E-commerce UX/UI Brand Designer (DTC Focus)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: E-commerce UX/UI Brand Designer (DTC Focus)

Company: Blue Stout

Location: Poland

Job Type: Full-time Contractor

Category: Design Operations / GTM Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 Years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end UX/UI design ownership for multiple Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) eCommerce brands, focusing on conversion-optimized storefronts.

• Implement and lead AI-driven initiatives to enhance design production speed and quality within the agency's workflows.

• Collaborate closely with strategists, project managers, and developers to ensure seamless project execution from concept through launch.

• Develop and maintain robust visual design systems and brand identity guidelines that align with conversion rate optimization (CRO) best practices.

• Contribute to process improvement by identifying and implementing better tools, systems, and workflows within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into "Operations" by focusing on process ownership, system implementation (AI tools), cross-functional collaboration, and driving measurable business results (conversions). This role bridges the gap between creative execution and operational efficiency in a client-facing agency setting. The emphasis on AI tools and process improvement positions this as a forward-thinking design operations role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete UX and UI design lifecycle for diverse DTC eCommerce brands, from initial concept development to final launch.

• Craft intuitive and visually compelling online stores and landing pages specifically engineered to maximize sales conversions.

• Produce detailed wireframes, scalable UI component systems, and high-fidelity mockups using Figma.

• Translate core brand strategies into cohesive and user-friendly visual design systems that ensure brand consistency across all digital touchpoints.

• Present design concepts and project progress effectively to stakeholders, including clients, project managers, lead designers, and development teams, ensuring smooth handoffs and successful launches.

• Proactively identify and address usability issues, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance the user experience and implement proven conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.

• Strategically balance innovative UI design with data-backed CRO best practices to achieve client objectives.

• Develop, document, and maintain comprehensive brand identity guidelines that govern all design outputs.

• Champion and integrate AI-powered tools and methodologies to accelerate design production cycles, enhance creative ideation, generate assets, and improve design quality through automated checks.

• Continuously evaluate and propose improvements to internal design processes, including the adoption of new tools, refinement of systems, and optimization of workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative ownership and operational rigor. The emphasis on "owning projects end-to-end," "driving sales," "balancing fresh design with CRO," and "leading AI-driven initiatives" points to a role that requires strategic thinking, process adherence, and a results-oriented mindset, aligning it with operational excellence in a design context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles, user experience, and digital marketing fundamentals is expected, often gained through formal education, bootcamps, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3+ years of dedicated UX/UI design experience for eCommerce or DTC brands, with a mandatory requirement for agency experience serving multiple clients simultaneously.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in designing and shipping live Shopify or Shopify Plus stores, with the ability to provide specific URLs as proof.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and system building.

• Deep understanding of core UX fundamentals, including user research synthesis, journey mapping, and usability testing principles.

• Expertise in mobile-first design principles and responsive design techniques.

• Strong knowledge of web accessibility standards (WCAG) and their practical application in UI design.

• Demonstrated practical experience using AI tools to accelerate or enhance design workflows (e.g., AI-assisted concepting, asset generation, research synthesis, QA checks).

• Ability to articulate and defend design decisions with data and conversion metrics rather than subjective preferences.

• Proven track record of managing projects from initial concept through to successful launch.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and clients.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple client projects concurrently while meeting deadlines.

• Proactive communication regarding potential timeline risks. Preferred Skills:

• Foundational understanding of HTML and CSS to facilitate better collaboration with developers.

• Basic knowledge of front-end development principles.

• Experience working within an agile, multi-client agency environment.

• Familiarity with other eCommerce platforms such as WooCommerce or Magento.

• Experience in remote-first or distributed work environments.

• Experience building or contributing to team-level AI-assisted design workflows (e.g., prompt libraries, template standardization, plugin rollout).

• Proficiency with project management tools like ClickUp.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, demonstrable experience with live sites and specific platforms (Shopify), alongside a forward-looking requirement for AI tool proficiency. The "agency experience" and "multiple clients" mandate are critical operational aspects that filter for candidates accustomed to fast-paced, client-service environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 2 to 3 live Shopify or Shopify Plus stores that you have personally designed and launched. URLs are mandatory for review.

• Demonstrated ability to translate brand identity and strategy into functional and aesthetically pleasing eCommerce storefronts.

• Evidence of process improvement initiatives or the adoption of new tools/workflows within past projects.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, and the measurable results (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user engagement metrics). Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've documented design systems, brand guidelines, or user flows.

• Clear articulation of your end-to-end design process, from discovery and strategy to wireframing, UI design, prototyping, development handoff, and post-launch analysis.

• Evidence of utilizing AI tools within your design process, with specific examples of how they contributed to efficiency or quality improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily process and results-oriented. The emphasis on "live Shopify stores," "URLs required," and "measurable results" underscores an operational focus on tangible outcomes and verifiable work. The explicit request for AI usage examples further highlights the company's commitment to modern, efficient design operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 3,200 - 3,500 USD / Month

Benefits:

• Contractor Status: Positioned as a full-time contractor, offering flexibility and potential for project-based engagement.

• Remote Work: Fully remote position, allowing for work from anywhere within Poland, with a requirement for overlap with US EST or PST business hours.

• Growth Opportunities: Exposure to a diverse range of DTC brands and client projects, fostering skill development in eCommerce design and AI-assisted workflows.

• Dynamic Environment: Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, client-focused agency environment that values innovation and results.

Working Hours: Full-time, with a requirement for at least 4 hours of overlap with US Eastern Standard Time (EST) or Pacific Standard Time (PST) business hours. This implies a standard 40-hour work week, adaptable to accommodate specific client needs and time zone coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is provided in USD, indicating a potential for international compensation. The contractor status and specific time overlap requirement are crucial operational details for candidates to consider. The benefits focus on flexibility and professional development, common in agency contractor roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce Design Agency, specializing in Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands. The agency focuses on designing brands and storefronts that are optimized for conversion.

Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (based on typical agency structures for this type of role, likely under 50 employees, though not explicitly stated). This size often fosters a close-knit team environment with direct impact potential.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the focus on modern practices like AI tools and DTC suggests a relatively contemporary agency.

Team Structure:

• The role involves collaboration with strategists, a lead designer, and developers, indicating a cross-functional team structure common in design agencies.

• Designers are expected to work across multiple DTC brands, suggesting project-based teams or flexible resource allocation.

• The reporting structure likely involves reporting to a Lead Designer or Creative Director, with direct client interaction. Methodology:

• Conversion-Focused Design: The core methodology revolves around designing "pretty things that sell," prioritizing clear, fast, and conversion-driving aesthetics.

• Data-Informed Decisions: Emphasis on defending design choices with data and results over subjective "vibes."

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption and leadership in using AI tools to enhance design processes and efficiency.

• Agile/Iterative: Implied through the "end-to-end ownership," "handoff, QA, and launch" process, suggesting iterative development and collaboration.

Company Website: bluestout.com (derived from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is clearly defined by its focus on results (conversion), modern tools (AI), and a client-centric, fast-paced agency model. Understanding this operational ethos is key for applicants.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at a mid-level to senior individual contributor position within the design function, with significant operational responsibilities. It requires end-to-end project ownership and a proactive approach to process improvement and AI tool integration.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Lead Designer or Creative Director and work closely with Project Managers, Strategists, and Developers. Direct interaction with clients is a key component.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts client revenue through conversion rate optimization on their eCommerce storefronts. By implementing efficient design processes, leveraging AI, and ensuring high-quality output, the designer contributes to the agency's reputation and client success metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in DTC eCommerce UX/UI design and conversion optimization strategies.

• AI Leadership: Become a go-to expert within the agency for AI-assisted design workflows and best practices.

• Client Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills through direct interaction and presentation of work.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to shaping the agency's design processes and tool stack.

• Portfolio Expansion: Work on a diverse range of high-profile DTC brands, significantly enhancing professional portfolio and marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers growth not just in design skill, but in operational efficiency, AI adoption, and client management, which are valuable for advancing in a creative agency or transitioning into design operations leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The company operates without a central physical office, with all team members working from their respective locations.

Office Location(s): Primarily focused on Poland, with the critical requirement that candidates must have at least 4 hours of overlap with US EST or PST business hours. This implies a distributed team structure with a strong connection to North American client time zones.

Workspace Context:

• Independent Work: Requires self-discipline and effective time management to work autonomously.

• Digital Collaboration: Heavy reliance on digital tools (Figma, communication platforms) for collaboration and project management.

• Client Interaction: Frequent virtual meetings and communication with clients and internal teams.

• Tool Proficiency: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design and project management software is essential.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility in working hours provided that the required overlap with US EST/PST time zones is maintained. This allows for asynchronous work for certain tasks but necessitates real-time collaboration during overlapping hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature combined with specific time zone overlap requirements defines the operational rhythm of this role, emphasizing asynchronous efficiency alongside synchronous collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening based on submitted portfolio, with a strict requirement for live Shopify/Shopify Plus store URLs.

• Portfolio Walkthrough Call: A dedicated session to discuss specific projects, design rationale, process, and results, with an opportunity to ask clarifying questions.

• Team/Culture Interview: An assessment of cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with the agency's values (e.g., data-driven, AI-forward, client-focused).

• Offer: Finalization of terms and extension of an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Live Sites: Ensure your portfolio prominently features the required 2-3 live Shopify/Shopify Plus store URLs. Make them easily accessible and clearly label your contribution.

• Showcase Process & AI: For each project, articulate your design process, including how you approached UX, UI, brand consistency, and CRO. Crucially, detail any instances where AI tools were used to improve efficiency or outcomes.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., "Increased conversion rate by X%," "Reduced bounce rate on product pages by Y%").

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to defend your design decisions with logical reasoning, user-centric principles, and conversion best practices, not just aesthetic preferences.

• Include "Figma AI Hero": Remember to include the specific phrase "Figma AI Hero" in your application to confirm attention to detail.

• AI Usage Example: Prepare a concise, real-world example of how you've used AI to speed up or improve a design deliverable or process.

Challenge Preparation:

• While no explicit "challenge" is mentioned outside the portfolio review, expect in-depth questions about your process, problem-solving approach, and ability to handle multiple client demands.

• Be ready to discuss hypothetical scenarios related to conversion optimization or brand system challenges.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially regarding the integration of AI into your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process is highly structured and emphasizes tangible proof of work (live sites) and specific operational competencies (AI usage, data-driven decisions). Candidates must meticulously prepare their portfolios and application materials to meet these stringent requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a non-negotiable requirement for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and building scalable UI systems.

• AI Design Tools: Practical experience with AI tools for ideation, asset generation, research synthesis, QA, or workflow automation is essential. Examples could include AI plugins within Figma, Midjourney, ChatGPT for research summarization, etc.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as required tools, a strong understanding of how to interpret analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, platform-specific analytics) to inform design decisions and measure conversion rates is critical. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design integrates with eCommerce platforms (Shopify, Shopify Plus) is key. Experience with other eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce or Magento is a bonus.

• Understanding of workflow automation within design processes, potentially leveraging AI or integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around Figma and a broad category of AI tools. The emphasis is on proficiency and practical application, rather than just listing tool names. Understanding the ecosystem of eCommerce platforms is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Results-Oriented: A primary focus on delivering tangible business results, specifically driving conversions and sales for clients. "If you design pretty things that don't sell, this won't be fun for you."

• Data-Driven: Decisions are backed by data and performance metrics rather than subjective opinions. "You'd rather defend a design decision with data than with vibes."

• Efficiency & Speed: Emphasis on working fast, utilizing AI tools, and optimizing processes to deliver quickly without sacrificing quality.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork with strategists, developers, and clients, with clear communication and handoffs.

• Innovation: Proactive adoption of new technologies and methodologies, particularly AI, to stay at the forefront of design practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with strategists and developers, requiring clear communication and understanding of different disciplines.

• Client-Facing: Direct collaboration and presentation to clients, necessitating strong interpersonal and communication skills.

• Feedback-Driven: Openness to feedback and the ability to defend design decisions assertively yet constructively.

• Async-Friendly: Ability to work effectively in a remote, distributed environment, leveraging asynchronous communication tools when possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values highlight a pragmatic, results-driven, and technologically forward approach. Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, client-service environment and are keen on leveraging AI for efficiency will likely fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to move quickly across multiple clients while maintaining high design standards and conversion focus.

• Client Demands: Managing diverse client expectations, feedback, and project scopes within tight timelines.

• AI Integration Leadership: Taking initiative to identify and implement AI solutions within the design workflow, which may involve experimentation and learning.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and effective communication in a fully remote setting, especially with strict time zone overlap requirements.

• Staying Ahead: Continuously adapting to evolving eCommerce trends, design best practices, and AI advancements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• E-commerce Specialization: Deepen expertise in conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies specific to online retail.

• AI in Design: Become a leader in applying AI tools and techniques to creative workflows, potentially developing internal best practices or training materials.

• Agency Operations: Gain experience in client management, project scoping, and agency-specific processes.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learn from strategists and developers, broadening understanding of the full eCommerce project lifecycle.

• Portfolio Growth: Build a robust portfolio with diverse, high-impact client projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges that are also significant growth opportunities, particularly in mastering AI integration and excelling in a demanding agency environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your end-to-end process for designing a high-converting Shopify store for a DTC brand." (Focus on UX research, wireframing, UI design, CRO integration, and client collaboration.)

• "How have you used AI tools to improve your design workflow or deliverables? Provide a specific example." (Be ready with your prepared AI usage anecdote.)

• "How do you balance creating innovative, aesthetically pleasing designs with the need to meet strict conversion rate optimization (CRO) goals?" (Emphasize data-driven decisions and user-centricity.)

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you faced significant design challenges or had to defend your decisions with data. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for a DTC-focused eCommerce design agency like Blue Stout?" (Show understanding of their niche and client focus.)

• "How do you see AI tools evolving the role of a UX/UI designer in the next 2-3 years?" (Align with their forward-thinking approach.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with developers and project managers." (Highlight clear communication, proactive feedback, and understanding of their roles.)

• "What does 'designing pretty things that sell' mean to you?" (Connect aesthetics with commercial results.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each selected project (live Shopify store), follow a clear narrative: Problem/Objective -> Your Role/Process -> Key Design Decisions (especially AI usage) -> Solution -> Results (with metrics).

• Visuals: Ensure your presentation is visually clean and professional, mirroring the quality expected in your design work.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your key projects within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful elements.

• Highlight AI: Explicitly call out where and how AI tools were used and the benefits they provided.

• URLs are Key: Be ready to share the live URLs and navigate them if requested.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical experience, a data-driven mindset, AI proficiency, and an understanding of the agency's conversion-centric operational model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-aligned design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 live Shopify or Shopify Plus store URLs. Ensure each case study clearly articulates your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable results achieved, explicitly detailing any AI tool usage.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight agency experience, DTC/eCommerce design expertise, Shopify/Shopify Plus proficiency, advanced Figma skills, and practical AI tool application. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft Your AI Example: Prepare a concise, compelling one-to-two-sentence example of how you've used AI to speed up or improve a design deliverable or process, ready to include in your application.

• Include the Magic Phrase: Ensure the phrase "Figma AI Hero" is included somewhere within your application materials.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Blue Stout's website, case studies, and overall approach to DTC eCommerce design to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.