Senior Lead UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Lead UI Designer

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom (with flexibility for other UK locations)

Job Type: Full time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Technology

Date Posted: 2026-08-06

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of engaging user interfaces and digital touchpoints for immersive experiences, live events, exhibitions, installations, and experiential campaigns.

• Shape audience interaction with digital content in both physical and virtual environments, blending strong visual design with interaction, storytelling, and spatial experience principles.

• Drive design excellence and interactivity to deliver captivating and brilliant experiences for diverse audiences.

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

• Integrate AI-assisted design and rapid prototyping to enhance speed, creativity, and experimentation in design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Lead, indicating significant responsibility in guiding design direction, mentoring junior team members, and influencing client-facing design strategy within the Creative Design team. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking approach to design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop intuitive user interfaces for immersive displays, touchscreen applications, wayfinding solutions, and interactive digital environments.

• Translate complex narratives, brand stories, and event objectives into engaging, user-centered digital experiences that captivate audiences.

• Facilitate user workshops and discovery sessions, mapping end-to-end user journeys and flows to inform design decisions.

• Collaborate closely with developers, visualization specialists, and production teams to ensure high-quality delivery of interactive experiences.

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

• Drive the application of AI into design and product workflows, leveraging AI-assisted design and vibe coding for rapid prototyping and experimentation.

• Ensure designs are user-centered, accessible, and meet the needs of diverse audiences across physical and digital touchpoints.

• Manage design projects from concept through to delivery, including design development, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• Explore and embed emerging technologies like immersive media and real-time engines into client solutions.

• Proactively identify opportunities to enhance speed, creativity, and experimentation through AI-assisted design and rapid prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UI/UX design skills with a strong focus on experiential and immersive environments. The explicit mention of AI integration indicates a requirement for candidates to be proficient in leveraging new technologies to drive design innovation and efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly stated, but a degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, UX/UI Design, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Lead role.

Experience: Previous experience as a UI Designer within a creative, experiential agency, or in related fields like events, exhibitions, immersive environments, gaming, or digital experience development. A portfolio demonstrating exceptional UI design across a range of interactive experiences is essential.

Required Skills:

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

• Strong understanding of interaction design principles and how to apply them to create intuitive user flows.

• Proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and modern prototyping tools.

• Experience designing for physical and digital environments, including live events, exhibitions, and experiential marketing.

• Ability to translate complex concepts and brand stories into engaging digital experiences.

• Experience with user workshops, discovery sessions, and user journey mapping.

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

• Experience managing projects from concept to delivery.

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

• Understanding of spatial and experiential design principles. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for 360 immersive displays.

• Familiarity with real-time engines.

• Experience embedding AI into design and product workflows, including AI-assisted design and vibe coding.

• Understanding of accessibility standards in digital design.

• Experience designing experiential, modern websites that blend storytelling, interaction, and visual craft.

• Strategic mindset for translating user needs and business goals into scalable solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "creative, experiential agency" experience is key. The inclusion of AI-assisted design and vibe coding points towards a need for candidates who are not only skilled in traditional UI/UX but are also early adopters and practitioners of AI in design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing exceptional UI design across a variety of interactive experiences, including immersive installations, event technology, touchscreen applications, experiential websites, and digital products.

• Demonstrations of how user needs and complex narratives were translated into intuitive and engaging digital interfaces.

• Examples of designing for both physical and digital environments, highlighting the integration of interactive elements.

• Case studies detailing the design process from concept to delivery, including problem identification, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final implementation.

• Evidence of strong visual design craft, including layout, typography, color, and responsive design principles.

• Examples of how AI-assisted design or rapid prototyping techniques were leveraged to enhance creative output or efficiency. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document user journeys, interaction flows, and design specifications clearly and concisely.

• Examples of how user workshops and discovery sessions were facilitated and documented to inform design strategy.

• Demonstrations of collaborative workflows with developers and production teams, potentially including documented handoff processes.

• Evidence of iterative design processes, including prototyping, testing, and refinement based on feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase aesthetic and interaction design skills but also demonstrate the ability to apply these skills to unique experiential contexts and leverage emerging technologies like AI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not specified, for a Senior Lead UI Designer in the UK with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within a large engineering and design firm like AtkinsRéalis, a competitive salary range would likely fall between £55,000 - £80,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major UK cities, considering the hybrid work model and the specialized nature of experiential and AI-integrated design.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries

• Employee rewards program

• Comprehensive health and wellbeing support

• Financial planning assistance

• Ample opportunities for training and professional development

• Hybrid working culture

• Flexible holiday allowances

• Potential for participation in innovative, high-profile projects

Working Hours: Typically a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model. Specific daily hours may vary based on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market research for similar roles in the UK. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting AtkinsRéalis' commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is a strong selling point for operations and creative professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering services and nuclear organization. AtkinsRéalis operates across various end markets, transforming infrastructure and energy systems. The Creative Design team plays a crucial role in client communication, engagement, and project visualization.

Company Size: Large, global organization with over 80 individuals in the Creative Design team alone, spread across the globe. This indicates a robust structure with potential for specialization and broad project scope.

Founded: AtkinsRéalis has a long history, implied by its status as a "world-class engineering services and nuclear organization." This suggests a stable, established company with a strong reputation and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Creative Design team is a large, multidisciplinary unit comprising over 80 professionals globally.

• This includes specialists such as UX/UI designers, graphic designers, animators, visualisers, real-time developers, and web developers.

• The Senior Lead UI Designer will likely report into a Creative Director or Head of Design, and will collaborate with peers across various disciplines.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, working closely with developers, visualization specialists, and production teams. Methodology:

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

• Application of design excellence and interactivity to captivate audiences.

• Integration of AI into design and product workflows for enhanced speed, creativity, and experimentation.

• A user-centered approach, focusing on mapping user journeys and delivering intuitive, accessible experiences.

• Data-driven insights and user feedback are likely integral to the design process.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale and global presence suggest opportunities to work on large-scale, impactful projects. The multidisciplinary nature of the Creative Design team fosters a collaborative environment where diverse skills converge to create innovative solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Lead UI Designer. This role signifies a leadership position within the UI design discipline, requiring not only advanced technical and creative skills but also the ability to guide strategy, mentor others, and influence project outcomes. It sits above a standard UI Designer and potentially below a Creative Director or Head of Department.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Lead UI Designer will likely report to a higher-level design manager or director. They will collaborate closely with other senior members of the design team and project managers, and will be responsible for guiding the work of more junior UI designers.

Operations Impact: The UI Designer's impact is direct and significant, influencing how clients and end-users engage with AtkinsRéalis' digital offerings, project visualizations, and experiential campaigns. By creating compelling and intuitive interfaces, they enhance client understanding, improve user experience, and contribute to the overall success and communication of complex engineering and infrastructure projects. The integration of AI further amplifies this impact by streamlining creative processes and enabling more rapid innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence the strategic direction of UI design within the organization.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in immersive technologies, AI-driven design workflows, real-time engines, and advanced interaction design.

• Project Diversity: Work on a wide array of high-profile projects across different sectors (infrastructure, energy, nuclear), gaining exposure to diverse design challenges and client needs.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Develop strong collaboration skills that can lead to roles in broader UX strategy, creative direction, or project leadership.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, professional development, and opportunities to explore emerging technologies, staying at the forefront of the design industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior Lead" title implies a clear path for career progression, either into more senior management roles or deeper specialization in cutting-edge design areas like AI and immersive tech.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised with multiple UK locations, and the company promotes a "hybrid working culture." This suggests a modern office environment that supports both in-office collaboration and remote work.

Office Location(s): Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Bristol, Manchester, Epsom. This provides flexibility for candidates across the UK.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, with access to necessary design tools and technology.

• Given the hybrid model, there will be an expectation of effective remote collaboration and communication tools.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic and fast-paced, typical of creative agencies working on client-driven projects.

• Opportunities for interaction with developers, visualization specialists, and other creative professionals will be abundant.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours (likely 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between office-based work and remote flexibility. This schedule accommodates the need for focused design work and collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant factor, offering flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with a mix of independent work and team collaboration, both in-person and virtually.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, their role, and the impact of their work, with a focus on experiential and AI-integrated designs.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve practical design exercises, case studies, or in-depth discussions on UI/UX principles, interaction design, and tool proficiency (Figma, Adobe CC).

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions assessing problem-solving skills, collaboration, leadership potential, and cultural fit within AtkinsRéalis.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential peers, managers, and cross-functional team members to evaluate collaboration style and fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that highlight experiential design, AI integration, and successful client outcomes.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (especially any use of AI or innovative techniques), key decisions, challenges overcome, and measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Experiential & AI Focus: Emphasize projects that demonstrate your ability to design for physical/digital environments and any experience with AI-assisted design or innovative workflows.

• Demonstrate Craftsmanship: Ensure your visual presentation is impeccable, showcasing your attention to detail in UI, typography, and layout.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, tool choices, and how you collaborate with technical and production teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve translating a complex brief into an interactive concept or refining an existing user flow for an experiential context.

• Focus on demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving approach, and ability to translate abstract concepts into concrete design solutions.

• Practice articulating your ideas clearly and concisely, especially when discussing the integration of AI or new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the portfolio. Candidates must be ready to demonstrate practical application of their skills, particularly in cutting-edge areas like AI and immersive experiences, and articulate their strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Proficiency expected at an advanced level.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Including Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects (for motion design and prototyping).

• Modern Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like Adobe XD, Principle, or similar for advanced interaction and motion design.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned for UI, understanding how design impacts user behavior and engagement metrics will be crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) for user behavior insights could be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the UI Designer role itself, but understanding how digital experiences integrate with broader customer journeys or event platforms might be advantageous.

Emerging Technologies:

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Candidates are expected to identify and drive opportunities to use AI in design workflows.

• Real-time Engines: Familiarity or experience with engines like Unreal Engine or Unity for interactive and immersive applications is a plus.

• VR/AR/MR Platforms: Understanding of design considerations for immersive media.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The explicit requirement for AI integration means candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI tools or techniques they use in their design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on pushing creative boundaries and embracing innovative solutions, including AI-driven approaches.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high standards of visual design, interaction design, and user experience.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with clients to achieve project goals.

• Solutions-Focused: A proactive approach to problem-solving and delivering results that meet project objectives.

• User-Centricity: A dedication to understanding and meeting the needs of diverse audiences through intuitive and accessible design.

• Passion for Technology: An enthusiasm for emerging technologies and their application in creating impactful experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, involving close work with UX designers, developers, visualization specialists, animators, and project managers.

• Open communication and sharing of ideas to foster creative problem-solving.

• Constructive feedback culture to drive continuous improvement and ensure design quality.

• Effective stakeholder management and client communication are paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at AtkinsRéalis' Creative Design team appears to be a blend of cutting-edge technological exploration and rigorous creative execution, underpinned by strong teamwork and client focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating AI Effectively: Navigating the rapid evolution of AI in design and finding practical, valuable applications that enhance rather than replace human creativity and judgment.

• Balancing Physical & Digital: Designing seamless user experiences that bridge the gap between physical installations/events and digital interfaces.

• Complex Narratives: Translating intricate technical information, brand stories, or event objectives into engaging and understandable digital content.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing multiple concurrent projects with demanding deadlines in a dynamic agency setting.

• Rapid Technological Adoption: Staying ahead of emerging technologies and understanding their potential application in client solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Workshops: Potential for specialized training on leveraging AI tools and methodologies in design workflows.

• Immersive Technology Exploration: Opportunities to experiment with and design for VR, AR, and other immersive platforms.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Gaining exposure to animation, real-time graphics, and web development to broaden design understanding.

• Client Interaction & Presentation Skills: Developing advanced client-facing communication and strategic presentation capabilities.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Access to attend and learn from leading professionals and emerging trends in design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lies in mastering and integrating AI into the design process, positioning the candidate as a leader in this evolving field within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an interactive user interface for a large-scale immersive exhibition that needs to convey complex scientific data to a general audience?" (Focus on process, user journey mapping, AI integration for rapid ideation).

• "Describe a time you had to translate a challenging brand narrative into an engaging digital experience. What was your process, and what tools did you use?" (Highlight storytelling, UI/UX skills, and portfolio examples).

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of UI design, and how are you incorporating it into your current workflow?" (Demonstrate proactive engagement with AI tools and understanding of their potential).

• "Walk us through your process for collaborating with developers to ensure a high-fidelity interactive experience is implemented accurately." (Focus on communication, handoff, and problem-solving). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about AtkinsRéalis and our Creative Design team's work?" (Research company projects, team specialties, and connect to your passion).

• "How do you stay updated on emerging technologies and design trends, especially in areas like AI and immersive media?" (Showcase proactive learning and curiosity).

• "Describe your ideal team environment for creative collaboration." (Align with the company's multidisciplinary and hybrid work culture). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. For each project, clearly state the client/goal, your specific role, the challenge, your design process (emphasizing any AI use or innovative techniques), key design decisions, and the outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes (if possible), and videos to showcase the user experience. Ensure clarity in demonstrating UI elements, animations, and interaction flows.

• Narrative: Weave a compelling story around each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to translate complex requirements into elegant solutions.

• AI Integration: Be ready to explicitly discuss any AI tools or methods used, how they improved efficiency or creativity, and what you learned.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you would adapt your approach for different project types or technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Emphasize your ability to articulate your design process, not just the final visuals. Specifically prepare to discuss your experience and vision for AI in design, as this is a key differentiator for this role.

📌 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 experiential design, AI integration, and successful outcomes in interactive environments. Prioritize quality over quantity, focusing on 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with UI design, UX principles, specific tools (Figma, Adobe CC), and any experience with AI-assisted design, immersive technologies, or agency environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a strong narrative, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate the value of your designs, especially those incorporating AI. Prepare to discuss your collaborative approach and leadership potential.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research AtkinsRéalis, their Creative Design team's recent work, and their industry position. Understand their commitment to innovation and how your skills align with their mission to "engineer a better future."

⚠️ 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.