UX Design Principal (Fixed-Term Contract, 10 Months)Location: Manchester / Leeds (Hybrid, 3 days office based) Salary: £64,000 - £78,000 per annum (10-month FTC) Working Pattern: Hybrid Experience Required: 8+ years UX Design experience, including Principal, Lead, Staff or equivalent senior-level roles Domain Experience: Complex digital products and customer journeys. Financial services experience beneficial but not essential.About the BusinessOur client is a leading UK-based digital platform operating within a regulated environment. Serving hundreds of thousands of customers nationwide, the organisation is undergoing a significant digital transformation focused on improving customer experiences, accessibility, and product innovation.With an established UX function comprising designers, researchers, and design system specialists, the business has built a collaborative culture centred around continuous learning, knowledge sharing, inclusivity, and user-centred design.The RoleThis is a 10-month maternity cover position for an experienced UX Design Principal to join a mature and highly regarded UX team.Reporting into the UX Design Manager, you will operate as one of the most senior individual contributors within the design function, providing strategic design leadership while remaining hands-on in delivery. You will work across multiple product squads, champion accessibility and design system adoption, mentor designers, and help shape the future direction of complex digital experiences.The successful candidate will be expected to make an immediate impact, confidently influencing stakeholders, advocating for user-centred design, and driving high-quality UX outcomes from day one.Key ResponsibilitiesUX Leadership & Strategy Lead the design of complex, business-critical customer experiences across multiple products and platforms.Partner with senior stakeholders to influence product direction and customer experience strategy.Champion UX best practice across the organisation.Advocate for user-centred thinking and evidence-based decision making.Support the ongoing evolution and maturity of the UX function. Design Delivery Drive end-to-end UX design activities from discovery through to delivery and optimisation.Create journey maps, wireframes, prototypes and high-fidelity designs.Solve complex interaction and information architecture challenges.Contribute to major transformation and re-platforming initiatives.Ensure design solutions balance customer needs with commercial objectives. Accessibility & Design Systems Champion accessibility and inclusive design principles across all workstreams.Promote adherence to WCAG standards and accessibility best practice.Support the continued rollout and adoption of the organisation's design system.Drive consistency and scalability across customer experiences. Mentoring & Influence Coach and mentor designers across the wider UX team.Act as a trusted advisor and role model for UX excellence.Communicate design rationale clearly to stakeholders at all levels.Influence decision making through insight, empathy and strategic thinking.Support a collaborative culture of learning and knowledge sharing. Required Skills & Experience Significant experience in a Principal, Lead, Staff or equivalent senior UX Design role.Proven track record designing complex digital products, platforms and customer journeys.Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking, design leadership and measurable outcomes.Expertise in UX Design, Interaction Design, Information Architecture and complex problem solving.Experience leading large-scale or strategically important design initiatives.Excellent stakeholder management, communication and presentation skills.Strong understanding of accessibility, inclusive design and WCAG standards.Experience championing and working with Design Systems.Ability to operate independently whilst collaborating across multiple teams and disciplines.Strong mentoring and coaching capability. Desirable Experience Experience working within regulated industries.Experience supporting transformation programmes and strategic change initiatives.Experience influencing organisational design maturity.Understanding of end-to-end customer journeys across multiple channels.Experience using AI-powered tools to support research, ideation and design delivery. Personal Attributes Empathetic and customer-focused.Confident communicator and stakeholder manager.Collaborative and approachable.Comfortable operating in fast-paced, complex environments.Able to influence through expertise rather than authority.Passionate about accessibility, inclusion and delivering meaningful customer outcomes. What's on Offer Salary of £64,000 - £78,000 pro rata.10-month fixed-term contract.Hybrid working model with flexibility where required.Opportunity to play a key role in a large-scale digital transformation programme.Collaborative and inclusive culture with strong investment in UX and design.Exposure to complex, high-impact digital products and customer experiences. This opportunity would suit a highly experienced UX leader who enjoys remaining hands-on, mentoring others, and driving strategic UX improvements across complex digital products within a collaborative and design-led environment.As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff. Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

Ready to own the socials for a fast-growing, people-first business? ✅   Social Media & Content Executive£30,000 - £35,000Manchester City CentreHybrid WorkingThis is a brand new in-house role for someone who loves being creative, thrives around people, and wants every day to look a little different. This is a great role for an extroverted Social Media whizz who thrives in a buzzing environment You'll have real ownership across social media and visual content, with some events in there too. It's fast, reactive, and fun:Day to day, you'll:Own the social media presence across all platforms, creating standout video and photo content, in addition to help running the podcastTrack performance across every channel, using data and insights to continuously sharpen strategyWork closely with the leadership team to champion the brand, spot trends, and keep ideas fresh and ahead of the curveIf you've got 2-4 years of experience in social media and content, and you're comfortable with asking colleagues to feature in your TikToks, create scroll-stopping Instagram reels, and highlight business wins to audiences, this might be your next role You might have come from a consumer brand or a people-focused professional services environment, it doesn't matter.What matters most is that you create content that connects and that you're confident enough to run with your ideas.You'll get weekly 1-2-1s, a real development plan and a budget for external training if needed. In addition to a list of excellent benefits If you think you'd be a great fit, email your CV AND PORTFOLIO toariana@forwardrole.com Activate to view larger image,   As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.

An established apprenticeship and work-based learning provider is recruiting a Housing Skills Coach to join their delivery team. Housing Skills Coach | Hybrid | £32,000–£38,000 | Permanent You'll be supporting learners working in the housing sector — coaching them through their programme, conducting workplace visits, and helping them build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress and achieve. Hybrid working with a mix of remote coaching and field-based employer visits. The role: Deliver coaching, training and development activities across housing-related apprenticeship and learning programmes Conduct regular progress reviews and workplace visits in line with quality and funding requirements Engage with line managers and workplace mentors to ensure learners are getting the support they need on the job Coach learners to gather and present portfolio evidence, supporting progression towards qualification and programme completion Monitor learner engagement, wellbeing and attendance — taking action to reduce withdrawals and support outcomes Provide IAG to learners, employers and stakeholders to support informed decision-making and progression We're looking for: Level 3 qualification in Housing, Community Development, Advice and Guidance, L&D, or a related discipline — or equivalent occupational experience in the housing sector Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths (or equivalent) Experience coaching, mentoring or supporting individuals within housing, employability, customer service, or a work-based learning environment Knowledge of the housing sector — tenancy management, customer service, safeguarding, welfare and resident engagement Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle What's on offer: £32,000–£38,000 depending on experience 35 days total leave (25 days + bank holidays + birthday day off + Christmas shopping day) Early finish on the second Friday of every month Westfield Health Plan (post-probation) + Health Assured from day one Buy/sell annual leave + additional days awarded for long service To apply now or to find out more, get in touch with Aidan at Forward Role: aidan.peart@forwardrole.com As an industry leading, nationwide Marketing, Digital, Analytics, IT and Design recruitment agency, we are continually receiving new assignments to work on, so keep a close eye on our website, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter pages for a full list of current permanent and interim opportunities as well as marketplace news and fun stuff.Forward Role is operating as an employment agency.