UX Designer (12 months FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (12 months FTC)

Company: Kainos

Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Temporary

Category: User Experience (UX) Design, Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive and impactful user experiences for enterprise software, with a specific focus on AI-powered features and workflows within the Workday ecosystem.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles, driving the adoption of design thinking and best practices across product development.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists, to translate complex AI capabilities into accessible and meaningful customer experiences.

• Create detailed design artifacts such as wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups, ensuring adherence to usability best practices and accessibility standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a fixed-term contract (FTC) for 12 months, indicating a project-based need or a temporary capacity increase within the Kainos Smart products team for Workday. The emphasis on AI-powered features and Workday integration suggests a specialized domain within enterprise SaaS.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design user experiences for AI-powered features and workflows, ensuring they are intuitive, transparent, and aligned with user needs.

• Develop wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups, adhering to usability best practices and accessibility standards.

• Lead the creation and utilization of journey and process maps to prioritize and guide design direction.

• Facilitate user research and usability testing to inform design decisions and validate concepts.

• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, and Data Science teams to translate AI capabilities into meaningful and usable customer experiences.

• Analyze user feedback and usage data to identify areas for improvement and iterate on designs.

• Advocate for best practices in UX and accessibility throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Work with the wider project team to establish the value of UX design as a discipline within product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on the practical application of UX design for complex enterprise software, particularly integrating emerging AI technologies. The role requires not only design execution but also strategic input through journey mapping and research, alongside advocacy for UX principles within the team.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of proven experience designing for enterprise software or SaaS solutions is required.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing for enterprise software or SaaS solutions.

• Understanding of AI design patterns and best practices for designing AI-assisted user experiences.

• Understanding of information architecture, interaction design, and visual design principles.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in UX design, including research, interaction design, and visual design.

• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to present designs and rationale to stakeholders.

• Adherence to usability best practices and accessibility standards. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with Agile delivery methodologies.

• Knowledge of Workday product architecture.

• Understanding of enterprise governance, compliance, audit, or risk management processes.

• Ability to balance business objectives with user needs to deliver high-quality solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio is critical, as it serves as the primary evidence of UX design expertise. The "Desirable" skills point towards a specialized context within the Workday ecosystem, suggesting candidates with prior exposure to this platform or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems will have an advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end UX design projects, including case studies that detail the problem, your role, the design process, and the measurable outcomes.

• Demonstrations of user research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing, with insights derived from these activities.

• Examples of wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity mock-up creation using industry-standard tools.

• Specific examples of designing for complex enterprise software or SaaS platforms, highlighting the challenges and solutions.

• Evidence of understanding and applying AI design patterns and principles in user experience design. Process Documentation:

• Showcase an ability to document design processes clearly, including the rationale behind design decisions.

• Demonstrate the use of journey maps, process maps, and user flows to articulate design strategies and user journeys.

• Provide examples of how user feedback and data analysis were used to inform and iterate on design solutions.

• Illustrate collaboration with cross-functional teams, showing how design requirements were translated into actionable development tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize the candidate's ability to translate complex technical requirements (especially AI) into user-friendly interfaces for enterprise applications. Demonstrating an understanding of the entire product development lifecycle, from research to implementation and iteration, will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Belfast, Northern Ireland, the estimated annual salary range is between £35,000 and £55,000. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK tech sector, adjusted for the Belfast cost of living. Factors such as specific project needs and the candidate's proven expertise in AI design for enterprise software may influence the final offer.

Benefits:

• 12-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) employment.

• Opportunity to work on innovative AI-powered products for a leading Workday partner.

• Collaborative and people-first company culture.

• Professional development and learning opportunities.

• Access to Kainos's employee benefits package (specifics to be confirmed with the hiring team, but often includes pension contributions, holiday pay, and potential for training).

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 37-40 hours per week, with flexibility for on-site work. The specific daily schedule will be agreed upon with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a temporary contract, benefits may differ from permanent roles. It's crucial for candidates to clarify the full scope of benefits, including holiday entitlement, pension, and any other contractual perks, during the interview process. The salary estimate is based on general market data and may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software Development, Digital Transformation, specifically focusing on Workday solutions and AI-powered enterprise products. Kainos operates in a competitive SaaS market, aiming to deliver significant value and efficiency gains for its clients.

Company Size: Kainos is a large organization, with a significant number of employees globally. This size offers stability, structured career paths, and access to extensive resources and expertise.

Founded: Kainos was founded in 1989, bringing decades of experience in technology consulting and software development. This long history suggests a stable company with established processes and a deep understanding of the technology landscape.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will join a high-performing product team focused on Kainos Smart products for Workday.

• This team likely comprises Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and potentially other UX/UI specialists.

• Collaboration is a key aspect, working closely with product managers to define strategy and engineers for implementation. Methodology:

• The team operates with a strong emphasis on design thinking and user-centric approaches.

• Agile delivery methodologies are likely employed, requiring flexibility and iterative development.

• A focus on innovation, particularly in integrating AI capabilities, is central to the team's mission.

Company Website: https://careers.kainos.com/gb/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos emphasizes a "people-first culture" and diversity, which suggests an inclusive and supportive work environment. Their focus on Workday and AI indicates a forward-thinking approach, attracting professionals interested in cutting-edge enterprise solutions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a Mid-Level UX Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of focused experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with a significant degree of autonomy in design execution and a growing responsibility for influencing product direction.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Lead UX Designer, Head of Product Design, or a Product Manager within the Kainos Smart products division. The role involves close collaboration with engineering and data science leads.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer will directly impact the usability, adoption, and perceived value of Kainos's Workday-related products. By ensuring intuitive and effective user experiences, particularly with new AI features, they will contribute to customer satisfaction, retention, and the overall success of the product suite.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for AI, enterprise SaaS, and the Workday ecosystem.

• Project Leadership: Potentially lead UX efforts on specific features or smaller product initiatives.

• Cross-functional Influence: Gain experience working across diverse teams and influencing product strategy through design.

• Contract Extension/Permanent Role: Successful performance in this 12-month FTC could lead to opportunities for contract extension or a permanent position within Kainos, depending on business needs and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a fixed-term contract, this role offers valuable experience in a specialized and in-demand area (AI in enterprise SaaS). It's a strong stepping stone for further career advancement in UX design, particularly within B2B software.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating that the designer will be based at the Kainos office in Belfast. This provides opportunities for in-person collaboration, team building, and direct mentorship.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the postal code BT7 1NT. This location is well-situated within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and productivity.

• Access to necessary design software, hardware, and potentially a dedicated UX lab or testing facilities.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from Product, Engineering, and Data Science, facilitating a dynamic and integrated design process.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours are expected, generally around 37-40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, to be discussed with the hiring manager.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests Kainos values in-person collaboration and team cohesion for its design and product development teams. Candidates should be prepared for a regular office presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• First Interview: Typically with a hiring manager or senior team member, focusing on your experience, understanding of UX principles, and portfolio walkthrough. Expect questions about your design process and how you've handled specific challenges.

• Technical/Design Challenge: You may be asked to complete a short design exercise or case study, either take-home or during a dedicated session, to assess your practical skills and problem-solving approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially with additional stakeholders or team members to evaluate cultural fit and further assess your technical capabilities and alignment with the team's working style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio into clear case studies. For each case study, outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions made, and the final outcomes (qualitative and quantitative).

• Highlight AI & Enterprise Focus: Explicitly showcase projects involving enterprise software, SaaS, or AI-driven features. Explain the unique challenges and how you addressed them.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mock-ups, user flows) and interactive prototypes where possible.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics demonstrating the success of your designs (e.g., increased user engagement, reduced task completion time, improved conversion rates).

• Accessibility & Usability: Demonstrate your understanding and application of accessibility standards and usability best practices.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly research Kainos, their Smart products for Workday, and the implications of AI in enterprise software.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, prioritize demonstrating your thought process and problem-solving approach over delivering a perfectly polished final design.

• Time Management: If time-bound, allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, and design.

• Communicate Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the reasoning behind your design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI and Workday means interviewers will likely probe your understanding of these specific domains. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach designing for complex business processes and integrating intelligent automation features.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency is required in at least one of the following: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD. Figma is increasingly becoming an industry standard for collaborative design.

• Wireframing & Mock-ups: Tools for creating low-fidelity to high-fidelity visual representations of the product.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for UX design, familiarity with tools used for analyzing user behavior (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Pendo) can be beneficial for informing design decisions based on usage data. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of enterprise software ecosystems like Workday is a plus. Familiarity with Agile project management tools like Jira or Confluence is also common.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools are design and prototyping software. Candidates should highlight their mastery of these, with specific examples of complex features or workflows they've designed. Experience with collaboration platforms like Jira is also highly relevant for agile environments.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement new technologies, particularly AI, to enhance user experiences and product capabilities.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Data Science) to achieve shared goals.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs throughout the design and development process.

• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible value to customers and contributing to the success of Kainos's products.

• Diversity & Inclusion: Kainos actively promotes a culture where differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

Collaboration Style:

• The team operates with a "people-first culture," suggesting an environment that is supportive and values individual contributions.

• Close collaboration with Product Managers to define requirements and Engineers for implementation is essential.

• Data-driven decision-making, informed by user research and analytics, is likely a core part of the team's approach.

• Open communication and feedback loops are crucial for iterative design and development in an Agile setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's emphasis on "people-first culture" and "embracing our differences" suggests a positive and inclusive work environment. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they contribute to team dynamics and collaborate effectively.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI Complexity: Translating abstract AI capabilities into intuitive, transparent, and trustworthy user experiences for enterprise users.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating the diverse requirements of business objectives, technical constraints, and user needs within a large enterprise software context.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in AI and UX design best practices to ensure products remain competitive and cutting-edge.

• Fixed-Term Contract Transition: The nature of the FTC means navigating an initial project scope and potential for future opportunities within Kainos.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Gaining in-depth experience in the emerging field of AI UX design.

• Workday Ecosystem Expertise: Developing a strong understanding of Workday's architecture and how Kainos products integrate with it.

• Agile Methodologies: Enhancing skills in iterative design and development within an Agile framework.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Broadening experience by working closely with diverse technical and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to gain specialized experience in AI UX design within a well-established enterprise software domain. Candidates who are proactive learners will find significant growth potential here.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex enterprise software feature you designed. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome?" (Focus on your structured approach, user research, and quantifiable results).

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature that automates a common user task? What ethical considerations would you prioritize?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI patterns, user trust, transparency, and bias mitigation).

• "How do you balance business objectives with user needs when design constraints are tight?" (Showcase your ability to negotiate, prioritize, and find creative solutions).

• "Walk me through your portfolio. Which project best demonstrates your ability to design for complex SaaS applications?" (Be ready to deeply explain your process, decisions, and impact for your chosen project). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kainos and our work with Workday and AI?" (Research Kainos's mission, values, and recent projects. Connect your interests to their focus areas).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of your communication, feedback, and teamwork skills).

• "How do you ensure accessibility in your designs?" (Discuss specific standards and methods you employ). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, create a narrative that highlights the problem, your journey, and the impact.

• Be Data-Driven: Present metrics and user feedback that validate your design decisions and their success.

• Showcase Your Process: Clearly illustrate your steps from research and ideation through to iteration and final design.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with enterprise software, SaaS, and AI design. Be prepared to discuss how your skills would translate to Kainos's specific product suite.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expect interviewers to probe your understanding of AI in the context of enterprise software. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure user trust and transparency in AI-driven features.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Kainos careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Review your portfolio to ensure it prominently features your experience with enterprise software, SaaS, and ideally, AI-related design projects. Tailor your case studies to highlight your problem-solving process and measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience in UX design, specific tools you are proficient with (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), and any experience with Agile methodologies or enterprise software like Workday. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, preparing specific examples for behavioral questions, and rehearsing your portfolio presentation. Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI design principles and their application.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kainos's company culture, their work in the Workday ecosystem, and their commitment to innovation in AI. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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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