UX/UI Designer (12 month FTC)
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: UX/UI Designer (12-month FTC)
Company: ICAP
Location: London, United Kingdom
Job Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Category: Design / User Experience / Product Design
Date Posted: April 20, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid
🚀 Role Summary
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Lead end-to-end design execution for complex, data-rich trading platforms, ensuring high-quality, user-centered experiences.
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Maintain and evolve a sophisticated design system and UI component library within Figma, promoting consistency and scalability.
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Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Business Stakeholders to translate strategic vision into impactful digital products.
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Champion user-centric design principles by integrating user research, usability testing, and data insights into the design process.
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Ensure seamless developer handoff and high-quality execution through meticulous design QA within agile product teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role is crucial for maintaining momentum on TP ICAP's digital product portfolio during a maternity leave period. The emphasis on "complex, data-rich products" and a "fast-paced financial services environment" suggests a need for a designer experienced with intricate workflows and demanding project timelines. The "Manager / 7" band indicates a senior-level individual contributor role with significant autonomy and responsibility.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
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Partner with the Global Head of UX & Design and Senior UX Designer to translate strategic objectives into compelling, user-centered product experiences for trading platforms.
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Utilize Figma for end-to-end design delivery, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, high-fidelity mockups, and scalable design system components.
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Actively manage and contribute to the Figma design system and UI component library, ensuring adherence to established standards, accessibility, and scalability.
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Foster cross-functional collaboration with Product, Development, and Business stakeholders to clearly define problems, validate proposed solutions, and deliver measurable outcomes.
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Advocate for and embed user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, leveraging user research, usability testing, and data analytics to inform design decisions.
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Facilitate workshops, design critiques, and stakeholder reviews to achieve alignment on design solutions and drive consensus among diverse teams.
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Produce and maintain comprehensive design documentation and specifications for developer handoff, utilizing Figma's capabilities for annotations and interactive prototypes.
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Integrate within agile product development teams, actively participating in sprint planning, backlog refinement, and iterative delivery cycles to ensure timely and effective design implementation.
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Proactively identify opportunities for enhancing the overall user experience across digital channels, proposing innovative solutions to improve usability and efficiency.
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Conduct design quality assurance (QA) to validate that implemented solutions meet design standards and user experience requirements prior to release.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design execution ("Lead end-to-end design delivery," "creating and maintaining clear design documentation") combined with strategic collaboration and system management. The focus on "Figma as the primary tool" and "design system and UI component library" highlights the importance of proficiency in these areas for efficient and consistent product development within a large organization like TP ICAP.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for a senior-level UX/UI Designer.
Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, with a significant portion focused on complex digital products within the Finance and Fintech industries.
Required Skills:
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Advanced proficiency in Figma, including mastery of component libraries, auto layout, prototyping capabilities, design system management, and developer handoff features.
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Proven experience as a Mid-weight or Senior UX/Product Designer with a strong portfolio showcasing impeccable customer experience and design execution within the Finance and Fintech sectors.
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Demonstrable experience working on and contributing to scalable design systems.
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Solid understanding of UX principles, interaction design, information architecture, and user-centered design methodologies.
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Ability to effectively balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints in design solutions.
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Confident and articulate communicator with experience presenting and defending design decisions to senior stakeholders.
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Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within cross-functional product teams.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience designing data-heavy, workflow-driven, or B2B platforms, particularly within trading, market data, or analytics environments.
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Exposure to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and inclusive design best practices.
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Experience contributing to or evolving enterprise-level design systems, including governance and documentation.
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Ability to quickly integrate into an existing product and design ecosystem, delivering impact with minimal ramp-up time.
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Experience partnering with Product Managers and Engineers from early discovery through to final delivery.
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Working knowledge of front-end frameworks (e.g., React) and an understanding of how design decisions translate into implementation.
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Experience supporting or participating in user research, usability testing, or design validation activities.
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A pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset suited to a fixed-term, business-critical role, with strong prioritization and multitasking capabilities.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Advanced proficiency in Figma" as a "core requirement" cannot be overstated. Candidates must be able to demonstrate deep expertise in its advanced features. The distinction between "Essential" and "Desired" skills clearly delineates must-haves from nice-to-haves, guiding applicants on where to focus their application materials. The "Manager / 7" band aligns with the 5-10 years of experience expectation.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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Showcase end-to-end design projects, clearly detailing your role, process, and impact, with a specific focus on financial services or complex B2B platforms.
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Demonstrate advanced Figma proficiency through examples of component libraries, auto layout usage, interactive prototypes, and contributions to design systems.
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Include case studies that highlight your ability to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints within demanding project environments.
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Present examples of how you've incorporated user research, usability testing, and data insights into your design decisions to drive tangible improvements.
Process Documentation:
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Provide examples of how you document design processes, from initial problem definition and user flows to final design specifications and developer handoff.
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Showcase your approach to maintaining and evolving design systems, including documentation for components, guidelines, and governance.
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Illustrate your methods for collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering) and stakeholders, including workshop facilitation and design critique documentation.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing Figma and design systems, the portfolio must actively demonstrate these skills. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their Figma files and explain their design system architecture. The "12-month FTC" nature of the role implies a need for candidates who can quickly integrate and deliver impact, so a portfolio that showcases rapid problem-solving and delivery is highly advantageous.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Given the London location, the "Manager / 7" band, and the 5-10 years of experience required for a Senior UX/UI Designer in the financial services sector, a competitive salary range for a 12-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) is estimated between £65,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in London, considering the specialized skills in Figma, design systems, and financial trading platforms.
Benefits:
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Competitive salary commensurate with experience and the fixed-term nature of the contract.
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Access to TP ICAP's comprehensive benefits package, which typically includes:
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Pension scheme contributions.
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Private medical insurance.
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Life assurance.
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Generous annual leave allowance.
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Opportunities for professional development and training.
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
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Potential for performance-related bonuses (though FTCs may have different structures). Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring presence in the London office, likely with flexibility on specific days in line with team and business needs.
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📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a 12-month FTC in London for a senior role. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's experience, the specific responsibilities undertaken, and TP ICAP's internal compensation structure for fixed-term employees. The inclusion of standard financial services benefits is an assumption based on industry norms, and candidates should verify the exact benefits package.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Financial Services & Market Infrastructure. TP ICAP operates at the intersection of global financial and commodities markets, providing essential liquidity, data, and trading solutions. This sector demands high levels of precision, reliability, and compliance.
Company Size: 5,200+ employees globally. This indicates a large, established organization with structured processes and a global footprint, offering opportunities for broad impact and exposure to diverse markets.
Founded: 1866. With a long history, TP ICAP has deep roots in the financial industry, suggesting a culture that values experience, stability, and established practices, while also adapting to technological advancements.
Team Structure:
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The UX/UI Designer will be part of a dedicated UX & Design team, likely reporting to the Global Head of UX & Design or a Senior UX Designer.
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This role involves close partnership with cross-functional product teams, including Product Managers, Software Engineers, and Business Stakeholders, operating within an agile framework.
Methodology:
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Design processes are user-centered, emphasizing the integration of research, testing, and data insights.
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Agile methodologies are employed for iterative product development, requiring close collaboration and responsive design support.
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A strong focus on design systems and component libraries ensures consistency, scalability, and efficiency across a broad digital product portfolio.
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Data-driven decision-making is likely a core component, leveraging analytics to inform design improvements and measure impact.
Company Website: https://www.tpicap.com/
📝 Enhancement Note: TP ICAP's position as a leading market infrastructure provider implies a culture that is professional, performance-driven, and highly focused on client needs. The "Manager / 7" band suggests a level of responsibility and autonomy expected within such environments. The company's long history and global presence indicate a blend of tradition and innovation.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior UX/UI Designer, equivalent to a Manager/Band 7. It represents a mid-to-senior individual contributor position with significant design ownership and influence over product experiences. The focus is on delivering high-quality design solutions, managing design systems, and collaborating effectively with product teams.
Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Senior UX Designer or the Global Head of UX & Design. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineering leads, and various business stakeholders across different product lines within TP ICAP.
Operations Impact: The UX/UI Designer directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and adoption of TP ICAP's digital trading platforms. By creating intuitive and effective user experiences, they contribute to improved client satisfaction, increased trading efficiency, reduced operational errors, and ultimately, enhanced revenue generation and market position for the company.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial services UX, complex data visualization, advanced Figma techniques, and enterprise-level design system management.
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Leadership Potential: While a fixed-term contract, successful performance can lead to opportunities for further contract extensions or permanent roles, potentially moving into lead design positions or specialized product design roles within TP ICAP.
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Cross-functional Exposure: Gain in-depth understanding of trading workflows, market data, and the broader financial services ecosystem, which is invaluable for future career growth in FinTech.
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Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor more junior designers or contribute to the overall design practice within the organization.
📝 Enhancement Note: As a 12-month FTC, the primary growth will be in skill acquisition and demonstrating immediate impact. The "Manager / 7" level suggests that candidates are expected to be largely self-sufficient and capable of leading design efforts for specific product areas. The potential for permanent conversion or extension is a key growth factor to consider.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The role is based in a hybrid work environment, requiring regular presence at the TP ICAP office located at 135 Bishopsgate, London. This suggests a professional, corporate office setting.
Office Location(s): 135 Bishopsgate, London, United Kingdom. This is a prime business district location, easily accessible via public transport, offering a dynamic and central work environment.
Workspace Context:
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The office environment is likely designed for collaboration, with dedicated spaces for team meetings, workshops, and individual focused work.
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Access to modern technology and tools will be standard, including high-performance workstations and relevant software for design and communication.
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Opportunities for regular interaction with product teams, designers, and other stakeholders will be prevalent, fostering a collaborative and communicative atmosphere.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, likely 40 hours per week. While hybrid, the expectation will be for the designer to align their in-office days with team needs and project deadlines, ensuring effective collaboration and presence for key meetings and design sessions.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role implies a need for self-discipline and effective time management to balance remote work with in-office collaboration. The Bishopsgate location places the role within a hub of financial activity, potentially offering networking opportunities within the industry.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
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Initial Screening: A brief call with a Talent Acquisition specialist to assess suitability, confirm experience, and discuss the FTC nature of the role.
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Technical Interview & Portfolio Review: This will likely involve a detailed discussion of your portfolio with the hiring manager (Global Head of UX & Design or Senior UX Designer). Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your process, Figma expertise, design system contributions, and problem-solving approach.
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Skills Assessment (Potential): A practical exercise or case study may be given, focusing on designing a solution for a complex financial data scenario or refining an existing UI element within Figma.
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Stakeholder/Team Interview: Meet with cross-functional team members (e.g., Product Manager, Lead Engineer) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within agile teams.
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Final Interview: Potentially with a more senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the organization.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Figma Mastery: Be ready to demonstrate your advanced Figma skills live or through screen shares. Showcase complex component usage, auto layout, prototyping, and your approach to design system management.
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Process Clarity: Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions. Use a structured approach (e.g., problem, solution, outcome) to explain your projects.
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Financial Services Focus: Highlight projects within finance, fintech, trading, or complex B2B environments. Emphasize how you balanced user needs with strict business and technical requirements.
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Design System Contribution: Detail your role in creating, managing, or evolving design systems. Show examples of components, guidelines, and how you ensured consistency.
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Impact Metrics: Quantify the impact of your work where possible (e.g., increased conversion, reduced error rates, improved task completion times).
Challenge Preparation:
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Problem-Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable design challenges, focusing on data-rich interfaces and financial workflows.
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Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable with advanced Figma features and can quickly create functional prototypes or design system components under timed conditions.
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Stakeholder Communication: Prepare to articulate design rationale clearly and concisely, anticipating questions from both technical and business perspectives.
📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and design systems means the portfolio review is critical. Candidates should proactively prepare to demonstrate these skills in detail. The fixed-term nature means a focus on rapid onboarding and immediate contribution will be assessed.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Figma: This is the core design tool. Advanced proficiency is required for wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity design, component creation, auto layout, design system management, and developer handoff.
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Prototyping Tools (within Figma): Interactive prototyping for user flow and usability testing validation.
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly applicable to the UX/UI Designer role, but an understanding of how user interfaces integrate with broader CRM or business process automation systems can be advantageous.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as the primary tool is paramount. While other design or analytics tools might be used, Figma proficiency is non-negotiable. Familiarity with how design interfaces connect with front-end frameworks like React is also a significant plus.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and meeting user needs, driving the creation of intuitive and effective experiences.
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Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering open communication and shared ownership of product success.
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Excellence & Precision: A dedication to high-quality execution, attention to detail, and delivering reliable solutions, especially critical in the financial services sector.
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Innovation: A drive to explore new solutions and improve existing processes and products, balancing user needs with business and technical possibilities.
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Delivery Focus: A pragmatic approach to getting work done efficiently and effectively, particularly important in a fixed-term contract role.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-functional Integration: Seamlessly embedding within agile product teams, working alongside Product Managers and Engineers to ensure design is integral to the development process.
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Open Communication: Encouraging feedback and constructive critique through design reviews, workshops, and regular check-ins.
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Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design discussions, sharing best practices, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the UX & Design team.
📝 Enhancement Note: TP ICAP's emphasis on being a "world-leading provider of market infrastructure" and a "trusted, innovative, liquidity and data solutions specialist" suggests a culture that values professionalism, client focus, and continuous improvement. The "Accord" employee network highlights a commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing user needs, strict business requirements, and technical constraints within a fast-paced financial trading environment.
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Design System Evolution: Contributing to and maintaining a complex, enterprise-level design system while ensuring scalability and consistency across diverse platforms.
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Rapid Onboarding: Quickly understanding existing product ecosystems, design patterns, and business objectives to deliver impact within the 12-month FTC timeframe.
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Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating diverse stakeholder opinions and driving consensus on design solutions in a complex organizational structure.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into financial markets, trading platforms, and data visualization within the FinTech sector.
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Advanced Design System Management: Enhancing skills in the governance, documentation, and scalable implementation of enterprise design systems.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Refining skills in working effectively with Product Management and Engineering in an agile setting, understanding their constraints and workflows.
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Strategic Design Impact: Demonstrating how design directly influences business outcomes and client satisfaction in a critical market infrastructure provider.
📝 Enhancement Note: The "business-critical" nature of this role, filling a maternity leave, means that adaptability and the ability to hit the ground running are key. The challenges are framed around the specific demands of the financial services industry and a senior-level design role.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements for a complex digital product. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, compromise, and data-driven decisions).
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"How do you approach designing for data-rich, workflow-driven applications, particularly in a regulated industry like finance?" (Highlight your understanding of information architecture, usability for complex tasks, and compliance considerations).
Company & Culture Questions:
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"What do you know about TP ICAP and its role in the financial markets?" (Show you've researched the company's industry position, mission, and values).
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"How do you integrate user research and data into your design process, especially when working within tight deadlines?" (Emphasize pragmatic approaches to user feedback and analytics).
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, and Outcome/Impact.
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Figma Deep Dive: Be prepared to showcase your Figma files, highlighting advanced features, component usage, and design system elements. Explain your file organization and handoff process.
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Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "Reduced task completion time by X%", "Increased user adoption by Y%").
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Conciseness: Focus on the most relevant projects and details, respecting the interviewer's time. Prepare a concise overview and be ready to go deeper on specific areas.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize Figma proficiency and design system experience. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate these skills thoroughly, not just discuss them. Practicing clear, concise explanations of complex design problems and solutions is crucial.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this operations position:
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Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.
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Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your advanced Figma skills, design system contributions, and experience with complex financial/B2B products. Ensure your work clearly demonstrates your end-to-end design process and impact.
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Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature keywords like "Figma," "Design Systems," "UX/UI Design," "Financial Services," "Fintech," "Trading Platforms," "Agile," and "Prototyping." Quantify achievements and responsibilities.
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Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for past projects, especially those showcasing your Figma expertise and design system work. Prepare to discuss your approach to collaboration and problem-solving in a financial services context.
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Company Research: Familiarize yourself with TP ICAP's business model, market position, and commitment to innovation and client service. Understand how your UX/UI contributions align with their strategic goals.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have advanced proficiency in Figma and significant experience designing for the finance or fintech sectors. A strong understanding of UX principles, design systems, and agile methodologies is essential for this role.