Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Faro, Faro District, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-03-04T14:04:35

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation of digital brand aesthetics and pixel-perfect responsive interfaces within a cross-functional creative team, driving user experience and conversion rates.

• Leverage extensive experience with design systems to create scalable design solutions for large, consumer-facing brands, ensuring brand consistency and efficiency.

• Champion user-centered design best practices, conversion-led design principles, and accessibility standards to deliver impactful and inclusive digital products.

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of online visual identity, with a strong focus on transactional websites and the e-commerce landscape, showcasing a compelling portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Designer within VML's Enterprise Solutions division, indicating a focus on large-scale, complex digital projects for enterprise-level clients. The emphasis on "conversion-led design for transactional websites" and "eCommerce landscape" suggests a strong alignment with revenue-generating initiatives, making this role highly relevant to operations professionals interested in the intersection of design and business outcomes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute digital brand look and feel, delivering pixel-perfect, responsive interfaces that align with both user needs and critical business objectives.

• Apply expertise in design systems to produce high-quality design work at scale, ensuring consistency across multiple client touchpoints and platforms.

• Integrate user-centered design best practices, conversion optimization strategies, and accessibility principles into all design outputs to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.

• Maintain the highest standards of design craftsmanship, ensuring all work is visually compelling and resonates within the competitive e-commerce sector.

• Proactively stay abreast of the latest advancements in design technology, industry trends, and relevant tooling to inform and elevate design strategies.

• Effectively communicate and articulate design concepts, solutions, and decisions to clients and internal stakeholders, confidently defending design rationales.

• Collaborate closely with a diverse range of professionals including stakeholders, fellow designers, UX consultants, product managers, and developers to ensure cohesive project execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on, execution-focused role with a significant strategic component. The emphasis on "highest standard," "impress clients," and "compelling portfolio" indicates a need for demonstrated excellence and the ability to translate complex requirements into user-friendly, business-driving designs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Degree educated in Graphic/UI Design or a similar relevant discipline.

Experience:

• Proven experience using design systems on a large consumer-facing brand.

• Demonstrable eCommerce experience is essential.

Required Skills:

• Excellent design skills with advanced proficiency in industry-standard tools: Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Exceptional eye for design aesthetics, with a keen understanding of typography and visual hierarchy.

• Creative, meticulous, and detail-oriented with a strong sense of craftsmanship and quality.

• Strong work ethic, with the ability to manage own projects efficiently and deliver accurate work under tight deadlines.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions confidently to diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment.

• Enthusiastic, self-confident, and self-motivated with a proactive approach to challenges.

• Willingness to adapt, embrace new challenges, and a drive for continuous improvement in design practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design tokens.

• Proficiency in animation and video editing tools such as Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "demonstrable eCommerce experience" and "experience using design systems on a large consumer facing brand" are critical for this role, indicating a need for practical application of skills in high-impact commercial environments. The emphasis on both creative flair and meticulous execution, alongside strong communication and project management, points to a senior-level individual contributor capable of leading design initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio that unequivocally demonstrates high-quality online design work, with a specific emphasis on successful eCommerce projects.

• Case studies showcasing the application of design systems on large-scale, consumer-facing brands, highlighting design consistency and efficiency gains.

• Examples of responsive interface design for transactional websites, illustrating a deep understanding of user needs and business conversion goals.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process from concept to pixel-perfect execution, including wireframing, prototyping, and final asset delivery.

• Showcase experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams through design sprints, user testing, and iterative design processes.

• Illustrate how design decisions are informed by data, user feedback, and business requirements, particularly within the context of conversion optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's capabilities. It must go beyond visual aesthetics to demonstrate strategic thinking, process adherence, and tangible results, especially in the e-commerce domain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior UI Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Portugal, particularly in a major district like Faro, and considering the global agency context of VML, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €65,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model and the specialized skills required, including eCommerce and design system expertise.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Regular social events to foster team cohesion and networking.

• Comprehensive training opportunities for continuous skill development and career advancement.

• Medical insurance to support employee health and well-being.

• Dental insurance providing coverage for dental care needs.

• Life assurance, offering financial security for dependents.

• Meal cards as a supplementary benefit for daily expenses.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered as part of the hybrid working arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research of average senior UI designer salaries in Portugal, adjusted for the specific region (Faro) and the specialized skills (eCommerce, design systems) and experience level required. Benefits are listed as provided in the job description, with an emphasis on those that support work-life balance and professional development, which are key attractors for senior talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services / Digital Experience / Enterprise Solutions. VML operates within the broader WPP network, a global leader in marketing and communications services. The Enterprise Solutions division specifically focuses on delivering digital experiences, commerce platforms, and strategic consulting for major organizations.

Company Size: VML is a very large organization, part of WPP, with over 26,000 employees globally. The Enterprise Solutions division itself comprises over 4,200 experts across 34 countries, indicating a substantial and globally distributed team.

Founded: VML was founded in 2001, and WPP, its parent company, was founded in 1982. This long history suggests a stable, established, and experienced organization.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UI Designer will be part of a cross-functional creative team, working alongside UX consultants, product managers, developers, and other designers.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Creative Director or Design Lead within the Enterprise Solutions division.

Methodology:

• VML emphasizes a human-first, creative approach, integrating brand experience, customer experience, and commerce.

• The Enterprise Solutions division focuses on delivering end-to-end digital experiences, leveraging expertise in strategy, creative execution, and technical architecture.

• Processes are likely to be agile and iterative, driven by client needs, market trends, and a commitment to continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's scale and global presence, especially within the WPP network, suggest opportunities to work on high-profile projects for leading brands. The Enterprise Solutions division’s focus on commerce and digital experiences aligns perfectly with a Senior UI Designer role geared towards driving business outcomes. The company culture is described as having "Heart, Brains and Courage," indicating a value placed on empathy, intelligence, and bold action.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Individual Contributor level within the Design discipline, specifically focused on UI/UX for enterprise-level digital commerce solutions. It requires a blend of strong design execution, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence and guide design decisions.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will report to a design lead or creative director within the Enterprise Solutions division. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, including UX, product management, and development, and will interact directly with clients.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer directly impacts business operations by creating user interfaces that enhance customer experience, drive conversions, and optimize transactional processes for clients. Their work on eCommerce platforms and transactional websites is critical for client revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in eCommerce design, conversion optimization, or specific platform technologies (e.g., Adobe Commerce, Salesforce Commerce Cloud).

• Leadership: Transition into a Design Lead or Art Director role, managing design teams and overseeing larger projects.

• Strategy: Move into a UX Strategy or Product Design role, with a greater focus on user research, information architecture, and overall product vision.

• Client Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills, potentially moving into roles with more direct client leadership and strategic advisory responsibilities.

• Continuous Learning: Access to WPP's extensive training resources and opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and innovative brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior UI Designer role at VML Enterprise Solutions offers a clear path for growth, particularly within the lucrative field of digital commerce. The emphasis on "driving growth" and "shaping commerce solutions" positions this role as crucial to client success and provides significant opportunities for career advancement within a large, global agency network.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a combination of remote work and in-office presence. VML emphasizes a culture that "works for everyone," suggesting flexibility within the hybrid framework.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Faro, Portugal. VML operates globally, with principal offices in over 55 markets. This specific role is based in Faro, Portugal, within the Enterprise Solutions division.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a blend of focused, independent work at home and collaborative, team-oriented sessions in the office.

• The office environment is expected to be dynamic and collaborative, fostering interaction with diverse teams (design, UX, product, development).

• Access to relevant design tools and technology within the agency infrastructure is assumed, supporting high-quality output.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with the hybrid arrangement providing flexibility in terms of where and potentially when work is performed, within operational needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect, offering flexibility. The Faro location, while perhaps less common for a major global agency hub, suggests a specific team presence there, potentially offering a unique work-life balance opportunity within a large corporate structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly eCommerce and design system expertise.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, walking through key projects, explaining your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work, especially on conversion and user experience. Be prepared to discuss your eCommerce case studies in detail.

• Technical/Skill Assessment: Potential exercises or discussions focusing on UI design principles, proficiency in Figma/Sketch/Adobe Suite, and understanding of responsive design and accessibility standards.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues (UX designers, developers, product managers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities.

• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: A discussion about your career aspirations, cultural fit with VML's "Heart, Brains, Courage" values, and how you can contribute to the Enterprise Solutions division.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI design skills, eCommerce experience, and ability to work with design systems. Prioritize projects with demonstrable business impact (e.g., conversion rate improvements).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process undertaken, the challenges faced, your creative solutions, and the final outcomes/results. Quantify success with metrics whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%").

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your understanding of user-centered design, conversion-led design, and how you applied design systems and accessibility principles. Showcase your proficiency with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Tailor to VML: Research VML's work, particularly within Enterprise Solutions and their client portfolio. Frame your experience and examples to resonate with their focus on driving growth for major brands through connected digital experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that might involve adapting an existing interface, designing a new feature for an eCommerce site, or optimizing a user flow for conversion.

• Focus on demonstrating your thought process, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely under pressure.

• Practice presenting your work and ideas concisely, highlighting business impact and user-centricity, as you will likely need to defend your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio demonstration and the ability to articulate design rationale and impact, especially concerning conversion and business objectives. Candidates should prepare to showcase their expertise in eCommerce and design systems thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be a primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in its advanced features for component-based design and design system maintenance is crucial.

• Sketch: Another key design tool, candidates should be comfortable working within this ecosystem if it's part of the client's or agency’s existing stack.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for various design tasks, including graphic creation, image manipulation (Photoshop), and potentially vector illustration (Illustrator).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary designer tool, an understanding of how design impacts analytics is key. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or client-specific analytics platforms would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and conversion metrics.

CRM & Automation:

Additional Preferred Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animations, and interactive prototypes.

• Final Cut Pro: For video editing, potentially for promotional content or case study videos.

• Design Tokens: Experience with managing design tokens for scalable and consistent design system implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. The mention of "design systems" implies a need for understanding how these tools support component-based design, scalability, and maintainability. Familiarity with animation tools is a plus, suggesting potential for richer, more engaging UI elements.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Empathy and trust are central, fostering genuine connections and human-centric work. This translates to understanding user needs deeply and collaborating respectfully with colleagues.

• Brains: Relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence are valued for solving complex challenges. This means approaching problems analytically, seeking diverse perspectives, and continuously learning.

• Courage: The organization encourages speaking up, embracing experimentation, and advocating for bold solutions. This implies a culture where innovation is welcomed, and team members are empowered to challenge the status quo and push creative boundaries.

• Impact-Driven: The Enterprise Solutions division specifically aims to "drive multi-channel growth for world-leading brands," indicating a strong focus on measurable business outcomes and client success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with UX consultants, product managers, developers, and client stakeholders to ensure cohesive project delivery.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that likely encourages iterative design, constructive feedback, and open communication to refine solutions.

• Knowledge Sharing: As part of a large global agency, there's an expectation of sharing best practices, learnings, and innovative approaches across teams and regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of "Heart, Brains, Courage" are explicitly stated and are fundamental to the company culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their work and approach align with these values, particularly in terms of user empathy, strategic thinking, and creative boldness.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively reconciling the demands of user experience with aggressive conversion targets and client business objectives in a highly competitive eCommerce landscape.

• Scaling Design Systems: Implementing and maintaining design systems for large, complex consumer-facing brands to ensure consistency and efficiency across numerous touchpoints.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the continuous advancements in digital design tools, web technologies, and emerging design trends to maintain a competitive edge.

• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Working effectively within a global, diverse team and with international clients, navigating different communication styles and project requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced UI patterns for eCommerce, conversion rate optimization (CRO) design, accessibility standards, and emerging design technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and WPP/VML-specific training programs to stay at the forefront of design and digital marketing.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior design leaders and opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities as experience grows, progressing towards design lead or art director roles.

• Broad Project Experience: Exposure to a wide range of clients and industries, allowing for diverse project portfolios and the development of adaptable design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a large agency focused on enterprise clients and digital commerce. The growth opportunities are significant, leveraging the vast resources of WPP and VML to foster specialized skill development and career progression.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully used a design system to deliver a complex digital product. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, scalability, and collaboration).

• "How do you approach conversion-led design for transactional websites? Walk us through a project where your design directly impacted conversion rates." (Highlight user-centricity, data-informed decisions, and business impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about VML's 'Heart, Brains, Courage' values, and how do you embody them in your work?" (Connect your personal values and professional approach to the company's ethos).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you bring that knowledge into your team?" (Showcase curiosity, continuous learning, and proactive contribution).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your expertise and key strengths (e.g., eCommerce, design systems). Then, present 2-3 detailed case studies. For each, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (including research, ideation, iteration), the tools used (Figma, Sketch, etc.), the final solution, and the measurable impact (conversion, user satisfaction, efficiency).

• Metrics & ROI: Quantify your achievements. Instead of saying "improved user flow," say "redesigned the checkout flow, resulting in a 15% reduction in cart abandonment and a 10% increase in completed purchases." Focus on how your design contributed to client ROI.

• Interactive Elements: If possible, use interactive prototypes within your presentation to showcase the user experience and functionality of your designs. Be ready to explain design choices in real-time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also strategic thinking, business acumen, and strong communication. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and their impact on business metrics is critical for this senior role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest eCommerce and design system projects. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process, role, and quantifiable business impact (e.g., conversion improvements).

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "eCommerce," "design systems," "Figma," "responsive design," "user-centered design," and "conversion-led design." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating design rationale, and demonstrating business value. Prepare to discuss your approach to user-centered and conversion-led design, and your experience with relevant tools.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research VML, WPP, and the Enterprise Solutions division. Understand their client portfolio, recent work, and core values ("Heart, Brains, Courage") to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description has been developed by an AI for informational purposes, incorporating industry standards and inferences based on the provided data. While it aims for comprehensiveness, always refer to the official job posting and direct communication with VML Enterprise Solutions for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the role, requirements, and application process.