Visual Designer (12 Month FTC/Secondment)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Visual Designer (12 Month FTC/Secondment)

Company: Lloyds Banking Group

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary

Category: Digital Design / User Experience Operations

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office minimum)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of best-in-class digital experiences, specifically for Lloyds Banking Group's mobile banking application, focusing on high-fidelity UI craft and visual design decision-making.

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary team comprising designers, researchers, engineers, and product owners, contributing to strategic prioritization, outcome definition, and scope scoping.

• Leverage deep customer understanding to inject empathy and creativity into design solutions, ensuring that digital products address user needs, aspirations, and challenges effectively.

• Actively participate in the visual design community of practice, sharing knowledge and driving improvements in design practices across the organization to elevate the quality, consistency, and accessibility of digital assets.

• Support and integrate insights from user research activities directly into design iterations and final product delivery, ensuring a user-centric approach to all visual design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is on visual design, the role's emphasis on collaboration within a multidisciplinary team and the requirement to support user research suggests a strong need for understanding user experience (UX) principles and how visual design integrates with the broader product development lifecycle. This role sits at the intersection of pure visual design and UX operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-fidelity user interfaces (UI) for the mobile banking app, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards across iOS, Android, and web platforms.

• Translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and visually appealing digital experiences, utilizing advanced visual design skills and meticulous attention to detail.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and application of multi-brand design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability of design components across various digital touchpoints.

• Create compelling prototypes using Figma and other relevant tools to effectively communicate design concepts, user flows, and interaction patterns to stakeholders and development teams.

• Document design components thoroughly and maintain design consistency throughout the product development lifecycle, collaborating closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs.

• Employ storytelling techniques to articulate design rationale, user insights, and proposed solutions, facilitating effective communication and buy-in from product teams and the wider business.

• Support user research initiatives by contributing to study design, observing sessions, and synthesizing findings to inform design decisions and iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "see designs through to delivery" and communicate with developers highlights the importance of understanding technical constraints and the implementation process, a key aspect of operations for design teams. This involves more than just creating visuals; it's about ensuring viable and functional execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Specific educational requirements are not detailed, but a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of visual design principles is paramount.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in Visual or UI Design is required. Experience in the financial services or banking sector is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

• Advanced visual design skills across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, web, and mobile interfaces.

• Demonstrated expertise in mobile app design, with a portfolio showcasing high-fidelity UI craft and clear visual design decision-making.

• Proficiency in core design and prototyping tools: Figma (essential) and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong systems thinking capabilities with a meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellence in interaction design, visual design, and a deep understanding of accessibility principles (WCAG standards).

• Experience working with and contributing to multi-brand design systems.

• Competence in documenting design components and maintaining design consistency.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with developers to ensure designs meet specifications and are usable by a diverse range of users.

• Collaborative attitude and a willingness to support a busy, multidisciplinary team.

• Strong storytelling abilities for design presentations and communication. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Microsoft Office suite for documentation and presentations.

• Skills in sketching and concept development to explore design ideas rapidly.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to apply insights to design.

• Experience within the financial services industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma as an essential tool, alongside Adobe CC, indicates a strong preference for candidates proficient in modern collaborative design workflows. The requirement for experience with design systems and accessibility speaks to the need for a mature understanding of scalable and inclusive design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing strong mobile app design expertise.

• Demonstrate high-fidelity UI craft with clear visual design decision-making processes.

• Include case studies that highlight problem-solving approaches and the impact of design solutions on user experience and business objectives.

• Showcase examples of work within established design systems, illustrating an understanding of component-based design and scalability.

• Evidence of consideration for accessibility standards and how they were integrated into the design process. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design components are documented for handoff to development teams.

• Demonstrations of workflow for incorporating user research feedback into design iterations.

• Evidence of contribution to or management of design system documentation and updates.

• Case studies detailing the process of seeing designs through to delivery, including communication with engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that demonstrates "clear visual design decision-making" and "seeing designs through to delivery" implies that candidates should be prepared to articulate not just the final designs, but their strategic thinking, the rationale behind choices, and the operational steps taken to ensure successful implementation. This is crucial for roles that bridge design and GTM/operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £72,702 - £80,780 per annum. This range is competitive for a Visual Designer role with significant experience, particularly within the London financial sector, reflecting the seniority and specialized skills required.

Benefits:

• A generous pension contribution of up to 15%.

• An annual performance-related bonus, aligning individual and company success.

• Share schemes, including free shares, offering long-term financial participation.

• A variety of benefits adaptable to personal lifestyle needs, such as discounted shopping.

• 30 days of annual holiday, plus bank holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• A range of wellbeing initiatives to support employee health and mental wellness.

• Generous parental leave policies to support employees during significant life events.

Working Hours: Full Time, with an expectation of 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid model, requiring a minimum of 2 days per week (or 40% of time) in the London office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and falls within the upper-mid to senior level for a Visual Designer in London. The listed benefits are comprehensive and typical for a large financial institution, emphasizing long-term employee value and work-life integration, which are key considerations for operations professionals seeking stable and rewarding roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services. Lloyds Banking Group is a major player in the UK banking and financial services sector, offering a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses, and the public sector. The industry demands high standards of reliability, security, and customer trust, which heavily influences design and operations.

Company Size: Large (Lloyds Banking Group is one of the UK's largest financial institutions, with tens of thousands of employees globally). This scale means robust processes, established design systems, and a significant impact on millions of customers.

Founded: 2009 (formed from the merger of Lloyds TSB and Halifax Bank of Scotland, with deep historical roots). The company has a long-standing presence and reputation in the UK market.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a multidisciplinary design team, working collaboratively with researchers, engineers, and product owners.

• Within the broader organization, design teams likely report into product or digital transformation functions, with strong links to marketing and customer experience departments.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, emphasizing shared ownership and collective delivery of digital products. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights from user research are integral to informing design decisions and driving iterative improvements.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are applied to ensure efficient product development cycles.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed in design operations, from component management to prototyping.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, established financial institution, Lloyds Banking Group likely has mature operational frameworks for design, product development, and customer engagement. The "transforming at pace" narrative suggests a blend of established processes with a drive for modernization, making roles like this critical for driving change while maintaining operational stability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-to-senior level Visual Designer role, focused on specialized execution within a larger digital product team. It requires a deep understanding of UI craft, mobile-first design principles, and the operational aspects of design system implementation and delivery.

Reporting Structure: The Visual Designer will work within a multidisciplinary team, likely reporting to a Design Lead or Head of Design within a specific product division. They will collaborate closely with Product Owners and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's work directly impacts customer engagement, satisfaction, and operational efficiency of digital channels. High-quality, accessible, and user-friendly designs for the mobile banking app can lead to increased customer retention, reduced support costs, and improved conversion rates, all critical business operations metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile app design, accessibility, or specific aspects of design systems.

• Leadership: Transition into a Senior Visual Designer or Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger design initiatives.

• Cross-functional: Develop a broader understanding of product management, UX research, or engineering processes by working within multidisciplinary teams.

• Strategic: Contribute to the evolution of the design system and influence design strategy across different product areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) or secondment nature of this role suggests it's ideal for someone looking to gain specific experience within a large financial institution, expand their portfolio with significant brand work, or bridge a gap in their career. Growth within the role itself would focus on mastering the specific product and systems, while external growth would leverage the experience gained.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with a mandatory minimum of two days per week (or 40% of time) spent in the London office. This indicates a structured approach to in-person collaboration and team cohesion.

Office Location(s): London (25 Gresham Street is noted). This central London location offers good transport links and access to a vibrant professional community.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed for hybrid collaboration, likely featuring modern meeting spaces, hot-desking facilities, and areas conducive to focused work.

• Access to standard office technology and potentially specialized design software and hardware will be provided.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with multidisciplinary team members, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (40 hours/week), with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid model allowing for a balance between in-office and remote work. This structure supports the need for focused design work and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with specific office time requirements is a critical operational detail for candidates. It signals a company culture that values both the flexibility of remote work and the benefits of face-to-face interaction for team building, problem-solving, and strategic alignment within operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific projects, design decisions, and their role in bringing designs to fruition. Expect questions on their approach to problem-solving, collaboration, and impact.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential exercises or discussions focused on UI design, Figma proficiency, accessibility considerations, or design system application.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with Lloyds Banking Group's values, collaborative style, and team dynamics.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Mobile First: Emphasize your strongest mobile app design projects. Showcase end-to-end design thinking for mobile experiences.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like component libraries, auto layout, and prototyping.

• Detail Design Decisions: For each project, explain the "why" behind your design choices. What user problems were you solving? What were the business objectives? How did you measure success?

• Illustrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've worked effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with developers.

• Emphasize Accessibility: Include examples or explanations of how you’ve designed for accessibility (e.g., color contrast, typography, navigation) and why it's important.

• Design Systems Experience: If you have experience with design systems, articulate your role in contributing to or utilizing them, focusing on consistency and scalability.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your process for tackling new design challenges, from initial brief to final delivery.

• Practice articulating complex design concepts and technical details concisely and clearly.

• Research Lloyds Banking Group's current digital offerings, particularly the mobile app, to understand their current design language and identify potential areas for enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that showcases "clear visual design decision-making" and the need to "see designs through to delivery" means candidates should prepare to discuss the operational aspects of their work – how they managed feedback, collaborated with developers, and ensured the successful implementation of their designs, not just the aesthetic outcome.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design and prototyping. Advanced proficiency is essential. This includes experience with component libraries, variants, auto layout, and collaborative features.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for various design tasks, likely including Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially After Effects for motion design or advanced prototyping.

• Microsoft Office: Competency expected for documentation, presentations, and general productivity.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, understanding how to interpret analytics and user research findings is crucial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal BI platforms may be beneficial for understanding user behavior and design impact. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function but understanding how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms can be a plus for a holistic view of customer journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for Figma proficiency points towards a modern, collaborative design workflow. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience with Figma's advanced features and how they leverage it for efficient design operations, including version control, handoff, and collaboration with remote team members.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs through empathetic and effective design.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and knowledge sharing within multidisciplinary teams.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality visual design, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of design practices.

• Inclusion & Accessibility: Designing for all users, ensuring digital products are usable by people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities.

• Innovation & Transformation: Contributing to the ongoing modernization of digital experiences within a large financial institution.

Collaboration Style:

• Multidisciplinary: Working closely with researchers, engineers, and product owners, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

• Feedback-driven: Open to constructive criticism and actively participating in design reviews to refine work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Engaging with the broader design community of practice to share insights and best practices.

• Agile and Iterative: Working in an agile environment that encourages rapid iteration and adaptation based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Lloyds Banking Group's stated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with being "disability confident," underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusive design practices. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how these values translate into their design work and collaborative approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Maintaining a cohesive brand identity across multiple platforms while introducing fresh, engaging designs for the mobile app.

• Complex Regulatory Environment: Navigating the stringent regulatory landscape of the financial services industry, ensuring all designs comply with legal and security requirements.

• Large-Scale Implementation: Ensuring designs are scalable and implementable across a vast user base and complex technical infrastructure.

• Hybrid Work Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining design momentum in a hybrid work environment, ensuring seamless communication and alignment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Financial Services UX: Gaining in-depth knowledge of user needs and behaviors within the banking sector.

• Mastering Design Systems: Enhancing skills in contributing to and leveraging large-scale, multi-brand design systems.

• Accessibility Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in digital accessibility within a regulated industry.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Understanding the product development lifecycle from a broader perspective, including engineering and product management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The FTC/secondment nature of the role presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Candidates should be prepared to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact, while also recognizing the finite duration of the contract. Growth will be measured by the successful delivery of key design projects and contributions to the team's objectives within that timeframe.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk me through a mobile app design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, your key design decisions, and the outcome?" (Focus on process, rationale, and impact.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible to all users, and how do you integrate accessibility into your workflow from the start?" (Demon