Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: DEPT®

Location: Zagreb, Croatia / Split, Croatia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Operations / Digital Design Leadership

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: Senior / 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic direction and execution of high-quality UI design for key international client accounts, ensuring visual appeal, strategic alignment, and timely delivery.

• Foster and mentor a team of digital designers in Zagreb and Split, driving a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and people-first leadership.

• Collaborate closely with UX Design teams and other leaders to enhance design capabilities, optimize internal processes, and elevate the overall quality of design output.

• Drive the development and maintenance of scalable Design Systems, effectively bridging the gap between aesthetic design principles and functional user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled Senior UI Designer, carries significant leadership and operational responsibilities. The emphasis on mentoring, team culture, process improvement, and client engagement indicates a hybrid role that blends hands-on design expertise with team management and strategic operational input within the design function. The mention of "Growth Invention company" and "intersection of technology and marketing" suggests a focus on driving business growth through innovative digital solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design quality for assigned key accounts, ensuring all projects meet high standards of visual appeal, strategic effectiveness, and on-time, within-budget delivery.

• Actively mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers, providing constructive feedback, fostering their professional growth, and promoting a collaborative team environment.

• Partner with UX Design, Copywriting, and Development teams to translate complex ideas into cohesive and user-centric digital experiences.

• Champion the implementation and ongoing management of Design Systems, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across multiple projects and platforms.

• Drive the adoption and effective use of AI-powered design tools and workflows to enhance team productivity, accelerate ideation and prototyping, and elevate design outcomes.

• Lead client engagements, including facilitating workshops, presenting design rationale to senior stakeholders, and building trusted advisor relationships.

• Stay abreast of digital trends, AI advancements, new technologies, and evolving design methodologies, integrating relevant innovations into client solutions and team practices.

• Ensure all designs adhere to WCAG accessibility standards, seamlessly blending aesthetics with inclusive and usable interfaces.

• Contribute to the hiring process for new design talent, playing a key role in building and shaping the design team in Croatia.

• Collaborate with leadership to refine and improve design capabilities, processes, and workflows within the DEPT® Croatia offices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution, team leadership, strategic collaboration, and client-facing activities. The emphasis on Design Systems, AI-driven design, and accessibility indicates a forward-thinking approach to digital product development. The expectation to contribute to hiring and shaping the team culture is a key leadership component.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in UI/UX design principles is paramount. Formal education in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in UI/UX design, with a significant portion ideally gained within a fast-paced agency environment. Proven experience in a leadership or senior design role is essential.

Required Skills:

• UI Design Mastery: Demonstrated expertise in crafting sophisticated user interfaces and compelling visual designs for digital platforms.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration is a mandatory requirement.

• Design System Expertise: Deep understanding and practical experience in building, scaling, and maintaining Design Systems.

• Accessibility Standards: Comprehensive knowledge and application of WCAG guidelines in design practices.

• Prototyping Skills: Ability to create interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Leadership & Mentoring: Proven ability to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and foster team growth.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with UX designers, copywriters, developers, and other stakeholders.

• Client Engagement: Confidence in leading client meetings, facilitating workshops, and presenting design solutions to senior stakeholders.

• English Fluency: Professional fluency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication with international clients and teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Motion Design: Experience with motion design principles and tools.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with advanced prototyping tools such as Framer or Jitter.

• Brand Design: Experience in brand identity development and its application in digital interfaces.

• AI-Powered Design Tools: Active exploration and implementation of AI tools for design acceleration and enhancement.

• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile development environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities. Mastery of Figma is non-negotiable. The inclusion of AI-powered design tools and a preference for motion design and brand design indicate a desire for a designer who is at the forefront of industry trends. The "Plus" factor of Brand Design suggests the company values cohesive brand experiences.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 6+ years of sophisticated experience design and digital platform work, demonstrating a clear progression of skills and responsibilities.

• Include detailed case studies that highlight your role in leading design quality for key accounts, emphasizing strategic thinking and execution.

• Present examples of your expertise in building and maintaining scalable Design Systems, illustrating their impact on consistency and efficiency.

• Feature projects that clearly demonstrate your understanding and application of WCAG accessibility standards.

• Include work that highlights your ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, bringing together diverse ideas.

• Demonstrate proficiency with Figma through interactive prototypes or design showcases.

• Showcase any experience leveraging AI-powered design tools to enhance productivity or design outcomes.

• Include examples of client presentations or workshop facilitation if available, demonstrating client partnership skills. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your process for driving design quality, from initial concept to final delivery, including how you manage timelines and budgets.

• Detail your methodology for mentoring and developing other designers, providing examples of constructive feedback and growth support.

• Explain your approach to collaborating with UX designers, copywriters, and developers to ensure cohesive product development.

• Illustrate your process for designing, implementing, and maintaining Design Systems, highlighting how you ensure scalability and adoption.

• Describe how you integrate accessibility principles into your design workflow from the outset.

• Outline your strategy for exploring and incorporating new technologies, including AI tools, into your design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase design aesthetics but also demonstrate leadership, process thinking, and the ability to drive impactful design outcomes within a team and for clients. Emphasis on Design Systems, AI, and accessibility will be key differentiators.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the senior level, 6+ years of experience, and the hybrid work model in Zagreb/Split, Croatia, a competitive salary range is estimated between €40,000 - €65,000 annually. This range is an estimate and will depend on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Transparent career development and pay structures.

• Flexible, hybrid working policy, balancing remote and in-office collaboration.

• Rewarding, supportive, and healthy company culture.

• Supplemental and additional health insurance.

• Pension scheme (third pillar pension fund).

• Referral bonus program.

• Contribution to well-being through the OpenUp platform for mental health support.

• Multisport program contribution.

• Opportunities for training, development, and certifications.

• Participation in global DEPT® Cares Month for charitable contributions.

• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of international and local clients.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with a flexible, hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between in-office and remote work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market rates for senior UI Designers in Western/Central Europe, adjusted for the Croatian market, and considering the "transparent career development and pay" mentioned. The benefits package is extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which is attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: DEPT® operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, functioning as a "Growth Invention company." Their specialties span Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. They are a certified B Corp and Climate Neutral, indicating a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Company Size: DEPT® is a large organization with over 4,000 specialists globally, operating across numerous offices. This size suggests a robust organizational structure, ample resources, and diverse project opportunities.

Founded: DEPT® was founded in 2015. This relatively recent founding, coupled with rapid growth, suggests a dynamic, forward-thinking, and innovative company culture that is likely agile and adaptable.

Team Structure:

• The design team in Zagreb and Split is growing, implying opportunities for influence and shaping the team's direction.

• Designers work closely with UX Design Teams and other leaders, indicating a collaborative and integrated approach to product development.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, with designers expected to work alongside Copywriters and Developers.

• The role reports to design leadership within the Croatian offices, with potential for broader European design community interaction. Methodology:

• DEPT® emphasizes "Growth Invention," suggesting a methodology focused on pioneering ideas, acting fast, and driving client growth through innovative solutions.

• Their values include "better together," "relentlessly curious," and "get sh*t done," which point to a collaborative, inquisitive, and execution-oriented work environment.

• The company culture is described as rewarding, supportive, and healthy, with a focus on enabling employees to do their best work.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT® presents itself as a modern, purpose-driven agency focused on innovation and growth. The company's size and global reach offer stability and diverse project opportunities, while its values and B Corp certification appeal to professionals seeking meaningful work and a positive culture. The emphasis on "Growth Invention" suggests a proactive approach to client challenges.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior UI Designer with significant leadership responsibilities. It represents a pivotal point in a design career, moving beyond individual contribution to include team mentorship, process optimization, and strategic input. It's an opportunity to influence the design trajectory of a growing regional team.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Director or Head of Design within the Croatian operations, with potential dotted-line reporting or close collaboration with regional/global design leads. They will directly mentor and guide other designers on the team.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer will have a direct impact on the success of client projects through the delivery of exceptional UI design. Their leadership in Design Systems and AI integration will improve operational efficiency and design quality across the board. By mentoring talent, they contribute to the long-term growth and capability of the design function within DEPT®. Their client-facing role directly influences client satisfaction and business growth for DEPT®.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven design, advanced accessibility, or motion design.

• Leadership Development: Progress into a Design Lead, Design Manager, or Director role, with increased responsibility for team management, client strategy, and business development.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a stronger understanding of marketing, technology, and commerce strategies through collaboration on diverse projects.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping design best practices within DEPT® and potentially the broader industry through thought leadership and innovation.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to collaborate with or potentially transfer to other DEPT® offices globally.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from a senior individual contributor to a leadership position. The emphasis on innovation, AI, and client partnership provides opportunities for developing high-demand skills and strategic influence. The company's structure suggests ample room for career advancement and specialization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DEPT® offers a hybrid working policy, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The offices in Zagreb and Split likely provide a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and teamwork.

Office Location(s): The positions are based in Zagreb, Croatia, and Split, Croatia. These are major cities offering good infrastructure and accessibility. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in where designers choose to work from on designated days.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to be collaborative, with an emphasis on cross-functional teamwork.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma and potentially other AI-powered design platforms, is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, UX specialists, developers, and project managers are inherent in the hybrid model and collaborative culture.

• The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the agency's "Growth Invention" ethos.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) is anticipated, with the flexibility afforded by the hybrid policy allowing for better work-life integration. This schedule supports focused work sessions for design tasks and collaborative periods in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, offering flexibility while retaining the benefits of in-person collaboration essential for design team cohesion and mentorship. The environments in Zagreb and Split are expected to be modern and conducive to creative work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess general fit, experience, and salary expectations.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio with senior designers or design leads. Expect to discuss your design process, decision-making, specific projects, and how you've applied Design Systems, accessibility, and AI tools.

• Leadership & Collaboration Interview: Focus on your leadership style, mentoring experience, ability to collaborate cross-functionally, and how you handle feedback and drive team culture. This may involve a case study presentation or discussion.

• Client Engagement Simulation: You might be asked to present a design rationale as if to a client or discuss how you would approach a client workshop.

• Final Interview: Meeting with a hiring manager or senior leader to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and confirm alignment with DEPT® values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your senior-level UI design skills, leadership, and experience with Design Systems, AI, and accessibility.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially in leadership and strategic decision-making, rather than just listing team efforts.

• Showcase Process: For each project, detail your design process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the outcomes achieved (quantify where possible).

• Design Systems Focus: If you have strong Design System experience, dedicate specific slides or sections to illustrating its development, implementation, and impact.

• AI Integration: If applicable, showcase how you've used AI tools to enhance your workflow, ideation, or final output.

• Accessibility as Standard: Demonstrate how accessibility was integrated from the start, not as an afterthought.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that showcase problem-solving and impact.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a potential design exercise, which might involve a brief scenario requiring you to outline a design approach, propose solutions, or critique an existing interface, focusing on your strategic thinking and process.

• Presentation Practice: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any potential design challenge responses. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and confident articulation of your design rationale.

• DEPT® Research: Understand DEPT®'s values, their "Growth Invention" philosophy, their B Corp status, and recent work. Be ready to discuss how your skills and approach align with their mission.

• AI & Future Trends: Be prepared to discuss your perspective on AI in design, future design trends, and how you stay current.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design craft but also leadership, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly demonstrates leadership and process is crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Mandatory mastery for UI design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Design System Tools: Familiarity with platforms or methodologies for managing design tokens, component libraries, and style guides (often integrated within Figma, but may involve related tools).

• Prototyping Tools: Advanced proficiency in Figma's prototyping capabilities is required. Experience with Framer or Jitter is a significant plus for more complex interactions and motion design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not the primary focus, understanding how to use analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specific product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) can be advantageous.

• Experience with dashboarding tools like Tableau or Power BI might be useful for understanding broader business metrics. CRM & Automation:

• While this role is design-focused, an understanding of how design integrates with CRM platforms (like Salesforce) and marketing automation tools (like HubSpot, Marketo) can be helpful for designing integrated customer journeys.

• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello is likely expected for workflow management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack heavily emphasizes design execution and collaboration tools. Mastery of Figma is paramount. The inclusion of AI-powered design tools and advanced prototyping tools points towards DEPT®'s commitment to cutting-edge design practices.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: A strong emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support across all functions, including design, UX, development, and client services.

• Relentlessly Curious: A culture that encourages continuous learning, exploration of new technologies (like AI), and a proactive approach to understanding industry trends and client challenges.

• Get Sh*t Done: A results-oriented mindset focused on execution, efficiency, and delivering tangible outcomes for clients and the company.

• Growth Invention: A core philosophy driving innovation, pioneering new ideas, and helping clients achieve accelerated growth.

• Purpose-Driven: A commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, as evidenced by their B Corp and Climate Neutral certifications.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with UX, Copywriters, Developers, and other specialists, fostering a holistic approach to digital product creation.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive critique to elevate design quality and team performance.

• Agile & Iterative: A likely preference for agile methodologies, involving iterative design processes, rapid prototyping, and continuous refinement based on feedback and data.

• Client Partnership: A collaborative approach with clients, involving them in workshops and discussions to build trust and co-create impactful solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s culture is built around strong values that promote collaboration, innovation, and a results-driven approach. The emphasis on being "Better Together" and "Relentlessly Curious" suggests an environment where designers can thrive both professionally and personally, while "Get Sh*t Done" ensures a focus on tangible impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Client Demands: Effectively translating client business objectives and technical constraints into innovative yet practical design solutions.

• Leading a Growing Team: Mentoring diverse talent, managing varying skill levels, and fostering a cohesive team culture in a hybrid environment.

• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Continuously integrating new tools and methodologies, particularly AI in design, while maintaining a high standard of craft.

• Driving Design System Adoption: Ensuring widespread and consistent use of Design Systems across various projects and teams to maximize efficiency and brand consistency.

• Navigating Hybrid Work Dynamics: Maintaining strong team cohesion, effective communication, and a consistent design quality standard across remote and in-office team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunities to become a leader in leveraging AI for design ideation, workflow optimization, and enhanced creative output.

• Design Leadership Track: Clear pathways for career progression into management roles, with training in leadership, team building, and strategic planning.

• Advanced Accessibility & Inclusivity: Deepen expertise in designing for diverse user needs and complex accessibility requirements.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to marketing, commerce, and technology strategies through collaboration with other DEPT® specialists.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending industry events and pursuing relevant certifications to stay at the forefront of design and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant challenges in leadership, technological adoption, and balancing diverse stakeholder needs. However, these challenges are directly linked to substantial growth opportunities, particularly in the rapidly evolving fields of AI-driven design and design operations leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading UI design on a key client account from concept to launch. How do you ensure quality, manage timelines, and collaborate with other disciplines?" (Focus on structured process, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration).

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers? Provide an example of how you've helped someone grow their skills or overcome a design challenge." (Highlight leadership, empathy, and practical guidance).

• "Discuss your experience with Design Systems. What makes a Design System successful, and how do you ensure its adoption and scalability?" (Emphasize understanding of system thinking, componentization, and impact).

• "How do you integrate AI tools into your design workflow? What are the benefits and potential pitfalls you've observed?" (Showcase curiosity, experimentation, and a balanced perspective on AI).

• "Describe a time you had to present complex design rationale to a senior client or stakeholder. How did you tailor your message and handle their feedback?" (Focus on communication, persuasion, and client management skills). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to DEPT®'s 'Growth Invention' philosophy and its B Corp certification?" (Research their mission and values; connect them to your own work ethic).

• "How do you embody DEPT®'s values of 'Better Together,' 'Relentlessly Curious,' and 'Get Sh*t Done' in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples from your experience).

• "How do you see yourself contributing to the growth and culture of our design team in Zagreb/Split?" (Demonstrate proactive thinking and team-building aspirations). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around a clear story for each project: the problem, your approach/solution (emphasizing your role), and the outcome/impact.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced error rates, increased user satisfaction).

• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out instances where you led initiatives, mentored others, or made strategic design decisions.

• Showcase Systems & AI: Dedicate clear sections to your Design System work and any use of AI tools, explaining the 'why' and 'how.'

• Concise & Engaging: Keep your explanations clear and to the point. Practice to ensure smooth transitions and stay within time limits. Be prepared for deep-dive questions on any aspect of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and alignment with DEPT®'s unique culture and methodology. Be ready to talk about your process, impact, and how you contribute to a team and client's growth.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience, leadership accomplishments, expertise in Figma, Design Systems, accessibility, and any AI design tool usage. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your most impactful projects that showcase your UI design craft, leadership, and strategic thinking. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your experience with Design Systems, WCAG, and AI tools. Prepare a concise narrative for each project.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your role, process, impact, and how you lead and collaborate. Be ready to discuss your approach to client engagement and team mentorship.

• Research DEPT®: Understand their company culture, values, "Growth Invention" philosophy, and their commitment to sustainability. Prepare to articulate how your skills and aspirations align with their mission and the specific needs of the Croatian design team.

⚠️ 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.