Lead Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Visual Designer

Company: Dentsu (Merkle Brand)

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Visual Design / UI Design

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 6+ years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the creation of high-fidelity UI designs, design systems, component libraries, and micro-interactions for complex digital products.

• Drive visual storytelling and enhance the emotional impact of user interfaces, ensuring brand consistency across platforms.

• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and innovation.

• Act as a critical liaison between design, development, and business stakeholders to ensure project feasibility and alignment.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, AI-driven innovations, and new design technologies to integrate into the workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Lead Visual Designer," the description explicitly mentions "Senior UI Engineer" and includes responsibilities like UI design, UX collaboration, and product design elements. This suggests a hybrid role with a strong emphasis on UI/Visual Design leadership and execution, rather than a pure engineering role. The "AI-driven innovations" mention indicates a forward-thinking approach to design technology.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the creation and delivery of high-fidelity UI designs, comprehensive design systems, reusable component libraries, and engaging micro-interactions.

• Elevate the visual storytelling and emotional resonance of interfaces in close collaboration with UX and product management teams.

• Guarantee design consistency, scalability, and optimal user experience across diverse responsive and adaptive platforms, including desktop, web, and mobile applications.

• Provide effective guidance, mentorship, and constructive feedback to junior and mid-level UI designers, nurturing a high-performance design environment.

• Champion the adoption and adherence to design system principles, methodologies, and best practices, while also extending existing brand guidelines.

• Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration between design, development, and business teams to ensure technical feasibility and strategic alignment.

• Continuously research and integrate emerging design trends, cutting-edge tools, and innovative techniques, including AI-driven advancements, into the design process.

• Own and lead design reviews, ensuring clarity, consensus, and effective communication of design decisions to all stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role, requiring not only hands-on design execution but also strategic thinking and team development. The emphasis on "visual storytelling" and "emotional impact" suggests a focus on creating engaging and memorable user experiences beyond just functional UI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in Visual Design, Communication Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related design discipline.

Experience: 6+ years of dedicated UI/Visual design experience, with a proven track record in reputable agencies, consultancies, or product design studios. Demonstrated experience in leading design projects and mentoring junior design talent is essential. Prior experience working with global brands and managing cross-functional, distributed teams is highly desirable. Familiarity with agile product development cycles is expected.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UI design, evidenced by a strong portfolio showcasing complex, high-quality digital products.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).

• Deep understanding of responsive and adaptive design principles for multi-platform applications.

• Comprehensive knowledge of design systems, including the ability to adapt, extend, or contribute to them.

• Exceptional visual design craft, with meticulous attention to detail, consistency, and usability.

• Strong mentorship capabilities and excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for managing distributed teams and diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with motion design tools such as After Effects, Principle, or Lottie for creating engaging micro-interactions and animations.

• Experience with collaborative digital whiteboarding and prototyping tools like Miro, FigJam, or Zeplin.

• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience in adapting or extending existing brand guidelines for digital applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement specifies "6+ years," aligning with a senior or lead position. The emphasis on a strong portfolio and specific tool proficiency (Figma, Adobe CC) is critical. The preference for motion tools and collaborative platforms suggests a modern, dynamic design workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of complex digital product design projects that demonstrate a strong visual aesthetic, user-centered design thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.

• Case studies showcasing the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and user research (if applicable) through wireframing, high-fidelity UI design, and final execution.

• Examples of design system contributions, component library development, or the application of existing design systems to ensure consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrations of how visual design decisions directly contributed to enhancing user experience, brand perception, or achieving business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Clear articulation of the design process followed for key projects, including methodologies for user research, ideation, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration.

• Documentation of how design systems were implemented or extended, including principles, guidelines, and component specifications.

• Examples of collaboration workflows with UX designers, product managers, and developers, highlighting communication and feedback loops.

• Showcasing the integration of design tools and technologies to streamline the design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Visual Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just aesthetics and showcase strategic thinking, process, and impact. Demonstrating experience with design systems and collaborative tools is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Visual Designer with 6+ years of experience in Pune, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,200,000 to ₹2,500,000. This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the advanced skill set required, and the cost of living in a major metropolitan area like Pune.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and potential for conference attendance.

• Retirement savings plan or provident fund contributions.

• Opportunities for career advancement within Dentsu's global network.

• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technology.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility often provided to accommodate project deadlines and agile workflows. Specific work schedules will be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in India's IT and creative services hubs. It is influenced by the company's industry (advertising/marketing services) and the specified experience level. Benefits are standard for full-time roles in multinational corporations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing, Media, and Technology. Dentsu operates as a global network of agencies, with Merkle being a prominent brand focused on customer experience transformation. This industry requires creativity, innovation, adaptability, and a strong client-service orientation.

Company Size: Dentsu is a large, global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. Merkle, as a part of Dentsu, is also a substantial entity. This scale offers significant opportunities for professional growth, exposure to diverse projects, and access to extensive resources.

Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1906, and Merkle was founded in 1988. This long history signifies stability, established processes, and deep industry expertise, while also adapting to modern digital marketing and CX needs.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a larger agency structure, possibly aligned with specific client accounts or service lines (e.g., CX, Digital Transformation).

• The Lead Visual Designer will likely report to a Design Director or Head of Design, with direct reports or mentees being junior/mid-level designers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design approaches are common, leveraging analytics and user research to inform design decisions.

• Agile methodologies are prevalent for project management, enabling rapid iteration and adaptation.

• Emphasis on design thinking principles to solve complex business problems creatively.

• Strong focus on client collaboration and integrated campaign execution.

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/ and https://www.merkle.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding Dentsu's position as a global advertising and marketing powerhouse, with Merkle specializing in CX, is key. The culture likely blends creative energy with strategic business acumen, demanding adaptability and collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is firmly positioned at a senior or lead level within the visual and UI design discipline. It signifies a transition from an individual contributor focused on execution to a role that combines hands-on design with leadership, mentorship, and strategic influence on design direction and processes.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Visual Designer will likely report to a Design Director, Creative Director, or Head of Design. They will be responsible for guiding and mentoring junior and mid-level designers, potentially overseeing their work and providing constructive feedback to ensure quality and consistency.

Operations Impact: The Lead Visual Designer's impact is critical in shaping the user experience and brand perception of digital products. By ensuring high-quality, visually compelling, and consistent designs, they directly influence user engagement, brand loyalty, and ultimately, the success of client campaigns and digital transformations. Their work underpins the effectiveness of marketing and CX strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Design Director or Head of Design role, managing larger teams and broader design strategy.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, motion design, or AI-driven design tools.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in broader CX strategy, product management, or digital transformation consulting.

• Global Mobility: Potential for international assignments or collaborations within Dentsu's global network.

• Client-Facing Roles: Developing skills in client management and strategic design consultation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a clear step towards design leadership. Growth opportunities are tied to expanding influence, refining specialized skills, and potentially managing larger teams or strategic initiatives within the Dentsu network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description specifies "DGS India - Pune - Kharadi EON Free Zone," indicating an on-site role within a modern office facility. Dentsu, as a global agency, typically provides dynamic and collaborative office spaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Pune, India, specifically within the EON Free Zone in Kharadi, a well-known business and IT hub. This location suggests a professional environment with good infrastructure and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a collaborative and fast-paced environment, common in advertising and digital agencies.

• The workspace will likely be equipped with industry-standard design software and hardware.

• Opportunities for informal and formal collaboration with colleagues from various disciplines (UX, development, strategy, account management).

• A culture that values creative expression, innovation, and continuous learning.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (typically 40 hours/week), the agency environment often requires flexibility to meet client deadlines and project demands. Agile workflows may mean adaptable schedules, but the core expectation is on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" nature of the role in a prominent Pune business district suggests a professional, collaborative office setting typical of a large marketing services firm.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will review applications for basic qualifications and suitability.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, decision-making, and impact on specific projects. This phase will assess technical skills in UI/Visual design, Figma, Adobe CC, and design systems.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion focused on leadership style, mentorship approach, collaboration skills, and problem-solving capabilities. Expect behavioral questions.

• Cross-functional Stakeholder Interview: Meeting with potential collaborators (e.g., UX, Product, Development leads) to assess communication, teamwork, and alignment with business objectives.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership for final assessment of cultural fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase leadership, complex problem-solving, and visual excellence.

• Tell a story: For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the process followed, key design decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight leadership: Emphasize instances where you mentored designers, influenced design direction, or managed project workflows.

• Showcase design systems: If applicable, detail your experience with creating, extending, or implementing design systems and component libraries.

• Be ready for critique: Anticipate questions about your design choices and be prepared to defend them with rationale.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve refining an existing UI, creating a new component, or solving a specific design problem within a given timeframe.

• Practice articulating your thought process and design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Understand how to balance speed with quality in a timed exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and leadership capabilities. A specific design challenge is also probable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory. This includes advanced features for design, prototyping, component management, and collaboration.

• Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator): Advanced knowledge is required for asset creation, image manipulation, and vector graphics.

• Motion/Interaction Tools (After Effects, Principle, Lottie): Familiarity is a plus, indicating an ability to create dynamic and engaging UI elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Collaboration Tools:

• Miro, FigJam: Proficiency in these tools is preferred for brainstorming, wireframing, and collaborative design sessions.

• Zeplin: Familiarity is beneficial for design handoff to development teams, ensuring clean specifications and assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud are non-negotiable. The "plus" for motion tools and the preference for collaborative whiteboarding tools highlight the modern, integrated nature of design workflows at companies like Dentsu.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to push creative boundaries and explore new design solutions.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and open communication across disciplines.

• Client-Centricity: A focus on delivering impactful solutions that meet client business objectives.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design and meticulous attention to detail.

• Adaptability: Embracing change and thriving in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

• Continuous Learning: A dedication to staying updated with industry trends and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with UX, Product Management, and Development teams.

• Emphasis on constructive feedback and iterative design processes.

• Open communication channels to ensure alignment and shared understanding of project goals.

• Proactive engagement with stakeholders to gather input and present design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative passion and strategic business thinking, typical of a leading marketing and CX services firm. Collaboration and client focus are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing multiple client needs: Juggling diverse project requirements, brand guidelines, and stakeholder expectations across various clients.

• Keeping pace with technology: Continuously adapting to new design tools, AI advancements, and evolving platform capabilities.

• Mentoring and managing design output: Effectively guiding junior designers while maintaining high standards for quality and consistency.

• Translating complex business requirements into intuitive visual designs: Bridging the gap between technical/business needs and user-friendly interfaces.

• Driving adoption of design systems: Championing their use and ensuring consistency across a large organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Tool Training: Access to courses and workshops for mastering Figma, motion design, and emerging design technologies.

• Design System Development: Opportunities to contribute to or lead the creation of comprehensive design systems.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Participation in events to stay updated on design trends and network with peers.

• Mentorship Programs: Both receiving mentorship from senior leaders and providing mentorship to junior designers.

• Exposure to Global Projects: Working on diverse projects for international clients, broadening design perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are typical for a senior role in a large agency, focusing on leadership, complex problem-solving, and staying current. Growth is tied to expanding leadership scope and deepening specialized design expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design project from concept to completion. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, leadership, and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure design consistency across multiple platforms and projects, especially when working with distributed teams?" (Highlight design system experience and collaboration strategies).

• "Walk us through a project where your visual design significantly improved user engagement or achieved a key business objective. What metrics did you track?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dentsu/Merkle and this specific role?" (Research the company's recent work and values).

• "How do you stay updated on emerging design trends, particularly AI in design?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction -> Problem Statement -> Your Role -> Process -> Key Decisions & Rationale -> Visual Solutions -> Outcomes/Impact -> Learnings.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and prototypes. Avoid overwhelming slides with text; let your visuals and verbal explanations lead.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative to engage your audience.

• Metrics: Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted slot.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to not only showcase their design work but also articulate their leadership, process, and strategic thinking. Understanding Dentsu's client-centric and innovative approach will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official Dentsu careers portal via the provided link.

• Curate your portfolio meticulously: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that highlight your leadership, visual design expertise, and experience with design systems. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, the process, your design decisions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your 6+ years of experience, specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Adobe CC), leadership/mentorship experience, and achievements in creating high-quality digital products and design systems. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, focusing on storytelling, design rationale, and demonstrating how your work aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be ready to discuss your approach to mentoring and collaboration.

• Research Dentsu and Merkle: Understand their recent campaigns, client work, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews. Pay attention to their approach to CX and digital transformation.

⚠️ 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.