Senior Lead UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Lead UI Designer

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom (with flexibility for Bristol, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Epsom)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Technology

Date Posted: 2026-08-18T00:00:00

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of compelling user interfaces for immersive experiences, live events, exhibitions, and experiential campaigns, blending visual design with interaction and storytelling.

• Drive design excellence and interactivity to captivate audiences across both physical and virtual environments.

• Champion creative quality and a solutions-focused approach to achieve project goals within a multidisciplinary global team.

• Integrate emerging technologies, including AI-assisted design and real-time engines, into innovative client solutions.

• Facilitate user workshops and translate complex requirements into intuitive, user-centered digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Lead, implying significant autonomy, mentorship responsibilities, and a strategic contribution to the design direction within the Creative Design team. The emphasis on "Experience-led UI Designer" and "immersive experiences" suggests a focus on how users interact with digital elements in physical spaces, a niche within UI/UX design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop engaging user interfaces and digital touchpoints for a range of experiential projects, including immersive installations, live events, and exhibition technology.

• Translate complex narratives, brand stories, and event objectives into visually appealing and interactive digital experiences that resonate with target audiences.

• Create intuitive user interfaces for various applications such as immersive displays, interactive kiosks, wayfinding solutions, and experiential websites.

• Collaborate closely with developers, visualization specialists, animators, and production teams to ensure the high-quality delivery of interactive digital experiences from concept to completion.

• Conduct user workshops, discovery sessions, and map end-to-end user journeys and flows to ensure a user-centered design approach.

• Proactively explore and embed emerging technologies, including AI-assisted design, real-time engines, and innovative interaction techniques, into client solutions.

• Present design concepts, rationale, and solutions confidently to clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary internal teams.

• Maintain a high standard of visual interface design, focusing on interaction design, layout, typography, colour theory, grid systems, and responsive design principles.

• Drive opportunities to integrate AI into design and product workflows, leveraging AI-assisted design and rapid prototyping to enhance speed and creativity.

• Ensure designs are production-ready, user-centered, and meet the needs of diverse audiences, adhering to accessibility best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UI/UX skills with a strong emphasis on experiential design, physical-digital integration, and forward-thinking technology adoption, particularly AI. The "Lead" aspect suggests a need for strategic thinking and the ability to influence design direction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, HCI, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Lead role in this domain. Relevant certifications in UI/UX design or specific software suites may also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UI design, with a significant portion spent within creative, experiential, or digital-focused agencies or environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record as a UI Designer within a creative, experiential agency, or related sectors (events, exhibitions, immersive, gaming, digital experiences).

• A strong, diverse portfolio showcasing exceptional UI design for interactive experiences, immersive installations, event technology, touchscreen applications, experiential websites, digital products, or branded environments.

• Deep understanding of designing interfaces for physical and digital experiences, including live events, exhibitions, and spatial environments.

• Expertise in visual interface design, including interaction design, layout, typography, colour theory, grid systems, and responsive design.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools: Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), and modern prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie).

• Ability to effectively communicate motion, interaction, and experience flow through prototypes and design specifications.

• Experience in translating complex narratives and brand stories into engaging digital experiences.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Confidence in presenting design ideas, concepts, and rationale to clients and stakeholders.

• Experience working on projects from concept through to delivery, including design development, prototyping, testing, and implementation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for 360 immersive displays and other advanced spatial environments.

• Familiarity with real-time engines (e.g., Unity, Unreal Engine) for interactive experiences.

• Understanding of spatial and experiential design principles.

• Experience in facilitating user workshops and discovery sessions.

• Knowledge of AI-assisted design tools and methodologies, including "vibe coding" and rapid prototyping approaches.

• Experience with accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.

• Familiarity with data visualization techniques for interactive displays.

• A passion for emerging technologies and innovative interaction techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5-10 years" suggests a senior individual contributor or potential lead role, necessitating a robust portfolio that demonstrates both creative flair and technical execution across various experiential platforms. The explicit mention of AI integration points to a candidate who is forward-thinking and adaptable.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive digital portfolio that clearly articulates your design process, problem-solving approach, and final outcomes for at least 3-5 diverse projects.

• Showcase projects that demonstrate UI design for interactive experiences, immersive installations, event technology, or experiential marketing environments.

• For each project, include a clear description of the brief, your role and contributions, the design challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the impact or results achieved.

• Highlight your expertise in Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and prototyping tools through interactive prototypes or detailed case studies.

• Include examples of responsive design, grid systems, typography, and colour theory application.

• Demonstrate an understanding of spatial and physical-digital integration within your design examples. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of your process in user research, including user workshops, journey mapping, and user flow diagrams.

• Case studies detailing how you translated complex narratives, brand stories, or business requirements into intuitive digital experiences.

• Examples of how you collaborated with development and production teams, including design hand-off documentation or communication strategies.

• Demonstrate your approach to iterating on designs based on testing, feedback, and evolving project requirements.

• Showcase any experience or conceptual work related to integrating AI into design workflows or leveraging AI for rapid prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Lead UI Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to not only showcase visual polish but also strategic thinking, user-centricity, and the ability to execute complex interactive projects. The emphasis on experiential and physical-digital integration is a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Lead UI Designer in the UK, particularly in major cities like Birmingham, London, or Manchester, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This can vary based on the specific location, the candidate's experience level, and the depth of their expertise in specialized areas like immersive technologies and AI.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries and employee reward schemes.

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support, including health benefits and mental health resources.

• Financial planning assistance and potential for financial incentives.

• Extensive training and professional development opportunities, including courses, certifications, and conferences.

• Hybrid working culture, offering a balance between office collaboration and remote flexibility.

• Flexible holiday allowances to support work-life balance.

• A range of family-friendly and inclusive employment policies.

• Opportunities for career progression within a global organization.

Working Hours: Full-time position, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid working culture suggests flexibility in scheduling, with a balance of office-based collaboration and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Lead UI Designer in the UK. The listed benefits are drawn directly from the provided text and are standard for a large, established engineering and technology firm like AtkinsRéalis.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AtkinsRéalis operates in the Engineering Services and Nuclear sectors, focusing on transforming infrastructure and energy systems globally. The Creative Design team, however, functions within a more dynamic, innovation-driven space, transforming how clients communicate and engage through creative digital solutions.

Company Size: AtkinsRéalis is a large global organization, indicated by its presence across multiple countries and diverse employee base. The Creative Design team itself comprises over 80 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide.

Founded: While the founding date isn't specified, AtkinsRéalis is a well-established global entity. The Creative Design team's collaborative and innovative culture suggests a modern approach to design within a larger, traditional corporate structure.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Design team is a large, global, multidisciplinary unit of over 80 professionals, including UX/UI designers, graphic designers, animators, visualizers, and developers.

• This role is likely part of a core UI/UX design group within the broader Creative Design department, potentially reporting to a Head of Design or Creative Director.

• Collaboration is expected across various specializations within the team and with external clients and production partners. Methodology:

• Emphasis on harnessing outstanding, innovative, and creative talent to transform client communication and engagement.

• Focus on delivering brilliant, experience-led digital touchpoints for immersive experiences, live events, and exhibitions.

• A strong commitment to design excellence, interactivity, and audience captivation.

• Integration of emerging technologies, including AI, into design and product workflows.

• User-centered design principles are paramount, with a focus on user workshops, journey mapping, and translating complex requirements into intuitive experiences.

Company Website: https://careers.atkinsrealis.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core business is engineering, but this role is within a specialized creative division that brings a different cultural dynamic—one focused on innovation, user experience, and cutting-edge digital solutions, including the integration of AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior Lead" position, indicating a high level of expertise and responsibility. It suggests an individual who not only executes design but also guides others, influences strategy, and champions best practices within the design team. This level often involves mentoring junior designers and contributing to the overall design vision.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Design Manager, Head of Creative Design, or a similar senior leadership position within the Creative Design department. It implies a close working relationship with other senior members of the design team and project managers.

Operations Impact: The Senior Lead UI Designer will have a significant impact on the success of client projects by creating engaging, intuitive, and memorable digital experiences. Their work directly influences client perception, user engagement, and the overall effectiveness of experiential campaigns, events, and installations. By integrating innovative technologies like AI, they contribute to AtkinsRéalis's reputation for cutting-edge solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and potentially step into more formal leadership roles within the design team.

• Technology Specialization: Deepen expertise in emerging technologies such as AI-assisted design, real-time engines, and immersive media, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Expand understanding of spatial design, event production, and engineering principles through close collaboration with diverse teams.

• Client Engagement: Develop advanced client-facing and presentation skills, influencing strategic design decisions for major global clients.

• Portfolio Expansion: Work on high-profile, innovative projects that significantly enhance a professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Lead" title is key here. Growth opportunities should reflect advancement beyond individual contribution, focusing on leadership, strategic input, and deep specialization in emerging areas like AI within design.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the UK, with a hybrid working model. This suggests a combination of working from a physical AtkinsRéalis office location and remote work. The office environment is likely professional, collaborative, and equipped with the necessary technology to support design work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Birmingham, with flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Bristol, Glasgow, London, Manchester, or Epsom. This broadens the talent pool and offers candidates choice.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The hybrid model necessitates effective collaboration tools and practices for seamless teamwork across distances and in-office sessions. Expect a focus on team sprints, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (Figma, Adobe CC, prototyping tools), and potentially VR/AR equipment for immersive design work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a diverse, global team of designers, developers, and visualization specialists, fostering a rich learning and exchange environment.

Work Schedule: Full-time with a hybrid arrangement. While specific office days might be set, there's likely flexibility in daily working hours to accommodate personal needs, provided project deadlines and collaborative needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and multiple location options indicate a modern, flexible work environment designed to attract top talent across the UK. The emphasis on collaboration tools is crucial for success in this model.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of your CV and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A key stage where you'll present your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and specific project contributions. Expect in-depth questions about your UI/UX expertise, tool proficiency, and experience with experiential and immersive design.

• Creative/Technical Challenge: You may be given a design challenge or case study to solve, either pre-interview or during a dedicated session, to assess your practical design skills and approach to problem-solving. This might involve wireframing, prototyping, or conceptualizing an interactive experience.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and senior leadership to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and how you align with AtkinsRéalis's values and the Creative Design team's culture.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with a senior executive, to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize any offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Wisely: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that best showcase your UI design skills for experiential and immersive contexts.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the tools used, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, mood boards, and prototypes to demonstrate your design process and iterative thinking.

• Highlight Experiential/Physical-Digital: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your understanding of how digital interfaces integrate with physical spaces and real-world interactions.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your mastery of Figma, Adobe CC, and prototyping tools, perhaps even live-demoing a simple interaction.

• AI Integration: If applicable, showcase any projects or concepts where you've explored or implemented AI in design workflows.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly analyze the brief and the target audience.

• Focus on User-Centred Design: Demonstrate how you would approach user research, journey mapping, and ideation for the given problem.

• Rapid Prototyping: Be prepared to quickly sketch or prototype key interactions, focusing on core functionality and user flow.

• Articulate Rationale: Clearly explain your design choices, justifying them based on user needs, business goals, and design principles.

• Consider Constraints: Be mindful of potential technical or production constraints, especially if the challenge relates to immersive or event technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their design decisions, process, and demonstrate proficiency with key tools and experiential design concepts. The inclusion of AI integration means candidates should be ready to discuss their understanding and application of these technologies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows. Expected proficiency in advanced features, component libraries, and design systems.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Including Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and After Effects for motion graphics and prototyping richer interactions.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with modern tools beyond Figma's native capabilities, such as ProtoPie, InVision Studio, or similar, for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes that simulate complex user experiences.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary responsibility, understanding how to interpret user data and analytics from implemented experiences will be beneficial. Familiarity with tools that track user engagement and interaction within digital installations or websites would be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core UI design function, but an understanding of how UI design integrates with broader customer journeys and potential marketing automation platforms could be advantageous. Emerging Technologies:

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Experience or familiarity with AI tools that can aid in concept generation, rapid prototyping, or workflow optimization.

• Real-time Engines: Exposure to platforms like Unity or Unreal Engine is a significant advantage for creating truly immersive and interactive digital experiences.

• VR/AR Platforms: Familiarity with design considerations for virtual and augmented reality environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are Figma and Adobe CC. However, the emphasis on immersive and AI-driven experiences means candidates with exposure to real-time engines and AI design tools will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A core value, encouraging the exploration of new ideas, technologies, and design approaches to transform client communication.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high standards in visual craft, interaction design, and user experience across all projects.

• User-Centricity: Placing the audience and user needs at the forefront of all design decisions, ensuring intuitive and engaging experiences.

• Collaboration: Fostering a global, multidisciplinary environment where ideas are shared, and teams work together effectively to achieve project goals.

• Adaptability & Future-Forward Thinking: Embracing emerging technologies, including AI, and proactively seeking ways to integrate them into client solutions.

• Solutions Focus: A practical approach to problem-solving, aiming to achieve project objectives through creative and effective design.

Collaboration Style:

• Global & Multidisciplinary: Working with a diverse team across different regions and expertise areas (UX/UI, graphic design, animation, development, visualization).

• Hybrid & Remote Integration: Utilizing digital collaboration tools and practices to ensure seamless teamwork regardless of physical location.

• Client-Focused: Engaging closely with clients to understand their needs, present concepts, and ensure design solutions meet strategic objectives.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: Valuing constructive feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to refine designs and improve outcomes.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication to keep all parties informed and aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture is a blend of a large, established engineering firm and a dynamic, innovative creative studio. The values emphasize pushing creative boundaries while maintaining a user-focused, collaborative, and technically adept approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Physical and Digital: Designing seamless user experiences that fluidly transition between physical environments (events, exhibitions) and digital interfaces, requiring an understanding of spatial design and user context.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with AI, real-time engines, and immersive media, and effectively integrating them into client solutions in a meaningful way.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing the creative vision with client objectives, technical constraints, and the needs of various internal teams (developers, production, sales).

• Maintaining High Creative Standards: Consistently delivering exceptional design quality within project timelines and budgets in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Adapting to Rapid Technological Change: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools, platforms, and methodologies, particularly in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to training programs and workshops focused on advanced UI/UX techniques, immersive technologies (VR/AR, real-time engines), and AI applications in design.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology conferences to stay abreast of industry trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership and communication skills.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning opportunities from adjacent fields such as engineering, visualization, and project management within AtkinsRéalis.

• Certification Programs: Pursuing certifications in relevant design software, UX methodologies, or emerging technology areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are centered around the unique intersection of experiential design, cutting-edge technology, and client service. Growth opportunities focus on deepening expertise in these niche areas and developing leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to design an interactive experience that bridged a physical space and a digital interface. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, user context, and problem-solving)

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of UI design, and how have you begun to incorporate AI-assisted tools into your workflow?" (Assess forward-thinking, adaptability, and practical application of AI)

• "Walk us through a complex narrative or brand story you translated into a digital experience. What was your design rationale, and how did you ensure audience engagement?" (Evaluate storytelling ability, strategic thinking, and creative execution)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with developers or visualization specialists to deliver a complex interactive project. What was your approach to ensuring seamless integration and quality?" (Gauge collaboration skills and understanding of production workflows) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to AtkinsRéalis, and specifically to our Creative Design team?" (Show research into the company's mission and the team's work)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging technologies like AI, real-time engines, and immersive media?" (Demonstrate passion for innovation and continuous learning)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a collaborative culture." (Align with the company's emphasis on teamwork and global reach)

• "How do you balance creative ambition with project constraints (budget, timeline, technical limitations)?" (Show pragmatism and problem-solving under pressure) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Start with a high-level overview, then dive deep into 2-3 core projects. For each project: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact.

• Focus on "Why": Don't just show what you did; explain why you made specific design decisions. Back up your choices with user research, design principles, or business objectives.

• Highlight Experiential Elements: Emphasize how your designs engage users in physical spaces or integrate digital and physical interactions.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your mastery of Figma, Adobe CC, and prototyping tools. Consider a brief live demo of a key interaction if appropriate.

• AI & Emerging Tech: If you have relevant projects, clearly articulate your role and the impact of using these advanced technologies.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your narrative to keep it dynamic and within the allocated time. Be prepared for follow-up questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will probe design strategy, technical proficiency, collaborative skills, and the candidate's forward-thinking approach, particularly regarding AI and immersive technologies. Portfolio presentation is critical and should highlight experiential design expertise.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Lead UI Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UI design for interactive experiences, immersive installations, and physical-digital integration. Ensure it clearly shows your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Craft your resume to emphasize relevant experience (5-10 years), specific skills (Figma, Adobe CC, prototyping, AI integration), and achievements in creative or experiential agency settings. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio and articulating your design rationale. Prepare for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. Research AtkinsRéalis and their creative work.

• Company Research: Understand AtkinsRéalis's broader mission in engineering and how the Creative Design team contributes to their innovative solutions. Familiarize yourself with their recent projects and company values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.