candidates will leverage modern front-end technologies and design principles to deliver scalable, responsive, and visually appealing web solutions.
• This is a freelance, contractor position with a strong emphasis on independent project management and client collaboration within a fractional support business model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions a dual responsibility for Front-End Development and UX/UI Design, indicating a need for candidates who can bridge these disciplines. The contractor status and remote nature suggest a need for strong self-management and communication skills. The company's positioning as a "fractional support business" implies a project-based work environment with diverse client needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement visually appealing, user-centric front-end interfaces for web applications, ensuring intuitive navigation and engaging user experiences.
• Collaborate closely with clients and internal stakeholders to thoroughly gather, define, and document design requirements, user stories, and project objectives.
• Develop comprehensive wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.
• Code responsive and adaptive websites and applications using modern front-end technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and performance.
• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing sessions, to gather actionable insights that inform and validate design decisions.
• Optimize web interfaces for maximum speed, scalability, and accessibility, adhering to web standards and best practices.
• Work seamlessly with back-end developers to integrate user-facing elements, ensuring smooth data flow and functional parity.
• Maintain design consistency across all client projects, rigorously adhering to brand guidelines and style guides.
• Proactively explore and implement innovative working methodologies and leverage the latest software and industry models to disrupt traditional design and development paradigms.
• Ensure all developed web applications comply with relevant SEO principles to enhance search engine visibility and organic traffic.
• Implement and maintain web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to ensure inclusivity and compliance with legal requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant emphasis on client interaction ("Collaborate with clients and stakeholders") and a proactive approach to innovation ("Execute new ways of working, utilising the latest software and models disrupting the design and development industries"). This suggests that candidates need not only technical prowess but also strong client-facing and forward-thinking capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Computer Science, Web Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is highly beneficial. Practical experience and a demonstrable portfolio often supersede formal education for contractor roles.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of proven, hands-on experience in both Front-End Development and UX/UI Design is required. This includes practical application in designing user interfaces and developing functional web applications.

Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio showcasing a diverse range of both UX/UI design projects and Front-End Development implementations.
• Proficiency in core front-end technologies: HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like SASS/LESS), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
• Experience with at least one major front-end JavaScript framework/library: React, Angular, or Vue.js.
• Solid understanding of UX/UI design principles, including user-centered design, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research methodologies and usability testing.
• Expertise in developing responsive and adaptive designs that function seamlessly across various devices and screen sizes.
• Proficiency with version control systems, particularly Git, for collaborative development and code management.
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard design and prototyping tools: Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality solutions.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple project timelines, and deliver within agreed-upon deadlines.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, essential for client interaction and remote team dynamics.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of SEO principles and practical experience implementing them within web applications.
• Familiarity with web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA or higher).
• Knowledge of animation techniques and multimedia design principles for enhanced user experiences.
• Experience with back-end integration concepts or basic back-end development.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio that showcases both design and development is a critical differentiator, emphasizing the hybrid nature of the role. The explicit mention of specific design tools and front-end frameworks points to the expected technical stack and proficiency level. The "Registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO)" and "Freelancer Professional Indemnity Insurance" are specific legal/compliance requirements for contractors in the UK, indicating the operational framework.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a strong track record in both UX/UI design and Front-End Development. This should include case studies detailing the problem, your solution, the process, and the outcomes.
• Visual examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, showcasing your design thinking and aesthetic capabilities.
• Code samples or live links to deployed projects that highlight your proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks, demonstrating responsive design and performance optimization.
• Evidence of user research and usability testing within design projects, illustrating how user feedback informed your iterations and final designs.
• Demonstrate ROI or impact where possible, quantifying the success of your designs and development efforts (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction, reduced bounce rates).

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your ability to document design processes, including user journey mapping, persona creation, and wireframing stages.
• Provide examples of how you have documented front-end development workflows, including component structures, testing procedures, and version control practices.
• Illustrate your approach to measuring and analyzing the performance of implemented designs and features, including the use of analytics and user feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis here is on a hybrid portfolio that bridges design and development, requiring candidates to visually present their design acumen and technically demonstrate their coding proficiency. The request for ROI demonstration is crucial for a contractor role, as it directly speaks to the value delivered to clients.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a contractor position, compensation is project-based and determined by experience and performance. Based on industry standards for skilled Front-End Developers and UX/UI Designers in the UK, a competitive hourly or project rate is expected. For a mid-level professional with 2-5 years of experience, this could range from £30 - £60 per hour, or equivalent project-based compensation, depending on the complexity and duration of the engagement.

Benefits:

• Flexible Project-Based Work: Opportunity to work on diverse projects for international clients, offering variety and continuous learning.
• Remote Work Flexibility: Full remote working arrangement, allowing for work-life balance and geographical freedom.
• Competitive Contractor Rates: Compensation structured to reflect experience, skills, and project contributions.
• Professional Development Support: Access to learning opportunities and exposure to new technologies and methodologies.
• Supportive Network: Collaboration with a talented, forward-thinking group of professionals within The People Group's network.
• Clear Communication: Open and transparent communication channels throughout project lifecycles.

Working Hours: This is a freelance contractor role, so working hours are typically project-dependent and flexible. However, a standard full-time workload is approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of availability for client meetings and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical UK contractor rates for a mid-level role combining front-end development and UX/UI design. The benefits emphasize the advantages of contract work, such as flexibility and diverse project exposure, rather than traditional employee benefits. The mention of ICO registration and Professional Indemnity Insurance implies that these costs or arrangements are part of the contractor's responsibility or will be facilitated upon offer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The People Group operates within the professional services sector, specifically as a "fractional support business." This model connects highly skilled independent contractors with clients needing specialized expertise on a flexible, project-by-project basis across various industries. The company prides itself on providing "the highest calibre of contractors" and emphasizes "premium and quality."

Company Size: The People Group functions as a platform or agency connecting a network of contractors. While the core team managing the platform might be small, the network of contractors it engages with can be substantial, likely spanning dozens to hundreds of professionals. This means you'll be working within a decentralized, project-oriented structure.

Founded: Information on the exact founding date isn't provided, but the company's operational model suggests a modern approach to talent acquisition and service delivery, likely established in the last decade to capitalize on the rise of the gig economy and remote work.

Team Structure:

• As a contractor, you will operate primarily independently on client projects. You will be part of The People Group's network of professionals, likely interacting with account managers or project coordinators from The People Group.
• You will also collaborate directly with client teams, which might include their in-house developers, designers, product managers, and stakeholders.
• The reporting structure is fluid; you report on project progress to The People Group and client project leads, but you maintain autonomy over your design and development execution.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The emphasis on user research and usability testing suggests a data-driven approach to design decisions.
• Agile & Iterative Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of client projects and the need for flexibility often implies agile or iterative development cycles.
• Quality Assurance: The company's focus on "premium and quality" indicates a strong emphasis on rigorous testing and ensuring high standards for all delivered work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's model as a fractional support business is key. Contractors are not direct employees but are engaged for specific client projects. This implies a need for adaptability, strong client-facing skills, and the ability to integrate into various client environments quickly. The "premium and quality" ethos suggests a high bar for contractor performance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level, suitable for professionals with 2-5 years of dedicated experience. It offers a significant opportunity to deepen expertise in both front-end development and UX/UI design, acting as a bridge between the two disciplines. The contractor model allows for exposure to a wide array of projects and client challenges, facilitating broad skill development.

Reporting Structure: As an independent contractor, you will report on project status and deliverables to both The People Group's project management or account management team and the client's designated project lead. You are expected to manage your own workflow and time effectively.

Operations Impact: In this role, your impact is directly tied to the success of client projects. You will influence user engagement, conversion rates, brand perception, and the overall usability and performance of digital products. Your contributions will be critical in helping clients achieve their business objectives through effective design and web development solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization & Diversification: The dual nature of the role encourages deepening expertise in both front-end frameworks and advanced UX/UI methodologies, or potentially specializing further in one area based on project demand and personal interest.
• Client Relationship Management: Through direct client collaboration, you can hone your communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, which are invaluable for career progression in freelance or consulting roles.
• Portfolio Expansion: Each project offers the chance to add significant, impactful work to your portfolio, showcasing a broad range of technical and design achievements to future clients or employers.
• Industry Exposure: Working with diverse international clients provides exposure to different market needs, industry best practices, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" interpretation focuses on the hybrid nature of the role and its suitability for mid-level professionals looking to expand their skill set or portfolio. The emphasis on contractor autonomy and client interaction points to growth in client management and project delivery.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position. There is no requirement to attend a physical office. Work is conducted from your own chosen location.

Office Location(s): While the job posting lists "South Africa" as the derived location, the description explicitly states, "This is a remote position open to candidates based in the UK." This creates a discrepancy. However, if considering the "South Africa" context, it would imply remote work within South Africa. For the purpose of this enhanced description, we will address both possibilities based on the provided data.

• If UK-based: Candidates must be located in the United Kingdom.
• If South Africa-based: Candidates must be located in South Africa.
• The "Remote Solely" status indicates no on-site requirements.

Workspace Context:

• Independent Workspace: You will be responsible for setting up and maintaining your own productive work environment, ensuring reliable internet connectivity and suitable equipment.
• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to utilize a range of digital collaboration tools for communication, project management, and file sharing (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Asana, Google Workspace).
• Client Integration: You will integrate into client teams virtually, participating in their digital communication channels and workflows as needed for project collaboration.

Work Schedule: The role is flexible and project-driven, allowing you to manage your own schedule. However, you will need to be available for key client meetings, stand-ups, and collaborative sessions, which may require some alignment with client working hours. The standard expectation is approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: There's a significant contradiction between the derived location ("South Africa") and the explicit mention in the job description ("candidates based in the UK"). This needs clarification. For the purpose of this output, I've addressed both possibilities, but a candidate should verify this. The remote nature means the "work environment" is self-managed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your application, portfolio, and resume to assess your qualifications against the role requirements, particularly the hybrid nature of front-end development and UX/UI design.
• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio. Be prepared to walk through specific case studies, explaining your design process, technical decisions, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: This may involve a practical challenge or a deep dive into your experience with specific technologies (HTML, CSS, JS, frameworks, design tools). You might be asked to critique existing designs or propose solutions to hypothetical problems.
• Client Collaboration Simulation: You may be asked to demonstrate how you would approach client collaboration, requirements gathering, or feedback incorporation.
• Final Interview: A discussion with a representative from The People Group to assess cultural fit, understanding of their fractional model, and overall suitability for contractor engagement.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your dual expertise. Highlight projects where you successfully integrated both design and development.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's problem, your process (research, ideation, design, development, testing), your specific contributions, the technologies/tools used, and the measurable outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, code snippets) effectively. For development, provide links to live sites or well-documented GitHub repositories.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your work (e.g., "Increased conversion rates by X%," "Reduced load time by Y seconds," "Improved user satisfaction scores by Z points").
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, coding choices, problem-solving strategies, and how you handle client feedback or challenging project constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a take-home challenge is provided, ensure you thoroughly understand the brief, manage your time effectively, and deliver a polished, well-documented solution that aligns with the role's requirements.
• For live coding challenges, practice coding efficiently and clearly. Be vocal about your thought process.
• Prepare to discuss your approach to designing a user flow or interface for a given problem, and how you would then translate that into functional code.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio for evidence of both design and development skills. Practical demonstration of problem-solving and client communication is expected.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Adobe XD, Sketch, or Figma is mandatory. Experience with tools for user flow mapping and wireframing is also essential.
• Front-End Development: Mastery of HTML5, CSS3 (including preprocessors like SASS/LESS), and modern JavaScript (ES6+).
• Front-End Frameworks/Libraries: Experience with at least one of React, Angular, or Vue.js is required.
• Version Control: Strong familiarity with Git and platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools such as Google Analytics to understand user behavior and track performance metrics.
• Experience with tools for A/B testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO) is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how front-end interfaces interact with back-end systems and potentially CRM data is beneficial.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools like Asana, Trello, Jira, Slack, and Zoom is expected for remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are standard for a hybrid front-end developer/UX/UI designer role. The emphasis is on design software, core web technologies, and a JavaScript framework.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Premium & Quality: A core value driving high standards in both design aesthetics and code performance.
• Fairness & Consistency: Applied to how contractors are treated, fostering a respectful and reliable working environment.
• Respect: Believed to create a positive ripple effect on client service.
• Open Communication: Transparency and clear dialogue at all stages of engagement.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ways of working and embracing disruptive technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Client-Centric: Primarily focused on meeting client needs and delivering exceptional service through collaborative partnerships.
• Independent & Accountable: Contractors are expected to be self-starters, managing their projects and deliverables autonomously.
• Virtually Integrated: Collaboration occurs through digital platforms, requiring strong written and verbal communication skills to bridge geographical distances.
• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a network, there's an implicit encouragement to share insights and best practices among fellow contractors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes contractor well-being and professionalism, which they believe translates to better client service. The values are geared towards a high-performance, independent, and collaborative (albeit remote) contractor network.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design & Development: Effectively translating complex design visions into functional, performant code requires strong interdisciplinary skills and constant communication.
• Client Expectation Management: As a contractor, managing diverse client expectations, scope creep, and feedback loops requires robust communication and negotiation skills.
• Maintaining Quality Across Projects: Working on multiple projects simultaneously for different clients necessitates strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain high standards consistently.
• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Ensuring seamless communication and collaboration with remote teams and clients requires proactive engagement and mastery of digital tools.
• Staying Current: The rapid evolution of front-end technologies and design trends demands continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in both design and development through hands-on project experience.
• Exposure to Diverse Industries: Work with a range of clients across different sectors, broadening your understanding of various business needs and user demographics.
• Freelancing & Business Acumen: Develop skills in client management, negotiation, project scoping, and personal branding, essential for a successful freelance career.
• Adoption of New Technologies: Opportunity to work with emerging design tools, frameworks, and development methodologies as dictated by client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a hybrid role and a contractor model, emphasizing the need for adaptability and strong soft skills alongside technical proficiency. Growth opportunities are framed around expanding skill sets and business acumen.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you were solely responsible for both the UX/UI design and the front-end development. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and ability to manage both aspects.)
• "How do you approach gathering requirements from a client who may not be technically savvy?" (Demonstrate your client communication, empathy, and ability to translate business needs into design/development tasks.)
• "Walk us through your process for optimizing a web page for both speed and user experience." (Prepare a specific example showcasing your technical and design optimization strategies.)
• "Imagine a client provides conflicting feedback from different stakeholders. How would you manage this situation to ensure a cohesive and effective final product?" (Highlight your conflict resolution and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working as a contractor within a fractional support business like The People Group?" (Show understanding of the model and your motivation for contract work.)
• "How do you ensure you maintain high standards of quality and professionalism when working independently on client projects?" (Address your self-discipline, commitment to quality, and client-first approach.)
• "Describe your experience working with international clients and how you adapt to different cultural nuances in communication and design preferences." (Showcase your global perspective and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Begin with a brief overview of your hybrid capabilities. Then, dive into 2-3 key case studies, dedicating equal time to the design and development aspects.
• Highlight Problem/Solution/Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your design and development solutions, and the resulting impact (quantifiable if possible).
• Showcase Technical Prowess: Be ready to discuss your code, framework choices, and optimization techniques. Have live links or well-commented code repositories accessible.
• Explain Design Rationale: Articulate the "why" behind your design decisions, referencing user research, UX principles, and accessibility considerations.
• Be Interactive: Engage with the interviewers, ask clarifying questions, and be open to discussing alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating the candidate's ability to seamlessly integrate design and development responsibilities, manage client relationships, and thrive in an independent contractor role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight both your UX/UI design expertise and your front-end development skills. Showcase projects that demonstrate your ability to bridge these two disciplines.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume with relevant keywords such as "Front-End Developer," "UX/UI Designer," "HTML," "CSS," "JavaScript," "React/Angular/Vue.js," "Responsive Design," "User Research," "Usability Testing," "Figma/Sketch/Adobe XD," and "Git." Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your design process, technical decisions, problem-solving strategies, and the impact of your work for both design and development aspects of your projects.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with The People Group's "fractional support business" model and their emphasis on "premium and quality." Understand the implications of working as a contractor and consider how your skills align with their client-focused approach.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. There is a discrepancy regarding the job location (South Africa vs. UK) that candidates should clarify directly with The People Group. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.