Senior Service Designer

NEC Digital Studio is a people-first digital studio focused on inclusive, accessible design. We partner with a range of clients to deliver evidence-based, end-to-end service designs that put users at the centre. We practice participatory co-design and ethical research, with a focus on accessibility and digital inclusion.

Location and Salary

Location: UK Hybrid

Salary: £46,000–£65,000 (subject to location and experience)

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a skilled practitioner with significant experience delivering service design projects. The role involves creating end-to-end, evidence-based designs for services that are inclusive and accessible. You’ll often work with multidisciplinary teams on complex projects where autonomy and project management are important. You should embody our values: care, fluency in people, craft, openness to change, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct projects – guide multidisciplinary teams and clients toward inclusive, accessible, and effective services.
• Team support and management – inspire and line-manage team members, including appraisals and professional development.
• Define and refine practice – shape how disciplines work together to deliver inclusive, accessible design.
• Support new business – identify opportunities with clients and assist with proposals and pitches.

Your skills and experience

We welcome applicants from all professional backgrounds. The minimum criterion is a relevant degree or professional experience in Service Design. We’d like to hear about experience in several of the following areas:

• Strategy & systems thinking – Leading teams to map and analyse strategies, systems, and scenarios; advising on strategic recommendations.
• Research – Collaborating with user researchers to uncover factors affecting the service and its use.
• User-centred journeys & experiences – Designing outcomes that are user-friendly, feasible, and aligned with client strategy.
• Facilitation – Leading workshops and helping teams present and communicate effectively to clients and stakeholders.
• Organisation design – Understanding org-design approaches for implementing services.
• Visual and written communication – Clear visuals and concise writing for project outputs.
• Recommendation & implementation – Outlining changes, timeframes, resources, and future phases.
• Prototyping – Scoping and delivering targeted prototyping across online and offline media.
• Stakeholder management – Negotiating and guiding stakeholders toward positive outcomes within budget.
• Managing complexity and ambiguity – Navigating uncertainty in transformation projects.
• Proactive and autonomous – Taking initiative and adding value.
• GDS principles – Knowledge of designing services in line with Government Digital Service standards.

How we work

We work with central and local government, the NHS, voluntary and not-for-profit sectors, and the private sector. Depending on projects, you may be embedded with client teams for periods to gain varied experience. We hold weekly meet-ups to share work, discuss implications, and learn methods. You’ll collaborate with Digital teams including interaction and content designers and developers. All Service Designers are supported by senior team members who help with wellbeing, goal setting, and feedback.

Qualifications

We welcome applicants from all professional backgrounds. The minimum criterion is a relevant degree or professional experience in Service Design.

Benefits

• Private Medical Cover funded by NEC for employees (option to add family members)
• 25 days paid holiday with option to buy/sell
• 4x basic salary life assurance (option to increase)
• Group Pension Plan with employer contributions up to 8.5%
• Flexible benefits to suit individual needs
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning (over 15,000 courses)
• Give back days and annual team/company away-days
• Personal learning budget

Other information

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Documentary evidence required. Offers subject to vetting, references, and health checks. DBS check may be required depending on role.

NEC Software Solutions is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome adjustments or accessibility requests during recruitment or interview processes.