At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design initiatives in AI, shaping impactful products and services.
- Company: Join Faculty, a leader in responsible AI innovation since 2014.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited leave, private healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse team culture with a focus on intellectual curiosity and positive impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in AI while building a legacy through design.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in design, strong client engagement skills, and a user-centric approach.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
We established Faculty in 2014 because we thought that AI would be the most important technology of our time. Since then, we’ve worked with over 350 global customers to transform their performance through human-centric AI. We don’t chase hype cycles. We innovate, build and deploy responsible AI which moves the needle - and we know a thing or two about doing it well. We bring an unparalleled depth of technical, product and delivery expertise to our clients who span government, finance, retail, energy, life sciences and defence.
Our business, and reputation, is growing fast and we’re always on the lookout for individuals who share our intellectual curiosity and desire to build a positive legacy through technology. AI is an epoch-defining technology, join a company where you’ll be empowered to envision its most powerful applications, and to make them happen.
In Product and Design, we bring together product managers, product designers and service designers in a central team covering the breadth of Faculty’s Applied AI division. In partnership with our Business Units, we form multidisciplinary teams and work with data scientists, engineers and delivery colleagues to create durable AI-powered software solutions for clients across a variety of industries.
Both product management and design are critical disciplines to create impact with AI. While data science and machine learning offer a powerful means to build insight and predictive capability, those insights are often consumed within a complex operational environment where human and organisational factors determine whether solutions are adopted and ultimately successful. Closing the gap between the outputs of a model and the outcomes desired by our clients requires us to go beyond data and technology to address the human side - product and design are critical to this.
As a Principal Designer at Faculty, you will own and develop design as a core discipline within Applied AI while delivering high-impact work as a senior leader. You will shape our capabilities across both product and service design, defining progression frameworks and embedding modern practices. Operating as a trusted partner to executive-level clients, you will bridge the gap between technical AI capabilities and real-world commercial outcomes. This high-leverage position balances strategic client delivery with building an entrepreneurial design function from the ground up.
What you'll be doing:
- Owning and developing the product and service design disciplines at both individual and organisational levels across Applied AI.
- Delivering high-leverage, billable client engagements by anchoring project deliverables, shaping work, and setting up strategic accounts.
- Building influential executive relationships across client product, technology, and business leadership teams to drive meaningful outcomes.
- Defining comprehensive skill frameworks to directly inform talent acquisition, career progression, and team development.
- Partnering with business development teams during early project stages to identify product opportunities and structure multidisciplinary teams effectively.
- Advocating for the value of design across Faculty and client organisations to integrate human-centred design into AI-driven products.
Who we're looking for:
- You bring proven leadership experience shaping design capabilities and building highly effective teams in dynamic environments.
- You possess strong consulting craft and client-facing confidence, capable of framing complex problems and navigating enterprise contexts.
- You have deep expertise in product or service design, with a strong emphasis on user experience, product architecture, and human-centred solutions.
- You hold a thoughtful, pragmatic perspective on data and AI-powered products, including how modern tools enhance the design process.
- You carry an entrepreneurial mindset, driven to articulate and champion the commercial value of design to diverse stakeholders.
- You thrive when balancing hands‑on strategic project delivery with long‑term capability building and team mentorship.
We aim to grow the best team - not the most similar one. We know that diversity of individuals fosters diversity of thought, and that strengthens our principle of seeking truth. And we know from experience that diverse teams deliver better work, relevant to the world in which we live. We’re united by a deep intellectual curiosity and desire to use our abilities for measurable positive impact. We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, religions and sexual orientations.
Some of our standout benefits:
- Unlimited Annual Leave Policy
- Private healthcare and dental
- Enhanced parental leave
- Family-Friendly Flexibility & Flexible working
- Sanctus Coaching
- Hybrid Working
We are open to conversations about part‑time hours.
Principal Designer in London employer: AI Startups UK
Odyssey is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation thrives. As a VP of Research, you'll lead a world-class team at the forefront of AI technology, with ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across disciplines. Our culture fosters creativity and ambition, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of world models and AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Designer in London
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at AI Startups UK for a Principal Designer, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like AI Startups UK before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Designer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like Principal Designer at AI Startups UK, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work AI Startups UK does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to AI Startups UK. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at AI Startups UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at AI Startups UK
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with AI Startups UK, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. AI Startups UK might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at AI Startups UK!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what AI Startups UK is looking for.