Head of Design - AI

Head of Design - AI

Full-Time 85000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
MCS Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UX design for cutting-edge AI platforms in mission-critical environments.
  • Company: Belfast-based AI tech company focused on secure, enterprise-grade solutions.
  • Benefits: Up to £95,000 salary, hybrid working, and strong work-life balance.
  • Other info: Opportunity for high ownership and visibility in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful AI products and mentor a collaborative design team.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in product design, experience with complex systems, and AI exposure.

The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.

MCS Group are delighted to be partnering with a Belfast-based AI technology company building secure, enterprise-grade artificial intelligence solutions for highly regulated industries including defence, national security, government, financial services, healthcare and education. Founded nearly a decade ago, the business began as a specialist AI consultancy delivering complex projects in secure environments before evolving into a product-led organisation with its own proprietary AI platform. Their flagship platform is an AI operating system designed to operate in cloud, edge and highly secure environments - and they're now hiring a Head of Design to take ownership of user experience across the platform.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll shape the UX and interaction design of a complex AI platform used in real-world, mission-critical environments. You'll:

  • Lead end-to-end product design from discovery to delivery
  • Design AI-first interfaces, including application builders and natural language workflows
  • Own and evolve the internal design system
  • Work closely with Product and Engineering to influence roadmap and strategy
  • Mentor designers and help scale design best practice

This role suits someone who enjoys solving complex problems and shipping production-grade products in fast-moving environments.

What We're Looking For

  • 8+ years' product design experience (enterprise/B2B preferred)
  • Experience designing complex platforms or systems
  • Exposure to AI / Generative AI environments
  • Strong systems thinking and stakeholder communication skills
  • Comfortable working hands-on while influencing strategic direction
  • Ability to obtain UK Security Clearance (preferred)

Why Join?

  • Work on cutting-edge AI products with real-world impact
  • High ownership and visibility
  • Collaborative, close-knit product team
  • Hybrid working (Belfast-based with a 4 day week at times throughout the year)
  • Up to £95,000 + strong work-life balance benefits

If you're a Lead Product designer ready to shape AI-driven products at scale, we'd love to speak with you. To speak in absolute confidence about this opportunity please contact Rachael Walker, IT Recruitment Manager at MCS Group or click the apply button below. If this position is not right for you, we have others that are. Please visit MCS Group to view a wide selection of our current jobs or give us a call. All conversations will be treated in the strictest of confidence.

Head of Design - AI employer: MCS Group

Join a pioneering Belfast-based AI technology company that is at the forefront of developing secure, enterprise-grade solutions for critical industries. As an employer, we offer a collaborative and innovative work culture, with opportunities for personal and professional growth, including mentorship and hands-on leadership in design. Enjoy a strong work-life balance with hybrid working options and the chance to make a real-world impact through cutting-edge AI products.
MCS Group

Contact Detail:

MCS Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Design - AI

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend design meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your work! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects, especially those related to AI and complex systems. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and showcases your design process, not just the final product.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common design challenges and questions. Think about how you would approach designing an AI-first interface or solving a complex UX problem. This will help you feel confident and ready to impress.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design - AI

Product Design
User Experience (UX) Design
Interaction Design
AI-first Interface Design
Design System Development
Systems Thinking
Stakeholder Communication
Mentoring Designers
Complex Problem Solving
Experience in AI / Generative AI Environments
Hands-on Leadership
Strategic Influence
Collaboration Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Design role. Highlight your product design experience, especially in AI or complex platforms, to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about AI and design. Share specific examples of how you've led design projects and influenced product strategy in the past.

Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that demonstrates your design process and showcases your best work. We want to see how you approach complex problems and create user-centric designs.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at MCS Group

✨Know Your AI Inside Out

Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in AI and generative AI environments. Understand how these technologies can impact user experience and design. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've integrated AI into your designs will show your expertise.

✨Showcase Your Design Process

Prepare to walk through your design process from discovery to delivery. Use a portfolio that highlights complex platforms you've worked on, especially in enterprise or B2B settings. Be ready to explain your thought process and how you tackled challenges along the way.

✨Communicate Like a Pro

Strong stakeholder communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence product strategy and roadmap discussions, and be prepared to share examples of how you've done this in the past.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

This position requires working closely with Product and Engineering teams. Highlight your experience in collaborative environments and how you've mentored other designers. Show that you're not just a hands-on designer but also a team player who can elevate design best practices.

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