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- Tasks: Lead service design projects and embed user-centred approaches in public services.
- Company: Capacity, a forward-thinking organisation focused on public sector innovation.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, flexible working, health support, and team socials.
- Why this job: Shape impactful public services while mentoring others in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Expertise in service design and user-centred methods, with leadership experience.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Head of Public Sector Innovation @ Capacity | Leading Public Service Reform
Job title: Lead Service Designer
Location: Hybrid, based in Liverpool (minimum 4–7 days per month in the office, plus travel to partner sites)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (35 hours per week)
Eligibility: This role is only open to applicants who have the legal right to work in the UK
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 2nd November 2025 (Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated if a high number of applications are received).
About the role
We’re looking for a Lead Service Designer to help shape how Capacity embeds user‑centred and co‑production approaches across our work.
This is a senior role in our Public Sector Innovation team, with responsibilities that are both internal (building Capacity’s design practice, tools and standards) and external (leading service design on projects with partners, including local authorities and communities).
You’ll play a key role in Fundamental Voices, a five‑year system‑change initiative funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered with Sefton and Wirral Councils, designed to transform how children, young people and families influence the design and delivery of public services.
What you’ll do
- Embed co‑production methods with service users, communities and staff
- Lead design across multiple projects, ensuring inclusive and user‑centred approaches
- Assure design direction and quality across workstreams
- Mentor and coach colleagues to build design capability
- Shape internal design tools, frameworks and standards
Must have
- Expertise in user‑centred and co‑production methods
- Significant experience as a service designer, including leading design in complex public services or social innovation projects
- Ability to develop close and trusting relationships with public and third sector leaders and key partners
- Strong facilitation and communication skills, able to translate complexity into clarity
- Experience of capability building, training or mentoring others in design or agile methods
- Flexible and happy to help wherever needed
- A “can do” attitude and energy for challenges
- Commitment to equity, accessibility and diversity
- Love of learning and openness about development needs
- Motivation to make public services the best they can be for real people
- Hard‑working, able to make things happen with support from the team
- Self‑awareness and willingness to learn from mistakes
- Easy‑going and able to have a laugh as well as work hard
Preferred
- Formal training or qualifications in Service Design, User‑Centred Design, or related disciplines
- Certification or training in Agile, Scrum or Lean UX approaches
- Professional membership of relevant networks or organisations (e.g. Service Design Network, Design Council, Agile Alliance)
What we offer
- 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), matched up to 33 days if you’re coming with more
- 2 additional Capacity bank holidays
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Pension (matched up to 6%)
- Funded health support, including counselling and physiotherapy
- Team days, socials and free lunches
- A supportive and collaborative team environment
Apply now
To apply, send your CV along with answers to our quick questions via our portal:
Seniority level
- Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
Industries
- Non‑profit Organizations
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Lead Service Designer employer: CAPACITY
Contact Detail:
CAPACITY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Service Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work and showcases your design process. This is your chance to demonstrate how you approach user-centred design and co-production methods.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to service design. Think about how you can communicate your design strategy effectively and share examples of your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Capacity.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Service Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Role: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Understand what we're looking for in a Lead Service Designer and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Be Authentic: We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for user-centred design and how it aligns with our mission at Capacity.
Showcase Your Experience: Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in service design and mentoring. Highlight any projects where you've successfully implemented user-centred methods, as this will resonate with us.
Apply Through Our Portal: Remember, we only accept applications through our website. This helps us keep things fair and standardised. So, make sure to submit your application there to ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at CAPACITY
✨Know Your User-Centred Methods
Make sure you brush up on user-centred and co-production methods before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these approaches in your previous roles, especially in complex public services or social innovation projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Lead Service Designer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead design direction and mentor others. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built design capabilities within teams and how you've assured quality across multiple workstreams.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your design strategy and how it aligns with the goals of the organisation. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and clearly to different stakeholders.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in developing close and trusting relationships with public and third sector leaders. Be prepared to discuss specific instances where you've collaborated with partners to achieve successful outcomes in service design.
