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Product Design: Negotiating a new salary when going from temp to perm

I work as a Mid Product Designer for a big company ($8+ billions) in London (UX/UI, not Industrial design). My salary is currently £45k, which I now realise it's too low. It's a temp contract for now though. This contract will last until the end of this year and then they want to convert it to perm. My manager etc. already agreed that I should go perm, so right now it's just a matter of bureaucracy and I'm waiting for an official offer. I think I should definitely ask for a raise when that time comes. I'm now fully integrated with how the team works. I handle big projects that are extremely profitable for the company. Everyone likes me. And if they had to find someone else, it'd require them a lot of money and resources to do that. One of our senior designers told me it was a nightmare last time around, because they couldn't find anyone good, so he thinks I've a lot of leverage at this point. Also, my skills are now very different compared to when I accepted my previous contract many months ago. I improved a lot and I'm worth more. My idea is to lay down the things I'm bringing to this company, and then say something like "...because of this, I'd like to have a competitive market rate. Mid Product Designers in London earn £58-60k. I'm flexible and willing to find some common ground". Any advice on this? Did any of you negotiate their salary when going from temp to perm? (I'm not a contractor, I've a normal temp contract and I've a yearly salary)

notsospecialk 5y ago
Approaching the situation with good data and an open mind is a great approach, and based on what you've shared I think your logic is sound. The salary you have now seems to be more reflective of junior product designer (between entry level and mid level). It's worth making sure you have some sound reasoning for why you are a mid-level product designer in case this becomes a point of contention. They should really be looking at this based on your skillset, your output, and what they ask/need of you, but the shortcut (unfortunately) is often looking at years of experience. Just be prepared to talk through why you're a mid-level designer, just in case. I took a quick look at a source I trust for comp information and your range (£58-60k) although pretty tight seems quite accurate. That said, they probably will have their own data. It sounds like you have done your homework, but being able to site a few trustworthy sources is ideal. Last, expect a little push back. Big company bureaucracy means it will likely take them a while to see things your way. They will mention that you'll get more benefits, which are valuable to you and cost them money. They will likely also just take a while. Good luck! Hope this helps.
- _pushingpixels 5y ago
  This is great advice. I really appreciate your comment! Thank you so much!

notsospecialk 5y ago

Approaching the situation with good data and an open mind is a great approach, and based on what you've shared I think your logic is sound. The salary you have now seems to be more reflective of junior product designer (between entry level and mid level). It's worth making sure you have some sound reasoning for why you are a mid-level product designer in case this becomes a point of contention. They should really be looking at this based on your skillset, your output, and what they ask/need of you, but the shortcut (unfortunately) is often looking at years of experience. Just be prepared to talk through why you're a mid-level designer, just in case. I took a quick look at a source I trust for comp information and your range (£58-60k) although pretty tight seems quite accurate. That said, they probably will have their own data. It sounds like you have done your homework, but being able to site a few trustworthy sources is ideal. Last, expect a little push back. Big company bureaucracy means it will likely take them a while to see things your way. They will mention that you'll get more benefits, which are valuable to you and cost them money. They will likely also just take a while. Good luck! Hope this helps.

_pushingpixels 5y ago
This is great advice. I really appreciate your comment! Thank you so much!