Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer Company: Royal London Group Location: Alderley Edge, United Kingdom Job Type: Permanent Category: User Experience (UX) Design Date Posted: 2025-10-09 Experience Level: 3+ Years Industry Experience Remote Status: Hybrid (50% home/office based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver innovative, inclusive, and customer-focused user experiences that meet customer needs and expectations, leveraging data and technology.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and project teams to research, design, and implement high-quality digital products and services.
• Contribute to the evolution of UX approaches across the design practice team, ensuring consistency and excellence in output.
• Champion user-centered design principles and accessibility standards throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a "Senior UX Designer," indicating a need for a candidate who can not only execute design tasks but also influence strategy, mentor others, and drive best practices within the team. The hybrid working model suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of user experiences for internal and external digital products and services, ensuring they are innovative, inclusive, and customer-centric.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate proposed solutions.
• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard tools to effectively communicate design concepts to stakeholders and development teams.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Developers, Business Analysts, and other stakeholders to translate business requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.
• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and promote mobile-first, responsive, and adaptive design principles.
• Proactively identify opportunities for UX improvements and contribute to the continuous enhancement of UX methodologies and design systems.
• Present and defend design decisions with clear rationale, backed by data and user insights, to stakeholders at various levels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "innovative, inclusive, and customer-focused experiences" and "strengthening customer relationships and ensuring positive outcomes" highlights a strategic component to this role beyond just executing design tasks. The responsibility to "contribute towards UX approaches across the design practice team" suggests a leadership or mentoring aspect to the senior position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of industry experience in UX design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products and services.

Required Skills:

• Extensive understanding of usability principles, user research methodologies, and design best practices.
• Expertise in complex interaction design and the ability to translate user needs into intuitive interfaces.
• Proficiency in responsive and adaptive web design, with a strong mobile-first thinking approach.
• Excellent understanding and practical application of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Deep knowledge of user-centered design (UCD) principles and processes.
• Demonstrated experience conducting moderated or unmoderated user research.
• Extensive practical experience with rapid prototyping and wire-framing using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision).
• Proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders effectively through clear communication and data-backed arguments.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret data and user feedback for design optimization.
• Ability to multi-task and learn new tools and concepts quickly.
• Pro-active and results-oriented mindset with a strong work ethic.
• Energetic team player with excellent self-management skills to effectively manage own workload.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design systems and their implementation.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum development methodologies.
• Experience in the financial services or insurance industry.
• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3 years industry experience" combined with "Extensive understanding," "Expert in," and "Excellent understanding" points to a need for a candidate with substantial hands-on experience and a deep theoretical foundation in UX principles and practices. The emphasis on influencing stakeholders with "data backed evidence" suggests a strategic and analytical component to the role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating your ability to solve complex problems and deliver user-centered solutions.
• Clear case studies detailing your design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
• Examples of responsive and mobile-first designs, illustrating your expertise in designing for various devices and screen sizes.
• Demonstrable evidence of applying accessibility standards in your design work.
• Prototypes and wireframes that clearly articulate user flows and interaction design.
• Metrics or outcomes demonstrating the impact of your designs on user satisfaction, engagement, or business goals.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of user research plans, methodologies employed, and synthesized findings.
• Illustrate your approach to iterative design processes, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing cycles.
• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, product managers) to bring designs to life.
• Demonstrate how you have used data and analytics to inform and refine designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design skills but, more importantly, demonstrate a robust understanding of the UX process, user research methodologies, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate design rationale and impact. The expectation is to see evidence of strategic thinking and the ability to influence outcomes through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in Edinburgh, Scotland, with 3+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between £45,000 and £65,000. This range can vary based on the depth of experience, specific skill set, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave in addition to bank holidays, providing ample time for rest and personal pursuits.
• Pension Scheme: A generous employer-matching pension scheme of up to 14%, supporting long-term financial planning.
• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive private medical insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare.
• Hybrid Working: Flexible hybrid working model (50% home/office based) promoting work-life balance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility in where and how work is conducted. Specific daily start and end times can often be discussed to accommodate personal needs while ensuring team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on average UK market data for Senior UX Designers in major cities like Edinburgh, considering the provided experience level and the employer's reputation. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting key attractions for candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Life, Pensions, and Investments). Royal London is the UK's largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, operating in a sector that requires high levels of trust, customer focus, and regulatory compliance.

Company Size: Large Enterprise. As the UK's largest mutual life, pensions, and investment company, Royal London is a significant player in the financial services sector, implying a structured environment with established processes and a substantial customer base.

Founded: 1861. With a long history, Royal London has a strong heritage and established market presence, suggesting a stable and mature organization that values tradition while adapting to modern digital demands.

Team Structure:

• The UX team is part of a broader design practice, indicating a collaborative environment where UX designers work alongside other creative and technical professionals.
• The Senior UX Designer will report to a Hiring Manager (Lorraine Guthrie) and collaborate closely with project teams, product managers, and developers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring strong communication and partnership with various departments to deliver integrated digital experiences.

Methodology:

• The role emphasizes a data-driven approach to design, using research and analytics to inform decisions.
• User-centered design (UCD) is a core methodology, ensuring that customer needs are at the forefront of all design efforts.
• Agile or similar iterative development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to adapt to changing requirements and collaborate closely with development sprints.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mutual status and long history suggest a culture that prioritizes customer well-being and long-term stability. This can translate into a work environment that values thoughtful design and robust solutions over short-term gains. The "Spirit of Royal London values" (Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve) should be considered by candidates for cultural fit.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, signifying a mid-to-senior level position within the UX discipline. It implies a significant level of autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and potentially the mentorship of junior designers.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report to a Hiring Manager (Lorraine Guthrie) and work within a design practice team. This structure allows for both direct guidance and peer collaboration, fostering professional development.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction by designing intuitive and effective digital experiences. By improving user journeys and product usability, the Senior UX Designer contributes to business objectives such as increased conversion rates, reduced customer support inquiries, and enhanced brand loyalty. The data-driven aspect ensures that design decisions are aligned with measurable business outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific UX areas such as user research, accessibility, interaction design, or service design.
• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead UX Designer, UX Manager, or Product Design Lead roles, involving team management, strategic planning, and broader project oversight.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gaining experience in different areas of the financial services industry, potentially leading to roles in product management or digital strategy.
• Continuous Learning: Access to training, workshops, and industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest UX trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is a key indicator of growth potential. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership qualities, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor, which are crucial for advancing beyond this role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model (50% home/office based). This indicates a blend of remote flexibility and in-office collaboration, suggesting that the company values both focused individual work and team interaction.

Office Location(s): Alderley Edge, United Kingdom. This specific location will be the primary office base for the hybrid arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely fosters collaboration among design, product, and development teams, facilitating efficient communication and idea sharing.
• Access to necessary design tools, software, and potentially a dedicated UX lab or testing facilities would be expected.
• Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, stakeholders, and potentially users during research activities.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing individuals to balance remote work with office days, which can be beneficial for managing focused design tasks and attending in-person meetings or workshops.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of this role requires individuals to be self-disciplined and proactive in managing their work and communication across different environments. The office days will be crucial for building relationships and engaging in high-bandwidth collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.
• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion with Lorraine Guthrie focusing on your experience, design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and suitability for a senior role.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio, where you will present case studies, explain your design process, and discuss how you've applied UX principles to solve real-world problems. Expect questions about your decision-making, stakeholder management, and how you handle feedback.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (other designers, product managers, developers) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and technical acumen.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your senior-level capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the challenges faced, your specific contributions, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes achieved (quantifiable if possible).
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your end-to-end UX process, including research methodologies, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.
• Demonstrate Data Influence: Show how you used data, user feedback, and analytics to inform design decisions and measure success.
• Address Accessibility & Inclusivity: Clearly explain how you incorporated accessibility standards and considered inclusive design principles.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate detailed questions about your design rationale, technical decisions, stakeholder interactions, and how you handle constructive criticism.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the requirements, constraints, and objectives.
• Think Aloud: During the challenge, articulate your thought process, assumptions, and design decisions as you work.
• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving and design.
• Prioritize: If time is a constraint, focus on delivering a core solution and clearly communicate what you would do next if more time were available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "data backed evidence" and "influencing stakeholders" suggests that interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can not only design well but also strategically advocate for user needs and demonstrate business value. The portfolio review will be a critical component for assessing these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Extensive practical experience with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure, or similar. Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes and detailed wireframes is essential.
• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Understanding of tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar to track user behavior and measure design impact.
• Data Visualization: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or built-in reporting features of analytics platforms to present data insights effectively.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, an understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms interface with customer-facing applications can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description explicitly mentions "rapid prototyping / wire-framing using industry tools." While specific tools aren't listed, candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency with leading design and prototyping software, as these are core to the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Empowered: Individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and drive initiatives forward.
• Trustworthy: A culture of integrity, reliability, and accountability where colleagues can depend on each other.
• Collaborate: Strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and working together across departments to achieve common goals.
• Achieve: A focus on delivering results, striving for excellence, and meeting business objectives.
• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs, reflected in the design of products and services.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: Royal London actively promotes an inclusive environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a collaborative environment where UX designers work closely with product managers, developers, researchers, and other stakeholders.
• Open communication and constructive feedback are crucial for iterative design processes.
• The hybrid model necessitates proactive communication and effective use of collaboration tools to maintain strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align their responses and portfolio presentations with Royal London's stated values. Demonstrating how you embody "Empowered" and "Collaborate" through past experiences will be key to showcasing cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs with User Needs: Effectively negotiating and prioritizing competing demands from various stakeholders while remaining a strong advocate for the user.
• Designing for Complex Financial Products: Translating intricate financial concepts and regulations into simple, intuitive, and trustworthy user experiences.
• Adopting New Technologies and Methodologies: Staying current with evolving UX trends, tools, and best practices in a dynamic digital landscape.
• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the success of UX initiatives and demonstrating ROI to secure buy-in for future projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced user research, service design, or UX strategy.
• Industry Events & Training: Access to conferences, workshops, and online courses to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and gain leadership experience.
• Cross-Departmental Exposure: Gaining insights into other areas of the business, such as product management, marketing, or data analytics.

📝 Enhancement Note: Highlighting how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in your career will be crucial. Demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and professional development will also be well-received.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a stakeholder who disagreed with your design recommendation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data-backed arguments, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a complex feature from initial concept to final implementation. Highlight your key decisions and the rationale behind them." (Emphasize your end-to-end UX methodology, research, prototyping, and testing.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and meet accessibility standards?" (Detail specific standards, tools, and considerations you employ.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements and technical constraints?" (Discuss prioritization, trade-offs, and collaborative negotiation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Royal London and our mission in the financial services sector?" (Research the company's history, values, products, and recent news.)
• "How do you see your skills and experience contributing to our 'Spirit of Royal London' values (Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve)?" (Provide specific examples from your career.)
• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment?" (Discuss your strategies for effective communication, collaboration, and self-management.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Research & Insights -> Ideation & Design -> Testing & Iteration -> Solution & Outcome.
• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of wireframes, prototypes, and final designs. Annotate key elements and flows.
• Data Focus: Quantify impact wherever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y seconds").
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allocated slot, focusing on the most critical aspects of each project.
• Interaction: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, challenges, and learnings. Engage with the interviewers and treat it as a collaborative discussion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the senior nature of the role, interviewers will delve into your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and ability to drive impact. Be prepared to discuss not just what you designed, but why and how it achieved specific business and user goals.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Royal London Group careers portal (https://jobs.royallondon.com/job/Edinburgh-Senior-UX-Designer/1256017401/).
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 3+ years of experience, focusing on achievements related to user research, interaction design, prototyping, accessibility, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description and Royal London's values.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful UX projects. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your process, your contributions, the solution, and the measurable outcomes. Be ready to present this in detail.
• Prepare for Interviews: Research Royal London's products, values, and recent news. Practice articulating your design process and decision-making using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your senior-level capabilities and alignment with the company culture.
• Understand Hybrid Expectations: Be ready to discuss how you manage your workload and collaborate effectively in a hybrid work environment.

⚠️ 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.