Senior UX/UI Designer

The Design Project; Enderby; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail design firm based in Enderby, Leicestershire, is looking for a Senior UX/UI Designer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role involves designing user experiences for eCommerce platforms, collaborating with various teams, and conducting extensive user research. Required skills include a deep knowledge of UX design methodologies and tools like Figma, alongside proven experience in usability testing. The company offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and extensive employee benefits including product discounts.

Benefits

25% off most NEXT products

Company performance-based bonus

On-site nursery

Early VIP access to sale stock

Access to health and wellbeing services

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in UX/UI design, preferably in eCommerce.
• Proven experience in user research and usability testing.
• Strong understanding of accessibility guidelines (WCAG).

Responsibilities

• Design user experiences for eCommerce platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver digital solutions.
• Conduct user research and usability testing.

Skills

UX design methodologies

UI design skills

Visual aesthetics

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Relevant certifications or degree in Design, HCI, or Computer Science

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

UserTesting.com

Job description

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer - 12 Month Fixed-Term ContractCompany: Next PlcLocation: Enderby, Leicestershire, United KingdomJob Type: Full-Time (Fixed-Term Contract)Category: User Experience & Interface Design / eCommerce OperationsDate Posted: January 23, 2026Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years implied)Remote Status: Hybrid (Implied by office-based with flexible working)

• Design and optimize user experiences across customer-facing eCommerce platforms and internal operational systems to enhance ease of use and efficiency.
• Drive innovation in digital product design by leveraging user behavior data, industry trends, and comprehensive user research methodologies.
• Create visually appealing, intuitive, and accessible user interfaces that align with brand guidelines and enhance customer engagement.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and content strategists, to deliver high-quality digital solutions.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems and component libraries, ensuring consistency and scalability across platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a 12-month fixed-term contract (FTC) focused on UX/UI design within an eCommerce environment. The emphasis on "Browse & Shop experience" and "internal systems" suggests a broad scope impacting both customer journeys and operational efficiency, a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations perspective where user experience directly influences conversion and internal team productivity. The "Senior" title implies a requirement for significant autonomy and leadership in design thinking and execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth user research, analyze user behavior data, and monitor industry trends to identify user pain points and opportunities for design innovation.
• Translate research findings and business requirements into actionable design solutions, including user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Design intuitive and visually compelling user interfaces for web and mobile applications, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines and design principles.
• Execute usability testing, gather feedback, and iterate on designs to optimize user experience and address identified issues.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including UI component libraries, design systems, and interaction design patterns.
• Collaborate with developers to ensure design feasibility, accurate implementation, and maintain design integrity throughout the development lifecycle.
• Conduct regular site and system reviews to identify and rectify bugs, accessibility issues (WCAG compliance), and areas for optimization.
• Present design concepts, research findings, and project updates effectively to stakeholders, product teams, and other relevant parties.
• Participate actively in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to foster continuous improvement within the design team.
• Contribute to the development of effective information architecture in collaboration with content strategists.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking (research, analysis, innovation) and tactical execution (wireframing, prototyping, UI design, testing, documentation). The mention of "internal systems" alongside customer-facing ones points towards a potential role in optimizing operational workflows through improved UX/UI, a key aspect of GTM operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and digital product development is essential. Relevant certifications or a degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field would be advantageous.Experience: Proven experience in both User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, with a preference for candidates with a background in eCommerce or retail environments. A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design is implied by the "Senior" title.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UX design methodologies, including user research, persona development, journey mapping, and usability testing.
• Strong UI design skills with a keen eye for visual aesthetics, layout, typography, and color theory.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, FigJam, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.
• Experience with user testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com).
• Ability to create detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts.
• Solid understanding of responsive design principles, web standards, and accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to address complex design challenges.
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and working at pace.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing and maintaining design systems and UI component libraries.
• Familiarity with content strategy and information architecture principles.
• Knowledge of SEO best practices as they relate to user experience and website structure.
• Experience with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.
• Understanding of eCommerce platforms and their specific UX/UI considerations.
• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong design process from research and ideation to final UI implementation and iteration.
• Include case studies that highlight problem identification, user research methodologies, design solutions, prototyping, usability testing, and measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrate experience in both UX strategy and UI execution, with examples of customer-facing eCommerce interfaces and internal operational tools.
• Showcase proficiency in industry-standard design tools (Figma, etc.) and prototyping techniques.
• Highlight contributions to design systems or component libraries, if applicable.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of creating user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Examples of usability testing reports and how feedback was incorporated into design iterations.
• Documentation of design system components, style guides, or brand guidelines adherence.
• Examples of collaboration with development teams and how design feasibility was ensured.
• Demonstrations of problem-solving through design, illustrating how user pain points were addressed.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX/UI role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just display final designs but clearly articulate the "why" behind design decisions, demonstrating a systematic approach to problem-solving and user advocacy. For an FTC, showcasing adaptability and the ability to quickly grasp new systems and challenges will be key.

Salary Range: As this is a fixed-term contract (FTC) for a Senior UX/UI Designer in Leicestershire, UK, the typical salary range would be between £50,000 - £70,000 per annum, depending on experience and the specific duration/scope of the contract. This range is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in the UK retail/eCommerce sector and the implied experience level.

• 25% off most NEXT products and 10% off most partner brands (including Gap, Lipsy, Victoria's Secret).
• Company performance-based bonus.
• On-site Nursery (OFSTED outstanding).
• Early VIP access to sale stock.
• Discounts at Staff Shops.
• On-site restaurants with subsidized pricing.
• Access to a digital GP and other health/wellbeing services.
• Free on-site parking.
• Financial wellbeing support.
• Direct to Work service (online/instore discounts, next-day collection).
• Access to Support Networks and Group initiatives.
• Wellhub (discounted gym memberships and wellness apps).

Working Hours: Full-time, with an implied standard 40-hour work week. The company offers flexible working arrangements, suggesting potential for hybrid work and adaptable schedules within operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for similar roles in the UK. The extensive list of benefits highlights Next Plc's commitment to employee well-being and perks, which can be a significant draw for candidates, especially for a contract role. The flexible working mention is crucial for a hybrid role.

Industry: Retail (Fashion and Home Goods). Next Plc is a leading FTSE-100 UK fashion retailer, known for its strong online presence and extensive store network. This context implies a fast-paced, data-driven environment focused on customer experience and sales performance.Company Size: Large enterprise (over 35,000 employees across the UK and Ireland). This suggests established processes, dedicated teams for various functions (like design, development, operations), and opportunities for significant impact.Founded: 1982. With a long history, Next Plc has evolved significantly, particularly in its digital transformation, indicating a company that embraces innovation while maintaining a strong brand heritage.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the eCommerce UX team, responsible for the NEXT website and partner brand websites.
• This team likely collaborates closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and potentially data analytics teams.
• As a Senior Designer, you would be expected to mentor junior designers and lead design initiatives within your project scope.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is implied, with a focus on analyzing user behavior and site performance metrics.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development and design iterations.
• A strong emphasis on user-centered design principles is evident from the job description.
• Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork are key to success in this environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's scale and industry context are crucial for understanding the operational environment. A large retail organization like Next Plc will have complex systems and a significant user base, requiring robust, scalable, and efficient design solutions. Understanding their market position and online strategy is key for any candidate.

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level within UX/UI Design, focusing on strategic contributions to the eCommerce platform and internal systems. It requires a blend of hands‑on design execution and the ability to influence design direction and processes.Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Head of UX/UI Design, a Design Lead, or a Product Management Lead within the eCommerce division. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Developers, and other designers.Operations Impact: The role directly impacts customer conversion rates, user satisfaction, and operational efficiency through improved digital interfaces and workflows. By enhancing the "Browse & Shop experience," the designer contributes directly to revenue generation. Improvements to internal systems can lead to greater operational efficiency and reduced costs.

• For this 12-month FTC, the primary growth opportunity lies in gaining valuable experience within a leading UK retailer's eCommerce operations, working on high‑traffic platforms.
• Potential to deepen expertise in eCommerce UX/UI, design systems, and agile development environments.
• Exposure to large-scale design challenges and problem‑solving.
• Depending on performance and business needs, there may be opportunities for contract extension or conversion to a permanent role.
• Learning opportunities include working with a dedicated UX team, exposure to advanced design tools, and understanding complex stakeholder needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: While an FTC, the "Senior" title suggests a role with significant responsibility and the potential to make a tangible impact. Candidates should focus on how they can leverage their experience to solve specific business challenges within the given timeframe and how this experience can propel their careers forward.

Office Type: The role is based at Next Head Office in Leicestershire, UK. This is likely a large corporate office environment that supports a hybrid working model.Office Location(s): Desford Road, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 4AT. The location provides context for commuting and local amenities.Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "inspiring," suggesting modern office facilities.
• "Flexible working" is offered, indicating a hybrid model where employees can balance office-based collaboration with remote work. This is crucial for operations roles that require focused work and team interaction.
• Collaboration is emphasized, suggesting opportunities for in-person brainstorming, design critiques, and team meetings.
• Access to necessary design tools and technology is expected within the office and for remote work setups.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility. This allows for effective management of design tasks, user research sessions, and cross-functional meetings, while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key factor for modern professionals. The office location is fixed, but the flexibility allows for a blend of focused design work and collaborative team engagement, which is standard for senior roles in operations and design.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role and experience level.
• First Interview: Likely a discussion with a hiring manager or senior team member to delve into your experience, design philosophy, and problem-solving approach. Expect questions about your portfolio.
• Design Exercise/Challenge: A practical task to assess your design skills, process, and ability to work within constraints. This could involve a short design challenge or a more in-depth case study presentation.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a broader panel or senior leadership to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the FTC.
• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your UX/UI process, problem-solving skills, and impact, especially those in eCommerce or retail.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the solutions you implemented, and the results or impact achieved. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking, research methodologies, and how you used data and user feedback to inform your decisions. Demonstrate your ability to work at pace and adapt.
• Showcase Tools: Clearly indicate the tools you used (Figma, etc.) and your proficiency.
• Address "Seniority": Demonstrate leadership potential, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide others if applicable.
• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design choices, trade-offs made, and how you would approach specific challenges relevant to Next's business.
• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand any design challenge provided. Clarify any ambiguities.
• Focus on Process: Even if time is limited, clearly articulate your thoughts. How would you approach this problem? What research would you do? What are your initial design considerations?
• Prioritize: If it's a timed exercise, focus on the most critical aspects. Demonstrate your ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Presentation: Prepare to present your findings and recommendations clearly and concisely, highlighting key design considerations and potential solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an FTC, demonstrating the ability to quickly integrate, understand existing systems, and deliver results is crucial. The portfolio review and potential design challenge are key opportunities to showcase these capabilities.

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, given industry trends), FigJam (for collaboration/whiteboarding), Sketch, Adobe XD.
• Creative Suite: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation or manipulation.
• User Testing: UserTesting.com or similar platforms for remote usability testing.
• Collaboration: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, or Microsoft Teams for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analyst role, understanding how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or internal BI dashboards will be beneficial for informing design decisions.
• Familiarity with A/B testing platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO) would be advantageous.

CRM & Automation:

• A basic understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce, though less direct for UX/UI) and marketing automation platforms impact customer journeys can provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a de facto standard for modern UX/UI roles, so highlighting this and related tools is essential. The mention of "internal systems" suggests potential exposure to custom-built tools or enterprise software where UX/UI principles are applied.

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep empathy for users and a commitment to creating meaningful, user-centered designs that solve real problems.
• Data-Driven: Utilizing user behavior data, analytics, and research findings to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering open communication, and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Quality & Detail: A commitment to high-quality work, with a strong attention to detail in both visual design and user experience.
• Efficiency & Agility: Designing solutions that are efficient for users and adaptable to the fast-paced retail environment.
• Highly collaborative, working closely with developers to ensure design feasibility and accurate implementation.
• Engages in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Presents design concepts and research findings to stakeholders, requiring strong communication and persuasion skills.
• Likely works within agile teams, participating in ceremonies and contributing to iterative development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of user empathy, data-driven insights, and strong collaborative skills is fundamental to successful UX/UI design within a large, operations-focused organization like Next Plc.

• Pace of Work: The fast-paced eCommerce and retail environment requires designers to work efficiently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Integrating feedback from various stakeholders (business, technical, user) while maintaining a cohesive and user-centered design vision.
• Legacy Systems: Potentially working with or integrating with older internal systems that may have design limitations.
• Scalability & Consistency: Ensuring designs are scalable across different platforms and devices while maintaining brand consistency.
• Accessibility Compliance: Continuously ensuring designs meet evolving accessibility standards (WCAG).
• eCommerce Expertise: Deepen understanding of user journeys, conversion optimization, and design best practices specific to online retail.
• Design System Development: Gain hands-on experience in building or contributing to robust design systems.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Work closely with product managers, developers, marketers, and data analysts to gain a holistic view of product development.
• Agile Methodologies: Further refine skills in agile design workflows and collaboration.
• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest UX/UI trends, tools, and technologies relevant to the digital landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an FTC, the emphasis will be on quickly adapting to the company's processes and contributing effectively. The challenges presented are common in large-scale digital environments and offer significant learning opportunities.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing stakeholder requests. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on negotiation, user advocacy, and compromise.)
• "Walk us through your process for designing a new feature from concept to launch. What steps do you prioritize?" (Demonstrate your end-to-end UX/UI process, emphasizing research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and meet WCAG standards?" (Showcase your understanding of accessibility principles and practical application.)
• "Tell me about a challenging design problem you solved. What was the problem, your approach, and the impact?" (Use a STAR method example, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to drive positive outcomes.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Next Plc and this specific role?" (Research Next's recent performance, digital initiatives, and brand values. Connect your skills to their goals.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest UX/UI trends and technologies?" (Mention industry blogs, conferences, courses, and your proactive learning approach.)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or flexible working environment." (Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively both remotely and in the office.)
• Structure is Key: Organize your case studies logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results.
• Visuals Matter: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flow diagrams, and prototypes. Annotate your work to explain key decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved task completion times, reduction in support queries).
• Be Enthusiastic and Confident: Present your work with passion and conviction, ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices and rationale.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects relevant to eCommerce, retail, or internal operational tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples from your portfolio that directly address the responsibilities and requirements of this role will be crucial. Being able to articulate your design process and its impact is as important as the final designs themselves.

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer (12 Month FTC) position:

• Submit your CV and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application portal.
• Tailor your CV: Ensure your CV highlights your experience in UX/UI design, eCommerce, retail, and relevant tools. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your capabilities for this role. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your design process and impact.
• Prepare for Interview Questions: Review common UX/UI interview questions, company-specific inquiries, and practice articulating your portfolio case studies.
• Research Next Plc: Understand their brand, market position, recent digital initiatives, and company culture to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview and strategic insights based on the provided information and industry standards. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, candidates are advised to verify all details, including salary expectations and specific contractual terms, directly with Next Plc during the application process.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have proven experience in both UX and UI design, preferably in eCommerce or retail, along with a strong portfolio. Proficiency in industry-standard tools and knowledge of user research methodologies are also required.

25% Off Most NEXT Products, Company Performance Based Bonus, Sharesave Scheme, On-site Nursery, 10% Off Most Partner Brands, Early VIP Access To Sale...