Working in Technology Solutions gives you the opportunity to be involved in conceiving, designing, programming, and testing frameworks and applications used by businesses and end users at all levels. If you’re an inquisitive person who enjoys problem solving then this career family would be a great opportunity to utilise your skills.

Technology Solution Roles

Career Family -Technology Solution Roles

Working in Creative Digital means you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your creativity and work on projects in a range of visual and interactive mediums. If you’re a creative person with good artistic or design skills, then working in this career family could be a great opportunity to utilise your talents.

Creative Digital Roles

Career Family - Creative Digital Roles

IT operations is the overarching term for the processes and services administered by an organisation's information technology (IT) department IT operations are responsible for defining the way an organisation manages software and hardware. The  IT Operations department also usually provides other IT support, such as network administration, device management, mobile contracting and help desks

IT Operation Roles

Career Family - IT Operation Roles

Working in User Research & Relationships means you’ll focus on building, managing, and utilising relationships with people, clients, and users at all levels. If you enjoy working with people and understanding their motivations, then working in this career family could be a great option. 

User Research and Relationship Roles

Career Family - User Research and Relationship Roles

Digital communication involves an organisation's online communication efforts. Most organisations today use a wide range of digital communication channel, from  website to mobile/web chat and social media to connect with current and prospective customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Digital communication involves the use of online tools like email, social media messaging and texting to reach other individuals or a specific audience in order to share a message. 

Digital Communication Roles

Career Family - Digital Communication Roles

Working in Data & Insights means you’ll be collecting, analysing, and presenting data to internal and external stakeholders on a range of subjects. If you’ve got a strong attention to details and a head for numbers then working in this career family could be the ideal path for you.

Data and Insights Roles

Career Family - Data and Insights Roles 

A programmer, also known as a software developer or coder, is a professional who writes, designs, and develops computer programs or software applications

Programmer

Role - Programmer

A Back End Developer is a type of software developer who specializes in building and maintaining the server-side components of web applications, websites, and software systems. 

Back-End Developer

Role - Back-End Developer

Testers are responsible for conducting tests on software and applications produced by developers to ensure it is secure and functional before it becomes available to end users.

Tester

Role - Tester

Technical Architects take responsibility for technical design and leadership within and organisation.

Technical Architect

Role - Technical Architect

Full Stack Developers are responsible for building and optimising software and applications within established frameworks.

Full Stack Developer

Role - Full Stack Developer

Graphic Designers are responsible for the design and production for a range of visuals from flyers and logos to packaging and product displays.

Graphic Designer

Role - Graphic Designer

A Product Designer is a professional who specialises in designing and creating the overall user experience and visual appearance of a product. 

Product Designer

Role - Product Designer

Service Designers are responsible for designing an engaging user journey across a specific service.

Service Designer

Role - Service Designer

A Digital Designer is a creative professional who specialises in creating visual content and interactive experiences for digital platforms.

Digital Designer

Role - Digital Designer

Animators work as part of a larger team to produce animations for a range of media.

Animator

Role - Animator

A Systems Administrator is an IT professional responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems, networks, servers, and associated software and hardware within an organization. 

Systems Administrator

Role - Systems Administrator

An IT Helpdesk Engineer is responsible for providing both simple and technical fixes to faults logged by users. 

IT Helpdesk Engineer

Role - IT Helpdesk Engineer

A Database Administrator (DBA) is a professional responsible for managing and maintaining databases within an organisation.  

Database Administrator

Role - Database Administrator

 Cloud Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing cloud infrastructure and services within an organisation

Cloud Engineer

Role - Cloud Engineer

An Infrastructure Engineer, also known as a Systems Engineer or IT Infrastructure Engineer, is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the IT infrastructure of an organization. 

Infrastructure Engineer

Role - Infrastructure Engineer

A Customer Service Advisor works directly with customers to address their inquiries, provide support, and ensure their satisfaction with a product, service, or company.

Customer Service Advisor

Role - Customer Service Advisor

User researchers collect, analyse and test data to design websites, software and applications based on user needs.

User Researcher

Role - User Researcher

Market Researchers investigate activity within a particular market to allow a business to prepare for the launch of a new offer or to review the performance of an existing product.

Market Researcher

Role - Market Researcher

Product Managers are responsible for the quality of digital products. They maintain an in-depth knowledge of user needs and business goals to set goals and priorities for product development.

Product Manager

Role - Product Manager

A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice, guidance, and solutions to businesses and organisations in the realm of digital technology.

Consultant

Role - Consultant

A Content Writer is a professional who specialises in creating written content for various mediums and platforms. 

Content Writer

Role - Content Writer

A Content Creator is an individual who produces and shares various forms of content across digital platforms, such as social media, websites, blogs, videos, podcasts, and more.

Content Creator

Role - Content Creator

A Content Designer is a professional who specialises in creating and crafting content for various digital platforms and communication channels.

Content Designer

Role - Content Designer

The job responsibilities of a copywriter can include brainstorming and creating concepts for advertisements and marketing campaign, often working in partnership writing copy for various formats and media.

Copy Writer 

Role - Copy Writer

A Communications Manager is responsible for promoting a company both digitally and via any other relevant medium.

Communications Manager

Role - Communications Manager

A PPC analyst measures pay-per-click advertising campaigns.  Using analytics and strategy, they are responsible for planning and optimising online campaigns. 

PPC Analyst

Role - PPC Analyst

An intelligence analyst is a professional who collects, analyzes, and interprets information from various sources to produce intelligence reports, assessments, and recommendations. 

Intelligence Analyst

Role - Intelligence Analyst

A statistician is a professional who specializes in the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data.

Statistician

Role - Statistician

A financial analysts evaluates the financial health and performance of companies, industries, and investment opportunities. 

Financial Analyst

Role - Financial Analyst

Data Analysts collect, organise, and study data to produce reports providing insight for businesses or organisations.

Data Analyst

Role - Data Analyst

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Leighton builds high-performing teams and develops successful software applications for its customers. 

Operating for more than 30 years, they empower organisations and their customers to thrive in a fast-paced digital world by giving them the resources and people to operate. 

As a software development business, they are committed to creating the right blend of tech and talent for each customer. 

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As a forward-thinking organisation, Leighton prioritises career progression and training. 

They are passionate about what they do and shy away from boundaries. Whether seeking out new ways of trying things or questioning the why behind their decisions, they are conscious of the impact they make. 

If you join Leighton, you’ll be making a difference quickly. 

Joining a diverse team, you’ll get to understand the team, how it operates and the software they use. 


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Leighton

Employer - Leighton

## Drive Design Innovation as a UK Designer at Leighton!
Are you passionate about enhancing user experiences and driving innovation? At Leighton, we’re looking for a UX Designer to lead exciting projects, collaborate with talented teams, and make a real impact for some of the world’s biggest brands.

## Role Highlights
Define and execute design visions across multiple projects.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise workflows and align with business goals.
Design intuitive interfaces and conduct user research to enhance customer satisfaction.

## Why Join Us?
At Leighton, we don’t just accelerate digital capabilities; we create opportunities—for our customers and our team. Here’s what we offer:
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Recognition as one of the Best Workplaces in Tech 2024.
A flexible, inclusive, and dynamic working environment.

## What We’re Looking For
An adaptable, creative UX Designer with a proven track record of delivering user-centric designs. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we’d love to hear from you.

## Apply Today!
Take the next step in your career and join a team where innovation meets impact. Submit your application today and let’s redefine user experiences together.

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Location - Newcastle upon Tyne

# UX Designer
A User Experience (UX) Designer is a professional who specializes in creating meaningful and engaging experiences for users when they interact with digital products, websites, applications, or services. The primary goal of a UX Designer is to ensure that the user's needs, behaviors, and emotions are at the forefront of the design process, resulting in user-friendly and intuitive digital experiences.

UX Designers combine aspects of psychology, design, research, and technology to create products that are not only visually appealing but also functional, accessible, and enjoyable for users to use. They work closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers, and visual designers, to ensure that the final product meets user expectations and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities of a UX Designer:

1. **User Research:** UX Designers conduct user research to understand user behaviors, needs, and preferences. This involves methods such as surveys, interviews, usability testing, and analyzing user data to gain insights into how users interact with a product.

2. **Information Architecture:** UX Designers organize and structure the content and features of a product to create a logical and intuitive user flow. They design navigation systems, sitemaps, and user flows to ensure easy access to information.

3. **Wireframing and Prototyping:** UX Designers create wireframes and prototypes to visually represent the layout, interactions, and functionality of a product. Prototyping helps validate design concepts and gather feedback before development.

4. **Interaction Design:** UX Designers define the interactions and behaviors that users will experience while using a product. They design elements such as buttons, forms, and animations to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience.

5. **Usability Testing:** UX Designers conduct usability tests to evaluate how well users can interact with a product. They observe user interactions, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement.

6. **Visual Design Collaboration:** While UX Designers primarily focus on the user experience, they often collaborate with visual designers to ensure that the visual elements, such as colors, typography, and imagery, align with the overall user experience.

7. **Accessibility:** UX Designers ensure that digital products are accessible to users with disabilities by following accessibility guidelines and best practices.

8. **User Persona and Journey Mapping:** UX Designers create user personas and journey maps to represent different user segments and their interactions with the product at various stages.

9. **Iterative Design:** UX Designers follow an iterative design process, continuously refining and improving the design based on user feedback, testing results, and evolving requirements.

10. **Collaboration and Communication:** UX Designers work closely with cross-functional teams, presenting design concepts, explaining rationale, and advocating for user-centered design principles.

11. **Staying Current:** UX Designers stay updated with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in user experience design.

UX Designers aim to create products that are not only functional but also delightful and emotionally satisfying for users. By considering user needs and behaviors throughout the design process, they contribute to the overall success and adoption of digital products and services.

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No, a formal degree is not always a strict requirement to become a UX Designer. While many employers value a degree in fields such as Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, Psychology, or a related discipline, it is possible to pursue a career as a UX Designer without a formal degree.

UX Design is a skill-based profession that places a strong emphasis on practical skills, creativity, and understanding user behaviors. Many UX Designers have backgrounds in a variety of fields, and employers often prioritise a candidate's portfolio, practical experience, and demonstrated expertise over academic qualifications.

Here are some factors to consider regarding education and qualifications for a career as a UX Designer:

1. **Practical Skills and Experience:** UX Designers should have a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, usability testing, wireframing, prototyping, and interaction design. Practical experience in creating UX deliverables and working on design projects is highly valuable.

2. **Portfolio:** Building a portfolio of UX design projects, wireframes, prototypes, and case studies is essential. A portfolio showcases your design process, problem-solving skills, and the ability to create user-centered designs.

3. **Bootcamps and Workshops:** Many UX Designers gain practical skills through intensive UX design bootcamps and workshops. These programs often focus on hands-on learning and provide a comprehensive understanding of UX principles and tools.

4. **Online Courses and Certifications:** Online courses and certifications are available in UX design and related fields. These resources can help you learn UX fundamentals, research methods, and design tools.

5. **Internships and Junior Roles:** Internships or entry-level positions can provide opportunities to gain practical experience and work on real-world design projects under the guidance of experienced professionals.

6. **Networking and Meetups:** Attending UX design meetups, workshops, and conferences can help you connect with professionals in the industry, learn from others, and stay updated with trends and best practices.

7. **Continuous Learning:** UX design is a rapidly evolving field. Engage in self-study, read UX design books and blogs, and participate in design challenges to continue improving your skills.

8. **Design Thinking and Problem-Solving:** Develop strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of user needs. Design thinking methodologies can be valuable for approaching design challenges.

While a degree can provide a comprehensive education and demonstrate dedication and discipline, it is not the only path to becoming a successful UX Designer. Practical skills, demonstrated experience, and a strong portfolio can be equally, if not more, valuable in the eyes of employers.

Focus on building a strong UX design skill set, creating a portfolio of relevant projects, and actively seeking opportunities to gain practical experience. Continuous learning and a commitment to refining your UX design abilities will greatly enhance your prospects as a UX Designer.

Do I need a degree to become a UX Designer?

The average salary for a UX Designer in the region can vary depending on factors such as experience, industry, company size, and the specific location. It's important to note that salary ranges can change over time due to factors including economic conditions and demand for skills.

The average annual salary for a UX Designer in the region is around £44,000.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on salaries it is recommended to refer to recent salary surveys, job websites, or consult with recruitment agencies that specialize in design and tech roles in the region. Additionally, factors such as the level of experience, the complexity of the projects, and the size and nature of the organisation can influence salary levels.

It's worth noting that some organisations may also offer additional benefits and incentives, such as bonuses, healthcare, retirement plans, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities, which can impact the overall compensation package.

Keep in mind that salary information can change over time, and it's always a good idea to conduct thorough research specific to your location and circumstances to get the most accurate and current salary data.

What is the average salary for a UX Designer?

Progression opportunities for a UX Designer are diverse and can lead to exciting and fulfilling career paths. UX Designers have the chance to advance their skills, take on greater responsibilities, and contribute to larger projects and strategic initiatives. Here are some common progression opportunities for UX Designers:

1. **Senior UX Designer:** Experienced UX Designers can progress to senior-level roles. As Senior UX Designers, they lead more complex projects, provide mentorship to junior designers, and contribute to higher-level design decisions and strategies.

2. **UX Lead or Manager:** UX Designers with strong leadership and management skills can transition to UX Lead or Manager roles. In these positions, they oversee a team of designers, coordinate project assignments, and guide the design direction for the team.

3. **UX Researcher:** Some UX Designers may specialize in UX research, focusing on user testing, user interviews, and data analysis to gather insights that inform design decisions.

4. **Interaction Designer:** Interaction Designers focus on designing the specific interactions and behaviors of a digital product. They work on creating intuitive and seamless user experiences through user flows, wireframes, and prototypes.

5. **UI Designer:** UI (User Interface) Designers specialise in the visual aspects of a product, focusing on designing the visual elements such as buttons, typography, colors, and other graphical elements.

6. **Product Designer:** Product Designers take a broader approach to design, considering the entire user journey and the overall user experience of a product. They may work on strategy, design, and user experience across multiple touchpoints.

7. **Design Strategist:** Design Strategists work on high-level design strategies, aligning design initiatives with business goals and user needs. They may be involved in long-term planning and shaping the design direction of an organisation.

8. **UX Consultant or Freelancer:** Experienced UX Designers may choose to work as independent consultants or freelancers. This provides the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and collaborate with different clients.

9. **Design Educator:** Some UX Designers transition to teaching roles, offering workshops, courses, or training sessions to share their expertise with aspiring designers.

10. **User Research Manager:** UX Designers with a focus on user research can become User Research Managers, overseeing research initiatives, managing research teams, and guiding user-centered design practices.

11. **UX Director or Head of Design:** Experienced UX Designers with strong leadership skills may progress to UX Director or Head of Design roles. These positions involve overseeing the entire design function within an organisation.

12. **Cross-Disciplinary Roles:** As UX Designers gain experience, they may expand their skill set into related disciplines, such as content strategy, design thinking facilitation, or user experience writing.

It's important to note that career progression opportunities can vary based on factors such as the organisation's structure, industry, and individual goals. Continuous learning, staying updated with design trends, seeking opportunities to work on challenging projects, and networking with professionals in the field can all contribute to a UX Designer's career growth and advancement.

What progression opportunities are available for a UX Designer?

UX Designer FAQ's

Other Creative Digital Roles

 User Experience (UX) Designer is a professional who specializes in creating meaningful and engaging experiences for users when they interact with digital products, websites, applications, or services. 

UX Designer

Role - UX Designer

Are you passionate about enhancing user experiences and driving innovation? At Leighton, we’re looking for a UX Designer to lead exciting projects, collaborate with talented teams, and make a real impact for some of the world’s biggest brands.

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