Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Barclays

Location: Canary Wharf, 1 Churchill Place, London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Development UX

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and end-to-end user experience (UX) for product development within Barclays Markets - Post Trade.

• Drive innovation and solve complex interaction problems through user research, journey mapping, and visual design.

• Manage product development UX initiatives, including oversight of colleagues and departmental goals, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.

• Foster strong stakeholder relationships and maintain the quality of third-party services related to UX.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures for product development UX, ensuring alignment with compliance functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Individual Contributor or a Team Lead, indicated by the "Vice President Expectations" section which outlines responsibilities for both scenarios. The emphasis on "greenfield program" and defining a "central User Experience function" suggests a significant opportunity for shaping the UX discipline within the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and manage the strategic direction for product development UX, implementing up-to-date methodologies and processes.

• Oversee product development UX initiatives, including managing team performance, departmental goals, and overall efficiency.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring high-quality third-party UX services.

• Develop and enforce policies and procedures for product development UX, ensuring alignment with compliance and risk management frameworks.

• Proactively identify and mitigate product development UX risks, maintaining alignment with the bank's compliance functions.

• Monitor the financial performance of the product development UX department, focusing on revenue, profitability, and cost control.

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends, understand the competitive landscape, and adapt to regulatory changes.

• Solve complex interaction problems with ingenuity, focusing on opportunities for experience excellence.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate UX insights into the entire application portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, operational management, risk oversight, and hands-on design execution, typical for a senior role within a large financial institution. The emphasis on "product development UX" suggests a focus on the entire lifecycle of product creation, from conception to implementation and iteration.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior UX Designer role in a financial services context.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) design, with a significant portion focused on product development and complex interaction design within a corporate or financial services environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in Journey Mapping to understand and visualize user flows.

• Strong Visual Design skills, including an understanding of aesthetics and brand consistency.

• Proficient in Interaction Design, creating intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Hands-on experience with Figma for prototyping and design collaboration.

• Demonstrated User Research methodologies and ability to translate findings into actionable design insights.

• Strategic Thinking capabilities to align UX initiatives with business objectives.

• Experience in Risk Management and understanding its implications within financial services.

• Effective Stakeholder Management skills to build and maintain relationships across various levels.

• Deep understanding of Product Development UX principles and best practices.

• Market Research experience to inform design decisions and identify opportunities.

• Strong Analytical Thinking to dissect complex problems and propose solutions.

• Negotiation Skills to influence stakeholders and manage expectations.

• Demonstrable creativity and imaginative problem-solving skills.

• Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a "greenfield program" or establishing a new function.

• Familiarity with "Post Trade" financial services domain.

• Understanding of change and transformation initiatives within large organizations.

• Business Acumen to understand the financial impact of UX decisions.

• Digital and Technology proficiency, especially in financial technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of required and preferred skills, especially the mention of "greenfield program" and "defining a central User Experience function," indicates that candidates with experience in setting up new design practices or leading transformative UX projects will be highly valued. The "Vice President Expectations" section also implies a need for leadership potential, whether through direct people management or technical mentorship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of projects demonstrating end-to-end UX design, from discovery to delivery.

• Include case studies detailing complex interaction problems solved and the resulting user experience improvements.

• Highlight experience in journey mapping, user research, visual design, and interaction design.

• Provide examples of Figma prototypes, illustrating design thinking and iterative development.

• Demonstrate your ability to contribute to or set strategy and drive requirements for new initiatives. Process Documentation:

• Present examples of how you have developed and implemented methodologies and processes for product development UX.

• Illustrate your approach to managing product development UX initiatives, including oversight and efficiency improvements.

• Showcase how you have developed and implemented policies and procedures for UX.

• Detail your experience in managing product development UX risk, including identification and mitigation strategies.

• Provide evidence of your contribution to monitoring financial performance and controlling costs within a UX department.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, especially given the emphasis on a "greenfield program." Candidates should be prepared to present detailed case studies that not only showcase their design skills but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business objectives, particularly in risk management and financial performance.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX Designer role with 5-10 years of experience in London, UK, the estimated salary range is typically between £70,000 to £95,000 per annum. This can vary based on specific experience, the candidate's ability to demonstrate impact, and the final scope of responsibilities within the "Vice President Expectations."

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Life assurance and income protection.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Employee assistance programs and well-being support.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Access to employee discounts and perks.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are likely to be around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration. The role is on-site, requiring presence in the Canary Wharf office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Barclays' status as a major financial institution, benefits are expected to be robust and competitive. The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for senior UX roles in London, UK, and may be subject to negotiation based on the candidate's profile and the specific demands of the role, especially in a "greenfield" setting.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking and Investment)

Company Size: Large (10,000+ employees) - Barclays is a global financial services provider.

Founded: 1800 (Barclays Bank PLC) - With a long history, Barclays has evolved into a leading international bank.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UX Designer will be part of the Markets - Post Trade division.

• This role involves either leading a team of UX specialists or acting as a subject matter expert guiding technical direction for a team.

• Close collaboration with product managers, engineers, business analysts, compliance officers, and senior management is expected.

• The role is instrumental in defining and establishing a central User Experience function. Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven UX design, utilizing user research, journey mapping, and performance metrics.

• Implementation of up-to-date methodologies and processes for product development UX.

• Focus on risk management and compliance, ensuring all UX initiatives align with regulatory requirements.

• Continuous improvement and efficiency practices within the UX department.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving and strategy development.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Operating within a large, established financial institution like Barclays means a culture that balances innovation with a strong emphasis on risk, compliance, and governance. The "greenfield program" within Markets - Post Trade suggests an opportunity to influence and shape the UX culture and processes in a specific domain, while adhering to broader organizational values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor or Team Lead. This role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, manage complex projects, and potentially lead a team. The "Vice President Expectations" section clearly delineates pathways for both individual technical leadership and people management.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX Designer will report into a senior leader within the Markets - Post Trade division, likely a Head of UX, Head of Product, or a similar leadership role. They will also work closely with product owners and business stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the efficiency, usability, and effectiveness of the Markets - Post Trade application portfolio. By improving the end-to-end user experience, this position will contribute to reducing operational errors, enhancing productivity, ensuring regulatory compliance, and ultimately supporting the strategic goals of the business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead a UX team, manage projects, and develop people management skills.

• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in defining the UX strategy for a significant business area and establishing a new UX function.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in financial services, specifically in Markets - Post Trade, a critical area for any major bank.

• Skill Enhancement: Further develop expertise in advanced UX methodologies, user research techniques, and complex interaction design.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broad experience working with various departments across Barclays.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a significant step for a UX professional looking to move into a senior individual contributor role with strategic influence or a management track within a top-tier financial institution. The "greenfield" aspect offers a unique chance to build something from the ground up, providing substantial growth and development potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Modern corporate office environment within a major financial hub.

Office Location(s): Canary Wharf, 1 Churchill Place, London, United Kingdom. This is a well-connected business district with excellent transport links.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with open-plan areas and dedicated meeting rooms for design reviews and stakeholder discussions.

• Access to standard office technology and specialized UX design tools (e.g., Figma, research platforms).

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with product managers, engineers, business analysts, and other UX professionals.

• A professional and structured work environment typical of a large financial institution.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site, necessitating regular attendance at the Canary Wharf office. While a standard work week is expected, the dynamic nature of financial markets and product development may require some flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical go-live dates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a prime London location suggests a dynamic and collaborative environment. Candidates should be prepared for a structured corporate setting that prioritizes in-person collaboration and adherence to established protocols, balanced with the innovative drive of a new UX function.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will review applications and conduct a brief screening call to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager, focusing on experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of the role's objectives.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A core part of the process will involve presenting a portfolio showcasing past work. This may be accompanied by a design challenge or case study presentation, assessing problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate design decisions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with key team members (e.g., product managers, fellow designers, engineers) and potential stakeholders to evaluate collaboration skills and cross-functional fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss overall fit, strategic alignment, and leadership potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Impact: Focus on quantifiable results and the business impact of your design solutions. Use metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion, efficiency gains, or risk reduction.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), your role, and the solution.

• Highlight Strategic Contribution: Emphasize how your UX work aligned with broader business and product strategies, especially in risk management and market trends.

• Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly show your expertise with tools like Figma, journey mapping, and user research methods.

• Address the "Greenfield" Aspect: If you have experience setting up new processes or functions, highlight this to show your ability to build and shape.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly research Barclays, the Markets - Post Trade division, and typical challenges in financial services UX.

• Focus on Process: Articulate your design process clearly, explaining why you made certain decisions.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would work with different teams and stakeholders.

• Address Risk and Compliance: Consider how risk and compliance factors would influence your design decisions in a financial context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "greenfield program" and defining a "central User Experience function" means interviewers will be looking for candidates who can not only execute but also strategize, build, and influence. A strong portfolio that demonstrates end-to-end ownership and measurable impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design workflows.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Qualtrics).

• Journey Mapping Tools: Software for creating detailed user journey maps (e.g., Miro, Lucidchart, Smaply).

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, other tools like InVision or Adobe XD might be relevant.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics (though less common for internal applications, understanding principles is key).

• BI Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for understanding user data and performance metrics.

• Internal Data Dashboards: Familiarity with custom-built or enterprise reporting systems used within Barclays.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how UX impacts CRM systems and customer journeys is beneficial.

• Familiarity with agile project management tools like Jira or Confluence for workflow tracking and documentation.

• Understanding of API integrations and how they affect user experience can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly called out. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with a range of UX tools, with an emphasis on those that support user research, journey mapping, and collaborative design. Understanding how UX integrates with broader enterprise systems and data analytics is also highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an inclusive environment for all colleagues.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions, especially in financial services.

• Service: Committing to delivering excellent service to internal stakeholders and end-users.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, process, and outcomes, driving continuous improvement.

• Stewardship: Acting responsibly with company resources and contributing to the long-term success and stability of Barclays.

Collaboration Style:

• Empower, Challenge, Drive (Barclays Mindset): Encouraging initiative, constructive debate, and proactive execution.

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with product, engineering, compliance, and business teams to ensure a cohesive and effective user experience.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing data and research to guide design choices and demonstrate impact.

• Open Communication: Fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed and challenges are addressed constructively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of Barclays' core values and mindset, showing how they will integrate these into their daily work and design process. The emphasis on "greenfield" and "central UX function" implies a culture that is open to innovation and establishing new ways of working, while still respecting the established corporate values and risk framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Function: As part of a "greenfield program," the initial challenge will be defining and embedding a central UX function within a large, established organization.

• Balancing Innovation with Regulation: Navigating the complexities of financial services regulations while driving innovative UX solutions.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Gaining buy-in and collaboration from diverse stakeholders across different departments with potentially competing priorities.

• Impact Measurement: Quantifying the impact of UX improvements, especially in areas like risk mitigation and operational efficiency, within a complex financial system.

• Legacy Systems Integration: Working with or designing for existing systems while also envisioning future states.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership and Strategic Planning: Gaining experience in defining organizational strategy and leading teams in a critical function.

• Financial Services Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge of Markets - Post Trade operations and the broader financial ecosystem.

• Advanced UX Methodologies: Exploring cutting-edge UX research and design techniques within a real-world, high-stakes environment.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior leaders within Barclays and mentor junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for attending industry conferences or gaining certifications relevant to financial technology and UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex challenges. Candidates who thrive in environments where they can build and shape processes, and who are adept at navigating organizational structures and regulatory landscapes, will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to establish a new UX process or function within an organization. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your experience with "greenfield" aspects).

• "How would you balance the need for user-centric design with the stringent regulatory and risk requirements in financial services?" (Assess your understanding of the industry context).

• "Walk me through your process for defining the strategic direction of UX for a product portfolio. How do you ensure alignment with business goals?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on Barclays' values (Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, Stewardship) and how would you embody them in this role?" (Show cultural alignment).

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering, product management, and compliance teams?" (Assess teamwork and cross-functional skills).

• "How do you measure the success and impact of your UX work, particularly in areas like risk reduction and operational efficiency?" (Focus on quantifiable outcomes). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly outlining the problem, your specific role and process, the solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Strategic Contribution: For each project, explain how your UX decisions supported business objectives, managed risks, or improved efficiency.

• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Walk through your Figma prototypes and explain your design choices, user research findings, and journey mapping insights.

• Address the "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every design decision and how it addressed user needs and business goals.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, challenges encountered, and alternative solutions considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the strategic nature of the role and the "greenfield" initiative, interviewers will be looking for candidates who can demonstrate not only design prowess but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and an understanding of the financial services context. Be prepared to discuss your experience in building, shaping, and influencing.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in product development UX, journey mapping, visual design, interaction design, and Figma prototyping. Emphasize any experience with "greenfield" projects or establishing new functions.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-10 years of experience, focusing on achievements and quantifiable results in UX design, particularly within financial services or complex enterprise environments. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the impact. Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to UX, risk management, and stakeholder collaboration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Barclays, its values, its position in the financial markets, and any recent news related to its technology or digital transformation initiatives. Understand the Markets - Post Trade division's role within the bank.

⚠️ 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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