Job TitleProduct Designer - Early-Stage Innovation (70% Design, 30% Research)
Contract Details
Type: 6-month contract (with potential extension)
Start Date: February 2026 (approx.)
Rates: £380 per day (Inside of IR35)
Openings: 2
Location: Remote (UK - London preferred)
Travel: 1 visit to London office per month
Senior UX / Product Design Strategist
Early-Stage Innovation
About the Role
We're looking for a senior UX / Product Design Strategist to join an innovation-focused team working at the very front end of the product lifecycle. This role is about shaping what we build and why-long before wireframes, UI, or delivery teams come into play.
You'll explore emerging opportunities, define compelling value propositions, and help validate product-market fit through strategic thinking and conceptual design. If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy tackling open-ended problems, and are excited by influencing senior leaders, this role is for you.
What You'll Do Lead early-stage discovery to uncover market opportunities, unmet needs, and strategic gaps
Define and articulate clear value propositions and opportunity spaces
Develop and test early concepts using lightweight, conceptual methods (e.g. storytelling, journey concepts, storyboards)
Validate opportunities and product-market fit before ideas move into delivery
Partner closely with senior stakeholders to shape innovation direction
Hand off validated concepts to UX and design delivery teams for execution What You Bring A strong strategic and innovation-led design mindset
Comfort working with ambiguity and ill-defined problem spaces
Experience in early-stage product discovery, innovation, or concept development
The ability to influence, challenge, and collaborate with VP- and SVP-level stakeholders
Excellent communication, facilitation, and storytelling skills
Less interest in pixel-perfect UI, more passion for framing problems and shaping ideas Why Join Work at the very start of the product journey, where ideas are born
Influence high-impact, senior-level decisions
Collaborate with a forward-thinking innovation team
See your ideas shape future products and experiences
Stakeholder Environment:
Works almost exclusively with VP- and SVP-level stakeholders on high-level, strategic initiatives. About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at
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