UX Design Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Specialist

Company: IB (International Baccalaureate®)

Location: Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Product Development

Date Posted: 2025-09-25

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the transformation of technology delivery by shaping exceptional customer experiences across various digital products and services.

• Design complex user interfaces and end-to-end user journeys, working both independently and in partnership with the broader IB ecosystem.

• Drive improvements in business processes through a deep understanding of user needs, aiming to unlock new technology capabilities and deliver significant efficiencies.

• Champion the standardization and centralization of UX capabilities across IB Offices to ensure consistent design quality and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Design Specialist," the emphasis on "shaping exceptional customer experiences," "designing complex products and services," and "improving business processes" indicates a role that is deeply embedded within the product development lifecycle. This is not just a visual design role; it requires strategic thinking about user journeys, process optimization, and the impact of technology on user behavior. The mention of a "new operating model" and "transformation in how it delivers technology" suggests an environment ripe for innovation and process improvement, aligning well with operations-focused skill sets.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights into user needs, behaviors, and pain points across IB digital platforms.

• Translate user research findings and business requirements into intuitive and effective user interface designs, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Develop and maintain user flow diagrams, site maps, and interaction design specifications to clearly articulate the user journey and product functionality.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to ensure design feasibility, technical implementation, and alignment with business objectives.

• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, usability testing results, and performance data to continuously improve the user experience and drive business efficiencies.

• Contribute to the development and refinement of UX design standards, guidelines, and best practices across the organization to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, fostering a culture of empathy and understanding for user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description highlights a need to "improve business processes" and "deliver meaningful efficiencies," which are core tenets of operations roles. The responsibilities listed above are standard for a UX Designer but are framed with an operational lens, emphasizing the impact on business processes and efficiency gains. This suggests the ideal candidate will not only be skilled in design but also in process analysis and optimization.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of proven experience in UX design, product design, or a similar role, with a portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Demonstrated experience in designing digital products, web applications, or complex software solutions.

Required Skills:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Proficient in applying UX principles to create intuitive, engaging, and effective user interfaces.

• User-Centered Design: Deep understanding and practical application of user-centered design methodologies throughout the product lifecycle.

• Wireframing & Prototyping: Expertise in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Usability Testing: Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing usability tests to identify and resolve user experience issues.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with product managers, developers, researchers, and other stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Customer Experience (CX) Strategy: Understanding of broader customer journey mapping and CX strategy development.

• Business Process Improvement: Familiarity with methodologies for analyzing and optimizing business processes.

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within agile development environments.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and best practices for inclusive design.

• Data Analysis for UX: Ability to interpret user data and analytics to identify UX trends and potential areas for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level specialist role. The emphasis on "improving business processes" and "unlocking new technology capabilities" implies that candidates with a background in operations or a strong understanding of process optimization will be highly valued. The "key skills" listed in the input data, such as "Business Processes," "Technology Capabilities," and "Efficiency," further support this.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct UX design projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process from research to final implementation.

• Include case studies that detail the problem statement, user research methods employed, design challenges faced, iterative design process, and final solutions.

• Highlight projects where user experience improvements led to measurable business outcomes, such as increased user engagement, task completion rates, or process efficiency.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) by providing examples of wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how user research was conducted and how findings were translated into design decisions.

• Include documentation of user flows, wireframes, and prototypes created for previous projects.

• Showcase how feedback and testing results were incorporated into design iterations.

• Detail the collaborative process used to work with development and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Design Specialist role that emphasizes business processes and efficiency, a portfolio is crucial. It should not only display aesthetic design skills but also demonstrate a strategic, process-oriented approach to problem-solving. The ability to articulate the impact of design on operational efficiency and user adoption will be a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working: Offers flexibility with a blend of in-office and remote work.

• Global Organization Impact: Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven global educational organization.

• Professional Development: Potential for growth and learning within a transforming technology department.

• Collaborative Environment: Work with a passionate team focused on user experience and innovation.

• Comprehensive Package: [Specific benefits not detailed in the input, but typical for a full-time role in the UK may include pension contributions, paid time off, and potentially health and wellness programs.]

Working Hours:

• Full-time, 37.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified salary range of £37,000-£42,000 per annum is competitive for a mid-level UX Design Specialist in the Cardiff region of the UK. This range aligns with industry standards for roles requiring 2-5 years of experience and specialized design skills within the education or technology sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Services / Non-profit Organization

Company Size: IB is a global organization serving over 5,800 schools in 162 countries. While the precise size of the Cardiff office isn't specified, the global reach indicates a substantial operation. This implies a structured environment with established processes, but also one that is undergoing significant technological transformation.

Founded: The International Baccalaureate was founded in 1968. This long history suggests a stable organization with a well-defined mission and established educational frameworks.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design department is being established and led by the Head of UX. This indicates a growing team where foundational processes and standards are being actively defined.

• The UX Design Specialist will report directly to the Head of UX, suggesting a close working relationship and direct mentorship opportunities.

Methodology:

• The team is focused on a "new operating model" for technology delivery and is passionate about "understanding user needs and improving business processes to unlock new technology capabilities and deliver meaningful efficiencies."

• Emphasis is placed on "centralising and standardising UX capabilities," suggesting a drive towards best practices, consistency, and scalable design solutions.

• The team's work directly impacts "digital products and services," requiring a data-informed and user-centric approach to design and development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The IB's mission to create a "better and more peaceful world" through education suggests a company culture that values purpose, impact, and collaboration. The ongoing technological transformation implies an environment that is dynamic and open to new ideas, which is beneficial for UX professionals looking to influence change. The emphasis on "standardization" and "efficiency" points to a desire for well-defined operational processes within the UX function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Specialist," indicating a mid-level position requiring 2-5 years of experience. It's a player-coach role where the individual will execute design tasks while also contributing to the strategic direction and development of the UX department itself. The direct reporting to the Head of UX means significant exposure to leadership and strategic decision-making.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the Head of UX.

Operations Impact:

• The UX Design Specialist's work directly influences how users (schools, educators, students) interact with IB's digital platforms.

• By improving user experience and business processes, this role contributes to operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and the successful adoption of new technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Departmental Growth: As the UX department is being established, there's a significant opportunity to shape its processes, standards, and culture, leading to leadership potential within the team.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or service design, within the context of educational technology.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working across different departments and with a global network, understanding the broader operational landscape of a large educational organization.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the development of UX practices within the education technology sector, a field with increasing importance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The opportunity to be part of building a UX department from the ground up presents a unique career growth path, moving beyond execution to strategic contribution and process definition. This aligns with the operational aspect of building and scaling functions within an organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working opportunity. This suggests a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The IB Global Centre in Cardiff is likely a modern, professional office environment.

Office Location(s):

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Design: The role will involve close collaboration with a newly forming UX team and cross-functional partners, emphasizing teamwork and shared problem-solving.

• Technology Focus: Access to modern design tools and technologies will be essential for this role. The company's focus on a "new operating model" for technology suggests an investment in relevant digital infrastructure.

• Impactful Work: The environment will be geared towards making a tangible difference in education globally, fostering a sense of purpose among employees.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (37.5 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement, allowing for flexibility in managing workload and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: A hybrid environment is common in modern tech and operations roles, promoting work-life balance. For a UX specialist, this setup can be conducive to focused individual work (often done remotely) and collaborative brainstorming or review sessions (often best in person).

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the Head of UX to evaluate experience, design philosophy, and understanding of user-centered design and business processes.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, discuss their design process, and potentially complete a practical design exercise or case study related to IB's services or a similar educational context. This stage will assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and communication clarity.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with other team members or stakeholders to assess team fit and broader organizational alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project. Use specific examples to illustrate your design process.

• Focus on Impact: Highlight how your design solutions solved problems, improved user experience, and contributed to business objectives or operational efficiencies. Quantify results where possible.

• Process Clarity: Demonstrate a structured approach to design, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Tailor to IB: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to showcase experience relevant to educational technology or large-scale digital services.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle feedback, and your understanding of user needs in a complex organizational context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the IB: Research the International Baccalaureate's mission, programs (PYP, MYP, DP, CP), and target audiences (schools, students, educators).

• Embrace Process: For any design challenge, focus on outlining your problem-solving process, including research, ideation, and iteration, rather than just the final output.

• Efficiency Mindset: Consider how your design could improve efficiency for users or the IB organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on process improvement and operational efficiency, the portfolio review and any design challenge will likely assess not only the aesthetic quality of the design but also the candidate's ability to think strategically about user needs within operational constraints and opportunities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX Design Software: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is essential for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mockups.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with tools like InVision, Axure RP, or the prototyping features within Figma/Sketch for creating interactive user flows.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), and potentially analytics platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior on digital platforms.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data and potentially use tools for reporting or presenting findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how UX integrates with CRM systems and other business process automation tools may be beneficial for understanding the broader technological ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The IB is undergoing a technological transformation, implying a modern tech stack. Proficiency in leading UX design software is a must. While specific CRM/automation tools aren't listed, a candidate who understands how UX impacts these systems will be better positioned.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to the IB's mission of creating a better and more peaceful world through education.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of users (schools, educators, students).

• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse teams across different functions and geographies.

• Innovation & Transformation: Embracing change and seeking new ways to improve technology delivery and user experience.

• Efficiency & Standardization: A drive to optimize processes, ensure consistency, and deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires active participation in project teams, working closely with product managers, developers, and potentially marketing or educational specialists.

• Feedback Loops: An environment that encourages constructive feedback to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the development of the UX department by sharing insights, best practices, and learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and the emphasis on transformation suggest a culture that values both impact and continuous improvement. For a UX specialist, this means being able to articulate how design decisions support the mission while also driving operational efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing UX Standards: As the UX department is new, there will be a challenge in defining and implementing consistent design processes and standards across the organization.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Requirements: Effectively translating diverse user needs and complex educational requirements into practical, efficient digital solutions.

• Navigating a Global Organization: Understanding and catering to the needs of a diverse, global user base with varying technological access and cultural contexts.

• Driving Change: Influencing stakeholders and embedding user-centered design practices within a transforming technology environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Foundational UX Role: Opportunity to play a key role in building and shaping a UX function from its early stages.

• Industry Exposure: Gain experience in the unique domain of educational technology and its specific user needs.

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from the Head of UX, fostering professional growth.

• Process Improvement: Contribute directly to improving IB's digital products and operational processes through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of roles in growing departments or during periods of organizational change. For an operations-minded candidate, these challenges represent opportunities to build and optimize processes, which can be highly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for negotiation, compromise, and finding solutions that serve multiple needs.)

• "How do you ensure your UX designs contribute to business objectives and operational efficiency, not just aesthetic appeal?" (Prepare examples that showcase how your designs led to measurable improvements.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about the IB's mission and working in the education sector?" (Research the IB's values and programs.)

• "How would you contribute to building and standardizing UX practices within a new department?" (Highlight your experience with process definition and best practices.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative for each project, detailing the journey from problem to solution.

• Process Focus: Clearly articulate the steps you took, the rationale behind your decisions, and how you iterated based on feedback or data.

• Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., "reduced task completion time by 15%", "increased user engagement by 10%").

• Demonstrate Tools: Briefly show examples of your work in design tools to illustrate your technical proficiency.

• Address Efficiency: For at least one project, specifically explain how your design addressed or improved an underlying business or user process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of the UX lifecycle, a user-centric approach, and a keen awareness of how design impacts business operations and efficiency. Be ready to discuss your process and the outcomes of your work in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-adjacent UX Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Oracle Cloud portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases projects that highlight your UX process, problem-solving skills, and ability to improve user experiences and business processes. Consider adding a brief introductory statement explaining your approach to UX.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX Design," "User Experience," "Digital Products," "Customer Experience," "Business Processes," and "Efficiency." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes, focusing on how your work has driven tangible results. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the IB's mission and how UX contributes to it.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research the International Baccalaureate® (IB) – its mission, values, educational programs, and its current technological transformation. Understand how UX design fits into this context.

⚠️ 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.