Senior UX Designer

The University of Manchester; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job description

About IT Services

IT Services at the University of Manchester is a vibrant and fast-moving department, focused on delivering excellent customer service and quality services for our staff, students, and researchers.

The Team

The Digital, Usability and Inclusion (DU&I) Team sits within IT Services and plays a key role in shaping how people experience digital systems across The University. We work to ensure that everything we design and build is easy to use, accessible, and inclusive. Our team supports digital projects by focusing on the needs of users, ensuring that all staff, students, and researchers can access and benefit from digital services. We use research, testing, and design thinking to guide decision-making. Our priorities are user experience, accessibility, and helping colleagues across the University design digital systems that work for everyone.

The Role

We’re looking for a Senior UX Designer to help lead the design of digital experiences that are simple, accessible, and effective. You'll be part of the DU&I team and will shape how staff, students, and researchers interact with our systems. You'll guide and support others in the team, lead on complex design challenges, and ensure users are at the heart of every decision. You'll also help us meet accessibility requirements by championing inclusive design in everything we do.

This role works closely with colleagues in IT Services, academic departments, and professional services. You'll lead workshops, run research sessions, test ideas, and refine designs based on feedback. You’ll also apply basic front-end development skills to bridge the gap between design and implementation, working with developers to bring designs to life. You'll support and mentor other designers, contributing to a strong, collaborative team culture that focuses on continuous improvement.

The Person
The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate:

• Experience designing user-friendly digital services that are accessible and inclusive.
• A strong understanding of accessibility requirements and standards such as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.
• The ability to lead workshops, user research, and usability testing activities.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to work well with a wide range of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Confidence using prototyping and design tools such as Figma or Miro.
• Basic front-end development knowledge (e.g., HTML, CSS, and an understanding of how designs are implemented).
• Experience supporting or mentoring others in a team setting.
• A passion for creating digital experiences that meet real user needs.

What can you expect in return

• Generous annual leave allowance, including Christmas/New Year closure.
• Pension scheme membership to provide benefits for you and your family.
• Well-being programme with counselling, fitness, and leading sports facilities.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Season ticket loans for public transport.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Workplace nursery scheme.
• Staff recognition schemes.
• Staff discounts on a range of products and services including travel and high street savings.

In fact, there are so many benefits available you can see more of them by clicking HERE.

Find out more about our organisation and values:

• IT Services: About us and ITS Practice Charter.

When completing the additional information section of your application, please ensure you make reference to the job description and person specification above, as this will form an integral part of the shortlisting process.

As an equal-opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working; you can find out more here.

Blended working arrangements may be considered.