At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning digital designs for web and mobile, enhancing user experiences.
- Company: Join NextEnergy Group, a leader in the solar sector with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, hybrid working, and BUPA healthcare.
- Other info: Collaborate with experienced designers and grow your skills in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Kickstart your design career while making a positive impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: A-levels or relevant degree; passion for digital design is key.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and creative Junior Digital Designer to support the delivery of intuitive, visually appealing, and user-centred digital experiences across Next Energy Group's Technology & Digital Services (TDS) portfolio.
This role is designed as a development opportunity for an early-career designer looking to build practical experience in UX/UI design within a fast-paced, technology-led organisation.
You will work under the guidance of experienced designers, engineers, and product managers to develop your skills while contributing to real business outcomes.
You will gain exposure to designing for web and mobile platforms, supporting the creation of consistent, accessible, and brand-aligned user experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design Support & Execution
- Assist in translating business requirements and user needs into wireframes, mock-ups, and basic prototypes.
- Support the creation of user interface designs in line with established design systems and brand guidelines.
- Contribute to updating and maintaining design assets, component libraries, and documentation.
- Learning & Development
- Develop core UX/UI skills through hands-on project work and structured learning.
- Build familiarity with design tools such as Figma.
- Learn and apply principles of user-centred design, accessibility, and responsive design.
- User Research & Insight
- Support user research activities, including surveys, interviews, and usability testing.
- Assist in gathering and analysing user feedback to inform design improvements.
- Work alongside product managers, engineers, and designers to understand project requirements.
- Participate in agile ceremonies, including stand-ups and backlog discussions, as appropriate.
- Support design handover by preparing basic specifications and assets for development teams.
- Brand & Visual Consistency
- Ensure design outputs align with Next Energy Group's brand identity.
- Support the creation of visual assets that communicate workflows, dashboards, and data clearly.
SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
To be successful in this role, you will demonstrate
- Basic familiarity with design tools (Figma, Sketch, or similar) is desirable.
- Understanding of visual design principles such as layout, colour, and typography.
- Willingness to learn UX fundamentals and accessibility concepts (e. g. WCAG).
- Good communication skills and ability to collaborate within a team.
- Attention to detail and enthusiasm for improving user experiences.
- Passion for our mission
- 'to generate a more sustainable future by leading the transition to clean energy
Our values
be a leader, build trust, be responsible, be innovative and 'bring your alpha'.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Educated to A-level (or equivalent) or currently pursuing/complete a relevant degree, apprenticeship, or course in design, digital media, or a related field.
- A strong interest in digital design, UX/UI, or related fields.
- A portfolio (academic, personal, or freelance) demonstrating interest in digital design is desirable but not essential.
- No prior professional experience required—this is a learning-focused role.
- Right to work in the UK.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A busy role in a supportive team, with plenty of opportunities to learn
- International scope - we operate in over 8 countries
- Hybrid working - we will need you in the central London (Mayfair) office at least twice a week, but you will normally be able to work remotely for the remainder of the week
- 30 days' holiday per year (3 of which are taken during the festive shutdown in December)
- BUPA Healthcare for you and qualifying dependents
- Cycle to work and electric vehicle leasing schemes
- Annual discretionary bonus.
Our approach to diversity and inclusion is a natural extension of our values.
Our entrepreneurial culture inspires us to try new things, be open to different viewpoints and be bold.
Our Group is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of connectedness that values difference and gives space for individual expression.
The collective sum of our individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent and hard work form the bedrock of who we are and who we aspire to be.
We are committed to equal employment and advancement opportunity irrespective of race, color, ancestry, social background, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability and gender identity.
ABOUT US
Next Energy Group was founded in 2007 to become a leading market participant in the international solar sector.
Since its inception, it has been active in the development, construction, and ownership of solar assets across multiple jurisdictions.
Next Energy Group operates via its three business units: Next Energy Capital (Investment Management), Wise Energy (Operating Asset Management), and Starlight (Asset Development).
Next Energy Capital manages the Group's investment activities and has invested in over 520 solar plants, exceeding 2GW in capacity across its institutional funds.
- Next Energy Solar Fund (NESF): Listed on the London Stock Exchange, NESF manages 102 solar and energy storage assets in the UK and Italy, with a total installed capacity of 983MW and a gross asset value of £1,014m.
- Next Power II (NPII): A private fund of 105 solar plants (149MW) focused on Italy, successfully divested in January 2022, delivering net IRRs exceeding its 10-12% target.
- Next Power III ESG (NPIII ESG): A private fund targeting solar infrastructure in OECD countries (e. g., US, Spain, Italy), with $896m raised, exceeding its $750m target.
- Next Power UK ESG (NPUK ESG): A private fund dedicated to new-build solar plants in the UK, with ~£600m raised.
- Next Power V ESG (NPV ESG): A private OECD solar fund investing in solar and adjacent technologies like battery storage.
To date, it has raised $745m, targeting $1.5bn ($2bn ceiling).
Wise Energy® is Next Energy Group's operating asset manager.
Wise Energy is a leading specialist operating asset manager in the solar sector.
Since its founding, Wise Energy has provided solar asset management, monitoring, technical due diligence and under construction services to over 1,500 utility-scale solar power plants with an installed total capacity in excess of 3.4 GW.
Wise Energy clients comprise leading banks and equity financiers in the energy and infrastructure sector.
Starlight is Next Energy Group's development company that is active in the development phase of solar projects.
It has developed over 100 utility-scale projects internationally and continues to progress a large pipeline of c.10GW of both green and brownfield project developments across global geographies.
Next STEP is the venture capital fund of Next Energy Group, dedicated to investing in innovative startups in the field of environmental sustainability.
The fund primarily focuses on investments in Italy and the United Kingdom but also extends its reach to the rest of Europe and the United States, targeting startups in the pre-seed and seed stages.
Next STEP pays particular attention to emerging entities from incubators, startup accelerators, universities, and research centers, supporting projects that address global challenges in crucial areas such as Climate Change, Energy Transition, CO2 Capture and Sequestration, Circular Economy, Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Mobility, Sustainable Fashion, Waste Management, Water and much more.
Next Energy Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded in 2016 by the Next Energy Group that operates internationally and whose mission is to proactively participate in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions by providing clean energy sources in regions where they are not yet available and thereby contributing to poverty reduction.
As the main sponsor of this foundation, the Next Energy Group donates at least 5% of its consolidated net profits each year.
The Next Energy Foundation has no overhead costs and therefore 100% of the funds raised go to donations for the various projects.
Since 2016, in 8 years of operation the foundation has donated more than £1.2 million, supporting over 30 projects in 27 different countries around the world.
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Junior Digital Designer employer: NextEnergy Group
Nextenergy-Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the renewable energy sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in energy asset management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Digital Designer
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Killer Portfolio
As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your best mate. Make sure to showcase a variety of projects that highlight your design process, not just the final product. Include case studies that tell a story about how you approached the problem and the impact of your design solutions.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Dive into online design communities like Dribbble, Behance, or even UX forums on Reddit. These platforms not only allow you to showcase your work but also help you connect with potential clients and fellow designers. Plus, attending local design meetups or online webinars can open up freelance opportunities that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
✨Nail Your Pitch
When reaching out to potential clients, tailor your pitches to their specific needs. Highlight how your skills align with their projects and mention any related work you've done. Remember, clients love to see how you can add value to their business, so be clear about what you can bring to the table.
✨Leverage Social Media for Visibility
Showcase your design work on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn. Post regularly and engage with your audience; ask for feedback on your designs or share insights into your creative process. This not only builds your brand but can lead to potential clients sliding into your DMs!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Digital Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Portfolio:As a freelance UX/UI designer, your portfolio is your golden ticket! Make sure it’s packed with your best work, showcasing your design process, user flows, and final products. Highlight projects that demonstrate not just your aesthetic skills but also your ability to solve real user problems.
Tailor Your Application to NextEnergy Group:When applying for the freelance role of Junior Digital Designer at NextEnergy Group, take a moment to research their style and design language. Customising your CV and portfolio to align with their brand aesthetics shows you're not just any designer, but the perfect fit for their team.
Crisp and Clear Proposals:When you pitch yourself, be direct about what you can bring to the table. Outline your skills clearly and mention your rates upfront. A straightforward proposal lets NextEnergy Group know you're professional and ready to hit the ground running!
Highlight Collaboration Experience:Freelance roles often involve working with various clients. Make sure to showcase any previous collaboration experiences in your CV. Mention how you’ve worked with developers, marketers, or stakeholders to create designs that keep all parties happy — that's a key selling point for us!
How to prepare for a job interview at NextEnergy Group
✨Showcase Your Portfolio like a Pro
Your portfolio is your calling card, so make sure it’s not just pretty but also tells a story. Arrange your best UX/UI design projects in a way that highlights your thought process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work. Talk about the challenges you faced and how you tackled them—freelancers need to show they can handle real-world problems.
✨Use Design Tools Effectively
Familiarity with design tools such as Figma, Sketch, and Adobe XD is crucial in our field. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in real scenarios. They might ask specific technical questions about how you’d approach a design problem or your workflow, so brush up on those details and think of examples from your previous freelance projects.
✨Prepare for Client-Centric Questions
As a freelancer, you'll be client-facing, so expect questions about handling client feedback and managing expectations. Prepare examples of how you've dealt with difficult situations or miscommunications in previous projects. Your ability to communicate effectively with clients is a major selling point, and it’s worth stressing how well you can read and meet their needs.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Self-Management
Freelance work requires a lot of self-discipline and time management. Be prepared to discuss how you organise your time, juggle multiple clients, and prioritise tasks. Sharing how you've successfully managed deadlines and client relationships in the past can really set you apart from the competition and show that you're more than just a designer—you're a complete package.
