Modern Desktop Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Modern Desktop Product Designer

Company: Kingfisher

Location: London, England, United Kingdom / Southampton, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Infrastructure Operations / End User Services

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver modern desktop services, focusing on Windows 11, Microsoft Intune, and Autopilot, to enhance user productivity and security across Kingfisher's global brands.

• Provide technical leadership and governance for infrastructure operations, ensuring alignment with IT strategy and end-user service objectives.

• Drive continuous improvement and standardization of desktop services through feedback-driven design and collaboration with cross-functional teams and third-party providers.

• Act as a subject matter expert, influencing stakeholders and managing the delivery of complex technical solutions within an enterprise-scale environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Infrastructure Operations, specifically focusing on End User Services. The emphasis on "modern desktop services" and specific technologies like Windows 11, Intune, and Autopilot indicates a strong focus on modern device management, deployment, and lifecycle management, aligning with core Revenue Operations and Sales Operations principles of enabling efficient and secure user access to critical business tools. The hybrid work model with a requirement for in-office days suggests a need for collaborative design and problem-solving.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and implement new modern desktop services, including Windows 11 deployment, Intune policy configuration, and Autopilot enrollment processes, to meet defined infrastructure and end-user service objectives.

• Provide technical leadership and governance for projects, business-as-usual activities, and service improvement initiatives related to desktop environments.

• Develop, review, and approve infrastructure and service designs, identifying opportunities for standardization, simplification, and the adoption of shared platforms to optimize operational efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with product owners, architects, delivery partners, and other designers to ensure consistency and integration of desktop services across all Kingfisher brands and locations.

• Advise stakeholders on the feasibility, risks, and available options for technical solutions, supporting informed decision-making and the strategic development of IT initiatives.

• Manage delivery activities by structuring plans, defining EPICs and user stories, and tracking progress to ensure the successful achievement of agreed-upon project outcomes.

• Champion modern desktop services within the IT community by sharing knowledge, promoting best practices, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design, technical execution, and operational governance. For operations professionals, this means demonstrating a strong understanding of how desktop services directly impact end-user productivity, data security, and overall IT operational efficiency. The mention of "EPICs and stories" points to an Agile delivery methodology, requiring familiarity with agile project management principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience:

• 5-10 years of proven experience in designing and delivering technical services within a complex, enterprise-scale IT environment.

• Demonstrated experience in senior technical support, service design, or product management roles focused on end-user computing. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in modern desktop technologies: Windows 11, Microsoft Intune (MDM/MAM), and Windows Autopilot for device provisioning and management.

• Service Design Principles: Proven ability to design user-centric, evergreen desktop services that are scalable, secure, and cost-effective.

• Technical Leadership & Governance: Experience in providing technical direction, establishing standards, and ensuring compliance within IT projects and operations.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent communication and influencing skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels, translate technical concepts, and drive consensus.

• Infrastructure Operations Knowledge: Solid understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, including networking, security, and cloud services, as they relate to desktop environments.

• Third-Party Vendor Management: Experience working effectively with managed service providers and technology vendors to deliver integrated solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., PowerShell) for automation of desktop management tasks.

• Familiarity with IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks like ITIL.

• Knowledge of other endpoint management solutions and security best practices.

• Experience in retail or multi-brand enterprise environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Intune and Autopilot suggests a strong requirement for cloud-native endpoint management skills. For operations candidates, demonstrating proficiency in these areas, alongside foundational IT infrastructure knowledge and strong stakeholder management, is critical. The "5-10 years" experience level indicates a need for candidates who can operate with a degree of autonomy and provide expert guidance.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Modern Desktop Service Designs: Examples of end-to-end designs for desktop deployment, configuration, and management services, showcasing the integration of Windows 11, Intune, and Autopilot.

• Process Optimization Case Studies: Documented instances of how you identified inefficiencies in existing desktop support or deployment processes and implemented solutions leading to measurable improvements (e.g., reduced deployment time, improved user satisfaction, enhanced security posture).

• System Implementation Examples: Evidence of leading or contributing to the successful implementation of new desktop technologies or service improvements, highlighting your role in planning, execution, and post-implementation support.

• ROI Demonstration: Case studies or examples where your work on desktop services has contributed to tangible business value, such as cost savings, increased productivity, or reduced operational risk.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Showcase your ability to map current desktop service workflows, identify bottlenecks, and design optimized future-state processes.

• Implementation and Automation: Provide examples of how you have documented the steps for rolling out new technologies or processes, including automation strategies for deployment, configuration, and ongoing management.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Demonstrate how you establish metrics, track the performance of desktop services, and use data to inform continuous improvement efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just technical designs, but the entire lifecycle of a service or process improvement initiative. This includes problem identification, solution design, implementation, and the measurement of impact. Demonstrating a systematic approach to process optimization and the ability to quantify results will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a Modern Desktop Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in the UK (London/Southampton), a competitive salary range of £60,000 - £85,000 per annum is estimated. This range accounts for the specialized technical skills required (Intune, Autopilot, Windows 11), the complexity of an enterprise-scale environment, and the hybrid work model. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's demands. Benefits:

• Competitive Benefits Package: This typically includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), life assurance, and a pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Flexible Working Model: Embracing a hybrid approach, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, promoting work-life integration.

• Career Development Opportunities: Access to learning resources, training programs, certifications, and potential for advancement within Kingfisher's global IT structure.

• Employee Assistance Program: Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Generous Annual Leave: Standard holiday entitlement with potential for additional days based on tenure.

Working Hours:

• The standard working hours are approximately 38 hours per week. The hybrid model requires an average of 1-2 days per week in the office (approximately 12 days per month), with flexibility for travel between Southampton and London offices as needed. The role is designed to accommodate a work-life balance, with a focus on delivering outcomes rather than strict adherence to hours, within the established framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on aggregate data from UK job boards and salary survey sites for similar roles in London and Southampton, considering the specified experience level and technical requirements. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for large enterprise companies in the UK and specific mentions in the job description. The "12 days a month in the office" translates to approximately 3 days per week, reinforcing the hybrid nature.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Home Improvement)

Company Size: 74,000+ employees globally. This large scale means the operations professional will be part of a significant IT department supporting a vast user base and complex business operations across multiple brands and regions.

Founded: Kingfisher plc was founded in 1982. With decades of history, the company likely has established processes and a blend of legacy and modern systems, presenting opportunities for both optimization and significant impact with modern solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the Infrastructure Operations team, specifically within End User Services. This implies a focus on the technology and services that directly enable daily work for colleagues.

• The team likely comprises specialists in various areas of end-user computing, support, and device management.

• Collaboration with other IT functions such as Architecture, Security, Service Delivery, and Project Management teams is expected. Methodology:

• Agile Delivery: The mention of "EPICs and stories" suggests an Agile or hybrid Agile approach to project management and service delivery.

• Service Design: A focus on creating "evergreen services" indicates a commitment to continuous improvement, iterative development, and maintaining services in a state of readiness and modernity.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the nature of operations roles implies that decisions regarding service design and improvement will be informed by data on usage, performance, and user feedback.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kingfisher's status as a large, multi-brand retail group means that operations roles often involve managing complexity, driving standardization across diverse business units, and impacting a broad employee base. Understanding the retail context can be beneficial for demonstrating how IT operations support business goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior/Product Designer level role within Infrastructure Operations. It requires significant subject matter expertise and the ability to influence technical direction and service design. The role is not entry-level; it demands proven experience in designing and delivering complex technical services.

Reporting Structure: The role is within End User Services, likely reporting to an End User Services Manager or Head of Infrastructure Operations. Collaboration with Architects and Product Owners will be key, suggesting a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional working relationship.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on enabling employees to work "simply, securely and effectively." This translates to:

• Increased Productivity: Ensuring reliable and efficient desktop services minimize downtime and support employee workflows.

• Enhanced Security: Implementing modern security features and policies to protect company data and systems.

• Cost Optimization: Through standardization, simplification, and efficient service delivery, the role contributes to reducing IT operational costs.

• Improved Employee Experience: Creating consistent and positive technology experiences across all Kingfisher brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in modern endpoint management technologies (Intune, Autopilot, Windows 11) and potentially expand into related areas like cloud security or identity management.

• Leadership: Progress into roles with greater team leadership responsibilities, such as a Team Lead or Manager within End User Services or Infrastructure Operations.

• Architectural Roles: Transition into Solution Architect or Enterprise Architect roles, focusing on broader IT strategy and design.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Gain experience working across Kingfisher's diverse brands, understanding unique operational needs and driving common solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path suggests a move from specialized technical design to broader strategic influence or team management. Operations professionals looking at this role should consider how their current skills align with these growth trajectories and be prepared to discuss their aspirations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with required days in the office for collaboration. This indicates a blend of independent work and team-based problem-solving and design sessions.

Office Location(s):

• Paddington, London: A major business hub offering excellent transport links.

• Southampton: Another key Kingfisher office location.

• Candidates are expected to be able to work from either office and travel between them as required. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect opportunities to engage with designers, architects, product owners, and delivery teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work setting.

• Modern Tools & Technology: Access to Kingfisher's IT infrastructure and tools necessary for designing and managing modern desktop services.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the Infrastructure Operations and End User Services teams, promoting knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 38 hours, with a hybrid model requiring about 1-2 days per week in the office. This structure aims to provide flexibility while ensuring sufficient in-person collaboration for design, planning, and team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature. Candidates should be comfortable with this arrangement and prepared to discuss how they maintain productivity and collaboration in such an environment. The travel requirement between London and Southampton is also a practical consideration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and application, likely conducted by HR or a Talent Acquisition specialist, to assess alignment with core requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potentially other members of the Infrastructure Operations or End User Services team. This stage will focus on your technical expertise, experience with Windows 11, Intune, Autopilot, service design methodologies, and stakeholder management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your career.

• Technical/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a technical assessment or a design-related task, either as a take-home assignment or during an interview slot. This could involve designing a solution for a specific desktop deployment scenario or outlining a process improvement.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader within IT or a cross-functional stakeholder to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the role and Kingfisher.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience in designing and delivering modern desktop services, focusing on Intune, Autopilot, and Windows 11.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your specific role and responsibilities, the solution you designed and implemented, the tools and technologies used, and most importantly, the measurable outcomes and business impact (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, security improvements).

• Highlight Process & Strategy: Showcase your understanding of service design principles, continuous improvement methodologies, and how you approach process optimization.

• Prepare to Present: Be ready to walk through your portfolio with confidence, explaining your contributions clearly and concisely. Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Design: Familiarize yourself with common enterprise desktop deployment and management scenarios. Consider how you would configure Intune policies, set up Autopilot profiles, and manage Windows 11 updates and security.

• Process Mapping: Practice outlining workflows for common IT service processes, such as new user onboarding, device refresh, or software deployment.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to explain technical concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences, demonstrating your ability to influence and gain buy-in.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio and potential design challenges underscores the practical, hands-on nature of this role. Operations candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but also concrete examples of their problem-solving and implementation capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Microsoft Intune: Core for Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Mobile Application Management (MAM). Proficiency in device enrollment, policy configuration, app deployment, and compliance settings is essential.

• Windows Autopilot: Key for streamlined Windows device deployment and provisioning. Understanding of deployment profiles, white-glove/self-deploying modes, and integration with Intune is critical.

• Windows 11: Deep understanding of its features, administration capabilities, deployment options, and security enhancements.

• Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM): The overarching platform encompassing Intune and Configuration Manager, knowledge of its integrated capabilities is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Microsoft Power BI / Tableau: Likely used for creating dashboards and reports on desktop service performance, user adoption, and compliance.

• Intune/Endpoint Analytics: Native reporting and analytics within Intune for device health, app reliability, and performance insights.

CRM & Automation:

• ServiceNow / Jira: Commonly used for IT Service Management (ITSM), incident management, change management, and project tracking (EPICs/Stories).

• PowerShell / Scripting: Essential for automating repetitive tasks in desktop management, configuration, and reporting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus, deep technical knowledge of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem for endpoint management is paramount. Operations professionals should highlight their experience with these specific tools and any automation capabilities they possess.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Simplicity & Effectiveness: A core value driving the design of "modern desktop services that enable colleagues... to work simply, securely and effectively." This means prioritizing user experience and operational efficiency.

• Collaboration: Encouraging work "across all banners" and with "designers, architects, product owners and delivery partners" highlights a strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnership.

• Continuous Improvement: The pursuit of "evergreen services" and a "feedback-driven approach to service design and continuous improvement" indicates a culture that values iteration and learning.

• Innovation & Experimentation: While not explicitly stated as a primary value for this role, Kingfisher's broader culture ("encourage new ideas, support experimentation") likely extends to the IT department, promoting a proactive approach to adopting new technologies and methods.

• Data-Driven: Implicit in operations roles, decisions are expected to be informed by data, metrics, and user feedback to ensure services meet objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with various IT departments and business stakeholders, requiring strong communication and the ability to build consensus.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that champions sharing knowledge and promoting best practices across the organization, suggesting an open environment for discussions and learning.

• Partnership with Third Parties: A collaborative approach to working with managed service providers and vendors is essential for successful delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Kingfisher's stated values and the implied collaborative style is key for candidates to demonstrate cultural fit. Highlighting how their own approach to work aligns with these values can be a significant advantage.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Complexity: Kingfisher operates multiple brands and geographies, presenting a challenge in standardizing desktop services while meeting diverse needs.

• Evergreen Service Maintenance: Keeping desktop services modern and secure in a rapidly evolving technology landscape requires continuous effort and adaptation.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Balancing the requirements of various stakeholders across different brands and departments can be complex.

• Legacy System Integration: Potentially needing to integrate modern solutions with existing or legacy infrastructure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Microsoft Endpoint Management: Opportunities to gain deeper certifications and expertise in Intune, Autopilot, Azure AD, and other Microsoft 365 endpoint management components.

• Cloud Security & Identity: Expanding knowledge into cloud security principles, identity and access management (IAM), and Zero Trust architectures.

• Service Ownership: Developing skills in owning and managing a service lifecycle end-to-end, including strategic planning, operational delivery, and continuous improvement.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead initiatives that span multiple IT domains and business units, developing broader leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Recognizing the inherent challenges in a large, multi-brand organization and framing them as opportunities for skill development and growth will be a strong point for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new modern desktop service, from initial requirements gathering to full deployment and ongoing management. How would you incorporate Intune and Autopilot into this process?"

• "How do you balance the need for standardization with the unique requirements of different business units or brands within a large enterprise like Kingfisher?"

• "Walk me through a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a new technology or process for desktop management. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Kingfisher and its brands? How do you see modern desktop services supporting the retail industry?"

• "How would you contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing within the Infrastructure Operations team?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you ensure effective collaboration with remote and in-office colleagues." Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each portfolio piece, clearly articulate the "So What?" – the tangible business value and operational improvements achieved. Use metrics whenever possible.

• Tell a Story: Frame your projects as narratives with a clear beginning (problem), middle (solution and execution), and end (results and lessons learned).

• Technical Depth & Breadth: Be prepared to dive into technical details of your designs and implementations, but also to zoom out and explain the strategic rationale and business alignment.

• Address Challenges: Be open about challenges faced and how you overcame them, demonstrating problem-solving skills and resilience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your experience with the core technologies (Intune, Autopilot, Windows 11) and demonstrating a structured, results-oriented approach to service design and operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kingfisher careers portal.

• Customize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Windows 11, Microsoft Intune, and Autopilot. Quantify achievements wherever possible, using numbers to demonstrate impact (e.g., "Reduced device deployment time by 30%," "Managed Intune policies for 10,000+ devices").

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 2-3 key projects that showcase your modern desktop service design and delivery capabilities. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your solution, the technologies used, and the measurable business outcomes. Be ready to present this portfolio during the interview process.

• Research Kingfisher: Understand the company's brands, its purpose ("Better Homes. Better Lives. For Everyone."), and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Consider how your role in IT operations contributes to these broader company goals.

• Practice interview questions: Rehearse answers to common operations and technical questions, focusing on articulating your experience with the specified tools and methodologies. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and process improvement.

⚠️ 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.