At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UX design for complex digital products and mentor a talented team.
- Company: A leading UK digital platform focused on customer experience and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to influence major transformations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to accessibility and user-centred design.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative culture while driving strategic UX improvements.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in senior UX roles with a strong portfolio and mentoring skills.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester / Leeds (Hybrid, 3 days office based)
Salary: £64,000 - £78,000 pro rata (10-month FTC)
Working Pattern: Hybrid
Experience Required: 8+ years UX Design experience, including Principal, Lead, Staff or equivalent senior-level roles
Domain Experience: Complex digital products and customer journeys. Financial services experience beneficial but not essential.
About the Business
Our client is a leading UK-based digital platform operating within a regulated environment. Serving hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide, the organisation is undergoing a significant digital transformation focused on improving customer experiences, accessibility, and product innovation. With an established UX function comprising designers, researchers, and design system specialists, the business has built a collaborative culture centred around continuous learning, knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and user-centred design.
The Role
This is a 10-month maternity cover position for an experienced UX Design Principal to join a mature and highly regarded UX team. Reporting into the UX Design Manager, you will operate as one of the most senior individual contributors within the design function, providing strategic design leadership while remaining hands-on in delivery. You will work across multiple product squads, champion accessibility and design system adoption, mentor designers, and help shape the future direction of complex digital experiences. The successful candidate will be expected to make an immediate impact, confidently influencing stakeholders, advocating for user-centred design, and driving high-quality UX outcomes from day one.
Key Responsibilities
- UX Leadership & Strategy
- Lead the design of complex, business-critical customer experiences across multiple products and platforms.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to influence product direction and customer experience strategy.
- Champion UX best practice across the organisation.
- Advocate for user-centred thinking and evidence-based decision making.
- Support the ongoing evolution and maturity of the UX function.
- Design Delivery
- Drive end-to-end UX design activities from discovery through to delivery and optimisation.
- Create journey maps, wireframes, prototypes and high-fidelity designs.
- Solve complex interaction and information architecture challenges.
- Contribute to major transformation and re-platforming initiatives.
- Ensure design solutions balance customer needs with commercial objectives.
- Accessibility & Design Systems
- Champion accessibility and inclusive design principles across all workstreams.
- Promote adherence to WCAG standards and accessibility best practice.
- Support the continued rollout and adoption of the organisation's design system.
- Drive consistency and scalability across customer experiences.
- Mentoring & Influence
- Coach and mentor designers across the wider UX team.
- Act as a trusted advisor and role model for UX excellence.
- Communicate design rationale clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
- Influence decision making through insight, empathy and strategic thinking.
- Support a collaborative culture of learning and knowledge sharing.
Required Skills & Experience
- Significant experience in a Principal, Lead, Staff or equivalent senior UX Design role.
- Proven track record designing complex digital products, platforms and customer journeys.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking, design leadership and measurable outcomes.
- Expertise in UX Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture and complex problem solving.
- Experience leading large-scale or strategically important design initiatives.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.
- Strong understanding of accessibility, inclusive design and WCAG standards.
- Experience championing and working with Design Systems.
- Ability to operate independently whilst collaborating across multiple teams and disciplines.
- Strong mentoring and coaching capability.
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within regulated industries.
- Experience supporting transformation programmes and strategic change initiatives.
- Experience influencing organisational design maturity.
- Understanding of end-to-end customer journeys across multiple channels.
- Experience using AI-powered tools to support research, ideation and design delivery.
Personal Attributes
- Empathetic and customer-focused.
- Confident communicator and stakeholder manager.
- Collaborative and approachable.
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, complex environments.
- Able to influence through expertise rather than authority.
- Passionate about accessibility, inclusion and delivering meaningful customer outcomes.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £64,000 - £78,000 pro rata.
- 10-month fixed-term contract.
- Hybrid working model with flexibility where required.
- Opportunity to play a key role in a large-scale digital transformation programme.
- Collaborative and inclusive culture with strong investment in UX and design.
- Exposure to complex, high-impact digital products and customer experiences.
This opportunity would suit a highly experienced UX leader who enjoys remaining hands-on, mentoring others, and driving strategic UX improvements across complex digital products within a collaborative and design-led environment.
Locations
UX Design Lead in Cheshire, Warrington employer: Forward Role Recruitment
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive culture that prioritises continuous learning and user-centred design. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the UX Design Lead role provides the opportunity to influence significant digital transformation initiatives while working in a hybrid model from vibrant locations like Manchester or Leeds. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that values accessibility and innovation, making it an ideal place for experienced professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UX Design Lead in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 Forward Role Recruitment is looking for a UX Design Lead, 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 UX Design Lead in Cheshire, Warrington
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 Forward Role Recruitment, 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 Forward Role Recruitment know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Role Recruitment
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at Forward Role Recruitment, 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 Forward Role Recruitment, 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 Forward Role Recruitment will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.
