UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Design Consultant

Company: Unum

Location: Dorking, Surrey, UK (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience (UX) Design / Product Design

Date Posted: April 21, 2026

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development of outstanding user experiences through a user-centered and analytical approach.

• Drive the end-to-end UX design process, from user research and persona development to high-fidelity prototyping and usability testing.

• Translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective design solutions.

• Champion accessibility standards and ensure compliance with industry best practices (e.g., WCAG AA).

• Leverage data analysis to optimize user journeys and conversion paths, directly impacting business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The raw job description focuses on UX Design Consultant. Given the responsibilities outlined (end-to-end UX process, user research, prototyping, usability testing, accessibility, data analysis for optimization), this role is firmly within the Product Design or UX Design domain, with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on delivery. The "Consultant" title suggests a level of autonomy and the ability to influence design strategy. The estimated experience level of 2-5 years is based on the expectation of leading the "end-to-end UX design process" and having "proven experience."

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete UX design lifecycle for digital products and services, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user experience.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• Develop detailed user personas, empathy maps, and user journey maps to inform design decisions and align stakeholders.

• Create high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user flows using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Plan, execute, and analyze results from usability testing sessions to identify areas for improvement and validate design solutions.

• Ensure all designs adhere to accessibility standards, such as WCAG AA, promoting inclusivity for all users.

• Analyze user behavior patterns, website analytics, and conversion funnels to identify friction points and opportunities for optimization.

• Collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other cross-functional stakeholders to translate business objectives into user-centric designs.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and style guides to ensure consistency across Unum's digital platforms.

• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, presenting design rationale and findings to diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities have been expanded from the provided bullet points to reflect a comprehensive UX design role. This includes detailing the types of user research, the deliverables expected from prototyping, and the analytical aspects of optimizing user journeys, all of which are implied in the original text but benefit from explicit articulation for clarity and keyword density.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Proven experience as a UX Designer, Product Designer, or similar role, with a demonstrable track record of delivering successful user-centered designs. Mid-level experience (estimated 2-5 years) is anticipated for this "Consultant" role, requiring the ability to lead design processes.

Required Skills:

• UX Design Expertise: Deep understanding of UX principles, methodologies, and best practices.

• User Research Proficiency: Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative user research.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Mastery of design tools like Figma for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Usability Testing: Ability to plan, conduct, and analyze usability tests.

• Accessibility Standards: Solid knowledge of accessibility guidelines, including WCAG AA compliance.

• Data Interpretation: Capacity to analyze user data, behavior patterns, and conversion metrics to inform design decisions.

• User Journey Mapping: Skill in creating detailed user journey maps and personas.

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills to articulate design rationale and collaborate effectively.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams (product, engineering, marketing).

• User-Centred Approach: A strong commitment to advocating for the user in all design decisions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design systems.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better understand technical constraints.

• Experience working within the employee benefits or financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Skills & Experience" section has been structured to differentiate between required and preferred skills. Specific tools like Figma are listed as required, aligning with the job description. The "Ability to interpret data" is highlighted as crucial, linking to the responsibility of analyzing behavior patterns and conversion paths. The education requirement is noted as a common preference in the industry, even if not explicitly stated.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a range of UX design projects that demonstrate your process, problem-solving abilities, and impact.

• Case studies detailing your role in the end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to final design and iteration.

• Clear articulation of the user problems you addressed, the design solutions you proposed, and the rationale behind your design choices.

• Examples of high-fidelity wireframes, interactive prototypes, and user flows created using tools like Figma.

• Demonstrations of how you incorporated user feedback and data analysis into your design iterations.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of user research methodologies employed and how findings were synthesized.

• Documentation of persona development and user journey mapping exercises.

• Demonstrations of wireframing and prototyping workflows within Figma.

• Evidence of planning and executing usability testing, including reporting on findings.

• Examples of how you've optimized user journeys based on behavioral data and conversion metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are crucial for a UX role. This section emphasizes the need for detailed case studies, visual examples (wireframes, prototypes), and a clear demonstration of the design process, user-centricity, and data-informed decision-making, all critical for evaluating a UX candidate.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Design Consultant with 2-5 years of experience in the UK (specifically Surrey/London commuter belt), the estimated salary range is £45,000 - £60,000 per annum. This is a general estimate and actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

Benefits:

• Generous Bonus scheme

• Healthcare Cash Plan (Level 1 Funded)

• Defined Contribution (DC) pension scheme

• Life Insurance

• Medical Insurance

• Income Insurance

• Access to remote GP services

• Nutrition coaching

• Personal training support

• Unlimited mental health support

• Medical 2nd opinion service

• 27 days of annual holiday, with options to buy or sell up to 5 days (plus Bank Holidays)

• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme with on-site charging facilities

• Free shuttle bus service from Dorking Train Station

Working Hours: Standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the Dorking office.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical UK market rates for a mid-level UX Design Consultant in a commuter belt location. The extensive list of benefits provided in the raw data has been clearly itemized, highlighting Unum's comprehensive employee support package.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Specialist Employee Benefits Provider). Unum operates within the competitive employee benefits and insurance sector, focusing on creating healthy and happy workplaces for their clients' employees. This industry often requires a high degree of trust, reliability, and a commitment to customer well-being.

Company Size: Unum is part of the international Unum Group, indicating a large, established organization with significant resources and a global presence. However, the UK operations might function with a more localized team structure.

Founded: Unum Group was founded in 1875, signifying a long history and deep expertise in the insurance and benefits market. This longevity suggests a stable company with established processes and a strong understanding of its market.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Consultant will likely be part of a Product or Digital team, working within a cross-functional pod or squad structure.

• This team will include roles such as Product Managers, Developers, QA Testers, and potentially other UX/UI designers or researchers.

Methodology:

• Unum emphasizes a user-centered approach, aligning with modern product development methodologies.

• Expect a blend of Agile/Scrum practices for iterative development and design thinking principles for problem-solving.

• Data analysis and behavioral insights will be crucial for informing design decisions and measuring success.

Company Website: https://www.unum.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context has been fleshed out by inferring typical team structures and methodologies for a company of Unum's size and industry operating in the digital product space. The emphasis on "healthy, happy workplaces" suggests a company culture that values employee well-being, which can extend to its internal culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "UX Design Consultant," suggesting a mid-level to senior individual contributor role. It implies a level of autonomy, the ability to lead design initiatives, and influence product direction. The focus is on practical delivery and spearheading design efforts.

Reporting Structure: The UX Design Consultant will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of UX, or a Product Lead. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Marketing teams.

Operations Impact: The UX Design Consultant's impact is directly tied to improving user experience, which in turn influences customer engagement, product adoption, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction. By optimizing user journeys and ensuring ease of use, they contribute significantly to Unum's mission of helping the working world thrive and its business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as user research methodologies, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.

• Leadership Development: Potential to transition into a Senior UX Designer role, lead design projects, mentor junior designers, or move into a design management track.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience by working on diverse projects across different Unum product lines and collaborating with various business units.

• Industry Knowledge: Developing expertise within the employee benefits and financial services sector, a valuable niche.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section interprets the "Consultant" title and the responsibilities to define the career level and potential growth paths within Unum's UX department. The impact is framed in terms of both user satisfaction and business outcomes, common metrics for UX roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days a week in the Dorking office. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaboration and focused work. Unum's emphasis on employee well-being may translate into a supportive and comfortable office setting.

Office Location(s): Dorking, Surrey, UK. This location is noted as a commuter-friendly area with a free shuttle bus from the train station, indicating accessibility for employees traveling from London and surrounding areas. Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK is also listed as a potential location, suggesting flexibility or multiple office hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces conducive to cross-functional team collaboration.

• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary design software (e.g., Figma), hardware, and potentially a digital whiteboard or collaboration platform.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person brainstorming, design critiques, and team-building activities on office days.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week. The hybrid model offers a degree of flexibility in balancing office-based collaboration with remote-based focused work, allowing for efficient management of design tasks and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the hybrid nature of the role and Unum's stated commitment to employee well-being. The mention of multiple locations is noted, and the Dorking office context is elaborated with typical office features supporting hybrid work and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to delve deeper into your UX expertise, design philosophy, and fit with the team.

• Portfolio Presentation/Design Challenge: You will likely be asked to present a case study from your portfolio, showcasing your process. Alternatively, a practical design challenge may be given to assess your problem-solving skills and approach to design tasks.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues (e.g., Product Manager, Engineer) to evaluate collaboration style and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to Unum's needs (employee benefits, digital products).

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study to clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the design solutions, and the outcomes (quantifiable if possible).

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping approach, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Highlight Impact: Emphasize the measurable results of your design work – e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user satisfaction, reduced drop-off rates.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Clearly show examples of your work in Figma and how you utilized its features.

• Explain Accessibility: Be prepared to discuss how you ensured accessibility compliance in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, thoroughly read and understand the problem statement. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into design, articulate your proposed methodology (e.g., research, ideation, prototyping).

• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, demonstrate your thought process and how you would approach solving the problem.

• Communicate Clearly: Be prepared to present your solution and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides practical advice for candidates applying for a UX role, emphasizing the importance of a well-structured portfolio and preparation for design challenges or presentations. It aligns with typical UX interview processes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned and will be the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. Proficiency is essential.

• User Research Tools: Experience with tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or similar platforms for conducting remote usability testing and gathering user feedback.

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web analytics tools such as Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar, to interpret user behavior and conversion data.

• Project Management/Collaboration Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics for understanding user flow and conversion.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly the UX designer's primary focus, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms influence user journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on the tools explicitly mentioned or strongly implied by the responsibilities. Figma is highlighted as the core design tool. The inclusion of analytics and collaboration tools reflects the cross-functional nature of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep-seated commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-user in all design decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design choices, validate hypotheses, and measure impact.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief in the power of working together across disciplines to achieve shared goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to iterate, learn, and refine designs based on feedback and performance metrics.

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A value placed on designing products that are usable and accessible to everyone.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with Product Managers, Developers, and Marketing to ensure design solutions are feasible, meet business needs, and are effectively implemented.

• Constructive Feedback: Openness to receiving and providing constructive feedback during design reviews and team discussions.

• Proactive Communication: Regularly sharing progress, insights, and potential challenges with stakeholders.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative design processes and adapting to changing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers Unum's likely values based on its industry (financial services, employee benefits) and the role's requirements (user-centered, data-driven). Collaboration is framed around the cross-functional nature of product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Objectives: Effectively mediating between what users want and what the business needs to achieve.

• Translating Complex Benefits Information: Designing intuitive interfaces for potentially complex financial products and employee benefits information.

• Ensuring Accessibility Across Diverse Devices/Platforms: Maintaining WCAG AA compliance across various user touchpoints.

• Driving Adoption of New Designs: Gaining buy-in and effectively implementing new design solutions within established workflows.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving UX Trends and Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new tools, methodologies, and user expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Training: Access to courses, workshops, and certifications focused on specialized UX areas.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend UX and design conferences to network and learn about emerging trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members.

• Exposure to Different Product Areas: Working on a variety of projects within Unum's business to broaden experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around common UX design difficulties, especially relevant to the financial services sector. Growth opportunities are aligned with typical career progression and skill development in the UX field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a time you led the end-to-end UX design process for a complex product." (Focus on your process, decision-making, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach user research, and what methods do you find most effective for understanding user needs in the financial services sector?" (Highlight your research toolkit and analytical approach.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to balance conflicting user needs or business requirements. How did you resolve it?" (Showcase your problem-solving and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility in your designs? Can you provide an example of how you've applied WCAG AA standards?" (Demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Unum and our mission to help the working world thrive?" (Research Unum's values and recent initiatives.)

• "How do you collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as product managers and engineers?" (Provide specific examples of successful collaborations.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Your Best: Choose 2-3 projects showcasing a range of skills, ideally with a focus on digital products and problem-solving.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline: The Challenge, Your Role & Process, The Solution, The Outcome (with metrics if possible).

• Figma Showcase: Be ready to show specific screens or interactive prototypes from Figma, explaining your design decisions.

• Accessibility Focus: Be prepared to discuss how accessibility was integrated into your design.

• Concise Delivery: Practice your presentation to ensure it's engaging, informative, and within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation is tailored to a UX Design Consultant role, focusing on process, problem-solving, tool proficiency, and impact. Specific question examples are provided to guide candidate preparation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the Unum careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select and refine 2-3 of your strongest UX case studies, ensuring they clearly articulate your process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work, particularly highlighting projects involving digital product design and user journey optimization.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "UX design," "user research," "Figma," "prototyping," "usability testing," and "accessibility (WCAG AA)." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on clear communication of your design process, rationale, and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and accessibility standards.

• Research Unum: Familiarize yourself with Unum's mission, values, and the employee benefits industry to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions for a UX Design Consultant role. All details should be verified directly with Unum during the application and interview process.