Digital Design & Development Officer

Somerset Council; Taunton; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days’ annual leave

LGPS pension

Flexible and hybrid working

Health and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering opportunities

Job summary

Somerset Council is seeking a Digital Design & Development Officer to research, design, develop and improve digital services and platforms for residents and businesses. You’ll work with colleagues across the organisation to create user-centred, accessible solutions and support transformation initiatives.

The role focuses on designing, building and testing public forms and automated processes to enhance customer experience, backed by strong UX and accessibility practices, while collaborating with

Qualifications

• Experience designing, developing or improving digital products.
• Strong understanding of user-centred design, UX principles and accessibility standards.
• Knowledge of web technologies and CMS such as WordPress.
• Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and data-informed decision making.

Responsibilities

• Design, build and test public forms, transactions, and automations used for essential council services.
• Design frontend solutions and backend automation to improve customer experience and efficiency.
• Work with teams across the council to understand needs and identify opportunities for digital improvement.
• Create accessible, user-friendly content and digital experiences meeting diverse user needs.
• Utilise user feedback and performance data to continuously improve services.

Skills

User-centred design

UX principles

Accessibility standards

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Problem solving

Digital product design

Tools

WordPress

Content management systems

Job description

Salary: Grade 11, ranging from £32,597 - £36,363 per annum

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Contract: We are recruiting to two full-time positions: one permanent and one 18-month fixed-term contract

Closing date: 3 September 2026

About The Role

As a Digital Design & Development Officer, you'll help research, analyse, design, develop and improve the council's digital services and platforms. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation, you'll create user-centred, accessible solutions, enhance online experiences and support the delivery of key transformation initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on meaningful projects that improve how residents, businesses and communities access council services, while playing a key role in Somerset Council's ambitious transformation programme.

How You'll Make a Difference

• You will design, build and test public forms, transactions, and automations used for essential council services.
• Design deliver and maintain digital frontend solutions and backend automation that improve customer experience and service efficiency.
• Work with teams across the council to understand needs and identify opportunities for digital improvement.
• Create accessible, user-friendly content and digital experiences that meet a wide range of user needs.
• Understand and utilise user feedback, research and performance data to continuously improve services.

What You'll Bring

• Experience designing, developing or improving digital products.
• Good understanding of user-centred design, UX principles and digital accessibility standards.
• Knowledge of web technologies, content management systems such as WordPress, and digital best practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decisions.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Balance creativity with delivery and real-world outcomes.

Why Join Us

At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.

• 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
• Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
• Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.

Find Out More About Working At Somerset Council

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/

Further Information

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements apply to these roles.
• We are currently recruiting to two full-time positions: one permanent role and one 18-month fixed-term contract. Please specify which role you are applying for in your application.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Louise Routley, Digital Transformation Lead, via email: [e-mail]

We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.

You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0112 Digital Design & Development Officer - Job Description (1242).pdf