UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer (Consultant)

Company: Kainos

Location: Belfast, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Digital Services Consulting

Date Posted: 2026-04-29

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Deliver intuitive and user-centric digital service experiences, directly impacting millions of users through quality products.

• Champion and implement Design Thinking and Service Design methodologies across projects.

• Provide leadership through managing, coaching, and developing junior team members and peers.

• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to define and execute design strategy.

• Actively contribute to Kainos's growing Experience Design capability, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as a "Consultant" level UX Designer, indicating a need for strategic thinking, client-facing skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders beyond direct team management. The emphasis on "measurable impact" and "quality products" suggests a focus on outcomes and user satisfaction rather than just aesthetic design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and articulate comprehensive design strategies, clearly communicating their benefits and alignment with business objectives to senior stakeholders.

• Identify and implement appropriate ideation methods tailored to specific business contexts and project requirements, fostering innovation.

• Utilize journey maps extensively to analyze user flows and inform strategic recommendations for both business processes and customer experiences.

• Coordinate the creation and refinement of prototypes, ensuring they effectively support user testing objectives and development iteration cycles.

• Conduct robust usability testing, systematically incorporating research findings and user feedback into the ongoing design strategy and iterative improvements.

• Collaborate with development and product teams to create and optimize Information Architecture (IA) based on thorough analysis and user research.

• Champion and advocate for accessibility standards and Digital Service Design principles across all projects, ensuring inclusive and compliant user experiences.

• Guide and educate other teams and stakeholders on best practices for User-Centered Design (UCD) throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Mentor and develop junior UX designers and other team members, fostering their professional growth and contributing to the overall capability uplift.

• Represent UX design principles and best practices within Kainos and externally, potentially through community engagement and knowledge sharing.

• Manage employee performance and assist in career development for a small team, demonstrating strong people leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design work, strategic leadership, and people management, typical of a consultant or senior role. The emphasis on "advocates and promotes accessibility and AD standards" and "guides other teams and stakeholders" points to a need for strong communication and influence skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in UX design principles, user research, and service design are essential. A degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful digital services. Experience in a consulting or agency environment is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in defining and communicating Design Strategy at a senior stakeholder level.

• Expertise in User-Centered Design (UCD) principles and their application across a project lifecycle.

• Strong practical experience in conducting and synthesizing Usability Testing and user research.

• Skilled in creating and utilizing Journey Maps to drive business and customer recommendations.

• Ability to coordinate Prototyping for user testing and development needs.

• Experience in developing and refining Information Architecture (IA) based on research.

• Advocacy and practical application of Accessibility Standards (e.g., WCAG) and Digital Service Design best practices.

• Demonstrated ability in Mentoring and coaching junior team members.

• Proven skills in Stakeholder Management and influencing cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a full-service digital agency environment.

• Experience in conducting research and analyzing findings to identify content needs.

• Active participation in relevant UX/Design communities (e.g., online forums, speaking at conferences).

• Knowledge of Design Thinking frameworks and their application.

• Experience with Service Design principles beyond just digital interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum (Essential) Requirements" section is interpreted as required skills. The "Desirable" section is classified as preferred skills. The experience level is inferred from the responsibilities and the "Consultant" title.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a clear process for user research, ideation, and design strategy definition, showcasing how user needs informed design decisions.

• Include case studies that highlight the creation and application of journey maps and personas to drive tangible business or user outcomes.

• Showcase examples of interactive prototypes and explain their role in user testing and development cycles, including how feedback was incorporated.

• Present work that clearly adheres to accessibility standards, with explanations of how inclusivity was considered in the design process.

• Detail instances where you advocated for and implemented UCD best practices within a project or team.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate a systematic approach to user research, from planning and recruitment to analysis and synthesis of findings.

• Detail methodologies for ideation and concept development, including techniques used to generate and evaluate design solutions.

• Showcase a structured approach to usability testing, including test planning, execution, analysis, and reporting.

• Document how you collaborate with development teams to translate designs into functional products, emphasizing communication and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a UX Designer role, especially at a consultant level, inherently requires a strong portfolio. The focus here is on demonstrating process, impact, and adherence to best practices relevant to Kainos's stated values of quality and user-centered design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Designer (Consultant) with 5-10 years of experience in Belfast, UK, the estimated salary range is between £50,000 - £70,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Belfast, the demand for skilled UX professionals, and Kainos's position as a significant technology employer.

Benefits:

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

• Generous annual leave allowance and public holidays.

• Pension scheme with employer contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.

• Employee assistance programs and well-being initiatives.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing.

• Cycle-to-work schemes or other commuting support.

Working Hours: The role is specified as full-time, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours. While on-site, Kainos may offer some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary information was not provided. The estimate is based on UK market data for similar roles and locations. Benefits are typical for a professional services firm of Kainos's size and industry in the UK.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Consulting, Software Development, Digital Transformation, specializing in Workday solutions and digital services for government and enterprise clients.

Company Size: Kainos is a large organization, likely employing over 2,000 people globally, indicating a structured yet dynamic environment with ample opportunities for career progression and cross-functional exposure.

Founded: Kainos was founded in 1989, giving it a long history and established reputation in the technology sector, suggesting stability and deep industry knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The Experience Design capability is described as "growing," indicating a dynamic and evolving team structure. It is likely comprised of various UX/UI designers, service designers, researchers, and potentially content designers.

• The role implies a reporting structure where the UX Designer (Consultant) manages a small number of staff, likely junior designers, and reports to a senior design lead or an Experience Design Manager.

Methodology:

• Kainos emphasizes a problem-solving and innovation-driven approach, leveraging modern technology to create impact.

• The company is committed to user-centered design and creating "quality products and services" with "measurable impact," suggesting a data-informed and outcome-oriented methodology.

• Agile delivery methodologies are explicitly mentioned as a desirable experience, indicating a preference for iterative development and flexibility.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a "people-first culture" and a commitment to "real impact." This suggests a supportive environment where employees are encouraged to grow and contribute meaningfully. The focus on "not marketing and dark patterns" indicates a strong ethical stance on design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Consultant level within the UX Design discipline. It requires not only strong design execution skills but also strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to influence at higher organizational levels. The scope includes individual contribution, team mentorship, and strategic design advocacy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer (Consultant) will likely report to a senior leader within the Experience Design group (e.g., Head of Experience Design, Senior Design Manager) and will have direct reports (junior UX Designers or similar). They will also work closely with project managers and client leads.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly shaping the user experience of digital services that serve millions. By advocating for user-centered design, accessibility, and effective design strategy, the UX Designer influences product quality, user satisfaction, adoption rates, and ultimately, the success and efficiency of the digital solutions provided by Kainos.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as Service Design, Accessibility, UX Research, or leading large-scale digital transformation projects.

• Leadership: Progress into senior design leadership roles, managing larger teams, defining design strategy for major accounts, or heading up the Experience Design capability.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop advanced client management, business development, and strategic consulting skills, potentially moving into more senior consulting or management positions.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in designing for specific sectors Kainos serves (e.g., public sector, healthcare, finance).

• Continuous Learning: Access to Kainos's development programs, training, and opportunities to speak at conferences or contribute to industry publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Consultant" title implies a career path moving beyond pure execution into strategic advisory and leadership, with potential for significant growth within Kainos's expanding digital services.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Belfast, indicating a traditional office environment. Kainos offices are typically modern, well-equipped, and designed to foster collaboration.

Office Location(s): Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom. This location is a major hub for Kainos, likely offering a vibrant office space with amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, with opportunities for in-person interaction with design colleagues, development teams, and project managers.

• Access to standard design tools and technologies will be provided, including software for design, prototyping, research, and potentially collaboration platforms.

• The environment is expected to be dynamic, with a focus on delivering client projects, encouraging knowledge sharing, and fostering a strong sense of team.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, with the possibility of some flexibility in daily hours. Project deadlines may occasionally require extended hours, but the company culture emphasizes a balance and support for its employees.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which is often valued in consulting environments for client engagement and team development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess basic qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion focusing on your experience, design philosophy, leadership capabilities, and how you align with Kainos's culture and values. Be prepared to walk through specific projects in your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: Potentially a practical exercise or workshop to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking process, and ability to articulate your approach. This might involve a scenario-based design problem or a critique of a provided design.

• Stakeholder/Senior Interview: A conversation with senior leaders to evaluate your strategic thinking, stakeholder management skills, and ability to define design strategy.

• Final Offer Discussion: Terms of employment and benefits are discussed.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate the required skills (design strategy, UCD, usability testing, IA, accessibility, mentoring).

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, how you made decisions, and how user feedback and research informed your work. Showcase journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and testing results.

• Demonstrate Leadership: Include a project or section that illustrates your mentoring or coaching experience, or how you influenced design practices within a team or organization.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your contributions, the rationale behind your design choices, and what you learned from each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Kainos's work, particularly their digital services and any public-facing projects.

• Review common UX design challenges, agile methodologies, and best practices for accessibility and inclusive design.

• Practice articulating your design process concisely and persuasively, focusing on problem-solving and outcome-driven solutions.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a given design problem, considering user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Consultant" and "managing, coaching and developing" suggests that interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can lead, strategize, and mentor, not just execute design tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (proficiency in at least one primary tool is expected).

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, Lookback.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Trello, Asana, Miro, Mural.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Hotjar (for user behavior analysis).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UX design integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms to create seamless customer journeys is beneficial.

• Familiarity with Workday's user interface and underlying principles may be advantageous given Kainos's specialization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While specific tools aren't listed, the skills section implies proficiency in standard UX design and research software. The mention of Workday suggests an awareness of enterprise software solutions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Problem-Solving & Innovation: A core value, encouraging creative solutions to complex challenges.

• User-Centricity & Quality: A strong commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful products and services that meet genuine user needs.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared, and teams work together effectively.

• Impact & Measurable Results: Focusing on delivering tangible outcomes and demonstrating the value of design work.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to learn, adapt, and refine processes and skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with developers, product managers, business analysts, and clients to ensure holistic product development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparent dialogue, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing across teams and disciplines.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative processes, flexibility, and rapid adaptation to project needs and feedback.

• Advocacy: Proactively championing UCD, accessibility, and design best practices within projects and across the wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kainos's stated values ("problem solvers, innovators, collaborators," "people-first culture," "real impact," "quality products and services") are directly reflected in the expected team culture and collaboration style for a UX Designer.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Navigating the complexities of delivering ideal user experiences within project budgets, timelines, and technical limitations.

• Influencing Stakeholders: Effectively communicating the value of UX design and advocating for user needs among senior stakeholders who may have different priorities.

• Managing Diverse Projects: Adapting design strategies and methodologies to a range of clients and project types within Kainos's diverse portfolio.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with rapidly evolving UX/UI technologies, design tools, and user behavior patterns.

• Mentoring and Developing Others: Effectively guiding and supporting junior team members while managing personal project responsibilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to Kainos's internal training programs, workshops, and potentially external courses or certifications in specialized UX areas.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers and leaders, as well as to mentor junior colleagues, fostering personal and professional growth.

• Conferences & Communities: Support for attending industry conferences, joining professional communities, and potentially speaking or presenting work.

• Project Variety: Exposure to a wide range of challenging projects across different sectors, providing broad experience and skill development.

• Career Pathing: Clear pathways for progression into senior design leadership, specialized consulting roles, or management positions within Kainos.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight areas where the candidate can demonstrate problem-solving skills and growth potential, aligning with Kainos's emphasis on innovation and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to define a design strategy for a complex digital service. What was your process, and how did you gain buy-in from stakeholders?" (Focus on strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management.)

• "How do you ensure user needs are met while balancing business objectives and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Assess problem-solving, pragmatic design, and impact awareness.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting usability testing and how you incorporate the findings into your designs." (Demonstrate research methodology, iterative design, and data-driven decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kainos and our focus on digital services and Workday solutions?" (Show research and alignment with company mission.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and people-first culture?" (Assess cultural fit and teamwork approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the "Why" (problem), "Who" (users), "What" (your role/solution), "How" (process/methodology), and "So What" (impact/results).

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Demonstrate your thinking, your research, your iterations, and your problem-solving journey, not just the final visual design. Use sketches, wireframes, and user flows.

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

• Highlight Leadership/Mentoring: If applicable, dedicate a section or specific project to showcase instances where you led, mentored, or influenced others.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenging situations, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: These questions are tailored to the "Consultant" level and the specific responsibilities mentioned, focusing on strategic influence, leadership, and practical application of UX principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position at Kainos:

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

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that showcase your design strategy, UCD process, user research, usability testing, IA, and accessibility expertise. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, process, solutions, and impact.

• Tailor Your CV: Highlight experience in consulting, stakeholder management, mentoring, and delivering impactful digital services. Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Designer," "Design Strategy," "User-Centered Design," "Usability Testing," and "Agile."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on your thought process, decision-making, and measurable outcomes. Be ready to discuss your mentoring experience and approach to accessibility.

• Research Kainos: Understand their company culture, values, recent projects, and their specialization in areas like Workday and digital transformation. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and growth opportunities.

⚠️ 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.

---