Lead Product UX/UI Designer in London

Lead Product UX/UI Designer in London

London Temporary 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the design of SaySo's product experience from research to polished UI.
  • Company: Join Caliber, a media company redefining journalism for modern audiences.
  • Benefits: Enjoy private medical care, 25 days holiday, and flexible work options.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of storytelling and connect with audiences in innovative ways.
  • Qualifications: Experience in UX/UI design and user research with a strong portfolio.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

About the Role

We're hiring a Lead Product UX/UI Designer on a six month fixed term contract to own the end-to-end design of Say So's product experience, from research through to shipped, polished UI.

This is a senior individual contributor role with real ownership: you'll shape how the product looks, feels, and works, and you'll be the person closest to our users' behaviour and feedback.

You'll be based in our London office, reporting directly to the Creative Director who is based in New York and will work closely with Product, Engineering, and the broader Caliber design team to ensure Say So's experience is best-in-class while staying consistent with Caliber's cross-brand design system.

About Caliber

Caliber is a media company built to define a new era for journalism.

All brands in the Caliber family reimagine how stories are created, shared, and valued.

SAy So is one of these brands - an app that gathers and curates the stories that matter to you by individual creators and journalists in the way you want to receive them.

At Caliber we meet modern audiences on their terms, in their tone, and on their time, supporting storytellers with the tools, training, and rigour to shape the world with integrity.

With newsrooms in New York and London, and a global network of trained creators, we deliver stories that matter—shaped by robust measurement and a deep understanding of digital platforms.

At the heart of our business is The Caliber Collective, our digital agency working with clients across the US and UK to lead campaigns and partnerships of all kinds.

What You'll Do

  • Own product design for Say So end-to-end - from problem framing and research through wireframes, prototypes, high-fidelity UI, and shipped features.
  • Run tight user research feedback loops - design and execute usability tests, synthesize qualitative and quantitative feedback (surveys, in-app research tools, user interviews), and translate findings into concrete design decisions and roadmap input.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Engineering to scope, prioritize, and ship features, balancing user needs with business and technical constraints.
  • Contribute to and extend the design system, ensuring Say So's UI stays consistent with shared tokens, components, and brand variables while meeting Say So-specific needs.
  • Present and defend design decisions to leadership and stakeholders, using research and data to support recommendations.
  • Help build and refine our research infrastructure including in-app feedback tools, testing panels, and processes for continuously closing the loop between user insight and product iteration.

What We're Looking For

  • Experience in product UX/UI design, ideally with consumer-facing digital products.
  • Proven experience building and running user research feedback loops you can point to specific examples of research directly shaping shipped product decisions (not just research for its own sake).
  • A portfolio that demonstrates end-to-end ownership: research, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI.
  • Deep fluency in Figma, including component libraries, variables/design tokens, and prototyping.
  • Experience working within or contributing to a multi-brand or multi-product design system.
  • Comfort working directly with Engineering to scope feasibility and ensure design fidelity through to production.
  • Excellent communication skills - able to present research findings and design rationale clearly to both design peers and non-design stakeholders/leadership.
  • A collaborative, low-ego approach paired with a strong point of view on craft.
  • Experience with in-app research/testing tools (e. g., Sprig, Lyssna, or similar).
  • Nice to Have
  • Familiarity with gamification, streak-based, or habit-forming product mechanics.
  • Experience designing for youth, Gen Z, or education/civic-engagement audiences.
  • Illustration or motion design sensibility (e. g., Lottie), even if not a primary skill.

Why join Caliber?

Together, we’ll shape the future of news and storytelling, connecting with audiences in fresh, meaningful ways.

If you share our passion for innovation, authenticity, and impact, let’s make it happen.

What’s in it for you?

  • Private medical care
  • EAP
  • 25 days holiday plus 2 weeks unpaid for those that want longer vacations
  • 1 week work from anywhere
  • Ride to work
  • Commuter loans
  • Gym on site

Lead Product UX/UI Designer in London employer: Caliber

Caliber is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, particularly for the Lead Product UX/UI Designer role based in London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to shape impactful product experiences while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams. The company offers attractive benefits such as private medical care, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive environment that encourages creativity and professional development.

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Contact Details:

Caliber Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Product UX/UI Designer in London

Get Your Work Out There

As a temporary UX/UI designer, it’s crucial to have a solid portfolio that showcases your best projects. Share your designs on platforms like Behance or Dribbble, and don't shy away from seeking feedback in design communities. The more visible you are, the better your chances of snagging that next gig!

Join Design Meet-ups

Networking in the UX/UI design field can be a game changer. Attend local design meet-ups or workshops to connect with other designers and potential employers. These casual settings often lead to freelance or temporary job opportunities that are not advertised widely. Plus, it’s a great way to share ideas and get inspired!

Flexible Platforms for Temporary Roles

Use job platforms that focus on temporary roles, like Creative Circle or Similar. These sites often have listings specifically for short-term design projects, making it easier for you to find quick gigs. Make sure your profiles on these platforms are up to date and highlight your availability!

Slide into Direct Applications

When you see a company like Caliber is looking for a Lead Product UX/UI Designer, don’t just rely on job boards. Check out their careers page and apply directly! Companies often prefer candidates who show initiative and genuine interest in their work, plus you might find opportunities that haven't been widely advertised yet.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Product UX/UI Designer in London

Product UX/UI Design
User Research
Wireframing
Prototyping
High-Fidelity UI
Figma
Design System Development

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your portfolio:Since you're diving into UX/UI design, make sure your portfolio is front and centre. We want to see your design process, not just the final products. Share case studies that explain your thought process, the problems you solved, and how you approached user research!

Tailor your CV for the design world:In UX/UI design, your CV should reflect your creative side! Highlight relevant design skills, software you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and any user experience methodologies you’ve employed. Keep it sleek and visually appealing—after all, we’re in design!

Emphasise your adaptability:Because this is a temporary role with Caliber, we want to see that you can hit the ground running. In your cover letter, mention examples of how you’ve adapted to tight deadlines or changing project scopes in the past. Showcase that flexibility and eagerness to learn!

Highlight collaboration experience:UX/UI design is all about teamwork. When you’re applying, mention any experiences where you’ve worked closely with developers, product managers, or other designers. Let Caliber know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.

How to prepare for a job interview at Caliber

Show Off Your Portfolio

When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at Caliber, your portfolio is your best friend. Bring along a digital copy and be ready to discuss your design process, the challenges you faced in your past projects, and how you solved them. This is a great opportunity to showcase your adaptability and how quickly you can deliver results.

Know Your Tools Inside Out

In the world of UX/UI design, familiarity with tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is crucial. Make sure you can comfortably talk about projects you’ve completed with these tools and any unique features you’ve leveraged. The interviewer might throw in some technical questions about these tools, so be prepared!

Understand the Company’s Design Voice

For a temporary gig at Caliber, it's key to understand their brand and design ethos. Dive into their past projects or any current designs they may have on their website. Showing that you’re aligned with their visual style and user experience approach will help you stand out during the interview.

Flexibility is Key

As it’s a temporary position, highlight your ability to adapt and learn quickly. Discuss previous experiences where you’ve had to pivot your design approach or work under tight deadlines. Employers like Caliber will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.