User Centred Design Principal (Public Sector)

TL;DR

User Centred Design Principal (Public Sector): Leading and delivering strategically significant design engagements for public sector clients with an accent on UX strategy, stakeholder management, and service transformation. Focus on translating product vision into effective implementation, coaching design teams, and driving usability improvements across complex digital services.

Location: Must be based in the UK with the ability to work from Bristol, London, Manchester, or Swansea hubs. SC security clearance eligibility required (5 years' continuous UK residency).

Salary: £72,000–£90,000 per year.

Company

A technology consultancy dedicated to improving public services through human-centred design and digital transformation.

What you will do

• Lead user-centred design aspects of complex client engagements and oversee wider account delivery.
• Translate product vision into actionable UX strategies that drive business and user outcomes.
• Collaborate with researchers, data analysts, and product owners to implement continuous usability improvements.
• Coach and mentor team members, providing performance feedback and professional development.
• Engage with senior client stakeholders to build trusted advisor relationships and identify new opportunities.
• Represent the company as a thought leader at industry events and within the public sector.

Requirements

• Must be eligible for SC security clearance (requires 5 years' continuous UK residency and employment history).
• Proven experience in leading design teams and delivering digital transformation in the public sector.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience in business development, bids, and pre-sales.
• Expertise in stakeholder engagement and building trusted relationships with senior clients.
• Ability to oversee concurrent client deliveries and ensure high-quality design outcomes.
• Deep understanding of Agile delivery methodologies and hands-on design practice.

Culture & Benefits

• 30 days of paid annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid remote working policy.
• Flexible parental leave options.
• Individual benefits allowance for health care cash plans or pension contributions.
• Access to paid counselling, financial, and legal advice.
• Active communities of practice and a supportive, inclusive team environment.

Hiring process

• Initial call with the talent acquisition team.
• Two-stage virtual interview process with Strategy & Design and account leadership.
• Final meeting with a member of the executive team.