Mid-Level UX/UI Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Mid-Level UX/UI Designer (12-Month Maternity Cover)

Company: Wordwall

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

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

Remote Status: 100% Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Execution-driven UX/UI Designer focused on end-to-end workflow ownership, from concept to implementation.

• Responsible for transforming validated product hypotheses into intuitive, high-quality interaction designs that meet user needs.

• Key contributor to a component-based design system, ensuring scalability across platforms and user types.

• Collaborative role working closely with Product Managers and Engineers to deliver user-centric solutions with speed and craft.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a UX/UI Designer, it has significant operational implications for the product development lifecycle. The emphasis on process, system design, and cross-functional collaboration aligns with core Revenue Operations and GTM operational principles. This role requires a structured approach to design, akin to how operations professionals manage processes and systems for efficiency and scalability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate user needs, validated product ideas, and requirements into detailed wireframes, user flows, and polished UI components.

• Own the complete design process from initial concepting through to engineering handoff, ensuring clarity, consistency, and optimal usability.

• Develop scalable UX solutions that perform effectively across mobile and desktop interfaces, accommodating both new and experienced users, and supporting multiple languages.

• Actively contribute to and maintain an evolving component-based design system, enhancing its structure and usability.

• Conduct or actively support user research and usability testing, synthesizing findings into actionable design improvements.

• Establish and maintain a well-organized Figma workspace and a robust design architecture for efficient workflow management.

• Build and refine a scalable design library and visual style guide to ensure consistent branding and user experience across all product surfaces.

• Collaborate with fellow designers and engineers to continuously optimize design processes, documentation, and decision-making frameworks.

• Partner closely with Product Managers to gain a deep understanding of product challenges and collaboratively shape problem statements and potential solution spaces.

• Work directly with engineers to guarantee the accurate and high-fidelity implementation of design specifications.

• Participate actively in design iterations, rapid prototyping cycles, user testing sessions, QA handoffs, and cross-functional review meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on process and system management within the design function. This aligns with operations' emphasis on structured workflows, repeatable processes, and the maintenance of standardized systems (like a design system). The expectation to "own the design process" and "establish and maintain a structured Figma workspace" directly translates to operational responsibilities in process ownership and system administration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and a deep understanding of UX/UI principles is essential.

Experience: 4+ years of hands-on experience designing digital products or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in interaction design with a comprehensive understanding of usability best practices.

• Fluency in Figma, including advanced proficiency in creating and managing component-driven design systems.

• A strong portfolio showcasing the ability to translate complex product intentions into functional, user-first designs with a clear demonstration of impact.

• Demonstrated ability to manage personal workload effectively and maintain high velocity in a remote, asynchronous team environment.

• Experience and comfort in testing and utilizing AI solutions to accelerate and enhance the design process.

• Must possess a suitable existing homeworking setup conducive to remote productivity.

• Legal authorization to work in the UK is mandatory; visa sponsorship is not offered.

• Immediate availability or a maximum notice period of one month is required. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience within the EdTech sector, educational platforms, or creator tool industries.

• Familiarity with the implementation and comprehensive documentation of design libraries.

• Proven experience collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers within delivery-focused, agile environments.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design methodologies, user testing protocols, rapid prototyping techniques, and Quality Assurance (QA) workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "fluency in Figma and component-driven design systems" and "comfort managing own workload and maintaining velocity in a remote, async team" are critical for operational efficiency. These skills ensure smooth handoffs, maintainable design assets, and predictable output, mirroring the operational goals of process standardization and efficient resource management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end UX workflow examples, from problem definition and user research to final UI implementation and iteration.

• Include case studies demonstrating how you translated product intent and validated hypotheses into intuitive, user-first designs.

• Highlight examples of your work within component-based design systems, illustrating your ability to create scalable and consistent UI elements.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma, including the structure and architecture of your Figma files and any design libraries you have built or contributed to.

• Present clear evidence of your impact on usability, user experience, and product goals through metrics or qualitative feedback. Process Documentation:

• Document your approach to translating user needs and product requirements into wireframes, user flows, and UI components.

• Illustrate your process for collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers, detailing handoff procedures and feedback loops.

• Explain your methodology for conducting or supporting user research and usability testing, and how insights are synthesized into actionable design improvements.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained design systems, visual style guides, or component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that "demonstrates the ability to translate product intent into functional, user-first design" and detailing "process documentation" is directly aligned with operations' need for tangible proof of process management and system implementation. Candidates are expected to show not just the output, but the structured process behind it, akin to an operations professional presenting a process optimization case study.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a 12-month fixed-term contract role for maternity leave cover, a specific salary range is not provided. However, based on industry benchmarks for Mid-Level UX/UI Designers in London with 4+ years of experience, a competitive day rate or pro-rata annual salary would typically fall between £45,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on experience and specific skill set.

Benefits:

• 30 days' holiday per year, inclusive of UK bank holidays, ensuring ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

• 100% remote working, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Opportunities for social events and annual meet-ups, fostering team connection despite the remote setup.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week is assumed, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the remote nature of the role. The focus will be on output and project delivery rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical UK contractor rates for similar roles and experience levels in London. The benefits provided are standard for contract roles, with a notable emphasis on remote work flexibility, which aligns with operational efficiency and employee well-being initiatives.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Wordwall operates within the EdTech (Education Technology) sector, focusing on creator tools and educational platforms. This implies a culture that values innovation, user empowerment, and the impact of technology on learning and content creation.

Company Size: Information on the exact company size is not provided, but the mention of a "growing product team" and a "Head of Design" suggests a mid-sized organization where individual contributions are significant, and there's potential for direct impact on product direction. This size often means more agile processes and less bureaucracy, allowing for quicker implementation of design and operational improvements.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's presence on a job platform and its focus on modern product development indicate an established, forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will report to the Head of Design, indicating a clear reporting line within a dedicated design function.

• Collaboration will be close with Product Managers and Engineers, suggesting a cross-functional, agile team structure common in tech companies.

• The role is described as "hands-on, execution-driven," implying a team that values productivity and tangible output. Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile development methodologies, with a focus on rapid prototyping, user testing, and iterative improvements.

• Design processes will be integrated with product management and engineering workflows, emphasizing collaboration and efficient handoffs.

• There's a clear emphasis on a "component-based design system" and "design architecture," indicating a commitment to scalable, maintainable, and efficient design operations.

Company Website: https://wordwall.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of EdTech and creator tools suggests an operational environment that is likely fast-paced, user-centric, and data-informed. The emphasis on a "growing product team" implies that processes are evolving, offering opportunities for this role to contribute to the refinement of design operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level UX/UI Designer role, positioned as a crucial individual contributor. While the role is a 12-month contract, it offers significant autonomy and ownership over the end-to-end design workflow. It is an execution-focused role with opportunities to influence design systems and processes.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Head of Design. This provides a clear path for mentorship, feedback, and strategic alignment within the design department. Collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers will be day-to-day, fostering a cross-functional working dynamic.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact will be directly tied to the usability, intuitiveness, and scalability of Wordwall's digital products. By translating user needs into effective designs and contributing to a robust design system, this role directly influences user adoption, engagement, and satisfaction, which in turn impacts customer retention and revenue growth for the SaaS platform. The focus on efficiency through design systems and AI tools also contributes to operational cost savings and faster product iteration cycles.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in component-based design systems, user research methodologies, and potentially AI-assisted design tools.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the evolution and optimization of Wordwall's design processes, contributing to a more efficient and scalable design operation.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Gain experience leading design efforts within cross-functional product teams, influencing product strategy through user-centered design.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong portfolio with tangible examples of impactful design work, system contributions, and process improvements, valuable for future career advancements in design or operations roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while a contract, provides a solid foundation for operations-focused career growth. The emphasis on process ownership, system building (design systems), and cross-functional collaboration are transferable skills highly valued in operations roles, particularly in product operations or GTM operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is explicitly 100% remote. This means candidates will work from their own home office setup.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is based in London, England, United Kingdom, and requires the candidate to have the right to work there. This suggests that while physical presence isn't required, there might be a preference for candidates within a similar timezone for collaboration purposes, and potential for occasional in-person social events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, the emphasis on close collaboration with PMs and engineers implies a culture that values communication and teamwork, likely facilitated through digital tools.

• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with digital design tools like Figma, prototyping software, and potentially AI-assisted design tools will be essential. The company likely provides or supports the necessary software.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction will occur through video calls, instant messaging, and project management platforms, fostering a connected remote team experience.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an assumed 40-hour work week. The remote and asynchronous nature of the team suggests a degree of flexibility in daily scheduling, provided that work is completed efficiently and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 100% remote, async nature of the work environment is a key operational characteristic. It requires strong self-discipline, effective communication strategies, and a reliance on robust digital infrastructure, all of which are core operational competencies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Deadline: 14th September 2026. Applicants must apply by this date.

• Initial HR Intro Call: Scheduled for 16th - 18th September 2026. This call will likely assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and logistical details (availability, notice period).

• Interviews: Scheduled for 21st - 24th September 2026, with a possible extension to 1st October. Expect multiple rounds, potentially including a portfolio review, design challenge discussion, and interviews with the Head of Design, Product Managers, and Engineers.

• Portfolio Focus: The portfolio will be a critical component throughout the interview process, used to assess design skills, process, and impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each case study, detail the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the outcomes or impact.

• Process Visualization: Use wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to visually demonstrate your design process. Highlight how you incorporated user feedback and iterative improvements.

• System Contributions: If possible, showcase examples of your work within design systems or component libraries, explaining your approach to scalability and consistency.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your organization, component usage, and overall file architecture.

• Conciseness: Focus on quality over quantity. Select your best work that directly aligns with the job requirements (SaaS, user-first design, component systems).

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design exercise, which might involve a take-home challenge or a live design session. This will likely focus on problem-solving, translating requirements into design, and demonstrating your thought process.

• Process Articulation: Practice articulating your design process clearly and concisely, explaining your rationale for design decisions and how you would approach a given problem.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Prepare to discuss how you collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers, focusing on clear communication, feedback integration, and ensuring accurate implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The structured interview process and emphasis on portfolio review are standard for design roles but also reflect operational rigor in candidate assessment. Applicants should treat their portfolio not just as a showcase of work, but as evidence of their ability to manage and execute a design process effectively, similar to how an operations professional would present a project.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool. Proficiency is mandatory, including experience with component libraries, auto-layout, variants, and design system architecture.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely integrated within Figma or a separate tool (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie) for interactive mockups.

• AI Design Solutions: Experience with AI tools that assist in design tasks (e.g., generating design ideas, automating repetitive tasks) is a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret product analytics (e.g., user behavior data, conversion rates) to inform design decisions is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude would be advantageous. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's primary tools, but an understanding of how design impacts user journeys within a CRM context or how automation features are designed can be helpful for SaaS products. Project Management & Collaboration:

• Jira/Asana/Trello: For managing tasks, sprints, and project workflows.

• Slack/Microsoft Teams: For real-time communication and team collaboration.

• Confluence/Notion: For documentation, design system guidelines, and process outlining.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and component-driven design systems is critical. This directly relates to operational efficiency, maintainability, and scalability of the product's user interface, mirroring the operational focus on standardized systems and efficient resource utilization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through intuitive and effective design.

• Simplicity & Craft: A philosophy of delivering clean, usable, and high-quality designs that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A drive to build designs and systems that can scale across platforms and user bases, and to optimize processes for speed and maintainability.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership with Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow designers to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing user research and analytics to guide design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with Product Management to define problems and with Engineering for implementation, ensuring a unified approach to product development.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture of continuous feedback and iteration, involving rapid prototyping, user testing, and design reviews.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design discussions, contributing to the evolution of the design system and best practices within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of "efficiency & scalability" and "data-informed decisions" are core to operations. This UX/UI role is expected to embody these principles within the design function, contributing to a more operationally sound product development process.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality, scalable designs rapidly within a 12-month contract period requires excellent time management and prioritization skills.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong communication and collaboration across a remote, asynchronous team can be challenging and requires proactive effort.

• Evolving Design System: Contributing to and working within an evolving design system means adapting to changes and ensuring consistency while pushing for improvements.

• Translating Complex Ideas: Transforming validated but potentially complex product hypotheses into simple, intuitive user experiences requires strong problem-solving and conceptualization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Mastery: Gain deep expertise in building, maintaining, and scaling component-based design systems.

• EdTech/Creator Tools Domain: Develop specialized knowledge within the education technology or creator tool sectors.

• AI-Assisted Design: Enhance skills in leveraging AI tools to optimize design workflows and explore new creative possibilities.

• Process Optimization: Contribute to refining the product development and design operational processes within a growing company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-paced tech environments and often require operational thinking to overcome. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for developing skills that are highly valuable in both design and operations leadership roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating a validated product hypothesis into a user-friendly design. Walk me through a specific example from your portfolio." (Focus on problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency and scalability across different platforms and user types, especially within a component-based design system?" (Highlight your experience with design systems, style guides, and component libraries.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers. What were the challenges, and how did you ensure successful implementation of your designs?" (Emphasize communication, feedback loops, and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wordwall and our mission in the EdTech/creator tools space?" (Research the company's products, values, and market position.)

• "How do you approach working in a remote, asynchronous team environment?" (Discuss your self-management skills, communication strategies, and preferred collaboration tools.)

• "How do you measure the success of your designs, and how do you use data to inform your design decisions?" (Prepare examples of metrics or user feedback that demonstrate design impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation as a story for each case study. Start with the problem, explain your role and process, showcase your solutions (wireframes, UI mockups, prototypes), and conclude with the outcomes and lessons learned.

• Highlight Process & Impact: Emphasize your thought process, decision-making rationale, and the tangible impact of your designs (e.g., improved usability, increased engagement, efficiency gains).

• Figma Walkthrough: Be ready to share your screen and navigate your Figma files, demonstrating your organization, component usage, and mastery of the tool.

• Concise & Focused: Tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of the role, focusing on SaaS product design, component systems, and user-centricity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice focuses on demonstrating not just design skills, but also process management, problem-solving capabilities, and collaborative acumen – all key operational competencies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned design position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience with SaaS products, component-based design systems, Figma proficiency, and end-to-end UX workflow ownership. Showcase case studies that demonstrate problem-solving and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Integrate keywords from the job description (e.g., UX/UI Designer, Figma, component-driven design, SaaS, interaction design, user research, remote) into your resume to pass ATS screening and clearly articulate your relevant experience and achievements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and collaboration style. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with a focus on demonstrating how you manage design projects and deliver results efficiently.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Wordwall's products, target audience (educators, content creators), and company mission. Understand their design philosophy and how your approach can contribute to their 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.