Interaction Designer

Interaction Designer: GDS – Government Digital Services.

12-month Fixed Term Contract (with a view to go permanent)

Hybrid: one visit per week onsite in Manchester.

SC Clearance: SC Clearance preferred, however, SC Eligibility accepted.

Experience within UK public sector and or central government department(s)

The Company

At Amber Labs, we are a cutting‑edge UK and European technology consultancy that prioritises empowering autonomy, promoting experimentation, and facilitating rapid learning to provide exceptional value to our clients. Our teams consist of highly skilled engineers, designers, analysts, and consultants dedicated to building world‑class digital services for government and enterprise clients.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Interaction Designer to support a major digital delivery programme for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

This role sits within a large, multidisciplinary delivery environment and requires a designer who can contribute effectively from day one within GDS-aligned teams. The successful candidate will work closely with:

• UCD professionals
• Business Analysts
• Developers
• Product and delivery teams

The role requires strong experience designing accessible, user-centered public services within government environments, with a particular emphasis on interaction design, prototyping, and delivery in the discovery phase.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and iterate accessible, user-centered service interactions
• Develop and maintain prototypes using the GOV.UK Prototype Kit
• Collaborate closely with: User Researchers, Content Designers, Business Analysts and Developers
• Contribute to: Discovery activities, Design workshops, as well as Service mapping and ideation sessions
• Translate user needs and research insights into: Interaction patterns, Prototype journeys and Service improvements
• Ensure all designs align with: GDS standards, Accessibility requirements and best practice interaction design principles
• Support and guide less experienced team members where required

Essential Skills

Interaction Design

• Strong experience designing user-centred digital services.
• Ability to create: User flows, Service interactions and Wireframes and prototypes.
• Strong understanding of: Interaction patterns, Information architecture and Form and transactional service design.
• Ability to: Translate research findings into design solutions and Iterate designs rapidly based on feedback and testing.

GOV.UK Prototype Kit (Non-Negotiable)

• Proven hands-on experience using the GOV.UK Prototype Kit
• Ability to:
• Build and iterate front-end prototypes efficiently
• Create realistic service journeys aligned to GDS standards
• Experience must be demonstrated through previous government project delivery

Government & GDS Experience (Mandatory)

• Strong experience working within UK Government digital delivery environments
• Deep understanding of:
• Government Digital Service (GDS) standards and service patterns
• Accessibility requirements (WCAG)
• Government service assessment expectations
• Experience working within:
• Cross-functional Agile teams
• UCD-led delivery environments

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a dynamic and innovative team, with opportunities for professional growth and development
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to shape and influence asset management strategy in a fast‑paced environment

Benefits

• Join a rapidly expanding start‑up where personal growth is a part of our DNA
• Benefit from a flexible work environment focused on deliverable outcomes
• Receive private medical insurance
• 25 days of annual leave plus UK bank holidays

Diversity & Inclusion

Here at Amber Labs, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace for all. We celebrate individuality and believe that different perspectives drive innovation. Every colleague is valued, respected, and supported to thrive.

What Happens Next?

Our Talent Acquisition Team will be in touch to advise you on the next steps. We have a two‑stage interview process for most of our consultants. In certain cases, we may include a third and final stage: a conversation with the end client. This will only be considered if deemed necessary.

Apply Now and help shape the future of UK digital services with Amber Labs.