Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: AKQA

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Contract / Temporary

Category: User Experience Design

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of intuitive, scalable user experiences across web and digital platforms, focusing on user-centered design principles and a systems thinking approach.

• Translate complex requirements into clear user journeys, information architecture, and interaction models, ensuring seamless user experiences across multiple touchpoints.

• Drive the end-to-end design process for digital products and platforms, from early concept and user research through to final delivery and iteration.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, writers, technologists, and product teams, to bring innovative ideas to life and ensure alignment across workstreams.

• Utilize modern UX and prototyping tools, such as Figma, to create, test, and refine elegant solutions that balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract (6-9 months) with a strong emphasis on hybrid collaboration, requiring 3 days per week in the client studio. The position is embedded within a client team, highlighting the need for adaptability and strong client-facing communication skills in addition to core UX expertise.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design of intuitive, scalable user experiences across web and digital platforms, ensuring coherence and meaningful interactions.

• Translate complex business and technical requirements into clear user journeys, information architecture, and interaction models that simplify user flows.

• Define, evolve, and maintain robust experience frameworks and systems that ensure consistency across diverse digital touchpoints and product ecosystems.

• Apply user-centered design principles rigorously, grounding all design decisions in thorough user research, actionable insights, and relevant data.

• Plan, execute, and synthesize findings from user research and usability testing sessions to drive tangible, actionable design improvements and iterations.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including designers, writers, technologists, and product managers, to effectively bring design concepts to fruition.

• Rapidly prototype and iterate on design solutions, leveraging user feedback and testing results to refine and optimize the user experience.

• Present design work with clarity, confidence, and conviction, effectively articulating the strategic rationale and user-centricity behind all design decisions to stakeholders.

• Contribute strategically to the overarching experience vision, ensuring seamless alignment and integration with wider project workstreams and client objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "experience frameworks and systems" suggests a need for candidates who can think about design not just at the feature level but at a product or platform ecosystem level, focusing on scalability and long-term maintainability. The responsibility to "contribute to the overall experience vision" indicates a strategic input requirement beyond execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, human-computer interaction, or a related field is expected. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.

Experience: Significant experience (5-10 years) in user experience design, with a proven track record in agency or product environments, is essential. Experience in end-to-end journey design from concept to delivery is critical.

Required Skills:

• Lead the design of intuitive, scalable user experiences across web and digital platforms.

• Translate complex requirements into clear user journeys, flows, information architecture, and interaction models.

• Define and evolve experience frameworks and systems that work consistently across multiple touchpoints.

• Apply user-centred design principles, grounding decisions in research, insight, and data.

• Plan and conduct user research and usability testing, synthesizing findings into actionable design improvements.

• Collaborate closely with designers, writers, technologists, and product teams to bring ideas to life.

• Prototype and iterate quickly, refining solutions through testing and feedback.

• Present work with clarity and confidence, articulating the rationale behind decisions.

• Contribute to the overall experience vision, ensuring alignment across wider workstreams.

• Proficiency in modern UX and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and related platforms.

• Strong understanding of user-centred design, service design, and interaction design principles.

• Experience designing end-to-end journeys, from concept through to delivery.

• Ability to simplify complex systems into clear, elegant solutions.

• Experience working within multidisciplinary teams in fast-paced environments.

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence both peers and senior stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for global platforms with diverse user bases.

• Familiarity with content strategy and its integration into UX.

• Experience with design systems implementation and maintenance.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• A deep curiosity about human behavior and a drive to create meaningful, impactful experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "significant experience" and "portfolio demonstrating thoughtful, well-crafted UX across complex digital products or platforms" suggests that candidates with a strong background in enterprise-level applications or large-scale digital ecosystems will be highly regarded. The mention of Figma specifically points to its importance in the toolset.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, with a focus on complex digital products or platforms.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end design process, including research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.

• Examples of how user needs, business goals, and technical constraints were balanced in design solutions.

• Evidence of creating intuitive, scalable user experiences and simplifying complex systems.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the application of user-centered design principles and research methodologies.

• Examples of information architecture, user flows, and interaction models developed for previous projects.

• Documentation of experience frameworks or systems designed for consistent user experiences.

• Prototypes and iteration examples showcasing quick refinement through testing and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should clearly illustrate the candidate's ability to manage the entire UX lifecycle for complex digital products, demonstrating both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Emphasis on "systems thinking" in the portfolio is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a fixed-term contract role (6-9 months) in London, UK, the salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience for a Senior UX Designer. Based on industry benchmarks for similar contract roles in London, we estimate a range of £55,000 - £75,000 per annum (pro-rata for the contract duration), depending on the candidate's specific experience and skill set.

Benefits:

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

• Exposure to high-profile digital products and platforms.

• Collaborative and creative work environment.

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

• Professional development and learning opportunities within a renowned agency setting.

• Hybrid working model offering flexibility.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week. There will be an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and client needs, particularly given the embedded nature of the role. Client studio collaboration is required three days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical contract rates for Senior UX Designers in London, UK, for a 6-9 month engagement. The actual rate will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and the specific client project requirements. Benefits are typical for contract roles within agency environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AKQA operates within the Advertising & Marketing industry, a sector focused on creating innovative digital experiences, brand storytelling, and driving growth for global clients. As part of WPP, a world leader in communications services, AKQA is at the forefront of digital transformation and creative technology.

Company Size: AKQA is a large global agency with numerous offices worldwide. As part of WPP, which employs over 70,000 people, AKQA itself has a significant headcount, fostering a dynamic and resource-rich environment for its employees. This scale allows for diverse project opportunities and a wide network of expertise.

Founded: AKQA was founded in 2001. The company has a strong heritage of innovation and a forward-thinking approach to digital product and experience design. Its evolution reflects the rapid changes in the digital landscape, consistently adapting to deliver cutting-edge solutions for its clients.

Team Structure:

• The UX design team at AKQA is structured to support a variety of client projects, often forming specialized, multidisciplinary squads for specific engagements.

• Senior UX Designers typically report to a Design Director or Head of Experience, with project-specific reporting lines within the client's embedded team structure.

Methodology:

• AKQA emphasizes a human-centered approach, blending art and science to create impactful ideas, products, and services.

• Design processes are iterative, data-informed, and research-driven, focusing on delivering elegant and functional digital experiences.

• Systems thinking is applied to ensure coherence and scalability across complex digital ecosystems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Being part of WPP signifies access to a vast network of resources and expertise across media, data, and technology, which can influence the scope and impact of UX projects. The agency culture is known for its focus on innovation and craft.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior UX Designer position, representing a mid-to-senior level in the design career path. It requires a high degree of autonomy, leadership in design execution, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The focus is on shaping complex digital experiences and influencing strategic direction within client projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will work within an embedded client team, reporting to a client-side Product Manager or equivalent. They will also maintain a connection to AKQA's internal design leadership for guidance, best practices, and career development.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is critical in ensuring that the client's digital platforms are user-friendly, effective, and aligned with business objectives. By designing intuitive and engaging experiences, they directly influence user adoption, satisfaction, conversion rates, and ultimately, the client's business goals and brand perception. The role contributes to the strategic success of the digital products and platforms it touches.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, information architecture, design systems, or user research methodologies.

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

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain experience working across various industries and with different technological stacks, expanding the breadth of project experience.

• Strategic Influence: Develop greater strategic input into product roadmaps and client business objectives through demonstrated design leadership and impact.

• Continuous Learning: Access to AKQA's learning resources, workshops, and industry events to stay abreast of the latest UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contract role, direct long-term career progression within AKQA might be limited unless extended or converted. However, the experience gained on this high-profile project with a major client can significantly enhance a designer's resume and open doors to future senior or lead roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role involves a hybrid work arrangement, requiring 3 days per week in a client's dedicated studio space in London. The remaining days can be worked remotely. The client studio environment is expected to be collaborative and purpose-built for design and product teams.

Office Location(s): The client studio is located in London, England, United Kingdom. Specific address details will be provided to candidates who progress in the interview process. Proximity to public transport links is typical for London-based offices.

Workspace Context:

• The client studio environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and efficient workflow for design and product teams, facilitating in-person brainstorming and co-creation sessions.

• Access to necessary tools and technology will be provided by the client and AKQA to support UX design activities, including high-performance workstations and relevant software licenses.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with client-side product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders will be frequent, promoting a cohesive team dynamic and clear communication channels.

Work Schedule: The primary work schedule will be full-time, aligned with typical business hours in the UK (e.g., 9 am - 5 pm or similar). Flexibility may be required to accommodate project timelines, urgent client needs, or cross-timezone collaboration if applicable. The hybrid model allows for remote work on non-studio days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and client-embedded aspect mean the candidate must be comfortable navigating different work environments and collaborating effectively both in person and remotely. The "client studio" implies a dedicated, potentially shared, workspace designed for creative collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience and suitability for the role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, and how you approach complex challenges. This will likely involve a conversation with AKQA recruiters and potentially a Design Lead.

• Client Stakeholder Interview: An interview with key client stakeholders (e.g., Product Manager, Design Lead from the client side) to assess your fit within their team, understanding of their product, and ability to collaborate in their environment.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge (Potentially): You may be asked to complete a design exercise or discuss a hypothetical problem to evaluate your problem-solving skills, systems thinking, and approach to UX challenges.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion to confirm details and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your experience with complex digital products, end-to-end design, and systems thinking. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made (and why), the challenges you overcame, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Emphasize your user-centered approach, research methodologies, and how you translated insights into design solutions. Explain the "why" behind your design choices.

• Demonstrate Systems Thinking: Show how you've designed scalable experiences or frameworks that work across multiple touchpoints.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your work clearly and efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client's Domain: Research AKQA and its clients to grasp their industry, typical projects, and design ethos.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss how you would approach common UX challenges, such as simplifying complex user flows or designing for new features.

• Articulate Your Process: Prepare to walk through your typical design process and how you adapt it to different project needs and constraints.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the project, team, client, and expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the embedded nature of the role, demonstrating strong collaboration skills and the ability to integrate seamlessly into an existing client team will be as important as technical UX skills. Be prepared to discuss how you handle ambiguity and stakeholder management.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Sketch/Adobe XD: While Figma is highlighted, familiarity with other industry-standard design tools may be beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or Axure may be used for more advanced prototyping, depending on project needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics / Adobe Analytics: Understanding how to interpret user data and analytics to inform design decisions is crucial.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for usability testing, session recording (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com), and survey creation (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX design tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms function can provide context for designing integrated customer journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with Figma's collaboration features, component libraries, and prototyping capabilities in detail.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing user needs through empathetic design.

• Craftsmanship: A dedication to creating beautiful, intuitive, and highly polished digital experiences with meticulous attention to detail.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and approaches to solve complex problems creatively.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the collective effort of multidisciplinary teams to achieve the best outcomes.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on delivering measurable results and tangible value for both users and clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with designers, researchers, writers, technologists, and client teams, fostering a unified approach to product development.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback throughout the design process to refine solutions and ensure alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to elevate the collective expertise and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: AKQA's culture emphasizes a blend of creative artistry and scientific rigor. Candidates who demonstrate passion for design craft, a curious mindset, and a collaborative spirit will likely thrive in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Demands: Effectively managing user needs, stringent business objectives, and technical limitations within tight project timelines.

• Navigating Complex Systems: Simplifying intricate user journeys and information architectures for large-scale digital platforms.

• Client Embedment Dynamics: Integrating successfully into an existing client team, adapting to their culture and processes while maintaining AKQA's standards.

• Rapid Iteration & Feedback: Quickly iterating on designs based on ongoing research, testing, and stakeholder feedback in a fast-paced environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to High-Profile Projects: Gaining hands-on experience with significant digital products and global platforms for a major client.

• Mastering Advanced Tools: Deepening expertise with industry-leading UX tools like Figma through practical application.

• Cross-Functional Skill Enhancement: Learning from specialists in areas like user research, content strategy, and front-end development.

• Agency Best Practices: Understanding and applying AKQA's methodologies for delivering world-class digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature of the role presents a unique challenge in terms of long-term integration, requiring the candidate to be adaptable and self-sufficient. However, the growth opportunity lies in the depth of experience gained on a significant project.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a highly complex digital system for users. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on systems thinking, information architecture, user flows)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints when designing a new feature or product?" (Highlight your decision-making process, research integration, and negotiation skills)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AKQA and this specific client project?" (Research AKQA's work, values, and the client's industry)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a multidisciplinary team, especially when embedded within a client's structure?" (Emphasize adaptability, communication, and teamwork)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (problem, your role, context), Process (research, ideation, design), Solution (key screens, interactions, rationale), Outcome (impact, learnings).

• Focus on Rationale: Clearly explain why you made specific design decisions. This is more critical than just showing pretty screens.

• Highlight Complexity & Simplification: Choose projects that demonstrate your ability to tackle complex problems and deliver elegant, user-friendly solutions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions, the tools you used, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with Figma extensively, as it's a stated requirement. Be ready to articulate how you contribute to a positive team culture and how you handle constructive criticism.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and clearly showcases projects relevant to complex digital products, end-to-end experiences, and systems thinking. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight the skills AKQA is seeking.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your experience in UX design, agency or product environments, user-centered design principles, and proficiency with tools like Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Rehearse your portfolio presentation and prepare answers to common UX interview questions, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and collaborative approach. Practice articulating your rationale clearly.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AKQA, its values, its work (especially in digital experience design), and the WPP group. Understand the client's industry and potential challenges for this role.

⚠️ 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.

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