Senior App Designer - UI/UX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior App Designer - UI/UX

Company: Leighton

Location: Remote (with potential ties to Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Full Time

Category: UI/UX Design Operations, Product Design Operations

Date Posted: May 05, 2026

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

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver user-centered mobile and/or web applications from initial concept through to final handover, ensuring exceptional user experiences and adherence to technical specifications.

• Translate complex product requirements, user needs, and business objectives into intuitive, visually appealing, and functional design solutions.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and marketing, to ensure design integrity and successful implementation across various platforms (iOS, Android, Web).

• Develop, maintain, and evolve comprehensive design systems, style guides, and reusable UI component libraries to ensure brand consistency and design efficiency across all digital products.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights, validate design decisions, and drive iterative improvements based on qualitative and quantitative data.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is classified under "UI/UX Design Operations" and "Product Design Operations" due to its focus on the systematic creation, implementation, and maintenance of design processes and assets that support product development. The emphasis on design systems, collaboration with development, and iterative design based on data aligns with operational principles within the design function, aiming for efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design user-centered mobile and/or web applications, creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that meet user needs and business goals.

• Translate product requirements, user stories, and technical constraints into elegant and effective design solutions, ensuring a seamless user journey.

• Collaborate closely with product managers to define user requirements and with developers to ensure accurate implementation of UI/UX designs, providing clear documentation and assets.

• Establish and maintain robust design systems, style guides, and component libraries, ensuring consistency in branding, UI elements, and interaction patterns across all digital products.

• Plan and execute user research initiatives, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing sessions, to gather actionable insights and validate design hypotheses.

• Iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders, usability testing results, analytics data, and evolving product requirements, demonstrating a data-driven approach to design optimization.

• Ensure all designs adhere to established brand guidelines, accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG), and platform-specific design conventions for iOS and Android.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and methodologies within the team, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level contribution, emphasizing not just execution but also the strategic development and maintenance of design infrastructure (design systems) and processes (user research, iterative design). The collaboration with product managers and developers underscores a strong GTM (Go-To-Market) enablement component, where design directly supports product viability and market readiness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of HCI (Human-Computer Interaction), graphic design principles, or related fields is expected. A portfolio demonstrating practical application of these principles is paramount.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of proven experience in UI/UX design, app design, or a similar role, with a substantial track record of successfully delivering digital products.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centered design methodologies and principles for mobile and web applications.

• Proficient in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex product requirements and user needs into intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

• Strong understanding of interaction design, usability principles, and information architecture.

• Experience in designing for both iOS and Android platforms, understanding their respective design guidelines and user expectations.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including product management, engineering, and QA.

• Excellent visual design skills with a keen eye for detail, typography, color theory, and layout.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and maintaining comprehensive design systems and component libraries.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards, such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and experience incorporating them into designs.

• Basic understanding of front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate effective collaboration with developers.

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies and product-led growth environments.

• Familiarity with user research techniques and usability testing methodologies.

• Experience designing for responsive web applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements suggest a candidate who can operate both as a hands-on designer and a strategic contributor to the design operations framework. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration with development points to a need for skills that bridge design and product engineering, crucial for efficient product development cycles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end app design projects, from initial concept and user research to final UI implementation and iterative improvements.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, design process, your specific contributions, design decisions, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrations of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs for both mobile and web applications.

• Examples of how you have applied user-centered design principles and addressed user needs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have contributed to or maintained design systems, style guides, or component libraries, highlighting their structure and benefits.

• Illustrate your process for conducting user research and usability testing, including methodologies used and how insights informed design iterations.

• Provide documentation or clear descriptions of your design workflow, from ideation and sketching to prototyping and final handover.

• Demonstrate how you ensure designs meet accessibility standards and brand guidelines, with examples of implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior App Designer role, the portfolio isn't just a showcase of visual output but a demonstration of process, problem-solving, and impact. The emphasis on case studies, design systems, and iterative design based on research and data is critical for demonstrating operational proficiency in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the UK location, experience level (5-10 years), and the seniority of the "Senior App Designer" title, a competitive salary range for this role in the UK is estimated to be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the company's industry (Consultancy, Technology), the demand for skilled UI/UX designers, and the benefits package offered.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skills.

• Contributory pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Private healthcare, providing comprehensive medical coverage.

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays, with the flexibility to buy or sell additional holiday days.

• A flexible approach to working hours, promoting work-life balance and autonomy.

• Opportunities for continuous personal development, including a structured career path and dedicated training programs to enhance skills and career progression.

• Recognition as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech by Great Place To Work UK, indicating a positive and supportive work environment.

Working Hours: The role specifies a Full Time employment type and mentions a flexible approach to working hours. This typically translates to a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility in start and end times, allowing for better integration of personal commitments and operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical UK market rates for a Senior UI/UX Designer with 5-10 years of experience, considering the company's industry and the provided benefits. The specific figure would depend on the candidate's precise experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with industry standards for attracting and retaining top talent in the technology and consultancy sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Leighton operates within the Consultancy sector, with a strong emphasis on technology and digital transformation. This industry context implies a fast-paced, client-focused, and solutions-oriented environment where innovation and adaptability are highly valued. For design operations, this means a focus on delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions that meet client needs and drive business outcomes.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of being recognized as one of the "Best Workplaces in Tech" by Great Place To Work UK suggests a company that is likely medium to large, with established HR practices and a focus on employee experience and culture. This size often allows for dedicated teams and specialized roles like Senior App Designer, while still maintaining a collaborative and agile atmosphere.

Founded: The company's founding date is not provided, but being recognized for workplace culture in recent years indicates a mature organization that has invested in its people and practices.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Consultancy department, suggesting a team structure that might be project-based or aligned with service offerings. The Senior App Designer would likely be part of a design or product development team.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a senior manager within the Consultancy department, with direct collaboration across product, development, and client-facing teams.

Methodology:

• The operations within this design role will heavily rely on data analysis and insights derived from user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and product strategy.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be crucial, especially in maintaining design systems and ensuring efficient handoffs to development.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be key in leveraging design tools and systems to accelerate the design process and ensure consistency.

Company Website: https://leighton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning within the consultancy and tech sector suggests a dynamic environment where design plays a critical role in client solutions. The "Best Workplaces" recognition implies a strong emphasis on employee well-being, professional development, and a culture that fosters collaboration and innovation – all positive indicators for a Senior App Designer.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position within the UI/UX design function. It signifies a highly experienced individual capable of leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to the strategic direction of product design. The role demands not only strong individual contribution but also the ability to influence team processes and design standards.

Reporting Structure: As a senior member, the designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Product, or a Director within the Consultancy department. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, acting as a key liaison between user needs, business requirements, and technical implementation.

Operations Impact: The Senior App Designer's impact is critical to the success of digital products. By creating intuitive and engaging user experiences, they directly influence user adoption, satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, the achievement of business objectives for clients. Their work in maintaining design systems and efficient workflows optimizes the product development lifecycle, reducing time-to-market and development costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead UI/UX Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing design teams, setting design strategy, and managing client relationships.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as UX research, interaction design, design systems architecture, or product strategy.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to transition into Product Management, focusing on the strategic definition and roadmap of digital products.

• Mentorship & Training: Act as a mentor to junior designers, contributing to their development and the overall skill enhancement of the design team. Participate in advanced training and certifications to stay at the forefront of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant impact on operational efficiency and strategic product direction. The growth opportunities highlight a clear career trajectory within a company that values professional development, essential for retaining experienced operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as Remote. This indicates a distributed workforce where employees primarily work from their own locations. This model requires a high degree of self-discipline, effective remote communication tools, and a culture that supports asynchronous work and virtual collaboration.

Office Location(s): While remote, the company is based in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, and the role is specified for the United Kingdom. This suggests that while physical office presence is not required, there might be an expectation for occasional in-person meetings or team gatherings, particularly if the company has an office there.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature necessitates a robust digital collaboration environment. Expect heavy reliance on video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools to foster team cohesion and communication.

• Access to operations tools and technology will be provided or expected to be used remotely, including design software (Figma, Sketch), collaboration platforms (Slack, Teams), and project tracking tools (Jira, Asana).

• Opportunities for team interaction will primarily be virtual. This includes scheduled team meetings, virtual coffee breaks, and collaborative design sessions conducted remotely.

Work Schedule: The mention of "A flexible approach to working hours" indicates a commitment to work-life balance. While a standard full-time workload (likely around 40 hours per week) is expected, employees will have autonomy in structuring their day, which is beneficial for managing deep work sessions required for design tasks and accommodating different time zones if collaborating internationally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work arrangement is a key feature, requiring candidates to be adept at virtual collaboration and self-management. The flexibility in hours is a significant perk for operations roles that often require focused work periods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Technical/Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, their design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their work. This stage assesses design skills, strategic thinking, and communication.

• Skills-Based Assessment: A practical design exercise or case study may be administered to evaluate problem-solving abilities, design execution, and understanding of UI/UX principles within a given timeframe.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: Interviews with potential team members and managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Leighton's company values ("An open and genuine communicator," "Always learning," "Love what you do," etc.).

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, potentially focusing on strategic contributions and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase end-to-end design thinking, problem-solving, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with mobile/web app design and consultancy work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, key design decisions, challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes or user impact. Use visuals effectively to walk through your journey.

• Highlight Operations: Emphasize how you managed design processes, collaborated with engineering, maintained design systems, or used data to drive iterations – demonstrating your operational acumen.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design philosophy, how you handle feedback, your experience with specific tools, and your approach to accessibility and brand consistency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: If a design challenge is given, ensure you fully understand the brief, target audience, and business objectives.

• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely between research, ideation, sketching, prototyping, and presenting.

• Articulate Your Rationale: Be prepared to clearly explain why you made certain design decisions, referencing UX principles, user research, and business goals. Focus on process and rationale, not just the final visual.

• Showcase Collaboration: If applicable, frame your approach as if you were collaborating with product managers and developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess both technical design proficiency and operational effectiveness. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges highlights the need for candidates to demonstrate their ability to execute, iterate, and communicate complex design solutions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools is essential. This includes Figma (highly likely as a modern collaborative tool), Sketch, and Adobe XD. Candidates are expected to be experts in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs using these platforms.

• Collaboration & Communication: Tools such as Slack or Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and team interaction. Jira or Asana will likely be used for project management, task tracking, and workflow management.

• Version Control/Asset Management: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with or ability to adapt to systems for managing design assets and versions (e.g., Zeplin, Abstract, or built-in Figma features) is beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with user analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) is advantageous for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary function, basic understanding of how UI/UX design integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be a plus, especially in understanding data flow and user journeys.

• Experience with design system management tools or platforms that facilitate component libraries and design handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD, along with the implicit need for collaboration and project management tools, indicates a modern, digitally-driven design environment. A candidate's proficiency in these tools is critical for immediate impact and efficient workflow integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Openness & Genuineness: Fostering transparent communication and authentic relationships within the team and with clients. This means providing honest feedback and being receptive to others' perspectives.

• Continuous Learning & Improvement: A commitment to staying updated with the latest design trends, tools, and methodologies, and actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional development. This drives innovation and efficiency in design operations.

• Passion & Enthusiasm: A genuine love for design and the work being done, which translates into a motivated and engaged team that strives for excellence in every project.

• Accountability & Responsibility: Taking ownership of one's work, decisions, and development, ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard and commitments are met.

• Team Support & Collaboration: Valuing and supporting colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared freely and team members assist each other to achieve collective goals.

• Open-mindedness: Willingness to explore new ideas, challenge existing approaches, and adapt to evolving project requirements and technological advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The design team actively collaborates with product management and engineering to ensure that user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility are all integrated into the design process.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged, contributing to iterative design improvements and professional growth for all team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and learnings through workshops, internal presentations, or documentation to elevate the overall design capability of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated behaviors directly translate into operational values. A candidate who embodies these traits will thrive in Leighton's collaborative, learning-oriented, and client-focused design environment. The emphasis on openness and continuous learning is particularly important for operations roles that require adaptability and problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Excellence: In a consultancy setting, effectively managing diverse client expectations, project constraints, and timelines while upholding high design standards can be a significant challenge.

• Maintaining Design Consistency Across Diverse Projects: Ensuring brand consistency and a cohesive user experience across multiple client projects, each with unique requirements and stakeholders, requires robust design systems and diligent application.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies and Trends: The rapid pace of technological advancement and design trends necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to ensure designs remain current, innovative, and effective.

• Remote Collaboration Effectiveness: Maximizing productivity and fostering strong team dynamics in a fully remote environment requires proactive communication strategies and effective use of digital collaboration tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Access to training and workshops on cutting-edge UI/UX design methodologies, interaction design patterns, and new design tools.

• Design System Mastery: Opportunities to lead or significantly contribute to the development and evolution of sophisticated design systems, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences (e.g., UXPA, SmashingConf) and pursuing certifications in specialized areas of design or product management.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers and develop leadership skills, paving the way for future management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Addressing these challenges proactively, leveraging the provided growth opportunities, will be key to success and career advancement in this role. The company's commitment to development suggests a supportive environment for overcoming these operational hurdles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting requirements from different stakeholders (e.g., product, engineering, client) for a design. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for negotiation, compromise, and ensuring user-centricity).

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system? What are the key components, and how do you ensure its adoption and maintenance across a team?" (Highlight your understanding of design operations, reusability, and scalability).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Leighton and the consultancy sector, how would you ensure our design solutions drive value for clients?" (Demonstrate research into the company's business and your ability to align design with business objectives).

• "How do you stay current with the latest UI/UX trends and technologies, and how do you incorporate them into your work?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (company/project context), Problem Statement, Your Role & Process, Design Solutions (wireframes, prototypes, final UI), Key Decisions & Rationale, Challenges & Solutions, Outcomes & Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you worked with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders, showcasing your ability to integrate into a cross-functional team.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens; explain the journey. This includes sketches, user flows, wireframes, and iterations, demonstrating your problem-solving approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also operational excellence—how you manage processes, collaborate effectively, and drive measurable results for clients and the company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior App Designer - UI/UX position:

• Submit your application through the application link provided.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase end-to-end app design thinking, problem-solving, and impact. Prioritize examples of mobile/web app design and any experience relevant to consultancy or client-facing work. Ensure each project includes a clear case study detailing the problem, your process, decisions, and outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "UI Design," "UX Design," "Figma," "Sketch," "Adobe XD," "Design Systems," "User Research," "Prototypes," "iOS," "Android," and "WCAG." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where possible, demonstrating your operational impact.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio with clear, concise language. Be ready to articulate your design process, problem-solving strategies, and how your work delivered value. Practice explaining your contributions in collaborative environments and how you ensure design quality and efficiency.

• Research Leighton: Understand Leighton's business, their clients (if possible), and their culture. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and their approach to design operations and client delivery.

⚠️ 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.