UX Design Manager

The Design Project; Dorking; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design firm in the UK seeks a UX Design Manager to spearhead their UX strategy and manage a team of designers. This role requires a blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership, driving excellence in user experience across digital products. The ideal candidate has 5-10 years of experience in UX design and proven success in team management. This position offers a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a broad range of benefits, including health insurance and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous Bonus

Private Medical Insurance

Life Insurance

Unlimited Mental Health Support

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in UX design, with leadership experience.
• Proven record of building and managing high-performing UX teams.
• Experience in implementing design processes and scaling systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor UX designers to align with product roadmaps.
• Advocate user-centered design to influence product strategy.
• Define and enhance the Triple Diamond Design Process across teams.
• Oversee governance frameworks and review processes for design quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate UX strategy.

Skills

People Leadership

Communication & Influencing

User-Centred Design Principles

Design Systems Management

Figma Proficiency

Analytical & Problem-Solving

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

Education

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

Tools

Figma

Google Analytics

Tableau

Job description

Job Title: UX Design ManagerCompany: UnumLocation: Dorking, Surrey, UK / Basingstoke, Hampshire, UKJob Type: FULL_TIMECategory: User Experience (UX) Design Management / GTM Operations SupportDate Posted: 2026-01-14Experience Level: 5-10 YearsRemote Status: Hybrid (3 days per week in office)

• Lead and execute the UK UX strategy, aligning business objectives with user needs to drive customer engagement and growth.
• Champion user-centered design principles and innovation, including AI-driven solutions, across all digital products and customer touchpoints.
• Own and evolve the company's design process (Triple Diamond) and scale the Design System to ensure consistency and quality.
• Drive operational excellence in UX through Design Operations, enhancing efficiency, scalability, and ethical outcomes.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team of UX professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily UX Design Management, its focus on strategy, process ownership (Triple Diamond, Design System, Design Ops), and driving business results through user experience strongly aligns with Go-To-Market (GTM) operational principles. The emphasis on segmentation, personalization, and customer experience directly supports GTM objectives. The role requires a blend of strategic leadership, operational execution, and team management within a GTM context, making it relevant to operations professionals seeking to leverage their skills in a user-centric product development environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of UX designers, fostering professional development, performance management, and alignment with strategic product roadmaps.
• Champion user-centered design methodologies and advocate for user needs with senior stakeholders, influencing product strategy and business decisions.
• Define, implement, and refine the Triple Diamond Design Process across all product development teams, ensuring consistent application and iterative improvement.
• Establish and maintain robust UX governance frameworks, including design standards, review processes, and feedback mechanisms to ensure quality and compliance.
• Oversee the development, maintenance, and adoption of the company's Design System, ensuring its scalability, consistency, and utility across all digital platforms.
• Drive Design Operations initiatives to streamline workflows, improve team efficiency, and leverage AI for enhanced UX research, design, and testing.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and other GTM teams to ensure seamless integration of UX strategy with business objectives.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and measure the impact of UX initiatives on key business metrics.
• Stay abreast of emerging UX trends, technologies, and AI advancements, integrating them into the UX strategy to maintain a competitive edge.
• Ensure all digital experiences meet accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and promote inclusive design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for a Senior UX Manager role. The emphasis on "championing user-centred design principles across the organisation, influencing senior stakeholders," "Own and evolve the Triple Diamond Design Process," and "Drive Design Operations and AI-driven UX innovation" indicates a strategic and operational leadership capacity that extends beyond pure design execution, aligning with the operational aspects of GTM.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Design, Psychology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of experience in UX design, with a significant portion in a leadership or management role.
• Proven track record of managing and developing UX design teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Experience in defining and implementing design processes, such as the Triple Diamond, and scaling Design Systems.
• Experience within the Financial Services or Employee Benefits industry is a strong plus.

Required Skills:

• People Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, coach, and develop UX professionals.
• Communication & Influencing: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex ideas and influence senior stakeholders.
• User-Centred Design Principles: Deep understanding of UX methodologies, user research, usability testing, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
• Design Systems Management: Proven experience in developing, scaling, and governing design systems for complex digital products.
• Figma Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Figma and other industry-standard UX/UI design and prototyping tools.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong ability to analyze user data, identify pain points, and devise effective design solutions.
• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset focused on driving innovation and enhancing processes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven UX innovation and tools.
• Knowledge of modern web technologies, responsive design, and mobile-first best practices.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience in segmentation and personalization strategies within a GTM context.
• Understanding of Design Operations principles and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, combined with "people management and coaching strongly desired" and the need to influence senior stakeholders, indicates a mid-to-senior level management role. The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and user-centered design is standard for UX leadership. The inclusion of "AI-driven UX innovation" and "segmentation, personalisation" hints at a forward-looking approach relevant to modern GTM strategies.

• Case Studies: Demonstrable case studies showcasing leadership in UX strategy development and execution for significant digital products or initiatives.
• Team Leadership Examples: Evidence of team development, process implementation (e.g., Triple Diamond), and successful cross-functional collaboration.
• Design System Impact: Examples of contributions to or ownership of Design Systems, illustrating their development, adoption, and impact on consistency and efficiency.
• Innovation Showcase: Examples of how innovative UX approaches, including AI-driven solutions, were conceptualized and implemented to solve user or business problems.
• Metrics & ROI: Quantifiable results demonstrating the impact of UX initiatives on key business metrics such as conversion rates, user engagement, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate and document established design processes, including the Triple Diamond framework, and demonstrate their successful application.
• Experience in defining and implementing UX governance, design standards, and feedback loops.
• Documentation of Design Operations initiatives and their impact on team productivity and product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a UX Design Manager role, a portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase design output but also leadership, strategic thinking, process ownership, and the ability to drive measurable business outcomes through UX. The emphasis on the Triple Diamond process and Design Systems is specific to the requirements of this role.

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for a UX Design Manager role with 5-10 years of experience in the UK, particularly in the South East of England (Dorking/Basingstoke area), the estimated salary range is £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This range accounts for the strategic responsibilities, team management, and the specific industry (employee benefits/financial services).
• Generous Bonus
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Income Insurance
• Access To Remote GP
• Nutrition Coaching
• Personal Training
• Unlimited Mental Health Support
• Medical 2nd Opinion
• 27 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme with on-site charging facilities
• Free Shuttle Bus from Dorking Train Station

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, likely around 37.5 - 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the Dorking or Basingstoke office, offering flexibility for the remaining workdays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on market data for UX Design Manager roles in the UK, considering the location and experience level. The provided benefits are comprehensive and typical for a large, established organization like Unum. The hybrid nature of the role offers flexibility.

Industry: Employee Benefits Provider (Financial Services Sector)Company Size: Unum Group is a large international financial services organization; Unum UK is a significant subsidiary. The specific size of the UK operations is likely in the hundreds or thousands of employees. This size implies established processes, potential for cross-functional collaboration, and a structured environment.Founded: Unum Group was founded in 1845, indicating a long-standing history and stability. Unum UK has a substantial presence and history within the UK market.

Team Structure:

• The UX Design Manager will likely lead a dedicated UX team, reporting into a Head of Digital, Head of Product, or a senior Marketing/Customer Experience leader.
• This team will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Scrum Masters, Developers, QA testers, Marketing Specialists, and potentially Data Analysts.
• The role requires influencing across different departments to embed user-centered design principles.

Methodology:

• Unum emphasizes a "performance-led environment" with a focus on segmentation and personalization, suggesting a data-driven approach.
• The adoption of the "Triple Diamond Design Process" indicates a structured methodology for problem-solving and innovation.
• There's a clear drive towards "AI-driven UX innovation," pointing to an openness to adopting new technologies and improving efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Unum's long history and position as a specialist employee benefits provider suggest a stable, reputable organization. The emphasis on growth, performance, and innovation indicates a dynamic internal culture that values both established practices and forward-thinking initiatives. The mention of an "inclusive environment" is a key cultural indicator.

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior management position within the UX discipline, with significant strategic and operational responsibilities. It's a key leadership role focused on shaping the user experience for digital products that directly support business growth and customer acquisition/retention.

Reporting Structure: The UX Design Manager will likely report to a Director-level or VP-level executive within Digital, Product, or Marketing. They will manage a team of UX designers, researchers, and potentially UX writers.

Operations Impact: The UX Design Manager plays a critical role in the Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy by ensuring that customer-facing digital products are intuitive, effective, and aligned with business objectives. High-quality UX directly impacts customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue generation through improved conversion rates and customer loyalty. Driving "segmentation, personalisation, and customer experience" are core GTM functions.

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Head of UX, Director of Product Design, or a broader Head of Digital/Customer Experience role.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven UX, Design Operations, or specific areas of user research and strategy.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Opportunities to lead larger, more complex digital transformation initiatives that span multiple departments.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping UX best practices within the employee benefits and financial services sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is positioned as a significant leadership opportunity. The growth path is clearly defined within UX and potentially broader digital/product leadership, with a strong emphasis on impacting business outcomes, which is a key driver for operations professionals.

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 3 days per week in either the Dorking or Basingstoke office. This suggests modern office facilities designed for collaboration.Office Location(s): Dorking, Surrey, UK and Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK. The Dorking office offers a free shuttle bus from the train station, indicating good accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices likely equipped with meeting rooms, breakout areas, and open-plan spaces conducive to teamwork and brainstorming sessions.
• Technology: Access to necessary design software, hardware, and IT infrastructure to support UX design and management activities.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions, team meetings, and stakeholder engagement in the office.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours with a hybrid arrangement, offering a balance between structured office presence and remote flexibility. This balance is conducive to managing complex design processes and team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup is a key feature, offering flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration essential for design leadership and team cohesion. The specific mention of office amenities like the shuttle bus adds practical detail.

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications and conduct an initial screening call. This stage assesses basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, leadership style, and alignment with the role's strategic objectives. This is where you'll discuss your approach to UX strategy and team management.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present a curated selection of their work. This is crucial for demonstrating leadership, process, and impact. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key case studies.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential direct reports, peers (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering Leads), and senior leaders to assess collaboration skills, technical expertise, and strategic thinking.
• Final Interview/Offer: A concluding discussion, potentially with a senior executive, followed by an offer.
• Curate Effectively: Select 3-4 high-impact projects that best demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, process ownership (Triple Diamond, Design Systems), and ability to drive business results.
• Focus on "Why" and "How": For each project, clearly articulate the user problem, business objective, your strategic approach, the design process followed, your specific role and contributions, and the quantifiable outcomes.
• Highlight Leadership: Showcase how you mentored your team, influenced stakeholders, and managed design operations or processes.
• Showcase Process: Explain your use of methodologies like the Triple Diamond and how you've managed or contributed to Design Systems.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your UX initiatives (e.g., increased conversion, reduced support tickets, improved NPS).
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your decision-making process, how you handle challenges, and how you foster team growth.
• While not explicitly mentioned, be prepared for potential scenario-based questions or a small take-home exercise focusing on problem-solving, strategic thinking, or a brief review of a design concept.
• Practice articulating your UX philosophy and leadership approach concisely.
• Research Unum's current digital products and their market position to inform your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for a management role, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio presentation as the primary method for evaluating UX leadership and strategic capabilities. Candidates should prepare to articulate their impact and process rigorously.

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is explicitly required for design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Design System Tools: Experience with tools and platforms for managing design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, or Figma's own capabilities).
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial.
• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Optimal Workshop, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to track user behavior and measure UX impact.
• BI/Dashboard Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for data visualization and reporting on UX KPIs.
• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms for running A/B tests to optimize user flows and designs (e.g., Optimizely, VWO).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how UX interacts with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) for customer data and personalization.
• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design workflows and collaborating with development teams.
• Collaboration Tools: Microsoft Teams, Slack, Confluence for day-to-day team communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is key. The other tools listed are standard for a UX leader managing digital products and driving operational efficiency within a GTM context, particularly for analytics and collaboration.

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design and product decisions.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing, etc.) to achieve shared goals.
• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, experimentation, and the adoption of emerging technologies like AI to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency.
• Excellence & Quality: A drive to deliver high-quality, accessible, and consistent user experiences that meet business objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of constantly seeking ways to optimize processes, tools, and outcomes through data and feedback.
• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with product management, engineering, marketing, and other GTM functions.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and influencing of senior stakeholders to gain buy-in and alignment on UX strategy.
• Team Empowerment: Fostering a supportive environment for direct reports, encouraging autonomy, feedback, and shared learning.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights from analytics and user research to inform design choices and demonstrate impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values appear to align with modern digital organizations, emphasizing user focus, innovation, and collaboration. The "performance-led environment" suggests a results-oriented culture, which is crucial for operations roles.

• Balancing Innovation with Governance: Effectively integrating cutting-edge UX approaches (like AI) while maintaining design standards and governance.
• Influencing Across Departments: Driving UX best practices and user-centricity in a matrixed organization with diverse priorities.
• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring the Design System remains robust, adopted, and relevant as the product suite grows.
• Measuring UX Impact: Clearly articulating and quantifying the business value and ROI of UX initiatives to senior leadership.
• Managing a Hybrid Team: Fostering team cohesion, collaboration, and productivity across remote and in-office working arrangements.
• AI in UX: Opportunity to lead the exploration and integration of AI tools and methodologies in UX design and operations.
• Design Operations Maturity: Develop and mature Design Operations practices within Unum UK.
• Strategic Impact: Directly contribute to business growth and customer experience strategies in a key sector.
• Leadership Development: Access to Unum's leadership training programs and mentorship opportunities.
• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of UX, digital product development, and financial services innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior UX leader in a growing organization, particularly concerning process adoption, stakeholder management, and demonstrating value. The growth opportunities highlight areas for significant professional development.

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing and executing a UX strategy for a growing employee benefits platform, considering both business goals and user needs?" (Focus on Triple Diamond, segmentation, personalization).
• "Describe your experience in building, scaling, and governing a Design System. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight process, adoption, impact).
• "How do you champion user-centered design principles and influence senior stakeholders who may have different priorities?" (Emphasize communication, data, and strategic alignment).
• "What are your thoughts on leveraging AI in UX design and operations? How would you explore and implement such innovations at Unum?" (Showcase forward-thinking and practical application).
• "Describe your approach to leading and developing a UX team. How do you foster a high-performing and collaborative environment, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Focus on leadership style, coaching, and team dynamics).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your research, what do you see as Unum's biggest UX challenges or opportunities in the employee benefits market?" (Demonstrate research and strategic insight).
• "How do you see the UX team collaborating with Product, Marketing, and Engineering teams to achieve Unum's growth objectives?" (Highlight cross-functional integration and GTM alignment).
• "What does 'performance-led' mean to you in a UX context?" (Connect UX metrics to business performance).
• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Goal -> Your Role/Process -> Solution -> Results/Impact.
• Quantify Everything: Use numbers, percentages, and data points to illustrate success.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, wireframes, prototypes) to support your narrative.
• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about trade-offs, alternative solutions, and lessons learned.
• Connect to Unum: Frame your experience and approach in the context of Unum's business and industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, process ownership, team management, and a clear understanding of how UX drives business outcomes in a GTM context. The ability to articulate a vision for AI in UX and a robust Design System strategy will be key differentiators.

To apply for this UX Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Unum's Workday careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight your experience in UX leadership, team management, process ownership (Triple Diamond, Design Systems), AI integration, and driving measurable business impact.
• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description such as "UX Design Manager," "User-Centred Design," "Design Systems," "Triple Diamond," "Figma," "People Leadership," "Stakeholder Management," and "AI-driven UX." Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your leadership philosophy, strategic approach to UX, and how you drive operational efficiency through design. Prepare specific examples for each key responsibility and skill.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Unum UK, its products, market position, and recent news. Understand their business objectives related to growth, segmentation, and customer experience.

⚠️ 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

The ideal candidate should have strong people leadership capabilities and excellent communication skills. A deep understanding of user-centred design principles and advanced proficiency in design tools like Figma is also required.

Generous Bonus, Private Medical Insurance, DC Pension Scheme, Life Insurance, Medical Insurance, Income Insurance, Access To Remote GP, Nutrition Coac...