Senior Experience Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Experience Design Consultant

Company: Sopra Steria

Location: Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time (Voltijds)

Category: Experience Design, Consulting, Digital Transformation

Date Posted: June 20, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ Years (Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic design and execution of complex digital transformation initiatives, integrating user experience (UX) and service design principles.

• Act as a key consultant, advising clients within intricate organizational structures on leveraging design for enhanced user engagement and business value.

• Bridge the gap between high-level strategy and practical implementation, creating tangible design deliverables from user insights to prototypes.

• Foster collaborative environments through workshops and co-creation sessions, guiding stakeholders towards shared understanding and actionable solutions.

• Drive the development and application of advanced design methodologies within a growing practice, contributing to thought leadership and client engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a hybrid between a senior UX/Service Designer and a consultant, requiring the ability to operate independently in client-facing scenarios, manage complex projects, and contribute to business development within Sopra Steria's design practice. The emphasis on public and semi-public sector clients suggests a need for understanding complex stakeholder landscapes and public service design principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the conceptualization and delivery of end-to-end customer experiences, utilizing service design methodologies such as journey mapping and service blueprinting.

• Conduct in-depth user research (qualitative interviews, observations) to synthesize insights that inform strategic design decisions and user-centered solutions.

• Design and facilitate engaging workshops, co-creation sessions, and stakeholder meetings to align teams and drive consensus on design directions.

• Translate complex client challenges and user needs into actionable design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and comprehensive UX deliverables.

• Provide expert consultancy to clients, identifying opportunities for design to add strategic value beyond the initial scope of engagement and articulating this value proposition.

• Collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams, working alongside strategists, technologists, business consultants, and client personnel on digital transformation projects.

• Proactively identify and articulate opportunities to deepen client engagement and expand project scope by recognizing unmet needs and strategic potential.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement and expansion of Sopra Steria's design practice, including the development of new methodologies, service offerings, and thought leadership content.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on hands-on design execution and strategic client advisory. The expectation to "recognize opportunities to deepen client engagement" points towards a business development component, where the consultant identifies and pitches for additional work based on successful project delivery and relationship building.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Interaction Design, Service Design, Communication & Multimedia Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a closely related field. Experience:

• Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience, with a significant portion gained within a consultancy, agency, or advisory context. In-house experience alone is not sufficient; a proven track record in client-facing roles is essential.

• Demonstrated experience in managing client relationships and understanding the nuances of project-based work within consulting environments. Required Skills:

• UX Design: Proficient in translating user insights into user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and detailed UX specifications.

• Service Design: Expertise in creating journey maps, service blueprints, stakeholder analyses, and designing holistic end-to-end service experiences.

• User Research: Skilled in conducting qualitative research methodologies, including user interviews, observational studies, and synthesizing findings into actionable design recommendations.

• Workshop Facilitation: Ability to design and lead effective workshops, co-creation sessions, and decision-making forums for diverse stakeholder groups.

• Consultancy Acumen: Experience in articulating client needs, managing complex stakeholder landscapes, advising under conditions of uncertainty, and navigating challenging organizational dynamics.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Ability to connect client objectives, user needs, and organizational goals with design principles to drive strategic impact.

• Commercial Awareness: Aptitude for identifying expansion opportunities within client engagements and articulating the value of design services persuasively.

• Language Proficiency: Excellent command of both Dutch and English, encompassing spoken and written communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with public or semi-public sector organizations.

• Familiarity with UI design principles and tools, with the ability to collaborate effectively with UI specialists.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on consultancy experience and commercial acumen suggests that candidates will be evaluated not only on their design skills but also on their ability to manage client relationships, identify business opportunities, and contribute to Sopra Steria's growth. The preference for public sector experience is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end design process from discovery to delivery.

• Clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, the methodologies employed (UX, Service Design, Research), and the specific design artifacts created (e.g., journey maps, wireframes, prototypes).

• Highlight the impact and results achieved, quantifying outcomes where possible (e.g., improved user satisfaction, efficiency gains, conversion rates).

• Include examples of stakeholder engagement, workshop facilitation, and strategic recommendations made to clients.

• Demonstrate versatility in handling complex organizational environments and diverse user groups. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail the discovery and research phases, illustrating how user insights were gathered and synthesized.

• Evidence of iterative design processes, including prototyping and user testing, should be presented.

• Examples of service design artifacts like blueprints and journey maps that visualize complex service ecosystems are crucial.

• Documentation should reflect strategic thinking, showing how design solutions align with business objectives and organizational goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to blend strategic consultancy with practical design execution. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process, explain their rationale, and articulate the business impact of their work, particularly in complex or public sector contexts.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €4,000 - €5,500 gross per month (based on 40 hours per week)

Benefits:

• Holiday allowance of 8%

• Generous mobility budget: options include an electric lease car with an NS Business Card, a lease bike, or an alternative transport allowance (€1,007)

• Profit sharing of 8% on target

• 27 paid vacation days

• Home office setup including a laptop, phone, and a monthly internet allowance

• Hybrid working model: flexibility to work from home or the office as needed

• Opportunities for professional development through various training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and networking events.

• Social activities and team-building events.

• Flexible pension scheme with customizable contributions.

• Access to a collective health insurance plan.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement allowing for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for a full-time position in the Netherlands. This range is competitive for a Senior Experience Design Consultant with 6+ years of experience in a consultancy setting within the Dutch market, considering the cost of living and standard industry benchmarks. The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the mobility options and home office support, reflects a modern employer approach in the Netherlands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Digital Services, Software Development. Sopra Steria operates across various sectors, with a noted emphasis on public and semi-public organizations.

Company Size: Over 51,000 employees globally, with a significant presence in the Netherlands. This large scale offers opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and exposure to diverse projects and client types.

Founded: Sopra Steria was formed through the merger of Sopra and Steria in 2014, building on decades of experience in IT consulting and services.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a growing design practice within Sopra Steria, comprising approximately twenty designers with diverse specializations (strategic design, service design, UX, user research, UI).

• This practice operates within a larger consultancy framework, implying potential for collaboration with strategists, technology consultants, and business analysts.

• Reporting lines likely involve a design lead or practice manager, with direct client engagement being a primary focus of the role. Methodology:

• Sopra Steria emphasizes a blend of consulting, technology, and change management, with a growing focus on human-centered design and AI integration.

• The design practice aims to embed design earlier and more strategically within digital transformation projects, moving beyond a purely execution-focused role.

• The company promotes a culture of innovation, collaboration, and contributing to societal impact, particularly in the public sector.

Company Website: https://www.soprasteria.nl/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture at Sopra Steria appears to balance a large corporate structure with a focus on specialized practices like design. The emphasis on "public values and digital sovereignty" is particularly relevant for those interested in public sector digital transformation. The integration of AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to technology within their consulting services.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Consultant role, indicating a level of autonomy, client-facing responsibility, and expertise. The role requires not just design execution but also strategic advisory and business development contributions. It sits above junior/mid-level designers and below senior management or principal consultant levels within the design practice.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Experience Design Consultant will likely report to a Design Practice Lead or a Business Unit Manager within Sopra Steria. They will work in project-based teams, collaborating with various internal specialists and client teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is measured by the successful delivery of design-led digital transformation projects. This includes improving user experiences, optimizing service delivery, enhancing client satisfaction, and contributing to Sopra Steria's business development by identifying and securing new project opportunities. The role directly influences client strategies and the effectiveness of digital services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like strategic design, AI-driven design, or specific industry verticals (e.g., public sector).

• Leadership: Progress to a Lead Designer, Principal Consultant, or Practice Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic initiatives.

• Business Development: Gain experience in proposal writing, client relationship management, and sales support for design services.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to internal knowledge bases, conduct training, and represent Sopra Steria at industry events.

• European Network: Leverage Sopra Steria's European presence for international project opportunities and knowledge exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Senior Experience Design Consultant at Sopra Steria is well-defined, offering both technical specialization and managerial/business development tracks. The emphasis on contributing to the practice's growth suggests significant opportunities for individuals looking to shape the future of design consulting within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sopra Steria offers a hybrid working model, meaning a blend of remote work and on-site presence at their offices or client locations. The office in Nieuwegein serves as a hub for collaboration, client meetings, and team gatherings.

Office Location(s): The primary specified location is Ringwade 1, Nieuwegein, Utrecht, Netherlands. Sopra Steria has multiple offices across the Netherlands, providing flexibility for hybrid work and client proximity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages interaction, both within the design practice and across multidisciplinary project teams. Co-creation sessions and workshops are integral to the work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software, prototyping tools, and collaboration platforms is expected. The company provides necessary equipment like laptops and phones for remote work.

• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and social events foster a sense of community and continuous learning among colleagues.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in balancing work and personal life, with the expectation of being available for client needs and team collaboration as required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work policy is a key feature, offering flexibility while maintaining the importance of in-person collaboration for client work and team cohesion. Candidates should be comfortable working autonomously from home and engaging actively in office-based or client-site activities when necessary.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will assess your application, focusing on your CV and alignment with the core requirements (experience, skills, language proficiency).

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A more in-depth interview with hiring managers or senior designers from the practice. This will involve presenting your portfolio, discussing your case studies, and elaborating on your design process, strategic thinking, and consultancy experience. Expect detailed questions about your approach to user research, service design, and stakeholder management.

• Case Study/Challenge (Potentially): You might be asked to work on a small design challenge or present a solution to a hypothetical client problem, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and design methodology.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and assess cultural alignment. Questions may focus on collaboration style, adaptability, and contribution to team growth.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear introductions for each case study. Highlight your specific role, the problem, your process, and the outcomes.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Emphasize your thought process, your decision-making rationale, and how you navigated challenges.

• Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If direct metrics are unavailable, articulate the perceived or potential business value and impact on users.

• Consultancy Angle: For each case, be prepared to discuss client management, stakeholder engagement, and how you advised or influenced the client's strategy.

• Tool Proficiency: Briefly mention the tools you used, but focus more on the why and how of your design decisions rather than just the tools themselves.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge provided. Identify the core problem, target audience, and constraints.

• Process-Oriented: Demonstrate a structured approach. Outline your steps, from initial research and ideation to prototyping and testing.

• Strategic Alignment: Explain how your proposed solution aligns with business goals and user needs.

• Concise Communication: Practice presenting your solution clearly and concisely, anticipating potential questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design process and consultancy experience. Be prepared to discuss not just what you designed, but why and how it delivered value, especially in the context of complex client organizations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision (or similar). Proficiency in at least one leading platform is essential.

• Service Design: Miro, Mural, Lucidchart, or similar for journey mapping, service blueprinting, and workshop facilitation.

• User Research Tools: Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, UserTesting.com, or tools for conducting and analyzing interviews and observational studies.

• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) and experience interpreting data to inform design decisions is beneficial.

• Ability to use or collaborate with teams using BI tools for reporting on user engagement and service performance. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus, understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user experience and customer journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tool requirements are not rigidly defined, a strong command of industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools, alongside robust service design and collaboration platforms, is expected. The ability to interpret data and understand system integrations will enhance a candidate's profile.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and solving client challenges with user-focused solutions that drive business value.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, both within the design practice and across multidisciplinary project teams, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to enhance personal skills, refine design methodologies, and contribute to the overall growth and expertise of the design practice.

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding high ethical standards in client interactions and project delivery, particularly important when working with public sector clients.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies and methodologies (like AI) and adapting to evolving client needs and industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engage with strategists, technologists, and business consultants to ensure holistic project delivery and cohesive solutions.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encourage constructive feedback exchange within the design team and with clients to foster continuous learning and improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively share insights, best practices, and learnings through internal sessions, documentation, and mentorship.

• Pragmatic Approach: Balance theoretical design principles with practical application and client realities, focusing on delivering tangible value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of professional consulting standards with a passion for design excellence and innovation. Candidates who are proactive, collaborative, and client-focused will likely thrive in this environment. The mention of "public values and digital sovereignty" suggests a culture that is mindful of societal impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Organizations: Working within large, often public sector, organizations presents challenges related to bureaucracy, diverse stakeholder interests, and established processes. Mitigation involves strong stakeholder management, clear communication, and demonstrating value iteratively.

• Bridging Strategy and Execution: The role demands balancing high-level strategic thinking with hands-on design execution. This requires strong time management, prioritization skills, and the ability to switch contexts effectively.

• Defining Ambiguous Problems: Clients may present unclear challenges. The ability to probe, research, and define the core problem is crucial. This requires strong analytical and facilitation skills.

• Advancing Design Maturity: Helping clients mature their understanding and adoption of design principles within digital transformation can be challenging. This involves education, advocacy, and showcasing successful outcomes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to training and workshops in emerging areas like AI in design, advanced UX research techniques, and strategic foresight.

• Consultancy Skills: Development in client management, proposal writing, business development, and leadership within a consulting framework.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects across various sectors, gaining broad industry experience.

• Mentorship & Networking: Benefit from mentorship within the design practice and leverage Sopra Steria's extensive network for professional growth and knowledge exchange.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to case studies, white papers, and presentations, building personal and company-wide expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in design consulting, particularly in large organizations. Sopra Steria's commitment to learning and development provides a strong framework for addressing these challenges and fostering professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a complex client problem that was initially poorly articulated. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your research, analysis, and problem-definition process).

• "How do you balance strategic advisory with hands-on design execution in a consultancy role?" (Highlight your ability to manage multiple responsibilities and context-switch effectively).

• "Walk me through a service design project where you had to manage multiple stakeholders with conflicting priorities. What was your strategy for alignment and buy-in?" (Emphasize stakeholder mapping, communication, and facilitation skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Sopra Steria's work, particularly in the public sector?" (Research their public sector projects and values).

• "How would you contribute to the growth and development of Sopra Steria's design practice?" (Think about thought leadership, methodology development, and team collaboration).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX, Service Design, and AI?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The 'Why' is Key: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem, user need, and your strategic rationale behind design decisions.

• Show Your Process: Detail your methodology – research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration. This demonstrates your thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or tangible outcomes that demonstrate the value of your work. If not directly measurable, discuss qualitative impact and potential business benefits.

• Consultancy Narrative: For each project, be ready to discuss client interactions, how you managed expectations, and how you contributed beyond just delivering design assets.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, user research findings, and stakeholder management challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not only your design craft but also your strategic thinking, consulting abilities, and understanding of business context. Your portfolio should serve as evidence for your answers to these types of questions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Experience Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Sopra Steria's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your CV and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX design, service design, user research, and consultancy, with a strong emphasis on case studies demonstrating end-to-end project delivery.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your 6+ years of relevant experience, specifically mentioning consultancy or agency background. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Design," "Service Design," "Stakeholder Management," and "Digital Transformation."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to client management and complex organizational environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sopra Steria's services, their approach to digital transformation, and their work within the public sector. Understand their company values and how your experience aligns with their culture.

⚠️ 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.