Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer (Embedded – JLR)

Company: Inspired Thinking Group (ITG)

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design & Digital Product Development

Date Posted: 2026-04-02

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Embedded within client-side team)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a senior-level UX/UI Designer position, focused on delivering high-impact digital experiences within a client's operational environment.

• The position requires a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, advanced proficiency in design tools, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into an existing client-side UX and product team.

• The primary objective is to design and optimize user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity interfaces for large-scale digital platforms, ensuring alignment with established design systems and brand guidelines.

• As an embedded contractor, the candidate will be expected to deliver production-ready design outputs with minimal oversight, contributing to ongoing optimization and the successful implementation of digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is for a UX/UI Designer, the "embedded" nature and focus on "client-side operator, immediate impact" suggest a strong need for operations-minded individuals who can drive efficiency and deliver tangible results within a structured corporate environment. This requires not just design skills but also adaptability, strong communication, and a results-oriented approach, aligning with GTM operations principles of execution and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Directly engage with Jaguar Land Rover's (JLR) internal UX and product teams to contribute to live digital product development and ongoing customer journey optimization.

• Design comprehensive user flows, detailed wireframes, and high-fidelity UI mockups for both web-based and logged-in user experiences.

• Translate complex business and user requirements into clear, actionable, and production-ready design specifications for development teams.

• Ensure all design outputs strictly adhere to JLR's established design systems, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and brand guidelines.

• Foster close collaboration with development teams throughout the implementation phase to guarantee accurate translation of designs into functional interfaces.

• Actively participate in rapid iteration cycles and support ongoing optimization initiatives for active projects, driving continuous improvement.

• Contribute to the identification and implementation of usability enhancements and performance optimization strategies for existing digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a direct contribution to operational digital products and customer journeys, requiring a focus on efficiency, user adoption, and measurable outcomes. This aligns with GTM operations' focus on optimizing conversion paths and user experiences to drive business results. The emphasis on design systems and accessibility also points to the need for standardized, scalable, and inclusive design processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of dedicated UX/UI design experience within enterprise, agency, or in-house digital product teams, with a proven track record of designing for large-scale digital ecosystems.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of professional UX/UI design experience in enterprise, agency, or in-house digital settings.

• Demonstrated experience designing for large-scale websites, complex web applications, or digital ecosystems.

• Proven ability to work effectively within and contribute to established design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design tools, specifically Figma (components, advanced prototyping, auto-layout) and Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Experience with design handoff processes to development teams, including the use of tools like Zeplin or Figma's developer handoff features.

• Proven experience working in an embedded capacity with client-side teams or directly with client stakeholders, demonstrating strong collaboration and communication skills.

• Expertise in creating detailed user flows and wireframes to map out user journeys and information architecture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for logged-in user experiences or customer portals.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies, usability testing, and incorporating user feedback into design iterations.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.

• Experience with design operations (DesignOps) principles to streamline design workflows and improve team efficiency.

• Agile/Scrum methodology experience, particularly within a product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5+ years UX/UI experience in enterprise, agency, or in-house digital teams" and "designing for large-scale websites or digital ecosystems" points to a need for candidates who understand complex operational environments and can manage design consistency across broad platforms, a key concern in GTM operations. Advanced Figma and Adobe CC skills are critical for efficient workflow and high-fidelity output, directly impacting the speed and quality of digital product delivery.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional UX/UI design work, with a focus on large-scale digital platforms and complex user journeys.

• Demonstrations of direct contributions to user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity UI designs for web and logged-in experiences.

• Case studies highlighting experience working within or contributing to established design systems, detailing how consistency and scalability were maintained.

• Examples of projects where advanced Figma and Adobe CC skills were leveraged for prototyping, component creation, and efficient design handoff.

• Projects that specifically demonstrate experience working embedded with client-side teams or stakeholders, illustrating collaborative processes and successful integration.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how user requirements were translated into clear, production-ready design outputs.

• Illustrate the collaborative process with developers, detailing how design intent was communicated and implemented accurately.

• Provide examples of contributions to usability improvements and optimization initiatives, ideally with metrics or observed outcomes.

• Demonstrate understanding of aligning design work with brand guidelines and design system governance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior, embedded role, a portfolio must go beyond just visual design. It needs to demonstrate process, problem-solving, and the ability to integrate into existing workflows. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration with developers points to a need for structured documentation of design processes and the ability to articulate how design decisions contribute to operational efficiency and user adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior UX/UI Designer role, 5+ years of experience, and the contractor status in Birmingham, UK, a competitive rate is expected. For a 6-month contract, the estimated daily rate would be between £300 - £500, translating to an approximate annual equivalent of £62,400 - £104,000 (assuming a standard 40-hour work week). This range can vary based on the candidate's specific expertise, the intensity of the project, and ITG's client-specific billing rates for JLR.

Benefits:

• As a contractor role, standard employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are typically not included.

• Potential for contract extension based on performance and project needs.

• Opportunity to work with a prestigious automotive brand (Jaguar Land Rover), enhancing professional experience and portfolio.

• Exposure to a dynamic, fast-paced client-side operational environment.

• ITG offers various community groups (ERGs) such as Black ITGers Together, LGBTQ+ Together, Neurodiversity Together, etc., which may be accessible to contractors.

Working Hours: The role is implied to be a standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility given the hybrid nature. The embedded aspect means adherence to client working hours and project timelines will be crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical contractor rates in the UK for senior-level design roles in major cities, considering the specific skills and client. Benefits for contractors are generally limited compared to permanent roles, so the focus is on the project's prestige and potential for future work. The mention of ERGs is a unique benefit provided by ITG that may extend to contractors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) operates within the marketing technology and services industry, specializing in delivering integrated marketing campaigns and digital experiences. Their client, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), is a leading automotive manufacturer. This role is embedded within JLR's internal UX team, meaning the day-to-day culture will largely reflect JLR's corporate environment.

Company Size: Inspired Thinking Group (ITG) is a significant player in its field, with a substantial workforce. Being embedded within a client like JLR means operating within a large, established automotive corporation.

Founded: Inspired Thinking Group was founded in 1991. Jaguar Land Rover, as a brand, has a much longer history, dating back to the 1920s for Jaguar and 1948 for Land Rover. This role leverages the operational structure of a major automotive OEM.

Team Structure:

• The role involves embedding directly within Jaguar Land Rover’s internal UX and product teams. This suggests a matrixed reporting structure where the designer reports operationally to ITG (for contract management) but functionally and day-to-day to JLR’s UX leadership.

• Collaboration will be extensive with JLR’s UX designers, product managers, developers, and potentially marketing stakeholders.

Methodology:

• The work will involve applying user-centered design methodologies to create and optimize digital products and customer journeys.

• Emphasis will be placed on rapid iteration cycles, agile development processes, and ensuring designs are production-ready and aligned with corporate standards.

• Data-driven decision-making will likely be a factor, with a focus on usability improvements and optimization initiatives.

Company Website: https://www.inspiredthinking.group/ (ITG) and https://www.jaguarlandrover.com/ (JLR)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the embedded nature is crucial. The candidate will operate within JLR’s corporate culture, which is typically structured, process-driven, and focused on brand integrity and large-scale execution, rather than the more agile startup culture often associated with design agencies. ITG's involvement provides the contractor framework and broader industry perspective.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX/UI Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the design discipline. It requires significant autonomy, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers if needed. The "embedded" nature means the role is focused on direct contribution and execution within a client's operational framework, rather than managing a team or defining high-level strategy for ITG.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report functionally to JLR's UX and product teams while maintaining a contractual relationship with ITG. This means navigating two organizational structures, requiring strong communication and stakeholder management skills to ensure alignment and address any contractual or performance issues.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to the success of JLR's digital products and customer journeys. By delivering high-quality, user-friendly, and accessible digital experiences, the designer will contribute to:

• Enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Improved conversion rates and engagement metrics.

• Streamlined user experiences, reducing support overhead.

• Consistent brand representation across digital touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for automotive digital ecosystems, complex logged-in experiences, and large-scale design systems.

• Client-Side Acumen: Gain invaluable experience operating within a major automotive OEM, understanding their operational challenges, processes, and stakeholder dynamics.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Add significant, high-profile projects for a globally recognized brand to your professional portfolio.

• Contract Extension/Future Opportunities: Successful performance may lead to contract extensions or future opportunities within JLR or with ITG's other high-profile clients.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Develop stronger collaborative skills by working closely with diverse teams (product, development, marketing) within a corporate setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth here is primarily within the context of the project and client. The "embedded" nature means the candidate is learning JLR’s operational processes and design challenges. This is less about climbing the ladder within ITG and more about expanding practical experience and a strong portfolio from a high-impact engagement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "Hybrid" and "Embedded – JLR," indicating a primary work location at JLR's facilities, likely in Birmingham. While some flexibility might exist, the expectation is to be present on-site to work closely with the client's UX and product teams.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Birmingham, England, United Kingdom, specifically within Jaguar Land Rover's operational sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace within JLR's design and product development teams. This will involve frequent interaction with colleagues, team meetings, and design reviews.

• Tools and Technology: Access to JLR's internal digital infrastructure, design software licenses (Figma, Adobe CC), and collaboration tools will be provided or expected.

• Cross-functional Interaction: Opportunities to interact with developers, product managers, UX researchers, and potentially marketing teams will be frequent, fostering a holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Corporate Setting: The environment will likely be that of a large, established corporation, characterized by structured processes, established workflows, and a focus on brand consistency.

Work Schedule: The role is a 6-month contract, likely full-time (40 hours/week). The "Hybrid" designation suggests a mix of on-site and remote work, but the "embedded" nature implies significant on-site presence is required at JLR's Birmingham location. Adherence to JLR's operational working hours and project deadlines will be paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "embedded" and "hybrid" aspects are key. This isn't a fully remote role; it requires physical presence at the client's site to integrate effectively. The candidate must be comfortable navigating a corporate office environment and working closely with a dedicated client team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by ITG's recruitment team to assess experience and alignment with core requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present selected case studies from your portfolio to ITG and/or JLR representatives. This will likely focus on your design process, problem-solving approach, Figma/Adobe CC proficiency, and experience with design systems and accessibility.

• Client-Side Integration Discussion: An interview focused on your ability to work effectively in an embedded, client-side role, assessing your communication, collaboration, adaptability, and ability to operate with minimal oversight within a corporate structure.

• Cultural Fit & Behavioral Assessment: Questions designed to gauge your "calm, adaptable, and delivery-focused" attitude, low-ego approach, and comfort within structured corporate environments.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your experience in large-scale digital platforms, user flows, wireframing, and high-fidelity UI design. Prioritize projects that showcase your work within design systems or for established brands.

• Highlight Embedded Experience: If you have prior experience working embedded with clients or in similar collaborative settings, ensure this is clearly demonstrated.

• Focus on Process & Problem-Solving: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process (user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, iteration), the solutions you implemented, and the impact or outcomes (even if qualitative).

• Showcase Figma/Adobe CC Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your advanced techniques in Figma (components, variants, auto-layout, prototyping) and Adobe CC. If possible, show interactive prototypes.

• Emphasize Design Systems & Accessibility: Clearly explain how you adhered to or contributed to design systems and incorporated accessibility standards (WCAG) into your designs.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, positive user feedback). If metrics aren't available, focus on the qualitative benefits.

• Prepare for Handoff Discussions: Be ready to discuss your process for handing off designs to developers, including documentation and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• While a specific design challenge isn't explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential exercises or questions that test your problem-solving skills under pressure. This might involve a quick wireframing exercise for a hypothetical feature or a discussion on how you'd approach a specific design problem within JLR's context.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when explaining trade-offs or rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "calm, adaptable, and delivery-focused" with "low-ego" suggests interviews will probe for professionalism and a proactive, problem-solving attitude. A portfolio that clearly demonstrates structured design processes and successful integration into client environments will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a core requirement for user flows, wireframing, high-fidelity UI design, component creation, prototyping, and design system management.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for asset creation and manipulation (Illustrator for vector graphics, Photoshop for image editing).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are primary; familiarity with other tools like Adobe XD or InVision may be beneficial but not explicitly required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a requirement for the designer, understanding how design impacts user behavior metrics will be crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user journey performance is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the UX/UI designer role, but understanding the broader digital ecosystem, including CRM and marketing automation platforms, can provide context for user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on core design tools. The key here is advanced proficiency, particularly in Figma, given its prevalence in modern design workflows for component-based systems and rapid prototyping. The ability to "handoff" designs to developers implies familiarity with features that facilitate this.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Delivery-Focused: A strong emphasis on completing tasks efficiently and delivering high-quality outputs within project timelines, particularly given the contract nature and client-side embedding.

• Adaptability & Calmness: The ability to remain composed and flexible in a fast-paced, corporate environment with evolving project requirements.

• Collaboration & Low-Ego: A willingness to work harmoniously with client-side teams, share ideas openly, and prioritize the project's success over individual recognition.

• Design System Adherence: A commitment to maintaining design consistency and quality by rigorously following established design systems and brand guidelines.

• User-Centricity: A fundamental dedication to understanding user needs and translating them into intuitive and effective digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded Integration: Working seamlessly as part of JLR's internal UX and product teams.

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Close collaboration with developers to ensure accurate implementation, product managers for requirement alignment, and potentially UX researchers for insights.

• Structured Communication: Engaging in clear, concise communication, likely through formal meetings, project management tools, and design review sessions.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture of providing and receiving constructive feedback to drive continuous improvement in design and product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values highlight the importance of being a reliable, integrated team member within a large corporate structure. The "low-ego" and "calm, adaptable" aspects are critical for success in an embedded contractor role where integration and smooth operation are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Corporate Structures: Adapting to the processes, hierarchies, and communication styles of a large automotive manufacturer like JLR.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring all design outputs align with JLR's extensive design systems and brand guidelines across various digital touchpoints.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality, user-centered designs rapidly within active project cycles and tight deadlines.

• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and managing expectations with diverse client-side stakeholders, who may have varying levels of design understanding.

• Embedded Role Dynamics: Operating as an external contractor within an internal team, requiring strong interpersonal skills to build trust and integrate effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Automotive UX: Gaining specialized knowledge of user experiences within the automotive industry, particularly for connected car features and digital customer journeys.

• Large-Scale Design System Mastery: Enhancing skills in working with and contributing to complex, enterprise-level design systems.

• Corporate Design Operations: Understanding how design integrates into the broader operational framework of a major global brand.

• Client-Side Project Exposure: Building a robust portfolio with impactful projects for a well-known automotive brand.

• Contracting Experience: Developing professional experience and network within the contract workforce ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for an embedded contractor in a large corporate setting. The growth opportunities are significant for building a specific niche in automotive UX and large-scale enterprise design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully embedded yourself within a client's team. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your integration, communication, and adaptability.)

• "Walk us through a complex user flow you designed for a large-scale digital product. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study, highlighting your problem-solving and design methodology.)

• "How do you ensure your designs align with established design systems and brand guidelines, especially when working under pressure?" (Demonstrate your understanding of governance and systematic design.)

• "Describe your experience with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG). How do you integrate them into your design process?" (Showcase your commitment to inclusive design.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Jaguar Land Rover, and how do you see your UX/UI skills contributing to their digital products?" (Research JLR's current digital initiatives.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" (Emphasize your collaborative, low-ego approach.)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you manage your time and productivity?" (Highlight your organizational skills and ability to work independently.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your journey, the solution, and the impact.

• Focus on Process, Not Just Pixels: Explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demo key aspects of your Figma files, such as component libraries, prototyping, or collaboration features.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or clear qualitative outcomes to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time; focus on the most critical aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also the operational qualities of an embedded contractor: reliability, adaptability, strong communication, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Workable application link provided.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating your experience with large-scale digital platforms, established design systems, and complex user flows. Prioritize examples of your advanced Figma and Adobe CC skills and any experience working in an embedded client-side capacity.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV clearly outlines your 5+ years of relevant experience, specifically mentioning enterprise/agency work, large-scale digital ecosystems, and proficiency in Figma and Adobe CC. Highlight achievements related to collaboration, adherence to design systems, and accessibility.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare specific case studies for portfolio review, focusing on problem-solving and impact. Research Jaguar Land Rover's digital presence and ITG's services.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Inspired Thinking Group's offerings and client portfolio, as well as Jaguar Land Rover's brand and current digital initiatives. Understand the implications of working within a large automotive OEM.

⚠️ 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.