Pod is one of the UK's leading electric vehicle (EV) charging providers, powering homes, public spaces and workplaces for over 300,000 customers. Founded as an early innovator in EV travel, the company now powers over 5 million miles every day. Pod builds award-winning technology to make clean energy easy, affordable and accessible, and operates with a team of over 300 people.
The role
This is a 14-month fixed-term contract covering a maternity leave, sitting within the Product department and reporting into the VP of Product. You would step into an established design function and lead a small team of designers, with responsibility for digital design strategy across all customer-facing channels.
What you would do
- Define and drive the digital design vision across web, shop, app and email, aligning every experience with customer needs and business objectives.
- Lead UX and service design across the full customer journey, from first visit through installation and ongoing engagement, mapping journeys and identifying friction points.
- Set and maintain a high bar for design quality across all digital channels through reviews, coaching and hands-on support.
- Drive user research and usability testing activities, translating findings into clear recommendations that feed directly into product decisions.
- Support and develop a small team of designers through regular coaching, feedback and mentoring.
- Work closely with Product leaders to identify opportunities, define customer problems and shape future propositions using customer insight and data.
- Oversee and evolve the design system to ensure consistency, efficiency and scalability across all digital touchpoints.
- Champion inclusive design and ensure all experiences meet accessibility standards and WCAG best practice.
- Collaborate with Product, Marketing and Engineering teams to ensure design concepts translate effectively into delivered experiences.
- Use customer, product and commercial performance data to measure the impact of design initiatives and identify improvement opportunities.
What they are looking for
- 5 or more years of experience across product design, UX design and service design.
- At least 2 years of experience leading and developing a design team.
- Proven experience setting design direction and delivering customer-centred digital experiences.
- Strong knowledge of service design, customer journey mapping and user-centred design methodologies.
- Experience conducting user research and applying insights to product and design decisions.
- Experience building, managing and evolving design systems.
- Solid understanding of interaction design and usability principles.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in Figma and experience with modern prototyping tools.
- Comfortable working in agile product environments.
- Bonus: experience in e-commerce, marketplace or consumer technology; scale-up or high-growth environments; subscription or service-led customer journeys; A/B testing and data-led optimisation; design maturity or transformation programmes.
Working arrangements
The role is hybrid, based in London with 1-2 days per week in the London office.
You must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The contract also allows working abroad for up to 20 days per year.
Pay and benefits
Salary is £80,000 - £90,000 per year, plus a bonus and EV allowance.
- access to the UnMind wellbeing platform (for you and up to 5 family or friends)
- a Pod Point charger
- a discounted energy tariff
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- generous parental and family leave
- a pension scheme with 4.5% matched contribution
- life insurance at 4x annual salary
- a virtual GP
- an Employee Assistance Programme
- free mortgage advice
- discounted gym memberships
- a Cycle2Work scheme
Head of Digital Design employer: Pod
At Pod, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and sustainability in the EV charging sector. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including access to the 'UnMind' wellbeing platform and generous parental leave. With opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative work culture, Pod is an excellent place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digital Design
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like Pod are looking for when hiring for a Head of Digital Design.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to Pod for the Head of Digital Design, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at Pod as a Head of Digital Design, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out Pod’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head of Digital Design.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at Pod, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with Pod's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at Pod. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that Pod uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at Pod. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
