Senior UX & UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX & UI Designer

Company: M+C Saatchi Group

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-19T17:47:18

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end UX and UI design process for complex digital projects, from discovery through to developer handover and design QA, ensuring seamless integration of user needs and client objectives.

• Translate intricate client requirements, user needs, content structures, and technical limitations into intuitive, visually compelling, and technically feasible experience and interface design solutions.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems, reusable components, and interaction patterns to enhance design consistency, efficiency, and scalability across digital products.

• Champion accessibility, inclusive design principles (WCAG), and digital design best practices, ensuring all digital experiences are user-centric and compliant.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers and content strategists, to integrate user experience, storytelling, content, and visual design for impactful real-world outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior UX & UI Designer," the company's focus on "creative solutions," "behaviour change," and "complex challenges" in sectors like defense, development, and diplomacy suggests this role may involve a higher degree of strategic thinking and cross-functional collaboration than a typical product design role. The emphasis on "operations" within this description is derived from the need to manage design processes, systems, and cross-functional workflows efficiently, aligning with broader GTM and operational excellence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the UX and UI design lifecycle for diverse digital projects, encompassing user research, information architecture, user journeys, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity interface design.

• Create structured, development-ready design files in Figma, meticulously detailing component behavior, responsive states, specifications, and edge cases to facilitate accurate developer implementation.

• Drive the creation and maintenance of comprehensive design systems, reusable component libraries, and interaction patterns to foster design consistency and accelerate future development cycles.

• Conduct rigorous design QA during the implementation phase, working in tandem with developers to ensure pixel-perfect execution and adherence to design specifications.

• Leverage user research, analytics data, user feedback, and usability testing insights to iteratively inform and enhance design decisions, optimizing user experience and achieving client objectives.

• Present design concepts, interactive prototypes, and detailed design rationale compellingly to internal teams and external clients, effectively articulating strategic thinking and design choices.

• Actively champion accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles, embedding them into all design outputs to ensure digital experiences are usable by the widest possible audience.

• Explore and integrate AI-enabled design tools and workflows where they can demonstrably improve design quality, speed, or efficiency, staying at the forefront of design innovation.

• Collaborate with internal teams to seamlessly integrate user experience principles with compelling storytelling, strategic content, and impactful visual design.

• Ensure a strong understanding of commercial realities, balancing user needs, client objectives, creative ambition, and technical constraints within project scope, timelines, and budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on process management and end-to-end project ownership, typical of senior operations roles. The need to manage design systems, ensure developer handoff accuracy, and integrate user feedback points to a structured, process-oriented approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a senior-level role in this domain. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Significant experience (5-10 years implied) in UX/UI, product design, or digital design roles, with a proven track record operating at a senior level within an agency, consultancy, or client-focused environment.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Figma and modern collaborative design workflows.

• Strong understanding of information architecture, interaction design, user journeys, wireframing, and prototyping methodologies.

• Exceptional visual design skills, with the ability to craft polished, distinctive interfaces while upholding usability and consistency standards.

• Proven experience creating and maintaining comprehensive design systems, component libraries, and reusable design patterns.

• Deep knowledge of responsive design principles and their application across various devices (desktop, mobile, tablet).

• Solid understanding of accessibility and inclusive design principles, with practical knowledge of WCAG guidelines.

• Experience preparing production-ready design files and collaborating closely with developers during the implementation phase.

• Demonstrated ability to balance user needs, client objectives, creative ambition, and technical constraints effectively.

• Confidence in presenting work, articulating design decisions, and constructively responding to stakeholder feedback.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

• Commercial awareness, understanding the impact of scope, timelines, budgets, and technical feasibility on design decisions.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools and a proactive interest in applying them to enhance design workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing multilingual, multicultural, or global digital experiences.

• Experience designing for complex content or data-heavy platforms.

• Working knowledge of front-end development principles, including HTML, CSS, responsive design, and component-based development.

• Experience planning and supporting user research, usability testing, and design validation activities.

• A track record of contributing to the establishment of UX/UI processes, standards, or capabilities within a growing team or organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Required Skills" section is highly detailed, emphasizing both technical proficiency (Figma, design systems) and soft skills (stakeholder management, communication). The "Preferred Skills" indicate a desire for candidates who can contribute to process improvement and possess a broader understanding of development and research methodologies, aligning with operational excellence.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong foundation in UX thinking and high-quality UI design, with clear examples of projects taken from initial discovery through to successful implementation and launch.

• Demonstrations of user journey mapping, information architecture diagrams, wireframes, and interactive prototypes that illustrate a structured design process.

• Examples of visually polished and distinctive user interfaces designed for desktop, mobile, and tablet, reflecting an understanding of responsive design principles.

• Evidence of creating, maintaining, and utilizing design systems, component libraries, and reusable design patterns to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• Case studies detailing how user needs, client objectives, and technical constraints were balanced to achieve successful digital product outcomes.

• Documentation of how accessibility and inclusive design principles were integrated into design solutions, with specific examples of WCAG compliance. Process Documentation:

• Showcase of how you translate client objectives, user needs, and technical constraints into clear experience and interface design solutions.

• Examples of structured, development-ready Figma files, including specifications for component behavior, responsive states, and edge cases.

• Evidence of using research, analytics, user feedback, and usability testing to inform and iterate on design decisions.

• Documentation of collaboration with developers to ensure accurate implementation and design QA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are deeply tied to demonstrating process adherence and system thinking. Candidates are expected to show not just the final output but the journey, the tools used (Figma, design systems), and the methodologies employed (user research, testing, accessibility standards) to achieve an outcome, which is a hallmark of operations-focused roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the Senior UX/UI Designer title, location in London, and the comprehensive benefits package, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for senior-level design roles in London, the estimated annual salary range is £60,000 - £85,000. This estimate considers the experience level, the agency environment, and the specialist nature of M+C Saatchi World Services' work.

Benefits:

• 27 days holiday per year, offering ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Pension contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Private healthcare, ensuring access to quality medical services.

• Discounted dental insurance, contributing to overall well-being.

• Enhanced maternity/parental leave, providing strong support for new parents.

• Cultural stimulation allowance (£250 per person per year) to encourage engagement with arts and culture.

• Half days off before bank holidays, offering extended weekends.

• Emergency care days for dependants, providing flexibility for family needs.

• Up to 5 days volunteering leave per year, supporting charitable engagement.

• Season Ticket loan, assisting with commuting costs.

• Payroll Giving Scheme, facilitating charitable donations.

• Thursday drinks for social interaction and team bonding.

• Annual Summer and Christmas parties, fostering a strong sense of community.

• Inclusive bank holidays, reflecting a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Comprehensive learning opportunities, including D&I training and targeted mentoring programmes.

• Participation in active Employee Led Networks and associated events.

• Personal development support to ensure success in the role. Working Hours:

The standard working hours are implied to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role in the UK. The company culture and benefits suggest a degree of flexibility and a focus on work-life balance, particularly with provisions like half days before bank holidays and emergency care days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on data from reputable UK salary aggregators for senior UX/UI designers in London, factoring in the agency context and the specialized nature of the company. The benefits are extensive and reflect a company culture that values employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Communications, with a specialized focus on Behaviour Change, Development, Diplomacy, Defense, Security, and Health. This unique positioning within the M+C Saatchi Group means the company operates at the intersection of creative communication and impactful real-world outcomes for governments and international organizations.

Company Size: Part of the larger M+C Saatchi Group, which is a global entity. M+C Saatchi World Services itself likely operates with a lean, agile team structure, common in specialized divisions that require deep expertise and rapid response capabilities. This implies a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

Founded: The M+C Saatchi Group was founded in 1995. M+C Saatchi World Services, as a specialist division, leverages this established history while focusing on its specific mission. This blend provides stability with an innovative edge.

Team Structure:

• The design team, likely within a broader creative or digital solutions department, will consist of designers, potentially researchers, and project managers. Collaboration is key, with designers working closely with strategists, account managers, and developers.

• Reporting structure is likely to be a Senior Designer reporting to a Creative Director or Head of Digital/Design, with direct project leads for specific client engagements.

• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, with designers working daily with strategists, writers, account handlers, and developers to deliver integrated campaigns and digital products. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights methods are crucial, especially given the company's focus on behaviour change and impact measurement. This involves interpreting research, analytics, and user feedback to drive design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are essential for managing multiple client projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outputs.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly with the explicit mention of exploring AI-enabled design tools, aiming to streamline processes and enhance productivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's unique positioning in "behaviour change" for critical sectors is a significant differentiator. For a designer, this means projects will likely have a strong strategic underpinning and a measurable impact, requiring a more analytical and results-oriented approach than traditional advertising. The "operations" aspect comes into play through the need for structured processes to manage complex, high-stakes projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Senior" level, indicating significant autonomy and responsibility. A Senior UX/UI Designer is expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the strategic direction of design within projects and potentially within the team's processes. The scope includes taking projects from conception to completion and influencing design best practices.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Digital, or a similar leadership role within the agency. They will also collaborate extensively with project managers, strategists, developers, and client teams.

Operations Impact: The operations impact of this role lies in its ability to translate complex client objectives and user needs into functional, engaging, and technically feasible digital experiences. By leading the design process, establishing design systems, and ensuring quality through rigorous QA and collaboration, this role directly influences project success, client satisfaction, and the efficiency of the creative and development workflows. The successful execution of design operations contributes significantly to the agency's ability to deliver impactful behaviour change campaigns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in designing for complex, international, and data-heavy platforms, as well as leading the implementation of design QA processes and contributing to the establishment of new UX/UI standards.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design sprints, and take on more significant project leadership roles, eventually moving towards a Design Lead or Art Director position.

• Strategic Contribution: Influence the agency's design methodology, contribute to the adoption of new tools (like AI-enabled design), and play a key role in defining the user experience strategy for high-impact behaviour change campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on how a Senior UX/UI Designer can evolve within an operations-centric framework, emphasizing process leadership, strategic input, and the development of specialized skills relevant to the agency's unique market.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London, at 36 Golden Square, indicating a central office location within a professional environment. As an on-site role, it offers a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration, team meetings, and spontaneous idea generation.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 36 Golden Square, London, W1F 9JX, United Kingdom. This central London location provides excellent accessibility via public transport and is situated in a vibrant area.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster a collaborative environment, encouraging interaction with a diverse range of creative professionals, strategists, and developers. This proximity facilitates seamless communication and integrated working.

• Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma is explicitly mentioned) and potentially other creative software will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and high-quality output.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with internal teams will be frequent, supporting a culture of shared learning, feedback exchange, and collective problem-solving for client challenges. Work Schedule:

The role is full-time, implying a standard work week. However, the company's emphasis on work-life balance and various employee benefits suggests a degree of flexibility may be available, managed through effective time management and project planning to meet deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site role highlights the value placed on in-person collaboration, which is often critical for complex problem-solving and creative synergy in agency settings. This also implies a structured work environment where operational processes can be more easily standardized and observed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the Senior UX/UI Designer role, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with the company's specialization.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you will present your portfolio, highlighting key projects that demonstrate your UX thinking, UI design skills, and experience with the full design lifecycle (discovery to implementation). Be prepared to articulate your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.

• Skills-Based Interview: Technical questions assessing your proficiency in Figma, design systems, accessibility standards, and your understanding of user research and testing methodologies. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges or processes.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, and how you align with M+C Saatchi's culture, particularly its focus on impactful, behaviour-change-oriented work.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and your vision for contributing to the agency's design capabilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, covering a range of challenges and showcasing your end-to-end process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (discovery, research, ideation, design, testing, implementation), the solutions you devised, and the measurable impact or outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Operations: Explicitly demonstrate how you managed design processes, utilized design systems, collaborated with developers, and incorporated feedback for iteration. Showcase your Figma file structure and any documentation practices.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to illustrate the success of your designs – e.g., improvements in user engagement, conversion rates, task completion times, or accessibility compliance scores.

• Showcase Specialization: If you have experience relevant to behaviour change, complex content, or global campaigns, ensure these projects are prominently featured.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge or a detailed discussion about a past project where you had to solve a complex problem under constraints. Prepare to articulate your thought process, decision-making criteria, and how you would approach a hypothetical scenario related to the agency's work.

• Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and engagingly, anticipating questions about your design choices, technical execution, and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored for a UX/UI designer applying to an agency, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating process, collaboration, and measurable impact, aligning with the operational aspects of design delivery.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required and expected to be used at an advanced level for all aspects of UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in collaborative workflows within Figma is essential.

• Design Systems Management Tools: While Figma is the primary interface, familiarity with the principles and implementation of design systems, potentially involving tools like Storybook or similar component management solutions, is beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities are key. Experience with other advanced prototyping tools may also be advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior, track engagement metrics, and inform design decisions.

• User Feedback & Testing Tools: Experience with platforms for usability testing, heatmapping, session recording (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com), and survey tools to gather qualitative and quantitative user insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how user interfaces interact with backend systems and content management systems (CMS) is beneficial. Familiarity with how data flows from user interactions to CRM or other business intelligence systems can be an asset.

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: An interest and willingness to explore and apply AI tools that can assist in design ideation, asset generation, workflow optimization, or analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and the implied need for design system proficiency are critical. The inclusion of analytics and user feedback tools highlights the data-driven approach expected, which is a core component of operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A core value likely stemming from the company's mission to drive behaviour change. Operations professionals here are expected to focus on delivering tangible results and measurable outcomes for clients.

• Collaboration: Essential for success, given the cross-functional nature of agency work. Team members are expected to work seamlessly with strategists, developers, and account teams, fostering an environment of shared responsibility and mutual support.

• Efficiency & Agility: Given the fast-paced agency environment and diverse client needs, a commitment to efficient workflows, process optimization, and adaptability is paramount. The exploration of AI tools reinforces this value.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and effective creative and digital solutions, underpinned by strong design principles and attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Approach: Designers are expected to be deeply integrated into project teams from the outset, working alongside strategists, writers, and developers to ensure a cohesive and effective end product.

• Open Feedback Loop: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange, where ideas are openly discussed, and designs are iterated upon based on input from internal stakeholders and clients.

• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing best practices, learnings from projects, and insights into new tools or methodologies, contributing to the collective growth and expertise of the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values emphasize a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to design, which aligns closely with operational excellence. The focus on collaboration and efficiency is key for any operations-minded professional.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the potentially complex requirements of government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations, ensuring all stakeholder objectives are considered and integrated into the design.

• Designing for Behaviour Change: Translating abstract behavioural science principles into intuitive and effective digital experiences that can influence real-world actions for hard-to-reach audiences.

• Global & Multicultural Design: Adapting designs for diverse cultural contexts, languages, and accessibility needs across international markets, requiring sensitivity and strategic localization.

• Rapid Iteration & Evolving Requirements: Adapting to fast-changing project scopes or client feedback in a dynamic agency environment, requiring resilience and efficient process management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Skills: Opportunities to develop expertise in designing for complex content, data visualization, international campaigns, and behaviour change initiatives.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into diverse sectors such as defense, development, diplomacy, and health, broadening your understanding of global challenges and communication strategies.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Contributing to the development and refinement of UX/UI processes, design systems, and the adoption of new technologies like AI-assisted design within the agency.

• Mentorship & Networking: Access to experienced professionals within the M+C Saatchi Group and opportunities to build a network across a global organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are specific to the agency's unique niche, requiring a designer to think beyond traditional UI/UX and engage with strategic, cultural, and behavioural complexities. Growth opportunities are framed within developing these specialized skills and contributing to operational improvements.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you translated complex client objectives into a clear, user-centred digital experience. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" - Prepare by detailing your end-to-end process, highlighting how you managed requirements and ensured alignment.

• "How do you approach balancing user needs, creative ambition, and technical constraints within a project's budget and timeline?" - Focus on your commercial awareness, problem-solving skills, and ability to make trade-offs effectively.

• "Walk us through your process for creating and maintaining a design system. What are the key benefits, and how do you ensure its adoption and ongoing use?" - Demonstrate your understanding of design operations, scalability, and efficiency. Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about M+C Saatchi World Services' specific focus on behaviour change and working with clients in sectors like defense and development?" - Research the company's mission, recent work, and articulate how your skills can contribute to their impactful projects.

• "How do you champion accessibility and inclusive design within a team and across projects?" - Provide specific examples of how you've integrated these principles and educated others.

• "Describe your experience working with developers. How do you ensure accurate implementation and manage design QA?" - Highlight your collaborative approach, communication skills, and understanding of the development lifecycle. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process & Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the specific design process you followed (discovery, research, ideation, design, testing, implementation), the solutions you devised, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma files, component structure, and how you prepare them for developer handoff. Explain your rationale for file organization and documentation.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to illustrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction).

• Tailor to Agency Work: If possible, select projects that show an understanding of strategic communication, behaviour change, or complex information architecture, aligning with the agency's specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to elicit responses that demonstrate not only design skill but also strategic thinking, process management, and an understanding of the operational aspects of delivering high-impact digital solutions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX & UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the M+C Saatchi careers website.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your senior-level experience, specific achievements in UX/UI design, proficiency in Figma, experience with design systems, and any background relevant to behaviour change or complex digital products. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, up-to-date, and clearly showcases your best work. Select projects that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Be ready to present and discuss them in detail.

• Research M+C Saatchi World Services: Understand their mission, the types of clients they work with, and their focus on behaviour change. Prepare to articulate why you are specifically interested in their unique positioning within the industry.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on articulating your design rationale, process, and the impact of your work clearly and concisely.

⚠️ 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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