Junior User-Centred Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior User-Centred Design Consultant

Company: Hitachi Solutions

Location: Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations & Technology Consulting (User-Centred Design)

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (On-site in Porto after L&D program)

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level role focuses on understanding user needs and shaping digital services to improve everyday experiences, ensuring human needs remain central to technology solutions.

• Develop expertise across Service Design, User Research, UX Design, and Content Design through hands-on project work.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to deliver digital transformation for public and private sector clients across Europe.

• Gain practical experience in applying ethical and inclusive design principles, considering the impact of emerging technologies like AI.

• Build knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Dynamics 365 and Power Platform, to ensure designs are technically feasible and deliver meaningful outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role title is "Junior User-Centred Design Consultant," the company's focus on Microsoft technologies (Dynamics 365, Power Platform) and digital transformation suggests this role will heavily involve operationalizing these technologies from a user experience perspective. Success in this role will contribute to the efficiency and adoption of these enterprise systems, aligning it with broader GTM and operational success metrics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support comprehensive user research activities to deeply understand user behaviors, environments, and challenges.

• Translate research insights into tangible design artifacts, including personas, user journey maps, service blueprints, and storyboards.

• Develop and present early-stage concepts and digital prototypes to visualize solutions and gather feedback.

• Actively advocate for user needs and perspectives during stakeholder engagement, balancing them with business and technical requirements.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, including project managers, developers, and business analysts, to ensure integrated solutions.

• Apply ethical and inclusive design principles throughout the research and design process to ensure accessibility and equity.

• Learn to integrate technical feasibility considerations from the Microsoft ecosystem (Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure) into design decisions.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the User-Centred Design team.

• Assist in the documentation and communication of design decisions and rationale to project teams and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a foundational role in the design lifecycle. For operations professionals, this means understanding how user-centric design directly impacts system adoption, user efficiency, and ultimately, the successful implementation and ROI of technology solutions like Dynamics 365. Proficiency in translating user needs into actionable design specifications will be key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Psychology, Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Data/Analytics, or other User-Centred Design (UCD)-related fields.

Experience:

• Entry-level position, with a strong emphasis on foundational knowledge and a willingness to learn and grow within the field of User-Centred Design.

Required Skills:

• High level of curiosity about people, design, and technology, with a genuine interest in understanding user needs.

• Strong willingness to learn, experiment with new methods, and receive constructive feedback.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration and articulation of ideas.

• Demonstrated teamwork capabilities and ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary environment.

• Keen interest in creating inclusive and accessible digital solutions that cater to a diverse user base.

• Curiosity about emerging technologies, particularly AI, and their potential impact on user experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Awareness of various user research methodologies and design principles.

• Familiarity with design and collaboration tools such as Figma, Mural, or the Microsoft 365 suite.

• A foundational understanding of digital transformation concepts and their impact on business operations.

• Exposure to enterprise software or business applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations candidates, highlighting experience with process mapping, workflow analysis, and data interpretation within academic or prior work contexts will be highly relevant. Demonstrating an understanding of how design choices impact operational efficiency and user adoption of technology systems will be a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of academic projects or personal work demonstrating an understanding of user-centred design principles.

• Examples of how you've translated user needs and research findings into design artifacts (e.g., personas, user journeys, wireframes, low-fidelity prototypes).

• Documentation of your thought process, including problem definition, research methods, design iterations, and rationale behind key decisions.

• Evidence of collaboration on projects, highlighting your role and contributions within a team setting.

Process Documentation:

• For any project included, clearly outline the design process followed, from initial research to concept development.

• Describe how user feedback was incorporated and how it influenced design iterations.

• Explain the tools and methodologies used and why they were appropriate for the project.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design outputs can inform system implementation and operational workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is an entry-level role, a portfolio that demonstrates a structured approach to problem-solving and a clear understanding of the user-centred design process is crucial. For operations candidates, this means showing how you can map out user flows, identify pain points, and propose solutions that improve efficiency, mirroring how operations professionals approach process optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible and friendly work environment.

• Hybrid work model available after completion of the Graduate Learning & Development (L&D) program.

• Focus on work-life balance.

• Competitive salary.

• Health insurance coverage.

• 25 annual leave days.

• Mobile phone allowance.

• Public transport allowance.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for confidential support.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. The specific schedule may offer some flexibility, particularly within the hybrid model post-L&D program, allowing for efficient management of both project work and personal life.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry data for junior consulting roles in Portugal. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for full-time employees in European tech consultancies, emphasizing well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital, Data, and Technology Consultancy, specializing in Microsoft solutions (Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure), Application Modernisation, and Data & Analytics.

Company Size: Hitachi Solutions is a global entity, with Hitachi Solutions Europe operating as a significant part of this international organization. The company size implies a robust structure, extensive resources, and a wide network of expertise.

Founded: Hitachi Solutions has a long history, tracing its roots back to the founding of Hitachi, Ltd. in 1910. Hitachi Solutions Europe's specific establishment and growth reflect its strategic focus on Microsoft technologies and digital transformation services.

Team Structure:

• The User-Centred Design (UCD) team is part of a larger consultancy framework, likely collaborating closely with project management, development, and business analysis teams.

• As a junior consultant, you will report to senior UCD specialists or design leads, receiving mentorship and guidance.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research and analytics to inform design.

• Agile and iterative approaches to design and development, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.

• Focus on client-centric solutions that drive efficiency and growth for businesses.

• Commitment to Microsoft technologies as a core platform for delivering solutions.

Company Website: https://www.hitachi-solutions.com/ (Global) and https://www.hitachi-solutions.com/europe/ (Europe)

📝 Enhancement Note: Hitachi Solutions' global reach and specialization in Microsoft technologies mean that UCD consultants play a vital role in ensuring these powerful platforms are adopted and utilized effectively by end-users, directly impacting client operational success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level (Junior) position, designed for recent graduates or individuals with limited professional experience. It serves as a foundational role within the User-Centred Design discipline, with a clear path for progression.

Reporting Structure: You will report to senior members of the User-Centred Design team, such as a Lead UX Designer or UCD Manager. This structure provides direct mentorship and guidance as you develop your skills.

Operations Impact: As a UCD Consultant, your work directly influences the usability, adoption, and effectiveness of digital solutions implemented for clients. By ensuring user needs are met, you contribute to increased operational efficiency, reduced training costs, higher user satisfaction, and ultimately, a stronger return on investment for technology deployments, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like User Research, Service Design, UX/UI Design, or Content Design.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across various industries (public and private sectors) and with different Microsoft technologies.

• Leadership Development: Progression to Senior Consultant, Lead Designer, or even management roles within the UCD practice or broader project teams.

• Learning & Development Program: Structured training designed to build core consulting and UCD skills, with opportunities for certifications and continuous learning.

• International Experience: Potential to work on projects across Europe, broadening your professional horizons and cultural understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: For individuals transitioning from or parallel to operations roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to understand the 'front-end' of technology adoption – how users interact with systems. This perspective is invaluable for operations professionals aiming to improve system implementation, change management, and user training strategies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Porto, Portugal, within a professional office environment designed for collaboration and focused work. Post-L&D program, a hybrid work model is offered, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Porto, Portugal. This location serves as the hub for graduate development and client work within the region and potentially across Europe.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment will foster collaboration, with spaces designed for team meetings, workshops, and knowledge sharing.

• Access to relevant technology and tools, including Microsoft 365 and potentially design software like Figma, will be provided to support project work.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior consultants and mentors will be readily available, promoting a supportive learning atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). The hybrid model introduced after the initial L&D phase offers flexibility, allowing for effective time management to meet project deadlines while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and emphasis on work-life balance are attractive for operations professionals who often manage complex schedules. The collaborative office space is key for brainstorming and problem-solving, which are critical in both design and operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and resume to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview (HR/Recruitment): Focus on motivation, cultural fit, understanding of the role, and initial assessment of communication and teamwork skills.

• Second Interview (Hiring Manager/Team Lead): Deeper dive into UCD knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and assessment of potential through scenario-based questions.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will likely be asked to present examples from your portfolio, explaining your process, rationale, and outcomes.

• Final Interview: May involve a case study or a discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills and thought process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact or learnings.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research methods, how you synthesized findings, and how you iterated on designs. Visual aids are highly encouraged.

• Highlight Collaboration: If it was a team project, clearly define your specific contributions and how you worked with others.

• Explain Your 'Why': Be prepared to articulate your reasoning behind design decisions and your passion for user-centred design.

• Demonstrate Inclusivity: If possible, include examples that show consideration for diverse user needs and accessibility.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to common UCD challenges, such as dealing with ambiguous requirements, conflicting stakeholder needs, or limited research data.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as you may be asked to walk through a hypothetical design problem.

• Research Hitachi Solutions' work, particularly their projects involving Microsoft technologies and digital transformation, to tailor your responses and show genuine interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals, framing portfolio projects in terms of process improvement, efficiency gains, or successful system implementation will resonate well. When discussing challenges, draw parallels to operational hurdles you've overcome, emphasizing problem-solving and analytical skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (preferred), or similar tools like Sketch, Adobe XD.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Mural, Miro, or Microsoft Whiteboard for brainstorming, journey mapping, and ideation.

• Microsoft Ecosystem: Deep engagement with Microsoft 365 suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) is essential. Familiarity with the broader Microsoft ecosystem including Dynamics 365 and Power Platform will be developed and utilized.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not explicitly required but understanding how user interfaces within CRMs (like Dynamics 365) impact user adoption and efficiency is relevant. Automation concepts will be explored as part of service design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency or familiarity with these tools, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem, will be a significant advantage. For operations professionals, understanding how these design tools integrate with or influence the implementation of enterprise systems like Dynamics 365 is highly valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs through effective technology solutions.

• Innovation: Embracing new technologies and methodologies to drive digital transformation.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams and with clients to achieve shared goals.

• Excellence: Striving for high-quality outcomes in all aspects of work, from research to design delivery.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical standards in design, research, and client interactions.

• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development and skill enhancement.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Open to feedback and iterative improvements, fostering a culture of learning and growth.

• Proactive communication with stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage expectations.

• Emphasis on building strong working relationships within the team and with clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values align with a professional services environment where delivering client value through technology and collaboration is paramount. This focus on client success and continuous improvement is also central to effective revenue and sales operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Abstract Needs: Effectively capturing and translating often intangible user needs and pain points into concrete design requirements.

• Balancing Requirements: Navigating the complexities of balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints, especially within the Microsoft ecosystem.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with rapidly evolving technologies, particularly AI, and understanding their implications for user experience.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and clients across different European regions, requiring strong intercultural communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Structured Graduate L&D Program: Comprehensive training in UCD methodologies, consulting skills, and Microsoft technologies.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced senior consultants and design leads.

• Project Exposure: Hands-on experience with real-world client projects, providing practical application of learned skills.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant certifications in UX, Service Design, or Microsoft technologies.

• Networking: Building connections within Hitachi Solutions' global network and with clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for junior roles in consulting, emphasizing the need for adaptability and a strong learning mindset. For operations professionals, these challenges mirror those in implementing new systems or processes, where user adoption and stakeholder management are critical.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of User-Centred Design and its importance in digital transformation.

• Articulate how you would approach understanding a new user group or a complex problem space.

• Explain how you would balance user needs with business requirements and technical feasibility.

• Discuss a time you had to learn a new skill or tool quickly and how you approached it.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Why Hitachi Solutions? What interests you about our work in digital transformation and Microsoft technologies?

• What do you know about the Microsoft ecosystem (Dynamics 365, Power Platform) and its relevance to user experience?

• How do you contribute to a team environment? Describe your ideal team collaboration style.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals (screenshots, diagrams, mockups) to illustrate your points.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work.

• Technical Context: If possible, relate your design process to how it could improve the efficiency or adoption of enterprise systems like Dynamics 365.

• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design, problem-solving, and user advocacy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your answers to highlight transferable skills from any operations or analytical background. For example, if you've analyzed process inefficiencies, frame it as understanding user pain points and identifying areas for improvement, which is core to UCD. Emphasize your interest in how technology solutions are operationalized and adopted.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User-Centred Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio highlights projects demonstrating your understanding of user needs, research, and design thinking. If you have experience with process mapping or workflow analysis from an operations perspective, frame it to show your analytical approach to user processes.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your relevant academic background, any internships, and transferable skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your thought process for design challenges and prepare specific examples from your portfolio that showcase your skills and potential. Research Hitachi Solutions' offerings, particularly their Microsoft consulting services.

• Company Research: Understand Hitachi Solutions' mission, values, and their role as a Microsoft Solution Partner. Consider how user-centred design contributes to the successful implementation and adoption of their technology solutions for clients.

⚠️ 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.