Senior Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Graphic Designer

Company: UPSTARS

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (Remote OK)

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Design / Marketing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

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

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the development and maintenance of design projects, ensuring visual consistency and brand integrity across all marketing and product initiatives.

• Drive the creation and evolution of promotional activities and marketing campaigns through innovative and impactful graphic design solutions.

• Manage and scale comprehensive design systems and brand guidelines, fostering a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.

• Collaborate closely with product, marketing, and creative teams to translate business objectives into compelling visual narratives and user-centered designs.

• Optimize internal design processes and workflows, leveraging AI tools and best practices to enhance efficiency and output quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Graphic Designer," the responsibilities heavily lean into aspects of Marketing Operations and Product Design support, requiring a strong understanding of GTM strategies and process optimization within a creative context. The role emphasizes not just execution but also system development and process improvement, positioning it as a critical support function for Go-To-Market (GTM) efforts.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and evolve design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with brand standards and project objectives.

• Contribute to the creation and ongoing development of promotional activities, including campaign visuals, social media assets, and digital marketing materials.

• Generate creative and innovative ideas for marketing campaigns, product enhancements, and B2B service offerings.

• Design, implement, and maintain scalable design systems, ensuring consistency and efficiency in asset creation.

• Develop, update, and manage brand books and style guides to ensure consistent brand representation across all touchpoints.

• Create compelling visual content for social media promotion, presentations, infographics, and other digital assets.

• Oversee the quality and consistency of all graphics, ensuring adherence to established guidelines and templates.

• Participate in the formulation of design solutions for new and existing products, aligning with user needs and business goals.

• Create vector icons and other graphical elements as required for product interfaces and marketing collateral.

• Foster effective collaboration with product, marketing, and creative teams to ensure seamless project execution.

• Analyze the effectiveness of design solutions and iterate based on performance metrics and feedback.

• Optimize internal design processes and workflows, integrating AI tools and automation where applicable to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of "оптимізація дизайн-процесів та внутрішніх воркфлоу" (optimization of design processes and internal workflows) and "аналіз дизайн-рішень та їх ефективності" (analysis of design solutions and their effectiveness) indicates a strong operations-focused component. This role requires a strategic approach to design execution, not just creative output, aligning it with operational efficiency and GTM effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Marketing, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior-level role.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional graphic design experience, with a significant portion focused on digital, marketing, and product-related design. Proven experience in managing design systems and brand guidelines.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Figma.

• Strong command of typography, including font selection, pairing, hierarchy, and readability.

• Deep understanding of composition, layout design, and color theory.

• Proven experience creating visuals for social media, presentations, infographics, and digital materials.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

• Understanding of business context and product goals to inform design decisions.

• Experience creating raster graphics, including collage techniques.

• Developed communication and analytical skills.

• Familiarity and practical experience working with AI tools in a design context. Preferred Skills:

• Readiness to take ownership and responsibility for project outcomes.

• Interest in solving non-standard problems and tackling challenges.

• Basic understanding of product or marketing metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI tools," "workflow optimization," and "analysis of design solutions" suggests that candidates with a blend of creative talent and operational awareness will be highly valued. Experience in B2B environments, particularly in tech or iGaming, would be a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of design projects demonstrating a strong understanding of typography, composition, and color theory.

• Case studies showcasing the development and implementation of design systems and brand guidelines, highlighting consistency and scalability.

• Examples of digital marketing collateral, social media visuals, and infographic designs that effectively communicate complex information.

• Demonstrations of experience with raster graphics, collage, and icon design.

• Projects that illustrate the application of AI tools in the design process and workflow optimization.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, marketing) to achieve project goals. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how design processes were documented, optimized, or streamlined.

• Highlight experience in developing and maintaining brand books and style guides.

• Present instances where design solutions were analyzed for effectiveness, with demonstrated impact on business or product objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "design systems," "brand guidelines," and "workflow optimization," the portfolio should emphasize not just aesthetic output but also the strategic thinking and process management behind it. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they've structured design projects, maintained consistency, and contributed to operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Graphic Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Kyiv, Ukraine, a competitive salary range is estimated between 45,000 - 75,000 UAH per month. This range can vary based on specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• 20 paid days off (annual leave).

• Public holidays and sick leave coverage.

• Medical insurance with coverage at top clinics.

• Psychological support services via the Pleso platform.

• Benefit cafe: Monthly allowance for personal preferences, hobbies, sports, etc.

• Regular events: Masterclasses, team buildings, corporate parties.

• Professional development budget for courses.

• Corporate English classes.

• Access to workshops and an online library.

• Flexible work arrangements: Option to work from hubs in Kyiv/Warsaw or remotely.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate remote work and potential international collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market research for senior design roles in Kyiv, Ukraine, considering the tech and iGaming sectors. The comprehensive benefits package, including a "Benefit cafe" and significant professional development budget, indicates a strong investment in employee well-being and growth, which is a key differentiator for attracting top talent in operations and design roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Product IT Company), with a strong focus on iGaming and B2B services. UPSTARS also holds a B2B license for gambling services in Ukraine, indicating a commitment to legal and transparent operations within a regulated sector.

Company Size: The company is actively scaling, suggesting a dynamic environment that is likely beyond the startup phase but still agile. The mention of "dream team" and active scaling implies growth and opportunity.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company's mention of obtaining a B2B license in 2026 and actively scaling implies a mature operational framework and strategic vision.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Design Human-Centered" department, indicating a focus on user experience and design excellence.

• This department collaborates closely with Product and Marketing teams, suggesting a cross-functional, integrated GTM approach.

• The company values "teamwork" and "positivity," suggesting a collaborative and supportive environment. Methodology:

• UPSTARS emphasizes automation of routine tasks to focus on development and professional growth.

• They advocate for direct and simple communication, valuing proactivity and feedback.

• The company avoids bureaucracy and outdated approaches, favoring freedom of action and agility.

• A data-driven approach is implied through "analysis of design solutions and their effectiveness" and the mention of "product or marketing metrics."

Company Website: https://career.upstars.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on iGaming and B2B services, combined with its commitment to transparency and legal operations, shapes its culture. The "Design Human-Centered" department's integration with Product and Marketing signifies a strong GTM alignment, where design plays a crucial role in driving business objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Graphic Designer role, implying a high level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The responsibilities extend beyond pure design execution to include system development, process optimization, and strategic input, positioning it as a key contributor within the GTM operations framework.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a manager within the "Design Human-Centered" department. Close collaboration with Product and Marketing teams is expected, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional partnership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Graphic Designer's work directly impacts the perception and effectiveness of UPSTARS' products and marketing initiatives. By developing strong brand visuals, optimizing design systems, and contributing to promotional activities, this role is crucial for customer acquisition, engagement, and overall brand strength, which are key operational outcomes for GTM.

Growth Opportunities:

• Career Progression: Clear career plans with Performance Reviews, offering advancement within design or into related operational roles (e.g., Design Operations, Marketing Operations).

• Skill Development: Mentorship programs, individual budgets for courses, workshops, and access to an online library support continuous learning in design and potentially operational skills.

• Leadership Potential: The senior level and focus on process optimization present opportunities to take on more leadership responsibilities, mentor junior designers, and influence design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "workflow optimization," "design systems," and "analysis of effectiveness" suggests that growth opportunities might also extend into areas of Design Operations or GTM operations, where strategic process management is key. The company's commitment to learning and mentorship provides a solid foundation for career advancement in these fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model available, with options to work from hubs in Kyiv and Warsaw, or entirely remotely. This offers flexibility and caters to diverse working preferences.

Office Location(s):

• Kyiv, Ukraine (Specific address: Ryzka St, 73, 02000)

• Warsaw, Poland Workspace Context:

• The company fosters a "teamwork" and "positivity" culture, suggesting a collaborative and supportive physical or virtual workspace.

• The "Design Human-Centered" department implies an environment where user needs and creative problem-solving are prioritized.

• The availability of hubs in Kyiv and Warsaw provides options for those who prefer an office environment or need professional meeting spaces.

• Remote work is fully supported, indicating robust digital collaboration tools and processes.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard approximate of 40 hours per week. The remote-friendly policy suggests a degree of flexibility in managing working hours, provided deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid and remote options, coupled with company hubs, provide a flexible work environment. For operations professionals, this flexibility is crucial for managing complex projects, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration, especially when dealing with international teams or different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with required skills.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on key projects, design systems, and workflow optimization examples. Be prepared to discuss your process, decision-making, and impact.

• Skills Assessment: Potential practical exercises or case studies related to graphic design, branding, or problem-solving within a marketing/product context.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about cultural fit, team collaboration, and understanding of UPSTARS' values and business.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Operations & Strategy: Beyond aesthetics, highlight how your designs have supported business objectives, improved user experience, or streamlined processes. Include case studies on design systems, brand guideline development, and workflow optimization.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your work (e.g., increased engagement, improved conversion rates, efficiency gains from design systems).

• Highlight AI & Process: Clearly demonstrate your experience with AI tools in design and how you've optimized design workflows. Discuss your approach to documentation and consistency.

• Tailor to UPSTARS: Research UPSTARS' current branding, products, and market (iGaming, B2B). Show how your skills and portfolio align with their industry and values.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear explanations for each project.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Thinking: Be ready to discuss how you would approach building or refining a design system for a B2B tech company.

• Brand Consistency: Prepare examples of how you've maintained brand consistency across diverse marketing channels.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle design challenges, tight deadlines, or conflicting feedback from stakeholders.

• Workflow Optimization: Think about how you would identify inefficiencies in a design process and propose solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design systems," "workflow optimization," and "analysis of effectiveness" means the interview process will likely scrutinize not just creative talent but also operational acumen. Candidates should prepare to articulate