Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Design Director

Company: Verndale LLC

Location: Hybrid (Quito), Ecuador

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Category: Design Leadership / Experience Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-24

Experience Level: 7-10 years (with 2-4 years in leadership)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and creative execution of digital products, websites, and eCommerce experiences.

• Operate at the nexus of design, technology, and strategy, balancing leadership with hands-on design craft.

• Foster a culture of design excellence, innovation, and continuous learning within the design team.

• Drive client success by translating complex business needs into exceptional, user-centered digital solutions.

• Leverage AI-powered tools to enhance design workflows, accelerate exploration, and improve delivery quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership position within the Experience Design practice, requiring a blend of strategic vision, creative execution, team mentorship, and client engagement. The emphasis on AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Creative & Experience Leadership:

  • Lead the creation and review of a comprehensive suite of experience design deliverables, including concept sketches, user journeys, information architecture, wireframes, prototypes, high-fidelity compositions, design systems, personas, and strategic recommendations.
  • Translate intricate business requirements into intuitive, user-centered digital experiences that align with client objectives and brand standards.
  • Define and articulate visual frameworks, mood boards, and scalable design systems to ensure creative consistency and execution quality.
  • Champion adherence to accessibility requirements (e.g., WCAG) and user needs throughout the design process.
  • Contribute to the development of robust experience strategies informed by user research, analytics, customer insights, and industry best practices.
  • Uphold and advance design quality and consistency across all projects and design teams.

• Team Leadership & Mentorship:

  • Provide clear direction, constructive mentorship, and actionable feedback to designers and experience strategists.
  • Cultivate an environment of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development within the design team.
  • Assist in setting project priorities, managing team workloads, and ensuring the successful and timely delivery of design projects.
  • Lead by example, demonstrating strong design craft, professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellence.
  • Support the professional growth and performance development of team members through coaching and regular feedback sessions.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Present design work and strategic recommendations with confidence and clarity to clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Facilitate key client engagements, including workshops, discovery sessions, design reviews, and collaborative working meetings.
  • Build and maintain trusted, long-term relationships with client teams, serving as a strategic design advisor.
  • Clearly articulate design rationale and strategic recommendations to diverse audiences, both technical and non-technical.
  • Collaborate effectively with Account Management, Research, Strategy, and Technology teams to identify new opportunities for client growth and innovation.

• Design Execution & Delivery:

  • Contribute directly to the hands-on design of websites, digital products, and eCommerce experiences as needed, ensuring a balance between strategic oversight and detailed execution.
  • Craft visually compelling, user-centered experiences that effectively integrate usability, brand identity, and business objectives.
  • Partner closely with development teams to ensure seamless design handoffs, accurate implementation, and the delivery of high-quality digital builds.
  • Produce well-organized, developer-ready design files, comprehensive specifications, and necessary assets.
  • Ensure all deliverables meet stringent quality standards, accessibility requirements, and project objectives.
  • Proactively leverage AI-powered design, research, content generation, and prototyping tools to accelerate exploration, optimize workflows, and elevate the quality of experience design outputs.
  • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and identify opportunities to enhance design processes, boost team efficiency, and improve client outcomes.

• Practice Leadership & Business Development:

  • Actively participate in business development activities, including contributing to pitches, proposals, RFIs, and RFPs.

  • Contribute to the ongoing refinement and evolution of Verndale's design methodologies, tools, and best practices.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, design trends, tools, and industry developments.

  • Play a role in shaping and advancing Verndale's overall Experience Design practice.

  • Identify and implement opportunities to enhance team effectiveness, delivery quality, and client satisfaction through process innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed and cover a broad spectrum from high-level strategy and team leadership to hands-on execution and client interaction. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a focus on modernizing design workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field. Experience:

• 7–10 years of progressive experience in UX, product design, digital experience design, eCommerce, or a closely related field.

• 2–4 years of demonstrated experience in a leadership capacity, including managing, mentoring, or directing designers and cross-functional teams. Required Skills:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead design strategy, influence stakeholders, and drive impactful digital experiences.

• UX & Product Design Expertise: Deep understanding of user-centered design methodologies, responsive design principles, and usability best practices.

• Visual Design Excellence: Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to create visually compelling, brand-aligned designs.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• AI-Powered Design Tools: Experience utilizing AI tools for design exploration, workflow optimization, and rapid concept testing.

• Design Systems Development: Experience creating and managing design systems, component libraries, and scalable digital experiences.

• Information Architecture & Flows: Skill in defining site maps, user flows, and information architecture.

• Prototyping Skills: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts and user experiences.

• Stakeholder Management: Ability to build rapport, manage expectations, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

• Client Facilitation: Experience leading workshops, discovery sessions, and design reviews with clients.

• WCAG Accessibility Standards: Knowledge and application of accessibility guidelines (WCAG) in design.

• eCommerce Design Principles: Understanding of best practices for designing effective eCommerce platforms and user journeys.

• Responsive Design: Expertise in designing for various devices and screen sizes.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to synthesize information and develop effective solutions.

• Communication & Storytelling: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale compellingly.

• Collaboration with Developers: Experience working closely with development teams and managing design-to-development handoffs.

• Front-End Development Concepts: Working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and modern front-end development principles.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for enterprise CMS and commerce platforms (e.g., Sitecore, Optimizely, Shopify, Adobe Experience Manager).

• Experience in an agency, consultancy, or digital product environment.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted design workflows, experience simulation, and design system acceleration techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to thoughtfully integrate AI into the design process while maintaining strong creative judgment and user-centered principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of core design skills, leadership experience, and a strong command of modern tools, including AI. The mention of specific enterprise platforms suggests a focus on complex digital transformation projects.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant projects that demonstrate strategic thinking, user-centered design principles, and successful digital product delivery.

• Include examples of complex problem-solving, detailing the challenges, your approach, and the resulting impact.

• Highlight projects involving UX, UI, product design, and/or eCommerce experiences.

• Provide evidence of leadership, mentorship, or team collaboration in at least one project.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating and utilizing design systems or component libraries.

• Illustrate the application of AI-powered design tools and their impact on the design process or outcomes.

• Include examples of deliverables such as user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for each project, emphasizing a user-centered methodology.

• Detail how research, analytics, and stakeholder input were synthesized to inform design decisions.

• Explain your approach to information architecture, user journey mapping, and interaction design.

• Showcase how you collaborate with development teams, including the handoff process and quality assurance.

• Demonstrate how design quality, consistency, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) were maintained.

• Provide examples of how AI tools were integrated into the design workflow to improve efficiency or outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. The emphasis should be on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and the practical application of design processes, including the use of AI tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $120,000 - $170,000 USD annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Design Director roles with 7-10 years of experience and 2-4 years in leadership, located in regions with a comparable cost of living to Quito, Ecuador, and considering the hybrid work arrangement. It factors in the seniority of the role, the specialized skills required (e.g., AI design tools, eCommerce platforms), and the agency/consultancy context. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, experience, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Regular Training and Professional Development opportunities to support career advancement.

• Generous Paid Company Holidays, Vacation time, and Paid Sick Time provided from day one.

• Comprehensive Health Insurance coverage.

• Monthly perks customized to meet individual employee needs, offering flexibility and support.

• Opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement within a dynamic design practice. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work hours, estimated at 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on general industry data for a Design Director role. The company provides a strong benefits package focusing on professional growth and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation, Technology Consulting, Experience Design, eCommerce Solutions. Verndale operates within a competitive landscape focused on helping businesses leverage technology, data, and design to solve complex challenges and drive growth.

Company Size: Established in 1998, Verndale has grown significantly from its scrappy, entrepreneurial roots. While the exact current employee count isn't specified, the description implies a mid-to-large-sized organization with a structured approach to design and technology services, capable of handling enterprise-level clients.

Founded: 1998. This long history suggests stability, experience, and a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Design team likely comprises various roles, including UX designers, UI designers, experience strategists, and potentially researchers, led by Design Directors.

• This role will report into a higher-level design or experience leadership position (e.g., VP of Experience Design).

• Expect close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as Account Management, Strategy, Research, and Technology/Development. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using research, analytics, and customer insights to inform design decisions.

• User-Centered Approach: Core principle is to create experiences that meet user needs and business objectives.

• Agile & Iterative Processes: Likely employs agile methodologies for project delivery, with continuous improvement baked into workflows.

• Technology Integration: Strong focus on leveraging technology, including AI, to enhance design processes and client outcomes.

• Process Innovation: Commitment to evolving design methodologies and tools for greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Company Website: https://www.verndale.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Verndale positions itself as a seasoned digital transformation partner with a strong emphasis on innovation, client success, and employee growth. The culture appears to be a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and professional rigor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, falling into the "Director" level within the design and experience practice. It signifies significant responsibility for strategic direction, team management, client relationships, and the quality of design output. This role is pivotal in shaping the company's design capabilities and client offerings.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will likely report to a VP of Experience Design, Head of Design, or a similar senior leadership position within Verndale. They will directly manage and mentor a team of designers and experience strategists.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact extends beyond design deliverables. They are instrumental in:

• Driving client satisfaction and retention through the delivery of exceptional digital experiences.

• Contributing to business development by shaping proposals and participating in pitches.

• Elevating the company's design practice through innovation, process improvement, and thought leadership.

• Influencing strategic decisions for clients by translating user needs and market trends into actionable digital strategies.

• Enhancing team capabilities and fostering a high-performance design culture. Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into VP-level roles or specialized leadership positions within the design practice.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI in design, complex eCommerce architectures, or enterprise-level design systems.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior and mid-level designers.

• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in company strategy, business development, and shaping Verndale's service offerings.

• Industry Recognition: Opportunities to contribute to thought leadership, speak at conferences, or publish insights related to digital design and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within a well-established digital transformation firm, with clear pathways for both leadership and specialized expertise development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blended approach where employees are expected to work from the office on certain days and remotely on others. The specific office is located in Quito, Ecuador.

Office Location(s): Quito, Ecuador. This location serves as a hub for hybrid work, suggesting that employees in or near Quito will have access to office facilities for collaborative meetings, team sessions, and focused work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The Quito office likely functions as a central point for team collaboration, client meetings, workshops, and fostering company culture.

• Modern Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Figma), AI tools, and other relevant technologies necessary for delivering high-quality digital experiences.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for both in-person collaboration, fostering strong team dynamics and spontaneous idea exchange, and remote work flexibility.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours are expected (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility in managing work location, balancing in-office collaboration with the benefits of remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Quito offers a blend of structured office collaboration and remote flexibility, catering to modern work preferences.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage where you will present your portfolio, detailing your strategic thinking, design process, leadership experience, and the impact of your work. Expect in-depth questions about your approach, decision-making, and how you've leveraged tools like Figma and AI.

• Leadership & Team Interview: Interviews focusing on leadership style, mentorship capabilities, team collaboration, and how you foster a positive and productive design environment. This may involve discussions with peers or potential direct reports.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potential): You might be asked to present a case study or participate in a simulated client scenario to assess your presentation, facilitation, and strategic advisory skills.

• Final Round: Typically involves discussions with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall suitability for the Director role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, end-to-end design process, and tangible results. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, user needs, your specific role and contributions, the design solutions, the process followed (including AI integration), and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly demonstrate instances where you led teams, mentored designers, or influenced strategic direction.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design methodology, including research, ideation, iteration, and collaboration with development. Clearly explain how AI tools were integrated and their value.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction, efficiency gains).

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality visuals and concise explanations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to common design challenges, such as designing for complex user flows, integrating new technologies (like AI), or addressing accessibility requirements.

• Practice articulating your design rationale and strategic thinking concisely and persuasively.

• Familiarize yourself with Verndale's work and client portfolio to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, culture, challenges, and growth opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio review and the ability to articulate strategic design thinking, leadership, and practical application of tools, including AI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows. Advanced proficiency is required.

• AI-Powered Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency is explicitly required. This could include tools for generative design, AI-assisted wireframing, content generation, design system acceleration, and experience simulation.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, experience with other advanced prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for this role, a Design Director needs to understand and interpret data from:

  • Web Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)

  • User Feedback Tools

  • A/B Testing Platforms CRM & Automation:

• Experience with enterprise CMS and commerce platforms is preferred:

  • Sitecore

  • Optimizely

  • Shopify

  • Adobe Experience Manager

  • Similar platforms Other Relevant Technologies:

• HTML/CSS: Working knowledge is required for understanding development constraints and communication.

• Design System Tools: Tools for managing and scaling design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with Figma and AI-powered design tools is a key requirement. Familiarity with specific enterprise CMS and commerce platforms is a strong advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Relentless Curiosity: A drive to explore, learn, and solve complex problems through innovative approaches.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction and success as paramount business metrics.

• Design Excellence: Commitment to delivering best-in-class digital experiences through high-quality craft and strategic thinking.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships within design teams and across cross-functional departments.

• Continuous Learning: Encouraging ongoing professional development and staying ahead of industry trends, especially with AI.

• Empowerment: Creating an environment where individuals can do their best work and advance their careers.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Celebrating and championing diversity in all aspects of the work and team.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Account Management, Strategy, Research, and Technology teams to ensure holistic project success.

• Mentorship & Feedback Culture: Encouraging open communication, constructive feedback, and knowledge sharing to elevate team capabilities.

• Workshop Facilitation: Leading collaborative sessions to drive alignment, ideation, and problem-solving.

• Client Partnerships: Building strong, advisory relationships with clients based on trust and expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: Verndale emphasizes a culture of continuous improvement, client success, and professional growth, underpinned by strong values of curiosity, collaboration, and DEI.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Strategic Leadership with Hands-on Craft: Effectively managing time between high-level strategy, team guidance, and direct design contributions.

• Integrating Evolving AI Technologies: Staying current with rapid advancements in AI tools and thoughtfully incorporating them into design workflows without compromising user-centered principles or design quality.

• Managing Complex Client Expectations: Navigating diverse stakeholder needs and delivering solutions that meet stringent business and user requirements for enterprise clients.

• Driving Design Consistency Across Projects: Ensuring a unified brand experience and design quality across multiple, potentially disparate, projects and client platforms.

• Adapting to Rapid Technological Change: Keeping pace with evolving digital trends, development practices, and AI capabilities to maintain Verndale's competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI for enhanced design processes, efficiency, and innovative solutions.

• Advanced Leadership Training: Develop skills in managing larger teams, strategic planning, and executive-level client advisory.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology conferences, and pursue relevant certifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to mentor junior designers and gain leadership insights.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working closely with strategy, technology, and research teams to broaden understanding of the digital transformation landscape.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents challenges related to managing emerging technologies like AI and complex client needs, alongside significant opportunities for leadership growth and specialized skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing business objectives with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study highlighting your strategic decision-making and user-advocacy.)

• "How do you envision AI tools transforming the design process in the next 3-5 years, and how would you lead your team to adopt these changes effectively?" (Focus on your strategic foresight, adaptability, and leadership in embracing new technologies.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing and implementing a design system. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure adoption and scalability?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design systems, process, and stakeholder buy-in.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of Verndale, how do you see your leadership style contributing to our culture of 'relentless curiosity' and 'client satisfaction'?" (Research Verndale's values and articulate alignment with your own approach.)

• "How do you foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within a design team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" (Provide specific examples of your team management and collaboration strategies.)

• "Describe a project where you significantly influenced a client's strategic direction through design. What was your approach to building trust and presenting your recommendations?" (Showcase your client-facing skills and strategic impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Begin with a high-level overview of your career and leadership philosophy. Then, dive into 2-3 key projects, dedicating ample time to each.

• Focus on the 'Why' and 'How': For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your strategic approach, the detailed design process (including AI integration), your specific contributions as a leader, and the tangible results.

• Showcase AI Integration: Explicitly point out where and how you leveraged AI tools. Discuss the benefits gained (e.g., speed, exploration, quality) and any lessons learned.

• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, process, team management, and client interactions.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not just a presentation. Encourage questions throughout or at designated points.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, practical application of design processes (including AI), and strong communication skills, backed by compelling portfolio examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Verndale's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strategic leadership, complex problem-solving, user-centered design, and experience with enterprise platforms. Explicitly showcase your use of AI-powered design tools and their impact.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7-10 years of design experience, 2-4 years of leadership, and specific skills in Figma, AI tools, and relevant platforms. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on storytelling, strategic rationale, and demonstrating leadership. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and situational questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Verndale's client work, company values, and design philosophy to articulate how your skills and experience align with their mission and culture, particularly regarding innovation and client success.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.