Design Jobs in Manchester
Manchester is the UK's second-largest design hub, with a thriving tech scene centred around MediaCityUK, the Northern Quarter, and Spinningfields. The city attracts a growing number of product-led companies, digital agencies, and established brands building in-house design teams. Hybrid working is widespread, and many Manchester roles offer flexibility that rivals London without the London price tag.
Design salaries in Manchester have risen steadily as more companies compete for experienced talent outside London. The lower cost of living means take-home pay often stretches further. For current benchmarks, check the salary tracker and day rate guides.
The best jobs don't stay open long.
Be the first to apply
Get the latest design jobs from 230+ top companies direct to your inbox each day.
Design roles in Manchester
Manchester's design market has matured rapidly. Major employers include the BBC, Booking.com, Autotrader, and a growing cluster of fintech and healthtech startups. The agency scene is strong too, with several well-known digital agencies headquartered in the city. E-commerce and retail brands with Northern headquarters — including The Hut Group, AO, and Boohoo — regularly hire UX and product designers.
Contract opportunities in Manchester are growing, particularly for senior UX and product designers. Day rates tend to be slightly below London but the gap continues to narrow, especially for remote-friendly contracts where location matters less. The city's lower overheads make it an attractive base for contractors working across the North and Midlands.
Frequently asked questions about UX jobs
How many design jobs are there in Manchester?
Manchester is the second-largest market for design roles in the UK after London. The number of live roles changes daily — check the listings above for the current count. All jobs are sourced directly from company career pages, so you're seeing genuine openings rather than duplicates from agencies.
What is the average design salary in Manchester?
Design salaries in Manchester typically sit 10–15% below London equivalents, but the lower cost of living often makes up the difference in real terms. Salaries have been rising steadily as more companies establish design teams in the city. See the salary tracker for current averages broken down by discipline and seniority level.
Which companies hire designers in Manchester?
Manchester employers include the BBC, Booking.com, Autotrader, The Hut Group, AO, and a growing number of fintech and healthtech startups. Several large digital agencies are also headquartered in the city. The public sector, including NHS Digital and local government, provides a steady flow of both permanent and contract design roles.
Are there remote design jobs in Manchester?
Many Manchester-based companies offer hybrid or fully remote options. Hybrid is the most common arrangement, usually two to three days in the office. Some companies hiring in Manchester are fully remote-first, meaning you can work from anywhere in the UK. Use the workplace filter above to find remote-friendly roles, or browse dedicated remote design jobs.
Is Manchester a good city for a design career?
Manchester has a strong and growing design community with regular meetups, a well-regarded university design programme, and an increasing number of product-led companies building local teams. The city offers a compelling balance of career opportunity, lower living costs than London, and a well-connected transport network for occasional travel to other hubs.
What are contract day rates for designers in Manchester?
Contract day rates in Manchester have been rising and are narrowing the gap with London, particularly for remote-friendly engagements. Rates vary by seniority, discipline, and IR35 status. Check the day rate tracker for current averages and a full breakdown by experience level.