UX Designer (12 months FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (12 months FTC)

Company: Kainos

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom; Derry-Londonderry, United Kingdom; Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time, Temporary

Category: UX/Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-10-02

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design intuitive and impactful user experiences for AI-powered enterprise software solutions within the Workday ecosystem.

• Advocate for and implement design thinking principles and user-centered design methodologies throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and customers to translate complex AI capabilities into accessible and valuable user features.

• Drive the creation and utilization of user research, journey maps, and usability testing to inform design decisions and validate product concepts.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of a growing suite of Kainos Smart products, focusing on intelligent automation, analytics, and user productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "UX Designer," the core responsibilities and context strongly align with a Product Designer role, especially given the emphasis on translating business objectives, AI capabilities, and user needs into tangible product features. The "12 months FTC" indicates a fixed-term contract. The role is inherently on-site, with multiple UK locations offered.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups, ensuring adherence to usability best practices and accessibility standards for enterprise software.

• Develop user experiences for AI-powered features and workflows, prioritizing transparency, intuitiveness, and alignment with genuine user needs.

• Lead the creation and application of user journey maps, process maps, and user flows to prioritize design efforts and guide product direction.

• Facilitate comprehensive user research initiatives and usability testing sessions to gather insights, inform design decisions, and validate product concepts.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and customers to translate complex AI capabilities into meaningful and usable customer experiences.

• Analyze user feedback, usage data, and performance metrics to identify opportunities for design iteration and product improvement.

• Champion and embed best practices in UX design, accessibility, and design thinking across the product development lifecycle within cross-functional teams.

• Contribute to the strategic value proposition of UX design as a critical discipline within the product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input, particularly in translating AI capabilities into user-friendly interfaces. The emphasis on user research, journey mapping, and collaboration with data science teams suggests a need for a designer who can bridge technical innovation with practical user application.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for UX/Product Design roles. A strong portfolio can often substitute for formal education.

Experience: Proven experience designing for enterprise software or SaaS solutions is essential. A minimum of 2-5 years of dedicated UX/Product Design experience is expected, with demonstrable experience in a similar role.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing for enterprise software or SaaS solutions, understanding the unique challenges and user behaviors associated with these platforms.

• Strong understanding of AI design patterns and best practices specifically for designing AI-assisted user experiences and features.

• Solid grasp of information architecture, interaction design principles, and visual design fundamentals.

• A robust portfolio showcasing expertise in UX design, including research methodologies, interaction design, and visual design execution.

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

• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to articulate design rationale and solutions to diverse stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within Agile delivery methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and collaborating effectively in iterative development cycles.

• Familiarity with the Workday product ecosystem and its architecture, understanding how Kainos Smart products integrate and add value.

• Knowledge of enterprise governance, compliance, audit, or risk management processes, particularly as they relate to software design and data handling.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level is inferred from the "AI_experience_level" field. The requirements emphasize both technical design skills and a strategic understanding of enterprise software, AI, and user needs within a B2B context. The desirable skills indicate a preference for candidates who can hit the ground running within the Workday ecosystem and Agile environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 detailed case studies, each highlighting a distinct project from concept to completion.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), and the final solution.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and how they were applied to solve specific user or business problems.

• Include examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups.

• Quantify the impact of your design solutions where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, task completion rates, conversion improvements, or user satisfaction.

• For AI-powered features, specifically highlight how you approached designing for transparency, trust, and user understanding of AI functionality. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating and utilizing user journey maps, process maps, or user flows to inform design strategy.

• Examples of user research methodologies employed (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how insights were translated into design decisions.

• Documentation of iterative design processes, including how feedback from stakeholders and users was incorporated.

• Clear articulation of design system principles or style guides used to ensure consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of the candidate's ability to execute UX/Product design for enterprise SaaS, particularly with AI components. The emphasis is on demonstrating the process and impact, not just the final visual output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the UK locations (Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, Birmingham), experience level (2-5 years), and the nature of a fixed-term contract for a specialist UX Designer role, a competitive salary range is estimated. For Belfast and Derry-Londonderry, a range of £40,000 - £55,000 per annum is typical. For Birmingham, this might slightly increase to £42,000 - £58,000 per annum due to regional cost of living differences. The exact figure will depend on the candidate's specific experience and skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and location.

• Fixed-term contract offering a defined period of employment with potential for extension or future opportunities.

• Opportunity to work on innovative AI-powered products within the Workday ecosystem, gaining exposure to cutting-edge technology.

• Access to Kainos's extensive training and development programs to enhance UX and AI design skills.

• Collaborative and supportive team environment with a strong emphasis on professional growth and innovation.

• Contribution to a "people-first culture" where ideas are valued and employee well-being is prioritized.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements within the on-site context, subject to team and project needs.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically equating to 37.5 to 40 hours per week, aligning with standard business hours in the UK (e.g., 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday).

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general UK market data for mid-level UX Designers in similar locations and industries, adjusted for the fixed-term contract nature of the role. Specific benefits are inferred from Kainos's stated company culture and the typical offerings for a full-time, temporary position in a technology firm.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software Development, specifically focusing on Workday solutions and AI-powered enterprise applications. Kainos operates within the Business Software & Services sector.

Company Size: Kainos is a large organization with over 1,000 employees, indicating a structured environment with established processes but also opportunities for significant impact within specialized product teams.

Founded: Kainos was founded in 1989, signifying a long history and deep expertise in the technology sector, providing stability and a wealth of experience.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a high-performing product team specifically focused on Kainos Smart products for Workday. This team likely includes Product Managers, Engineers (frontend and backend), Data Scientists, and potentially other UX/Product Designers.

• The reporting structure is likely to be to a Head of Product, a Lead UX Designer, or a Product Development Manager, depending on the specific team's organization.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, with daily interaction expected with engineers, product managers, and data scientists to translate AI capabilities and user needs into product features. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, with a strong emphasis on user research, usability testing, and analyzing usage data to inform design.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central to the role, ensuring efficient and effective user journeys within complex enterprise software.

• Automation and efficiency practices are key, especially given the focus on AI-powered features and intelligent automation within the Kainos Smart product suite.

Company Website: https://www.kainos.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's established presence and focus on Workday solutions suggest a professional, results-oriented culture. The "people-first culture" and emphasis on diversity indicate a commitment to employee well-being and an inclusive environment, which is crucial for fostering creativity in design roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at the Mid-level UX/Product Designer band. It requires independent contribution and the ability to manage design tasks from inception to delivery, with a focus on specific product features or modules. The candidate is expected to apply established UX principles and learn new domain-specific knowledge (Workday, AI) rapidly.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will report to a senior member of the product development team, such as a Product Lead, Design Manager, or Engineering Manager. They will work collaboratively within a cross-functional product team.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of Kainos Smart products. By creating intuitive interfaces for AI-powered features, they will enhance user productivity, drive adoption of Workday and Kainos solutions, and ultimately contribute to customer satisfaction and retention. This role directly influences how users interact with and derive value from complex enterprise software.

Growth Opportunities:

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

• Leadership Development: Progress to a Senior UX/Product Designer role, taking ownership of larger product areas, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader understanding of product management, engineering processes, and data science principles, potentially leading to hybrid roles or specialized product roles.

• Learning & Development: Access to Kainos's training resources, workshops, and potentially industry conferences to stay abreast of the latest UX trends, AI advancements, and design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fixed-term nature of the contract means that long-term career growth within Kainos might depend on performance and the availability of future roles. However, the experience gained in designing for advanced technologies like AI within an enterprise context is highly transferable and valuable for future career opportunities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, meaning the UX Designer will work from one of Kainos's designated office locations in Belfast, Derry-Londonderry, or Birmingham. The environment will be a modern office setting designed for collaborative work.

Office Location(s): Kainos has multiple offices across the UK. The candidate will be placed in one of the following: Belfast (Northern Ireland), Derry-Londonderry (Northern Ireland), or Birmingham (England). These locations offer access to talent pools and are equipped with professional workspace facilities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be open-plan or feature dedicated team areas designed to foster collaboration and communication among designers, developers, and product managers.

• Access to standard office technology, including reliable internet, workstations, and meeting rooms equipped for presentations and remote collaboration will be provided.

• Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with team members, product stakeholders, and potentially end-users during research activities.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, typically Monday to Friday, during UK business hours. While the role is on-site, Kainos's "people-first culture" may allow for some flexibility in start/end times, subject to team agreements and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on on-site work suggests a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for design roles requiring spontaneous brainstorming and close teamwork. Candidates should be prepared to commit to working from one of the specified office locations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session with the hiring manager and potentially a senior designer. This will involve a detailed walkthrough of your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with relevant tools and technologies (Figma, AI design, enterprise SaaS). Expect scenario-based questions related to designing AI features.

• Team/Stakeholder Interview: Potentially a session with other team members (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Engineer) to assess collaboration skills and how you integrate into a cross-functional team.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, possibly with a more senior leader, to finalize the offer and discuss contract specifics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your skills in enterprise SaaS and AI design. Prioritize projects that showcase your process and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, your key decisions, and the outcome. Use visuals (wireframes, mock-ups, user flows) to illustrate your points.

• Highlight AI Experience: If you have specific experience designing for AI features, make it prominent. Explain how you approached transparency, trust, and user comprehension of AI functionality.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices, the challenges you faced, and how you collaborated with others.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a short design challenge to complete within a timeframe, or asked to critique an existing interface and propose improvements. Focus on applying your structured design process.

• AI Feature Design: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a specific AI-powered feature, considering user trust, transparency, and potential biases.

• Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you would handle disagreements with engineers or product managers regarding design decisions, and how you would advocate for user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design proficiency but also the candidate's ability to integrate into a collaborative, product-focused team and their strategic thinking around complex technologies like AI. A well-prepared portfolio is the most critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Collaboration & Communication: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Jira, Confluence (Familiarity with agile project management and documentation tools).

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Optimal Workshop, or internal platforms for conducting usability studies and gathering feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms for understanding user behavior and product usage.

• Reporting: Experience interpreting data from various sources to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed in systems like Salesforce or Workday CRM can be beneficial for context.

• Workflow Tools: Familiarity with workflow design principles, especially as they relate to enterprise processes and automation within SaaS products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design tools like Figma is essential. Familiarity with the broader product development ecosystem, including agile tools and analytics platforms, is highly advantageous for effective collaboration and data-informed design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore new technologies, particularly AI, and translate them into novel user experiences.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnership to achieve shared goals.

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

• Impact & Value: A focus on delivering tangible business value and creating solutions that make a real difference for customers.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, iteration, and refinement of processes and products.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Data Science, requiring clear communication and mutual respect for different disciplines.

• Iterative Feedback: A culture that embraces constructive feedback from peers, stakeholders, and users to refine designs.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster a collective understanding and elevate design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's stated "people-first culture" and commitment to diversity suggest an inclusive and supportive environment. The focus on innovation and impact aligns with the cutting-edge nature of AI product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI: The primary challenge will be translating complex and sometimes abstract AI capabilities into intuitive, transparent, and trustworthy user experiences. This requires understanding user perception of AI and mitigating potential user anxiety.

• Enterprise SaaS Complexity: Designing for enterprise software often involves intricate workflows, diverse user roles, and strict data governance requirements, demanding a deep understanding of the business context.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing and aligning the needs and expectations of various stakeholders (Product, Engineering, Data Science, Customers, Business) while staying true to user-centered design principles.

• Fixed-Term Contract: Navigating a role on a 12-month contract requires adaptability and a focus on delivering maximum impact within the defined timeframe, with an awareness of potential for extension or transition.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Gain hands-on experience designing with AI, learning about AI ethics, transparency in design, and human-AI interaction patterns.

• Workday Ecosystem Expertise: Develop in-depth knowledge of Workday products and the broader Kainos Smart suite, becoming a subject matter expert in this domain.

• Advanced UX Techniques: Refine skills in areas like complex information architecture, advanced prototyping, and user research methodologies specific to enterprise applications.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Benefit from exposure to data science, agile methodologies, and product management strategies within a leading technology firm.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the innovative and complex nature of the role, particularly around AI integration. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to develop highly sought-after skills in a growing technological domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex enterprise software feature you designed. What was the problem, your process, and the outcome? How did you ensure it was intuitive for users?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and user impact)

• "How would you approach designing a user experience for an AI feature that automates a critical business process? What considerations would you prioritize regarding user trust and transparency?" (Assess AI design thinking and user advocacy)

• "Imagine a conflict arises between a proposed design feature and technical feasibility. How would you navigate this situation with the engineering team?" (Evaluate collaboration and problem-solving skills) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kainos and our work with Workday and AI?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company mission)

• "How do you see your UX skills contributing to a 'people-first culture' and a diverse team environment?" (Showcase cultural fit and understanding of company values)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX design, AI, and enterprise software?" (Highlight commitment to continuous learning) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, start with a clear problem statement, your role, and the project goals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, user flows, prototypes, final mock-ups) to illustrate your design process and decisions.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices. Why did you choose this layout? Why this interaction pattern? Why this AI feature approach?

• Quantify Impact: Present metrics and outcomes that demonstrate the success and value of your designs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design elements, research findings, and trade-offs made.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong, user-centered design process, a clear understanding of enterprise SaaS challenges, and innovative thinking around AI integration. The portfolio is the primary tool for showcasing these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience relevant to enterprise software, SaaS, AI design, and your proficiency with design tools like Figma. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your UX design process for complex applications, with a specific focus on AI features if possible. Quantify your impact.

• Prepare for the interview: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approaches, and experience with AI design patterns. Research Kainos, their Workday solutions, and their company culture.

• Be ready to discuss Workday: If you have any prior experience or knowledge of the Workday ecosystem, be prepared to discuss it.

⚠️ 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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