Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: PA Consulting

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital & Data

Date Posted: 2026-01-22

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead complex UX/UI design projects from initial strategy through to final execution, ensuring successful delivery for clients.

• Foster high-performing, cross-functional design and development teams, actively contributing to a culture of excellence and innovation.

• Shape design approaches, influence client decisions, and mentor junior designers and team members within the Digital & Data community.

• Leverage expertise in emerging technologies, including AI and generative design, to spark innovation and redefine conventional design practices.

• Collaborate extensively with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders using agile best practices in both client-facing and internal projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer within PA Consulting's Digital & Data practice, focusing on client-facing projects across various sectors. The emphasis is on end-to-end project leadership, mentorship, and leveraging cutting-edge technology, aligning with a consultancy model that requires adaptability and strong client relationship management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for complex digital products and services, from discovery and strategy to detailed UI design and prototyping.

• Develop and refine user experience strategies, information architecture, user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups that align with business objectives and user needs.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to iterate on designs and ensure optimal user satisfaction and engagement.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to translate requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices across project teams and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, providing constructive feedback and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, tools, and technologies, particularly in areas like AI and generative design, and advocate for their adoption where appropriate.

• Facilitate design workshops, brainstorming sessions, and live whiteboarding exercises to drive problem-solving and co-creation with clients and internal teams.

• Contribute to the development of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency and scalability across products.

• Manage project risks and deliverables, ensuring timely and high-quality design output within agile frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and team mentorship. The role requires not only technical design skills but also the ability to influence stakeholders, manage projects effectively, and drive innovation, characteristic of a senior consulting position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Senior UX/UI Designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful end-to-end design projects for private and public sector clients.

• Demonstrated experience in a client-facing role within an agency or consultancy environment, with a track record of building strong client relationships and owning project outcomes.

• Experience leading complex design projects, from strategy definition through to execution and delivery.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Proficient in user research, wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and visual design.

• Design Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Invision, Adobe XD, or similar.

• Collaboration Tools: Experience with collaboration platforms like Miro or Mural for ideation and workshops.

• Agile Methodologies: Strong understanding and practical application of agile development principles and practices.

• Client Engagement: Proven ability to manage client relationships, understand their needs, and deliver impactful solutions.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Demonstrated ability to mentor junior designers and lead design initiatives.

• Problem-Solving: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a user-centered approach.

• Communication Skills: Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the UK Government Service Standard.

• Familiarity with AI and emerging technologies, including generative design tools and concepts.

• Experience contributing to or developing design systems.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.

• Experience in sectors such as Defence & Security, Health & Life Sciences, or Financial Services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize practical experience and a proactive, innovative mindset. The inclusion of "Gov-Ready" and sector versatility suggests a need for adaptability and experience with public sector standards, common in consulting firms like PA Consulting. The emphasis on AI and emerging tech points to a forward-thinking approach to design challenges.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies: Detailed case studies demonstrating the full design lifecycle – from problem definition, user research, ideation, design execution (wireframes, prototypes, final UI), to outcomes and impact.

• User-Centricity: Clear articulation of how user needs were identified, researched, and addressed through design solutions.

• Problem-Solving: Examples showcasing complex problems solved through creative and effective UX/UI design.

• Collaboration: Evidence of working cross-functionally with development teams, product managers, and stakeholders.

• Impact & Metrics: Quantifiable results or qualitative feedback demonstrating the success and impact of your design work (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).

• Tool Proficiency: Showcase work created using relevant design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and demonstrate your personal design process, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping strategies, and user testing approaches.

• Documentation of how you've contributed to or improved design processes within previous teams or projects.

• Examples of how you've leveraged agile principles to deliver design iteratively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior consulting role, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic and functional design skills but also strategic thinking, client management capabilities, and the ability to articulate a robust, user-centered design process that drives measurable business outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Health and Lifestyle Perks: Comprehensive benefits package.

• Private Healthcare: For you and your family.

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave, plus an additional half day on Christmas Eve, with the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.

• Company Pension Scheme: Generous contributions to your pension.

• Community & Charity Initiatives: Opportunities to engage in meaningful community and charity work.

• Annual Performance-Based Bonus: Rewarding individual and company performance.

• PA Share Ownership: Opportunity to own a part of the company.

• Tax-Efficient Benefits: Including cycle-to-work schemes and "Give as You Earn" programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically around 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on client site. Actual time spent and location will vary by assignment, with potential for up to 5 days per week on client site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on typical senior-level UX/UI design roles in London's tech and consulting sectors, considering PA Consulting's reputation and the hybrid work model. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are comprehensive, reflecting a typical large consultancy's offering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consulting, Digital Transformation, Engineering, Defence & Security, Energy & Utilities, Financial Services, Government & Public Services, Health & Life Sciences, Transport.

Company Size: Over 4,000 employees globally.

Founded: PA Consulting has a long history, founded in 1943, emphasizing a legacy of innovation and problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Digital & Data community, which comprises interdisciplinary experts including product managers, designers, consultants, and other specialists.

• Teams are typically cross-functional, working collaboratively on client projects.

• There is a clear technical career track, allowing for progression without necessarily moving onto a partner track.

Methodology:

• Agile Best Practices: Work is conducted using agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development and cross-functional collaboration.

• Customer-Centric Service Design: A strong focus on understanding and meeting user needs throughout the design and development process.

• Innovation & Technology: Encouragement to experiment with new tools, technologies (including AI and generative design), and methodologies to drive innovation.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly detailed for design, the company's broader "Digital & Data" focus implies an underlying data-informed approach to strategy and execution.

• Live Collaboration: Emphasis on in-person whiteboarding sessions and asynchronous communication.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: PA Consulting is a well-established global consultancy known for its innovative approach and interdisciplinary teams. The culture values ingenuity, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing a structured yet flexible career path, particularly within its technical communities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Technical Lead

This role represents a senior position within the UX/UI design discipline. It involves leading significant projects, influencing design strategy, and mentoring others. Progression can continue along a technical expert track, focusing on deepening design skills and expertise without necessarily moving into traditional management or partner roles.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Practice Lead, or Head of Digital & Data within PA Consulting.

Operations Impact:

• The role directly impacts client success by delivering user-centered digital solutions that drive business value, improve user satisfaction, and achieve strategic objectives.

• Through mentorship and strategic influence, the Senior UX/UI Designer contributes to the overall capability and growth of PA Consulting's design practice.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as interaction design, service design, research, or emerging technologies like AI-driven design.

• Leadership Development: Progress to leading larger, more complex projects, potentially managing small teams of designers.

• Cross-Sector Exposure: Gain experience across PA Consulting's diverse client sectors, broadening industry knowledge and adaptability.

• Learning & Development: Utilize provided budgets for courses, certifications, and conferences to enhance technical and soft skills.

• Community Contribution: Become a thought leader within PA Consulting's Digital & Data community, sharing knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is designed for growth within a technical specialization, offering a clear alternative to traditional management routes. The emphasis on cross-sector work and continuous learning is a hallmark of consulting careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on client site. This suggests a blend of collaborative office-based work and client-focused engagements.

Office Location(s):

• Primary office located at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DN, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office provides a space for in-person whiteboarding, team problem-solving, and knowledge sharing sessions, fostering a dynamic work atmosphere.

• Technology & Tools: Access to a range of design, prototyping, and collaboration software is expected, with an encouragement to introduce new tools. Standard office IT infrastructure will support hybrid working.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with diverse, interdisciplinary teams, including designers, consultants, product managers, and engineers, both in person and virtually.

Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) applies, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. The focus is on delivering project outcomes, with specific working hours potentially adapting to client needs or project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is central to the work environment, balancing structured office presence with the flexibility required for client delivery and personal work styles. The London office serves as a hub for collaboration and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Recruiter Call: A preliminary conversation with a Tech Recruiter to assess suitability, discuss the role, and introduce PA Consulting.

• Round 1: Competency or Technical Interview (60 mins): An interview focusing on either behavioral competencies or specific technical design skills.

• Round 2: Competency or Technical Interview (60 mins): A follow-up interview covering the area not assessed in Round 1.

• Final Round: Meeting with a PA Leader (60 mins): This stage involves a mini case study and a discussion centered on client-centricity and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills and experiences, particularly those demonstrating leadership, client interaction, and innovative problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges faced, and the ultimate impact or outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Seniority: Emphasize your leadership contributions, strategic input, mentorship activities, and how you influenced project direction or client outcomes.

• Showcase Innovation: If you have projects involving AI, generative design, or other emerging technologies, highlight them to demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction improvements, efficiency gains, conversion rate increases).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to dive deep into any aspect of your portfolio, explaining your rationale and decisions confidently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Mini Case Study: Expect a focused design challenge related to a client scenario. Prepare to think on your feet, articulate your approach to problem-solving, and demonstrate user-centric thinking. Practice sketching out ideas quickly and explaining your rationale verbally.

• Client-Centricity: Reflect on past experiences where you had to balance user needs with business requirements or client constraints. Be ready to discuss how you navigated these situations.

• Technical Skills: Brush up on your core UX/UI principles and be ready to discuss specific design decisions or your proficiency with key tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both technical proficiency and behavioral fit, with a strong emphasis on client-facing skills and strategic thinking at the senior level. Portfolio preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Invision, Adobe XD, Axure. Proficiency in at least one of these is essential.

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, Mural. Essential for remote and in-person whiteboarding and collaborative design sessions.

• Design Systems: Experience with creating, contributing to, or utilizing design systems.

• Storytelling & Presentation: Tools like PowerPoint, Keynote, or specific presentation software for conveying design concepts and project outcomes.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the UX/UI role's core responsibilities, but familiarity with how design integrates with broader product development and CRM systems can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are centered around design execution and collaboration. The expectation is for proficiency in industry-standard design software and a strong ability to leverage collaborative platforms for ideation and problem-solving, reflecting a modern digital design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ingenuity: A drive to find innovative solutions and challenge the status quo.

• Positive Human Future: A commitment to using technology and design for good, creating impactful and beneficial outcomes.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from design deliverables to client interactions.

• Curiosity: A continuous desire to learn, explore new technologies, and understand user needs deeply.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams and valuing diverse mindsets.

• Inclusion & Equality: A commitment to building a workplace where everyone can be their best self.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product, engineering, and consulting teams is paramount.

• Live In-Person Whiteboarding: A preferred method for dynamic problem-solving and co-creation.

• Asynchronous Communication: Proficient use of tools like Teams for ongoing communication and documentation.

• Mentorship & Peer Support: A culture where knowledge is shared freely, and team members support each other's growth.

• Client-Centricity: A shared focus on understanding and meeting client needs through collaborative design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: PA Consulting's values are deeply embedded in its approach to work, emphasizing innovation, human impact, and collaborative problem-solving. The culture encourages continuous learning and a commitment to excellence in a diverse and inclusive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Diverse Industries: Adapting design strategies and solutions to the unique requirements and constraints of PA Consulting's seven different industry sectors.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing and aligning the expectations of multiple clients and internal stakeholders with varying priorities.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Successfully incorporating cutting-edge technologies like AI and generative design into practical, user-centered solutions for clients, requiring continuous learning and experimentation.

• Driving Design Maturity: Championing user-centered design principles and advanced methodologies within client organizations or project teams that may have varying levels of design maturity.

• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Optimizing collaboration and team cohesion within a hybrid work environment, ensuring effective communication and shared understanding across remote and in-office team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Access to budgets for courses, certifications, and workshops to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, AI, generative design, and related fields.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across multiple sectors, building broad industry knowledge and consulting experience.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Structured opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and develop leadership capabilities within a supportive community.

• Thought Leadership: Contributing to PA Consulting's knowledge base, potentially through articles, presentations, or internal workshops, establishing expertise.

• Networking: Connecting with a global network of experts within PA Consulting, fostering cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior role in a global consultancy, requiring adaptability, strong stakeholder management, and a commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. The growth opportunities are robust, offering clear paths for both technical and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX/UI project you led from strategy to execution. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and end-to-end process ownership.)

• "How do you approach incorporating emerging technologies like AI or generative design into your design process? Can you provide an example?" (Prepare to discuss your experimentation, ethical considerations, and practical application.)

• "Walk us through your process for balancing user needs with business objectives and client constraints." (Highlight your client-centricity and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about PA Consulting and our work in the Digital & Data space?" (Research PA Consulting's recent projects, values, and industry focus.)

• "How do you see your skills and experience contributing to our client-centric approach?" (Connect your past successes to PA's values and methodologies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your specific contributions, the challenges, the solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions at every step.

• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your strategic input, how you influenced decisions, and any mentorship or team leadership aspects.

• Showcase Innovation: If applicable, clearly present how you explored or integrated new technologies.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice presenting your work within the allocated time, using visuals effectively and maintaining audience engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, client management, and a forward-looking approach to design, particularly concerning emerging technologies. The portfolio presentation is a key component for showcasing these senior-level capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership, client-facing experience, and innovation, especially in areas like AI or generative design. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize senior-level responsibilities, project leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and experience relevant to PA Consulting's sectors and values. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for each interview stage by reviewing common UX/UI interview questions, practicing your portfolio presentation, and researching PA Consulting's work and culture.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of PA Consulting's industry focus, values, and recent client work. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and approach, particularly the "Ingenuity to Life" ethos.

⚠️ 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.