At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UX design for impactful products that improve lives and simplify complex challenges.
- Company: Whiteshield, a global advisory firm focused on policy, data, and technology.
- Benefits: Creative freedom, remote-friendly work, and clear growth paths in a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with talented professionals across various fields.
- Qualifications: Strong design portfolio, experience with mobile and large-scale platforms, and mentoring skills.
- Other info: Join a team that values respect, inclusion, and wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Whiteshield is a global advisory firm helping governments navigate big, world-shaping challenges - from economic transformation to education, employment, and innovation. We work at the intersection of policy, data, and technology, building products that don't just inform decisions, but improve lives. Design is central to how we work. It's how we turn complexity into clarity, dense systems into intuitive experiences, and ambitious ideas into products people genuinely enjoy using. If you're motivated by impact and purpose - Whiteshield is for you.
Where you fit in
We are looking for a Design Lead who can transition easily from early ideas to polished execution, always keeping the user in mind. You will design across a range of products and platforms, including:
- Mobile applications
- Large, public-facing citizen platforms
- Government portals and digital services
- Data-rich dashboards and decision-support tools
If you enjoy simplifying complex problems and designing clear, effective solutions, this role will suit you well.
What You'll Own
Design Direction & VisionSet and evolve the design language across mobile, web, and large-scale public platforms. Raise the bar for visual quality, interaction design, and overall experience across all Whiteshield products. Bring clarity and cohesion to a growing product ecosystem, ensuring consistency without sacrificing creativity.
User Experience & Product ExecutionLead research and design sprints to deeply understand diverse users - citizens, students, jobseekers, policymakers, businesses, and institutions. Translate complex policy, data, and services into intuitive, human-centered journeys. Design experiences that feel simple, accessible, and culturally relevant across regions and audiences. Partner closely with product, engineering, and policy teams to take ideas from concept to launch.
Team Leadership & CollaborationGuide and mentor designers, helping grow both craft and confidence. Communicate design decisions clearly and persuasively, especially with non-design stakeholders. Champion design as a strategic function, not just a delivery role.
Requirements
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FORWe place less emphasis on titles and tenure, and more on demonstrated design capability.
- A portfolio that shows strong visual design, thoughtful UX, and clear problem-solving.
- Experience designing both mobile products and large-scale platforms.
- Comfort thinking in systems - components, patterns, and responsive layouts.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across disciplines.
- Experience guiding or mentoring other designers.
- Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.
Benefits
Meaningful impactYour work helps shape products used at national scale - enabling people to access services, opportunities, and support that make a real difference in everyday lives.
Creative freedomYou will have room to explore ideas, test approaches, and raise the bar for design quality - even in complex, regulated environments. We value thoughtful experimentation and encourage new ways of working.
High-calibre collaborationYou'll work alongside talented people across policy, data, design, and technology - bringing different perspectives together to solve complex problems well.
Flexibility that worksWe operate in an outcome-driven, remote-friendly way that respects individual working styles. Trust, autonomy, and balance are core to how we work.
Clear growth pathsWe invest in our people. Good performance, ownership, and delivery are recognised through meaningful feedback, development opportunities, and long-term career progression.
Supportive cultureYou will join a team that values respect, inclusion, and wellbeing - where people are encouraged to do their best work without burning out.
Whiteshield: UX Design Lead (January Start) employer: Whiteshield
Contact Detail:
Whiteshield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Whiteshield: UX Design Lead (January Start)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that align with what Whiteshield is doing. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing – after all, you’re applying for a design role!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common UX design questions and scenarios. Think about how you can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and user-centric approach. Remember, it’s all about showing how you can make an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Whiteshield team. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to keep your name fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Whiteshield: UX Design Lead (January Start)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Skills: Make sure your portfolio is front and centre! We want to see your strong visual design, thoughtful UX, and how you tackle complex problems. Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to create intuitive experiences across different platforms.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your experience aligns with our mission at Whiteshield. Show us how you can simplify complexity and improve lives through design.
Communicate Clearly: We love clear communication, especially when it comes to design decisions. In your application, be persuasive and articulate about your design philosophy and how you collaborate with non-design stakeholders. This will show us you’re a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whiteshield
✨Know Your Design Principles
Before the interview, brush up on your design principles and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you approach user experience and visual design, especially in complex environments. Whiteshield values clarity and simplicity, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to turn intricate ideas into intuitive designs.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Effectively
Your portfolio is your best friend during the interview. Make sure it highlights not just your best work, but also your thought process behind each project. Be prepared to explain how you tackled specific challenges and what impact your designs had on users. This will show that you understand the importance of user-centric design.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
Since collaboration is key at Whiteshield, think of examples where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you communicate design decisions to non-design stakeholders and how you mentor other designers. This will demonstrate your leadership skills and your ability to champion design as a strategic function.
✨Understand Their Mission and Values
Familiarise yourself with Whiteshield's mission and the types of projects they undertake. Reflect on how your values align with theirs, particularly around making a meaningful impact through design. Being able to articulate why you want to work there and how you can contribute will set you apart from other candidates.