UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Barclays

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

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-04-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic direction for product development UX, implementing contemporary methodologies and processes within a leading financial institution.

• Manage product development UX initiatives, including team oversight, performance appraisal, and the achievement of departmental goals and objectives, ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key product development UX stakeholders, ensuring the quality and integrity of external third-party services.

• Develop and implement robust policies and procedures for product development UX, aligning with organizational standards and best practices.

• Proactively manage product development UX risk, identifying potential threats, devising mitigation strategies, and ensuring seamless alignment with the bank’s compliance functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as an Assistant Vice President (AVP) level, indicating a significant level of responsibility. The emphasis on strategic direction, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and potential team leadership points towards a senior individual contributor or a management track role within the UX function. The integration within the "Markets - Post Trade" division suggests a focus on complex financial services technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for product development UX, ensuring alignment with broader business objectives and technological advancements.

• Oversee the end-to-end user journey across the technology landscape, identifying and resolving user pain points and bottlenecks to improve productivity and streamline workflows.

• Partner closely with multiple product and application teams to shape user experiences, fostering collaboration and ensuring a cohesive design strategy.

• Conduct comprehensive market research to stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscapes, and regulatory changes, identifying opportunities for innovation.

• Implement and refine UX processes, including visual design, interactive prototyping using Figma, and the development of scalable UX solutions.

• Manage product development UX risk, including the identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential issues, ensuring adherence to governance and control frameworks.

• Monitor the financial performance of UX initiatives, contributing to revenue enhancement, profitability, and cost control objectives.

• Advise and influence senior management on UX strategy and policy development, taking ownership of operational effectiveness and cross-functional collaboration.

• Lead collaborative assignments, guiding team members and identifying cross-functional methodologies to achieve desired outcomes.

• Consult on complex UX issues, providing expert advice to leadership to resolve escalated challenges and strengthen controls.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and operational management. The emphasis on "Markets - Post Trade" suggests a need for deep understanding of financial services workflows and regulatory environments. The expectation to "simplify end to end journeys across our technology landscape" implies a focus on complex, integrated systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX design, with a proven track record in financial services or complex enterprise environments.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in visual design principles and application.

• Proficiency in creating interactive Figma prototypes for user testing and stakeholder presentations.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing scalable UX solutions.

• Strong system thinking capabilities, with the ability to understand and design for complex, interconnected systems.

• Proven product design skills, from concept to implementation.

• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures.

• Strong risk management skills, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate UX-related risks.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across different business divisions.

• Proficiency in conducting thorough market research and competitive analysis.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the financial services industry, specifically in Markets or Post Trade operations.

• Familiarity with Agile and Lean UX methodologies.

• Experience with user research techniques and usability testing.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

• Experience in mentoring junior designers or leading small project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section implies a need for leadership, strategic influence, and advanced problem-solving skills, aligning with the 5-10 year experience range. The emphasis on "risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen strategic thinking and digital and technology" suggests these are critical evaluation criteria.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, demonstrating expertise in visual design, interaction design, and prototyping.

• Case studies that detail the problem statement, user research, design process, prototyping tools used (e.g., Figma), and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Examples of designing for complex, enterprise-level systems or financial workflows, highlighting the ability to simplify intricate user journeys.

• Evidence of applying scalable UX principles and system thinking in design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document UX processes, workflows, and design specifications clearly and concisely.

• Experience in developing and refining policies and procedures related to UX design and product development.

• Examples of how UX processes were integrated with risk management and compliance functions.

• Documentation of collaborative processes with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the AVP level and the emphasis on strategic direction and risk management, the portfolio should not only showcase design execution but also strategic thinking, process improvement, and the ability to influence organizational practices.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For an Assistant Vice President (AVP) level UX Designer in London, with 5-10 years of experience in the financial services sector, the estimated annual salary range is typically between £70,000 and £100,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX roles in London's financial district, considering factors like experience, responsibility, and company size.

Benefits:

• Competitive annual bonus scheme linked to individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive private medical insurance, including dental and vision coverage.

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Life assurance and income protection benefits.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support services.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Cycle to Work scheme and other wellness initiatives.

• Staff discounts and preferential rates on Barclays products and services.

• Generous annual leave allowance, with options to purchase additional days.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility expected based on project demands and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in London, UK. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the outcome of the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services, specifically within Banking and Investment Management, with a focus on Markets and Post Trade technology.

Company Size: Large multinational corporation, with tens of thousands of employees globally.

Founded: 1836, indicating a long-standing history and established presence in the financial sector.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will join a central design function within Barclays' engineering and technology organization.

• This team likely collaborates closely with various product and application teams across the Markets division.

• Reporting structure is likely to be to a Head of UX Design or a similar senior management role within the technology function, with potential for leading project teams.

Methodology:

• Design thinking and user-centered design principles are expected to be at the forefront of the UX approach.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, leveraging analytics and user research to inform design strategies.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for iterative development and rapid prototyping.

• Focus on process optimization and efficiency improvements within the post-trade technology domain.

• Collaboration and knowledge sharing are encouraged to foster innovation and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: Barclays is a global financial services leader with a strong emphasis on technology and innovation. The culture likely values integrity, service, excellence, and stewardship, as highlighted in the job description. The "Markets - Post Trade" context implies a fast-paced environment dealing with complex financial transactions and regulatory requirements.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Assistant Vice President (AVP) within the UX Design function. This level signifies a substantial degree of autonomy, responsibility for strategic initiatives, and the ability to influence decision-making. It often involves leading complex projects and potentially mentoring or managing junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a senior leader within the central design function or the technology organization, such as a Head of UX Design or Director of Product Design. They will collaborate extensively with product owners, engineering leads, and business stakeholders within the Markets - Post Trade domain.

Operations Impact: This role is critical in shaping the user experience of critical post-trade systems. By simplifying complex journeys and improving productivity, the UX Designer directly impacts operational efficiency, reduces errors, enhances user satisfaction, and contributes to the overall effectiveness and competitiveness of Barclays' Markets division. Positive UX can lead to cost savings through reduced training needs and support requests, and improved adoption rates of new technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services UX, particularly within complex post-trade workflows, or specialize in areas like interaction design, visual design systems, or user research.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior UX Designer, Lead UX Designer, or UX Manager role, taking on greater team leadership and strategic responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into related roles such as Product Management, Design Strategy, or even business analysis within the Markets division, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and system complexities.

• Skill Development: Access to Barclays' extensive learning and development resources, including training programs, workshops, conferences, and certifications in UX, design thinking, financial technology, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AVP level at Barclays suggests a defined career path with opportunities for advancement within the technology and design organization. The emphasis on "change and transformation" and "digital and technology" indicates a focus on continuous learning and adaptation to evolving industry demands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Barclays' Canary Wharf office, a modern, large-scale corporate environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation. It will be an on-site position, emphasizing in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): 1 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London. This is a prime financial district location with excellent transport links.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to encourage interaction, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and collaborative zones. This facilitates seamless communication with product teams, engineers, and other designers.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design tools, software, and hardware necessary for UX design, prototyping, and research. This includes high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (e.g., Figma), and potentially user testing labs.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional workshops, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose within the design function and with development teams.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured environment. However, the dynamic nature of financial technology and product development may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or urgent business needs, aligning with the "Drive" aspect of the Barclays Mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on-site in Canary Wharf places the UX Designer at the heart of London's financial hub, offering unparalleled access to industry networks and opportunities for high-impact collaboration within a leading financial institution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or a recruiter will conduct an initial review of applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate your experience, approach to UX design, understanding of financial services, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through key case studies and demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, and strategic thinking. This may be accompanied by a practical design challenge or a scenario-based exercise to assess your abilities in real-time.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with other UX designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially senior stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to influence.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (visual design, Figma prototyping, scalable UX, system thinking, product design) and relevance to financial services.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and the quantifiable impact or outcomes achieved. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, user research methodologies, iterative design approach, and how you incorporated feedback. Showcase your ability to handle complexity and ambiguity.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the value of your design work.

• Tailor to Barclays: If possible, research Barclays' recent initiatives or challenges and subtly align your project examples to showcase relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the brief and the target user. Ask clarifying questions.

• Think Aloud: During a live challenge, articulate your thought process clearly. Explain your assumptions, design choices, and trade-offs.

• Focus on Principles: Demonstrate strong UX principles, system thinking, and problem-solving skills, rather than just delivering a polished final design.

• Consider Business Impact: Relate your design solutions back to business objectives, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency, as emphasized in the role description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role at a company like Barclays will likely be rigorous, focusing on both technical UX skills and the ability to operate effectively within a large, regulated financial institution. The portfolio review is a critical component, serving as the primary evidence of your capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for interactive prototyping, visual design, and collaborative design systems. Proficiency is explicitly required.

• Adobe Creative Suite: While Figma is highlighted, familiarity with other Adobe tools (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator) may be beneficial for asset creation and manipulation.

• Sketch: Another popular UX/UI design tool that may be used within the organization or for specific projects.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with tools like InVision, Axure RP, or similar for creating interactive prototypes and user flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics / Adobe Analytics: For understanding user behavior on digital platforms.

• Tableau / Power BI: For creating dashboards and visualizing data related to user engagement and product performance.

• Jira / Confluence: For project management, issue tracking, and documentation, common in Agile development environments.

CRM & Automation:

• Salesforce: While not a direct UX tool, understanding CRM principles is valuable for designing integrated user experiences.

• Internal Barclays Systems: Familiarity with proprietary financial trading platforms or post-trade processing systems would be a significant advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma indicates it's a core tool. Proficiency in this and other design and prototyping software is paramount. Understanding how UX integrates with development tools like Jira and analytics platforms is also key for demonstrating a holistic approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Upholding integrity, fairness, and valuing diverse perspectives in all interactions and design decisions.

• Integrity: Acting with honesty and transparency, particularly in a regulated financial environment, ensuring ethical design practices.

• Service: Prioritizing the needs of users and stakeholders, delivering high-quality, user-centric solutions that meet business objectives.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design execution, process innovation, and problem-solving, continuously seeking improvement.

• Stewardship: Taking responsibility for the impact of design decisions, ensuring long-term usability, sustainability, and alignment with organizational goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, engineers, business analysts, risk officers, and compliance teams to ensure designs are technically feasible, meet business needs, and adhere to regulatory requirements.

• Process Review & Feedback: Participating in design critiques, usability testing feedback sessions, and iterative design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to refine solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to a culture of continuous learning by sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned within the UX team and across development groups. Proactively identifying opportunities for efficiency and process enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Barclays values are central to its operations. A candidate's ability to demonstrate these values through their collaborative style and approach to design work will be crucial for cultural fit. The emphasis on "service" and "excellence" aligns directly with the core goals of a UX Designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Financial Systems: Navigating and simplifying highly complex, data-intensive post-trade financial workflows involving numerous stakeholders and stringent regulatory requirements.

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Regulatory Constraints: Designing solutions that are both user-friendly and meet the strict demands of financial regulations, security protocols, and business objectives.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and seamless collaboration across diverse teams (e.g., technology, compliance, trading desks, operations) who may have different priorities and perspectives.

• Driving Adoption of New UX Standards: Introducing and embedding modern UX methodologies and best practices within a large, established organization that may have legacy systems and processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Financial UX Training: Access to resources and training focused on the nuances of UX design within the financial services sector, particularly for trading and post-trade operations.

• Leadership and Management Skills: Opportunities to develop leadership capabilities through mentorship programs, management training, and leading project teams.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX and FinTech conferences (e.g., UXPA, FinTech events) and obtaining professional certifications.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with advanced technologies and innovative solutions within Barclays' technology roadmap, fostering continuous learning and skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to working in the financial services industry, particularly within a large, established institution. Framing these challenges as opportunities for growth and problem-solving will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex financial workflow you've designed or simplified. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on system thinking, process optimization, and impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with strict regulatory requirements and business objectives in your design process?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and an understanding of the financial context.)

• "Walk us through a challenging collaboration experience with engineering or business stakeholders. How did you influence them and achieve a successful outcome?" (Highlight stakeholder management and communication skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Barclays' approach to technology and innovation, particularly in the Markets division?" (Research recent Barclays tech news, reports, or strategy documents.)

• "How do you embody the Barclays values of Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence, and Stewardship in your work?" (Provide specific examples from your experience.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of your role and the project's objectives. Then, dive deep into the problem, your research, design process, key decisions, and quantifiable results. Conclude with lessons learned.

• Visuals: Use clear, compelling visuals. Ensure your Figma prototypes are interactive and easily navigable.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story about each project, focusing on the "why" behind your design choices and the impact you delivered.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure you cover the most critical aspects efficiently. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for more than just design skills; they'll assess your strategic thinking, business acumen, ability to manage risk, and how well you align with Barclays' values and operational environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and specifically highlights projects demonstrating visual design, interactive Figma prototyping, scalable UX, and system thinking, ideally with relevance to financial services. Prepare 2-3 detailed case studies for presentation.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX Designer," "Product Development," "Figma," "Scalable UX," "System Thinking," "Risk Management," and "Stakeholder Management." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration strategies. Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail and answer scenario-based questions related to financial services UX.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Barclays' mission, values, recent news, and its position in the financial services market. Understand the "Markets - Post Trade" context and its implications for UX design.

⚠️ 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.