UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer

Company: Travel Counsellors

Location: Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: UX/UI Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design and development of customer-centric user interfaces across diverse digital touchpoints, including web, mobile applications, and internal platforms, driving enhanced customer interactions and engagement.

• Manage the end-to-end UX design process, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping and the delivery of high-fidelity designs, ensuring alignment with brand standards and user needs.

• Leverage data analysis and user research methodologies to inform design decisions, optimize user flows, and validate design solutions for both B2B and B2C contexts.

• Actively collaborate with product owners, stakeholders, and development teams to translate business requirements and user insights into intuitive and effective digital experiences, fostering innovation and design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a 6-month fixed-term contract, which is a critical detail for potential candidates. The implied experience level of 5-10 years is derived from the "extensive background" requirement and the need for independent leadership in the UX process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate on the design of various Travel Counsellors digital touchpoints, encompassing web interfaces, mobile applications, and proprietary in-house platforms.

• Execute the complete UX design lifecycle, including project initiation, user research, concept ideation, interactive prototyping, and the creation of final high-fidelity designs.

• Partner closely with the Product Design Manager, fellow UX designers, product owners, and key stakeholders to ensure all design outputs adhere to brand guidelines, leverage customer insights, and integrate with existing design systems.

• Conduct comprehensive user experience research to gather qualitative and quantitative data that informs and validates design decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Analyze user data, performance metrics, and feedback to substantiate design choices and identify areas for iterative improvement.

• Facilitate interactive workshops and brainstorming sessions with product owners, stakeholders, and development teams to gather cross-functional insights and foster innovative solutions.

• Utilize Figma as the primary tool for creating wireframes, mock-ups, interactive prototypes, and detailed high-fidelity designs.

• Actively contribute to the UX team's knowledge base by sharing updates, expertise, and promoting UX principles and best practices within Travel Counsellors' product development framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities are detailed to reflect the full UX lifecycle and emphasize collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and tool proficiency, common in mid-level to senior UX roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Demonstrated experience in UX design encompassing both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) environments, showcasing adaptability across different user bases and business objectives.

• Significant experience gained within either a fast-paced creative agency setting or a dedicated corporate UX team, indicating a proven track record of delivering design solutions in professional contexts.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for all stages of the design process, including wireframing, mock-up creation, prototyping, and high-fidelity design delivery.

• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive UX research, employing methodologies such as user interviews, usability testing, surveys, and persona development.

• Strong understanding of user interface (UI) design principles, visual design best practices, and the creation of intuitive user flows.

• Demonstrated experience in translating user research findings and data analysis into actionable design recommendations and solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with design systems and experience contributing to or maintaining them to ensure design consistency and scalability.

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

• Experience working within Agile development methodologies, understanding sprint cycles and iterative design processes.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their application in UX design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a UX certification and "extensive background" suggests a need for seasoned professionals. The inclusion of B2B and B2C experience points to a role requiring versatility in understanding different user needs and business models.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects, clearly illustrating the candidate's involvement in each stage of the design process from discovery to delivery.

• Demonstration of how user research and data analysis were integrated into design decisions, with specific examples of insights leading to tangible design outcomes.

• Examples of interactive prototypes and wireframes, highlighting the ability to effectively communicate user flows and interaction design concepts.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the problem, your approach, the solutions implemented, and the impact of your design work, with a focus on measurable outcomes.

• Clear articulation of the UX methodologies and design processes employed for each project, including research techniques, ideation frameworks, and testing strategies.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., product managers, developers, stakeholders) and how you managed feedback and iterative design cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX role, a portfolio is paramount. This section details what recruiters and hiring managers will likely look for: a clear process, user-centricity, data integration, and measurable impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and an annual bonus, reflecting performance and company success.

• Flexible hybrid working arrangement, offering a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• Opportunities for career development and skill enhancement within the organization.

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 28 days after 5 years of service.

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay packages to support new parents.

• One paid day off per year for charitable activities, supporting community engagement.

• Various company events and incentives designed to foster team spirit and recognize contributions.

• A death in service benefit equivalent to 3 times the annual salary for peace of mind.

• Comprehensive pension scheme to support long-term financial planning.

• Choice between Private Medical Insurance or a Healthcare Cash Plan for health and wellbeing.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are implied, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on the contract nature, location (Manchester, UK), and experience level typically associated with "extensive background" and professional certification. Benefits are directly listed from the input.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Tourism, with a focus on empowering independent travel agents and providing personalized customer experiences.

Company Size: Over 400 employees in Support Offices, with a network of 2,200+ independent travel agents worldwide. This indicates a mid-sized organization with a significant distributed workforce.

Founded: Over 30 years ago, suggesting a stable company with established processes but also a history of adaptation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of an expanding UX Design team, likely reporting to a Product Design Manager. This implies a structured design department with opportunities for mentorship and peer collaboration.

• The role requires collaboration with Product Owners and stakeholders across various departments, indicating a cross-functional working environment.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on customer-centricity and human connections, suggesting a user-focused approach to all digital product development.

• Data-driven decision-making is a key component, requiring designers to use metrics and research to validate their work.

• A commitment to innovation and encouraging new ideas is present, suggesting an environment that values creative problem-solving.

Company Website: https://careers.travelcounsellors.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture is described as customer-centric, award-winning for employee satisfaction, and innovative. The UX team is growing, suggesting a dynamic environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior level within the UX design discipline. It requires independent execution of the full UX process, collaboration with management and stakeholders, and a strong foundation of experience and certification. The individual is expected to lead design efforts on significant digital projects.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Product Design Manager and work closely with Product Owners and other UX Designers. This structure facilitates mentorship, skill sharing, and alignment on design strategy across various product initiatives.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's work directly impacts customer satisfaction, engagement, and conversion rates across Travel Counsellors' digital platforms. By creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces, they contribute to increased customer interactions, agent success, and ultimately, business growth. The role is critical in shaping the digital experience of both end consumers and the independent travel agents supported by the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research, interaction design, or accessibility, by working on diverse projects within the travel sector.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader knowledge of product management, development cycles, and business operations through close collaboration with various teams.

• Design System Contribution: Potential to contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system, enhancing scalability and consistency across products.

• Leadership Potential: While this is a contract role, successful performance could lead to opportunities for further contract extensions or permanent positions, potentially advancing to Senior UX Designer or lead roles on larger initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on skill development and cross-functional learning, crucial for a contract role where demonstrating value and potential is key.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at the company's Head Office in Manchester, UK. Travel Counsellors is recognized as a "Best Place to Work," suggesting a positive and supportive office environment. The hybrid working model indicates a blend of remote and in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): 1 Old Park Ln, Manchester, M41 7HA, United Kingdom. This location offers accessibility for local talent.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely designed to foster collaboration, with facilities for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional interaction.

• Access to up-to-date technology and design tools, including Figma, will be standard, supporting efficient design workflows.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with the UX team, Product Design Manager, and other departments, facilitating knowledge sharing and a cohesive team dynamic.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides flexibility, allowing for structured workdays that balance focused individual work with collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and the company's "Best Place to Work" accolades suggest a modern, employee-focused work environment that balances productivity with well-being.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability against the core requirements, particularly Figma proficiency and UX certification.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on your UX design philosophy, experience with B2B/B2C projects, and your approach to user research and problem-solving. Expect questions about your portfolio projects.

• Design Exercise/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present specific case studies from your portfolio, detailing your process, challenges, solutions, and outcomes. A practical design exercise or a deeper dive into your Figma skills might also be included.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: Interaction with other UX designers, Product Owners, or stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and ability to integrate into the existing team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit and long-term potential within the company, even for a contract role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end UX process, particularly those involving B2B/B2C contexts and complex problem-solving.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, the user needs, your specific role and contributions, the methodologies used (research, ideation, testing), the design solutions, and the measurable impact or outcomes.

• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your skills in wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity designs. Showcase your understanding of design systems if applicable.

• Demonstrate Data Integration: Clearly explain how you used data and user research to inform your design decisions and how you measured success.

• Tailor to Travel Counsellors: If possible, subtly align your portfolio examples with the travel industry or customer service-oriented challenges, showing an understanding of their business.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the UX Process: Be ready to discuss each stage of the UX process in detail, from discovery and research to iteration and implementation.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical design challenges. Focus on your structured approach to understanding the problem, user needs, and potential solutions.

• Collaboration and Communication: Think about examples of how you've worked effectively with cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder feedback, and communicated design concepts clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates, focusing on how to present their portfolio and prepare for interviews, given the role's requirements and the company's likely hiring practices.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core tool for all design activities, including wireframing, mock-ups, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. Expertise in Figma's features, collaboration tools, and component libraries is essential.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial for certain workflows or legacy projects.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar tools to understand user behavior, track key metrics, and inform design decisions.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools that help interpret and present data, such as Tableau, Power BI, or built-in analytics dashboards within other platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for UX, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (if applicable to customer journeys) integrate with user-facing applications can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around design tools, with Figma being paramount. Understanding analytics tools is crucial for a data-informed UX approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the needs of both the end customer and the independent travel agents, ensuring that all digital solutions enhance their experience.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across teams, fostering a supportive environment where ideas are shared, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Innovation: Valuing creative thinking and actively seeking new ways to improve products, processes, and customer experiences.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and insights to guide decisions and measure the impact of design and business initiatives.

• Excellence: Striving for high quality in all aspects of work, from design execution to customer service, as reflected in their "Best Place to Work" accolades.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The UX team actively collaborates with Product Management, Development, Marketing, and other business units to ensure alignment and a cohesive product strategy.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback, essential for iterative design and continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share best practices, learnings, and insights to elevate the collective design capability within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values and collaborative style are inferred from their mission statement, awards, and the description of the role's cross-functional nature.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse User Needs: Designing for both B2B (travel agents) and B2C (travelers) audiences requires a nuanced understanding of different motivations, workflows, and technical aptitudes.

• Legacy Systems & Modernization: Potentially working with or integrating with existing in-house platforms that may require modernization or redesign to meet current UX standards.

• Data Interpretation: Effectively translating complex data sets and user research findings into clear, actionable design insights can be challenging.

• Contract Duration: Working within a 6-month fixed-term contract requires rapid onboarding, efficient delivery, and a clear demonstration of value within a limited timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the unique challenges and opportunities within the travel industry from a digital product perspective.

• Advanced Tool Proficiency: Deepening expertise in Figma and potentially exploring new design and research tools.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhancing understanding of product management, agile development, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Completing impactful projects within a professional setting that can significantly strengthen your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the specific context of the role (B2B/B2C, contract), while growth opportunities focus on skills and experiences gained.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX challenge you faced with a B2B or B2C product. How did you approach it, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your structured problem-solving, research, and iterative design approach).

• "How do you ensure your designs are both user-centric and meet business objectives? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your ability to balance user needs with strategic goals, referencing data and stakeholder input).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Travel Counsellors and our mission? How do you see your UX skills contributing to our customer-centric approach?" (Research the company's values, mission, and recent achievements).

• "How do you approach collaborating with product owners and developers? Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders with your design recommendations." (Showcase your communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Process: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the research and ideation phase, the design solution (showcasing wireframes, prototypes, and final designs), and the results/impact.

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

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be ready to navigate through your Figma files, explain your component usage, prototyping methods, and any design system elements you've worked with.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Present your work clearly and concisely, tailoring the depth of detail to the interviewer's engagement and time constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to UX roles, emphasizing portfolio demonstration, process explanation, and understanding the company's specific context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Travel Counsellors careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases projects relevant to B2B/B2C contexts, with a strong emphasis on your end-to-end UX process and Figma proficiency.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your UX design experience, certifications, and specific achievements using keywords from the job description (e.g., Figma, user research, prototyping, B2B/B2C).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, presenting case studies from your portfolio, and preparing answers to common UX interview questions, focusing on demonstrating problem-solving skills and collaborative abilities.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Travel Counsellors, understanding their business model, customer base, and company values to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.