Senior UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UI Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Faro, Lisbon, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T07:50:23

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the creation of high-fidelity, pixel-perfect responsive user interfaces that enhance user experience and optimize conversion rates for leading global brands.

• Lead the execution of digital brand identities and visual look-and-feel, ensuring alignment with both user needs and business objectives within the e-commerce landscape.

• Leverage and contribute to robust design systems to ensure design consistency and efficiency at scale across large consumer-facing brands.

• Collaborate proactively within a cross-functional CX team, including UX, UI, Service Design, Optimisation, and Consulting Leads, to deliver integrated digital solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as Senior UI Designer, implying a need for significant experience (5-10 years) in UI design, with a strong emphasis on e-commerce and conversion-led design. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute digital brand aesthetics and pixel-perfect, responsive interface designs for a diverse client portfolio, balancing user desirability with business imperatives.

• Apply user-centered design best practices, conversion design principles, and accessibility standards to all design outputs, ensuring inclusive and effective user journeys.

• Create design work at scale by effectively utilizing and contributing to established design systems, ensuring brand consistency and efficient iteration.

• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in design technology, trends, and tooling, integrating new insights into design processes and client solutions.

• Clearly articulate and confidently defend design concepts, decisions, and solutions to clients and internal stakeholders, fostering understanding and buy-in.

• Work collaboratively with stakeholders, fellow designers, UX consultants, product managers, and developers to ensure seamless integration of UI design into the broader product development lifecycle.

• Own and manage individual projects from concept to completion, ensuring timely and accurate delivery within fast-paced, dynamic agency environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities emphasize hands-on design execution, strategic application of design principles (user-centered, conversion, accessibility), and effective communication/collaboration within a dynamic agency setting. The need to "keep up-to-date" highlights an expectation for continuous learning and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in UI design, with a significant focus on e-commerce platforms and large consumer-facing brands. Agency experience is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in UI design principles, visual design, and interaction design.

• Proficiency with industry-standard design tools, including Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing design systems for large-scale projects.

• Proven track record in conversion-led design for transactional websites and e-commerce platforms.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design methodologies and best practices.

• Excellent visual design skills with an outstanding eye for typography, layout, and aesthetic detail.

• Ability to present design concepts and decisions effectively to clients and internal teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with design tokens.

• Proficiency in animation and video editing tools such as Adobe After Effects and Final Cut Pro.

• Familiarity with UX research methodologies and usability testing.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from the "Senior" title and the depth of responsibilities. The emphasis on Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite, alongside design systems and e-commerce, are critical for this role. Preferred skills indicate areas where additional value can be brought.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A compelling portfolio showcasing high-quality online design work, with a specific emphasis on e-commerce projects.

• Demonstrations of successful application of design systems to create scalable and consistent user interfaces.

• Case studies that highlight your process in developing conversion-led designs and improving user experience metrics.

• Examples of responsive design across various devices and screen sizes.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of your process for conceptualizing and executing digital brand identities.

• Examples of how you apply user-centered design principles and accessibility standards in your workflow.

• Documentation or case studies illustrating your collaboration with stakeholders, UX designers, and developers.

• Showcasing your methodology for staying updated with design trends and technology, and how you integrate these into your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for a UI Designer role. The emphasis on e-commerce, design systems, and conversion-led design needs to be clearly evident. Case studies demonstrating problem-solving, process, and measurable results are crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UI Designers in Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Faro), with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €45,000 - €65,000. This range accounts for the cost of living in major Portuguese cities, the agency environment, and the specialized skills required.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive training opportunities to foster continuous professional development.

• Medical insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Dental insurance plan.

• Meal cards (Cartão de Refeição) to assist with daily food expenses.

• Regular social events to promote team bonding and company culture.

• Family-friendly policies to support work-life balance.

• Discounts with a wide range of retailers, offering savings on various products and services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for the industry and region. Flexibility may be available, aligning with a hybrid work model, but core hours for team collaboration are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical Senior UI Designer roles in Portugal, considering the specified cities and experience level. Benefits are directly listed from the job description, highlighting valuable perks for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Experience, E-commerce Solutions. VML is part of WPP, a global leader in marketing and communications services. The Enterprise Solutions division focuses on helping major organizations deliver digital experiences across various market channels.

Company Size: VML is a large global organization with over 26,000 employees worldwide. The Enterprise Solutions division is substantial, with over 4,200 experts across 34 countries. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: VML was founded in 1992. Its integration into WPP signifies a strong market presence and a commitment to innovation and client success in the digital age.

Team Structure:

• The CX team includes Leads in UX, UI, Service Design, Optimisation, and Consulting, indicating a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.

• This Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or CX Lead, working closely with UX designers, product managers, and developers.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on human-first, creative, and award-winning work, suggesting a culture that values innovation and quality.

• Focus on connected brands, customer experience, and commerce, driving growth through integrated strategies.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the "Optimisation" and "Consulting" aspects of the CX team.

• Agile and fast-paced work environment, requiring adaptability and efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights VML's global reach as part of WPP and its specialized Enterprise Solutions division. The CX team structure suggests a collaborative, integrated approach to digital product development, with a strong emphasis on combining creative excellence with business results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior UI Designer role, indicating a position of significant responsibility and expertise. It requires not only strong design execution skills but also the ability to lead and influence design direction, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to client projects. The role is crucial in driving conversion and enhancing user experience for major brands.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UI Designer will likely report to a Design Director, Head of CX, or a similar leadership role within the CX team. They will collaborate closely with UX designers, Service Designers, Product Managers, and development teams, acting as a key contributor in cross-functional project teams.

Operations Impact: The Senior UI Designer's work directly impacts client conversion rates, customer satisfaction, brand perception, and overall digital business growth. By creating intuitive, engaging, and effective user interfaces, they contribute significantly to the success of client e-commerce platforms and digital strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like interaction design, motion design, accessibility, or specific e-commerce platforms.

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into Lead UI Designer, Design Lead, or Art Director roles, managing projects and teams.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining broader experience in UX, Service Design, or Digital Strategy through collaboration.

• Client Portfolio Growth: Working with a prestigious portfolio of global brands like Coca-Cola, Ford, Microsoft, and Nestlé provides excellent experience and networking opportunities.

• Continuous Learning: Access to training, industry conferences, and internal knowledge-sharing sessions facilitated by VML and WPP.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed around advancing UI design expertise, moving into leadership, and gaining broader CX domain knowledge. The caliber of clients offers significant professional development and portfolio enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. This implies a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion and in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Faro, Lisbon, and Porto, Portugal. This provides candidates with geographical choice within the country.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The CX team structure suggests a highly collaborative setting where designers, strategists, and developers work closely together. Regular team meetings, design critiques, and workshops are likely.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially other project management and collaboration tools.

• Client-Facing Interaction: Opportunities to interact directly with clients, present work, and contribute to client strategy sessions.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with hybrid flexibility. This allows for structured workdays while accommodating personal needs, crucial for maintaining focus on detailed design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with both remote and in-office work. The specific locations offer flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to Portugal's major cities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and crucially, your portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation/Walkthrough: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to articulate your rationale for design decisions.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design challenge or a discussion about specific tools and methodologies (Figma, Sketch, design systems, conversion optimization).

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interviews with potential team members (UX Designers, Leads) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select your strongest e-commerce and conversion-focused projects. Showcase diversity in problem-solving and design execution.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable results achieved (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction).

• Highlight Design Systems: If applicable, clearly demonstrate your experience with design systems, showing how you used them for efficiency and consistency.

• Showcase Technical Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects mastery of Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use metrics to demonstrate the business value of your design work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be ready to apply design thinking principles to solve a hypothetical e-commerce or UI design problem.

• Tool Fluency: Practice quick prototyping or wireframing exercises in Figma or Sketch.

• Communication: Prepare to explain your design choices clearly and concisely, defending them with user-centric and business-oriented reasoning.

• Adaptability: Demonstrate an understanding of working within constraints and adapting to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical element for this role. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating a strong understanding of e-commerce, conversion optimization, and design systems, supported by quantifiable results.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative design, prototyping, and high-fidelity mockups. Expect to use it extensively for UI design and system component creation.

• Sketch: Another industry-standard UI design tool. Proficiency in both Figma and Sketch is highly beneficial.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image manipulation and Illustrator for vector graphics, crucial for creating assets and polishing designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a primary tool for UI designers, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to inform design decisions and measure impact is valuable.

CRM & Automation:

Additional Tools (Preferred):

• Adobe After Effects: For creating motion graphics, animations, and interactive prototypes.

• Final Cut Pro: For video editing, potentially for promotional content or animated UI elements.

• Design Tokens Tools: For managing design variables systematically.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong emphasis is placed on proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite. Understanding analytics and the broader MarTech stack is beneficial for a conversion-focused role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: VML's core values are Heart, Brains, and Courage.

• Heart: Fosters empathy, trust, and human-centric work. This translates to designing with the user's emotional and practical needs at the forefront, and building strong, supportive team relationships.

• Brains: Values relentless curiosity, innovation, and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges. This means a proactive approach to learning, problem-solving, and seeking out new ideas.

• Courage: Inspires speaking up, embracing experimentation, and advocating for bold solutions. This encourages taking calculated risks, pushing creative boundaries, and providing constructive feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The CX team structure necessitates constant collaboration with UX, Service Design, Optimization, and Consulting. Effective communication and mutual respect are key.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that likely encourages regular design critiques and feedback sessions to refine work and foster collective improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Expect a dynamic environment where team members share insights, best practices, and learnings from client projects and industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Heart, Brains, Courage" values are central to VML's culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work, collaboration, and problem-solving approach.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Consistently creating designs that are both user-friendly and drive key business metrics like conversion.

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Effectively navigating diverse opinions and requirements from clients and internal teams.

• Keeping Pace with Technology & Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and evolving digital landscapes.

• Working in a Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Delivering high-quality work accurately and efficiently under tight deadlines.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to VML and WPP's extensive learning resources, including courses on advanced UI techniques, emerging design trends, and specific industry verticals.

• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Opportunities to attend leading design conferences and pursue relevant certifications.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior design leaders or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a wide array of client challenges across different industries provides continuous learning and skill diversification.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic nature of agency work and the need for adaptability. Growth opportunities are robust, leveraging VML's global network and commitment to employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex UI design challenge you faced on an e-commerce project and how you used your design system to solve it efficiently." (Focus on problem-solving, design systems, and efficiency.)

• "How do you balance user experience best practices with conversion optimization goals in your designs? Provide a specific example from your portfolio." (Focus on conversion-led design and rationale.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) resonate with your personal work philosophy and how would you embody them in this role?" (Focus on cultural fit and self-awareness.)

• "Describe your experience working in a cross-functional team. How do you ensure effective collaboration with UX designers, developers, and product managers?" (Focus on collaboration style and team dynamics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out where your portfolio demonstrates expertise in Figma/Sketch, design systems, conversion design, responsive design, and typography.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, the rationale behind them, and alternative solutions you considered.

• Showcase Your Process: Explain how you arrived at your solutions, not just what the solution is. This demonstrates your problem-solving methodology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely probe your practical application of UI design principles, your experience with specific tools and methodologies relevant to e-commerce and conversion, and your ability to integrate into VML's collaborative and values-driven culture.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal linked from the job posting.

• Customize your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in UI design, e-commerce, conversion optimization, design systems, and proficiency in Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best e-commerce and conversion-focused work, and clearly articulates your design process and impact. Make it easily accessible (e.g., a website link).

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear communication, storytelling, and highlighting quantifiable achievements. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and problem-solving approach.

• Research VML and WPP: Understand their work, client portfolio, company values (Heart, Brains, Courage), and recent campaigns to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ 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.