Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer Company: AJ Bell Location: Exchange Quay, Manchester - Hybrid, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-15 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of exceptional user experiences across AJ Bell's award-winning digital platforms, with a strong emphasis on mobile-first design principles.
• Lead the strategic planning and execution of UX initiatives, aligning design efforts with overarching business objectives and product roadmaps.
• Champion user-centered design methodologies, ensuring a deep understanding of user psychology and needs are translated into intuitive and effective product designs.
• Contribute significantly to the evolution of AJ Bell's Design System, enhancing component libraries and design guidelines within Figma for consistency and scalability.
• Foster a collaborative environment, mentoring junior designers and acting as a key advocate for UX best practices across the organization to elevate overall product quality and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is "Senior UX Designer," the responsibilities listed, particularly around strategic planning, design leadership, and mentoring, indicate a move towards a more senior or lead-level capacity within the UX function, requiring not just execution but also strategic influence and team development. The emphasis on mobile platforms and Figma suggests a modern, digitally-focused product environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype intuitive and engaging user interfaces for AJ Bell's digital platforms, with a particular focus on mobile-first experiences and interaction design.
• Conduct and oversee comprehensive usability testing, employing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to gather actionable insights and validate design decisions.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to translate business requirements and user needs into effective design solutions.
• Actively contribute to and maintain the company's Design System within Figma, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to brand guidelines across all digital touchpoints.
• Provide design leadership by assisting in the strategic planning of design initiatives, influencing decision-making at senior levels, and championing a shared UX vision across the organization.
• Mentor and guide junior UX designers, fostering their growth and development through constructive feedback, knowledge sharing, and leadership in critique sessions.
• Effectively communicate complex design rationales, strategies, and user insights clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including executive leadership.
• Proactively advocate for UX best practices throughout the wider business, identifying opportunities to showcase the value and impact of user-centered design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work and strategic leadership. The emphasis on "design leadership," "shaping our overall design strategy," and "influencing decision-making at senior levels" suggests this role is pivotal in setting the direction for UX within AJ Bell. The mention of "advocate for UX in the wider business" points to a need for strong communication and change management skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected, though extensive relevant experience can often substitute.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products, particularly in mobile-first environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in creating seamless user experiences, with a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency across mobile platforms.
• Deep understanding of interaction design principles, including the ability to design intuitive animations, transitions, and feedback mechanisms.
• Advanced proficiency in prototyping software, specifically Figma; experience with Adobe XD or similar tools is also valuable.
• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain comprehensive design systems and component libraries within Figma.
• Strong collaboration skills, with experience working effectively with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and marketing.
• Experience in designing and overseeing usability testing processes, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationales and strategies persuasively to various audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in financial services or a regulated industry, understanding the nuances of user needs in these sectors.
• Expertise in accessibility standards (WCAG) and their practical application in design.
• Experience in guiding and mentoring junior designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering professional growth.
• Business acumen and brand awareness, with the ability to align design solutions with broader business goals and brand identity.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 6+ years of experience and expertise in Figma, coupled with the mention of "design leadership" and "mentorship," positions this role as a senior contributor who is expected to not only execute but also to guide and influence. The preference for financial services experience is a key differentiator for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6 years of UX design work, with a significant focus on mobile-first applications and complex digital platforms.
• Case studies demonstrating a clear understanding of the end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to detailed wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing.
• Evidence of contributions to or creation of Design Systems, including examples of component libraries, style guides, and their application within Figma.
• Demonstrations of interaction design skills, showcasing animations, transitions, and micro-interactions that enhance user experience.
• Examples of how user research and usability testing findings were integrated into the design process to drive iterative improvements and achieve desired outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of how you approach user research, including methodologies for qualitative (e.g., interviews, usability tests) and quantitative (e.g., analytics, surveys) data collection.
• Examples of creating user personas, journey maps, and information architecture diagrams to inform design decisions.
• Documentation of your iterative design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user feedback loops.
• Evidence of collaboration with development teams, including hand-off processes and ensuring design fidelity during implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond just visual design and demonstrate strategic thinking, research integration, and a deep understanding of the full product development lifecycle. Specific emphasis on mobile, Figma, and design systems is paramount for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior UX Designer title, 6+ years of experience, and location in Manchester, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK, the estimated annual salary would likely fall between £55,000 and £75,000, depending on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive starting salary.
• Generous holiday entitlement (starting at 26 days, increasing to 31 with service) with a buy/sell scheme.
• Comprehensive pension schemes with matched contributions (up to 7%).
• Discretionary bonus scheme and annual free share awards.
• Health and well-being benefits including a Health Cash Plan, discounted private healthcare and dental plan, and free gym membership with on-site classes.
• Employee Assistance Programme, bike loan scheme, and sick pay pledge.
• Enhanced family leave policies (maternity, paternity, shared parental).
• Discounted nursery fees and travel season ticket loans.
• Death in service benefit.
• Opportunities for professional development, including dedicated time for proof-of-concepts, conference attendance, and professional qualification support.
• Social events and a casual dress code contribute to a positive work environment.
• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model. The company also offers "Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech" and "Support to attend conferences, events, and meet-ups," suggesting an environment that values continuous learning and innovation within work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive list of benefits indicates AJ Bell's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth. The salary estimate is based on common UK market rates for senior UX roles in major cities, considering the company's FTSE 250 status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Investment Platform. AJ Bell operates in a sector that requires a high degree of trust, reliability, and regulatory compliance, which influences the design approach towards clarity, security, and ease of use. Company Size: Over 1500 employees, indicating a large, established organization with a significant market presence. This size suggests opportunities for structured career progression and exposure to diverse projects, but also requires efficient processes and clear communication to maintain agility. Founded: AJ Bell was founded with a vision to make investing easier, and its growth to a FTSE 250 company since its 2018 IPO reflects a successful, forward-thinking business. This history likely fosters a culture of innovation and customer focus.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be a key member of the UX Team, suggesting a dedicated function for design within product development.
• Collaboration is emphasized with "executive and cross-functional teams," including product managers and engineers, indicating a matrixed or agile team structure common in tech-forward companies.
• The role involves "building and nurturing team collaboration" and providing "mentorship and guidance" to junior members, pointing to a supportive and developmental team environment.

Methodology:

• The emphasis on "user psychology," "usability testing," and "quantitive and qualitative methodologies" points to a data-driven and user-centric approach to design.
• The commitment to a "Design System" and "Figma library" suggests a focus on efficiency, consistency, and scalable design practices.
• "Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech" indicates a culture that encourages exploration and adoption of new tools and methodologies.

Company Website: https://www.ajbell.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: AJ Bell's position as a leading investment platform means the UX team operates within a dynamic and competitive financial services landscape. The company culture appears to value both innovation and employee development, with a strong emphasis on collaborative work and user-centricity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Senior UX Designer" role sits at a mid-to-senior level within the User Experience discipline. It requires not only strong individual contribution and technical skill in design tools and methodologies but also leadership qualities such as strategic input, design advocacy, and team mentorship. It's a position that bridges experienced individual contributor work with emerging leadership responsibilities.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a Head of UX, UX Manager, or a Product Lead. The emphasis on collaborating with "executive and cross-functional teams" means the Senior UX Designer will have significant exposure to senior stakeholders and influence across different departments.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer is critical in shaping the user experience of AJ Bell's platforms, directly impacting customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction. By ensuring intuitive and engaging interfaces, they contribute significantly to the perceived quality and ease of use of AJ Bell's services, which in turn drives business growth and market competitiveness. Effective UX design can reduce customer support queries and increase conversion rates, directly impacting operational efficiency and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to advance into a Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Head of UX role, overseeing design strategy and teams.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as mobile UX, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.
• Cross-Functional Movement: Potential to move into Product Management or other product-focused roles by leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and business strategy.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through company-provided training, conference attendance, and working with cutting-edge technologies and design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, combined with responsibilities like strategic planning and mentorship, clearly positions this as a role with significant growth potential beyond individual contribution. The financial services context also offers a unique area for specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AJ Bell operates a hybrid working model, with a minimum of 50% of working time spent in the office. This suggests a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion. New team members will have an initial full-time office period to immerse themselves.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at Exchange Quay, Manchester. This is a well-established business district, likely offering good transport links and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The collaborative nature of the role, with frequent interaction with cross-functional teams, implies an open-plan or agile workspace that facilitates communication and teamwork.
• Access to "Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech" suggests that the workspace is equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support innovation and experimentation.
• The "Casual dress code" and "Calendar of social events" contribute to a relaxed yet professional atmosphere, encouraging camaraderie and engagement.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, but the hybrid model provides flexibility in how and where the work is performed, balancing office-based collaboration with remote focus time. This structure is beneficial for deep work often required in design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. The emphasis on immersion for new hires highlights the company's commitment to integration and building strong team relationships.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other UX team members. This will involve a thorough review of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on specific case studies, design process, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about how you've handled challenging design problems, collaborated with teams, and leveraged user research.
• Practical Exercise/Design Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise during an interview. This will assess their skills in areas like problem definition, ideation, wireframing, and presenting a solution.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with peers, product managers, and potentially engineering leads to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview: Possibly with a more senior leader to discuss overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that highlight your experience with mobile design, complex platforms, and the full design lifecycle.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Figma & Design Systems: Explicitly showcase your work with Figma and any contributions to or creation of design systems. Demonstrate your understanding of component-based design and its benefits.
• Showcase Research & Iteration: Emphasize how user research and testing informed your design decisions and led to iterative improvements.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to talk through your design choices, rationale, and the trade-offs you made at each stage.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the problem statement. Ask clarifying questions if necessary.
• Structure Your Approach: Outline your process before diving in. Think about user needs, business goals, and potential constraints.
• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate a thoughtful design process. Show how you would gather requirements, ideate, prototype, and test.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your thought process and design rationale concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior UX Designer will be rigorous, heavily relying on the portfolio as proof of capability. Candidates should prepare to articulate their contributions, decision-making processes, and the impact of their work, especially in relation to mobile, Figma, and design systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a core tool for creating and maintaining components in a library. This is the primary design and prototyping tool for this role.
• Prototyping Software: Expertise required in Figma, with a general understanding of other industry-standard tools like Adobe XD or Sketch being beneficial.
• User Research & Testing Tools: Experience with tools for usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback), survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) is crucial for demonstrating research skills.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools to understand user behavior and performance metrics is expected.
• Ability to interpret data to inform design decisions and measure the impact of UX changes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned as a primary tool for the UX designer, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user-facing applications can be beneficial for a holistic view of the customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The role also necessitates a strong understanding of the user research and usability testing tool ecosystem to effectively conduct and analyze user feedback.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: Encouraged through "Dedicated time for proof-of-concepts and assessing new tech" and the need to bring creative ideas to the design system.
• Collaboration: Essential for working with cross-functional teams and fostering team synergy. The company actively promotes building and nurturing team collaboration.
• User-Centricity: Driven by "deep understanding of user psychology" and the requirement to conduct comprehensive usability testing.
• Excellence & Quality: Reflected in the "award-winning platforms" and the expectation of high-quality design output and adherence to brand.
• Continuous Improvement: Evidenced by the iterative design process, critique sessions, and support for professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Marketing to ensure cohesive product development.
• Open Communication: Encouraged through "weekly UX Critique sessions" and the need to "communicate design ideas, rationales and strategies clearly."
• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Senior designers are expected to inspire and motivate team members, providing guidance and sharing expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value a blend of creative exploration, rigorous user understanding, and strong teamwork. The Senior UX Designer is expected to embody these values and help foster them within the wider team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: A common challenge in UX design, requiring strategic decision-making and effective negotiation.
• Influencing Stakeholders: As a key advocate for UX, the designer must persuade stakeholders with varying priorities and levels of design understanding.
• Maintaining Design Consistency Across Platforms: Ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience across web and mobile, especially with evolving product features and a growing design system.
• Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying current with new design tools, methodologies, and user expectations in the digital and financial services sectors.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Development: Contribute to and potentially lead the expansion and refinement of AJ Bell's Figma-based design system.
• Mobile UX Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile-first design patterns, native app experiences, and platform-specific design guidelines.
• Strategic Design Leadership: Gain experience in shaping product strategy and influencing executive-level decision-making.
• Industry Exposure: Learn about the nuances of the financial services industry and how UX impacts customer trust and engagement in this sector.
• Mentorship and Training: Access to personal development programs, technical training, and support for professional qualifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles, focusing on strategic influence and complex problem-solving. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for career advancement and skill enhancement within the UX domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully influenced a product strategy through UX research and design." (Focus on your process, the data you used, how you communicated it, and the outcome.)
• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business constraints and technical feasibility in your design process?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to make informed trade-offs.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature for a mobile application, from initial concept to final implementation." (Emphasize user research, iteration, prototyping, and collaboration with engineers.)
• "How do you contribute to or build a design system? What are the key principles you follow?" (Showcase your Figma expertise and understanding of component libraries and design guidelines.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about AJ Bell and our position in the financial services market?" (Research the company's mission, values, recent performance, and competitor landscape.)
• "How do you see your role as a UX advocate within a broader organization?" (Discuss your approach to evangelizing UX and educating stakeholders.)
• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or leading design critiques." (Provide specific examples of how you've supported team growth.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, start with a clear problem statement and your role, then detail your process, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable results.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, flow diagrams) to illustrate your design process and outcomes.
• Highlight Figma & Mobile: Explicitly point out your Figma skills and any mobile-specific design challenges you've overcome.
• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, answer questions thoughtfully, and be prepared to dive deeper into specific aspects of your work.
• Focus on Rationale: Be ready to explain why you made certain design decisions, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, particularly as applied to mobile platforms and within a financial services context. The portfolio is the primary tool for this demonstration.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight at least two detailed case studies focusing on mobile design experience and your work with Figma and design systems. Ensure your contributions and impact are clearly articulated.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature your 6+ years of UX experience, specific skills in Figma, interaction design, and user research methodologies. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "improved conversion by X% through UI redesign").
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss specific examples related to collaboration, mentorship, and advocating for UX. Rehearse your portfolio presentation for clarity and conciseness.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AJ Bell's products, services, recent news, and company values to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their business context. Pay attention to their customer base and how UX contributes to their success.

⚠️ 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.