Product Designer

Informa Group Plc.
Full-timeβ€’London, United Kingdom

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Informa Group Plc.

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-03-23T14:36:16.686

Experience Level: Junior / Early-Career (1-3 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Drive the creation of high-quality digital experiences across marketing websites and core platforms, including specialized systems like awards entry and pass management.

  • Collaborate closely within a three-person design team, working alongside senior designers, product managers, and engineers to deliver user-centered solutions.

  • Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of a robust design system, ensuring consistency and quality across Informa's diverse brand portfolio.

  • Develop foundational product design and UI skills through hands-on project work, mentorship, and exposure to complex problem-solving scenarios.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an entry-level to early-career Product Designer, emphasizing growth and development within a supportive team structure. The focus is on building core UI and product design competencies while contributing to tangible digital product improvements for well-known brands.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design Creation & Execution: Develop clear, intuitive, and user-friendly designs for marketing websites and internal platforms, taking ownership of projects from concept through to release, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

  • Problem Exploration & Solutioning: Support the exploration of user problems and business requirements, translating them into thoughtful and effective design solutions, with increasing confidence in tackling less defined challenges.

  • User-Centric Design Integration: Assist in user research and usability testing initiatives, synthesizing findings to inform design improvements and advocating for user needs within the design process.

  • Collaborative Project Ownership: Manage smaller projects or specific features end-to-end, fostering strong collaborative relationships with senior designers, product managers, product owners, and engineers to ensure practical and aligned outcomes.

  • Communication & Presentation: Clearly articulate design thinking, rationale, and recommendations through presentations to stakeholders and the wider team, enhancing communication and influencing skills.

  • Accessibility & Inclusivity: Design with accessibility standards (specifically AA) in mind, learning and applying best practices under the guidance of experienced team members.

  • Design System Contribution: Work within and contribute to an established design system, maintaining visual and functional consistency across all digital products.

  • Outcome-Oriented Prioritization: Learn to prioritize design tasks that deliver the greatest value to users and the business, supported by team guidance and strategic direction.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of execution and learning, typical for a junior role. Emphasis is placed on adapting design approaches, user advocacy, and contributing to team-based problem-solving, with a clear pathway for increased ownership and complexity.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

  • 1-3 years of experience in product design, UI design, or a closely related digital design role.

Required Skills:

  • UI & Visual Design: Strong understanding of UI principles and a keen interest in visual design, evidenced by a compelling portfolio.

  • Product Design Fundamentals: Foundational knowledge of product design methodologies and processes.

  • Design Software Proficiency: High-level proficiency in Figma for design creation, prototyping, and collaboration.

  • User-Centred Design: Foundational experience with user research techniques and usability testing, with the ability to apply insights to design decisions.

  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale clearly and work effectively in cross-functional teams.

  • Problem-Solving: Ability to adapt design approaches and comfortable learning through ambiguity, asking thoughtful questions to uncover underlying issues.

  • Time Management & Organization: Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines, taking responsibility for assigned work.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with analytics tools such as Google Analytics or Clarity.

  • Familiarity with accessibility standards beyond foundational knowledge.

  • Experience contributing to or maintaining design systems.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical skills and a strong portfolio over formal education. The clear mention of Figma and preferred analytics tools provides specific technical benchmarks. The emphasis on "learning through ambiguity" and "asking thoughtful questions" points towards a candidate who is proactive and eager to grow.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Case Studies: Showcase 2-4 well-documented case studies demonstrating your product design process, problem-solving approach, and user-centered methodologies. Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, design decisions, and the outcomes.

  • UI/Visual Design Examples: Include specific examples of UI design work that highlight your aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and understanding of visual hierarchy, layout, and typography.

  • Prototyping & Interaction: Demonstrate your ability to create interactive prototypes using Figma to convey user flows and interaction design.

  • Process Documentation: Clearly outline the steps taken in each project, from discovery and research through to design and iteration, emphasizing how user insights and business goals informed your decisions.

Process Documentation:

  • Showcase examples of how you've documented design processes, user flows, or system interactions.

  • Highlight your understanding of maintaining consistency through design systems and style guides.

  • Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with engineers and product managers, including how you hand off designs and iterate based on feedback.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their end-to-end design process, their ability to translate requirements into functional designs, and their collaborative approach. Highlighting contributions to design systems and user research will be particularly valuable.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

  • Generous Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, increasing to 27 days after two years of service, plus an additional birthday leave day.

  • Flexible Working: Opportunity to work remotely for up to four weeks per year, alongside the hybrid office-based requirement.

  • Private Medical Cover: Company-funded private medical insurance providing comprehensive health coverage.

  • ShareMatch Scheme: Opportunity to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares, fostering employee ownership.

  • Wellbeing Support: Robust support including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), mental health first aiders, healthy living subsidies, and access to health apps.

  • Professional Development: Access to bespoke training, LinkedIn Learning (thousands of courses), and mentorship platforms to support career growth.

  • Community & Social: A welcoming culture with in-person and online social events, volunteer opportunities (up to four days per year with charity match funding), and active diversity and inclusion networks.

  • Recognition Programs: Global awards and kudos programs to acknowledge and reward great work.

Working Hours:

  • Standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid work model and the option for remote work for a portion of the year.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The benefits package is extensive, emphasizing work-life balance, professional growth, financial well-being, and community. The salary estimate is based on typical London market rates for this experience level, acknowledging the company's FTSE 100 status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Informa Group Plc. operates within the Information Services and Publishing sector, connecting specialists with knowledge through events, digital services, and academic research. They are a global leader in this space, serving a wide array of industries and professional communities.

Company Size: A large, international organization with over 14,000 employees across 30 countries, and a member of the UK's FTSE 100 group. This scale offers stability and broad opportunities.

Founded: Informa has a long history, evolving through acquisitions and organic growth to become a major player in its field.

Team Structure:

  • Design Team: The Product Designer will be part of a small, three-person design team, providing a close-knit and collaborative environment.

  • Reporting: Likely reporting to a Senior Designer or Design Lead, with regular interaction and guidance from Product Managers.

  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and various stakeholders across Informa's brands and business units is a core aspect of the role.

Methodology:

  • User-Centric Approach: A strong emphasis on understanding and meeting user needs through research and iterative design.

  • Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing analytics tools (like Google Analytics) and user feedback to inform design choices and measure impact.

  • Agile Development: Working within product development cycles that likely involve agile methodologies, requiring adaptability and close collaboration with engineering.

  • Design System Utilization: Adherence to and contribution to a central design system to ensure brand consistency and efficiency.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Informa's culture is described as community-focused, supportive, and geared towards making an impact. The large, established nature of the company suggests a structured but dynamic environment, with opportunities to work on diverse projects across well-known brands. The "Global Support" division, where this team likely sits, emphasizes collaborative and flexible working.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is specifically for a Junior or early-career Product Designer, indicating a focus on skill development and foundational experience. It's an opportunity to build a robust career in product design within a large, reputable organization.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to senior members of the design team and work closely with product managers, providing mentorship and guidance opportunities.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly influences the user experience of Informa's digital platforms, impacting customer engagement, satisfaction, and the effectiveness of core business systems like awards entry and pass management. This role contributes to the overall success and efficiency of Informa's brands.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Deepening: Opportunity to significantly enhance UI/visual design skills and product design methodologies through hands-on project work and expert mentorship.

  • Design System Expertise: Grow into a key contributor or owner of the design system, developing expertise in component design, documentation, and governance.

  • Increased Ownership: Gradually take on ownership of more complex product areas and larger features, progressing towards managing projects independently.

  • Stakeholder Management: Develop confidence and experience in presenting designs and rationale to a wider range of stakeholders, including senior leadership.

  • Cross-Brand Exposure: Gain experience working across various Informa brands, understanding diverse user needs and business contexts.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a stepping stone for a designer's career. The "What you'll grow into" section explicitly outlines growth trajectories, emphasizing increased responsibility, skill development, and confidence building, making it attractive for ambitious early-career professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Informa emphasizes a hybrid work model, blending in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. The company believes in the value of face-to-face interaction for collaboration and team building.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is London, England, with a specific address provided at 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. This central London location offers good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for in-person meetings, workshops, and informal discussions with colleagues.

  • Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, and potentially analytics platforms, will be integral to the workspace.

  • Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the design team, product managers, and engineers ensures a dynamic and engaging work environment where ideas can be shared and developed.

Work Schedule: A hybrid schedule typically involves 3 days per week in the office, with flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days. This structure aims to balance in-person collaboration with individual focus time and personal flexibility.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a modern work environment that values both in-person connection and employee autonomy. The office location in central London is a significant draw for many professionals.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  1. Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio by a Talent Acquisition Partner to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

  2. Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager and/or senior design team members to delve deeper into your experience, design philosophy, and problem-solving approach. This may include discussing specific case studies from your portfolio.

  3. Design Challenge/Exercise: Potentially a practical design exercise or case study review, either pre-interview or conducted during a later stage, to evaluate your design skills, process, and ability to think critically.

  4. Cross-functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with product managers, engineers, or other key stakeholders you would collaborate with, assessing your communication and collaboration style.

  5. Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion to finalize details and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in UI design, product design, and problem-solving. Ensure a mix of complexity and outcomes.

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed, the rationale behind your decisions, and the measurable outcomes or learnings.

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) effectively to illustrate your design thinking and the evolution of your solutions.

  • Highlight Figma Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your mastery of Figma, perhaps by showing how you've utilized its features for collaboration, prototyping, or design system components.

  • Address Ambiguity: If a project involved unclear requirements, explain how you navigated that ambiguity, asked questions, and sought clarity.

  • Accessibility Focus: If possible, showcase projects where you considered accessibility, even if it was a learning process.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Scope: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the brief, target users, and business goals.

  • Prioritize & Scope: For time-bound challenges, focus on demonstrating a strong process and key decisions rather than trying to create a fully polished, high-fidelity solution for every aspect.

  • Communicate Your Process: Be prepared to walk through your thought process, explain your assumptions, and justify your design choices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical design skills and collaborative aptitude. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the design process and outcomes is crucial for success. The emphasis on learning through ambiguity and communication suggests that the interviewers are looking for potential and a strong learning mindset.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: The core design tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. High proficiency is expected.

  • Design System Tools: Familiarity with working within and contributing to design systems. This may involve specific components, libraries, or documentation platforms within Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Google Analytics: Preferred tool for understanding website traffic, user behavior, and conversion tracking.

  • Clarity: Potentially used for heatmaps, session recordings, and user behavior analysis.

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

  • Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are key, but familiarity with other tools like Adobe XD or Sketch (if used previously) might be relevant.

  • Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of the design stack. Familiarity with analytics tools like Google Analytics and Clarity is highly valued, indicating a data-informed approach to design. While not directly a design tool, understanding the broader MarTech and CRM landscape can provide valuable context for marketing website design.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across teams (design, product, engineering) to achieve shared goals.

  • User Focus: Dedication to understanding and serving the needs of Informa's diverse audiences through thoughtful design.

  • Continuous Improvement: A commitment to iterating on designs, learning from feedback, and enhancing user experiences over time.

  • Ambition & Energy: A drive to make things happen, contribute meaningfully, and embrace new challenges with enthusiasm.

  • Inclusivity: A commitment to creating inclusive experiences and environments where all perspectives are welcomed.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with product managers and engineers, participating actively in product development cycles.

  • Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback during design reviews and critiques is essential.

  • Knowledge Sharing: The team likely has practices for sharing learnings, best practices, and design insights to foster collective growth.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Informa's stated values of community, ambition, and impact align with a collaborative and results-oriented work culture. The emphasis on inclusivity and learning through feedback suggests a supportive environment where designers can thrive and contribute to a larger mission.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Diverse Brands: Adapting design approaches and understanding user needs across Informa's varied portfolio of brands requires flexibility and quick learning.

  • Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating complex business requirements into user-friendly designs while ensuring they meet strategic objectives.

  • Contributing to a Growing Design System: As an early-career designer, contributing meaningfully to a mature design system requires understanding its architecture and best practices.

  • Developing Confidence in Ambiguity: Growing comfortable and effective in situations where project requirements are not fully defined, requiring proactive communication and problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Mentorship: Direct guidance and support from senior designers within the team.

  • Structured Learning: Access to extensive online learning resources (LinkedIn Learning) and potential for bespoke training programs.

  • Real-World Impact: Gaining hands-on experience on projects that directly influence user engagement and business outcomes for well-known brands.

  • Career Progression: Clear pathways for growth from a junior role to more senior design positions within Informa.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle real-world design challenges for a large organization, fostering rapid skill development. The key is to embrace these challenges as learning experiences and leverage the available resources for professional growth.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or business requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, compromise, and rationale.)

  • "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to work with ambiguity. What steps did you take to clarify the problem and move forward?" (Highlight your problem-solving and communication skills.)

  • "How do you approach incorporating user feedback or research findings into your designs?" (Demonstrate your user-centered mindset.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Informa and our brands?" (Research Informa's mission, recent news, and some of their key brands like Cannes Lions or Money 20/20.)

  • "How do you prefer to receive feedback on your designs, and how do you give feedback to others?" (Highlight your collaborative and growth-oriented attitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Start with the Problem: Clearly articulate the "why" behind each project – what challenge were you trying to solve?

  • Define Your Role: Be specific about your contributions, especially in team projects.

  • Showcase Your Process: Detail the steps you took, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Use visuals to support your narrative.

  • Explain Your Decisions: Justify your design choices with user insights, business goals, or design principles.

  • Highlight Outcomes: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction) or discuss key learnings.

  • Be Concise: Aim for a clear, engaging narrative that respects the interviewer's time.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating your design process, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and showcasing your understanding of user-centered design. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and demonstrate enthusiasm for Informa's mission and brands.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best showcase your UI design, product design process, and experience with Figma. Ensure case studies clearly articulate problems, your role, process, and outcomes.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize relevant experience, skills (UI design, product design, Figma, user research), and achievements, using keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you collaborate. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and research Informa and its brands.

  • Company Research: Understand Informa's mission, its diverse portfolio of brands, and its company culture, particularly its emphasis on community, collaboration, and employee growth.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a Product Designer role in London. Salary ranges and specific benefits should be verified directly with Informa Group Plc. during the application or interview process.

Application Requirements

This role is ideal for a Junior or early-career Product Designer (1–3 years’ experience) with a strong interest in UI and visual design, evidenced by a portfolio showing strong digital design work. Candidates must be familiar with Figma, possess foundational knowledge in product design, and be comfortable learning through ambiguity while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.