UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Barclays

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-28

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement user-centric digital banking products and experiences that align with customer needs and drive commercial outcomes.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and business analysts, to translate business requirements into intuitive user interfaces.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to gather actionable insights that inform design decisions and enhance the overall customer experience (CX).

• Develop interactive wireframes and prototypes to visualize design concepts, validate solutions, and iterate based on feedback and evolving requirements.

• Ensure design solutions meet technical feasibility, legal compliance, and governance oversight standards within the regulated financial services environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section strongly suggests this role is at a mid-to-senior level, implying a need for strategic thinking, influence, and potentially team leadership or guidance. The inclusion of "governance" and "risk and controls" within the job description and AI keywords highlights the critical nature of operating within a regulated financial institution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and implement user-centric digital banking products and experiences, ensuring alignment with customer needs, industry best practices, and business objectives.

• Monitor and analyze the impact of design implementations post-launch through relevant Customer Experience (CX) metrics.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Developers, and Business Analysts, to translate business requirements into compelling and effective user experiences.

• Develop interactive prototypes and wireframes to effectively visualize design concepts and validate proposed solutions.

• Iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders, incorporating changing technical and business requirements, as well as user feedback.

• Evaluate the technical feasibility, legal compliance, and potential risks associated with the development and launch of new digital products and features.

• Secure necessary governance oversight and provide design assurance throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to gather insights into user behavior, preferences, and pain points.

• Utilize research findings to inform design decisions, enhance the overall user experience, and translate these into tangible commercial and customer outcomes.

• Stay abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and design tools within the fintech and banking industry, proactively identifying opportunities for innovation.

• Proactively identify opportunities for improvement in product design processes, tools, and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle UX design process, from conceptualization and research to implementation and post-launch analysis, with a strong focus on business outcomes and compliance within the banking sector.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Approximately 5-10 years of experience in User Experience (UX) Design, Product Design, or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of creating successful digital products. Experience within the financial services or a regulated industry is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• UX & Product Design: Proven experience in creating user journeys, wireframes, prototypes, and interaction designs for digital products.

• Human-Centred Design: Deep understanding of human-centred design principles and the complete design process from discovery through to delivery.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including Product, Technology, and Business stakeholders.

• Communication Skills: Strong ability to articulate design rationale, present design solutions, and effectively incorporate feedback from diverse stakeholders.

• User Research & Insight: Experience utilizing customer research, usability testing, and data analytics to inform design decisions and identify user needs.

• Data Analysis: Ability to translate user insights and data analysis findings into actionable design improvements.

• Governance & Compliance: Understanding of governance processes and compliance requirements, particularly within a regulated industry.

Preferred Skills:

• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Strong understanding of accessibility (WCAG standards) and inclusive design principles to ensure products are usable by everyone.

• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to design systems and reusable UI components.

• Digital Banking or Regulated Environments: Specific awareness and experience within financial services, digital banking, or other regulated industries.

• Risk & Controls: Understanding of risk management and control frameworks relevant to financial product development.

• Fintech Trends: Knowledge of emerging trends and technologies in the fintech space.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and how UX integrates within them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section implies that candidates should possess strong influencing and advisory skills, potentially including policy development contribution and operational effectiveness. For individual contributors, the ability to guide team members and identify new directions for projects is also highlighted.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/Product Design projects, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from problem definition to solution delivery.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the resulting impact (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced support tickets).

• Examples of user journeys, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Evidence of user research methodologies employed and how insights were translated into design solutions.

• Demonstration of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how feedback was incorporated. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, workflows, and user flows.

• Evidence of creating and utilizing design systems or style guides.

• Documentation of usability testing plans, execution, and findings.

• Examples of how design decisions were communicated and justified to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the banking context and implied mid-to-senior level, the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic design but also strategic thinking, problem-solving in complex environments, and quantifiable impact. Demonstrating an understanding of governance and risk mitigation within design is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Designer role at Barclays in Manchester, with an implied 5-10 years of experience and Assistant Vice President level expectations, the estimated salary range is likely between £55,000 to £80,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior UX/Product Designers in major UK financial hubs, considering the company's standing and the role's responsibilities.

Benefits:

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

• Generous pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Life assurance and income protection.

• Performance-based bonuses and potential for stock options or awards.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, bank holidays, and sick leave.

• Employee assistance programs and wellbeing support services.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and certifications.

• Access to employee discount programs and corporate benefits.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements within the on-site framework.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, Barclays may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on publicly available data for similar roles in the UK financial sector and Barclays' typical compensation structures for mid-level professionals. Benefits are standard for large financial institutions in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services / Banking. Barclays is a global financial services company with a significant presence in retail banking, corporate banking, investment banking, and wealth management. This industry context means a strong emphasis on security, compliance, customer trust, and regulatory adherence.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Barclays is a global bank with tens of thousands of employees worldwide). This size implies established processes, a structured hierarchy, and opportunities for specialization and career progression within various departments.

Founded: 1690. Barclays has a long and rich history, indicating stability, deep-rooted expertise, and a commitment to long-term growth and customer relationships. This heritage often influences a culture that values tradition alongside innovation.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will likely be part of a larger Digital Design or Product Development team.

• This team will consist of various specialists, including Product Managers, Business Analysts, other UX/UI Designers, Researchers, and Developers.

• The reporting structure may involve reporting to a Head of UX, a Product Lead, or a Digital Design Manager, with potential for leading or mentoring junior designers as per the "Assistant Vice President Expectations."

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, requiring close partnerships with business units, technology teams, legal, compliance, and risk departments. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Strong emphasis on using data from user research, usability testing, and analytics to drive design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on streamlining customer journeys and internal processes through thoughtful UX design.

• Automation & Efficiency: Exploring opportunities to leverage technology for improved efficiency in both customer interactions and internal operations.

• Agile Development: Likely adherence to Agile methodologies, requiring iterative design and close collaboration with development sprints.

Company Website: https://home.barclays/

📝 Enhancement Note: The information about Barclays' history and industry implies a culture that balances established practices with the need for digital transformation and innovation in customer experience. The emphasis on "Assistant Vice President Expectations" suggests a culture that values leadership, influence, and strategic contribution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-to-senior level, likely equivalent to an Assistant Vice President (AVP) within Barclays. It requires a blend of strong individual contributor skills and the potential to influence, guide, and advise. The scope involves designing complex digital banking products and experiences, contributing to policy, and potentially leading initiatives or mentoring junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a senior manager within the Digital, Product, or Design function. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Development Leads, and other stakeholders across various business divisions.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and operational efficiency within Barclays' digital channels. By creating intuitive and effective user experiences, they contribute to achieving key business objectives such as increased product adoption, improved customer loyalty, reduced operational costs through self-service, and enhanced brand reputation. The role is critical in translating business strategy into tangible customer-facing digital solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific UX domains like service design, accessibility, or user research methodologies. Opportunity to specialize in particular product areas within banking.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into team leadership roles, managing a team of UX designers, or taking on project leadership for major digital initiatives. Development programs for leadership skills (e.g., "LEAD" behaviours) are available.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Gain broader business acumen by working across different Barclays divisions (e.g., retail, corporate, wealth management), understanding their unique operational challenges and customer needs.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping design best practices within Barclays and potentially the wider fintech/banking industry through innovation and thought leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Assistant Vice President Expectations" section is key here, indicating a role that is beyond a standard individual contributor and requires strategic influence and potential leadership capabilities. Growth paths can lead to management or senior specialist roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Manchester, UK, at 4 Piccadilly Place, a modern office location. This implies a professional, corporate office environment designed for collaboration and productivity within the financial services sector.

Office Location(s): 4 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BN, United Kingdom. This is a central Manchester location, suggesting good accessibility via public transport and proximity to city amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces conducive to team interaction and brainstorming.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, collaboration tools, and potentially specialized banking technology platforms.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues from design, product, development, and other business functions, facilitating rapid feedback loops and knowledge sharing.

• Professional Setting: A corporate environment that adheres to the standards and expectations of a major financial institution.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (40 hours per week). While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team coordination and operational needs, particularly for project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Manchester, 4 Piccadilly Place" provides a concrete location. The description implies a dynamic, collaborative, and professional office setting typical of large financial institutions investing in their digital capabilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will likely review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing 2-3 key projects that demonstrate their UX design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This will involve explaining the context, their role, the challenges, design solutions, and outcomes.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Interviews with potential team members (e.g., Product Managers, fellow Designers, Developers) focusing on UX principles, design thinking, problem-solving scenarios, and technical proficiency.

• Manager/Leadership Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior leader focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential (e.g., "LEAD" behaviours), collaboration, and alignment with Barclays' values and culture.

• Case Study/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, which could be a take-home assignment or an on-the-spot challenge, to assess problem-solving abilities, design approach, and communication skills under pressure. This might involve redesigning a feature or solving a specific user problem.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills relevant to digital banking, user-centricity, and impact. Include a mix of complexity and problem types.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the process you followed, the challenges faced, the solutions you designed, and the measurable results achieved.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking process – research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Show how you used data and user feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., % increase in conversion, % decrease in task completion time, improved NPS scores).

• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you collaborated with product, engineering, and business teams.

• Tailor to Barclays: Research Barclays' digital products and identify areas where your skills could add significant value.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly research Barclays' digital offerings and the financial services landscape.

• Focus on Problem Definition: Spend time understanding the core problem before jumping to solutions. Ask clarifying questions if possible.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your design process clearly – research, ideation, low-fidelity to high-fidelity design, and validation.

• Think About Constraints: Consider technical feasibility, regulatory compliance, and business goals inherent in a banking environment.

• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design rationale, trade-offs, and potential risks/mitigations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and leadership potential, aligning with the AVP expectations and the regulated nature of the industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP. Proficiency in at least one industry-standard tool is essential.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey. Experience with tools for gathering and analyzing user feedback.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Microsoft Teams, Slack. Essential for working with cross-functional teams in an Agile environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel. Understanding how to interpret user behavior data.

• BI & Dashboarding Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker. Ability to understand and potentially contribute to dashboards that track CX metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary UX tools, familiarity with how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with customer-facing applications can be beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: The list covers standard tools for UX professionals. For Barclays, proficiency in tools that support collaboration and integration within a large enterprise, as well as those for robust data analysis and compliance tracking, would be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives, fostering an inclusive environment where all team members feel heard and appreciated.

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design and decision-making, especially crucial in a financial institution. Being transparent and honest in all dealings.

• Service: A commitment to serving customers by creating exceptional, user-friendly experiences that meet their needs and build trust. Also includes excellent service to internal stakeholders.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest quality in design, execution, and user outcomes. Continuously seeking to improve processes and products.

• Stewardship: Acting responsibly with customer data, company resources, and the company's reputation. Ensuring designs are sustainable, secure, and compliant.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active engagement with Product, Engineering, Business Analysts, Legal, and Compliance teams. Proactive communication and seeking input from all relevant stakeholders.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes, with regular opportunities for critique and iteration. Openness to challenging designs and collaborating to find the best solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the UX team and with other departments to elevate collective understanding and capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Barclays values are clearly articulated and are paramount in a regulated financial environment. The collaboration style emphasizes a proactive, integrated approach across various business functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Regulatory Constraints: Designing intuitive and engaging experiences within the strict requirements of the financial services industry (e.g., security, compliance, legal).

• Integrating with Legacy Systems: Potentially working with or around older banking infrastructure that may limit design flexibility.

• Driving Adoption of New Designs: Influencing stakeholders and users to adopt new digital features and interfaces, overcoming resistance to change.

• Keeping Pace with Fintech Innovation: Continuously adapting design strategies and tools to match the rapid evolution of technology and customer expectations in the digital banking space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in areas like Accessibility, Service Design, or advanced User Research techniques. Access to internal training programs and external workshops.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX, design, and fintech conferences to stay updated on trends and network with peers. Potential for certifications in specific design methodologies or tools.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Access to mentorship programs, leadership training, and opportunities to mentor junior designers, fostering career progression within Barclays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the banking and UX domain, highlighting the need for adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. Growth opportunities are geared towards professional development and career advancement within a large, established organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements (e.g., business vs. user needs vs. technical constraints) in a design project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, compromise, and prioritizing based on impact/goals.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are compliant with regulatory requirements and security standards, especially in a financial services context?" (Highlight your understanding of governance, risk, and how you integrate these into your process.)

• "Imagine we want to launch a new feature for our mobile banking app. Walk us through your process from initial concept to launch." (Demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, including research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and collaboration.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Barclays' digital offerings, and where do you see opportunities for UX improvement?" (Research their app/website, identify pain points or areas for innovation.)

• "How do you align your design approach with company values like Integrity and Excellence?" (Connect your personal values and work ethic to Barclays' stated values.)

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially if it's critical or from a senior stakeholder?" (Showcase your ability to receive feedback constructively and iterate effectively.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable results. Use a consistent framework.

• Visuals are Key: Ensure your prototypes and final designs are presented clearly and professionally. Use annotated screenshots or interactive demos where appropriate.

• Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics and data to back up your claims about the success of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, your research methods, and the trade-offs you made.

• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you worked with others and managed stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are designed to probe the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, understanding of the financial industry, and cultural fit, aligning with the AVP expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position at Barclays:

• Submit Your Application: Utilize the provided link to submit your resume and any required initial information.

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight experience in UX/Product Design, user research, prototyping, and any relevant experience in financial services or regulated industries. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., user journeys, wireframing, usability testing, governance).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and measurable impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., personal website, PDF).

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies concisely, focusing on storytelling, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to articulate your design rationale.

• Research Barclays: Familiarize yourself with Barclays' digital products, services, and recent news. Understand their customer base and their position in the market to 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.