Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Faro, Faro District, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Digital Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-02-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and visually compelling user interfaces for transactional websites and digital platforms, with a strong emphasis on conversion optimization and user experience enhancement within a cross-functional creative team.

• Translate complex business objectives and user needs into pixel-perfect, responsive interface designs that align with brand identity and elevate the clients' online presence in the competitive eCommerce landscape.

• Leverage established design systems to ensure design consistency and efficiency at scale, while championing user-centered design best practices, accessibility principles, and the latest advancements in design trends and tooling.

• Collaborate closely with stakeholders, UX consultants, product managers, and developers to deliver high-quality digital solutions, confidently articulating and defending design decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Designer, indicating a need for significant experience (5-10 years) and the ability to lead and mentor, not just execute. The focus on "conversion-led design for transactional websites" and "eCom landscape" strongly suggests a strategic role within the Revenue Operations or Go-To-Market (GTM) enablement functions, where design directly impacts revenue generation and customer acquisition/retention. The hybrid nature implies a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, common in modern creative and operations teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the digital brand aesthetic and visual identity for client projects, ensuring a cohesive and impactful look and feel across all responsive interfaces.

• Design high-fidelity, pixel-perfect user interfaces for web and mobile applications, prioritizing user-centered design principles and business objectives to drive engagement and conversion rates.

• Apply and contribute to design systems, creating design work at scale and ensuring consistency across multiple client projects and platforms.

• Integrate user-centered design best practices, conversion design principles, and accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) into all design outputs to ensure usability and inclusivity.

• Collaborate effectively with UX consultants, product managers, developers, and client stakeholders to understand requirements, iterate on designs, and ensure successful implementation of UI solutions.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in design tooling to continuously improve design quality and efficiency.

• Present design concepts, rationale, and solutions clearly and persuasively to internal teams and external clients, confidently defending design decisions.

• Manage individual design projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work under tight deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative execution and strategic application of design principles, particularly in the context of driving business outcomes (conversion, user needs). This aligns with Revenue Operations' focus on optimizing the customer journey for revenue generation. The emphasis on design systems and working at scale is crucial for GTM operations that require consistent brand experiences across various touchpoints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in UI design, with a significant portion focused on digital and eCommerce platforms.

• Proven experience working with and contributing to design systems for large, consumer-facing brands.

Required Skills:

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

• Exceptional visual design skills with an outstanding eye for typography, layout, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design (UCD) principles, user experience (UX) best practices, and usability heuristics.

• Proficiency in designing responsive interfaces across various devices and screen sizes.

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

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design tokens and their implementation.

• Familiarity with animation and motion design principles, and experience with tools like Adobe After Effects or Final Cut Pro.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate collaboration with developers.

• Experience working within an Agile development methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for specific tools like Figma and Sketch, coupled with the emphasis on design systems and conversion-driven eCommerce design, points to a need for candidates who can integrate seamlessly into a GTM operations workflow. The "bonus points" for animation suggest a desire for dynamic user experiences, which can enhance user engagement and conversion rates, a key metric in Revenue Operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling and professionally curated portfolio showcasing high-quality online design work.

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio section dedicated to eCommerce projects, highlighting successful conversion strategies and user journey optimization.

• Include case studies that illustrate the application of design systems on a large consumer-facing brand, detailing the process and impact.

• Showcase examples of responsive interface design across various devices, emphasizing user-centered design principles.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should clearly articulate the design process, from initial concept and user research to final execution and iteration.

• Case studies should detail how user needs and business objectives (e.g., conversion rates, user engagement) were balanced and addressed through design solutions.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to leverage design systems for efficient workflow and scalable design output.

• Include examples of how accessibility principles were integrated into the design process and final product.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, the portfolio is not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating a systematic approach to problem-solving and driving measurable outcomes. This section emphasizes showing the process behind the design, its alignment with business goals (conversion, revenue), and its scalability, which are all critical in an operations context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: €45,000 - €65,000 annually.

• Methodology: This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Designers in Portugal, considering the Faro district's cost of living and the specific requirements of a hybrid role within a large, international enterprise solutions division. Factors influencing the range include years of experience, specific tool proficiency, and the demonstrated impact on conversion and revenue generation. Salary data was cross-referenced from reputable Portuguese job boards and global salary aggregators for creative and design roles.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance package.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and attending industry conferences.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday allowance.

• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.

• Employee assistance program (EAP) for personal and professional support.

• Access to VML's global network of resources and employee resource groups.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility within the hybrid model to accommodate personal needs, with clear expectations for in-office days for collaboration and team engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for Portugal. The benefits listed are typical for large, established companies and are framed to appeal to professionals seeking growth and stability, common desires for those in operations roles looking for long-term career development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Technology Consulting, Digital Transformation

Company Size: 30,000+ employees globally. The Enterprise Solutions division specifically houses over 4,200 experts across 34 countries.

Founded: VML was formed by the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson. VMLY&R's heritage dates back to 1992, and Wunderman Thompson's to 1917, indicating deep industry roots and extensive market experience.

Team Structure:

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

• Within the Enterprise Solutions division, the structure likely involves reporting to a Creative Director or Design Lead, with direct collaboration across project teams.

Methodology:

• VML's approach is characterized by a blend of creative strategy, technological expertise, and data-driven insights to deliver end-to-end solutions.

• Emphasis on a growth partner model, focusing on delivering "revolutionary work" that spans communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology.

• The Enterprise Solutions division specifically focuses on optimizing digital experiences across various market routes, including marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B, and social platforms, driving multi-channel growth.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's scale and heritage suggest a robust, process-oriented environment. The Enterprise Solutions division's focus on driving multi-channel growth and working with major brands like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and Ford indicates a high-stakes environment where operational efficiency and design impact on revenue are critical. The mention of "creative agency, consultancy, and technology powerhouse" implies a multidisciplinary approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior level, demanding not only expert-level design skills but also the ability to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to client GTM operations. It's a crucial juncture for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in conversion-driven design and potentially move into leadership roles.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Creative Director, Head of Design, or a similar senior leadership role within the Enterprise Solutions division. They will collaborate closely with Project Managers, UX Leads, and individual developers.

Operations Impact: The design work directly impacts client revenue by enhancing user experience, improving conversion rates on transactional websites, and strengthening brand loyalty. This role is integral to the GTM strategy, ensuring that digital touchpoints are optimized for maximum commercial impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in eCommerce conversion optimization, accessibility design, or design systems architecture.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead UI Designer, Art Director, or Design Manager role, overseeing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Skill Development: Pursue training in emerging design technologies, animation (e.g., After Effects), or UX research methodologies.

• Client Exposure: Gain experience working with a diverse portfolio of global brands, tackling unique challenges across different industries and market segments.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to move into related operations roles or client strategy positions with continued development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed within the context of a large agency structure, emphasizing both specialization within design and potential pathways into leadership or broader GTM strategy roles. This is key for operations professionals who often seek structured career progression and continuous learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, balancing remote flexibility with in-office collaboration. VML operates numerous global offices, suggesting a modern, well-equipped workspace designed for creative collaboration.

Office Location(s): Faro, Faro District, Portugal. VML has a significant presence across Portugal, with this role likely situated in a dedicated office space designed for creative and consultative work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with designers, UX professionals, strategists, and developers.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools and technology will be standard, supporting the production of high-quality digital assets.

• Opportunities for informal knowledge sharing, brainstorming sessions, and team-building activities will be available, promoting a dynamic and innovative work culture.

Work Schedule: The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with employees typically expected to be in the office for key meetings, workshops, and collaborative sessions, while also having the option to work remotely for focused design tasks. This schedule aims to support both productivity and work-life balance, essential for maintaining creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a significant factor for modern professionals, especially those in operations who value flexibility. The description implies a dynamic, collaborative, and resource-rich environment typical of leading creative agencies.

📄 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 Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your UI design expertise, especially in eCommerce and conversion-driven design. Be prepared to discuss your process, design decisions, and the impact of your work.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a practical design exercise or a deep dive into your proficiency with design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and design systems.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit: Interviews with hiring managers and team members to assess your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, work ethic, and how you align with VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best represent your skills in UI design, responsive design, conversion optimization, and eCommerce. Quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, outline the problem, your role, the design process, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction).

• Highlight Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, design decisions, and how you leveraged design systems, UCD principles, and accessibility standards.

• Showcase Craftsmanship: Demonstrate an exceptional eye for detail, typography, and visual design.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is provided, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize user needs and business goals in your solution.

• Clearly document your assumptions and design decisions.

• Present your solution concisely and professionally, highlighting your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and potential design challenges is standard for UI design roles, but for an operations-focused role, candidates should be prepared to discuss the business impact of their designs, not just the aesthetic execution. Highlighting how their work contributed to conversion, efficiency, or revenue is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in its advanced features for component libraries and design systems is essential.

• Sketch: Another widely used design tool; familiarity is a significant advantage, especially if clients or internal teams use it.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially InDesign for more complex layout work or style guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

Other Potential Tools:

• Prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Principle) for creating interactive mockups.

• Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for workflow organization.

• Design token management tools (e.g., Specify, Zeplin) if the company utilizes them extensively.

• Animation tools (Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro) for bonus points.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and Sketch, along with the Adobe Creative Suite, signifies the core technical requirements. For an operations-aligned role, knowledge of how these tools integrate with broader MarTech/SalesTech stacks and how design impacts conversion funnels is a strategic advantage.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Foster empathy and trust in collaborations, leading to human-centric designs that resonate with users and stakeholders.

• Brains: Engage in relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence to solve complex design challenges and drive innovation.

• Courage: Embrace experimentation, advocate for bold design solutions, and be willing to challenge the status quo to achieve better outcomes.

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering measurable results and contributing directly to client success and revenue growth through design.

• Efficiency & Scalability: Value designing solutions that are not only effective but also efficient to implement and scalable across various platforms and client needs.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with diverse teams (UX, product, development, strategy) to ensure holistic solutions.

• Open Communication: Encourage clear, honest, and constructive feedback exchange to refine designs and processes.

• Agile & Iterative: Embrace iterative design processes, adapting to feedback and evolving project requirements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participate in sharing design best practices, insights, and learnings within the team and broader organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's stated values (Heart, Brains, Courage) are framed in a way that directly applies to the professional conduct and problem-solving approach expected in a high-performing team. For operations roles, demonstrating how these values translate into practical application—e.g., courage to propose data-backed design changes, brains to analyze complex user flows, heart to empathize with user pain points—is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating client objectives for conversion and revenue with user experience best practices without compromise.

• Designing at Scale: Maintaining design consistency and quality across numerous client projects and large-scale digital platforms using design systems.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with new design tools, methodologies, and front-end technologies to ensure designs are innovative and feasible.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating feedback and requirements from diverse stakeholders with varying priorities and perspectives.

• Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Adapting to tight deadlines and shifting project scopes while maintaining high standards of design execution.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Access to internal training programs, workshops, and external courses focused on advanced UI design, UX research, conversion optimization, and accessibility.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to attend leading industry conferences (e.g., Adobe MAX, UXPA) and gain insights into emerging trends and best practices.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from senior design leaders within VML, providing guidance on career progression and skill development.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to learn about other areas of the business, such as UX strategy, product management, and front-end development, broadening your operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are common in agency settings but are particularly relevant to operations roles where efficiency, scalability, and measurable impact are paramount. The growth opportunities focus on continuous learning and specialization, essential for staying relevant in fast-evolving design and operations fields.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you significantly improved conversion rates through UI design. What was your process, what metrics did you track, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating a data-driven approach and understanding of conversion funnels).

• "How do you approach using or contributing to a design system for a large consumer-facing brand? What are the benefits and challenges?" (Highlight your understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) align with your professional approach to design and collaboration?" (Prepare specific examples of how you embody these values).

• "What is your experience working in a hybrid environment, and how do you ensure effective collaboration with remote and in-office team members?" (Demonstrate your ability to be productive and collaborative in a flexible setup).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the final solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., conversion lift, user engagement increase, task completion rate).

• Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your design decisions directly supported client business goals, such as increasing sales, improving customer acquisition, or enhancing operational efficiency through better user flows.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite, and how you leverage these tools for efficient workflow and high-quality output.

• Defend Decisions: Clearly articulate the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs, business objectives, and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill but also an understanding of the business context, particularly how design contributes to revenue operations and GTM success. Highlighting quantifiable results and a systematic, process-driven approach will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the VML Enterprise Solutions careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature eCommerce projects, conversion-focused designs, and examples of working with design systems. Clearly articulate the business impact and ROI of your design work in case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume highlights experience with Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, design systems, conversion design, and eCommerce. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased conversion rates by X%").

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, strategic decisions, and the business outcomes of your projects. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and VML's approach to client success.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, particularly within their Enterprise Solutions division, and understand their core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) and how they apply to design and operations.

⚠️ 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.