Hybrid Working
Optional home working for up to two days a week, the rest of the week office-based to help support and mentor junior staff and collaborate as a team.
*Available after probationary period and on agreement with line manager
Full-time, 12-month contract, office/hybrid
We are looking for a Senior Web UX Designer (cover), to play a key role in ensuring the smooth continuation of Optima’s digital delivery – designing thoughtful, user-centred websites and interactive experiences for a wide range of clients. As part of our multidisciplinary design team you’ll coordinate with our web development digital marketing and account management teams. You’ll bring clarity, structure and creativity to digital projects – taking a lead role in the planning and design of websites from concept through to delivery.
You will be expected to pick up and continue in-progress projects as well as initiate new ones, applying sound UX principles, strong visual design skills, and attention to detail. You’ll be confident in presenting your work, communicating rationale, and collaborating across disciplines to solve complex problems with elegant, usable solutions.
Objectives of the role:
- Ensure the successful continuation of web and UX design projects in line with Optima’s digital standards and processes.
- Lead UX design and website planning across client projects – including wireframing, site mapping, user journeys and prototyping.
- Create high-quality interface designs that balance user needs, accessibility, technical feasibility and brand consistency.
- Work collaboratively with the Web Director, developers and project managers to support delivery and smooth handover of assets and design specs.
- Communicate ideas and decisions confidently to internal stakeholders and clients.
- Maintain a practical understanding of client objectives, technical requirements and resource constraints.
- Uphold and contribute to Optima’s design systems, UX standards and documentation.
- Support junior team members and help maintain team continuity during the cover period.
- Support the broader agency team at all project stages, as required.
Key responsibilities:
- Run or contribute to discovery workshops and content audits as part of the UX process.
- Create user flows, journey maps, wireframes and functional prototypes (using tools such as Figma or Adobe XD).
- Design responsive layouts, interfaces and components for CMS-led websites.
- Apply accessibility best practices and ensure WCAG compliance across designs.
- Work with developers to test and refine design implementation, ensuring accurate execution and performance.
- Present design concepts to clients with clarity and confidence, responding to feedback constructively.
- Use and contribute to shared design systems, style guides and documentation.
- Manage your own time effectively, logging hours and meeting agreed timelines.
- Communicate clearly with the wider project team on status, dependencies and risks.
About Optima
We are an established design agency based centrally in the UK in the beautiful cathedral city of Lincoln. We are a multidisciplinary agency delivering a breadth of digital products and services alongside an established brand and traditional media offering, which covers all aspects of brand identity and design for print, packaging, exhibition and point of sale. We are driven by an overarching desire to make a positive difference in the world through the work we do every day.
Our diverse client portfolio ranges from global NGOs responsible for influencing policy on world health, workers’ rights and education to businesses and organisations from a national to local level across sectors including agri-food, retail, manufacturing, engineering, government, business services and consumer goods.
Who we’re looking for:
To work effectively and carry out the role to the required standard you will have:
- A strong track record in designing user-centred websites within an agency or digital team environment.
- Expertise in Figma, Adobe XD and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Understanding of HTML/CSS and how design decisions impact development.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices.
- Experience working with CMS platforms such as WordPress, ExpressionEngine or Craft (design-side).
- Comfortable with both UX strategy and interface design – able to guide a project from discovery to delivery.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Experience in working across multiple projects and managing priorities.
- Confidence stepping into an established workflow and adapting to existing styles and systems.
Additional expectations:
- Being proactive in identifying design or UX issues and offering solutions.
- Working collaboratively with both creative and technical colleagues.
- Supporting continuity of service and communication with clients during the cover period.
- Maintaining file structures, naming conventions and documentation in line with Optima’s standards.
- Representing the agency professionally in all interactions, internally and externally.
How to apply:
If you think you would be a great fit for our team, apply using the form below. Please ensure you send us:
- A cover letter/introduction outlining why you would be a great addition to the team.
- Your CV (Maximum 18MB).
- Examples of work.
Without these three pieces, we will sadly be unable to consider your application.
Closing date: Wednesday 19 December 2025
Apply Now
Flexibility
Flexibility on start and finish times and arrangements around childcare – just ask and we’ll accommodate if we can.
Extra Holiday
We have always gifted the team an additional three days each Christmas so that the team can enjoy a longer festive break – the doors close for Christmas and open again after new year.
Training & Support
Access to training resources and courses, regular reviews and being part of a dynamic team sharing ideas, learning from one another and mentoring less experienced members of the team.
Employee Recognition
Each month, the team choose an Optimite who has been more of a star than usual! The winner is rewarded with a meal out for two on us.
Team Treats
We’ll be honest, most treats come in the form of food and drink – breakfast butties, lunches, ice creams in summer, and Friday afternoon drinks in our bar. As a thank you, the Christmas Voucher Fairy issues gift vouchers of your choice.
Festive Fun
In December it’s time to get dressed up and celebrate the year’s achievements and we provide our staff with an end-of-year Christmas party featuring secret santa, the smartie awards, and much more!
Great Office & Kit
Our office is the converted Duke of Wellington pub – it’s pretty cool, full of character and quirky features, we have extensively refurbished it to provide a modern and comfortable office. We have invested in kit to ensure everyone is set up for working both on and offsite.
