At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user experience and service operations in a dynamic tech environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on user-centred design.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving user experiences and driving service excellence.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in user experience and service management required.
The predicted salary is between 68205 - 70089 £ per year.
We're seeking an experienced leader to provide strategic and operational leadership across service management, user experience and customer-facing functions within a complex, secure technology environment. Reporting to the Head of User Experience, you'll lead critical live service operations while ensuring that user needs, research insights and service performance data directly influence service improvements and future service design.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Service Operations, Business Relationship Management, Business Development, Data Analytics and User Research teams.
- Own service performance, KPIs, executive reporting and major incident governance.
- Drive continual improvement across live services, ensuring user outcomes remain at the heart of decision making.
- Strengthen the User Research capability, embedding evidence-based insights into operational improvements and future service design.
- Champion a user-centred approach aligned to Government Digital Service (GDS) principles and best practice.
- Develop demand management, forecasting and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
- Establish strong data and analytics practices to support service decisions and strategic planning.
- Coach and develop multidisciplinary leadership teams through organisational change.
- Represent the organisation at senior leadership and stakeholder forums.
Essential Experience
- Senior leadership experience within User Experience, Service Management, IT Operations, Service Delivery, Managed Services or Live Service environments.
- Proven track record leading large-scale operational services and multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience overseeing User Research, Service Improvement, Customer Experience or UX functions alongside service operations.
- Strong understanding of user-centred design principles, user research methodologies and evidence-based decision making.
- Experience working within or alongside GDS service standards, digital delivery frameworks or service assessment environments.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with senior business and technical leaders.
- Experience balancing operational delivery with transformation programmes.
- Excellent knowledge of modern ITSM and ITIL practices.
Desirable Experience
- Government, Defence, National Security or other highly regulated environments.
- Experience supporting digital transformation programmes using GDS-aligned approaches.
- SIAM or multi-supplier service environments.
- DV Clearance.
Contract Details
- Rate: £750 per day
- IR35: Inside IR35
- Location: East Kilbride (Hybrid)
- Duration: 6-12 months initially
- Clearance: SC required, DV preferred
Please note: This role is aimed at senior operational leaders who can combine service excellence with strong user-centred leadership, ensuring operational decisions, user research and service design work together to improve outcomes for users and stakeholders.
Reasonable Adjustments
Respect and equality are core values to us. We are proud of the diverse and inclusive community we have built, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. Our success is driven by our people, united by the spirit of partnership to deliver the best resourcing solutions for our clients. If you need any help or adjustments during the recruitment process for any reason, please let us know when you apply or talk to the recruiters directly so we can support you.
Interim Deputy Head of User Experience in London employer: Sanderson Government and Defence
Join a forward-thinking organisation that values user-centred design and offers a collaborative work environment in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, we provide our employees with opportunities for professional growth while working on impactful government projects that shape digital services. Enjoy a flexible working model that balances on-site collaboration with remote work, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
Contact Details:
Sanderson Government and Defence Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Deputy Head of User Experience in London
✨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
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✨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 Sanderson Government and Defence is looking for a Interim Deputy Head of User Experience, 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 Interim Deputy Head of User Experience in London
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 Sanderson Government and Defence, 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 Sanderson Government and Defence know how you can effectively communicate and collaborate to create fantastic user experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanderson Government and Defence
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When interviewing for a temporary UX/UI design role at Sanderson Government and Defence, 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 Sanderson Government and Defence, 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 Sanderson Government and Defence will appreciate someone who can hit the ground running and be a quick study.
