Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Zaizi

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Transformation, Public Sector Technology

Date Posted: 2026-01-23

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of user-centric digital products within the UK public sector, focusing on complex transformation projects.

• Translate intricate user insights and business requirements into intuitive, high-fidelity prototypes and design artefacts.

• Champion accessibility, inclusivity, and adherence to the GDS Service Standard throughout the design lifecycle.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including Product Managers, Solution Architects, Developers, and Testers, to ensure seamless design implementation.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and high-quality, evidence-based design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for operations professionals with a strong background in UX/UI design within the UK public sector. The emphasis on GDS Service Standard, GOV.UK guidelines, and agile delivery points towards a need for robust process adherence and efficient workflow management, critical for operations roles. The hybrid nature and focus on digital transformation in a public sector context suggest a structured yet adaptable operational environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, lead, and coordinate User-Centred Design (UCD) efforts across end-to-end user journeys for complex digital transformation initiatives.

• Synthesize raw user research data and observations into actionable design patterns, strategic insights, and clear design specifications for development teams.

• Create and refine high-fidelity prototypes using Figma and digital whiteboarding tools for iterative testing and direct integration into development sprints.

• Act as a primary liaison between user needs and technical constraints, evangelizing user requirements to team members and stakeholders.

• Design and facilitate workshops to elicit requirements from ambiguous user needs and achieve alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.

• Ensure all design outputs meet rigorous accessibility and inclusivity standards, acting as the subject matter expert for inclusive design best practices.

• Oversee the creation of comprehensive design artefacts to inform decision-making and define UCD approaches for large-scale projects.

• Collaborate closely with developers and testers to ensure design intent is accurately translated into production, maintaining quality through to go-live.

• Contribute to the broader UCD community through knowledge sharing via blog posts, leading community of practice sessions, and active participation in industry meetups.

• Manage design debt and prioritize user needs within an Agile framework, ensuring efficient workflow and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational focus on process management, stakeholder alignment, and quality assurance within the design lifecycle. The emphasis on translating complex requirements into actionable designs and ensuring adherence to standards like GDS Service Standard are critical operational functions that require meticulous planning and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant experience and a deep understanding of UX/UI principles is paramount. Continuous professional development is encouraged.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with a significant focus on digital transformation within the UK public sector.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of design delivery within UK government, with a deep understanding of the GDS Service Manual, GOV.UK Style Guide, and Service Standard assessment process.

• Expert proficiency in Figma for creating high-fidelity prototypes and digital whiteboarding tools for collaborative design sessions.

• Ability to plan and execute the synthesis of user research, transforming raw data into actionable design patterns and strategic insights.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, capable of evangelizing user needs to diverse audiences (technical and non-technical) and acting as a bridge between user expectations and technical realities.

• Expertise in inclusive design principles and practices, ensuring services are accessible and usable by all.

• Experience in leading and facilitating workshops for requirements gathering and stakeholder alignment.

• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and experience working within multidisciplinary Agile teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the GOV.UK Prototype Kit.

• Familiarity with Github for version control and collaboration.

• Experience mentoring and training junior or mid-weight designers.

• A proactive approach to contributing to the UCD community (e.g., blog posts, meetups).

• Experience with a range of service design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical design expertise, process-driven execution (GDS, Agile), and soft skills for collaboration and mentorship, all crucial for effective operations management within a design context. The explicit mention of HTML/CSS understanding implies a need for designers who can bridge the gap between design and development, a common operational requirement for efficiency and accuracy.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX/UI design projects, with a strong emphasis on public sector digital transformation.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating the application of user research, UCD methodologies, and prototyping (especially Figma) to solve complex user problems.

• Evidence of work adhering to accessibility standards and the GDS Service Standard, including examples of how these were integrated into the design process.

• Demonstrations of how designs were translated into actionable specifications for development teams and how design intent was maintained through to production.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in documenting UCD approaches and methodologies for large-scale projects.

• Provide examples of how user insights were synthesized into strategic documents that influenced product roadmaps.

• Illustrate the process of translating complex research into intuitive, user-centred designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for operations roles. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate not just design output, but the process behind it, including how they managed requirements, collaborated, adhered to standards, and ensured efficient handoff to development, all key operational functions. The portfolio is essentially a demonstration of their operational design capabilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly stated, a Senior UX/UI Designer role in London with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within government contracting, typically commands a competitive salary. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, a range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum is a reasonable expectation, subject to experience and specific project demands.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay: Salaries reviewed annually to ensure market value and performance alignment.

• Loyalty Pension: Employer contributions starting at 5%, increasing by 0.5% annually after three years, up to a maximum of 8%.

• Protection: Comprehensive Group Life Assurance.

• Health & Balance: Premium Vitality Private Medical Insurance (includes Apple Watch, gym discounts, rewards), Cycle to Work scheme.

• Time Off: 25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays, with flexibility to buy/sell additional days.

• Giving Back: 2 paid volunteering days per year.

• Development & Growth: Fully funded professional certifications (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) with 5 days paid study leave, £500 annual "Personal Choice" fund for learning, access to 1-2-1 professional coaching and team training.

• Flexibility: Genuine hybrid working with a WFH equipment allowance.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior UX/UI Designer in London with the specified experience level and public sector focus. The benefits package is comprehensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development and work-life balance, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking long-term career stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government & Public Sector, Digital Transformation, Software. Zaizi specializes in delivering digital solutions for the UK public sector.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, Zaizi's focus on government projects and the mention of a "community of practice" suggests a mid-sized to large organization with a structured yet collaborative approach.

Founded: Zaizi was founded in 2001, indicating a mature company with established processes and a long-standing presence in the digital transformation space.

Team Structure:

• Multidisciplinary Teams: Designers work within agile, multidisciplinary teams alongside Product Managers, Solution Architects, Developers, Testers, and other designers.

• Reporting Structure: Senior designers are expected to mentor and guide junior/mid-weight designers, suggesting a hierarchical yet supportive structure within the UCD function.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close collaboration is essential, with designers acting as a bridge between user needs, business requirements, and technical implementation.

Methodology:

• Agile Delivery: Projects are delivered in an agile environment, emphasizing iterative development and rapid prototyping.

• User-Centred Design (UCD): UCD is the core methodology, with a strong emphasis on user research, data synthesis, and evidence-based design.

• GDS Standards: Adherence to the GDS Service Standard and GOV.UK guidelines is a fundamental operational requirement.

• Data-Driven Insights: User research and data are synthesized to inform strategic decisions and product roadmaps.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes agile methodologies, user-centricity, and adherence to strict public sector standards. For an operations professional, this means a focus on process efficiency, compliance, and collaborative execution within a structured framework. The company's maturity suggests established operational processes that candidates will need to integrate into.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level role, indicating a significant degree of autonomy, responsibility, and expected leadership within the design function. It requires not only advanced design skills but also the ability to manage design processes, mentor others, and influence project direction.

Reporting Structure: Senior UX/UI Designers will likely report to a Head of Design or a similar senior leadership role within the UCD or Digital Transformation practice. They will also be responsible for mentoring and guiding more junior members of the design team.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of digital services for UK citizens. By ensuring designs meet user needs and government standards, the Senior UX/UI Designer contributes to the successful delivery of critical public sector projects, impacting service delivery and citizen experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design efforts on major government projects, potentially progressing into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like inclusive design, service design, or user research methodologies.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal opportunities to mentor junior designers, develop training materials, and contribute to the UCD community of practice.

• Professional Certifications: Fully funded certifications in relevant areas (AWS, GCP, Agile, etc.) and access to a "Personal Choice" fund for further learning.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working across a wide range of public sector domains and with diverse technical stacks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is clearly defined, with opportunities for leadership, specialization, and continuous learning, mirroring the structured career progression often sought by operations professionals. The emphasis on impact and mentorship highlights the strategic importance of this role within Zaizi's operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model. This implies a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. Zaizi likely maintains office spaces designed for collaborative work, team meetings, and focused design sessions.

Office Location(s): London, England, United Kingdom. This location suggests access to a vibrant tech and government sector hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on multidisciplinary teams suggest a workspace that facilitates interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, digital whiteboarding tools, and potentially collaborative platforms like Github and project management software.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to engage with developers, product managers, researchers, and other designers to ensure cohesive project execution and workflow.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model, allowing for effective management of design tasks, research, and collaboration across different time zones and working styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment is a key operational consideration. Candidates should expect a structured approach to managing remote and in-office time, ensuring productivity and collaboration are maintained regardless of location. The allowance for WFH equipment further supports an optimized remote operational setup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a deep dive into UX/UI design skills, process, and experience, potentially including a portfolio walkthrough.

• Design Exercise/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a design challenge or present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating problem-solving skills, design thinking, and adherence to GDS standards.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with potential team members and a hiring manager to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural alignment within Zaizi's agile and public sector environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic contributions and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Public Sector Focus: Highlight projects specifically within the UK government or public sector, demonstrating familiarity with GDS, Service Standard, and accessibility.

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process for each project, from research and ideation to prototyping and implementation support. Use diagrams or flowcharts where helpful.

• Problem/Solution/Impact: Structure case studies around the user problem, your design solution, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved. Quantify results where possible.

• Tool Proficiency: Showcase your expertise with Figma, clearly illustrating how you leverage its features for prototyping and collaboration.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Dedicate specific examples or sections to how you incorporated accessibility and inclusive design principles.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide examples of how you managed stakeholder expectations and communicated design decisions effectively.

Challenge Preparation:

• GDS Standards: Refresh your knowledge of the GDS Service Manual and Service Standard assessment criteria.

• Prototyping Skills: Be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, potentially live during an interview.

• UCD Methodology: Prepare to discuss your approach to user research, synthesis, and translating insights into designs.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about trade-offs, constraints, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process is heavily focused on demonstrating practical application of UX/UI skills within a specific operational context (UK public sector, GDS standards). Candidates must prepare to showcase not just design output but the structured, process-driven approach that underpins it, mirroring operational requirements for efficiency and compliance.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for high-fidelity prototyping, wireframing, and UI design. Expertise in its advanced features for collaboration and component-based design is expected.

• Digital Whiteboarding Tools: Such as Miro or Mural, used for collaborative workshops, brainstorming, user journey mapping, and affinity diagramming.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for UX/UI, understanding how to interpret user analytics from tools like Google Analytics or Pendo can inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

Other Relevant Tools:

• GOV.UK Prototype Kit: Familiarity is useful, though not strictly required.

• Github: Useful for version control and collaboration on design systems or code-based prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma is paramount. The emphasis on collaborative tools like digital whiteboards and potential exposure to GDS Prototype Kit and Github indicates a need for designers who can operate efficiently within a structured, collaborative, and technically aware operational environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs is fundamental.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality, evidence-based design outcomes that meet rigorous standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Efficiency & Agility: Embracing agile methodologies to deliver iteratively and adapt quickly.

• Impact: Focusing on creating meaningful improvements in public services.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring services are accessible and usable by everyone.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active participation in multidisciplinary teams, fostering open communication and shared understanding.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement of design processes and workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactive sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings within the UCD community and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Zaizi's values align closely with operational best practices: a focus on process, quality, efficiency, and measurable impact. The emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity indicates a mature operational culture that values teamwork and diverse contributions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Public Sector Complexity: Working within the unique constraints, regulations, and stakeholder landscapes of UK government projects.

• Balancing User Needs with Technical/Policy Constraints: Finding optimal design solutions that satisfy users while adhering to strict technical requirements and policy frameworks.

• Ensuring Consistent Quality Across Projects: Maintaining high standards of design and accessibility across a portfolio of diverse public sector initiatives.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Standards: Staying current with advancements in UX/UI design, accessibility, and public sector digital standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to fully funded professional certifications and a personal learning fund to explore new tools, techniques, or domains.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunities to formally mentor junior designers and potentially step into lead roles on significant projects.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in community of practice sessions, industry meetups, and knowledge sharing initiatives to broaden expertise and network.

• Cross-Domain Experience: Exposure to a wide array of public sector services, offering a rich learning environment for understanding diverse user groups and operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of operational roles within regulated industries, requiring adaptability, problem-solving, and continuous learning. The growth opportunities are structured to support career progression and skill enhancement, aligning with operational career development paths.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• GDS & Public Sector Design: "Describe your experience with the GDS Service Standard and how you've applied it in previous projects. What are the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Prepare with specific examples of GDS compliance, accessibility features, and user research integration).

• Process & Collaboration: "Walk us through a complex user journey you designed. How did you gather requirements, collaborate with developers and stakeholders, and ensure the final product met user needs and business objectives?" (Focus on process documentation, stakeholder management, and Agile workflow).

• Problem Solving & Impact: "Tell us about a time you faced a significant design challenge or ambiguous requirement. How did you approach it, what was your solution, and what was the impact on the user or service?" (Prepare a STAR method answer focusing on problem, solution, and quantifiable results).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to working in the UK public sector and specifically at Zaizi?" (Research Zaizi's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your passion for public service and digital transformation).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and contributing to a design community of practice?" (Highlight your experience, leadership style, and willingness to share knowledge).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation around a clear narrative for each case study: problem, process, solution, and outcome.

• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals, clear annotations, and concise explanations. Ensure Figma prototypes are easily navigable.

• Process Emphasis: Don't just show the final designs; detail the steps you took, the research conducted, and the decisions made. Emphasize how you adhered to GDS standards.

• Interactive Elements: Be prepared to walk through interactive prototypes and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma.

• Stakeholder Communication: Explain how you communicated design decisions and managed feedback from various stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize demonstrating a structured, process-oriented approach to design, aligning with operational requirements. Candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate effectively within defined standards and team structures.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant public sector UX/UI projects, specifically showcasing experience with GDS standards, accessibility, and Figma. Prepare 2-3 in-depth case studies for presentation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your experience with user research, prototyping, agile methodologies, and public sector digital transformation. Use keywords common in operations and UX/UI roles.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with GDS standards. Prepare to discuss your collaborative style and mentorship experience.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Zaizi's work in the UK public sector, their mission, and their commitment to user-centric design and agile delivery. Understand how your role contributes to their operational goals.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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