At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning UI designs and build scalable design systems in Figma.
- Company: Join a collaborative team passionate about creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4.5-day work week with half days on Fridays.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for creative problem-solving.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on exciting web platform projects while working independently.
- Qualifications: Strong UI design skills and expert-level Figma experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
4.5 DAY WORK WEEK – HALF DAY ON FRIDAYS
We are seeking a freelance Senior UI / Product Designer to support a major web platform project during a critical design phase. The role will work closely with the project team to translate UX direction, requirements and strategic thinking into high‑fidelity design and a component library. We need someone who can become productive quickly, work independently, and accelerate delivery with minimal oversight. This is a hands‑on delivery role rather than a design leadership or consultancy position.
What We’re Looking For
- Take ownership of design tasks and drive them forward independently
- Produce high‑quality UI design at pace
- Build scalable design systems and component libraries in Figma
- Translate requirements and UX direction into intuitive user experiences
- Collaborate effectively with developers and project stakeholders
- Make sound design decisions without requiring extensive direction
- Identify problems, propose solutions and keep momentum moving
- Deliver results with minimal oversight
Ideal Profile
- Strong UI and product design background
- Expert‑level Figma capability
- Experience building and maintaining design systems
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and shaping solutions
- Commercially minded and pragmatic
- Confident working as part of a multidisciplinary project team
- Self‑starter with excellent problem‑solving skills
- Experience with complex digital products, platforms or web applications is beneficial
What We Don’t Need
This is not a Digital Design Director, UX Consultant or Design Strategy role. We are not looking for someone who primarily advises, facilitates workshops or creates high‑level recommendations. We need a designer who is comfortable being on the tools and delivering work themselves.
Portfolio / Candidate Conversation Expectations
It would be good in conversations to hear about people’s independent thinking and strong execution, not simply polished visual work.
Candidates Should Be Able To Demonstrate
- Ownership of design decisions and the rationale behind them
- Examples of solving complex design or usability challenges
- Evidence of building and scaling design systems
- Examples of working closely with developers to bring designs to life
- Ability to simplify complexity and create clear user experiences
- Situations where they proactively identified issues and proposed solutions
- Tangible impact of their work on product, user or business outcomes
During portfolio discussions, emphasis on how candidates think, make decisions and operate independently, rather than simply reviewing finished screens.
Success Measures
- Require minimal day‑to‑day management
- Increase design delivery capacity immediately
- Allow senior team members to focus on strategic and stakeholder activities
- Contribute thoughtful solutions rather than waiting for instruction
- Deliver high‑quality design outputs quickly and reliably
We are looking for someone who combines strong design craft with initiative, commercial awareness and the ability to operate autonomously within a fast‑moving project environment.
Client Description
We are a highly collaborative group of designers, strategists and project managers — united by our belief in the power of creativity.
Freelance - UI Designer [210981] in Manchester employer: Aquent
Join a dynamic and collaborative team that values creativity and innovation, where you can thrive in a flexible work environment with a 4.5-day work week, including half days on Fridays. As a freelance Senior UI/Product Designer, you'll have the opportunity to take ownership of your design tasks, contribute to impactful projects, and grow your skills while working alongside talented professionals who are passionate about delivering high-quality user experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance - UI Designer [210981] in Manchester
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your best mate. Make sure to showcase a variety of projects that highlight your design process, not just the final product. Include case studies that tell a story about how you approached the problem and the impact of your design solutions.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Dive into online design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or even UX forums on Reddit. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your work but also help you connect with potential clients and fellow designers. Plus, attending local design meetups or online webinars can open up freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Nail Your Pitch
When reaching out to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their specific needs. Highlight how your skills align with their projects and mention any related work you've done. Remember, clients love to see how you can add value to their business, so be clear about what you can bring to the table.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Showcase your design work on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post regularly and engage with your audience; ask for feedback on your designs or share insights into your creative process. This not only builds your brand but can lead to potential clients sliding into your DMs!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance - UI Designer [210981] in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Portfolio:As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it’s packed with your best work, showcasing your design process, user flows, and final products. Highlight projects that demonstrate not just your aesthetic skills but also your ability to solve real user problems.
Tailor Your Application to Aquent:When applying for the freelance role of Freelance - UI Designer [210981] at Aquent, take a moment to research their style and design language. Customising your CV and portfolio to align with their brand aesthetics shows you're not just any designer, but the perfect fit for their team.
Crisp and Clear Proposals:When you pitch yourself, be direct about what you can bring to the table. Outline your skills clearly and mention your rates upfront. A straightforward proposal lets Aquent know you're professional and ready to hit the ground running!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Freelance roles often involve working with various clients. Make sure to showcase any previous collaboration experiences in your CV. Mention how you’ve worked with developers, marketers, or stakeholders to create designs that keep all parties happy — that's a key selling point for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aquent
✨Showcase Your Portfolio like a Pro
Your portfolio is your calling card, so make sure it’s not just pretty but also tells a story. Arrange your best UX/UI design projects in a way that highlights your thought process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you tackled them—freelancers need to show they can handle real-world problems.
✨Use Design Tools Effectively
Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is crucial in our field. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in real scenarios. They might ask specific technical questions about how you’d approach a design problem or your workflow, so brush up on those details and think of examples from your previous freelance projects.
✨Prepare for Client-Centric Questions
As a freelancer, you'll be client-facing, so expect questions about handling client feedback and managing expectations. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with difficult situations or miscommunications in previous projects. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is a major selling point, and it’s worth stressing how well you can read and meet their needs.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Self-Management
Freelance work requires a lot of self-discipline and time management. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your time, juggle multiple clients, and prioritise tasks. Sharing how you've successfully managed deadlines and client relationships in the past can really set you apart from the competition and show that you're more than just a designer—you're a complete package.
