Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: Codal

Location: Chicago, IL, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design & User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-04-20T20:53:45

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (3-7 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This Senior UI Designer role focuses on crafting intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces for web applications, e-commerce platforms, and mobile apps, driving digital transformation for enterprise clients.

• The position involves leading the creation and implementation of UI style guides and design systems, ensuring brand consistency and a cohesive user experience across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaboration is key, requiring close partnership with Product Managers, clients, and development teams to translate user needs and business objectives into effective design solutions.

• The role demands a strategic thinker who can inspire innovation, leverage AI-enabled design tools, and oversee design quality assurance throughout the development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Designer, indicating a need for significant individual contribution and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers. The emphasis on "web applications, e-commerce sites and/or mobile apps" suggests a broad scope within digital product design. The mention of "AI enabled tools" points to a modern design workflow.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop high-fidelity UI mockups and prototypes for web, e-commerce, and mobile applications, adhering to modern design trends and best practices.

• Design and maintain comprehensive UI style guides and design systems, establishing a clear visual language and design principles for various client projects.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, clients, and cross-functional teams to gather requirements, understand user needs, and align design solutions with business goals.

• Provide design intention clarity to development teams and conduct design quality assurance (QA) during the development phase to ensure pixel-perfect implementation.

• Actively participate in design reviews with fellow designers, offering constructive feedback and contributing to a collaborative team environment.

• Continuously learn and apply new design techniques, tools, and industry developments to enhance personal skills and improve team processes and procedures.

• Effectively manage and prioritize multiple design tasks and projects within a fast-paced consulting environment, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality work.

• Champion innovative design solutions and set a high standard for quality and creativity, inspiring both colleagues and clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual design execution, strategic leadership (setting the bar for quality), and team collaboration. The emphasis on "design QA during the development phase" is a crucial aspect of a Senior UI Designer's role, ensuring the successful translation of design into a functional product.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3 to 7 years of professional design experience, with a strong preference for experience within a consulting environment.

Required Skills:

• Deep understanding of core design principles, including typography, color theory, composition, imagery, and content hierarchy.

• Proficiency in creating UI comps for web software, e-commerce sites, and mobile applications, informed by current design trends.

• Expertise in developing UI style guides and design systems, with a strong point of view on aesthetic and functional design decisions.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers, clients, and development teams to understand user needs and business objectives.

• Strong strategic thinking capabilities to deliver and inspire high-quality, innovative design work.

• Familiarity with modern design and prototyping tools, including AI-enabled tools to enhance the creative process.

• Experience in overseeing design QA during the development phase, ensuring fidelity to design intentions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and incorporating user feedback into design iterations.

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

• Experience in creating design documentation for handoff and developer collaboration.

• A portfolio that showcases a solid understanding of the latest UI design standards and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 3-7 years aligns with a "Senior" level, implying a need for both hands-on skills and the ability to influence design direction. The emphasis on a consulting background suggests a need for adaptability and client-facing skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of the latest UI design standards and processes.

• Showcase of end-to-end design projects, including problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and final implementation.

• Examples of UI style guides and design systems created from scratch or adapted from existing brand guidelines, highlighting your design philosophy.

• Case studies that detail your role, the challenges faced, your design approach, and the impact of your solutions on user experience and business objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate your design process clearly, from initial concept to final delivery, including how you incorporate user feedback and business requirements.

• Documentation of how you approach creating and maintaining design systems and UI style guides, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• Examples of how you ensure design quality assurance during the development phase, working with engineers to maintain design integrity.

• Showcase of how you utilize AI-enabled tools to streamline research, prototyping, or final experience delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio walkthrough as part of the interview process underscores its critical importance. The portfolio should not only showcase visual design skills but also the candidate's strategic thinking, process, and collaborative abilities.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

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

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Employer 401k match of 4%

• Regular office snacks and drinks, including flavored water from a Bevi machine.

• Access to an on-site gym.

• Opportunities to participate in recreational sports leagues (softball, volleyball).

Working Hours:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($90,000 - $140,000 USD) is a key indicator for Senior UI Designer roles in a major metropolitan area like Chicago. The benefits package is quite robust, including health insurance, retirement matching, and significant perks aimed at employee well-being and engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Web Design & Development Consultancy, Technology, Digital Solutions. Codal operates within the competitive landscape of digital transformation, helping enterprise organizations modernize their applications, enhance e-commerce capabilities, and leverage data analytics and AI.

Company Size: Over 200 employees globally. This size suggests a company with established processes and resources, offering opportunities for growth, yet still maintaining a collaborative and accessible culture.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company's global presence and employee count indicate significant history and established operations.

Team Structure:

• The design team operates on a sprint-based approach, allowing for focused exploration and consistent client delivery.

• Designers collaborate closely with each other on projects, fostering a learning environment.

• The broader team includes Product Managers, developers, and potentially data analysts and AI specialists, indicating a multidisciplinary approach to client solutions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Solutions: Codal emphasizes "data-driven digital solutions," suggesting that design decisions are informed by analytics and user data.

• Agile/Sprint-Based Work: The design team's sprint-based approach indicates a preference for iterative development and focused work cycles.

• Client Collaboration: A core methodology involves close collaboration with clients to understand and solve complex problems.

• Innovation & Technology Focus: The company actively promotes working with "cutting-edge technologies" and "AI-enabled tools," encouraging continuous learning and adoption of new practices.

Company Website: http://codal.jobs

📝 Enhancement Note: Codal positions itself as an award-winning consultancy focused on complex digital solutions for enterprise clients. The culture appears to value innovation, professional growth, and a collaborative, team-oriented environment, supported by a comprehensive benefits package and strong emphasis on employee well-being.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a "Senior UI Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the design hierarchy. It requires not only strong individual contribution but also the ability to influence design direction, mentor others, and lead design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Director, working closely with Project Managers and potentially client stakeholders. They will also collaborate extensively with other designers, developers, and product managers.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer's work directly impacts client success by creating user interfaces that drive engagement, conversion, and user satisfaction. Their strategic input on design systems and modern UI trends contributes to the overall quality and efficiency of digital solutions, thereby influencing client growth and Codal's reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as e-commerce UX, mobile app design, or advanced UI system design.

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

• Client Engagement: Increased responsibility in client-facing roles, presenting design strategies and leading workshops.

• Continuous Learning: Encouragement to seek training and development opportunities, attend industry conferences, and explore new design technologies and methodologies, including AI-driven design tools.

• Process Improvement: Opportunity to define and refine design processes within the team, contributing to Codal's operational excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a clear path for advancement within Codal, moving towards leadership roles or specialized expert tracks. The company's emphasis on continuous learning and development is a strong indicator of investment in its employees' career growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This involves a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work, with specific "in-person collaboration and sprint-planning days" designated for office presence.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Chicago, IL. The office is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering access to various amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and designated in-office days are structured to foster in-person collaboration and team synergy, particularly for sprint planning and brainstorming sessions.

• On-site Amenities: The Chicago office is well-equipped with a gym, food court, Walgreens, rooftop bar, and an outdoor sports court, providing convenience and recreational opportunities for employees.

• Tools & Technology: Employees will have access to modern design tools, including AI-enabled software, and the necessary infrastructure to support a hybrid work setup. The company's focus on "cutting-edge technologies" suggests a well-equipped tech stack.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to a standard 40-hour work week, balancing project demands with employee well-being. The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility while ensuring dedicated time for team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, balancing the benefits of remote flexibility with the necessity of in-person collaboration for design teams. The location in downtown Chicago with extensive amenities is a significant perk.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Portfolio Walkthrough: A dedicated session where candidates will present and discuss a portfolio piece, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of UI standards.

• Behavioral & Technical Interviews: Discussions focusing on strategic thinking, collaboration, experience with design systems, and familiarity with AI-enabled design tools. Interviews will likely involve questions about past projects, team interactions, and how you handle design challenges.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Potential interviews with project managers or developers to assess collaboration skills and understanding of the development lifecycle.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with senior leadership to assess cultural fit and overall strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Select a Strong Case Study: Choose a project that best exemplifies your UI design expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to solve complex problems. Clearly articulate the client's challenge, your approach, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Detail your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and how you incorporated feedback. Emphasize your use of modern tools, including AI-enabled ones.

• Showcase Design Systems: If applicable, include examples of UI style guides and design systems you've created or contributed to, explaining the reasoning behind your design decisions and how they ensure consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss how you worked with PMs, developers, and clients, and how you managed feedback and revisions.

• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercises: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design problem, outlining your thought process from discovery to solution.

• System Design Scenarios: Prepare to discuss your experience with designing or maintaining design systems, including challenges and best practices.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with various design tools, particularly AI-enabled ones, and how they integrate into your workflow.

• Client Communication: Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio walkthrough as a key interview step means candidates should meticulously prepare their best work, focusing on storytelling, process, and demonstrable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, XD), InVision, Axure RP.

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: Proficiency in leveraging AI tools for research, ideation, rapid prototyping, or asset generation (e.g., Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, Uizard, Galileo AI, or similar emerging technologies).

• Design Systems & Style Guides: Tools and methodologies for creating and managing design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, or internal documentation platforms).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a UI design tool, understanding how user interfaces integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and automation workflows can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI enabled tools" is a significant differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and comfort level with these emerging technologies in their design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology, exploring new tools and methodologies to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Collaboration: Fostering a supportive and communicative environment where designers work together, share knowledge, and provide constructive feedback.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations by delivering high-quality, data-driven, and effective digital solutions.

• Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of ongoing learning and professional development, seeking to refine processes and enhance skills.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in design quality, user experience, and project delivery.

• Work-Life Balance: Promoting a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being, supported by a 40-hour work week and engaging company culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Sprint-Based Teamwork: Working in focused sprints allows for concentrated team effort and efficient progress tracking.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to product development.

• Open Communication: Encouraging honest feedback and open dialogue among team members to drive innovation and resolve challenges effectively.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that values sharing insights, best practices, and learnings from projects to elevate the entire design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Codal's values appear centered around delivering high-quality, innovative solutions through strong teamwork and a commitment to employee growth and well-being.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Demands with Design Integrity: Effectively managing diverse client requirements and expectations while upholding strong design principles and innovation.

• Integrating New Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with rapidly evolving design tools, especially AI-enabled technologies, and successfully integrating them into established workflows.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and understanding across different departments (product, engineering, sales) to achieve cohesive product development.

• Fast-Paced Consulting Environment: Adapting quickly to new projects, client needs, and evolving project scopes in a dynamic consulting setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Tool Mastery: Dedicated opportunities to explore, learn, and master new AI-powered design tools and their applications.

• Design System Expertise: Deepening knowledge in creating scalable, maintainable, and impactful design systems for enterprise clients.

• Leadership Training: Pathways for developing leadership skills, potentially leading design initiatives or mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Attending conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay abreast of the latest trends in UI/UX design and digital transformation.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Opportunities to learn from experts in areas like product strategy, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to broaden understanding of digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents opportunities to tackle complex design challenges for enterprise clients and to pioneer the use of emerging AI technologies in design, offering significant growth potential for ambitious designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI design project where you had to balance competing stakeholder needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, communication, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you stay current with UI design trends and emerging technologies, particularly AI-enabled tools? Provide an example of how you've applied a new trend or tool in a project." (Highlight continuous learning and innovation.)

• "Walk us through a design system or UI style guide you created. What were the key principles, and how did it benefit the project or client?" (Prepare to showcase your system design expertise.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Codal and this Senior UI Designer role specifically?" (Research Codal's work, clients, and values to tailor your answer.)

• "Describe your experience working in a consulting environment. How do you adapt to different client needs and project scopes?" (Emphasize adaptability, client management, and efficiency.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and developers?" (Focus on communication, mutual respect, and shared goals.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem > Your Role > Process > Solution > Impact/Results.

• Storytelling: Craft a narrative around your chosen project. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work. Show wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and the final product if possible.

• Metrics: Quantify the impact of your design whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion time).

• AI Integration: If applicable, highlight how you used AI tools in your process and the benefits they provided.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present key information effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation of a portfolio case study and practice articulating your design process and strategic thinking are critical for success in this interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Codal's career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects relevant to web applications, e-commerce, and mobile apps. Select a strong case study that demonstrates your strategic thinking, design process, and collaboration skills for the portfolio walkthrough.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-7 years of experience, consulting background, proficiency in UI design principles, design systems, and familiarity with AI-enabled design tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with design QA, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and your perspective on AI in design. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Codal's work, client portfolio, and company culture. Understand their emphasis on data-driven solutions and cutting-edge technologies. Prepare thoughtful questions about the team, projects, and growth opportunities.

⚠️ 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.