Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Porto, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / User Interface Design

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive user experience enhancements and conversion optimization for transactional websites through a strong understanding of conversion-led design principles.

• Leverage extensive experience with design systems to ensure brand consistency and design work at scale for large consumer-facing brands.

• Champion user-centered design best practices, accessibility standards, and emerging design trends to deliver impactful and innovative digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy. The emphasis on "conversion-led design for transactional websites" and "eCom landscape" strongly suggests a focus on e-commerce platforms and driving measurable business outcomes through UI design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the digital brand look and feel, ensuring a cohesive and compelling visual identity across all digital touchpoints.

• Design and deliver high-fidelity, responsive user interfaces that not only meet user needs but also align with strategic business objectives and conversion goals.

• Implement and maintain design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and efficiency in design production for large-scale projects.

• Apply user-centered design methodologies, accessibility principles (WCAG compliance), and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies to all design outputs.

• Collaborate closely with UX consultants, product managers, developers, and other stakeholders to translate complex requirements into intuitive and engaging user interfaces.

• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in design technology, tools, and industry trends, proactively integrating them into the design process.

• Articulate and confidently defend design decisions, concepts, and solutions to internal teams and external clients, showcasing a deep understanding of user needs and business goals.

• Manage personal project timelines, priorities, and deliverables effectively in a fast-paced, agency environment, ensuring timely and accurate execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "owning a compelling portfolio of digital design work" and "impress clients" points to a client-facing aspect of the role, requiring strong presentation and communication skills beyond just design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, UI Design, Interaction Design, or a related discipline.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in UI design, with a significant portion focused on digital product design, e-commerce, and agency environments.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable experience with eCommerce platforms and transactional website design.

• Expert proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, including Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Proven experience in utilizing and contributing to Design Systems for large-scale consumer-facing brands, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• Strong understanding of User-Centered Design (UCD) principles, UX best practices, and a passion for creating intuitive user journeys.

• Solid grasp of Conversion Design principles and methodologies to drive measurable business outcomes.

• Knowledge of Accessibility Principles (e.g., WCAG guidelines) and their application in UI design.

• Exceptional typography skills and a keen eye for visual hierarchy, color theory, and layout.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and defend decisions effectively.

• Proven ability in Project Management, managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines, and prioritizing tasks efficiently.

• Strong Problem-Solving abilities, with a creative yet meticulous approach to design challenges.

• A proactive and Self-Motivated attitude, with a willingness to adapt, learn, and take on new challenges.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design Tokens for enhanced design system management and scalability.

• Familiarity with animation and video editing software such as Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro.

• Experience working within a digital or creative agency setting or an in-house design studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-generated experience level of "5-10 years" is a strong indicator of the seniority expected for this role, aligning with the "Senior" title and the requirement for leadership in design execution and communication. The inclusion of "Design Tokens" as a plus suggests a forward-thinking approach to design system implementation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling and well-curated online portfolio showcasing high-quality digital design work, with a significant emphasis on eCommerce projects.

• Demonstration of the ability to translate user needs and business objectives into effective UI solutions, with clear case studies or project examples.

• Examples of work that reflects an understanding of responsive design principles across various devices and screen sizes.

• Evidence of experience working with or contributing to Design Systems, highlighting how scalability and consistency were maintained.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you've applied User-Centered Design methodologies, including any research, wireframing, or prototyping phases.

• Include case studies that detail your involvement in Conversion Design initiatives, outlining the problem, your proposed solution, and the impact (if measurable).

• Demonstrate your ability to integrate Accessibility Principles into your design process, providing examples of how you ensured inclusive design.

• Highlight projects where you've managed design processes independently, from concept to final delivery, under demanding timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate strategic thinking, process, and a clear impact on user experience and business goals, particularly within the e-commerce domain.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Designers in Portugal with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €40,000 - €60,000. This can vary based on specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a global network of 30,000+ employees across 150+ offices and 64 markets.

• Access to professional development programs and resources to foster career growth and skill enhancement.

• A culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences, promoting diversity and inclusion.

• Exposure to working with a diverse portfolio of world-leading brands across various industries.

• Potential for hybrid work arrangements, offering flexibility between office collaboration and remote work.

• Contribution to a company that is a growth partner, combining creative agency, consultancy, and technology expertise.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for Senior UI Designer roles in Porto, Portugal, considering the AI-generated experience level and the company's global presence. Benefits are inferred from the company description, emphasizing growth, culture, and global exposure, which are attractive to senior-level professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising, Marketing, Technology, and Consulting. VML is a significant player in the global marketing and communications industry, formed by the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, and is part of WPP. The Enterprise Solutions division specifically focuses on delivering digital experiences for large organizations.

Company Size: Over 30,000 employees globally. The Enterprise Solutions division comprises over 4,200 experts across 55 operational centers in 34 countries.

Founded: VML's heritage dates back over a century through its predecessor agencies. The current VML entity was formed through recent significant mergers. The Enterprise Solutions division operates as a key strategic arm within this larger organization, focusing on enterprise-level digital transformation and commerce solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Senior UI Designer will be part of a cross-functional creative team within the Enterprise Solutions division. This team likely includes UX consultants, product managers, developers, and other designers.

• The reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or a Head of Digital Experience within the Enterprise Solutions division.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs agile methodologies for project management and product development, facilitating iterative design and development cycles.

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with a focus on user analytics, A/B testing, and conversion metrics to inform design choices and measure impact.

• Emphasis on a holistic customer experience (CX) approach, ensuring that UI design integrates seamlessly with broader customer journeys and business strategies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description emphasizes a "growth partner" identity, combining creative, consultancy, and technology expertise. This suggests a culture that values innovation, strategic thinking, and a blend of artistic talent with business acumen. The Enterprise Solutions division's focus on "outstanding digital experiences" and "multi-channel growth" indicates a results-oriented and client-centric approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor. This role is positioned at a senior level, requiring independent project execution, leadership in design decision-making, and potentially mentoring junior team members. The focus is on contributing expert-level UI design skills to high-impact projects.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or a similar leadership role within the Enterprise Solutions division. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Development Leads is also expected, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional leadership dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer's work directly influences user engagement, conversion rates, and overall customer satisfaction for VML's enterprise clients. By delivering intuitive and visually compelling interfaces for transactional websites and digital experiences, the role contributes significantly to client revenue growth and brand perception. The design choices made directly impact the success of digital platforms for global brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like e-commerce UI, conversion design, or design system architecture.

• Leadership: Potential to move into Lead UI Designer, Design Manager, or Creative Director roles, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Skill Development: Participation in workshops, training programs, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies and design methodologies, including potential for certifications in areas like UX, accessibility, or specific design tools.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in consultancy, strategy, and technology integration through collaboration with other VML divisions and client stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a clear path for career progression, either through specialization into an expert track or movement into management. The emphasis on working with "world-leading organizations" and "revolutionary work" suggests that success in this role can lead to significant career advancement and recognition.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, as indicated by the "#LI-HYBRID" tag. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The office in Porto likely serves as a hub for team collaboration, client meetings, and access to company resources.

Office Location(s): Porto, Portugal. This location is a major city with a thriving tech and creative scene, offering a dynamic environment for professionals.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with teams working together on client projects. Expect a dynamic agency environment where brainstorming and teamwork are encouraged.

• Access to standard design tools and technology, including high-performance workstations, relevant software licenses (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite), and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping or testing.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow designers, UX specialists, developers, and product managers, promoting a culture of shared learning and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time work schedule, typically Monday to Friday, with flexibility often available, especially in a hybrid model. The fast-paced agency environment may occasionally require working beyond standard hours to meet project deadlines, but the focus is on efficient and effective work delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a balance between structured office time for collaboration and remote time for focused individual work, which is highly valued by many design professionals. The Porto location places the role within a vibrant European city.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to articulate your career journey and key achievements.

• Technical/Design Interview: This stage will likely involve a deep dive into your portfolio. Expect to discuss specific projects, your design process, rationale behind your decisions, and how you approach challenges. You may be asked to walk through a case study in detail.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a design challenge or a problem-solving task, simulating real-world scenarios. This could involve designing a UI component, critiquing an existing design, or outlining a design strategy for a given brief.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess your collaborative style, communication skills, problem-solving approach, and alignment with VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss your overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects, with a strong emphasis on eCommerce and conversion-focused work.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and process, the challenges faced, your design solutions, and the outcomes (quantifiable results are a major plus).

• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and iterations to demonstrate your design thinking.

• Highlight Key Skills: Ensure your portfolio explicitly demonstrates proficiency in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Design Systems, and Conversion Design.

• Presentation Readiness: Be prepared to present your portfolio live, articulating your thought process clearly and confidently. Practice your pitch.

Challenge Preparation:

• Deconstruct the Brief: Understand the core problem, target audience, and business objectives of any design challenge.

• Think Aloud: If given a timed challenge, articulate your thought process as you work. Explain your assumptions and design decisions.

• Focus on Impact: Demonstrate how your design solutions will address the problem and contribute to business goals (e.g., increased conversion, improved user satisfaction).

• Consider Constraints: Be mindful of technical feasibility, accessibility, and design system integration if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that tells a clear story of process and impact is crucial for success at this senior level.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and handoff. Proficiency in its advanced features for complex UI design and design system management is expected.

• Sketch: While Figma is often preferred, proficiency in Sketch remains valuable, especially for projects initiated with this tool or for teams that still utilize it.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image manipulation and asset creation, and Illustrator for vector graphics and icons.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Principle for creating interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior, track conversion funnels, and inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how UI design integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms to ensure a seamless customer journey.

• Experience with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for workflow management and team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools listed are standard for UI/UX designers. The emphasis on Figma and Design Systems aligns with modern agency practices for efficiency and scalability. Understanding analytics and A/B testing tools is critical for a conversion-focused role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Fostering empathy and trust, leading to human-centric design solutions and strong relationships with colleagues and clients. This translates to understanding user needs deeply and collaborating with genuine connection.

• Brains: Valuing relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence. This means approaching design challenges with analytical thinking, seeking innovative solutions, and actively engaging with team members to solve complex problems.

• Courage: Inspiring individuals to speak up, embrace experimentation, and advocate for bold solutions. This encourages taking calculated risks in design, pushing creative boundaries, and championing impactful ideas even when they are unconventional.

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering measurable results for clients, particularly in driving growth and improving digital experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working in cross-functional teams with UX, product management, development, and strategy. Open communication and knowledge sharing are key.

• A culture that embraces feedback and iterative design, where design critiques are constructive and aimed at improving the final product.

• Proactive engagement with stakeholders, ensuring design decisions are well-informed and aligned with business objectives. Team members are expected to be proactive in seeking information and contributing ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) are explicitly stated and are designed to guide employee behavior and decision-making. For a Senior UI Designer, embodying these values means designing with empathy, solving problems intelligently, and being brave in proposing innovative solutions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating client objectives and conversion targets into user-friendly and engaging interfaces. This requires strong negotiation and strategic design skills.

• Working at Scale: Designing and maintaining consistency across numerous digital touchpoints and for large consumer-facing brands, often leveraging complex design systems.

• Pace and Agility: Thriving in a fast-paced agency environment with tight deadlines and evolving project requirements, requiring efficient workflow management and adaptability.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new design tools, trends, and technologies to maintain a competitive edge and deliver innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to specialize in areas like advanced interaction design, motion graphics for UI, or enterprise-level design system architecture.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse range of high-profile clients and participating in industry-leading projects that push creative and technical boundaries.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and develop leadership capabilities within a global agency structure.

• Certification & Training: Access to internal and external training programs, workshops, and conferences focusing on UX, UI, conversion optimization, and emerging technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in a dynamic agency environment, requiring a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are robust, offering clear pathways for career advancement and continuous skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex eCommerce UI challenge you faced and how your design solution improved conversion rates or user engagement. What was your process?" (Prepare a detailed case study focusing on impact and methodology).

• "How do you approach building or contributing to a design system for a large consumer brand? What are the key considerations for scalability and consistency?" (Focus on principles, tools like design tokens, and collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about VML's approach as a 'growth partner' combining creative, consultancy, and technology?" (Research VML's mission and values, connect it to your design philosophy).

• "How do you embody VML's core values of Heart, Brains, and Courage in your design work and team interactions?" (Prepare specific examples for each value).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, aim for: Problem/Objective -> Your Role/Process -> Key Design Decisions/Challenges -> Solution -> Outcome/Impact (quantify if possible).

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes. Explain why you made certain visual choices.

• Narrative: Craft a compelling story around each project, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your mastery of Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite, and any experience with design tokens or animation tools.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing strategic design thinking, impact, and alignment with VML's values. Preparing specific case studies that demonstrate problem-solving, collaboration, and measurable results is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest eCommerce and conversion-design projects. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your expertise in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, and Design Systems.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize achievements relevant to this role, using keywords such as "UI Design," "User Experience," "Conversion Optimization," "Design Systems," "Responsive Design," and "eCommerce." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, defending your design decisions, and discussing your experience with user-centered design and accessibility. Prepare specific examples to illustrate how you embody VML's core values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research VML, its Enterprise Solutions division, and its client portfolio. Understand their approach to digital transformation and growth partnerships to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ 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.