Senior Service Designer/UCD Lead - Contract

Senior Service Desinger/UCD Lead - Outside IR35 - Contract

The role

This is a leadership role within the design capability. The team needs someone who can set direction, build momentum, and get people moving, not someone who will only map journeys. You’ll lead the user-centred design approach across the programme.

You’ll work closely with colleagues, policy and operational stakeholders, and delivery teams to make sure services are designed around the needs of patients and the staff who support them. What you’ll be doing * Leading service design and user research across the cervical screening programme, from discovery through to delivery * Setting the UCD strategy and making sure it shapes real decisions, not just artefacts * Building strong, credible relationships with clinical teams, and bringing sceptical stakeholders with you through evidence, empathy and good judgement * Guiding, supporting and coaching designers and researchers in the team, and getting a team up and running quickly * Planning and running research in clinical settings, including hospital screening areas * Influencing senior stakeholders and translating user insight into clear, prioritised recommendations What we’re looking for * Substantial experience leading service design or UCD work in complex organisations, ideally in health, the NHS or wider public sector * A track record of strategic design leadership: shaping direction, not just delivering outputs * Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, especially with clinical or specialist stakeholders * Confidence working to the GOV.UK / NHS Service Standard and comfort with service assessments * The energy to rally a team and create pace, along with the judgement to know when to slow down and listen * Availability to work on site in Canary Wharf around four days a week £600 per day outside IR35 Start date: 15/11/2026 End date: 30/04/2027 About Softwire Softwire is a leading UK technology and strategy consultancy. From enterprise to government, we help visionary organisations turn strategic ambitions into results at scale.

Our practices cover AI transformation, data platforms, systems engineering advanced CX and experience design. #J-18808-Ljbffr