UX/UI Designer - 12 Month FTC

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer - 12 Month FTC

Company: Next Plc

Location: Enderby, Leicestershire, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI)

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the design of intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces for a leading FTSE-100 retail company's eCommerce platforms, focusing on the Home department and partner brands.

• Translate customer insights and data analysis into actionable design solutions, creating user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to enhance user journeys.

• Champion user-centered design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG) throughout the design lifecycle, ensuring a seamless and engaging customer experience.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with trade experts, data analysts, and product teams to validate designs through user research and usability testing.

• Maintain and evolve design systems and UI component libraries, ensuring brand consistency and adherence to responsive design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a 12-month Fixed-Term Contract (FTC) within a Growth Squad, indicating a focus on rapid iteration and measurable impact on key business metrics like conversion rates and customer engagement. The emphasis on partner brands (Laura Ashley, Made, Gap) suggests a need for adaptability in design to accommodate diverse brand identities while maintaining a cohesive user experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visually map out and test user journeys for the eCommerce website and mobile applications.

• Design and iterate on user interfaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines and the established design system.

• Conduct and analyze user research, including usability testing, to gather feedback and validate design decisions, directly informing iterative improvements.

• Monitor competitor digital experiences and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation and enhancement of NEXT's online offerings.

• Proactively review digital platforms from a customer's perspective to identify usability issues, friction points, and potential bugs, logging them for resolution.

• Present design concepts, research findings, and project proposals clearly and persuasively to product teams, stakeholders, and other cross-functional collaborators.

• Work closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing detailed specifications and ongoing support throughout the development cycle.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and maintenance of the company's UI component library and design system, ensuring consistency and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "take full ownership of a project from initial concept to final go-live" highlights a need for strong project management and self-direction. The emphasis on "proactive collaborative loop with multiple stakeholders" underscores the importance of communication and relationship-building skills in a fast-paced retail environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is highly beneficial. Demonstrable equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design, with a proven track record in digital product design, preferably within an eCommerce or fast-paced retail setting.

Required Skills:

• UX/UI Design Expertise: Comprehensive understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, and visual design.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.

• Figma Proficiency: High-level expertise in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration, including experience with its advanced features.

• Design Systems: Practical experience working with and contributing to design systems and UI component libraries.

• Responsive Design: Strong understanding of designing for various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a consistent experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG guidelines and practical application in creating accessible digital products.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing user research and usability testing sessions.

• Stakeholder Communication: Ability to articulate design rationale, present findings, and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Retail eCommerce Experience: Specific experience designing for online retail environments, understanding key metrics and user behaviors.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret user data, analytics, and research findings to drive design decisions.

• Microinteractions: Experience designing and prototyping subtle animations and microinteractions that enhance user experience.

• A/B Testing: Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and their application in design optimization.

• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Experience working within agile development frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "retail design" in the provided skills list suggests that candidates with experience in the retail sector will have a distinct advantage, understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, demonstrating problem-solving skills and design process.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, your design approach, the tools used (especially Figma), and the measurable impact or outcome of your solutions.

• Examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

• Evidence of working with or contributing to design systems and UI component libraries.

• Demonstrations of understanding and application of responsive design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG). Process Documentation:

• Include examples within your portfolio that illustrate your approach to user research and usability testing, detailing methodologies and insights gained.

• Showcase how you have translated data and analytical findings into design improvements.

• Provide examples of how you have collaborated with cross-functional teams (e.g., developers, product managers, trade) to bring designs to life.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, from concept through to implementation, within a fast-paced environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that "shows how you solve complex problems through design" and to "explain the 'why' behind your designs" indicates that a deep understanding of the design process and the ability to articulate strategic thinking are critical. The emphasis on a "customer-first mindset" should be evident in the project examples.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a UX/UI Designer with 2-5 years of experience in the Leicestershire region, a competitive salary is estimated to be in the range of £38,000 - £50,000 per annum. This estimate considers the fixed-term nature of the contract and the specific responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• 25% Staff discount on most NEXT, MADE*, Gap*, and Victoria's Secret* products (*when purchased through NEXT).

• Company performance-based bonus.

• Sharesave scheme.

• On-site Nursery available (OFSTED outstanding).

• 10% discount on most partner brands & up to 15% off Branded Beauty.

• Early VIP access to sale stock.

• Access to discounts at Staff Shops.

• Restaurants with subsidized pricing.

• Access to a digital GP and other free health and wellbeing services.

• Free on-site parking.

• Financial Wellbeing support services.

• Apprenticeship opportunities for ongoing development.

• Direct to Work service for online/in-store discounts and next-day collection.

• Support Networks for employee empowerment and celebration.

• Wellhub: Discounted flexible monthly gym memberships.

Working Hours: 36 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement. Specific days in the office are not detailed but are expected to align with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from research into UK-wide UX/UI Designer salaries for mid-level professionals, adjusted for regional cost of living and the specific industry (retail). The specific benefits package is extensive and offers significant value beyond base compensation, particularly appealing for a fixed-term role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Fashion, Homeware, Beauty, etc.). As a FTSE-100 company and the UK's 2nd largest fashion retailer, NEXT operates in a highly competitive and dynamic market. This environment demands agility, innovation, and a strong customer focus.

Company Size: Over 44,000 employees across the NEXT group, with a significant online presence and over 450 physical stores. This scale offers opportunities for impact and exposure to complex operational challenges.

Founded: NEXT was founded in 1982. Its history as a leading retailer signifies a mature yet evolving business model, adept at adapting to market changes and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the eCommerce UX team, specifically part of a "Growth Squad." This suggests a specialized, cross-functional team focused on driving specific business objectives through design and data.

• Collaboration is expected with trade experts, data analysts, product teams, and potentially marketing and development teams.

• The reporting structure likely involves a Head of UX, a UX Manager, or a Product Lead within the eCommerce division. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using customer insights, data analysis, and usability testing to inform design decisions.

• Agile Development: Likely operates within agile methodologies, requiring iterative design processes and close collaboration with development teams.

• User-Centricity: A core principle, focusing on identifying and addressing user pain points to create intuitive and engaging experiences.

• Brand Consistency: Maintaining brand integrity across multiple platforms and partner brands is crucial.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's significant market presence and focus on both in-house brands and partner collaborations mean the UX/UI Designer will encounter a broad spectrum of design challenges and opportunities, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of diverse brand aesthetics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Designer. This role is positioned for individuals who have moved beyond junior responsibilities and can independently manage design projects, contribute strategically, and mentor others. The "Growth Squad" context implies a focus on direct business impact and measurable results.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a lead within the eCommerce UX team, likely a UX Manager or Head of UX. They will also work closely with Product Owners and potentially other functional leads within the Growth Squad.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts revenue and business decisions by improving the customer experience on eCommerce platforms. Enhancing conversion rates, user engagement, and customer satisfaction through effective UX/UI design is a key driver of business success for NEXT.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in eCommerce UX, focusing on specific areas like conversion rate optimization, personalization, or mobile UX.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Senior UX/UI Designer role, leading projects, mentoring junior designers, or taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to gain broader experience in product management, digital strategy, or other areas within the eCommerce division due to close collaboration.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through exposure to diverse brands, A/B testing, and advanced design tools. The company also offers apprenticeship opportunities, indicating a commitment to internal development.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a 12-month FTC, this role is ideal for professionals looking to gain specific experience within a large retail organization, add high-profile projects to their portfolio, or explore a new industry segment. While it's a fixed term, the skills gained and the network built can significantly propel future career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role is based at NEXT Head Office in Leicestershire, suggesting a professional office environment with modern amenities. The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Desford Road, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 4AT. This location offers free on-site parking.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Head Office is likely a central hub for design, product, and trade teams, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where designers can easily interact with stakeholders and peers.

• Design Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, as well as potentially other relevant software for research, prototyping, and analytics.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person meetings, workshops, and brainstorming sessions with the eCommerce UX team and broader Growth Squad.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (36 per week), with flexibility implied by the hybrid arrangement. This schedule supports focused work on design tasks and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on exposure to our design systems and dedicated time to understand our unique customer journeys" suggests that the in-office days will be structured to facilitate deep dives into the product and close collaboration with the existing team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• First Interview: Likely with a hiring manager or senior designer to discuss experience, design philosophy, and portfolio projects in detail. Focus on understanding your approach to UX/UI challenges.

• Design Exercise/Challenge: Candidates may be asked to complete a take-home design task or a live design challenge focusing on a specific problem relevant to NEXT's eCommerce platform. This assesses problem-solving skills, design thinking, and proficiency with tools like Figma.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with additional stakeholders, team members, or department heads to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process, Not Just Polish: Clearly articulate your design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and testing. Explain the "why" behind your decisions.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify the results of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved task completion times).

• Figma Focus: Ensure your portfolio includes examples demonstrating advanced Figma usage, including prototyping, component libraries, and collaboration features.

• Brand Adaptability: If you have experience with multiple brands, highlight how you adapted designs to fit different brand guidelines and user bases.

• Accessibility & Responsiveness: Clearly show how you've considered and implemented responsive design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Conciseness: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant projects for this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Research NEXT's current eCommerce strategy, target audience, and key brands. Identify potential areas for UX/UI improvement.

• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to approach a problem systematically, breaking it down, exploring solutions, and justifying your choices.

• Tool Proficiency: Be comfortable demonstrating your Figma skills live or during a take-home task.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, explaining your design decisions and trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Growth Squad" context, expect interviewers to probe deeply into how your design decisions contribute to business growth and measurable outcomes. Be prepared to discuss how you leverage data and user feedback to achieve these goals.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) might be beneficial for understanding different approaches.

• Design System Tools: Experience with tools or methodologies for managing and contributing to design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for usability testing, surveys, and user feedback collection (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UX/UI design tool, understanding how design integrates with CRM (Customer Relationship Management) and marketing automation platforms can be advantageous for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as a "high proficiency" requirement, coupled with the need for rapid prototypes demonstrating "micro interactions and user journeys," indicates a strong emphasis on advanced Figma capabilities beyond basic design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A fundamental value, driving the design process to meet user needs and create effortless experiences. This translates to empathy and a deep understanding of the customer journey.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Decisions are informed by analytics, research, and user feedback, rather than solely intuition. This promotes accountability and measurable results.

• Collaboration & Communication: Working effectively across teams (trade, data, product) is paramount. Open communication and a willingness to share ideas and feedback are expected.

• Pace & Agility: Operating in a fast-moving retail environment requires the ability to work at speed, adapt to changing priorities, and deliver iteratively.

• Quality & Attention to Detail: Maintaining high standards for design execution, ensuring brand consistency, and minimizing friction points for users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The "Growth Squad" model inherently requires close collaboration with individuals from different disciplines (e.g., marketing, data analysis, development, trade).

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Expect regular feedback sessions and reviews to refine designs and ensure alignment with business objectives and user needs.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and insights to foster continuous improvement across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly "Pace & Agility" and "Customer-Centricity," are crucial for success in this role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and decision-making processes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Brand Needs: Designing for multiple brands (NEXT, Laura Ashley, Made, Gap) requires adapting to distinct brand identities while maintaining a cohesive overall user experience.

• Fast-Paced Retail Environment: The rapid pace of the retail sector demands quick turnarounds and the ability to manage multiple competing priorities without sacrificing quality.

• Translating Complex Data into Simple Designs: Synthesizing insights from trade, data, and research into intuitive and effective user interfaces can be complex.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment from various stakeholders with potentially differing priorities requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized eCommerce UX: Gaining deep expertise in designing for online retail, understanding conversion optimization, and customer journey mapping.

• Design System Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to and expand knowledge of large-scale design systems.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning from experts in data analysis, merchandising, and product management within the eCommerce space.

• Industry Trends: Staying ahead of the curve in digital design, emerging technologies, and evolving customer expectations in the retail sector.

• Apprenticeship Programs: Access to formal learning and development programs for skill enhancement and qualification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a large, multi-brand retail environment. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be well-suited. The FTC nature of the role provides a focused opportunity to tackle these challenges and gain valuable experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UX/UI problem you solved for an eCommerce platform. What was your process, what tools did you use (Figma specifically), and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, rationale, and measurable results).

• "How do you balance brand identity with user experience best practices, especially when working with multiple partner brands?" (Demonstrate understanding of brand guidelines and user-centricity).

• "Walk me through a recent project in your portfolio where you used user research or data analysis to inform your design decisions. What were the key insights and how did you apply them?" (Highlight analytical skills and data-driven approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NEXT and this specific role as a UX/UI Designer on a 12-month FTC?" (Show genuine interest in the company and the role's scope).

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-design stakeholders like traders, developers, and data analysts?" (Emphasize communication, empathy, and a team-oriented mindset).

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX/UI trends and technologies, particularly in the retail sector?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process, the solutions, and the results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate.

• Highlight Figma Expertise: Be ready to discuss specific Figma features you leveraged, such as auto-layout, component variants, prototyping flows, and collaboration tools.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. If metrics aren't available, articulate the expected positive impact based on user feedback or design principles.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you handled challenges or feedback.

• Showcase Adaptability: Since this role involves multiple brands, be ready to discuss how you adapt your design approach to different contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Growth Squad" context, expect interviewers to focus on how your design contributions directly impact business objectives. Be prepared to discuss how you measure success and iterate based on performance data.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud portal link.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience with UX/UI design, Figma, prototyping, user research, design systems, and eCommerce, aligning keywords with the job description.

• Curate your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your problem-solving skills, design process, and impact. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates Figma proficiency and understanding of user-centered design and accessibility.

• Prepare your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice presenting your selected projects concisely, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions and any quantifiable results. Be ready to discuss your experience with hybrid work and fast-paced environments.

• Research NEXT: Understand their brand, their partner brands, their current eCommerce presence, and any recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with NEXT Plc before making application decisions.