Senior Product Designer

The Design Project; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider is seeking a Senior Product Designer for their Manchester office. In this hybrid role, you'll craft visually compelling user interfaces, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and drive inclusive design principles. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience, a strong portfolio, and a deep understanding of design systems. Benefits include 25 days of annual leave, private medical insurance, and a competitive salary of £55,000 - £75,000 per annum.

Benefits

25 Days Annual Leave

Pension Contributions: 5% employer match

Private Medical Insurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in visual design, UI design, product design.
• Strong portfolio showcasing UI design and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Solid understanding of accessibility standards.

Responsibilities

• Design high-fidelity visual designs for digital platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product development.
• Mentor junior designers to enhance team output.

Skills

Visual design skills

Proficiency in Figma

Collaboration with stakeholders

Understanding of accessibility principles

Mentorship abilities

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, or related field

Tools

Figma

Design systems

Job description

Job Title: Senior Product DesignerCompany: CivicaLocation: Manchester, England, United KingdomJob Type: FULL_TIMECategory: Product Design / User ExperienceDate Posted: 2026-01-16T13:09:42.802Experience Level: 5-10 YearsRemote Status: Hybrid (On-site with remote flexibility)

• Crafting visually compelling, pixel-perfect user interfaces and ensuring high usability across digital platforms.
• Collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and fellow designers to drive product development.
• Developing high-fidelity prototypes for design validation and iteration based on user feedback and data.
• Utilizing and contributing to the 'Firefly' design system to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Championing inclusive design principles and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as "Hybrid" with a primary location in Manchester, indicating a need for on-site presence for core collaboration, but with potential for remote work flexibility. This aligns with modern design team structures that balance in-person ideation with remote execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and deliver high-fidelity visual designs for web, mobile, and other digital platforms, prioritizing user-friendliness and aesthetic appeal.
• Translate complex user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging user interfaces.
• Conduct design reviews and actively iterate on designs based on feedback from stakeholders, user research, and performance data.
• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of Civica's 'Firefly' design system, ensuring its effective application and scalability across product lines.
• Advocate for and implement accessibility best practices, ensuring compliance with WCAG and other relevant standards to create inclusive experiences.
• Foster a collaborative and feedback-driven design culture, encouraging creativity and continuous improvement within the User Experience team.
• Mentor and inspire junior designers, raising the overall quality and impact of the design team's output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on both individual design craft (visual design, prototyping) and collaborative efforts (cross-functional teamwork, design system contribution, mentorship). The explicit mention of "pixel-perfect" and "accessibility standards" points to a role requiring meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to user-centric, inclusive design principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in visual design, UI design, and product design roles, with a demonstrated history of successfully delivering digital products across various platforms and industries.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional visual design skills with a strong portfolio showcasing UI design, typography, color theory, and layout across web and mobile platforms.
• Proficiency in translating abstract ideas into visually compelling, user-friendly, and intuitive interfaces.
• Expertise in creating high-fidelity prototypes using industry-standard tools.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with product managers, engineers, researchers, and other stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Experience in using and contributing to design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Solid understanding of accessibility principles and best practices (e.g., WCAG compliance).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively.
• Experience in mentoring and guiding other designers.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience evolving or establishing brand identity within digital product design.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and integrating research insights into design iterations.
• Experience working in the public sector or with government-related technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" experience level, coupled with "mentorship" responsibilities and the emphasis on "delivering high-quality digital products," strongly suggests a Senior-level role. The requirement to "use and contribute to design systems" implies a need for a candidate who understands scalable design practices.

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional product design work.
• Case studies demonstrating a strong ability to translate complex problems into elegant, user-centered solutions.
• Examples of visual design craft, including UI mockups, style guides, and detailed UI element design.
• Evidence of creating and utilizing high-fidelity prototypes for user testing and stakeholder presentations.
• Projects illustrating contributions to or management of design systems, highlighting consistency and scalability.
• Demonstrations of how accessibility standards were integrated into the design process.
• Examples of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, researchers).

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a clear design process, from initial research and concept development through to final delivery and iteration.
• Detail how user feedback, data insights, and accessibility requirements were incorporated into design decisions.
• Illustrate the workflow for contributing to and maintaining design system components.
• Present methodologies for ensuring brand consistency and evolving brand identity within digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It must clearly articulate the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, design execution, and ability to work within established frameworks like design systems. The emphasis on "delivering high-quality digital products" means the portfolio should showcase polished, production-ready work.

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Manchester, UK, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimation considers the cost of living in Manchester, the seniority of the role, and the typical compensation for specialized design skills within the technology and public sector industries.

• Time Off & Work-Life Balance:
  • 25 Days Annual Leave + bank holidays.
  • Option to purchase up to 10 additional days of leave.
  • "Days of Difference" – Up to 3 extra paid days for volunteering.
• Financial Well-being & Security:
  • Pension Contributions: 5% employer match.
  • Income Protection: Up to 75% salary cover for long-term illness.
  • Life Assurance: 4x salary tax-free lump sum.
  • Critical Illness Cover: £25,000 lump sum (extendable to dependents).
• Private Medical Insurance for prompt healthcare access.
• Health Cash Plan for claiming back expenses on physiotherapy, therapies, and more.
• Dental Insurance covering routine and emergency dental care.
• Affinity Groups: Access to employee-led community groups.
• Bounty Bonus: A referral bonus program for recommending friends.

Working Hours: The role is likely based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility offered due to the hybrid nature of the role. Specific daily hours may vary but are expected to align with team collaboration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for a Senior Product Designer in the UK, specifically Manchester. Civica's benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for work-life balance, financial security, and employee well-being, which are attractive differentiators for senior-level talent.

Industry: Technology, Software, Government & Public Sector. Civica specializes in providing software and technology solutions to public sector organizations, aiming to improve citizen services and operational efficiency. This context implies a focus on reliability, security, and user accessibility within solutions.Company Size: Civica is a large organization, indicated by the extensive benefits package and global presence (though the job is specific to the UK). A larger company structure often means established processes, cross-functional teams, and opportunities for career development within a structured environment.Founded: Founded in 1994, Civica has a long history in the technology sector, suggesting stability and deep domain expertise in serving public sector clients.

Team Structure:

• The User Experience team is likely part of a larger Product Development or Technology division.
• The Senior Product Designer will report to a Head of UX, Design Lead, or Product Management Lead.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Software Engineers, UX Researchers, and other Product Designers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on iterative design processes, incorporating user feedback and data analytics.
• Commitment to design systems for consistency and efficiency across a broad product portfolio.
• Focus on developing accessible and inclusive digital solutions for public sector users.
• A culture that promotes continuous improvement, creativity, and design excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Civica's focus on the public sector is a key differentiator. Candidates should understand the unique needs and constraints of this market, such as stringent accessibility requirements, long product lifecycles, and a focus on citizen outcomes.

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a high degree of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design initiatives. The role involves not just execution but also strategic input, mentorship, and contribution to the design system and team culture.Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report into a Design Lead or Head of UX, working within a broader product or technology department. They will collaborate closely with product managers and engineering teams.Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the usability, accessibility, and overall user experience of Civica's software products. This, in turn, influences citizen satisfaction with public services, operational efficiency for public sector clients, and Civica's reputation as a technology provider.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, design systems, or UX research.
• Leadership: Progress into roles such as Lead Product Designer, UX Manager, or Head of UX, taking on more strategic and team-management responsibilities.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Potentially move into Product Management or related roles by leveraging deep product understanding.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to learn new design tools, methodologies, and technologies, and potentially gain certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the mention of "mentorship" and "contributing to design systems" suggest a clear path for growth within Civica's design function, potentially leading to leadership roles or deep specialization.

Office Type: Civica operates with a hybrid model, suggesting a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with dedicated spaces for focused work and team meetings. The Manchester office will likely feature contemporary design aesthetics and amenities.Office Location(s): The primary office location is Manchester, England, United Kingdom. This implies accessibility via public transport or driving, with potential for local amenities nearby.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where designers, product managers, and engineers work closely together.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies, including Figma, FigJam, and potentially other prototyping and collaboration software.
• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing and design critiques within the team.
• A balance between focused individual design work and team-based problem-solving sessions.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is typical, the hybrid nature allows for some flexibility in daily schedules, accommodating personal needs while ensuring team alignment and availability for critical meetings and collaborations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model suggests a dynamic work environment that balances the benefits of in-person collaboration (ideation, team building) with the flexibility of remote work. Candidates should expect a structured yet adaptable office setting.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your work, detailing your process, decisions, and impact. Prepare 2-3 strong case studies.
• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design challenge (e.g., a take-home exercise or a live design problem) to evaluate your problem-solving and design craft.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (other designers, product managers, engineers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (e.g., Head of UX, Director of Product) to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic thinking and overall fit.
• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best demonstrate your Senior-level capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact. Focus on quality over quantity.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, your design decisions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Collaboration & Systems: Specifically show how you worked with others and how you utilized or contributed to design systems.
• Demonstrate Accessibility: Clearly explain how accessibility was considered and implemented in your designs.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, trade-offs made, and how you handle constructive criticism.
• Understand the Brief: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly read and understand all requirements and constraints.
• Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the problem you are trying to solve and the target audience.
• Show Your Process: Document your thought process, including research, ideation, sketching, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.
• Justify Decisions: Explain why you made specific design choices, referencing user needs, business goals, or design principles.
• Consider Edge Cases: Think about the implications of your design for different users and scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Senior role is typically multi-stage and rigorous, with a strong focus on portfolio and practical design problem-solving. Candidates should prepare to defend their design decisions and demonstrate a mature understanding of the design process and its impact.

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect proficiency in creating complex designs, components, and interactive prototypes.
• FigJam: Likely used for ideation, whiteboarding, user flow mapping, and collaborative brainstorming sessions.
• Design System Tools: Proficiency in using and contributing to design systems within Figma or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not core for designers, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) can be beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.
• Ability to interpret data insights provided by researchers or product managers to refine designs.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Senior Product Designer role, but an understanding of how user data flows through CRM systems might be helpful for context.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana) for tracking design tasks and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned, making it a critical tool. Experience with design systems integrated into Figma is also a key requirement. The emphasis is on tools that facilitate collaborative, efficient, and scalable design workflows.

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of citizens and public sector clients.
• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high standards in design craft, usability, and technical implementation.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving across disciplines.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative solutions and embracing new technologies to improve public services.
• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A core principle to ensure all users can access and benefit from Civica's products.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of learning, iterating, and refining processes and products.
• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Research to ensure a cohesive product vision and execution.
• Feedback-Driven: Actively seeking and providing constructive feedback in design reviews and team discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, insights, and design patterns within the team and across the organization.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing agile methodologies, with a focus on delivering value incrementally and adapting to changing requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Civica's culture appears to be a blend of a mission-driven organization (public sector focus) and a modern tech company that values collaboration, quality, and continuous improvement. A candidate who thrives in such an environment will be well-suited.

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Government Constraints: Designing effective solutions that meet diverse user needs while adhering to strict public sector requirements, budgets, and regulations.
• Scalability Across Diverse Products: Ensuring design consistency and quality across a wide range of Civica's software offerings, each with potentially unique user bases and functionalities.
• Driving Design Adoption: Championing design best practices and influencing stakeholders across a large organization, potentially with varying levels of design maturity.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Integrating new technologies and design trends into established public sector products and systems.
• Design System Expansion: Contributing to the growth and evolution of the 'Firefly' design system, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Accessibility Mastery: Deepening expertise in WCAG and inclusive design principles, potentially becoming an internal advocate or trainer.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially move into team leadership roles.
• Industry Exposure: Engaging with challenges and solutions specific to the public sector technology landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in established companies, particularly those serving complex sectors like government. They offer significant opportunities for problem-solving and professional development.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design problem you solved. What was your process, what trade-offs did you make, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structured thinking, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and inclusivity? Can you give an example from your portfolio?" (Demonstrate understanding of standards and practical application.)
• "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers? Describe a situation where you had to negotiate design decisions." (Highlight teamwork, communication, and compromise skills.)
• "What is your experience with design systems? How do you ensure consistency when contributing to or using one?" (Showcase understanding of scalability and brand governance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Civica and our work in the public sector?" (Research Civica's mission, products, and recent news.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" (Relate to feedback, mentorship, and knowledge sharing.)
• "How do you stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies?" (Show proactive learning and industry awareness.)
• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, using your case studies to illustrate your skills and process.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction).
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, the rationale behind them, and the challenges you faced.
• Showcase Your Craft: Let your visual design skills shine through, but ensure they are supported by solid UX thinking.
• Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows smoothly and you can articulate your points clearly within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who not only has strong design skills but also demonstrates strategic thinking, excellent collaboration abilities, and a mature understanding of the product development lifecycle and the specific context of serving the public sector.

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Curate and polish your portfolio: Ensure it clearly showcases 2-3 of your strongest case studies that highlight visual design, problem-solving, collaboration, and accessibility for digital products.
• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 5+ years of experience, key skills such as Figma, design systems, and accessibility, and quantifiable achievements relevant to product design.
• Prepare your presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, rationale, and the impact of your designs. Be ready to articulate your contributions to the 'Firefly' design system.
• Research Civica: Understand their mission, their work in the public sector, and their commitment to user experience and accessibility.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Application Requirements

Candidates should have 5+ years of experience in visual/product design roles with a strong portfolio showcasing exceptional design skills. Knowledge of accessibility principles and experience with design systems are also required.

Annual Leave, Volunteering Days, Pension Contributions, Income Protection, Life Assurance, Critical Illness Cover, Private Medical Insurance, Health C…