At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead service design projects to improve public services for citizens and organisations.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to enhancing public sector outcomes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical cover, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on equal opportunities and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in GDS-aligned service design and strong systems thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Service Designer to shape and deliver complex public sector discovery work focused on improving outcomes for citizens and organisations. This role will operate within a GDS-aligned, multidisciplinary environment, applying service design principles to complex policy and operational challenges.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end-to-end service design discovery within a public sector context, aligned to GDS standards and service lifecycle phases (Discovery, Alpha, Beta, Live).
- Take a systems-thinking approach, mapping the interactions between users, policy, legislation, operations, technology and governance.
- Synthesise existing research and analysis into clear insights, opportunity areas and design considerations.
- Define and apply service design principles to shape improved service outcomes.
- Identify unmet needs, friction points and structural barriers within complex service ecosystems.
- Facilitate collaborative workshops and structured sense-making sessions across multidisciplinary teams and policy stakeholders.
- Ensure service design recommendations are grounded in a clear understanding of the GB legal and regulatory framework.
- Produce high-quality artefacts including service maps, ecosystem maps, problem statements, design principles and strategic recommendations.
- Support teams through governance and service assessment processes where required.
What We’re Looking For
- Significant experience delivering GDS-aligned service design within UK public sector environments.
- Strong understanding of the Government Service Standard and experience working through service assessments.
- Experience leading Discovery phases in complex policy or regulated contexts.
- Proven ability to work across multidisciplinary teams including policy, delivery, technology and operations.
- Experience shaping services influenced by legislative or regulatory frameworks.
Skills & Approach
- Strong systems thinking capability, able to see the whole service, not just individual touchpoints.
- Excellent synthesis skills: turning research and evidence into structured insight and direction.
- Confident facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including with senior audiences.
- Ability to balance user needs, organisational constraints and policy intent.
- Clear, structured communication, both written and visual.
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and shaping clarity collaboratively.
Benefits
- Training – All team members are offered a number of options in terms of personal development, whether it is technical led, business acumen or methodologies.
- Private medical cover for you and your spouse/partner, offered via Vitality.
- Discretionary bonus based on a blend of personal and company performance.
- Holiday – You will receive 25 days holiday, plus 1 day for birthday and 1 day for your work anniversary in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Electric vehicle leasing with salary sacrifice.
- Contributed pension scheme.
- Death in service cover.
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate on the grounds of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.
Senior Service Designer employer: UBDS Digital
As a Senior Service Designer in our dynamic public sector environment, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. We offer comprehensive training opportunities, private medical cover, and a generous holiday package, ensuring a supportive work-life balance while you contribute to meaningful projects that enhance citizen outcomes. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to shaping impactful services within the UK’s regulatory framework.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Service Designer
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like UBDS Digital, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like UBDS Digital and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Service Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for UBDS Digital and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UBDS Digital
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with UBDS Digital, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for UBDS Digital.
