At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful human-centred design projects tackling complex social issues.
- Company: Join Social Finance, a leader in driving systemic change through design.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by championing human-centred design in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading design teams and navigating complex stakeholder environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Human-Centred Design Principal (Associate Director)
We are looking for an experienced Human-Centred Design (HCD) Principal to join our HCD Practice at Social Finance.
This role offers a unique opportunity to drive systemic change across complex social issues through human-centred design and research.
Published
Salary
£80,000
Location
Hybrid, London Bridge
Closing date
The opportunity
Human-Centred Design is a key focus for Social Finance, and we are now looking to grow our leadership team to deliver on the ambitions of our impact strategy.
As an Associate Director in HCD you’ll be a strategic leader who champions human-centred design and research across the organisation, working with a small team to deliver impactful solutions rooted in real people’s needs.
The team
Our UK team comprises around 60 dedicated change‑makers, and the HCD Practice currently has three members – a Practice Lead (also an Associate Director), a Service Design Manager, and a Design Research Manager – plus a wider community of practice that meets monthly.
Key responsibilities
- Project leadership and delivery: Lead or advise on multiple projects concurrently, initially focusing on the Drive Project and our learning‑partner function.
- Practice development: Contribute to the HCD practice and community of practice, coach and mentor members, and champion and embed HCD across Social Finance.
- Business contribution: Lead or contribute to HCD‑focused new business and help embed HCD within impact or practice areas.
- Project leadership and delivery
- Oversee or advise on several complex, multi‑stakeholder research projects on sensitive social issues simultaneously, setting strategic direction and ensuring they inform the design of impactful products, services, and policies.
- Lead or advise on projects within the Drive Project, including the strategic Learning Partner function.
- Guide collaborative analysis and synthesis, developing actionable insights that drive decision‑making and positive social impact.
- Coordinate across a multi‑disciplinary project team, fostering effective collaboration across disciplines.
- Deliver strong project management, providing clarity, structure and momentum for team members.
- Contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture and support staff development, morale and wellbeing.
- Identify and manage risks, interdependencies and constraints, managing upwards effectively and coordinating with functional leads where appropriate (e. g.
Information Governance, Legal, Finance).
- Build and sustain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across clients and delivery partners.
- Navigate complex political, commercial and organisational dynamics, exercising effective influence across partners with differing incentives and priorities.
- Act as a credible external ambassador for Social Finance in senior forums.
- Contribute to the development of Social Finance’s HCD practice, shaping approaches, tools and ways of working.
- Coach, mentor and develop members of the HCD practice and Community of Practice.
- Champion responsible, inclusive and ethical research practices, ensuring our work is accessible and beneficial for all users.
- Take an active role in the wider HCD Community of Practice, designing and running sessions to inspire and upskill the community.
- Business contribution
- Work closely with impact or practice areas to identify opportunities, build out work and embed Human‑Centred Design.
- Contribute to business development, identifying opportunities for effective collaboration, scoping and designing end‑to‑end projects, and helping to grow our design and research portfolio.
- Act as a business owner within the team, contributing to both impact and commercial sustainability.
About You
We are looking for an experienced Human‑Centred Design Principal, passionate about solving complex social problems through design and research.
You have led design and research project teams, ideally in contexts involving complex stakeholder environments and systemic challenges.
- Experience leading design and/or research project teams in complex public sector environments, with a strong understanding of UK digital transformation best practice.
- Ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and comfort with ambiguity.
- A pragmatic approach to user research, service design and product development, balancing rigour with achievability within budgets and technical constraints.
- Analytical skill to synthesize research findings into actionable outputs, identifying long‑term value and strategic insights.
- Deep understanding of ethical considerations in research and experience conducting research with users with diverse needs.
- Experience working as a learning partner, or equivalent role.
- Collaborative and ego‑free, capable of giving and receiving feedback across all team levels, and experienced in mentoring junior researchers.
- Quick understanding of the political, social and technological context of designing services, mapping current journeys and creating blueprints for improved user experiences.
- Strong communication skills and comfort in client‑facing roles.
- A self‑starter capable of scoping and leading projects independently, with excellent organisational and delivery management skills.
- Effective in digitally immature environments, supporting clients to identify opportunities for digital innovation.
- Experience working in the VAWG sector, or a similar sector.
- Skilled in designing, prototyping and building user‑centred products, using a variety of tools such as Figma, Miro and non‑digital methods.
- Quantitative evaluation design and data analysis skills, comfortable designing data‑driven solutions to prioritise user needs within technical constraints.
- Experience working in, or leading, Agile teams and familiarity with GDS standards and service assessments.
- Experience in consulting and agency environments.
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We actively encourage applications from under‑represented and minority‑ised groups, including those with lived experience of the social issues we are working to address.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
Flexible Working
We support a range of flexible working options and welcome UK‑based applications from outside of London/the Southeast, so long as in‑person meeting requirements can be met.
Secondments and part‑time working are also accommodated.
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Human-Centred Design Principal (Associate Director) employer: Social Finance Ltd
At Social Finance, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions human-centred design to drive meaningful social change. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dedicated team of change-makers. Located in the vibrant area of London Bridge, we offer flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human-Centred Design Principal (Associate Director)
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Social Finance Ltd.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Social Finance Ltd.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Social Finance Ltd.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Social Finance Ltd. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Human-Centred Design Principal (Associate Director)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Social Finance Ltd. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Human-Centred Design Principal (Associate Director), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Finance Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Social Finance Ltd. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
