Senior UX Design Specialist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Design Specialist

Company: Skipton Building Society

Location: Skipton, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design of exceptional member experiences by creating simple, seamless, and valuable user journeys.

• Translate strategic outcomes into actionable UX activities, aligning design priorities with business goals and product roadmaps.

• Leverage member insights, behavioral data, and market trends to influence product direction and strategic decision-making.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product teams, including Product, Engineering, and Research, to co-create and iterate on solutions.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices across the organization to enhance overall design capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is situated within a "Journey Experience Team," indicating a strategic focus on optimizing the entire member lifecycle and touchpoints. The emphasis on "outcome-focused product teams" suggests an agile, results-driven environment where design directly contributes to business objectives and member satisfaction. The "Senior" title implies a need for leadership in design strategy, mentorship, and driving complex design initiatives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design end-to-end member journeys, user flows, and interfaces that effectively balance member needs, technical feasibility, and business outcomes.

• Translate desired strategic outcomes into clear UX activities, ensuring design priorities align with the corporate plan and product roadmaps.

• Utilize member insight, behavioral data, and market trends to influence product direction, roadmap decisions, and prioritization frameworks.

• Plan, execute, and analyze usability testing to validate design concepts, gather feedback, and drive iterative improvements.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in member experiences.

• Champion and advocate for user-centered and design-thinking principles throughout the organization, sharing best practices to elevate design capabilities.

• Establish and uphold consistent UX standards, processes, and tools to deliver outstanding digital experiences for members.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders to define problems, co-create solutions, and iterate rapidly based on feedback and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The expectation to "influence product direction, roadmap decisions and prioritisation" signifies a senior role with significant impact beyond just design execution. Emphasis on "member insight, behavioural data and market trends" underscores a data-driven approach to UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for senior UX roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Extensive UX design experience (typically 5-10 years) with a proven track record of delivering impactful UX outcomes at a senior level. Experience within financial services or a regulated industry is a strong asset.

Required Skills:

• Extensive UX design experience, encompassing strong capabilities in interaction design, visual design, and responsive/mobile-first design principles.

• Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to confidently challenge decisions and navigate complex stakeholder conversations.

• Ability to translate complex problems into clear, intuitive, and user-centered design solutions that deliver value for both members and the organization.

• Experience planning and conducting usability testing, and effectively integrating insights into iterative design improvements.

• Analytical mindset with comfort in interpreting data, research findings, and behavioral insights to guide design direction and prioritization.

• Strong understanding of accessibility standards (including WCAG) and inclusive design practices to ensure equitable experiences for all members.

• Comfort working in agile development environments, managing design priorities, and collaborating closely with Product, Research, and Engineering teams.

• Proven ability to create compelling prototypes, design artifacts, and test materials.

Preferred Skills:

• Awareness of user research methods, service design, and content design principles to support holistic end-to-end experience design.

• Experience facilitating workshops, co-design sessions, and ideation sessions that foster collaborative problem-solving.

• Ability to design for diverse user needs, including assisted-digital scenarios.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with a demonstrated ability to build trust, influence outcomes, and maintain a member-centric focus in decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal abilities. The inclusion of "analytical mindset" and "interpreting data" points to a data-informed design approach, crucial for senior-level contributions. The preference for experience in financial services or regulated industries suggests the company values domain-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating expertise in interaction design, visual design, and responsive/mobile-first approaches.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key decisions made, and the measurable impact of your solutions.

• Examples of how you have translated member insights, data, and research findings into design solutions.

• Demonstrations of your ability to create clear and persuasive prototypes, design artifacts, and test materials.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to defining and executing UX activities within product roadmaps.

• Illustrate your experience in planning and conducting usability testing, and how you integrate feedback into design iterations.

• Provide examples of how you champion and implement user-centered and design-thinking principles in practice.

• Demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively within agile teams, managing design priorities and contributing to cross-functional problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior UX role, the portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design skills but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and data-informed decision-making capabilities expected of a senior specialist. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating impact and a structured approach to design challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Design Specialists in the UK, with 5-10 years of experience, and considering the financial services sector, a typical salary range would be between £55,000 and £75,000 per annum. This range can vary based on specific experience, the final scope of responsibilities, and the candidate's negotiation skills.

Benefits:

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme

• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays, rising by 1 day per year of service up to 30 days

• Holiday trading scheme (buy or sell additional annual leave)

• Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)

• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)

• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric cars

• Commitment to training and development

• Private medical insurance for all colleagues

• 3 paid volunteering days per year

• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks (e.g., Carers, Pride Alliance)

• A range of health and wellbeing benefits, including cycle‑to‑work and discounted gym membership

Working Hours: 35 hours per week. The company supports hybrid and flexible working where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is an estimate based on general UK market data for senior UX roles. The actual offered salary will depend on Skipton Building Society's internal compensation structure, the candidate's specific qualifications, and regional cost of living adjustments. The comprehensive benefits package indicates a strong commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Building Society). This sector is characterized by a strong emphasis on trust, security, customer service, and regulatory compliance.

Company Size: Skipton Building Society is the fourth-largest building society in the UK, indicating a significant operational scale with a substantial member base and employee count. This size implies established processes and a structured organizational hierarchy, but also opportunities for impact within a large entity.

Founded: Skipton Building Society was founded in 1853. Its mutual status (owned by members, not shareholders) is a key differentiator, fostering a customer-centric and community-oriented culture.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Journey Experience Team," which comprises 2 Service Design Leads, 4 Senior Service Design Specialists, 3 Senior Researchers, and 6 Senior UX Design Specialists. This team structure suggests a dedicated focus on end-to-end customer journeys, with a strong emphasis on research and senior-level design expertise.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on "outcome-focused product teams" suggests an agile and iterative approach to product development and design.

• The team's core role of "shaping and driving exceptional member experiences" implies a service design-oriented approach that looks beyond just digital interfaces to encompass the entire member interaction.

• The use of "member insight, behavioural data and market trends" indicates a data-driven and research-informed design methodology.

Company Website: [Skipton Building Society Website - As the URL was not provided, users can search for "Skipton Building Society"]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mutual status and long history suggest a stable, member-focused organization with a strong ethical foundation. The "Journey Experience Team" structure highlights a sophisticated approach to customer experience design, integrating UX, Service Design, and Research to create holistic solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Design Specialist role, placing it at a mid-to-senior level within the design function. It indicates a need for seasoned professionals who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead complex design initiatives, and mentor junior team members. The scope involves influencing product strategy and contributing to the evolution of design practices.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Design Specialist will likely report to a Service Design Lead or a Head of Journey Experience. They will work collaboratively within a team of UX designers, researchers, and service designers, and closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is measured by the design of "simple, seamless experiences that deliver meaningful value for the business and our customers." This includes improving member satisfaction, driving engagement, potentially increasing conversion rates, and enhancing operational efficiency through user-friendly interfaces and journeys. The influence extends to product direction and roadmap prioritization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as interaction design, user research methodologies, design systems, or accessibility.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles like Service Design Lead, Design Lead, or manage a team of UX designers.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader experience in product management, agile methodologies, or business strategy within the financial services sector.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design community within Skipton.

• Industry Exposure: Continuous learning through training, development commitments, and potentially industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a career path that moves beyond individual contribution to include strategic influence and potentially team leadership. The company's commitment to "training and development" suggests a supportive environment for professional growth within the UX and broader financial services domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a newly refurbished head office that is described as a "vibrant and collaborative working space." This suggests a modern, well-equipped environment conducive to teamwork and creative problem-solving.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Skipton - The Bailey, Skipton, England. This is the main headquarters of the building society.

Workspace Context:

• The "vibrant and collaborative working space" is designed to encourage interaction and teamwork, crucial for UX design where co-creation and feedback are vital.

• As a modern office, it is expected to be equipped with the necessary tools and technology to support design work, including high-speed internet, collaboration software, and potentially dedicated design studios or meeting rooms.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the Journey Experience Team, product teams, and other stakeholders will be abundant, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: While the standard working hours are 35 per week, the company supports "hybrid and flexible working where possible." This allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, accommodating individual needs while ensuring team cohesion and productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model, combined with a refurbished office space, indicates a forward-thinking approach to employee experience, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This is particularly relevant for UX roles that benefit from both focused individual work and team-based ideation sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the Senior UX Design Specialist role.

• First Interview: Likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Service Design Lead) to discuss your experience, approach to UX, and alignment with the team's goals. Be prepared to walk through key projects from your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: A practical exercise, potentially a case study or a live design challenge, to assess your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to collaborate under timed conditions. This might involve analyzing a problem, proposing solutions, and presenting your rationale.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership or key stakeholders to discuss strategic thinking, influencing skills, and cultural fit.

• Reference Checks: Standard background and professional reference checks.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your senior-level capabilities, focusing on those with measurable impact and complex problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role, the design process you followed (including research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key challenges, your decision-making rationale, and the outcomes achieved. Use data and metrics to support your claims.

• Highlight Seniority: Showcase instances where you led initiatives, influenced strategy, mentored others, or navigated complex stakeholder landscapes.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Clearly label your contributions if it was a team project.

• Demonstrate Process: Show your thinking, not just the final polished screens. Include sketches, wireframes, user flows, and insights from testing.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Skipton Building Society, its member base, and the financial services industry to inform your approach.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, emphasize your structured approach to problem-solving, user research integration, and iterative design.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs you consider when making design decisions (e.g., member needs vs. technical feasibility vs. business goals).

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your work and solutions concisely and persuasively, anticipating questions about your rationale and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role will likely be rigorous, assessing not just design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and collaborative abilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates impact and process is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (proficiency in at least one is essential).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana, or similar for agile workflow management.

• Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for internal communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar for understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or built-in reporting within analytics platforms to interpret and present data-driven insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding the underlying CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for member journeys and data integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design tools like Figma is a must. An understanding of how UX design integrates with broader analytics, CRM, and project management tools used by product teams is also highly beneficial for effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Member-Centricity: A fundamental value, driven by the mutual status of the building society, ensuring all decisions prioritize member needs and value.

• Integrity & Trust: Essential in the financial services sector, promoting honesty, transparency, and reliability in all interactions and designs.

• Collaboration: Encouraging teamwork and shared ownership across departments to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Fostering an environment that embraces new ideas, challenges the status quo, and continuously seeks to enhance member experiences and operational efficiency.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from design deliverables to member service.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working closely with Product, Engineering, Research, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to product development and member journey design.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback and open dialogue within the team and across departments to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings to elevate the collective expertise of the design and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mutual status strongly shapes its culture towards member advocacy. The "Journey Experience Team" structure implies a collaborative, integrated approach where UX is not an isolated function but a key component of a broader customer experience strategy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Designing experiences that cater to a wide range of member needs, technical proficiencies, and accessibility requirements within a regulated industry.

• Navigating Legacy Systems/Processes: Integrating modern UX solutions with existing, potentially older, financial systems and processes can present technical and strategic hurdles.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating the value of UX and design-thinking principles to stakeholders who may have different priorities or less familiarity with user-centered methodologies.

• Data Interpretation: Translating complex behavioral data and research findings into actionable design decisions that align with business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply cutting-edge UX methodologies, tools, and research techniques.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen knowledge of the financial services sector, understanding its unique regulatory landscape, customer behaviors, and product offerings.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Develop leadership skills through team collaboration, potential project leadership, and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to service design, product management, and business strategy through close collaboration with these functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in established, regulated industries, requiring strong problem-solving skills and the ability to influence change. The growth opportunities are geared towards both deepening UX expertise and expanding into broader leadership or strategic roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex member journey you designed. What were the key challenges, how did you approach them, and what was the measurable outcome?" (Focus on your process, data usage, and impact).

• "How do you balance member needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Prepare examples of trade-offs and solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Skipton Building Society and our approach to member experience?" (Research the company's mutual status, values, and recent initiatives).

• "How would you contribute to fostering a user-centered design culture within our organization?" (Discuss your experience championing UX and design thinking).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data wherever possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced support queries, improved task completion times).

• Showcase Your Thinking: Don't just present final screens. Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, research insights, and testing results to illustrate your thought process.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, the tools you used, and the challenges you faced. Be prepared to justify your choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers for senior roles will probe deeply into your strategic thinking, problem-solving methodology, and ability to drive impact. Your portfolio presentation should be a narrative that highlights these capabilities, supported by concrete examples and data.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Design Specialist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Skipton's Workday careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight achievements and responsibilities that directly align with the job description's requirements, using keywords such as "UX design," "interaction design," "responsive design," "Figma," "usability testing," and "stakeholder management." Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful UX projects. Ensure each project clearly demonstrates your senior-level problem-solving, design process, collaboration, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to walk through these projects in detail during interviews.

• Research Skipton Building Society: Understand their mission, values, recent news, and their commitment to member experience. This will help you tailor your answers and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare for Design Challenges: Familiarize yourself with common UX design challenges and be ready to articulate your approach to problem-solving, ideation, and user-centered design within a potentially time-constrained scenario.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description incorporates AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions relevant to senior UX design roles in the UK financial services sector. All details should be verified directly with Skipton Building Society during the application and interview process.