Senior UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX Designer

Company: Red Badger

Location: Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UX/Product Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-08T10:17:55

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of user experiences from initial discovery through to final delivery within client-facing, cross-functional teams.

• Champion user needs by proactively initiating and conducting customer research and user testing at all stages of the product lifecycle.

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, simplifying complexity and aligning stakeholders on product strategy and desired outcomes through expert facilitation.

• Mentor and coach junior UX designers and client teams on Human-Centred Design, Design Thinking, and Lean Agile methodologies to elevate the product discipline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a consulting environment, requiring a blend of deep UX expertise, strong client-facing consulting skills, and a passion for building and mentoring. The "Operations" aspect comes from the systematic approach to design, process improvement, and the strategic impact on client business outcomes through digital product delivery.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive audits of existing user experiences to identify areas for improvement and innovation.

• Develop prototypes at various fidelity levels, from low-fidelity wireframes to high-fidelity interactive click-throughs, to visualize and validate design concepts.

• Design and facilitate engaging workshops and design sprints to foster collaboration, generate ideas, and solve complex user problems.

• Lead user research initiatives, including planning and executing various testing methodologies (e.g., guerrilla testing, lab testing) to gather actionable insights.

• Collaborate closely with Product Directors for sales activities, contributing UX expertise to proposals and pitches.

• Consult with product stakeholders on backlog prioritization, ensuring user needs are integrated into development roadmaps.

• Communicate design concepts, decisions, and rationale effectively to a broad range of stakeholders, from engineers to executive leadership.

• Advocate for and introduce user-centered processes to clients, embedding a user-first mindset within their organizations.

• Mentor and support other UX designers, fostering their professional development and motivating them to excel.

• Proactively share knowledge and best practices with the wider Red Badger team, contributing to the growth of the UX and Product discipline.

• Support the development and refinement of Red Badger's overall product approach and strategy.

• Represent Red Badger externally through writing and public speaking about design work and practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level individual contributor who also takes on leadership and mentorship duties. The "client influencer" and "build Red Badger's product capability" sections indicate a strategic and outward-facing component to the role, common in consulting firms where employees contribute to business development and internal knowledge sharing.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional UX design skills and a deep understanding of design principles is paramount. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience Design, with a significant portion spent in client-facing or consulting roles. Proven experience leading UX activities on complex projects is essential.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience working within Lean and Agile development environments.

• In-depth knowledge and practical application of Human-Centred Design and Design Thinking methodologies.

• Proven ability to conduct user research and user testing at various fidelity levels, from initial discovery through to iterative delivery.

• Expertise in designing and facilitating workshops, design sprints, and collaborative sessions.

• Strong prototyping skills using industry-standard tools such as Figma and Sketch, with the ability to adapt to new tools.

• Demonstrated experience in designing for mobile-first, responsive websites and native mobile applications.

• Ability to lead UX activities autonomously as part of a cross-functional team, potentially as the sole UX designer on a project.

• Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and influence stakeholders.

• Experience advising engineers, insights teams, and QA testers on UX best practices.

• Proven ability to consult product stakeholders on backlog prioritization and product strategy. Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of front-end development principles to inform design decisions and facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience applying product management principles to the design and delivery of digital products.

• Proficiency in Service Design methodologies for surfacing insights and designing holistic experiences.

• Ability to influence product strategy to develop, build, and test new business opportunities.

• Experience leveraging emerging technologies to enhance user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical UX craft, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal and facilitation abilities, reflecting the consulting nature of the role. The preferred skills point towards a desire for candidates with a broader understanding of the product development ecosystem.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of UX projects demonstrating the full design lifecycle from discovery to delivery.

• Clearly articulate your specific role and contributions within each project, especially in cross-functional or client-facing engagements.

• Include case studies that highlight your process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design decisions.

• Demonstrate your ability to switch between divergent (ideation) and convergent (refinement) thinking, with examples of how you've applied this.

• Present evidence of user research, user testing, and how insights were integrated into design iterations.

• Showcase your prototyping skills with examples of various fidelity levels. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their structured approach to design processes, including:

  • Workflow design and optimization for user research and design activities.

  • Implementation and automation of design processes within Agile/Lean frameworks.

  • Measurement and performance analysis of design interventions and their impact on user engagement and business goals.

  • Facilitation techniques for workshops and design sprints, including agenda setting, activity design, and synthesis of outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: In a consulting context, a portfolio is not just about the final output but also the process and impact. Candidates must be ready to articulate their methodology, how they collaborate, and how they drive tangible business value for clients through UX. This section emphasizes demonstrating a robust, repeatable, and client-centric design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX Designers in the UK with 5-10 years of experience, particularly within a consulting firm, the estimated salary range for this role in Leeds would be £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate considers the seniority, client-facing nature, and consulting environment.

Benefits:

• Inclusive and diverse work environment, fostering a culture of respect and belonging.

• Equal opportunity employer committed to fair hiring and promotion practices.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Exposure to a variety of client industries and challenging digital product projects.

• Mentorship and coaching from senior leaders within Red Badger.

• Potential for public speaking and knowledge sharing opportunities.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Red Badger likely operates with a degree of flexibility common in modern consulting firms, balancing client needs with employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on typical UK market rates for senior UX roles in consulting. Benefits are inferred from the "Diversity & Inclusion" and general company culture statements, focusing on aspects relevant to a professional services environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Product Development & Consulting. Red Badger operates at the intersection of technology, design, and business strategy, helping large organizations transform their digital capabilities.

Company Size: Red Badger is a medium-sized consultancy, likely employing between 50-200 professionals. This size often means a close-knit culture, opportunities for broad impact, and less bureaucracy than larger firms.

Founded: Founded in 2010 by Stuart, Cain, and David. This establishes a foundation of experience and a history of helping clients improve speed to market and deliver user value.

Team Structure:

• Senior UX Designers are integral parts of client-facing, cross-functional teams.

• These teams likely consist of Product Managers/Directors, other UX/Product specialists, Engineers, and potentially QA.

• Reporting structure will involve project leads and potentially a Head of Design or similar leadership within Red Badger, alongside the client's product stakeholders.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with UX designers working closely with Product and Technology. Methodology:

• Lean Agile ways of working are fundamental.

• Emphasis on Human-Centred Design and Design Thinking principles.

• A strong focus on user research, validation, and iterative delivery.

• Collaborative problem-solving and workshop facilitation are key operational processes.

Company Website: https://content.red-badger.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a focus on client outcomes, speed to market, and user value. The culture is described as "people people," emphasizing respect, learning, and collaboration, which is crucial for a consulting firm reliant on strong client relationships and internal team synergy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UX Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires not only mastery of UX craft but also leadership in client engagements, mentorship capabilities, and strategic contribution to Red Badger's product practice. The role is client-facing and influential, moving beyond pure design execution to strategic advisory.

Reporting Structure: While reporting internally to design leadership for career development and practice growth, the Senior UX Designer will primarily report to project leads or client stakeholders on a day-to-day basis within client engagements. This dual reporting structure is typical in consulting.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX Designer's impact is measured by their ability to:

• Improve client process efficiencies through better digital product design.

• Drive strategic enhancements and new digital product/service development.

• Increase user adoption and satisfaction, leading to tangible business value and ROI for clients.

• Elevate the product and UX discipline within both client organizations and Red Badger itself. Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific UX areas (e.g., service design, interaction design, research methodologies) or expand into product strategy and management.

• Leadership Development: Progress to Lead UX Designer, Head of UX, or Product Director roles, managing teams and client relationships.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client advisory, sales support, and business development skills.

• Thought Leadership: Contribute to Red Badger's reputation through speaking engagements, writing, and developing new methodologies.

• Specialization: Focus on emerging technologies or specific industry verticals where Red Badger operates.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path in a consulting firm like Red Badger often involves developing both deep functional expertise and broader business/client management skills. This role serves as a critical stepping stone for individuals looking to grow into leadership positions within the design and product consulting space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is advertised as on-site in Leeds, suggesting a physical office environment. As a consultancy, this office likely serves as a hub for client meetings, internal collaboration, and potentially a base for teams when not embedded with clients.

Office Location(s): Leeds, England, United Kingdom. This location provides access to a vibrant business and tech community in the North of England.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "people people" and collaboration suggests an office space designed to encourage interaction, knowledge sharing, and team cohesion.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (Figma, Sketch, Miro, etc.) and potentially project management software. The environment will likely encourage the adoption of new tools and methodologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with other designers, product specialists, engineers, and client teams, fostering a dynamic and engaging work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While the core role is on-site, consulting often involves client-site visits. The overall work schedule will likely be demanding but may offer some flexibility, especially when not directly client-facing, to accommodate deep work and personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Leeds indicates a need for candidates comfortable working from a specific geographical hub. The description of Red Badger as a consultancy implies a dynamic work environment that can shift between office-based collaboration and client-site engagements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of CV and portfolio to assess experience and alignment with required skills.

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: Discussion around motivation for the role, career aspirations, and initial fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A critical stage where candidates present 1-2 key projects, detailing their process, problem-solving, user research, design decisions, and outcomes. This will be followed by in-depth questions on UX methodologies, facilitation, and client management.

• Team/Client Interview: Meeting with potential team members and/or client stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations around compelling narratives that highlight the problem, your process, your role, the challenges, and the impact.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: Clearly explain why you made certain design decisions, supported by user research and testing insights.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times) to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Tailor to the Role: Highlight projects that best demonstrate your experience in Lean Agile, Human-Centred Design, client consulting, and mentoring.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge or case study that might involve:

  • Auditing an existing experience.
  • Proposing a solution to a given problem.
  • Facilitating a mini-workshop exercise.
  • Presenting a product strategy or roadmap.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

• Understand how to manage time effectively during challenges and presentations.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a new client engagement and build rapport.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior consulting role will heavily scrutinize not just design skills but also strategic thinking, client management, and the ability to mentor. The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch (proficiency expected), potentially Adobe Creative Suite.

• Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, or similar digital whiteboarding tools for remote/hybrid workshops and ideation.

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or internal client-specific platforms.

• Project Management: Familiarity with Agile tools such as Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Understanding of web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Familiarity with A/B testing platforms.

• Ability to interpret data to drive design strategy and report on outcomes. CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary CRM role, understanding how user experience designs integrate with customer journeys and CRM systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with marketing automation concepts can be a plus for understanding the broader customer lifecycle.

• Integration tools knowledge is less critical for a pure UX role but understanding system capabilities is useful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is explicitly mentioned. The ability to leverage collaboration tools like Miro and understand analytics platforms is crucial for a data-informed and collaborative UX designer in a consulting setting.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People People: Emphasizes respect, care, and creating a safe space for individuals to be themselves. This translates to empathetic design and team interactions.

• Find a Way: Demonstrates resilience, comfort with ambiguity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to achieve shared goals, essential for client delivery.

• Always Learning: Fosters curiosity, continuous improvement, and a willingness to test and refine processes and skills. This drives innovation in UX practice.

• Open & Fair: Promotes trust through transparency, honest communication, and equitable outcomes. This builds strong client relationships and internal team dynamics.

• Collaborative: Values open-mindedness, active listening, and knowledge sharing to arrive at the best ideas. This is critical for cross-functional team success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product, Engineering, and client teams is a cornerstone. UX is not a silo but an integrated part of the product development process.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open feedback loops on designs and processes to foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Proactive sharing of learnings, best practices, and insights across teams and with the wider Red Badger community.

📝 Enhancement Note: Red Badger's values are deeply ingrained in their operational approach, emphasizing a human-centric and collaborative culture. For a Senior UX Designer, embodying these values means not only excelling in design craft but also in interpersonal dynamics, client relations, and team development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Client Ambiguity: Clients often have complex problems and evolving requirements; the ability to bring clarity and structure through UX processes is key.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Constraints: Effectively advocating for users while understanding and integrating business goals, technical limitations, and project timelines.

• Driving Adoption of User-Centred Practices: Introducing and embedding new ways of working and user-centric thinking within client organizations that may have established, less user-focused processes.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Balancing client delivery responsibilities with the commitment to mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of Red Badger's UX practice.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends and Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools, methodologies, and user behaviors in a fast-paced digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like Service Design, advanced user research techniques, or UX strategy.

• Industry Engagement: Participation in UX conferences, workshops, and networking events to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Access to senior design leaders for guidance, and opportunities to mentor junior team members, developing leadership capabilities.

• Cross-disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product management, agile coaching, and front-end development principles through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and often complex nature of consulting work. The growth opportunities are structured to develop well-rounded professionals who are not only expert designers but also strategic advisors and leaders.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex problem for a client or team. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on facilitation, communication, and problem-solving).

• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in a project? Provide an example." (Focus on strategic thinking and pragmatic design).

• "Walk us through a project where you successfully introduced or advocated for user-centred design practices within a client organization." (Focus on client influence and process adoption).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? What is your philosophy on developing talent?" (Focus on leadership and team development). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Red Badger and this Senior UX Designer role specifically?" (Research company values, client work, and culture).

• "How do you embody our value of 'People People' in your daily work and client interactions?" (Connect personal experience to company values).

• "Describe your experience working in Lean Agile environments. What are the key benefits and challenges from a UX perspective?" (Demonstrate practical understanding). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Use a clear narrative arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.

• Highlight Your Thinking: Don't just show screens; explain the why behind your decisions, supported by research and testing.

• Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with engineers, product managers, and clients.

• Quantify Results: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the business value of your design solutions.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, decisions, and how you'd handle specific consulting scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only strong UX skills but also the consulting acumen, leadership potential, and cultural alignment Red Badger seeks in its senior team members.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Red Badger careers page.

• Customize Your CV: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in Lean Agile, Human-Centred Design, client consulting, and mentorship, using keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 strong case studies that best represent your senior-level UX capabilities, focusing on process, problem-solving, and impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., personal website, PDF).

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your portfolio projects and your approach to UX design, client engagement, and team collaboration. Be ready to discuss your experience with facilitation and user research in detail.

• Research Red Badger: Understand their values, client work, and approach to product development to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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