Senior UX/UI Designer | 3-Month Contract at Wiser

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer | 3-Month Contract Company: Wiser Location: London, United Kingdom Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Operations - Design & Product Operations Date Posted: 2025-07-22T11:04:38 Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level (5-10 years implied) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role is for a seasoned Senior UX/UI Designer to contribute to Wiser's Employer Branding and Talent agency, focusing on designing and auditing client career sites and intranets.
The position is a 3-month contract, emphasizing agile collaboration within a Product Team comprising Product Designers, Developers, and Product Operations specialists.
Key responsibilities include conducting UX audits, creating sitemaps and high-fidelity wireframes, and owning the UI design process from concept to iteration.
The role requires a strong focus on user experience, accessibility, inclusivity, and presenting design rationale to both internal teams and external clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is UX/UI Designer, the context of auditing and designing "career sites and intranets" for clients, and the mention of "Product Operations specialists" within the team, suggests a strong link to operational efficiency in client onboarding and digital product delivery within the employer branding space. This role will require a blend of creative design skills and a process-oriented approach to ensure client satisfaction and project success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive UX audits of existing client websites to identify usability issues, assess user behavior patterns, and evaluate overall effectiveness.
Translate research insights and audit findings into tangible design deliverables, including detailed sitemaps and high-fidelity wireframes.
Lead the end-to-end UI design process for client career sites and intranets, ensuring alignment with client branding, project briefs, and high-quality standards.
Present design concepts, research findings, and rationale clearly and persuasively to internal stakeholders and external clients, accommodating both technical and non-technical audiences.
Collaborate closely with the Product Design team to drive creative solutions, establish scalable visual systems, and maintain design consistency across projects.
Review implemented designs with Product Developers, providing constructive and clear feedback to ensure adherence to design specifications and quality benchmarks.
Champion and integrate accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design principles into all design outputs, ensuring user experiences are equitable and resonate broadly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for meticulous process execution, from audit to implementation review. A candidate must demonstrate the ability to manage project lifecycles efficiently, ensure design quality, and effectively communicate with diverse stakeholder groups. The focus on auditing and translating insights into tangible outputs underscores a requirement for structured problem-solving and a data-informed design approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree is mandated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating design capabilities is essential. A background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial. Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of experience in digital product and website design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality design solutions. This role specifically requires a mid to senior-level proficiency.

Required Skills:

UX Design Expertise: Proficiency in synthesizing research into personas, heuristic reports, and user flows; experience in developing sitemaps and wireframes; ability to analyze website performance metrics to inform design decisions.
UI Design Skills: High proficiency in Figma; strong understanding of visual design principles including typography, color theory, and grid systems; proven ability to design responsive and user-friendly interfaces for web applications.
Collaboration & Communication: Experience working with cross-functional teams (product managers, project managers, account directors); confidence in presenting design rationale to internal and external stakeholders; receptiveness to feedback and proactive communication regarding timelines and blockers.
Problem-Solving & Delivery: Ability to identify UX challenges and propose creative, scalable solutions; skill in balancing user needs with business goals, budget, and technical constraints; comfort in managing multiple workstreams and prioritizing tasks within an agile environment; experience in maintaining organized design systems, version control, and clear documentation for developer handovers.
Growth Mindset: Proactive approach to staying updated on industry trends and best practices in UX/UI; commitment to continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Preferred Skills:

Proficiency across Adobe Creative Cloud applications (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects) for broader visual and motion design needs.
Experience in conducting user discovery and validation through methods like usability testing.
Familiarity with project management tools such as Trello, Jira, and Asana.
Previous experience in facilitating workshops and delivering face-to-face client sessions.
Client management experience, including relationship building and clear communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "high-fidelity wireframes," "visual design principles," and "responsive design" points towards a need for candidates who can deliver polished, production-ready design assets. The "Bonus Points" section indicates that candidates who can demonstrate broader tool proficiency and client-facing experience will have a competitive edge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A strong, well-curated portfolio showcasing end-to-end design process and demonstrable impact on client projects.
Clear articulation of the design process, including UX research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and user testing.
Demonstration of problem-solving skills and how design decisions addressed specific user or business needs.
Examples of responsive design for various devices and screen sizes.
Inclusion of case studies that highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams and client feedback integration.

Process Documentation:

Evidence of structured UX audit methodologies and the ability to document findings clearly.
Examples of creating sitemaps and user flows to map out user journeys and information architecture.
Demonstration of effective version control, component libraries, and design system management for efficient handovers.
Portfolio pieces should illustrate an understanding of accessibility standards and their implementation in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process, explain design decisions, and showcase how they've translated client needs and user insights into effective digital products. Highlighting the "end-to-end design process" and "impact" is key, suggesting a need for quantifiable results or clear qualitative outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 3-month contract role and no specific salary is provided, a competitive London-based day rate for a Senior UX/UI Designer with 4+ years of experience would typically range from £350 to £550 per day, depending on the depth of experience and specific project demands. This equates to an annualized figure of approximately £72,800 - £114,400 if the role were full-time.

Benefits:

A high-performance company culture designed for rapid progression and thriving.
Opportunity to develop within a fast-growing company, with monthly progression check-ins.
Engaging regular events and social activities to foster cross-team collaboration.
Complimentary breakfast provided at the award-winning HQ in Farringdon, central London.
Dedicated support from an in-house Happiness team focused on wellbeing.
Provision of a full suite of Apple devices and necessary technology, with in-house IT support.
Potential for international travel opportunities for client pitches and workshops.
Additional wellness support, including access to a performance coach and a therapy budget.

Working Hours: The standard expectation for a full-time contract is 40 hours per week, with flexibility implied through the company's focus on performance and employee wellbeing.

📝 Enhancement Note: For contract roles, candidates typically negotiate a day rate rather than a fixed salary. The benefits package offered is quite comprehensive for a contract position, indicating Wiser's commitment to employee wellbeing and development, which is attractive for attracting top talent in a competitive market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Employer Branding and Talent Acquisition. Wiser's mission is to transform how individuals perceive work by building compelling employer brands. Company Size: Wiser operates as a growing agency, implying a dynamic environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. The exact size isn't specified, but the range of services suggests a medium-sized agency. Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company's "award-winning" status and focus on modern employer branding suggest a relatively established, yet forward-thinking, organization.

Team Structure:

The Product Team is a collaborative unit composed of Product Designers, Developers, and Product Operations specialists, working in an agile framework.
The Senior UX/UI Designer will report into the Product Design Team, likely working closely with Product Managers and Account Directors who interface with clients.
Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers expected to work closely with developers for implementation and with account teams for client management.

Methodology:

The team operates on an agile methodology, emphasizing iterative design and rapid development.
Data analysis and user insights are central to the design process, informing UX audits and design decisions.
Workflow optimization is inherent in the design process, aiming to create efficient and effective client career sites and intranets.

Company Website: https://wearewiser.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Wiser positions itself as innovative and people-centric, aiming to "change the way people think about work." This suggests a culture that values creativity, ownership, and continuous improvement, which are key attributes for success in operations-focused design roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy. It's a contract position, meaning the immediate focus is on project delivery rather than long-term career pathing within Wiser, though the experience gained will be highly valuable. Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will be part of the Product Team and will likely report to a Lead Product Designer or Head of Product. Collaboration will extend to account management and client-facing roles. Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts client satisfaction and the quality of Wiser's digital product offerings (career sites, intranets). By conducting thorough audits and delivering high-quality designs, the role contributes to Wiser's reputation and operational efficiency in client project delivery.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX auditing, responsive design, and accessibility standards within the employer branding context.
Client Exposure: Gaining experience with a diverse range of clients across various industries (consumer, fashion, media, travel), enhancing portfolio breadth.
Process Refinement: Contributing to the refinement of Wiser's product design processes and the development of scalable visual systems.
Networking: Building connections within the employer branding and talent acquisition industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, the emphasis on "high-performance company culture," "monthly check-ins," and "career progression" suggests Wiser invests in its people, even on a temporary basis. For a contractor, the growth comes from the projects, the exposure, and the potential to impress for future engagements.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company boasts an "award-winning HQ in Farringdon, central London," suggesting a modern, well-designed, and potentially collaborative physical workspace. Office Location(s): The primary location is London, United Kingdom, specifically in the Farringdon area, known for its central accessibility. Workspace Context:

The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration and creativity, supported by high-quality Apple technology and in-house IT support.
Opportunities for interaction with other teams (creative, recruitment) are implied, contributing to a holistic agency environment.
The "Happiness team" and wellness support indicate a focus on employee wellbeing and a positive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, implying a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, the company culture of "expect more" and high performance may suggest opportunities for focused, efficient work rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the HQ and the emphasis on "team dynamic that will bring the very best out of you" suggest an environment where designers are provided with excellent tools and a supportive atmosphere to perform at their best, which is crucial for roles requiring detailed design work and client interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Application: Submit CV and Portfolio. This is the crucial first step.
Initial Interview: Likely a screening call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
Task and Portfolio Walk-through: A practical assessment where candidates will likely be given a design challenge or asked to present specific case studies from their portfolio, explaining their process and decisions.
Final Interview: A meeting with the COO to discuss strategic alignment, company vision, and final fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Process-Centric: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from discovery and research to final delivery and iteration.
Problem/Solution: Frame your projects around the problems you solved for clients and the impact of your solutions. Use data and user insights to back up your decisions.
Figma Proficiency: Showcase your skills in Figma, including component libraries, prototyping, and potentially design systems.
Accessibility Focus: Highlight instances where you've incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Detail how you've worked with developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized and easy to navigate, with key information readily accessible. Prepare to speak to specific projects in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

UX Audit Simulation: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a UX audit for a client's career site. Think about key metrics, user flows, and common pitfalls.
Design Rationale: Practice articulating the "why" behind your design choices, focusing on user needs, business goals, and brand consistency.
Client Communication: Anticipate questions about how you handle client feedback, manage expectations, and present complex design concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Task and portfolio walk-through" is a critical stage. Candidates should select 3-4 strong projects that best represent their skills in UX auditing, UI design, and client collaboration. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. High proficiency is required.
Adobe Creative Cloud: Preferred for broader visual design, motion graphics, and asset creation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).

Analytics & Reporting:

Familiarity with website performance metrics is necessary for informed design decisions. Tools like Google Analytics or similar would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

Experience with project management tools like Trello, Jira, or Asana is a bonus, indicating familiarity with agile workflows and team collaboration platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement. While other tools are listed as "bonus points," a strong understanding of design systems, prototyping, and collaboration features within Figma will be heavily evaluated.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Be Real: Authenticity and transparency are encouraged, fostering an environment where individuals can be themselves.
Back Yourself: Confidence in one's abilities and a proactive approach are valued, encouraging initiative and ownership.
Take Ownership: Employees are empowered to take responsibility for their work and drive it to completion with pride.
Make Moves: Initiative, purpose, and proactive action are key to contributing to collective success.
Expect More: A drive for continuous improvement, pushing personal potential, and inspiring excellence in others is central to the culture.

Collaboration Style:

Highly collaborative and agile, with designers working closely with developers, product managers, and account directors.
Emphasis on open communication, proactive feedback, and shared ownership of project success.
A culture that supports learning and development, encouraging the sharing of inspiration and new techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: Wiser's values are action-oriented and focus on personal accountability, self-belief, and a drive for excellence. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Fast-Paced Environment: Working on multiple client projects simultaneously within a 3-month contract requires strong time management and prioritization skills.
Client-Specific Needs: Adapting to diverse client branding guidelines, project scopes, and stakeholder expectations.
Balancing Constraints: Effectively balancing user needs with business goals, timelines, and technical limitations.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring high design quality and consistency across projects, demanding meticulous attention to detail.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with leading companies in the consumer, fashion, media, and travel sectors.
Process Enhancement: Contributing to and learning from Wiser's established design and product development processes.
Skill Application: Deepening expertise in UX auditing, responsive design, and accessibility through practical application.
Networking: Building professional relationships within a dynamic agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The contract nature means the primary growth opportunity is the experience and portfolio enhancement. The challenges are typical of agency work, requiring adaptability and resilience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

UX Audit Approach: "How would you conduct a UX audit for a client's career site? What key metrics and areas would you focus on?" (Prepare to discuss your methodology, tools, and common UX issues in employer branding websites).
Design Decision Rationale: "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you had to balance conflicting user needs and business requirements. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to articulate your design choices).
Collaboration & Feedback: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the result?" (Highlight your ability to take constructive criticism and iterate effectively).

Company & Culture Questions:

Wiser's Values: "How do you embody our values of 'Be Real,' 'Back Yourself,' 'Take Ownership,' 'Make Moves,' and 'Expect More' in your work?" (Prepare specific examples from your experience).
Team Dynamics: "How do you typically collaborate with developers and project managers on design projects?" (Emphasize your communication and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives, guiding the interviewer through the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact.
Visual Clarity: Ensure your slides are clean, visually appealing, and highlight key design elements. Use annotations to explain design decisions.
Figma Demo: Be ready to share your Figma files, showcase your component libraries, prototyping skills, and design system thinking.
Metrics & Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, positive user feedback). If quantitative data isn't available, focus on qualitative outcomes and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a specific "Task and portfolio walk-through." Candidates should be prepared to actively present and discuss their work, demonstrating not just the final output but the thought process and problem-solving skills behind it.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring your CV and a strong, relevant Portfolio are attached.
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UX auditing, responsive UI design, and successful client collaborations, ideally in digital product or website design.
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 4+ years of experience, specific UX/UI skills (mentioning Figma prominently), and any experience with employer branding or talent platforms. Use keywords from the job description.
Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you've applied UX/UI principles. Prepare answers for behavioral questions related to Wiser's values and collaboration.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wiser's work, clients, and company culture by visiting wearewiser.com. Understand their mission to "change the way people think about work."

⚠️ 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.

Senior UX/UI Designer | 3-Month Contract