UX Accessibility Specialist - FTC

JD GROUP; Bury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a passionate UX Accessibility Specialist to enhance digital compliance with the European Accessibility Act. The role encompasses leading accessibility audits, developing strategies, and delivering training sessions to foster inclusivity across JD Group's digital platforms, offering a pathway from a contract to a permanent position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in UX, accessibility, or inclusive design.
• Strong knowledge of EAA, WCAG 2.1/2.2, and EN 301 549.
• Proficiency with accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
• Conduct comprehensive accessibility audits using various tools.
• Develop and implement accessibility strategies across platforms.

Skills

Accessibility Audits

WCAG 2.1/2.2

EAA compliance

Communication

Documentation

Assistive Technologies

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Digital Media

Tools

Axe DevTools

WAVE

Lighthouse

NVDA

JAWS

VoiceOver

Job description

Role overview:

We are seeking a passionate and experienced UX Accessibility Specialist to join our digital team on an initial 6-month FTC, with a strong possibility of transitioning into a permanent role. This role is critical to supporting our immediate need to achieve compliance with the European Accessibility Act (EAA), while also laying the foundation for a robust, scalable global accessibility strategy across all digital touchpoints.

Responsibilities:

• EAA & Regulatory Compliance:
  Lead efforts to ensure all JD Sports digital platforms meet the requirements of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), EN 301 549, and WCAG 2.1/2.2. Including initial audit and subsequent Accessibility Action Plan needed for compliance.
• Accessibility Audits & Testing:
  Conduct comprehensive audits using tools such as:
• Axe DevTools
• WAVE
• Lighthouse
• NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver
• Manual keyboard navigation and color contrast testing
• Remediation & Documentation:
  Identify and document accessibility issues, collaborate with design and development teams to implement fixes, and maintain detailed audit logs and compliance reports.
• Tracking & Monitoring:
  Use platforms like:
• Deque Axe Monitor
• Siteimprove Accessibility
• Microsoft Accessibility Insights
• Google Lighthouse CI to track accessibility progress and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Strategic Accessibility Planning:
  Develop and begin implementing a baseline accessibility strategy that supports long-term global compliance and inclusive design practices across all JD Sports digital brands and associated brand fascias.
• Training & Advocacy:
  Deliver training sessions and workshops to promote accessibility awareness and best practices across teams.
• Design Collaboration:
  Partner with UX/UI designers to ensure accessibility is embedded in wireframes, prototypes, and design systems from the outset.

Required Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in UX, accessibility, or inclusive design roles.
• Strong knowledge of WCAG 2.1/2.2, EN 301 549, and EAA requirements.
• Proficiency with accessibility testing tools and assistive technologies.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript from an accessibility perspective.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• IAAP certifications (e.g., CPACC, WAS, or CPWA).
• Batchelors Degree in relevant Digital media related field
• Experience in Agile environments.
• Knowledge of accessibility in mobile and native applications.
• Experience in e-commerce or omni-channel retail environments.

Skills and Experience:

• In-depth knowledge of the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and WCAG 2.1/2.2
• Experience conducting accessibility audits using tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse
• Familiarity with EN 301 549 standards and assistive technologies (e.g., screen readers)
• Ability to create and implement accessibility strategies across web and mobile platforms
• Strong collaboration and communication skills across design, dev, and product teams
• Awareness of global accessibility laws and compliance risks