Lead, Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead, Visual Designer

Company: Kyndryl

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Visual Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-03-23

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual design direction for next-generation technological experiences, with a strong emphasis on AI-powered features and interfaces.

• Translate complex technological concepts and AI capabilities into clear, compelling, and user-friendly visual designs across digital products and prototypes.

• Develop and maintain robust design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in visual output for Kyndryl Vital.

• Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including AI specialists, product managers, and developers, to bring innovative digital experiences to life.

• Focus on creating aesthetically pleasing, memorable, and consistent user experiences that leverage emerging AI technologies like Generative AI and Agentic AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead, Visual Designer," the experience requirement of 2-5 years suggests a mid-level to senior individual contributor role rather than a people management leadership position. The focus is on design leadership within projects and driving visual strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design visually compelling and user-centered interfaces for digital products, interactive prototypes, and cutting-edge concept experiences, ensuring a high standard of aesthetic appeal and usability.

• Ensure a consistent and cohesive visual language across all digital touchpoints, paying close attention to typography, layout, color palettes, and branding guidelines.

• Develop and manage scalable design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and best practices, to empower design and development teams.

• Create interactive prototypes using advanced Figma features (e.g., auto layout, complex interactions) to effectively communicate product concepts, user flows, and potential AI interactions.

• Visualize and design AI-driven user experiences, including conversational interfaces, adaptive systems, and agent-based interactions, exploring novel ways for users to engage with AI.

• Collaborate with AI, product, and engineering teams to integrate Generative AI capabilities into product design, exploring AI-generated content, imagery, and interface elements.

• Support user research initiatives and synthesize insights to inform and validate design decisions, ensuring designs meet user needs and business objectives.

• Contribute to the strategic definition of user flows, information architecture, and interaction patterns, balancing user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility.

• Present and articulate design decisions, rationale, and visual concepts clearly and confidently to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• Participate in innovation projects and early-stage product development, contributing creative concepts and design solutions for future technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of core visual design skills with a forward-thinking approach to AI and innovation, requiring the candidate to not only execute design but also to explore and shape new interaction paradigms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of demonstrable experience in Visual Design, UI Design, or Digital Product Design, with a portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of UX and interaction principles.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including mastery of components, auto layout, prototyping capabilities, and design system management.

• Exceptional visual design skills encompassing typography, composition, color theory, branding application, and effective layout principles.

• Proven experience in creating and maintaining comprehensive design systems.

• Ability to develop interactive prototypes that clearly articulate product concepts and user experiences.

• Familiarity with collaboration and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Miro, or similar platforms.

• Strong understanding of UX and interaction design principles to complement visual design expertise.

• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, particularly in presenting design rationale and visual concepts.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing user interfaces and experiences for AI-powered features or products.

• Familiarity with Generative AI tools and their application in design workflows (e.g., for content generation, imagery creation, or interface exploration).

• Interest or prior experience in designing conversational interfaces, adaptive systems, or agent-based user experiences.

• Experience working on innovation projects, concept development, or early-stage product initiatives.

• Background in branding, motion design, or presentation design to enhance visual storytelling.

• Experience facilitating co-creation, co-design workshops, or creative brainstorming sessions.

• Experience in international or cross-cultural design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" in the title, combined with the 2-5 years of experience, suggests this role is for an individual contributor who will lead design efforts on specific projects or features, rather than managing a team. The emphasis on AI tools and concepts indicates a need for forward-thinking designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of 3-5 distinct projects showcasing your expertise in visual design, UI design, and digital product design.

• Clear demonstration of your design process, from initial concept and research to final execution, highlighting problem-solving methodologies.

• Examples of design system components, style guides, or pattern libraries you have contributed to or developed.

• Interactive prototypes that effectively communicate user flows, interaction models, and visual design intent.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you have documented design workflows, including user research synthesis, ideation phases, and iterative design cycles.

• Highlight instances where you have contributed to or developed process documentation for design systems, ensuring scalability and maintainability.

• Include examples of how you have measured the impact of your design decisions, using metrics related to user engagement, usability, or conversion where applicable.

• Demonstrate your approach to collaborating with developers and other stakeholders, including how you hand off designs and ensure implementation fidelity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on AI and innovation, the portfolio should ideally include projects that demonstrate exploration of new technologies or unconventional design challenges, even if they are conceptual.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead Visual Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Madrid, Spain, the estimated annual salary range is €40,000 - €55,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major European tech hubs, considering the cost of living in Madrid and Kyndryl's position as a large IT infrastructure services company.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to online learning platforms (Microsoft, Google, Amazon certifications), workshops, and conferences.

• Employee assistance programs focused on mental, financial, and social well-being.

• Hybrid work model allowing for flexibility between office and remote work.

• Opportunities for career advancement and internal mobility within Kyndryl.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. The role operates within a hybrid model, offering flexibility in scheduling and work location, allowing for a balance between collaborative in-office work and focused remote tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. Benefits are typical for a large multinational corporation like Kyndryl and are designed to support employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology Services, IT Infrastructure, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence. Kyndryl operates in a dynamic sector focused on running and reimagining mission-critical technology systems for global enterprises. This means the company is at the forefront of technological evolution, with a strong emphasis on innovation and client-centric solutions.

Company Size: Kyndryl is a large enterprise, employing over 90,000 people globally. This scale provides opportunities for diverse career paths, access to extensive resources, and exposure to large-scale projects and global clients. For operations professionals, this means established processes but also potential for significant impact within specialized teams.

Founded: Kyndryl was spun off from IBM in November 2021. This recent establishment as an independent entity means it's building its own culture and operational frameworks while leveraging decades of legacy expertise. This can offer a unique blend of established best practices and a forward-looking, agile approach to innovation and service delivery.

Team Structure: The "Kyndryl Vital" team is positioned at the intersection of visual design, digital product, and AI technologies. This suggests a specialized, potentially agile, and innovative unit within the larger Kyndryl organization.

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The team is likely composed of specialized designers (visual, UI, UX), AI specialists, product managers, and developers, fostering a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment focused on cutting-edge digital experiences.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: Reporting structure is not explicitly defined, but it's common for such specialized innovation teams to report through product development, design leadership, or a dedicated innovation/R&D division.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, with designers working closely with AI experts to translate complex AI capabilities into intuitive interfaces and with developers to ensure feasibility and implementation.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Emphasis on data-driven design informed by user research and AI insights to guide visual and interaction decisions.

• Operations Process 2: Agile methodologies are likely employed for rapid prototyping, iterative development, and continuous integration of AI advancements.

• Operations Process 3: Exploration and adoption of emerging AI technologies (Generative AI, Agentic AI) to enhance product capabilities and user experiences.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Kyndryl's recent independence from IBM suggests a company in a growth and evolution phase, potentially offering more opportunities for individuals to shape processes and contribute to new initiatives within a large, established framework. The "Kyndryl Vital" team specifically targets innovation in AI and digital experiences.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior individual contributor, a "Lead" in terms of design influence and project ownership rather than people management. It's ideal for designers who want to deepen their expertise in visual and AI-driven design within a large enterprise setting.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Product Design, or a Director within the Kyndryl Vital innovation unit. They will collaborate closely with Product Owners, AI Leads, and Engineering Managers.

Operations Impact: The Visual Designer's work will directly influence the user experience of Kyndryl's innovative digital products and AI-powered services. By creating compelling and intuitive interfaces, they will enhance customer adoption, user satisfaction, and the overall perception of Kyndryl's technological leadership, thereby contributing to client success and Kyndryl's market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Growth Opportunity 1: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, becoming a go-to specialist for designing interfaces for Generative AI and Agentic AI applications, with potential to lead design on future AI initiatives.

• Operations Growth Opportunity 2: Develop advanced skills in design systems, prototyping, and potentially motion design or branding, contributing to the evolution of Kyndryl's visual identity and design infrastructure.

• Operations Growth Opportunity 3: Transition into roles with greater strategic design leadership, such as Senior Visual Designer, Design Lead for specific product areas, or even explore product management roles focused on AI-powered features, leveraging their deep understanding of user experience and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" designation, coupled with the specified experience, indicates an opportunity to mentor junior designers and take ownership of significant design challenges, fostering leadership within a project context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Madrid, Spain, with a hybrid work arrangement. This suggests a modern office environment designed to support collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, balanced with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Madrid HQ (KES51610), Spain. This implies a central, well-equipped office space that serves as a hub for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace Aspect 1: The office environment is expected to foster a collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction between designers, AI specialists, product managers, and developers to drive innovation.

• Workspace Aspect 2: Access to industry-standard design tools, software licenses (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite), and potentially advanced hardware for design and prototyping will be available.

• Workspace Aspect 3: Opportunities for regular team syncs, design reviews, and cross-functional project meetings will be integral to the workflow, promoting knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in structuring the work week, enabling designers to balance focused individual work with collaborative team activities, aligning with the demands of design sprints and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates an emphasis on work-life balance, a common trend in the tech industry, allowing employees to optimize their productivity by choosing the most suitable work environment for different tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1: Initial screening to assess basic qualifications, experience alignment, and enthusiasm for AI and design innovation. Candidates will be asked to share their portfolio.

• Process Step 2: A detailed portfolio review session with design leads or hiring managers. This will involve a deep dive into selected projects, focusing on design process, problem-solving, visual execution, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your role, challenges, and outcomes.

• Process Step 3: A technical or design challenge, potentially involving a short case study or a task related to designing an AI-powered interface or feature. This assesses practical skills and conceptual thinking.

• Process Step 4: Interviews with cross-functional team members (e.g., AI specialists, product managers) to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within the Kyndryl Vital team.

• Process Step 5: Final interview with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, strategic thinking, and overall fit with Kyndryl's culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Tip 1: Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your visual design skills, UX understanding, and any experience with AI or innovative technologies. Ensure clear navigation and compelling visuals.

• Portfolio Tip 2: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed (including research and iteration), the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable outcomes or impact.

• Portfolio Tip 3: Be prepared to walk through your design system work, demonstrating your understanding of scalability, component-based design, and maintaining visual consistency. Showcase interactive prototypes effectively.

• Portfolio Tip 4: Tailor your portfolio presentation to emphasize your interest and experience with AI-driven design, Generative AI, and creating user-friendly interfaces for complex technologies, aligning with Kyndryl's strategic focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1: Familiarize yourself with common AI concepts (Generative AI, Agentic AI, conversational interfaces) and think about how they can be translated into user-friendly visual designs. Practice sketching and ideating quickly.

• Challenge Preparation 2: Be ready to articulate your design decisions and rationale clearly and concisely, even under time constraints. Structure your thinking around user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

• Challenge Preparation 3: Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with AI specialists and developers to bring a concept to life, demonstrating your understanding of cross-functional teamwork and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration capabilities, and adaptability to emerging technologies like AI, which are central to Kyndryl Vital's mission.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Advanced proficiency is essential, including mastery of components, auto layout, variants, and interactive prototyping.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Proficiency in Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially After Effects for motion design and animated prototypes.

• Miro: A collaborative online whiteboard platform for brainstorming, user flow mapping, and team ideation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly responsible for analytics, understanding how design impacts user behavior metrics tracked by analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly related to this role's core responsibilities, but understanding how design integrates with product development pipelines and potentially CRM systems for user feedback loops is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite indicates a need for designers proficient in industry-standard tools for both high-fidelity design and rapid prototyping. The mention of AI tools suggests exploration in this area.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Operations Value 1: Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A strong drive to explore and leverage emerging technologies, particularly AI, to create cutting-edge digital experiences. This means being open to experimentation and pushing design boundaries.

• Operations Value 2: Collaboration & Empathy: Working effectively in multidisciplinary teams, fostering open communication, and understanding the needs of colleagues, clients, and end-users. Empathy is key to designing inclusive and user-centric solutions.

• Operations Value 3: Purposeful Work & Impact: A focus on creating meaningful technology solutions that drive business advantage and power human progress. Designs should have a clear purpose and measurable impact.

• Operations Value 4: Continuous Learning & Growth: A commitment to staying updated with industry trends, new design methodologies, and advancements in AI, actively seeking opportunities for personal and professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaboration Approach 1: Highly collaborative, working closely with AI specialists, product managers, and developers in a multidisciplinary setting. Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is crucial.

• Collaboration Approach 2: A culture of constructive critique and knowledge sharing, where designers are encouraged to present their work, receive feedback, and contribute to team best practices and design system evolution.

• Collaboration Approach 3: Proactive communication and a willingness to bridge the gap between technical possibilities (especially AI) and user needs, translating complex concepts into actionable design insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kyndryl's stated values of "kinship," "belonging," and "shared success" should permeate the team's culture, emphasizing a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Operations Challenge 1: Designing user experiences for cutting-edge AI technologies (Generative AI, Agentic AI) where interaction paradigms are still evolving. This requires adaptability, research, and a willingness to experiment.

• Operations Challenge 2: Balancing the need for rapid innovation and concept development with the requirements of large-scale enterprise design systems and brand consistency for a global company like Kyndryl.

• Operations Challenge 3: Effectively translating complex technical jargon and AI capabilities into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that resonate with diverse user groups.

• Operations Challenge 4: Staying ahead of the rapidly evolving AI landscape and integrating new tools and techniques into the design workflow to maintain Kyndryl's competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Learning Opportunity 1: Gain specialized expertise in designing for AI, including prompt engineering for design tools, understanding AI ethics in design, and developing interfaces for conversational and adaptive AI.

• Learning Opportunity 2: Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and online courses focusing on the latest trends in visual design, UX, AI, and product innovation.

• Learning Opportunity 3: Opportunities for mentorship from senior design leaders within Kyndryl, as well as potential for leadership development programs if aspiring to manage teams in the future.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of designing with AI, a rapidly growing field that presents both challenges and significant career growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Question 1: "Describe a time you had to design an interface for a complex or novel technology. How did you approach understanding the user needs and translating technical capabilities into a user-friendly design?" (Prepare with a case study emphasizing research, iterative design, and problem-solving).

• Operations Question 2: "How would you collaborate with AI specialists and developers to design a new feature powered by Generative AI? What steps would you take to ensure the design is innovative yet feasible?" (Focus on cross-functional communication, ideation techniques, and balancing user needs with technical constraints).

• Operations Question 3: "Imagine you are tasked with creating a design system for AI-driven features. What key considerations would you prioritize, and how would you ensure scalability and consistency?" (Discuss componentization, adaptability, and governance for AI-specific UI patterns).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Question 4: "What interests you about Kyndryl's focus on running and reimagining mission-critical technology, particularly in the context of AI?" (Research Kyndryl's vision, recent news, and its role in the IT services industry).

• Operations Question 5: "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially when working with diverse skill sets like AI researchers and engineers?" (Highlight your communication style, approach to feedback, and experience in multidisciplinary teams).

• Operations Question 6: "What do you believe are the most significant ethical considerations when designing AI-powered user experiences, and how would you address them?" (Demonstrate awareness of AI ethics and your proactive approach to responsible design).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1: Structure your portfolio presentation around 2-3 key projects. For each, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (show sketches, wireframes, iterations), the final solution, and the impact. Emphasize how you navigated challenges.

• Presentation Strategy 2: For AI-related projects, clearly explain the AI component and how your design made it accessible or enhanced its utility. Use visuals and interactive elements to demonstrate your prototypes effectively.

• Presentation Strategy 3: Be prepared to discuss your design system philosophy and how you ensure consistency and scalability. Engage your interviewers by asking clarifying questions and demonstrating your thought process in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design execution but also strategic thinking, adaptability to new technologies, and strong collaborative skills, aligning with Kyndryl's innovative and team-oriented culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead, Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Kyndryl careers portal.

• Concrete Preparation Step 1: Curate your visual design portfolio, ensuring it prominently features projects demonstrating UI design, interaction principles, and ideally, any experience or conceptual work related to AI or innovative technologies.

• Concrete Preparation Step 2: Tailor your resume to highlight your 2-5 years of experience in Visual, UI, and Digital Product Design, using keywords from the job description such as Figma, design systems, prototyping, and AI-powered features. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Concrete Preparation Step 3: Prepare a concise narrative for your portfolio presentation, focusing on your design process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of your work, especially for any AI-related projects. Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and confidently.

• Concrete Preparation Step 4: Research Kyndryl, its mission, its recent advancements in AI and technology services, and the Kyndryl Vital team's objectives. Understand the company's culture and values to articulate your fit and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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