Senior UX designer job description.

What does a senior UX designer do?

 

A senior UX designer leads design projects, ensuring that user experience solutions are strategic, scalable, and impactful. They guide junior team members, own complex journeys, and help set best practices.

 

Their responsibilities include planning UX work, conducting advanced user research, designing high-impact flows, and contributing to product vision. They often work cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business stakeholders.

 

In startups, they may lead UX across the entire product. In larger businesses, they are responsible for key features or products, supporting the head of UX or design lead with execution and mentoring.

 

Key responsibilities of a senior UX designer.

 

Senior UX designers lead the planning and execution of user-centred design projects. Their responsibilities often include:

• Leading user research and translating insights into design strategy

• Designing complex user flows, wireframes, and prototypes

• Mentoring junior UX designers and supporting their development

• Collaborating with product and engineering on design feasibility

• Presenting design rationale to stakeholders and leadership

• Conducting testing to validate solutions and improve experience

• Guiding the implementation of accessibility and UX best practices

• Supporting the creation and evolution of design systems

• Aligning UX work with product goals and business KPIs

• Advocating for users throughout the design and delivery process

This role blends leadership, deep UX thinking, and stakeholder influence.

 

Skills and requirements for a senior UX designer.

 

Senior UX designers lead UX strategy, workflow improvements, and team alignment. Employers typically look for:

• 5–8 years of experience in UX or product design

• Strong portfolio of complex UX projects and system design

• Proven ability to mentor juniors or guide design direction

• Experience with design systems, information architecture, and multichannel journeys

• Confidence conducting and applying user research insights

• Skilled in prototyping, wireframing, and interaction design

• Ability to balance business goals and user needs

• Strong stakeholder communication and collaboration skills

• Familiarity with agile environments and product delivery cycles

Most senior UX designers shape product vision alongside product managers across web, mobile, and platforms.

 

Average salary for a senior UX designer.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a senior UX designer typically ranges from £50,000 to £65,000, depending on cross-platform expertise, leadership responsibilities, and business impact.

• Mid-level senior UX designers tend to earn between £50,000 and £57,000

• Experienced professionals working across product teams or leading design squads may earn between £58,000 and £65,000

• Expertise in accessibility, interaction design, and data-led iteration can significantly increase earning potential

Top salaries are often found in SaaS, medtech, and high-growth digital platforms.

 

Career progression for a senior UX designer.

 

A senior UX designer leads product experiences and influences strategic decisions. This role often transitions into team leadership or UX strategy. Common steps include:

 

UX designer

 

Designs key flows and prototypes for digital products.

 

Senior UX designer

 

Owns full experiences. Leads collaboration across teams and mentors junior designers.

 

Lead UX designer

 

Guides cross-product UX direction, ensures consistency, and supports career growth.

 

Head of UX

 

Leads department structure, research strategy, and business alignment.

 

Director of product design

 

Owns design innovation across the organisation. Collaborates closely with C-suite.