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 / Consulting

Date Posted: March 02, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Requires residence in Porto)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on applying User-Centred Design (UCD) principles to digital transformation projects within both public and private sectors across Europe.

• You will be instrumental in ensuring human needs, perspectives, and values are at the forefront of digital service creation, especially in an AI-driven landscape.

• The position offers a structured Graduate Learning & Development (L&D) program designed to cultivate expertise in Service Design, User Research, UX Design, and Content Design.

• You will collaborate within multidisciplinary teams, gain hands-on experience with real client projects, and contribute to the development of innovative and meaningful digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description focuses on "User-Centred Design Consultant," the company's broader focus on Digital, Data, and Technology consultancy, particularly with Microsoft technologies, suggests this role is a gateway into a broader operations-adjacent consulting track. The emphasis on understanding users and translating needs into digital solutions aligns with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations by ensuring product development and service delivery are aligned with customer needs, which is critical for market adoption and revenue generation. The "Junior" title and L&D program indicate a strong focus on foundational skill development within a professional services context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

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

• Assist in translating research insights into actionable design artifacts, including personas, user journey maps, service blueprints, and storyboards.

• Contribute to the creation of digital concepts and prototypes to visualize and test design solutions.

• Engage with stakeholders, effectively advocating for user needs while ensuring alignment with business requirements and project objectives.

• Collaborate closely with senior UCD professionals and multidisciplinary teams to learn and apply best practices in design and research.

• Apply ethical and inclusive design principles throughout the research and design process to ensure solutions are accessible and equitable.

• Develop a strong understanding of the Microsoft ecosystem, including business applications and AI, to inform design decisions and ensure technical feasibility.

• Participate actively in the Graduate Learning & Development program, engaging in training modules and project work to build consulting and design expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of tactical execution (supporting research, creating artifacts) and strategic thinking (advocating for user needs, considering technical feasibility). This is typical for junior roles in consulting operations, where hands-on contribution is paired with learning and understanding broader business objectives. The integration of Microsoft technologies is a key operational differentiator for Hitachi Solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, or a related discipline is generally expected for entry-level consulting roles, though specific requirements may vary.

Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in user-centered design, service design, UX research, or a related field.

• Previous internship or project experience in design, research, or technology consulting is highly beneficial.

Required Skills:

• High degree of curiosity about people, design principles, and technology's role in shaping user experiences.

• Strong willingness to learn, adapt, experiment, and actively solicit and incorporate feedback.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, for articulating ideas and collaborating effectively.

• Proven teamwork capabilities, with an ability to work constructively within multidisciplinary teams.

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

Preferred Skills:

• Foundational awareness of user research methodologies (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing).

• Basic understanding of design principles and methodologies (e.g., user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping).

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

• Prior exposure to the Microsoft ecosystem (e.g., Dynamics 365, Power Platform) is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Good to Have" section is interpreted as preferred skills. The emphasis on curiosity, willingness to learn, and communication aligns with foundational consulting skills required for client-facing roles, even at a junior level. The inclusion of AI and the Microsoft ecosystem signals key technology areas of focus for this consulting firm.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 projects that demonstrate your understanding and application of user-centered design principles.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the methodologies used (even if basic), the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved.

• Include examples of user research artifacts (e.g., interview summaries, persona drafts, user journey maps) if available.

• Present any design outputs, such as wireframes, mockups, or interactive prototypes, that illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document research findings and design decisions in a clear, organized manner.

• Experience in creating user journey maps, service blueprints, or workflow diagrams to visualize user experiences and system interactions.

• Familiarity with creating documentation for design concepts and prototypes, explaining their purpose and functionality.

• Willingness to learn and adopt Hitachi Solutions' internal documentation standards and best practices for client deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an entry-level role, a formal "portfolio" might not be as extensive as for senior positions. The emphasis is on demonstrating potential, foundational understanding, and a structured approach to problem-solving through project examples, even from academic settings. The ability to document processes is crucial for consulting roles, enabling knowledge transfer and client clarity.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible and friendly work environment.

• Hybrid work model (post-L&D program, requires residence in Porto).

• Emphasis 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 typically around 40 hours per week. The role emphasizes work-life balance, suggesting flexibility within these hours where possible, especially after the initial L&D phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical entry-level consulting roles in Portugal. The benefits provided are directly from the job description, highlighting a comprehensive package designed to attract and retain talent, which is standard for reputable consulting firms. The hybrid model post-L&D implies an expectation of office presence in Porto for team collaboration and client engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital, Data, and Technology Consultancy, specializing in Microsoft Solution Partner and Cloud Services.

Company Size: Hitachi Solutions Europe is part of a larger global organization, though specific employee numbers for the European division are not detailed. The Graduate L&D program in Porto suggests a significant investment in early-career talent.

Founded: Hitachi Solutions was founded in 1990. The company has a long history of providing technology solutions.

Team Structure:

• The UCD team is part of a broader consulting practice focused on digital transformation.

• Junior consultants work within multidisciplinary teams, often collaborating with project managers, technical consultants (e.g., Dynamics 365, Azure specialists), and senior design leads.

Methodology:

• Hitachi Solutions leverages a methodology centered around Microsoft technologies (Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Azure).

• The User-Centred Design approach emphasizes understanding user needs to inform the development of these Microsoft-based solutions.

• Data and Analytics play a key role in driving efficiency and growth for clients.

• Digital transformation is a core focus, aiming to revolutionize modern businesses through technology.

Company Website: global.hitachi-solutions.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is rooted in a strong technology focus, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem, and a commitment to client transformation. The emphasis on investing in people, as highlighted by the Graduate L&D program, suggests a supportive environment for professional growth. The UCD team's role is integral to ensuring these technological solutions are human-centric and deliver tangible business value.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level role, specifically a "Junior Consultant" position within the User-Centred Design practice. It signifies the beginning of a career path in technology consulting, with a focus on design and user experience.

Reporting Structure:

• Junior consultants will report to a senior member of the User-Centred Design team or a dedicated L&D manager.

Operations Impact:

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in Service Design, User Research, UX Design, or Content Design.

• Skill Development: Gain proficiency in a wide range of UCD methodologies, tools, and client environments.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Consultant, Lead Designer, or Project Management roles within the consulting practice.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunity to learn about other areas within Hitachi Solutions, such as Data & Analytics, Application Modernisation, or specific Microsoft technologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Junior UCD Consultant within a firm like Hitachi Solutions is typically structured. The L&D program is designed to provide a clear pathway from foundational skills to more specialized and leadership roles, emphasizing continuous learning and practical application within client projects, which is a hallmark of operations-focused career development in consulting.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Porto, Portugal, with a hybrid work model introduced after the Graduate L&D program. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, potentially with flexible workspaces.

Office Location(s): Porto, Portugal. The "opportunity to work around Europe" implies potential for client site visits or project-based travel.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing among junior and senior consultants.

• Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Mural, Microsoft 365).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior colleagues, mentors, and project teams.

Work Schedule:

• Typically a 40-hour work week, with an emphasis on work-life balance.

• The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing for a mix of office-based and remote work, contingent on ongoing L&D and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and emphasis on work-life balance are key aspects of the modern work environment that appeal to professionals, including those in operations and consulting roles. The Porto office serves as the primary base, with potential for broader European project engagement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, CV, and potentially a portfolio or work samples.

• Skills Assessment: Likely includes a technical or practical assessment focused on design thinking, problem-solving, or a case study. This could involve a design exercise or a scenario-based question related to user research or design.

• Behavioral Interviews: Questions designed to assess curiosity, teamwork, communication skills, adaptability, and cultural fit with Hitachi Solutions' values. Expect questions about how you handle feedback, learn new things, and work in a team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior management or practice leads to discuss career aspirations and suitability for the L&D program and client-facing roles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your understanding of UCD principles, even if they are academic or personal projects.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your approach (even if basic), the challenges, and the outcome. Focus on your thought process and learning.

• Highlight Process: Demonstrate how you identified user needs, gathered insights, and translated them into design solutions.

• Showcase Tools (if applicable): If you used tools like Figma, Mural, or even basic prototyping tools, mention them and show examples.

• Be Honest: For an entry-level role, it's understood that experience is limited. Focus on your potential, enthusiasm, and learning ability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand UCD: Be prepared to discuss the core principles of User-Centred Design, Service Design, User Research, UX Design, and Content Design.

• Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems, identifying user needs, and proposing user-centric solutions.

• Microsoft Ecosystem: Familiarize yourself with basic concepts of Microsoft Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and Azure, understanding how they relate to business solutions.

• Ethical & Inclusive Design: Be ready to discuss the importance of these principles and how they can be applied in practice.

• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for common behavioral questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a junior consulting role typically balances technical/design aptitude with soft skills and cultural fit. A portfolio, even if basic, is crucial for demonstrating practical application of UCD concepts. The emphasis on the Microsoft ecosystem is a key area to prepare for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Mural, Miro, or Microsoft Whiteboard.

• Research Tools: SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or basic interview/usability testing setups.

• Documentation: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), potentially Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this junior role, familiarity with basic data interpretation for user research insights is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with the concepts of CRM and automation platforms, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem like Dynamics 365 and Power Automate, would be advantageous.

• The role involves understanding how these systems impact user experience and business processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack reflects common tools in the UX/UCD and consulting fields. Proficiency in Figma and collaboration tools is highly valued. Exposure to the Microsoft ecosystem is a significant plus, given Hitachi Solutions' specialization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the foundation for all design and technology solutions.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Learning: Fostering an environment where team members are encouraged to learn, grow, and adapt to new technologies and methodologies.

• Innovation: Driving creative solutions and embracing new technologies, such as AI, to deliver transformative results for clients.

• Integrity & Ethics: Upholding ethical standards in research and design, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in all work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: UCD consultants work closely with technical teams, project managers, and client stakeholders, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to improve processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style reflect a typical professional services firm that prioritizes client success through a combination of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. The UCD focus naturally reinforces a people-centric approach within the broader technology consulting framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Requirements: Learning to find optimal solutions that satisfy both user expectations and client business objectives can be challenging.

• Navigating Complex Client Environments: Adapting to diverse client cultures, technical landscapes, and stakeholder expectations.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI, cloud computing, and Microsoft technologies requires continuous learning.

• Translating Abstract Concepts: Effectively communicating complex user insights and design concepts to non-design stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

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

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

• Industry Certifications: Potential to pursue certifications relevant to UX, service design, or Microsoft technologies.

• Project Exposure: Hands-on experience with a variety of client projects across different industries, offering diverse learning opportunities.

• Networking: Building professional connections within Hitachi Solutions and with clients across Europe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common for junior roles in consulting, emphasizing the learning curve and the need for adaptability. The growth opportunities are robust, highlighting the company's investment in developing its talent into future leaders and experts.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to understand someone's needs. How did you do it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare with examples from academic projects, volunteer work, or even personal experiences. Focus on empathy and active listening.)

• "How would you approach designing a [simple digital product/service, e.g., a mobile app for booking appointments] for a specific user group?" (Focus on your thought process: identifying users, their goals, potential pain points, and how you'd gather requirements and sketch initial ideas.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in User-Centred Design and consulting at Hitachi Solutions?" (Research Hitachi Solutions' work, their Microsoft focus, and articulate how your interests align with their mission and values.)

• "How do you handle receiving critical feedback on your work?" (Showcase a growth mindset, emphasizing that feedback is an opportunity to learn and improve.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Keep it Concise: For each project, aim for a 2-3 minute overview.

• Focus on the "Why" and "How": Explain the problem you were trying to solve, your thought process, and the methods you used.

• Showcase Learning: Be open about what you learned, especially from challenges or less-than-perfect outcomes.

• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, research methods, and any limitations you encountered.

• Technical Check: Ensure any digital portfolio links or presentations are working smoothly before the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation for a junior role should focus on demonstrating potential, a strong learning attitude, and a foundational understanding of UCD principles. Tailoring responses to Hitachi Solutions' focus on Microsoft technologies and consulting is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Customize Your Resume: Highlight any relevant academic projects, internships, or personal work that demonstrates your interest and skills in User-Centred Design, research, or technology. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather examples of your design thinking, research artifacts, or any creative problem-solving projects. Even academic coursework can be valuable if well-presented.

• Research Hitachi Solutions: Understand their specialization in Microsoft technologies, their approach to digital transformation, and their company values. This will help you tailor your answers during interviews.

• Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to discuss your design process and how you approach understanding user needs and solving problems, even if your experience is limited.

⚠️ 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.