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: User-Centred Design / Digital Transformation Consultancy

Date Posted: March 2, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Post-L&D Programme)

🚀 Role Summary

• This entry-level role focuses on User-Centred Design (UCD) principles to shape digital services that enhance user experiences in a technology-driven world, with a strong emphasis on AI's impact.

• You will develop a foundational skill set across Service Design, User Research, UX Design, and Content Design, directly contributing to digital transformation projects for public and private sector clients across Europe.

• The position requires a curious, empathetic, and collaborative individual eager to understand user needs and translate them into practical, human-centred digital solutions.

• You will be instrumental in ensuring that human needs and values remain central to the solutions developed, leveraging a deep understanding of user environments and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level consulting position, emphasizing a structured Graduate Learning & Development (L&D) program. The core function is to support senior consultants in UCD activities, with a clear path for skill development in research, design, and client engagement within the Microsoft ecosystem. The "Hybrid" work model applies only after the initial L&D phase.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support and actively participate in User Research activities, including planning, conducting interviews, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to uncover user needs and pain points.

• Assist in the creation of UCD artifacts such as personas, user journey maps, service blueprints, and storyboards to visualize user experiences and service flows.

• Contribute to the design of digital concepts and prototypes, translating research insights into tangible design outputs that address identified user challenges.

• Facilitate stakeholder engagement by effectively communicating user needs and design rationale, ensuring alignment with business requirements and project objectives.

• Collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, including developers, project managers, and business analysts, to integrate UCD principles throughout the project lifecycle.

• Learn and apply ethical and inclusive design principles to ensure solutions are accessible, equitable, and cater to a diverse user base.

• Develop knowledge of the Microsoft ecosystem, including Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and AI capabilities, to inform design decisions and ensure technical feasibility.

• Support the delivery of digital transformation initiatives for clients across various public and private sectors in Europe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to support a learning and development trajectory. Emphasis is placed on "supporting" and "assisting" activities, indicating a junior level where learning and application of learned skills are paramount. The inclusion of "advocating for user needs whilst meeting business requirements" highlights the consulting aspect of balancing user advocacy with client objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a background or strong interest in fields such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Digital Media, or related disciplines is highly beneficial.

Experience:

• Entry-level position, ideally 0-2 years of experience.

• Academic projects, internships, or personal projects demonstrating an understanding of user research methodologies, design thinking, or UX/Service Design principles are valuable.

Required Skills:

• Genuine curiosity about people, user behaviour, design principles, and emerging technologies, particularly AI.

• Strong willingness to learn, adapt, and embrace feedback to continuously improve design craft and consulting skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, essential for teamwork, stakeholder engagement, and articulating design concepts.

• Demonstrated collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams.

• An interest in creating inclusive, accessible, and ethical digital solutions for all users.

Preferred Skills:

• Awareness of foundational user research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing).

• Familiarity with basic design principles and UX/Service Design concepts.

• Exposure to design and collaboration tools such as Figma, Mural, or Microsoft 365 suite.

• Understanding of the Microsoft technology ecosystem (Dynamics 365, Power Platform) is advantageous.

• Previous experience with agile methodologies or project-based work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are framed around intrinsic qualities like curiosity and willingness to learn, typical for graduate roles. The "Good to Have" section explicitly lists preferred tools and methodologies, guiding candidates on what to highlight if they have prior exposure, even if not from formal employment. This suggests that academic or personal project experience is highly relevant.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Showcase 1-3 projects that demonstrate your understanding and application of user-centred design principles. These can be academic, personal, or from internships.

• Problem Definition: Clearly articulate the user problem or business challenge addressed in each project.

• Methodology: Detail the specific UCD methods (e.g., user interviews, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping) used throughout the project lifecycle.

• User Insights: Present key findings from user research and how they informed design decisions.

• Design Solutions: Showcase the final design outputs (e.g., wireframes, mockups, prototypes, service blueprints) and explain the rationale behind them.

• Impact & Learnings: Briefly discuss the outcome or potential impact of your design, and what you learned from the process.

Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their understanding of design processes, including:
  • Research Phases: How to plan, recruit, and conduct user research.
  • Ideation & Design: Techniques for brainstorming, concept development, and iterative design.
  • Prototyping & Testing: Methods for creating prototypes and gathering user feedback.
  • Collaboration: How to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While formal "Portfolio Essentials" are not explicitly stated in the raw job description, for a junior consulting role focused on UCD, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of learned skills is crucial. The suggested elements are based on industry standards for showcasing UCD capabilities, especially for entry-level positions where academic or personal projects are common.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible and friendly work environment.

• Hybrid work model (implemented after the initial L&D programme).

• Strong focus on work-life balance.

• Competitive salary.

• Health insurance.

• 25 annual leave days.

• Mobile phone allowance.

• Public transport allowance.

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for support services.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The company emphasizes work-life balance, suggesting a commitment to reasonable working hours within the consulting framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information is not explicit. The estimate is based on typical entry-level consulting salaries in Portugal, considering the cost of living and industry standards for similar roles. The benefits list is directly extracted from the provided text and highlights a comprehensive package for employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital, Data and Technology Consultancy; Microsoft Solution Partner; Cloud Services Partner. Hitachi Solutions specializes in end-to-end transformation using Microsoft technologies like Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, Application Modernisation, and Data & Analytics.

Company Size: Hitachi Solutions Europe is part of a global entity. While the specific size of the European operations isn't detailed, Hitachi as a whole is a very large, multinational corporation. This suggests access to resources and a structured corporate environment.

Founded: Hitachi Solutions Europe's founding date is not specified, but Hitachi, Ltd. was founded in 1910, indicating a long-standing history and established corporate values.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the User-Centred Design (UCD) team.

• This team is part of Hitachi Solutions Europe's broader consultancy practice.

• The team works collaboratively with other consultants, project managers, and technical specialists.

Methodology:

• Consulting Focus: Hitachi Solutions drives improvements, creating efficiency and growth for clients through technology solutions.

• Microsoft Ecosystem: Deep commitment to Microsoft technologies is central to their service offerings.

• Digital Transformation: Specialization in end-to-end transformation projects.

• People Investment: A stated commitment to investing in talent through structured L&D programs.

• Data-Driven & Human-Centred: A blend of leveraging data and technology with a focus on human needs and experiences.

Company Website: global.hitachi-solutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description positions Hitachi Solutions as a significant player in the Microsoft consulting space, emphasizing transformation and client success. The graduate program highlights a commitment to nurturing talent, suggesting a culture that values learning and development. The global reach implies opportunities for diverse project exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level ("Junior") consulting role, specifically within the User-Centred Design discipline. It's designed for individuals at the beginning of their career, focusing on building foundational skills and gaining practical experience.

Reporting Structure:

• Junior User-Centred Design Consultants will report to senior members of the UCD team, such as User-Centred Design Leads or Senior Consultants.

• They will work within project teams, collaborating with various roles including Project Managers, Business Analysts, Developers, and other specialist consultants.

Operations Impact:

• The role contributes to delivering digital transformation solutions that aim to improve client efficiency, drive growth, and enhance user experiences.

• By embedding user needs at the core of design decisions, the role indirectly impacts client satisfaction, adoption rates of new technologies, and the overall success of digital initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop expertise in Service Design, User Research, UX Design, and Content Design.

• Consulting Acumen: Gain experience in client interaction, project management, and business analysis within the consulting context.

• Technical Proficiency: Deepen understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem (Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, AI) and its application in design.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior User-Centred Design Consultant, UCD Lead, or other specialized roles within Hitachi Solutions.

• International Exposure: Opportunity to work on projects across Europe, broadening experience and cultural understanding.

• Continuous Learning: Access to the structured Graduate Learning & Development (L&D) program is a significant growth opportunity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations" context here is interpreted as the operational function of the UCD team within a consultancy. The growth analysis focuses on career progression within the consulting and design fields, emphasizing the structured learning path provided by Hitachi Solutions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Porto, Portugal. Initially, it will involve significant time within the office to facilitate the structured Graduate Learning & Development (L&D) programme. After the L&D phase, a hybrid work model will be implemented, allowing for a mix of in-office and remote work. This suggests modern office facilities designed for collaboration and learning.

Office Location(s):

• Primary office location: Porto, Portugal.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is likely equipped with collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and potentially workshop areas to support teamwork and design thinking sessions.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to necessary technology, including PCs, software tools (like Figma, Mural, Microsoft 365), and network infrastructure to perform their duties.

• Team Interaction: The L&D programme and hybrid model are designed to foster interaction with senior colleagues, project teams, and peers, encouraging knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 5 PM or similar) with a 40-hour work week.

• The company emphasizes "Work-life balance," indicating that while client project demands may exist, there's a supportive culture around managing working hours effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is inferred from the "Hybrid work model" and the emphasis on the L&D program requiring office presence. The mention of "working around Europe" implies potential for project-based travel or distributed team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs and cover letters for essential qualifications and demonstrated interest in UCD and technology.

• Online Assessments/Tests: May include aptitude tests, psychometric evaluations, or specific skill assessments related to design thinking or problem-solving.

• First Interview (HR/Recruitment): To assess cultural fit, motivation, communication skills, and basic understanding of the role and company.

• Technical/Team Interview: Likely involves discussing UCD concepts, portfolio projects (if available), and problem-solving scenarios with members of the UCD team or senior consultants. This stage will evaluate your potential and learning capacity.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or hiring manager to make a final decision, focusing on strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process, Not Just Polish: For an entry-level role, demonstrating your thought process and how you arrived at a solution is more critical than a perfectly polished final product.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: problem, your role, your process, challenges faced, solutions developed, and learnings.

• Highlight Collaboration: If projects involved teamwork, explain your specific contributions and how you collaborated with others.

• Showcase Curiosity: Include examples of how you explored user needs or researched relevant technologies.

• Keep it Concise: Select 1-3 strong projects that best represent your skills and potential. Ensure it's easy to navigate.

• Explain Tool Usage: If you used specific tools like Figma or Mural, briefly explain why you chose them and how they aided your process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for questions that assess your understanding of user-centred design principles, your approach to problem-solving, and your ability to think critically.

• Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely.

• Research Hitachi Solutions' work, particularly their projects involving Microsoft technologies and digital transformation.

• Understand the core values of Hitachi Solutions (e.g., innovation, collaboration, customer focus) and how they align with your own.

• Be ready to discuss your interest in technology, AI, and creating inclusive solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is inferred based on standard practices for graduate consulting roles. The portfolio and challenge preparation advice is tailored to an entry-level UCD position, emphasizing process, learning potential, and alignment with consulting and design principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (preferred), or similar tools like Sketch, Adobe XD. This is crucial for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaboration & Ideation: Mural (preferred), or Miro, for virtual whiteboarding, brainstorming, journey mapping, and collaborative design sessions.

• Productivity Suite: Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams) for documentation, presentations, communication, and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about Microsoft Dynamics 365 and the Power Platform is a significant advantage, as these are core technologies Hitachi Solutions specializes in. Understanding how UCD principles apply to these platforms will be key.

• Knowledge of integration concepts within the Microsoft ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly mentioned or strongly implied by the job description's focus on UCD, collaboration, and the Microsoft ecosystem. Figma and Mural are explicitly mentioned as "Good to Have," indicating their importance in the UCD workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centred: A core value of prioritizing user needs, empathy, and creating solutions that genuinely improve lives and experiences.

• Curiosity & Learning: Encouraging a mindset of continuous learning, asking questions, and exploring new technologies and design approaches.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and collective problem-solving is the norm.

• Inclusivity & Ethics: Commitment to designing accessible, equitable solutions that are mindful of ethical implications and serve all users.

• Innovation: Driving forward with new ideas, leveraging technology (like AI) to create impactful digital transformations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with technical experts, business analysts, project managers, and clients to ensure designs are feasible, aligned with business goals, and meet user needs.

• Mentorship-Driven: A culture where senior team members actively mentor and guide junior consultants, facilitating knowledge transfer and skill development.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to feedback from peers, seniors, and users, with an iterative approach to design and development.

• Agile & Adaptable: Embracing agile methodologies and adapting to project requirements, client feedback, and evolving technological landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from the company description, the role's emphasis on UCD, and typical consulting firm culture that invests in graduate development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Learning to navigate the complexities of client requirements, technical limitations, and budget constraints while advocating for optimal user experiences.

• Translating Abstract Ideas into Concrete Designs: Developing the skill to move from user insights and concepts to tangible, actionable design artifacts and prototypes.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Projects: Gaining experience across various industries and project types, requiring flexibility and the ability to quickly understand new contexts.

• Continuous Learning in a Fast-Paced Field: Staying updated with the latest UCD methodologies, design tools, and advancements in technology, especially AI.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Structured Graduate L&D Programme: A comprehensive program designed to build foundational consulting and UCD skills.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance and support from experienced UCD consultants and leaders.

• On-the-Job Training: Practical experience gained by working on real client projects.

• Microsoft Technology Exposure: Deep dive into Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure, and AI, becoming proficient in a highly sought-after technology stack.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential opportunities to attend relevant workshops, webinars, and industry events to enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the typical learning curve for a junior consultant in a UCD role within a technology consultancy. Growth opportunities are directly linked to the company's stated investment in its graduate program and the nature of consulting work.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• User-Centred Design Philosophy: "How do you define User-Centred Design, and why is it important for digital transformation?" Prepare to discuss its core principles and benefits.

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Describe a time you encountered a complex problem (academic or personal). How did you approach solving it?" Focus on your analytical process, creative thinking, and how you arrived at a solution.

• Collaboration Scenarios: "Imagine you're on a project team, and there's a disagreement between design recommendations and business requirements. How would you handle this?" Prepare to discuss stakeholder management and finding balanced solutions.

• Interest in Technology: "What excites you about the impact of AI on user experiences?" Be ready to discuss your thoughts on emerging technologies and their human implications.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for Hitachi Solutions: "Why are you interested in Hitachi Solutions and this specific role?" Research the company's work, values, and the Microsoft ecosystem focus.

• Graduate Programme Fit: "What do you hope to gain from our Graduate L&D programme?" Align your learning goals with the program's structure and offerings.

• Teamwork Experience: "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic." Highlight your collaborative skills and empathy.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Walk Through Your Process: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your role, the methods you used, your insights, your design decisions, and what you learned.

• Highlight User Insights: Emphasize how you understood user needs and how those insights directly influenced your design.

• Demonstrate Tool Usage (if applicable): Briefly explain how tools like Figma or Mural helped you achieve your design goals.

• Be Honest About Limitations: It's okay to discuss challenges or areas where you learned the most, especially for entry-level roles. Focus on your growth and learning.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, alternative approaches, and how your work aligns with business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a junior UCD consultant role, emphasizing the importance of understanding UCD principles, demonstrating problem-solving and collaboration skills, and showcasing genuine interest in technology and the company's specific focus areas.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this User-Centred Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Emphasize your curiosity, collaborative spirit, and any experience (academic projects, internships, volunteer work) that demonstrates your interest in UCD, design thinking, or technology. Highlight any exposure to tools like Figma, Mural, or the Microsoft ecosystem.

• Prepare Your Portfolio (if you have one): Even if it's academic work, showcase 1-3 projects that demonstrate your UCD process. Focus on explaining your thinking, research, and design decisions. If you don't have a formal portfolio, be ready to discuss relevant projects verbally.

• Research Hitachi Solutions: Understand their specialization in Microsoft technologies, their approach to digital transformation, and the industries they serve. Familiarize yourself with their company values and commitment to talent development.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare to discuss your motivation for the role, your understanding of UCD, your problem-solving approach, and your interest in learning and collaboration. Be ready to articulate your learnings from any projects you present.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions tailored for a Junior User-Centred Design Consultant role. All details, especially regarding salary estimates and specific interview stages, should be verified directly with Hitachi Solutions during the application process.