Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: KPMG UK

Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-09-23

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for user-centered web and mobile applications within KPMG UK's Tax Technology & Innovation team.

• Champion and evolve a shared design system to ensure consistency, accessibility, and high quality across a suite of software solutions for tax products.

• Drive collaboration and alignment across Product Owners, Business Analysts, Software Engineers, and Quality Assurance professionals, translating user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints into practical, user-friendly outcomes.

• Leverage modern design tools, including AI-enabled solutions, to enhance ideation, analysis, prototyping, and delivery phases of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within the Tax Technology & Innovation team at KPMG UK, indicating a focus on enterprise-level software solutions. The emphasis on a shared design system and collaboration with technical teams suggests a need for strong process ownership and the ability to influence design standards across multiple applications. The mention of AI-enabled tools points towards an innovative and forward-thinking approach to design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and engaging user-centered web and mobile experiences by creating clear interfaces, detailed user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Proactively plan and facilitate design sprints, workshops, and stakeholder sessions to effectively define project goals, scope, and key deliverables.

• Foster strong stakeholder alignment by clearly articulating design choices and their connection to business objectives, ensuring proposed designs are technically feasible and scalable.

• Act as a key liaison between design, development, and quality assurance teams, providing detailed requirements, resolving design-to-code challenges, and ensuring the accurate implementation of user interfaces.

• Take ownership of the continuous development and improvement of the organization's shared design system, focusing on enhancing consistency, accessibility, and scalability across all digital products.

• Present design concepts, prototypes, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders, tailoring the communication style and level of detail to the specific audience.

• Integrate design activities seamlessly into the agile development lifecycle, assisting teams in backlog refinement and sprint planning to prioritize design efforts effectively.

• Utilize user research, current design trends, and advanced tools, including AI-powered solutions, to inform and elevate the ideation, analysis, prototyping, and final delivery of design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "owning" the design system and "leading" design efforts indicates a senior-level role with significant accountability. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a modern design practice.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles in this domain. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a proven track record in user-centered design for web and mobile applications. Experience within a professional services or enterprise software environment is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• A robust and comprehensive portfolio showcasing user-centered product design for web or mobile applications, with clear articulation of individual contributions and design decision-making processes.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma or an equivalent industry-standard design tool, encompassing the creation and management of components, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications for seamless developer handover.

• Practical and demonstrable expertise in applying core user experience (UX) principles, interaction design, visual design, and user research methodologies such as user interviews and usability testing.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, articulating design rationale and fostering a shared understanding of project goals and solutions.

• Hands-on experience in creating, maintaining, or significantly evolving design systems to ensure consistent application and user experience across multiple products or services.

• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain high levels of accuracy, and adapt to an iterative development environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with or understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their practical implementation in design.

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and experience facilitating design sprints or similar collaborative innovation sessions.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design feasibility and collaboration with engineers.

• Experience with AI-powered design tools or a keen interest in exploring their application in the design workflow.

• Background in enterprise software, financial services, or tax technology sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong portfolio and practical tool proficiency, particularly Figma. The need to collaborate with technical teams and maintain a design system points towards a candidate who can bridge the gap between design vision and technical execution. The 5-10 year experience bracket suggests a need for significant, demonstrated impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects that demonstrate a deep understanding of the user-centered design process from discovery to delivery.

• Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions within each project, highlighting how you translated user needs and business requirements into tangible design solutions.

• Include detailed examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs, with a strong emphasis on visual design principles and interaction design.

• Present evidence of user research and usability testing, detailing methodologies used and how insights informed design iterations and improvements.

• Demonstrate experience with design systems, including examples of component creation, style guides, or contributions to an existing system. Process Documentation:

• Prepare to discuss your personal design process, including how you approach problem definition, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration within an agile framework.

• Be ready to explain how you collaborate with product managers, engineers, and QA to ensure design integrity throughout the development lifecycle.

• Be prepared to articulate your approach to maintaining and evolving design systems, including documentation, governance, and adoption strategies.

• Provide examples of how you have used data, user feedback, and business metrics to inform design decisions and measure the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are central to this role. Candidates must be able to articulate not just the "what" but the "why" and "how" of their design decisions, demonstrating a structured and evidence-based approach. The emphasis on design systems and collaboration is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer role in Glasgow, Scotland, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between £55,000 and £75,000. This range can vary based on the specific scope of responsibilities, the candidate's precise experience, and the overall compensation strategy of KPMG UK.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including annual leave, public holidays, and sick leave.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, certifications, and access to industry conferences.

• Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility within KPMG UK.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to employee assistance programs and other well-being resources.

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this role are expected to be around 40 hours per week, aligning with typical full-time employment in the UK. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility offered by the team regarding start and end times, subject to operational needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on regional market data for similar roles in Glasgow, UK, considering the specified experience level and the nature of a large professional services firm like KPMG. Benefits are standard for a company of this size and sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Professional Services / Consulting, with a significant focus on Technology and Innovation within the Tax and Legal sectors. KPMG UK operates within a highly regulated and client-driven environment, emphasizing trust, integrity, and expertise. The Tax Technology & Innovation team is at the forefront of leveraging digital solutions to enhance client services and internal efficiencies.

Company Size: KPMG is a global network of professional services companies, with KPMG UK being a major national entity. The UK firm employs thousands of individuals across various service lines and locations, indicating a large, established, and well-resourced organization. This size offers stability, extensive career pathways, and access to diverse projects.

Founded: KPMG's origins trace back to the late 19th century, with the modern KPMG formed in 1987 through a merger. KPMG UK is a long-standing and reputable entity within the UK market, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong client base.

Team Structure:

• The Tax Technology & Innovation team is likely composed of specialists in areas such as software engineering, product management, business analysis, data science, and design.

• The Senior Product Designer will report into a Head of Product, a Design Lead, or a Director within the Tax Technology function, with a dotted line to project-specific Product Owners.

• Collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with engineers, BAs, QA, and product owners on a daily basis, often within agile scrum teams. Cross-functional communication and alignment are crucial for success. Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile methodologies (e.g., Scrum, Kanban) for iterative development and delivery of software solutions.

• Emphasis is placed on user-centered design principles, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement of both products and processes.

• The use of a shared design system signifies a commitment to standardized, scalable, and high-quality design outputs.

• Innovation is encouraged, with exploration of new technologies, including AI, to enhance user experiences and business outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.kpmg.com/uk/en/home.html

📝 Enhancement Note: KPMG's reputation as a Big Four professional services firm implies a structured, client-focused, and quality-driven work environment. The specific team's focus on technology and innovation suggests a dynamic and forward-looking culture within a larger, established organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a strong foundation in design principles and methodologies, coupled with the ability to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy. The scope extends beyond individual contribution to team collaboration and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Product Lead, Head of Design, or a Director within the Tax Technology & Innovation department. They will work within cross-functional agile teams, collaborating closely with Product Owners, Business Analysts, and Software Engineers. This structure allows for both focused design work and broad business context.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct impact on the usability, effectiveness, and adoption of software solutions used by KPMG's tax professionals and potentially its clients. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, they will contribute to increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved client satisfaction. Their role in evolving the design system will ensure scalability and consistency across the entire product portfolio, driving long-term value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as advanced interaction design, accessibility, user research methodologies, or AI-driven design tools.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a Design Lead or Managerial role, overseeing a team of designers, setting design strategy, and managing stakeholder relationships at a higher level.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into related roles such as Product Management, UX Strategy, or specialized roles within KPMG's broader technology or innovation departments.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, contributing to the development of the design community within KPMG UK.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to the evolution of design systems and user-centered practices within the professional services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation implies a clear path for growth, either into management or deeper specialization. The impact of design in a technology-driven professional services firm is significant, affecting both internal operations and client-facing products.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. KPMG offices are typically modern, professional, and equipped with collaborative spaces, meeting rooms, and individual workstations designed to support productivity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Glasgow, Scotland. KPMG UK has a significant presence in major cities, and the Glasgow office will likely be well-connected and provide a professional setting for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office will likely feature various meeting rooms and informal breakout areas designed to facilitate brainstorming, workshops, and team discussions, essential for a design role.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to standard office technology, high-speed internet, and potentially dedicated design software licenses (e.g., Figma) on their workstations.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature fosters direct, in-person interaction with colleagues, promoting spontaneous collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a stronger sense of team cohesion, which is beneficial for design alignment and feedback.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is likely Monday to Friday, approximately 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some degree of flexibility in start and end times, depending on team agreements and operational requirements. The nature of client-facing work and agile development may occasionally require adjustments to meet project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for collaborative, in-person work, which can be advantageous for design roles requiring frequent team interaction and whiteboard sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the Senior Product Designer role and KPMG's culture.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where you will present your portfolio, detailing your process and key projects. This may be followed by a practical design challenge or case study to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to articulate design rationale.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues (engineers, product owners, BAs) and senior stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and confirm overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in user-centered design, interaction design, visual design, and design system contributions.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, your key design decisions and their rationale, and the outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Collaboration: Emphasize how you worked with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholders, and incorporated feedback.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your understanding of components, prototyping, and design system implementation.

• Address AI Use: If applicable, be ready to discuss how you've used or would use AI tools in your design process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a specific challenge, ask clarifying questions to understand the business goals, user needs, and technical constraints.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your design process clearly – problem definition, research, ideation, sketching, wireframing, prototyping, and testing.

• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design choices, referencing user needs, business goals, and design principles.

• Think Scalability and Accessibility: Consider how your design would scale and adhere to accessibility standards, especially given the context of a large enterprise.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your approach and solutions concisely and confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and a practical demonstration of design skills and collaborative abilities. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process and rationale thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary design tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and component management. Proficiency in its advanced features, including auto-layout, variants, and collaborative editing, is essential.

• Design System Management Tools: While Figma often serves this purpose, understanding of tools or platforms used for documenting and distributing design system guidelines may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude for understanding user behavior and product performance.

• Prototyping & User Testing Tools: Tools such as InVision, Maze, or UserTesting.com for creating interactive prototypes and conducting remote usability testing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design impacts CRM (e.g., Salesforce) or automation platforms used within Tax Technology might be advantageous for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned, making it a critical requirement. The role also implies the use of standard UX research and analytics tools to inform design decisions and measure impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving client needs, ensuring that technology solutions deliver tangible value.

• Integrity & Trust: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all professional interactions and decision-making.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality, accuracy, and innovation in all aspects of work, from design execution to client delivery.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication, knowledge sharing, and mutual support are paramount.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas, technologies, and approaches to solve complex problems and drive continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The team operates with a high degree of cross-functional collaboration, breaking down silos between design, product, engineering, and business analysis.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where feedback is regularly exchanged, welcomed, and used constructively to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings, and insights across the team and wider organization to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: KPMG's core values likely permeate the team culture, emphasizing professionalism, client service, and ethical conduct. The design team's culture will be shaped by the need for close collaboration with technical and business stakeholders.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating the complexities of enterprise software development, where user desires must be balanced with technical feasibility, security requirements, and business objectives.

• Maintaining Design System Consistency: Ensuring consistent application of the design system across a growing suite of applications and potentially diverse development teams, requiring strong governance and communication.

• Driving Adoption of New Design Practices: Introducing and championing new design methodologies, tools (like AI), or accessibility standards within a large, established organization.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the ROI of design improvements and effectively communicating the value of design to stakeholders who may not have a design background.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to training and resources to deepen expertise in areas like advanced interaction design, motion design, or specialized UX research techniques.

• Design System Leadership: Opportunities to take on more responsibility in the strategic direction and governance of the design system.

• Emerging Technologies: Exposure to and training in emerging technologies, including AI applications in design, that can enhance the product development lifecycle.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within KPMG's design and technology functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a large, established firm. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding both design expertise and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting requirements from user needs, business goals, and technical limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, negotiation skills, and rationale.)

• "How do you approach the creation or evolution of a design system? What are the key considerations for its success and adoption?" (Highlight your understanding of governance, documentation, and stakeholder buy-in.)

• "Walk me through a complex UX challenge you solved. What was your process, what design decisions did you make, and how did you measure the success of your solution?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at KPMG UK, specifically within the Tax Technology & Innovation team?" (Research KPMG's values, recent innovations, and the specific team's mission.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into your design process from the outset?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and practical application.)

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and product owners to ensure your designs are implemented accurately and efficiently?" (Provide examples of your communication and problem-solving approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your design philosophy and role. For each project, clearly state the objective, your specific contributions, the problem you were solving, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), key design decisions, and the final outcome/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes, user flow diagrams, and wireframes. Explain why you made specific visual or interaction design choices.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project and be prepared to answer detailed questions.

• Highlight Design System Work: If you have significant design system experience, dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase this.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured design process, strong collaborative skills, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles within an enterprise context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the KPMG UK careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate experience with enterprise-level applications, design systems, and collaboration with technical teams. Emphasize your contributions and design rationale.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your years of experience, proficiency in Figma, and successful application of UX/UI principles, interaction design, and user research. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough and be ready to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with common design challenges. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with KPMG UK's values, its Tax Technology & Innovation focus, and recent company news to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.