Senior Product Designer - 1 Year FTC (we have office locations in Cambridge, Leeds and London)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - 1 Year FTC

Company: Genomics England

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (Fixed-term contract)

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-15

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of cutting-edge genomics products, transforming user insights into highly relevant and intuitive digital experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional squads (Product Management, Engineering, Clinical Staff, Content Design) to define product vision, roadmaps, and deliver quality outcomes.

• Champion accessibility and design to meet stringent legal, regulatory, and Research Ethics Committee (REC) requirements within the healthcare sector.

• Contribute to establishing and improving first-class design standards, including the development and documentation of a shared component library and style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 1-year Fixed-Term Contract (FTC), which is a critical detail for candidates evaluating long-term career alignment. The emphasis on "cutting-edge new genomics products" and "global leader in enabling genomic medicine" suggests a high-impact, innovative environment. The requirement to apply "NHS design systems and frameworks" and work with a Research Ethics Committee (REC) indicates a specific regulatory and industry context that candidates must be prepared for.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the product design lifecycle from discovery through to launch and beyond, ensuring a seamless end-to-end delivery.

• Conduct in-depth service understanding, analyzing user needs, and translating qualitative and quantitative research findings into actionable design solutions.

• Design user experiences that are not only intuitive and engaging but also adhere strictly to WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines, collaborating with content designers for maximum reach.

• Facilitate decision-making and co-creation workshops, bringing together diverse perspectives from product squads, internal stakeholders, external partners, and end-users.

• Ensure designs are compliant with legal, regulatory, and healthcare professional requirements, particularly in relation to REC evaluations.

• Actively contribute to the broader design community within Genomics England by collaborating on a shared component library and collectively elevating design quality and consistency.

• Translate product vision into a tangible product roadmap, working in close partnership with Product Managers to deliver consistent user value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on user-centric design, collaboration, and adherence to strict industry standards (NHS, REC, WCAG). The "end-to-end" ownership and "co-creation facilitation" indicate a senior level of autonomy and influence expected from the candidate.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and mastery of design principles is essential.

Experience: Substantial experience as a Senior Product Designer with a proven track record of delivering live products, ideally within a regulated or healthcare environment.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable experience in end-to-end product design, from discovery and research to launch and iteration.

• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional product squads, collaborating seamlessly with engineering, product management, and clinical teams.

• Deep understanding and practical application of product design processes and methodologies.

• Proficiency in interpreting and utilizing user research findings to inform wireframing and prototyping.

• Advanced proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

• Strong knowledge and practical application of WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines.

• Excellent collaboration and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to bring diverse groups together for co-creation.

• Robust organizational skills, including effective task prioritization and deadline management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with or applying NHS design systems.

• Familiarity with applying regulatory best practices within a healthcare or genomics context.

• Experience in facilitating decision-making and co-creation with a variety of stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "substantial experience" and "examples of live delivery" suggests that candidates without a strong portfolio showcasing successful product launches may not be competitive. The explicit mention of "advanced proficiency with design and prototyping tools" indicates a need for deep technical skill.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant end-to-end product design projects, clearly demonstrating your role and impact.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, key decisions made, and the final outcomes.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Highlight instances of user research interpretation and how insights directly influenced design iterations.

• Demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility principles (WCAG 2.2) within your showcased work.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process in detail, including how you approach discovery, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Articulate your methods for translating user needs and business objectives into tangible product roadmaps and design solutions.

• Explain how you ensure designs meet legal, regulatory, and accessibility standards, referencing specific frameworks or guidelines where applicable.

• Detail your approach to contributing to and maintaining a shared component library and design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this senior role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, detailing their thought process, decision-making, and the measurable impact of their designs. The ability to articulate and defend their design process and its outcomes is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £63,300 per annum (for the FTC)

Explanation: This is the stated "Salary From" figure for the role. As it's a fixed-term contract, a specific range might not be provided, but this figure represents the benchmark. For a Senior Product Designer in London with the specified experience level and responsibilities in the healthcare/genomics sector, this salary is competitive, aligning with market rates for specialized roles in the UK.

Benefits:

• Generous Leave: 30 days' holiday plus bank holidays, with additional leave for long service.

• Global Mobility: Option to apply for up to 30 days of remote working abroad annually (subject to approval).

• Family-Friendly Policies: Blended working arrangements, flexible working options, and enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave benefits.

• Pension & Financial Security: Defined contribution pension scheme with a generous company match (Genomics England double-matches up to 10%), Life Assurance (3x salary), and a Give As You Earn scheme.

• Professional Development: Individual learning budgets, support for training and certifications, and reimbursement for one annual professional subscription (subject to approval).

• Recognition & Rewards: Employee recognition programme and a referral scheme.

• Health & Wellbeing: Subsidised gym membership, a complimentary Headspace account, Employee Assistance Programme, and provisions for eye tests and flu jabs.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a blended working model that includes a minimum of 2 days in the office per month, with flexibility to adapt based on team needs and role requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The benefits package is comprehensive, with notable provisions for professional development, global remote working flexibility, and strong health and wellbeing support, which are attractive to senior-level professionals. The FTC nature of the role is clearly stated.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Genomics and Healthcare Technology. Genomics England operates at the forefront of enabling genomic medicine and research, aiming to integrate genomics into mainstream healthcare. This industry context means a strong emphasis on data integrity, patient privacy, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance.

Company Size: Genomics England is a significant organization, with likely hundreds of employees, given its national-scale initiatives and role within the UK's healthcare infrastructure. This size suggests a structured environment with clear processes but also opportunities for cross-functional impact.

Founded: Genomics England was established to deliver the 100,000 Genomes Project. Its ongoing mission is to revolutionize healthcare through genomics, by providing evidence, digital systems, and enabling research, positioning it as a key player in the future of medicine.

Team Structure:

• The Design & Research department likely comprises several specialists, including product designers, UX researchers, and potentially content designers.

• This role operates within a cross-functional "squad" model, meaning close daily collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and clinical subject matter experts.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by both qualitative user research and quantitative data, including clinical outcomes and user behaviour analytics.

• Agile & Iterative Development: The product design process is expected to be iterative, aligning with agile software development methodologies, allowing for continuous feedback and improvement.

• User-Centred Focus: A core methodology is understanding and addressing the needs of patients, clinicians, and researchers to ensure the utility and effectiveness of genomics services.

Company Website: https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in genomics and healthcare implies a culture that values scientific rigor, ethical practice, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes. The "squad" model is a common agile practice, emphasizing collaboration and shared ownership.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond junior or mid-level positions. It requires leadership in design execution, problem-solving, and contributing to design standards and processes. The role is a 1-year FTC, suggesting it's project-focused or to cover a specific need.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Head of Design and work within a cross-functional product squad. This structure allows for both functional guidance from design leadership and collaborative execution within a project team.

Operations Impact: The designs created will directly impact the delivery of genomic medicine and research, influencing healthcare interactions, patient outcomes, and the advancement of genomic discovery. This role has a tangible impact on national-scale health initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in healthcare UX, accessibility, and potentially specific areas of genomics-related design.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives within squads, and contribute to the evolution of the design system and processes.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design for significant new product developments or major feature enhancements within the genomics space.

• Internal Mobility: While this is an FTC, successful performance could lead to opportunities for permanent roles or other contract extensions within Genomics England or related initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Although an FTC, the Senior title implies significant responsibility and the potential for high-impact work. Career growth would likely focus on deepening specialized skills within health tech design and demonstrating leadership within project teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Genomics England operates a blended working model, suggesting modern office spaces designed to facilitate collaboration, with designated areas for focused work and team activities. The offices are located in London (Canary Wharf), Cambridge, and Leeds.

Office Location(s): The primary listed office for this role is London. The Canary Wharf area in London is a major business district with excellent transport links, making it accessible for a hybrid working arrangement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices likely equipped with meeting rooms, whiteboarding areas, and open-plan spaces conducive to team discussions and co-creation sessions.

• Technology Access: Expect access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and the necessary software and hardware for design work.

• Team Interaction: The blended working model encourages regular face-to-face interaction with squad members and other design professionals during office days, fostering a strong team dynamic.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a blended working model requiring a minimum of 2 office days per month. This offers flexibility for designers to manage their work-life balance while ensuring consistent team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blended working model is a key feature, offering flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration. Candidates should be comfortable commuting to the London office at least twice a month.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening based on CV and portfolio submission, focusing on relevant experience and demonstrable skills.

• Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to discuss experience, motivations, and alignment with the role and company.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session, potentially involving a presentation of your portfolio, walk-through of key projects, and possibly a practical design exercise or case study discussion. Expect questions on your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration style.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with members of the cross-functional product squad (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Engineer) and potentially other senior design team members. Focus will be on collaborative skills, technical proficiency, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, Director) to assess overall fit, leadership potential, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest end-to-end projects that best showcase your senior-level capabilities in problem-solving, user-centric design, and delivering impactful solutions.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" (problem), the "what" (solution), and the "how" (your process and contribution). Use visuals effectively to guide the narrative.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results and impact wherever possible (e.g., user satisfaction improvements, task completion rates, business metrics).

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to discuss your design methodology, decision-making rationale, and how you navigated challenges.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples or discussions of how you worked with engineers, product managers, researchers, and stakeholders.

• Address Accessibility & Compliance: Explicitly mention and showcase how you incorporated WCAG guidelines and considered regulatory aspects in your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate Design Problems: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a typical product design challenge within the genomics or healthcare space, focusing on user needs, data security, and regulatory constraints.

• Practice Articulation: Rehearse explaining complex design decisions and processes concisely and clearly.

• Research Genomics England: Understand their mission, current projects, and the broader context of genomics in healthcare to tailor your answers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural fit within a regulated, mission-driven organization. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Advanced proficiency required in industry-standard tools such as Figma (highly probable given modern team practices), Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar. Candidates should be adept at creating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Collaboration Platforms: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management, documentation, and team communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary data analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• As a designer, direct CRM experience is less critical, but understanding how user data is managed and how design impacts CRM workflows can be a plus.

• Awareness of workflow automation principles and how design can streamline user journeys is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in a leading design tool like Figma is almost certainly expected. The ability to integrate design work with development workflows and understand data insights is also key for a senior role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Patient-Centricity: A deep commitment to improving patient lives through genomic healthcare. This means designs must prioritize user needs, safety, and ethical considerations.

• Excellence and Rigor: A dedication to high standards in scientific research, data integrity, and product development, reflecting the critical nature of healthcare.

• Collaboration and Openness: A culture that encourages teamwork across disciplines, open communication, and the sharing of ideas and feedback to achieve collective goals.

• Innovation and Impact: A drive to push the boundaries of genomic medicine and create tangible, positive impacts on healthcare and research at a national scale.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest ethical standards in handling sensitive genomic and health data.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are embedded within product squads, working daily with engineers, product managers, and clinical experts.

• Co-creation and Workshops: A strong emphasis on bringing diverse perspectives together to solve complex problems collaboratively, utilizing workshops and facilitated sessions.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Encourages constructive feedback exchange to continuously refine designs and processes, fostering a culture of learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in genomics and healthcare inherently shapes its culture towards a strong ethical framework, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to patient well-being. Collaboration is key to navigating the complex, interdisciplinary nature of their work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Complex Domains: Understanding and designing for the intricacies of genomics, healthcare, and regulatory compliance requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Balancing User Needs with Strict Regulations: Designing intuitive and user-friendly experiences while adhering to stringent legal, ethical, and NHS guidelines can be challenging.

• End-to-End Ownership in an FTC: Delivering significant impact and driving projects forward within a fixed 1-year timeframe requires strong focus, efficiency, and proactive management.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying abreast of advancements in genomic technology and design tools to ensure products remain cutting-edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Domain Expertise: Opportunities to gain deep knowledge in the genomics and healthcare technology sectors.

• Advanced Design Skills: Potential to refine skills in accessibility, complex data visualization, and designing for regulated environments.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working closely with world-class scientists, clinicians, and engineers provides invaluable interdisciplinary learning.

• Networking: Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including patients, researchers, and industry partners, offering broad professional networking opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are tied to the specialized nature of the industry and the demands of a senior, project-focused role. Growth opportunities lie in deepening domain expertise and refining design skills within a high-impact context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from initial concept through to launch and beyond. How do you ensure user needs and business goals are balanced?" (Focus on end-to-end ownership, research, iteration, and stakeholder management).

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a healthcare platform where patient privacy and regulatory compliance are paramount?" (Highlight your understanding of WCAG, REC, and data security considerations).

• "Tell me about a time you facilitated a co-creation session. What methods did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your facilitation skills and ability to bring diverse perspectives together).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Genomics England's mission and our work in genomic medicine?" (Show genuine interest in the company's purpose).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially within a cross-functional squad?" (Emphasize your team-player attitude and communication skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction (your role/context), Problem, Solution (your designs), Process (how you got there), Impact (results), and Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your designs (wireframes, mockups, prototypes). Annotate key areas to explain your decisions.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project. Focus on the challenges you overcame and the value you delivered.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions and engage in a discussion about your work, rather than just presenting.

• Conciseness: Stick to the time allocated for your presentation, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their design philosophy, problem-solving methodologies, and how they integrate user needs with stringent industry requirements. A strong, well-rehearsed portfolio presentation is essential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your experience in end-to-end product design, cross-functional collaboration, and any experience with healthcare, regulated industries, or NHS design systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio: Ensure it showcases 2-3 strong, end-to-end projects with clear problem statements, your design process, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to present and discuss it in detail.

• Research Genomics England: Understand their mission, values, and recent projects to articulate your interest and alignment during interviews.

• Practice interview responses: Prepare for questions on your design process, collaboration style, problem-solving abilities, and how you handle regulatory constraints and accessibility.

⚠️ 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.

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