Senior Web Content Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Web Content Designer Company: UKRI Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom Job Type: Part-Time (0.6 FTE / 22.2 hours per week) Category: Content Design / Digital Communications Operations Date Posted: October 1, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-to-Senior Level (5-10 years implied) Remote Status: Hybrid Working (1 day per week in Swindon office required)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design, creation, review, and ongoing improvement of web content for the UKRI corporate website (ukri.org).
• Drive the evolution of web content strategy and content operations to ensure a sustainable, accessible, and user-friendly digital experience.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary web team, comprising content, product, and delivery experts, to enhance user journeys and achieve organizational objectives.
• Act as a subject matter expert in content design, guiding stakeholders and colleagues on best practices and the value of user-centered content.
• Champion accessibility standards and user research to inform content decisions and optimize user engagement across the digital platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Web Content Designer," the responsibilities and required skills align with a role that bridges strategic content operations and user experience design within a government/public sector digital context. The focus on "content operations" implies a need for process efficiency, scalability, and structured content management, which are core to operations roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, evaluate, and refine content strategies for ukri.org, leveraging user insights, data, and professional expertise to ensure continuous content improvement and alignment with UKRI objectives.
• Lead strategic content initiatives, prioritizing efforts in high-impact areas, and influencing senior stakeholders to secure necessary resources for strategic vision execution.
• Ensure all web content adheres to high-quality standards and accessibility regulations (WCAG), and provide constructive feedback to other content designers.
• Educate colleagues and stakeholders on the principles and value of web content design, fostering a collaborative approach to content creation and management.
• Actively participate in user research activities, including journey mapping, to gain a deep understanding of user needs and how website content supports them.
• Deliver workshops and training sessions to internal teams, advocating for best practices in website content design and adherence to Government Digital Standards.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal subject matter experts and external stakeholders to foster collaborative working and influence decision-making.
• Proactively stay informed about UKRI's strategic objectives, priorities, and business needs to ensure web content effectively supports organizational goals.
• Continuously research and apply the latest best practices and innovative thinking in content design and digital communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, leadership-oriented approach to content, moving beyond simple content creation to encompass strategy, process improvement, and stakeholder influence, indicative of a senior operations-focused role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Preferably hold a degree in a related subject or possess equivalent relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Robust experience in writing, editing, and publishing accessible digital content.
• Proven experience using Content Management Systems (CMS) and navigating content production processes effectively.
• Significant experience in a web content design role, with a track record of making strategic decisions for large, information-rich websites.
• Demonstrated experience in applying user-centered design principles to content creation and communicating these decisions clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience utilizing data, user research, and evidence to evaluate and improve web content performance.
• Proven ability to explain complex content decisions to non-expert stakeholders, negotiate effectively, and resolve blockers to achieve user and business objectives.
• Experience advocating for content design principles to senior leadership and building strategic, long-term stakeholder relationships.

Required Skills:

• Content Strategy Development: Ability to define and execute comprehensive content strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Accessible Digital Content Creation: Expertise in writing, editing, and publishing content that meets WCAG standards and caters to diverse user needs, including those using assistive technologies.
• User-Centered Design (UCD): Deep understanding and practical application of UCD principles in content design to ensure user needs are paramount.
• Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency in using and managing content within large-scale CMS platforms.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Negotiation: Skill in building relationships, communicating effectively with various stakeholders, and negotiating to achieve consensus and overcome challenges.
• Data Analysis & Content Evaluation: Ability to use data, user research, and performance metrics to assess content effectiveness and drive improvements.
• Plain Language Communication: Exemplary editorial skills in writing clear, concise, and accessible content for broad audiences.
• User Research & Journey Mapping: Experience participating in and leveraging user research to understand user journeys and inform content design.

Preferred Skills:

• Web Development Understanding: Basic knowledge of web development processes and how content integrates with technical frameworks.
• Training & Workshop Facilitation: Experience in designing and delivering training sessions to disseminate knowledge and best practices.
• Government Digital Standards: Familiarity with or adherence to government digital service design principles and frameworks.
• Content Operations Principles: Understanding of how to create scalable, efficient, and sustainable content processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "strategic decisions," "end-to-end user journey," and "explaining decisions to non-experts" highlights a need for operational thinking beyond basic content creation. The ability to "negotiate with stakeholders" and "remove blockers" are critical operational skills for driving process adoption and improvement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Content Strategy Examples: Showcase instances where you developed and implemented content strategies for digital platforms, demonstrating the process from research to execution and outcomes.
• User-Centric Content Case Studies: Present detailed case studies of projects where user research directly informed content design decisions, resulting in measurable improvements in user engagement or task completion.
• Accessibility Compliance Projects: Provide examples of content you've created or audited that strictly adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA), detailing the process of ensuring compliance.
• CMS Implementation/Management Experience: Highlight experience with specific CMS platforms, detailing your role in content structuring, workflow management, or system optimization for content delivery.
• Demonstration of Content Evaluation & Iteration: Include examples of how you've used data (analytics, user feedback) to evaluate content performance and subsequently iterate on content strategies or individual pieces.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating or contributing to content design processes, workflow documentation, and style guides.
• Examples of how you have documented content audits, user journey maps, or content strategy frameworks to guide team efforts.
• Demonstrations of how you've established performance metrics for content and reported on their impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Senior" title and the context of a government digital team focused on continuous improvement, a portfolio showcasing strategic thinking, process-driven work, and measurable impact from content design initiatives is crucial. This role requires demonstrating how content design integrates with broader digital operations and user experience goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,272 - £49,430 per annum (pro rata for 0.6 FTE)

• Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Salary: £45,272 to £49,430 per annum.
• Actual Part-Time Salary: Based on 22.2 hours per week (0.6 FTE), the actual salary will be approximately £27,163 - £29,658 per annum.

Benefits:

• Outstanding Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: A secure and valuable retirement savings plan.
• Generous Annual Leave: 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (pro rata for part-time hours), totaling 40.5 days per year FTE.
• Employee Discounts and Offers: Access to a range of retail and leisure discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Confidential support and advice services for employees.
• Flexible Working Options: Opportunities for flexible working patterns to be agreed with the hiring manager.
• Continuous Learning & Development: Commitment to employee development and a culture of ongoing learning.

Working Hours:

• Part-Time: 22.2 hours per week (0.6 FTE).
• Flexible Pattern: The working pattern is flexible and to be agreed with the successful candidate.
• Mandatory Onsite: Must be present in the Swindon office on Tuesdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided as a full-time equivalent, and the actual pro-rata amount is calculated. The mention of "flexible working options" and a requirement for one specific onsite day per week clearly defines the hybrid nature of the role and its operational flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Government & Public Sector Research Funding Company Size: UKRI is a large organization, formed by bringing together the UK's seven research councils. The web team itself is described as a "multidisciplinary web team" which implies a collaborative and specialized unit within the larger organization. Founded: UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) was established in April 2018.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Web Content Designer will be part of the Web Team, which sits within the External Affairs and Communications department.
• The Web Team is multidisciplinary, including content designers, product experts, and delivery experts, suggesting a collaborative and integrated approach to digital product development.
• The team's focus is on the continuous improvement of the ukri.org website, aiming to make it simpler and easier for users to understand and navigate.

Methodology:

• User-Centric Approach: The team emphasizes understanding user needs through research and user testing.
• Agile/Iterative Development: The description of "continuous improvement" and working within a multidisciplinary team suggests an agile or iterative development methodology for the website.
• Government Digital Standards: Adherence to established standards for digital services within the UK government is a key operational methodology.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role requires using data and evidence to evaluate content and drive improvements, indicating a data-informed operational culture.

Company Website: https://www.ukri.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding UKRI's mission as a public body focused on research funding is crucial. The "External Affairs and Communications" department context highlights the importance of clear, accessible, and strategic communication. The multidisciplinary web team structure is a key indicator of how operations are organized for digital delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" position, indicating a level of autonomy, strategic input, and potentially mentoring responsibilities. It's a step above a standard Content Designer, requiring leadership in content strategy and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The role reports into the Web Team, likely to a Web Team Lead or Head of Digital Communications, within the broader External Affairs and Communications department. Collaboration will be extensive with subject matter experts across UKRI.

Operations Impact: The Senior Web Content Designer's work directly impacts the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of UKRI's primary digital interface (ukri.org). This influences how researchers, academics, and the public interact with and understand UKRI's mission, funding opportunities, and research outcomes, thereby supporting UKRI's overall strategic objectives and public accountability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Content Strategy: Opportunity to shape and lead the content strategy for a major public sector website.
• Process Improvement & Optimization: Influence and develop content operations, workflows, and best practices within the web team.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior content designers or colleagues new to content design principles.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepen understanding of user research, web development, and product management through close collaboration.
• Public Sector Digital Best Practices: Gain extensive experience in government digital standards and large-scale public service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a role focused not just on execution but also on strategy, process optimization, and influencing others, which are hallmarks of effective operations leadership. The growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise in digital content operations and public sector digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Working Model. Office Location(s): Polaris House, Swindon (Wiltshire, United Kingdom). This is the designated office location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is within a "multidisciplinary web team," suggesting a dynamic and collaborative workspace where ideas are shared among content designers, product experts, and delivery experts.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard web design and content management tools. Specifics are not detailed but implied through responsibilities (CMS, user research tools, analytics).
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with colleagues within the web team, subject matter experts across UKRI, and potentially external stakeholders. The mandatory Tuesday in the office will facilitate direct collaboration and team building.

Work Schedule:

• Part-Time: 22.2 hours per week.
• Flexibility: The working pattern is flexible and to be agreed, offering a good work-life balance.
• Hybrid Requirement: One mandatory day per week in the Swindon office (Tuesdays) for in-person collaboration and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a specific required day in the office is a key aspect of the work environment, balancing flexibility with the operational need for in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Screening of CVs and cover letters against the "Person Specification" using the STAR method.
• Cover Letter: The cover letter is crucial for evidencing how you meet the essential criteria using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It should be no more than two sides of A4.
• Potential Interview Stages: Likely to include interviews with the hiring manager (Karen Hibbert) and potentially other members of the web team or department. Expect questions assessing your content design expertise, strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and approach to accessibility and user research.
• Portfolio Review: A critical component will be the review of your portfolio, where you'll need to demonstrate your experience and skills through concrete examples.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• STAR Method Application: Structure your portfolio case studies to clearly articulate the Situation, Task, Action, and Result for each project, mirroring the cover letter requirement.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your work wherever possible. Use metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, accessibility improvements, or efficiency gains.
• Highlight Strategic Thinking: Showcase projects where you moved beyond basic content creation to develop strategies, influence stakeholders, or improve processes.
• Demonstrate Accessibility Expertise: Clearly present examples of how you've ensured content meets accessibility standards and explain your process for doing so.
• Tailor to UKRI: Research UKRI's mission, current website content, and any stated digital goals to tailor your portfolio presentation and articulate how your skills align with their needs.

Challenge Preparation:

• While no specific "challenge" is mentioned, anticipate being asked to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to content strategy, stakeholder conflict, or improving a piece of existing web content.
• Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly, emphasizing your user-centered and data-informed approach.
• Practice explaining complex content design concepts in simple terms, as this is a stated requirement of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit instruction to use the STAR method in the cover letter is a significant clue about the expected level of detail and evidence required. Candidates should prepare their portfolio and interview responses with this structured approach in mind.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Content Management Systems (CMS): The role requires robust experience with CMS platforms for publishing and managing web content. Specifics are not mentioned, but familiarity with enterprise-level or government-standard CMS (e.g., Drupal, WordPress, or bespoke systems) is likely.
• Content Design Software/Tools: Tools for wireframing, prototyping, and user journey mapping (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Miro, Lucidchart).
• Collaboration Tools: Platforms for team communication and project management (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, Asana, Trello).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Experience using tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to track user behavior, content performance, and identify areas for improvement.
• User Research Tools: Platforms for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., Hotjar, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com).
• Accessibility Testing Tools: Familiarity with tools to audit content for accessibility compliance (e.g., WAVE, Siteimprove).

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary focus, understanding how web content integrates with broader organizational communication strategies (which might involve CRM or marketing automation) could be beneficial. The focus is primarily on the public-facing website.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on CMS and web analytics, combined with user research tools, points towards a need for a content designer who understands the full lifecycle of digital content, from creation and publishing to performance measurement and iteration – a key aspect of content operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental value, prioritizing the needs and experience of website users in all content decisions.
• Accessibility: A core commitment to ensuring all content is usable by everyone, regardless of ability.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively within a multidisciplinary team and with subject matter experts across the organization.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly evaluate and enhance the website and its content for better performance and user satisfaction.
• Evidence-Based Decision Making: Relying on data, user research, and stakeholder input to inform strategic choices.
• Clarity & Simplicity: A commitment to making complex information understandable and easy to access.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary Teamwork: Working closely with product owners, delivery managers, developers, and user researchers.
• Stakeholder Management: Building proactive, collaborative working relationships with subject matter experts from various departments within UKRI.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in workshops and training, and sharing expertise on content design best practices.
• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive criticism on work to foster collective growth and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, technical best practices (accessibility), and effective internal operations (collaboration, data-driven decisions). This suggests a culture that values both high-quality output and efficient, team-oriented processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: UKRI serves a broad audience (researchers, public, potential partners), requiring content that caters to multiple distinct needs and levels of technical understanding.
• Content Governance & Consistency: Ensuring consistency and adherence to standards across a large, complex website with input from many subject matter experts.
• Influencing Stakeholders: Persuading busy subject matter experts and senior leaders to adopt content design best practices and allocate resources effectively.
• Navigating Bureaucracy: Working within a large public sector organization may involve navigating established processes and approval chains.
• Keeping Pace with Digital Evolution: Staying current with evolving web technologies, accessibility standards, and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Content Strategy Expertise: Develop advanced skills in creating and executing content strategies for large digital platforms.
• Master Public Sector Digital Design: Gain extensive experience with Government Digital Standards and best practices in public service delivery.
• Develop Leadership Skills: Enhance abilities in mentoring, stakeholder management, and leading strategic content initiatives.
• Expand Technical Knowledge: Improve understanding of web development, SEO, and digital analytics through cross-functional collaboration.
• Attend Industry Events/Training: Opportunities to engage with the broader content design and digital communications community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a large, public-sector organization, highlighting the need for strong operational skills in process management, stakeholder influence, and strategic problem-solving. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to specialize in digital content operations within a government context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you developed a content strategy for a complex digital platform. What was your process, and what were the key outcomes?" (Focus on planning, research integration, and impact metrics.)
• "How do you approach ensuring web content meets accessibility standards? Walk us through your process for auditing and improving content for accessibility." (Demonstrate knowledge of WCAG, tools, and practical application.)
• "Imagine you need to explain a complex scientific funding opportunity to a general audience. How would you approach designing the content for this?" (Highlight user research, plain language, and journey mapping.)
• "Tell us about a time you had to negotiate with a difficult stakeholder to get a content decision made. What was the situation, and how did you resolve it?" (Emphasize negotiation skills, stakeholder management, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you understand about UKRI's mission and how the web team supports it?" (Research UKRI's objectives and public communication role.)
• "How would you contribute to the collaborative, multidisciplinary environment of the web team?" (Showcase your teamwork and communication style.)
• "What are your thoughts on the importance of data and user research in content design?" (Align with the role's emphasis on evidence-based decision-making.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by key projects, using the STAR method for each. Clearly state the project goal, your role, the challenges, your actions, and the measurable results.
• Visuals: Include screenshots, wireframes, or journey maps where appropriate to illustrate your work.
• Accessibility Focus: Dedicate a section or highlight within case studies how you ensured accessibility.
• Strategic Narrative: For each project, explain the strategic thinking behind your content decisions, not just the execution.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work concisely, focusing on quality over quantity. Tailor your presentation to the role's requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, process adherence, and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, directly reflecting the core competencies of a Senior Content Designer in a government operations setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud link: https://fa-evzn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/UKRI-Careers/job/1479
• Craft a STAR-Method Cover Letter: Carefully review the "Person Specification" and use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide concrete examples of how you meet each essential criterion. Ensure it is within the two-page A4 limit.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects that demonstrate strategic content design, user-centered approaches, accessibility expertise, and measurable outcomes. Be prepared to discuss these in detail.
• Research UKRI: Understand UKRI's mission, its role in research funding, and its target audiences. Familiarize yourself with the ukri.org website to identify potential areas for content improvement and to align your application with their objectives.
• Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions about your content strategy process, stakeholder management, accessibility implementation, and how you handle constructive criticism. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.
• Consider an Informal Chat: If you have specific questions, reach out to the hiring manager, Karen Hibbert, at [email protected] for an informal discussion before applying.

⚠️ 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.