UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: National Grid

Location: Warwick, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Technology / User Experience Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-17

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive, user-centred digital experiences for web and mobile platforms, ensuring seamless user journeys and alignment with business objectives.

• Lead the end-to-end UX/UI design process, translating complex requirements into functional wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including persona development, journey mapping, and usability testing, to inform design decisions and validate concepts.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional Agile/Scrum teams, including Product Owners, Developers, and stakeholders, to deliver innovative digital solutions.

• Champion user advocacy throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring user needs are central to product planning, design, and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within National Grid's Technology team, focusing on enhancing digital product experiences. The emphasis on "energy transition" and "connecting people and society" suggests a mission-driven environment where UX design directly impacts critical infrastructure and customer engagement. The hybrid model and office locations (Warwick, Bristol, Cardiff) offer flexibility while requiring some in-person collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design intuitive, engaging, and accessible digital experiences across web and mobile platforms, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.

• Transform complex requirements and ideas into detailed user journeys, wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.

• Conduct thorough user research and discovery activities, including user interviews, persona creation, journey mapping, and competitor analysis, to gather actionable insights.

• Actively participate in Agile ceremonies (sprint planning, daily stand-ups, retrospectives, PI planning) to integrate UX design seamlessly into the development workflow.

• Champion the voice of the customer by advocating for user needs throughout the product lifecycle, influencing product roadmaps and design decisions.

• Validate design concepts and solutions through usability testing, A/B testing, and analysis of user feedback and data to drive continuous improvement.

• Iterate rapidly on designs based on research findings, stakeholder feedback, and evolving business priorities, ensuring effective and user-friendly outcomes.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, style guides, and best practices to ensure consistency and scalability across digital products.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and align with brand guidelines, promoting inclusive experiences for all users.

• Present and articulate design concepts, prototypes, and recommendations effectively to stakeholders, fostering alignment and buy-in.

• Stay abreast of emerging UX/UI trends, tools, and technologies, proactively bringing innovative ideas to enhance products and internal processes.

• Continuously seek opportunities to optimize design workflows, challenge existing methodologies, and elevate the overall user experience quality within the organization.

• Partner with Product Owners to refine user stories, prioritize UX tasks, and ensure design considerations are embedded within the product roadmap.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core UX/UI design tasks, user research methodologies, and active participation in Agile development processes. The emphasis on "design systems," "accessibility," and "data-driven design" points to a mature UX practice within National Grid, aiming for scalable and inclusive digital solutions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for foundational understanding in UX principles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record of delivering user-centred digital products.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, and other industry-leading UX/UI platforms.

• Demonstrated expertise in UX and UI design principles, including interaction design, information architecture, visual design, and user-centred design methodologies.

• Strong understanding and practical application of user research techniques, such as persona development, journey mapping, and usability testing.

• Ability to create compelling wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that clearly communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Experience in ensuring designs meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG guidelines) and align with brand identity.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence decision-making.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional Agile/Scrum teams, working closely with Product Managers, Developers, and business stakeholders.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a user-centred design approach, with examples of wireframes, prototypes, visual designs, and successful web or mobile experiences. Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design iterations and measure impact.

• Knowledge of design system implementation and maintenance.

• Experience within the energy sector or a highly regulated industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "strong portfolio" is critical for UX roles. Candidates should prepare to showcase a diverse range of projects that highlight their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate user needs into tangible digital solutions. The experience level suggests a candidate who can work independently on projects while also contributing to team efforts.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a user-centred design approach, showcasing a range of projects.

• Clear articulation of the design process for each project, including problem definition, user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing.

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

• Case studies highlighting successful web or mobile experiences, detailing the user problems addressed and the impact of the design solutions.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholder management.

• Examples of work adhering to accessibility standards and brand guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Ability to document design processes, user research findings, and design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Experience in contributing to or maintaining design systems, including component libraries and style guides.

• Proficiency in translating user research insights and data analysis into actionable design improvements.

• Experience in iterative design workflows, demonstrating how feedback and testing inform subsequent design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic design skills but also a robust understanding of user research methodologies, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to articulate the rationale behind design choices. Demonstrating an iterative process and how user feedback shaped the final product is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Circa £55,000 – £70,000 per annum. This range is based on candidate capability, experience, and the London/South East England market benchmark for mid-level UX Designers in large organizations.

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave, plus 8 statutory bank holidays.

• Option to buy additional holiday days.

• Flexibility to swap up to 3 bank holidays for personal needs.

• Generous pension scheme with double matching (up to 6% employee contribution = 18% total).

• Life insurance cover of 10x basic salary.

• Employer contributions towards Private Medical Insurance.

• Flexible benefits include: cycle scheme, share incentive plan, technology schemes.

• Access to digital GP service for 24/7 video consultations and repeat prescriptions.

• Wellbeing app for health and fitness support.

• Access to Work + Family Space for support with childcare and eldercare.

Working Hours: Full-time role, typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with an expectation of in-person collaboration during quarterly 2-3 day planning events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a competitive benchmark for a mid-level UX Designer in the UK, considering the company's size and industry. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting National Grid's commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy & Utilities. National Grid operates in a critical infrastructure sector, focusing on the transmission of electricity and gas, and is heavily involved in the energy transition to renewable sources. This implies a culture that values reliability, safety, innovation, and long-term strategic thinking.

Company Size: Large enterprise (likely 10,000+ employees, based on typical utility company structures). This size suggests established processes, opportunities for career progression, and a diverse range of projects, but also potentially a more structured and formal work environment.

Founded: National Grid was formed in 1990 through the privatization of the UK's electricity supply industry. Its history is deeply intertwined with the development of the UK's energy infrastructure.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of the Technology team, likely within a Digital Products or Customer Experience department.

• The team structure will be cross-functional, incorporating Product Owners, Product Managers, Developers (front-end and back-end), QA testers, and potentially Business Analysts.

• Reporting is likely to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Digital Product, with close collaboration across various business units and product teams. Methodology:

• The team operates using Agile/Scrum methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, collaboration, and continuous feedback.

• Design thinking principles are likely integrated into the process, starting with understanding user needs and business context before moving to ideation and prototyping.

• Data-driven decision-making is encouraged, utilizing user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure impact.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Working for a large, established utility company like National Grid means contributing to essential services that impact millions. The "energy transition" aspect suggests a forward-looking culture focused on sustainability and innovation within a regulated environment. This can be a stable career path with significant societal impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a mid-level UX Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies an individual contributor role with significant responsibility for specific product features or smaller products, capable of working autonomously on design tasks and contributing strategically to product development.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, UX Manager, or Head of Product Design within the Technology department. They will work closely with Product Owners and Development teams in a matrixed Agile structure.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to improving user satisfaction, engagement, and efficiency across National Grid's digital platforms. Successful UX design can lead to increased adoption of digital services, reduced customer support costs, enhanced brand perception, and better user outcomes, particularly in the context of complex energy services and the transition to new technologies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior UX Designer roles, leading larger projects, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.

• Management: Potentially move into Design Management or Product Management roles, overseeing design teams and product roadmaps.

• Cross-functional Movement: Opportunities to move into related roles like Product Management, Service Design, or even specialized roles within the energy sector.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, workshops, conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions to stay current with UX/UI trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level role, growth opportunities are typically focused on deepening expertise and taking on more complex projects. National Grid, as a large organization, offers structured career paths, which can be attractive for individuals seeking long-term development and stability within the UX field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a mix of remote work and in-office presence. The company maintains physical office locations in Warwick, Bristol, and Cardiff, with access to a London co-working space. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing flexibility with the need for collaborative interaction.

Office Location(s): Warwick (CV34 6DA), Bristol, and Cardiff. These locations are specified as bases for the role, with quarterly in-person planning events requiring travel to one of these or potentially other office locations for 2-3 days.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to support both focused individual work (remotely or in office) and collaborative team activities.

• Access to modern design tools and technology is expected, facilitating the UX design process.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with Product Owners, Developers, and other stakeholders will be frequent, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

• The hybrid model allows for personal choice in workspace, balancing home comfort with office collaboration benefits.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week), with flexibility inherent in the hybrid model. The quarterly in-person events require dedicated blocks of time for collaborative work and planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of this role's work environment. Candidates should be comfortable managing their time effectively across remote and in-office settings and be prepared for scheduled in-person collaboration days. The locations offer choice, potentially appealing to candidates in different regions of the UK.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Candidates with strong portfolios and relevant experience will be shortlisted.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: This stage will likely involve a deeper dive into the candidate's portfolio. Expect to walk through specific projects, discussing design decisions, research methodologies, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Be prepared to articulate your process and rationale clearly.

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: A practical exercise may be given, such as a short design challenge or a take-home assignment, to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and tool proficiency.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Owners, Developers, and other team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and communication skills. Questions will focus on how you work within a team, handle feedback, and communicate complex ideas.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or hiring manager to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills and experience relevant to this role. Ensure a mix of complexities and project types (web, mobile, etc.).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the key decisions you made, and the measurable results or impact. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centred approach. Show how you used research and data to inform your designs and how you iterated based on feedback.

• Be Specific: Quantify outcomes where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rate by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• Accessibility Focus: If you have examples of designing for accessibility, highlight them prominently.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and other tools used in your process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly research National Grid and the energy sector to understand potential user needs and business challenges.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, demonstrate your thinking process. It's often more about how you approach a problem than the final pixel-perfect solution.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design decisions and rationale concisely and persuasively.

• Time Management: Be mindful of time constraints for any timed exercises. Prioritize key aspects of the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for UX Designers heavily relies on the portfolio. Candidates should prepare to defend their design decisions, explain their thought process, and demonstrate how they translate user needs into effective digital solutions. The emphasis on Agile and cross-functional collaboration means interviewers will look for strong teamwork and communication skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required tool for UX/UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Expect to use it extensively for creating interfaces, collaborating with designers and developers, and building interactive prototypes.

• Other Industry-Leading UX/UI Platforms: This could include tools like Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP, or Miro for whiteboarding and collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behaviour and track key metrics.

• A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with platforms such as Optimizely, VWO, or built-in A/B testing features in analytics suites to validate design hypotheses.

• Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, experience with tools that help visualize data (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) can be beneficial for understanding user insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with digital products can provide valuable context for user journeys and data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Candidates should be ready to showcase their skills in Figma and discuss how they leverage its features for collaboration and efficient design workflows. Familiarity with analytics tools is crucial for a data-driven approach to UX.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Putting the needs and experiences of users at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering a team spirit.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing change, and constantly seeking ways to enhance products and processes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, analytics, and feedback to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Commitment to designing experiences that are usable by everyone, regardless of ability or background.

• Reliability & Excellence: Upholding high standards in design quality and delivery, reflecting the critical nature of National Grid's services.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working in short cycles, with regular feedback loops and adaptive planning.

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between UX, Product Management, Engineering, and other business functions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency, active listening, and constructive feedback among team members.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting a culture where insights, best practices, and learnings are shared openly to benefit the entire team and organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: National Grid's values likely align with a large, established organization in a critical sector. The emphasis on user-centricity, collaboration, and data-driven approaches is standard for progressive UX teams. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their personal values and working style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Finding elegant solutions that satisfy both user requirements and complex business objectives, especially within a regulated industry.

• Navigating Large Organizational Structures: Adapting to established processes, gaining buy-in from various stakeholders, and influencing change within a large enterprise.

• Designing for Diverse User Groups: Catering to a wide range of users, from consumers to industry professionals, with varying technical proficiencies and needs.

• Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements: Integrating new technologies and design trends into existing platforms while maintaining consistency and accessibility.

• Demonstrating ROI of UX: Quantifying the impact of UX design initiatives to secure continued investment and support.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized UX/UI areas through internal training, workshops, and external courses.

• Industry Conferences: Potential for attending leading UX and design conferences to gain insights into emerging trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Access to mentorship from senior designers or leaders within National Grid, providing guidance for career growth.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Learning about different aspects of the energy sector and digital product development through collaboration.

• Design System Contribution: Opportunities to contribute to and evolve sophisticated design systems, enhancing skills in scalable design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in large, established companies, particularly in regulated industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career development within a major organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you had to balance competing user needs or business priorities in a design. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on your decision-making process, negotiation skills, and how you arrived at a balanced solution.)

• "Describe your process for conducting user research. What methods do you prefer and why? How do you translate research findings into design actions?" (Highlight your research toolkit, your ability to gather actionable insights, and how you connect research to design outputs.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive? Can you provide an example of a specific accessibility challenge you addressed?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and your commitment to inclusive design.)

• "Walk me through a complex digital product you designed. What was the problem, your role, your process, and the outcome?" (This is your portfolio showcase. Be prepared to deep-dive into one or two key projects, explaining your thought process and impact.)

• "How do you collaborate with developers and product managers? Describe a situation where you had a design disagreement and how you resolved it." (Focus on your communication style, empathy for other roles, and ability to find collaborative solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about National Grid and the energy sector?" (Research National Grid's mission, values, and current initiatives, especially around the energy transition. Connect your passion for UX to their goals.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and technologies?" (Mention specific resources: blogs, podcasts, conferences, online courses, industry leaders you follow.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team culture?" (Align your answer with the company's stated values and Agile methodology.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, use a clear narrative:

Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mock-ups, prototypes (if interactive), and diagrams to illustrate your points.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the "so what?" – what was the outcome of your design? Quantify where possible.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and alternative solutions.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to be engaging yet efficient.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the UX process, user advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design rationale and quantify the impact of their work, linking it back to user needs and business objectives.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the National Grid careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate user-centred design, proficiency in Figma, experience with Agile methodologies, and a strong understanding of UX/UI principles. Showcase a range of web and mobile design examples.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-5 years of relevant UX/UI experience, highlighting key skills such as wireframing, prototyping, user research, and stakeholder management. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process and the impact of your work for each project in your portfolio. Be ready to discuss challenges, solutions, and outcomes confidently.

• Research National Grid: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent initiatives, particularly in the energy transition space. This will help you tailor your answers 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.