UX Designer

Anaplan
Full_timeβ€’York, United Kingdom

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer
Company: Anaplan
Location: York, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-time
Category: User Experience (UX) Design Date Posted: October 16, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Design and deliver exceptional, user-centered solutions for a defined product area within Anaplan's leading AI-infused scenario planning and analysis platform.
  • Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and fellow UX designers throughout the entire product development lifecycle, embodying a strong sense of ownership and partnership.
  • Actively participate in user discovery activities, including workshops, journey mapping, and usability testing, to deeply understand user needs and validate design hypotheses.
  • Produce comprehensive design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, interaction patterns, and high-fidelity prototypes using Figma, adhering to best practices in interaction design.
  • Leverage and contribute to the Anaplan Design System to ensure consistency across the platform and drive improvements in design quality and efficiency.
  • Utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to inform and validate design decisions, iteratively refining user experiences for optimal effectiveness and user satisfaction.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a dedicated 25+ person UX team, indicating a strong emphasis on user experience as a core driver of product strategy at Anaplan. The mention of "enterprise users globally" and "complex design problems" suggests a need for a designer comfortable with intricate workflows and a broad user base. The hybrid work model implies a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team engagement.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Own feature-level UX design for a specific product area, balancing user needs, technical constraints, and business objectives to deliver impactful solutions.
  • Drive the end-to-end design process, from conceptualization and user research to detailed design and final handoff to engineering.
  • Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights that inform design decisions and product strategy.
  • Create detailed user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes in Figma to effectively communicate design ideas and user interactions.
  • Collaborate with product managers to define product requirements and user stories, ensuring a shared understanding of user needs and design goals.
  • Partner with software engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing necessary assets and clarifying design intent throughout the development cycle.
  • Contribute to and advocate for the Anaplan Design System, ensuring consistency and identifying opportunities for enhancement to improve scalability and efficiency.
  • Analyze user feedback and product analytics to identify areas for improvement and iterate on existing features to enhance user experience and drive adoption.
  • Advocate for accessibility and inclusive design principles, ensuring that Anaplan's platform is usable by a diverse range of users.
  • Simplify complexity for builders, administrators, and business users by designing elegant and intuitive interactions within the Anaplan platform.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can not only execute design but also actively engage in strategic product thinking, user research, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "simplifying complexity" is a key indicator of the types of design challenges inherent in enterprise SaaS platforms, particularly those dealing with data and planning.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring a strong foundation in user-centered design principles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
Experience: 2-5 years of commercial and professional experience in UX design, product design, or a closely related field, with a demonstrated track record of delivering successful user experiences for software products.

Required Skills:

  • User-Centered Design (UCD): Deep understanding and practical application of UCD principles and methodologies.
  • Design Thinking: Proven ability to apply design thinking frameworks to solve complex user problems.
  • Figma Proficiency: Expert-level proficiency in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
  • Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to confidently present design ideas, rationale, and findings to diverse stakeholders.
  • Prototyping: Experience creating interactive prototypes to effectively communicate user flows and interaction design.
  • Usability Testing: Ability to plan, conduct, and analyze usability tests to gather user feedback and inform design iterations.
  • Data Validation: Skill in using both qualitative (e.g., user interviews, usability testing) and quantitative data (e.g., analytics, A/B testing results) to validate design decisions.
  • Systems Thinking: A strong ability to understand and design for complex interconnected systems, considering the broader impact of design choices.
  • Workflow Design: Experience in designing intuitive and efficient workflows for enterprise users.
  • Interaction Design: Solid understanding of interaction design principles and best practices for creating engaging user experiences.
  • Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience designing for admin, builder, or data modeling tools within enterprise software.
  • Understanding of HTML/CSS and how design decisions translate to front-end implementation.
  • Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and a commitment to inclusive design practices.
  • Exposure to enterprise SaaS, financial systems, or complex planning software environments.
  • Experience working within Agile development teams and understanding of Agile methodologies.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a designer who is past the entry-level stage and can independently manage feature-level design work, but may still benefit from senior guidance on highly complex strategic initiatives. The emphasis on Figma and Design Systems points to a modern, efficient design workflow.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase 2-3 impactful UX design projects that demonstrate a user-centered design process from problem definition to final solution.
  • Clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed, and the measurable outcomes.
  • Include examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
  • Demonstrate experience with data-rich interfaces and complex workflows, highlighting how you simplified complexity for users.
  • Present how you utilized qualitative and quantitative data to inform and validate your design decisions.

Process Documentation:

  • For each project, detail the research methodologies used (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, journey mapping).
  • Illustrate how you collaborated with product managers, engineers, and researchers.
  • Provide examples of your contributions to or utilization of a design system.
  • Document your approach to iterating on designs based on feedback and data.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their thought process, design choices, and the impact of their work. Focusing on projects that involve data visualization, complex workflows, or administrative tools will be highly relevant.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the UK technology sector, particularly in a hybrid role with a reputable SaaS company like Anaplan, the estimated salary range is Β£45,000 - Β£65,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health and well-being programs, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation days, public holidays, and sick leave.
  • Retirement savings plan (e.g., pension scheme) with potential company contributions.
  • Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications relevant to UX and design.
  • Hybrid work model offering flexibility between office-based collaboration and remote work.
  • Access to Anaplan's robust design system and modern technology stack.
  • Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
  • Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options, depending on company policy and role level.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week. While a hybrid model is offered, specific office attendance days will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager and team, typically involving a few days per week in the York or Manchester office to foster collaboration and team integration.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on data from UK job boards and salary aggregators for UX Designer roles in similar locations and experience brackets, adjusted for the enterprise SaaS industry. Benefits are typical for a company of Anaplan's size and industry standing.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Technology - Enterprise Software (SaaS), specifically focused on AI-infused scenario planning and business analysis. Anaplan operates in a competitive market providing critical tools for financial planning, sales forecasting, and operational optimization for large enterprises. Company Size: 2,400+ global employees (as of the job description's context), indicating a mid-to-large-sized enterprise with established processes and a global reach. This size offers opportunities for structured career growth and cross-functional collaboration. Founded: Anaplan was founded in 1998, signifying a mature company with significant market presence and a long history of innovation in the planning and analytics space.

Team Structure:

  • The UX team is a substantial group of 25+ designers and researchers, indicating a strong commitment to user experience within the product organization.
  • This UX team likely operates with a degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with product management and engineering teams on a feature-by-feature or product-area basis.
  • Reporting is likely structured under a Head of UX or Design Director, with individual designers owning specific product modules or application areas.

Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform design choices and measure impact.
  • User-Centricity: A core principle, focusing on understanding and meeting the needs of enterprise users.
  • Agile Development: Experience working with Agile teams is preferred, suggesting iterative development cycles and close collaboration.
  • Design System Adoption: A commitment to leveraging and improving a unified design system for consistency and efficiency.

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

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Anaplan's focus on "AI-infused scenario planning" suggests a forward-thinking company that values innovation. Their "Winning Culture" emphasizes leadership, achieving ambitious goals, and celebrating wins, which likely translates to a dynamic and results-oriented work environment.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This UX Designer role is positioned at a mid-level, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It involves owning feature-level design work and collaborating across teams, indicating a significant level of responsibility and autonomy within a specific product area. The role is foundational for designers looking to specialize in enterprise SaaS UX. Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Head of UX within the global User Experience team. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads for their designated product area, fostering a matrixed collaboration environment. Operations Impact: While this is a UX role, its impact on "operations" is significant. By designing intuitive and efficient interfaces for Anaplan's platform, this role directly influences how thousands of enterprise users manage complex planning, forecasting, and decision-making processes. Better UX leads to more efficient operations, reduced training costs, and improved business outcomes for Anaplan's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for complex enterprise applications, data-rich interfaces, and planning workflows.
  • Leadership: Potential to move into Senior UX Designer roles, leading design for larger product areas or mentoring junior designers.
  • Cross-Functional Experience: Gaining valuable experience working within enterprise SaaS, product development lifecycles, and Agile methodologies.
  • Design System Contribution: Opportunities to contribute to and evolve a mature design system, building recognized expertise in design consistency and scalability.
  • Internal Mobility: Potential to move into related roles within Anaplan, such as Product Management or UX Research, given the broad exposure to the product.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The growth path suggests progression from owning features to potentially owning larger product modules or leading design initiatives. The emphasis on enterprise SaaS and complex data tools provides a strong foundation for a specialized UX career.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, requiring a balance of remote work and in-office presence in either the York or Manchester office. This model is designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion while offering flexibility. Office Location(s): York, United Kingdom and Manchester, United Kingdom. These locations are specified as potential bases for the role. Workspace Context:

  • The UX team is 25+ strong, suggesting a collaborative design community within the broader product organization.
  • The workspace will likely include access to modern design tools (Figma is specified) and a design system, facilitating efficient and high-quality design output.
  • Opportunities for regular interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow UX designers are integral to the hybrid model, encouraging knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. This allows for focused individual work during remote days and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and potential workshops during office days.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured approach to in-office collaboration and remote productivity.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
  • Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager focusing on experience, approach to design, and understanding of Anaplan's product space.
  • Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, walking through key projects and discussing their design process, problem-solving skills, and collaboration. This may involve a design exercise or case study discussion.
  • Team/Peer Interviews: Meetings with other UX designers, product managers, and engineers to assess collaboration skills and cultural alignment within the team.
  • Final Interview: Potentially a final discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in user-centered design, Figma proficiency, data-rich interfaces, and complex workflows.
  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the challenges, your solutions, and the impact/outcomes. Use visuals effectively.
  • Demonstrate Process: Show your thinking – sketches, wireframes, user flows, iterations, and how you used research and data to guide your decisions.
  • Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers) and how you incorporated their feedback.
  • Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle constructive criticism.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready to discuss your approach to simplifying complex enterprise problems.
  • Prepare to talk about your experience with design systems and accessibility standards.
  • If a design exercise is given, focus on your process, problem-solving approach, and clear communication of your design rationale, rather than just the final output.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical gate. Candidates should tailor their portfolio to highlight relevant experience, especially in enterprise SaaS, data-intensive applications, and workflow design.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: The primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. Proficiency is essential.
  • Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to established design systems.
  • Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude for understanding user behavior and validating design decisions.
  • Data Visualization Tools: While not directly designing these, an understanding of how data is presented and consumed is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not a direct CRM role, understanding how enterprise software integrates and how user data is managed is advantageous.
  • Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Understanding how design integrates with Agile development tools like Jira is also important.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Innovation: Driving forward Anaplan's AI-infused platform and improving user experiences.
  • Customer Success: A strong focus on delivering value and powerful solutions to enterprise customers.
  • Collaboration: Working effectively across product, engineering, and research to achieve shared goals.
  • Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design and continuous improvement.
  • Diversity & Inclusion: Championing a welcoming environment where unique perspectives are valued.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Partnership: Close working relationships with Product Managers and Engineers are key to the design process.
  • Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and transparent dialogue within the UX team and with development partners.
  • Iterative Design: A culture of continuous improvement through feedback loops and data analysis.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Anaplan's "Winning Culture" emphasizes achieving ambitious goals and behaving like leaders. This suggests a team that is driven, proactive, and focused on tangible results.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Simplifying Complexity: Designing intuitive interfaces for a powerful, data-rich enterprise platform with intricate modeling and planning capabilities.
  • Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively navigating the needs of users, product managers, engineers, and business objectives.
  • Adhering to Design Systems: Maintaining consistency while contributing to and evolving a large-scale design system.
  • Enterprise SaaS Nuances: Designing for a specific set of enterprise users with unique workflows and technical proficiencies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in enterprise UX, data visualization, and complex workflow design.
  • Industry Best Practices: Exposure to cutting-edge practices in AI-driven planning and analytics software design.
  • Professional Development: Support for attending industry conferences, workshops, and obtaining relevant certifications.
  • Mentorship: Potential to learn from senior designers and researchers within a large, established UX team.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in translating complex functional requirements into simple, elegant user experiences for a sophisticated enterprise audience.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex design problem you solved for an enterprise user. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user-centricity, and impact.)
  • "How do you approach designing for data-rich interfaces? What are the key considerations?" (Highlight your understanding of data visualization, clarity, and user comprehension.)
  • "Walk me through your process for using a design system. How do you ensure consistency, and when do you advocate for deviations?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design systems' importance and your ability to contribute.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Anaplan and our product? How do you see UX contributing to our mission?" (Research Anaplan's platform, AI focus, and competitive landscape.)
  • "Describe a time you had to collaborate with engineers or product managers who had different priorities. How did you navigate that situation?" (Showcase your communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.)
  • "How do you stay updated on the latest UX trends and best practices, especially within enterprise software?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's goals.
  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (flows, wireframes, prototypes) to illustrate your design decisions and process.
  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.
  • Be Confident and Concise: Articulate your rationale clearly and be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your work.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your experience with data-intensive applications and complex workflows. Be ready to articulate how you translate technical or business requirements into user-friendly designs.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Anaplan careers portal via the provided link.
  • Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your UX process, Figma proficiency, and experience with data-rich, complex interfaces. Tailor it to highlight how you simplify complexity for enterprise users.
  • Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 2-5 years of commercial UX experience, specific skills like Figma and design systems, and achievements related to user-centered design, collaboration, and impact.
  • Prepare for Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on clarity, your design rationale, and the measurable outcomes of your work. Be ready to discuss your collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Research Anaplan: Understand Anaplan's platform, its target market, and its "Winning Culture." Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's approach to UX.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have commercial experience in UX or product design and a strong foundation in user-centered design principles. Proficiency with Figma and experience designing for data-rich interfaces are also required.