Senior Product Designer (FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (FTC)

Company: AKQA

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Temporary / Contractor (Fixed-Term Contract)

Category: Product Design / Digital Experience Design

Date Posted: March 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of exceptional visual and interactive design solutions for high-profile digital platforms and global product launches.

• Contribute significantly to creative direction and concept development, translating strategic thinking into polished, user-centric experiences.

• Build and maintain scalable design systems and interfaces that ensure consistency and impact across multiple touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including UX, copywriters, and technologists, to integrate design seamlessly with functionality.

• Uphold and elevate the standard of visual craft and attention to detail throughout the entire design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract (FTC) for 6-9 months, requiring a strong portfolio showcasing sophisticated visual design and interactive experience capabilities. The emphasis on "beautiful ideas, products and services" and working at the "intersection of design, technology and culture" suggests a focus on innovative, high-impact digital solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute outstanding visual designs for web and interactive platforms, prioritizing clarity, hierarchy, and precision in all deliverables.

• Actively participate in concept ideation sessions and guide ideas through to meticulously crafted final outcomes.

• Design robust design systems, user interfaces, and reusable components that can scale effectively across diverse digital touchpoints and experiences.

• Foster seamless integration of design and functionality by collaborating closely with UX designers, copywriters, technologists, and production teams.

• Rapidly translate abstract ideas into tangible sketches, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity design mockups.

• Champion and elevate the overall level of design craft, ensuring consistency, quality, and meticulous attention to detail at every project stage.

• Confidently present design work to stakeholders, articulating the strategic rationale and creative thinking behind design decisions.

• Partner with senior creatives to refine and evolve the overarching design direction, ensuring alignment with project goals and client brand standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute exceptional visual design but also contribute strategically to concept development and the overall creative direction of digital product experiences. The emphasis on "global product storytelling and launch moments" suggests a focus on high-stakes, visible projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: Significant professional experience (5-10 years) in visual and interactive design, with a strong preference for agency environments. Experience designing for large-scale digital platforms or global brand ecosystems is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in creating exceptional visual design across web and interactive platforms.

• Demonstrated ability in concept development and carrying ideas through to final execution.

• Experience designing scalable design systems, interfaces, and components.

• Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, Principle).

• Strong understanding of layout, typography, motion, and interaction design principles.

• Ability to move fluidly between conceptualization and detailed execution.

• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in UX research and user-centered design methodologies.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design decisions.

• Experience with animation and micro-interaction design.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Experience working within an embedded client team structure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high level of craft, taste and attention to detail" in the portfolio requirement suggests that candidates with a refined aesthetic and a meticulous approach to design execution will be highly valued. The ability to "operate at pace" while maintaining quality points to a need for efficient yet precise designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant interactive design projects demonstrating a high level of visual craft, taste, and attention to detail.

• Include case studies that clearly articulate the design challenge, your role, the process undertaken, and the final solution with measurable impact.

• Highlight projects involving design systems, scalable interfaces, and complex digital platforms.

• Demonstrate proficiency in translating strategic goals into elegant and functional user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Projects should illustrate a clear understanding of the design lifecycle, from research and ideation to prototyping, user testing, and final implementation.

• Showcase examples of how you've contributed to or built design systems, including component libraries and style guides.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (UX, Dev, Product) and how you integrate their feedback.

• Include examples of how you've ensured consistency and quality across multiple touchpoints and experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool for this role. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and their capacity to deliver high-quality, scalable design solutions within a complex digital product environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer (FTC) with 5-10 years of experience in London, the estimated salary range is typically between £350 - £550 per day, depending on the specific client, project scope, and candidate's demonstrated expertise. This equates to an annual equivalent of approximately £72,800 - £114,400 for a full-time engagement.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a leading global design and technology agency (AKQA) and a significant client.

• Exposure to high-profile product launches and global brand ecosystems.

• Collaborative and creative work environment.

• Potential for contract extension or future opportunities within AKQA or WPP.

• Access to AKQA's internal learning and development resources.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role requires hybrid work, with 3 days per week expected in the client's London studio. Flexibility may be available, but the core requirement is consistent on-site collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary for FTC roles is often quoted daily. The provided range is based on industry benchmarks for senior-level design contractors in London, considering the agency context and the demands of working within an embedded client team. Benefits are typically more limited for contract roles compared to permanent positions, with the primary value lying in the experience and project exposure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing, Digital Product Design, Technology Consulting. AKQA operates at the forefront of digital innovation, blending art and science to create impactful products and services for global clients. WPP, the parent company, is a world leader in marketing and communications services.

Company Size: AKQA is a large global agency network, part of WPP, which employs tens of thousands of people worldwide. AKQA itself has numerous offices and employs a significant number of creatives, strategists, and technologists.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001. WPP has a much longer history, founded in 1971. The company's longevity and scale indicate a stable, established organization with a strong reputation in the industry.

Team Structure:

• This role involves working within an embedded client team, suggesting a close-knit, collaborative unit focused on a specific client's product or brand.

• Within AKQA, designers typically report into creative leadership (e.g., Design Director, Creative Director).

Methodology:

• AKQA emphasizes a human-centered approach, combining strategic thinking with creative execution.

• Design processes likely involve agile methodologies, rapid prototyping, iterative design, and user feedback loops.

• The focus is on delivering "beautiful ideas, products and services" that are both "considered" and "impactful," suggesting a data-informed yet creatively driven methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's ethos of "imaginative application of art and science" and working at the "intersection of design, technology and culture" points to a forward-thinking, innovative, and collaborative culture. The WPP connection signifies access to a vast network and resources.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a seasoned professional capable of leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing strategic product decisions. They are expected to deliver high-quality work independently and contribute significantly to team objectives.

Reporting Structure: The role is embedded within a client team, implying a direct reporting line to a Design Lead or Creative Director within that team structure, while also being part of the broader AKQA design community.

Operations Impact: Senior Product Designers are critical in shaping the user experience and visual identity of digital products, directly impacting user engagement, brand perception, and ultimately, business outcomes like conversion rates and customer satisfaction. Their work on product launches and storytelling can significantly influence market reception and brand equity.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like design systems, interaction design, motion graphics, or specific industry verticals.

• Leadership Development: Transition into Lead Designer or Design Director roles, managing teams and client relationships.

• Cross-Agency Experience: Gain exposure to diverse clients and project types across AKQA's global network.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to higher-level product strategy and client consulting.

• Permanent Conversion: While a contract role, exceptional performance can sometimes lead to opportunities for permanent positions within AKQA.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contract role, "growth" is primarily defined by the experience gained, skills honed, and the portfolio enhancement. The alignment with AKQA and WPP offers a strong platform for professional development and future career advancement within the broader ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires hybrid work, with 3 days per week in the client's London studio. This suggests a dynamic office environment where collaboration and in-person interaction are valued. AKQA offices are typically modern, creative spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. Specific client studio location will be provided upon engagement.

Workspace Context:

• The client studio will likely be a collaborative space designed for creative teams, offering the tools and environment necessary for intensive design work.

• Expect a blend of focused individual work and team-based activities, including brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and client presentations.

• Access to relevant design software and hardware will be provided by the client or AKQA.

Work Schedule: The role is structured around a standard 40-hour work week, but the fast-paced nature of product launches and client demands may require flexibility and occasional extended hours. The hybrid model aims to balance focused work with collaborative team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "required in-office days" and "fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection" indicates a preference for a hybrid model that maximizes in-person interaction. Candidates should be comfortable with this structure and prepared for a dynamic studio environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio, discussing your role, process, design decisions, and impact. Expect in-depth questions about your craft, strategic thinking, and collaboration.

• Design Exercise/Challenge (Potential): You might be asked to complete a small design exercise or critique a given design to assess your problem-solving skills and design thinking in real-time.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (other designers, UX, PMs) and possibly senior client stakeholders to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and collaborative abilities.

• Final Interview: A concluding conversation with senior leadership to discuss the role, expectations, and finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your strengths relevant to this role: visual design, interactive experiences, design systems, and working with global brands.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contribution, the design process, key decisions, and the outcome. Quantify results where possible.

• Show Your Craft: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished, well-organized, and easy to navigate. High-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and live examples are essential.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with various teams and stakeholders.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, your approach to challenges, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design exercise is given, focus on understanding the brief quickly, outlining your approach, and delivering a well-reasoned solution within the time constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, even if the solution is not fully polished.

• Be ready to discuss trade-offs and potential next steps for your proposed solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your portfolio. Be ready to defend your design decisions, explain your process in detail, and demonstrate how your skills align with AKQA's focus on craft, strategy, and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), InVision, Principle, ProtoPie. Proficiency in at least one primary design tool (e.g., Figma) and prototyping tools is essential.

• Collaboration: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Miro, Jira.

• Asset Management: Zeplin, Abstract (for version control).

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary design tool requirement, understanding how design impacts user behavior metrics (e.g., conversion rates, engagement, task completion) is crucial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Amplitude for reviewing performance data is beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but understanding the user journey within CRM-influenced platforms can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is on modern design and prototyping tools. Candidates should be proficient in industry-standard software and comfortable adapting to specific client or agency toolsets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A deep commitment to quality, detail, and creating elegant, impactful solutions.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Curiosity & Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to design.

• Strategic Thinking: Understanding the business objectives and user needs to inform design decisions.

• Client Focus: Delivering value and exceeding expectations for clients through exceptional work.

Collaboration Style:

• AKQA fosters a highly collaborative environment, encouraging open communication and knowledge sharing.

• Designers are expected to be team players, actively participating in critiques, workshops, and cross-functional meetings.

• The "embedded client team" model necessitates strong interpersonal skills and the ability to integrate seamlessly into an external team's dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture emphasizes a blend of creative passion, strategic rigor, and collaborative spirit. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-facing agency environment that values both individual craft and collective success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pace and Volume: Managing multiple projects and delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines within a fast-paced agency/client environment.

• Client Dynamics: Navigating client expectations, feedback, and approvals while advocating for strong design principles.

• Embedded Team Integration: Quickly becoming an effective and trusted member of a client's existing team.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Maintaining meticulous attention to detail and high standards of craft while operating at speed.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Leading Clients: Working with significant global brands and on impactful product launches.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior creatives and design leaders within AKQA.

• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through project work, internal workshops, and access to AKQA's extensive knowledge base.

• Networking: Building relationships within AKQA's global network and with client teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This FTC role offers a significant opportunity to enhance a designer's portfolio and gain experience with prestigious clients and projects. The challenges are typical of high-performing agency environments, presenting valuable learning experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a project where you had to balance competing stakeholder requirements. How did you navigate that and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.)

• "Describe your process for designing a new component or feature for a large-scale digital platform. How do you ensure scalability and consistency?" (Highlight your system thinking and execution approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AKQA and this specific role embedded with a client?" (Research AKQA's work and values; express enthusiasm for client immersion.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working within an external client team?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and communication style.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, dive into the problem, your process, key design decisions (with rationale), and the final solution. Conclude with outcomes and learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams. Avoid overwhelming slides; let your designs speak for themselves.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, emphasizing your unique contribution and problem-solving approach.

• Engagement: Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process, tools, and rationale. Engage in a dialogue rather than just presenting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, your approach to problem-solving, and how you integrate strategic thinking with creative execution. The ability to articulate your process and defend your design decisions with confidence is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer (FTC) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on AKQA's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong visual design, interactive experience creation, and experience with large digital platforms or brand ecosystems. Prioritize case studies that showcase your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key skills (visual design, interaction design, prototyping, design systems), and relevant agency or client-side experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your role, process, and the rationale behind your design decisions. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and working at pace.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AKQA's work, values, and their approach to design. Understand the implications of working within an embedded client team structure.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a Senior Product Designer (FTC) role at a leading agency like AKQA. All details, especially regarding salary, specific client engagement, and exact interview stages, should be verified directly with AKQA during the application process.

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