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- Tasks: Lead the User Experience team and drive innovative design solutions across the organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on user-centred design and business improvement.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working and a commitment to inclusivity in recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping user experiences and optimising services.
- Qualifications: Experience in service design and user experience methodologies is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Cirencester Office
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Employment Type: Permanent
Seniority: Mid‑Senior Level
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and set the direction for the User Experience team, establishing the User Centred Design vision and approach, and champion and deliver process improvements across the organisation.
- Lead the delivery of innovative design solutions across the organization, providing a flexible response to business needs, deploying a wide range of design techniques to explore issues, find answers and support implementation.
- Champion and embed digital experience and user experience through leadership of the User Experience and testing team, supporting and enhancing the delivery of corporate strategy across research, ideation, conception, design, prototypes and testing of the digital product portfolio.
- Liaise with standardisation and simplification initiatives and other design community disciplines such as architecture and analysis to articulate a vision for business optimisation.
- Research, reimagine and measure services, systems and processes to ensure they are efficient, effective, easy to use and deliver better customer experiences and successful business outcomes.
- Provide strategic leadership to deliver an approach aligned to corporate objectives that drives customer‑centric service optimisation, improves efficiency, reduces costs and is supported by key metrics.
- Drive a proactive and iterative approach to service design, user experience and business improvement based on insight and evidence of user needs, leading to implementable change.
- Develop and operate a modern Service Design, Business Improvement and Insight function that provides professional expertise and strategic advice to business areas, shaping and supporting overall strategy.
- Lead and manage digital insight and performance activity, including user research and digital analytics (qualitative and quantitative) to support decision making and broaden understanding of business, partnership and client user needs.
- Shape and implement a comprehensive UX strategy aligned with objectives and customer needs, lead and manage a team of UX professionals, foster growth, ensure collaboration and productivity, and integrate UX principles with product managers, architects, developers and stakeholders.
Essential Criteria
- Have experience of working with service design, user experience and business improvement methodologies and understand how these can help the organisation achieve strategic goals.
- A working knowledge of architecture would be beneficial for effective collaboration with other stakeholders.
- Ability to encourage best practice and innovation by benchmarking current trends and new developments in service design, business improvement, insight and service performance.
- Act as a subject matter expert to advise on the adoption and development of new and emerging Service Design, User Experience and Business Improvement and Insight technologies.
- Exploit technology and the digital agenda to progress the efficiency and value of what the team delivers.
Benefits
- We reward you for the work you do, whether that’s through our discretionary annual bonus scheme that reflects both personal and company performance.
- Competitive annual leave allowance (28 days plus bank holidays, with an option to purchase an additional 5 days).
- An online rewards platform with a variety of discounts.
- Competitive parental leave (26 weeks full pay).
- Private medical insurance (optional taxable benefit).
- 10% non‑contributory pension (increasing with length of service).
Reasonable Adjustments
We are an equal opportunities employer and want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible and inclusive for all. If you require reasonable adjustment(s) at any stage please let us know by emailing us at careers@sjp.co.uk.
Head of Design and Improvement employer: St. James's Place
Contact Detail:
St. James's Place Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design and Improvement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the design and improvement field, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects and improvements you've led. Make it visually appealing and easy to navigate – after all, you’re applying for a Head of Design role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s current design strategies and challenges. Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with their goals – this shows you’re proactive and ready to make an impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design and Improvement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in service design and user experience. We want to see how your skills align with our vision for the User Experience team!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or delivered innovative design solutions. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value creativity and innovation, so don’t be afraid to express your unique approach to design and improvement!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James's Place
✨Know Your Design Methodologies
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of service design, user experience, and business improvement methodologies. Be ready to discuss how these can help the organisation achieve its strategic goals. Having specific examples from your past experiences will really make you stand out.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design and Improvement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team effectively. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully managed a team, fostered collaboration, and driven innovative design solutions. Highlight how you’ve championed user-centred design in previous roles.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves digital insight and performance activity, come prepared with examples of how you've used qualitative and quantitative data to inform your design decisions. Discuss any metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your approach to service optimisation.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the company's corporate strategy and how the User Experience team fits into it. Be ready to articulate how your vision for user experience aligns with their objectives and how you plan to drive customer-centric service optimisation across the organisation.