Head of User Experience Design

About the role

University Information Services (UIS) of the University of Cambridge provides the digital infrastructure, business information and computing services for the university. It is looking for an experienced design leader to establish and lead its newly created User Experience Design (UXD) function, championing user-centred, accessible and inclusive design across the university and helping shape the effective use of AI-enabled technologies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and develop the User Experience Design function.
• Define and deliver the UXD vision, strategy, standards and practices.
• Champion user-centred, accessible and inclusive design and advocate for the value of design through evidence and insight.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, including product, delivery and technical colleagues.
• Develop organisational capability and maturity in design, ensuring research and insight inform strategic, product and service decisions.
• Support the effective design of AI-enabled services and experiences.

Required profile

• Significant experience leading and building user-centred design, service design, user research or related disciplines in a large organisation.
• A strong track record of influencing senior stakeholders and driving change.
• Experience embedding user-centred design within product, delivery or technology environments.
• Experience using research and evidence to improve services and inform decisions.
• Experience applying design approaches to AI-enabled services and understanding the opportunities and risks of emerging technologies.

What we offer

• Competitive salary with automatic service-related progression and annual cost-of-living increases.
• Annual leave of 41 days, including bank holidays.
• Access to a hybrid pension scheme with attractive employer contributions.
• Shopping and travel discounts through the Cambens scheme.

Applications are made online through the university's recruitment system; applicants should quote reference VC51568. The university welcomes applications from women and/or candidates from a BME background and from people wishing flexible working arrangements.