Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: Codal

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: UI/UX Design, Digital Product Design

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: 3-7 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and visually compelling user interfaces across web applications, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps, ensuring alignment with client objectives and modern design trends.

• Lead the creation and oversight of UI style guides and robust design systems, establishing a clear, innovative point of view on visual standards and their strategic application.

• Foster collaborative partnerships with Product Managers, clients, and cross-functional teams to deeply understand user needs, business goals, and technical requirements, translating them into effective design solutions.

• Drive design quality and innovation, setting a high standard for both individual contributions and the work of peers, leveraging a strategic and self-motivated approach to problem-solving.

• Champion the adoption and application of AI-enabled design tools to enhance the creative process, from initial research and rapid prototyping to the delivery of sophisticated user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designed for a senior-level designer who can operate both independently and as a mentor within the design team. The emphasis on AI-enabled tools and a consulting environment suggests a need for adaptability and a proactive approach to learning and process improvement. The hybrid work model indicates a balance between collaborative in-office work and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity UI mockups and interactive prototypes for complex web applications, e-commerce sites, and native mobile applications, ensuring a seamless and engaging user experience.

• Architect and maintain comprehensive UI style guides and design systems, ensuring brand consistency, scalability, and adherence to accessibility standards across all digital touchpoints.

• Conduct user research, competitive analysis, and usability testing to inform design decisions and validate design concepts with stakeholders and end-users.

• Collaborate closely with UX strategists, product managers, and development teams to translate user stories and technical specifications into intuitive and functional UI designs.

• Provide detailed design specifications and assets to engineering teams, conducting design QA throughout the development lifecycle to ensure pixel-perfect implementation and adherence to design intent.

• Actively participate in design critiques, providing constructive feedback to peers and incorporating feedback to refine designs and elevate the overall quality of work.

• Proactively identify and implement process improvements within the design workflow, leveraging new design tools, methodologies, and industry best practices to enhance efficiency and output quality.

• Stay current with emerging design trends, technologies, and AI applications in the UI/UX space, integrating relevant advancements into design strategies and team practices.

• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, effectively prioritizing tasks and delivering high-quality work within fast-paced, deadline-driven environments common in consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution, leadership, and process ownership. The mention of "AI enabled tools" and "sprint-based approach" points towards a modern, agile design environment. The expectation to "set the bar for quality and innovation" signifies a leadership expectation beyond typical senior roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, or equivalent boot camp experience in a design-related field (e.g., Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction).

Experience: 3 to 7 years of progressive experience in UI design, with a significant focus on web applications, e-commerce platforms, and/or mobile applications. Experience within a consulting or agency environment is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UI design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, and visual hierarchy.

• Strong proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).

• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing design systems and UI style guides.

• Ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into elegant and intuitive interface designs.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles and best practices for web and mobile interfaces.

• Experience collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and researchers.

• Excellent visual communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities, with a proactive and self-driven approach to design challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-enabled design tools to augment the creative process (e.g., AI-powered research tools, generative design aids, smart prototyping).

• Prior experience in a consulting or agency setting, managing client expectations and delivering high-impact design solutions.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better inform design feasibility.

• Experience with user research methodologies and usability testing.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and sprint-based workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 3-7 years aligns with a senior individual contributor role, capable of leading projects and mentoring junior designers. The emphasis on AI-enabled tools suggests a forward-thinking approach and a need for candidates who are adaptable and eager to explore new technologies in design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of the latest UI design standards, processes, and best practices across web, e-commerce, and mobile applications.

• Evidence of experience in designing and implementing robust design systems and UI style guides.

• Case studies demonstrating the ability to translate user needs and business goals into successful UI solutions, highlighting the design process, problem-solving approach, and outcomes.

• Examples of work that showcase exceptional typography, imagery, content integration, and composition.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you've documented design processes, including user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Demonstrate experience in creating and maintaining design system documentation, style guides, and component libraries.

• Highlight your approach to design quality assurance (Design QA), including how you collaborate with developers to ensure accurate implementation.

• Provide examples of how you've leveraged AI-enabled tools or innovative processes to improve design efficiency and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio walkthrough as part of the interview process underscores the importance of practical demonstration of skills and process. The portfolio should not only display visual output but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving methodology, and collaborative approach behind the designs.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $140,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Life, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

• Employer match of 4% on 401k contributions, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Access to office snacks and drinks, including a variety of flavored water options from the Bevi machine.

• Regular company-sponsored social events, including happy hours, dinners, and excursions, fostering team bonding and work-life balance.

• Participation in a recreational group with opportunities to compete in city leagues for softball and volleyball.

• A vibrant office location in downtown Chicago with access to amenities such as a gym, food court, Walgreens, rooftop bar, and outdoor sports court.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a focus on work-life balance and a sprint-based project approach that allows for focused work and exploration of new ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior UI Designer role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, reflecting the experience level and the consulting environment. The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings support, and a strong emphasis on employee well-being and social engagement. The mention of a 40-hour work week alongside a sprint-based approach indicates a structured yet flexible work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Web Design and Development Consultancy, Digital Solutions, Technology Services. Codal operates within a dynamic sector focused on helping enterprise organizations modernize, grow, and solve complex digital challenges through innovative solutions.

Company Size: Over 200 employees globally. This size provides the resources and stability of a larger organization while maintaining a culture that allows for individual impact and agility. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for structured career paths, cross-functional project involvement, and access to a diverse range of skills and expertise.

Founded: Codal was founded with a vision to accelerate growth for clients through data-driven digital solutions. Its history is marked by continuous evolution in areas like AI, analytics, and application modernization, indicating a commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and design.

Team Structure:

• The design team is part of a larger global agency, with opportunities for collaboration across different geographies and disciplines.

• The team operates on a sprint-based approach, allowing for focused work, exploration of ideas, and consistent delivery.

Methodology:

• Codal emphasizes data-driven digital solutions, suggesting a strong reliance on analytics and user insights to inform design and development strategies.

• The company utilizes a sprint-based project methodology, which is common in agile development environments, focusing on iterative delivery and continuous feedback.

• There's a clear focus on application modernization, e-commerce, UX/UI design, product strategy, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, indicating a diverse and cutting-edge service offering.

Company Website: http://www.codal.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Codal positions itself as an innovative consultancy focused on high-impact digital solutions. The company culture appears to value collaboration, continuous learning, and employee growth, which are key attractors for operations professionals seeking a dynamic and supportive work environment. The global presence offers diverse project opportunities and exposure to different markets.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Individual Contributor (IC) position within the design discipline. A Senior UI Designer at Codal is expected to not only execute high-quality design work but also to influence design direction, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the evolution of design processes and systems. They are seen as leaders in design quality and innovation.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Director of Design, or a Senior Project Manager within the agency structure. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Development Teams on specific client projects. The emphasis on "collaborating with fellow designers" and learning from each other suggests a flat or matrixed reporting structure within the design team itself, fostering peer-to-peer learning.

Operations Impact: As a Senior UI Designer, the impact is direct and significant on client success. High-quality UI design directly influences user adoption, engagement, conversion rates, and overall client satisfaction with digital products. By leading design systems and ensuring design quality, the role contributes to efficiency in development, consistency across platforms, and the scalability of client solutions, all of which have tangible business implications and contribute to revenue generation and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design tools, advanced prototyping, design system architecture, or user research methodologies.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead Designer roles, managing design teams on larger projects, or taking on strategic design leadership responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product strategy, data analytics, and AI through client projects, fostering a broader understanding of digital product development and GTM strategies.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, honing leadership and coaching skills.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing stronger client-facing skills through direct collaboration and presentation of design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior UI Designer at Codal seems to offer substantial growth, moving beyond pure execution into leadership, strategic contribution, and specialized skill development within a consulting framework. The emphasis on mentorship and cross-disciplinary learning is particularly valuable for long-term career progression in the digital product space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Codal offers a hybrid work environment. This typically involves a combination of remote work for focused individual tasks and in-office days for collaborative activities, such as in-person collaboration and sprint planning. The office itself is located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is in downtown Chicago, IL, United States. This location is described as having numerous amenities, including a gym, food court, Walgreens, rooftop bar, and outdoor sports court, creating a convenient and engaging work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and specific mention of "in-person collaboration and sprint-planning days" highlight a culture that values face-to-face interaction for key team activities and strategic alignment.

• Tools & Technology: Designers will have access to cutting-edge AI-enabled tools and standard industry design software. The company's focus on digital solutions implies a well-equipped technology infrastructure.

• Team Interaction: The office setting fosters opportunities for spontaneous interactions, design critiques, and informal knowledge sharing among designers and other team members. The availability of recreational activities and social events further encourages team cohesion.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a sprint-based project approach. This structure aims to balance focused productivity with work-life balance, allowing designers time to think, explore new ideas, and avoid burnout, which is crucial for creative roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in a well-appointed downtown Chicago office offers a blend of flexibility and collaborative engagement. The emphasis on sprint planning days indicates structured in-office time dedicated to team alignment and project advancement. This environment is conducive to creative problem-solving and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Walkthrough: An opportunity to present a key piece from your portfolio, demonstrating your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate design decisions. This is a critical step to showcase your strategic thinking and soft skills.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Discussion about UI design principles, experience with design systems, AI tool usage, and your approach to collaboration and quality assurance.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meeting with design team members and potentially project managers to assess how you'd integrate into the team and contribute to Codal's collaborative and innovative culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss overarching design strategy, career aspirations, and final alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, focusing on impact and complexity. Prioritize projects that align with Codal's service offerings (web apps, e-commerce, mobile).

• Tell a Story: For your featured project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, prototyping), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with PMs, clients, and developers. Explicitly mention any contributions to design systems or style guides.

• Demonstrate Process: Include wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your design thinking. Explain how you used AI-enabled tools or innovative processes.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, not just the final output.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you approach building or contributing to design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and governance.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to tackle hypothetical design challenges, demonstrating your ability to break down problems, explore solutions, and justify your approach.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating design concepts clearly and persuasively, as if presenting to a client or stakeholder who may not have a design background.

• AI Tool Integration: Consider how you would leverage AI tools in your design process for research, ideation, or efficiency gains, and be ready to discuss specific examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application through a portfolio walkthrough and likely includes a design challenge. Candidates should prepare to articulate their process, rationale, and impact, with a specific focus on how they leverage modern tools (including AI) and contribute to team success in a consulting environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), InVision. Candidates are expected to be proficient in at least one primary suite and comfortable with others.

• AI-Enabled Tools: Familiarity and proficiency with AI tools that aid in creative processes, such as AI-powered research assistants, generative design aids, smart prototyping tools, or AI-driven analytics interpretation. Specific tools will vary but an openness to adopting and integrating them is key.

• Collaboration Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Slack, Microsoft Teams for project management, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (familiarity is beneficial for understanding user behavior data that informs design).

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau or Power BI might be used by other teams, so understanding data reporting and how design impacts metrics is important.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Experience with CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot is helpful for understanding how user data flows and impacts customer journeys, particularly in e-commerce contexts.

• Project Management & Workflow Tools: Tools that support agile methodologies, task management, and workflow automation within design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is modern and comprehensive, reflecting Codal's focus on digital solutions and AI integration. Proficiency in core design tools is essential, but a proactive approach to learning and applying AI-enabled design technologies will be a significant differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push creative boundaries, adopt new technologies (like AI), and deliver top-tier design solutions that exceed client expectations.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective intelligence, open communication, and mutual support among designers and across departments to achieve project goals.

• Client-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and solving client problems effectively, ensuring design work aligns with business objectives and user needs.

• Continuous Learning & Adaptability: Embracing new skills, staying abreast of industry trends, and proactively improving processes and methodologies.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing insights from data analytics and user research to inform design choices and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively working with Product Managers, UX Designers, Developers, and clients to ensure holistic product development and seamless project execution.

• Open Critique & Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback loops within the design team and with other stakeholders to refine work and foster growth.

• Knowledge Sharing: Mentoring junior designers, sharing best practices, and contributing to the collective knowledge base of the design team.

• Agile & Iterative: Embracing a sprint-based approach that allows for flexibility, iterative design, and rapid adaptation to project changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Codal's culture appears to foster a blend of high performance, collaborative spirit, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For operations professionals, this means an environment where innovation is encouraged, teamwork is essential, and learning is a constant. The emphasis on client success and data-driven approaches aligns well with operational efficiency and strategic impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Design Innovation: Effectively managing diverse client expectations and project timelines while maintaining a high standard of creative quality and pushing innovative design solutions.

• Integrating AI Tools Seamlessly: Learning and effectively incorporating new AI-enabled design tools into established workflows to enhance efficiency and creative output without compromising quality.

• Navigating Complex Project Requirements: Tackling intricate design problems for enterprise-level clients with diverse needs, requiring strategic thinking and robust problem-solving skills.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously adapting to the rapidly evolving landscape of digital design, UI patterns, and emerging technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Tool Mastery: Dedicated opportunities to explore, train on, and implement advanced AI tools within the design process.

• Design System Leadership: Potential to take ownership of design system development and governance for key clients or internal initiatives.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Working on projects that span application modernization, e-commerce, and data analytics, providing a broader understanding of digital product strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Support for attending relevant design conferences, workshops, and pursuing certifications to enhance skills and industry knowledge.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to both receive mentorship from senior leaders and provide mentorship to junior designers, fostering leadership growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a senior role in a fast-paced consulting environment, emphasizing adaptability and strategic problem-solving. The growth opportunities are well-defined, focusing on skill enhancement, leadership development, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies, making it an attractive prospect for ambitious designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI design challenge you faced in a previous role and how you used modern design principles and tools (including AI, if applicable) to overcome it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact.)

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system? What are the key components, and how do you ensure its adoption and maintenance across different projects and teams?" (Demonstrate understanding of scalability and consistency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Codal's approach to digital solutions, particularly our work in areas like AI and application modernization?" (Research Codal's website and recent projects.)

• "How do you see yourself contributing to Codal's design team culture, which values continuous learning and collaboration?" (Align your personal values with the company's.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Choose Your Champion Project: Select a project that best showcases your senior-level expertise, problem-solving skills, and ability to deliver impactful UI solutions. Ensure it involves web apps, e-commerce, or mobile design.

• Structure Your Narrative: Clearly outline the project's context, your specific role and contributions, the challenges you addressed, your design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, UI design), the tools you used (emphasize AI if applicable), and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you collaborated with clients, product managers, and developers.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, rationale, trade-offs, and how you would iterate or improve the design further.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design execution but also strategic thinking, a collaborative mindset, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives. Being ready to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and showcase experience with modern tools, including AI, will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Codal jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects relevant to web applications, e-commerce, and mobile design. Include case studies that demonstrate your strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and ability to deliver high-impact UI solutions. Be prepared to walk through a specific portfolio piece.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3-7 years of experience, emphasizing skills in UI design, design systems, AI-enabled tools, and consulting environments. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with collaboration, design systems, and how you stay current with design trends and technologies.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Codal's website, services, and recent projects. Understand their client base, their approach to digital solutions, and their emphasis on AI and innovation. Be ready to discuss why Codal is a good fit for your career goals.

⚠️ 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.