Head of Design

Essex County Council; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Chelmsford seeks a Design Lead to inspire a multi-disciplinary team. You will focus on user-centred design while promoting innovation in public services. This role offers flexible hybrid working arrangements, allowing you to work from home while collaborating in-person at the office. Join us to shape the future of public services with a commitment to excellence and customer experience.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

In-person collaboration opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in leading a multi-disciplinary design team.
• Strong focus on user-centred design principles.
• Ability to advocate for design excellence across projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the Design team at Essex County Council.
• Champion design thinking using user insights.
• Embed design excellence into service development stages.

Job description

Overview

Interviews will be held in person at County Hall, Chelmsford on 24th October 2025.

Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. Enjoy the freedom to work from home while still benefiting from in-person collaboration at our Chelmsford office, typically around 2 to 3 days per month dependent on business need.

Join a Council Shaping the Future of Public Services

Essex County Council (ECC) is on a bold journey to become one of the most effective, forward-thinking, and financially sustainable councils in the UK by 2030. At the heart of this transformation is a bold commitment to digital innovation and world-class customer service.

In this pivotal role, you\'ll lead and inspire ECC\'s multi-disciplinary Design team. Bringing together architects, designers, and researchers to shape services that truly meet user needs. With a strong focus on user-centred design and customer experience, your leadership will ensure ECC delivers services that are intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with organisational goals.

You\'ll champion design thinking across the council, using business and user insights to make a compelling case for scalable service models and standardised patterns. Your expertise will help embed design excellence into every stage of service development, driving innovation and impact for Essex residents.