Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Merkle (a dentsu company)

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full time

Category: Experience Design / Digital Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Envision and shape innovative digital touchpoints for clients, translating business goals and user needs into intuitive digital experiences.

• Collaborate deeply with CX strategists, designers, and developers, acting as a user advocate throughout the design lifecycle.

• Design end-to-end digital customer experiences, from initial concept and wireframes to high-fidelity user interfaces and interactive prototypes.

• Contribute to and leverage design systems to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficient execution across diverse digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer, implying a need for demonstrated leadership in design thinking, process ownership, and the ability to mentor or guide junior team members. The company's emphasis on "powering the experience economy" and "crafting experiences that set brands apart" suggests a focus on strategic design that drives tangible business outcomes and customer loyalty.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring alignment between client objectives and end-user needs.

• Design wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups that effectively communicate product vision and interaction logic.

• Develop and refine interactive prototypes to facilitate user testing, stakeholder feedback, and rapid iteration.

• Create accessible, intuitive, and visually appealing user interfaces with a meticulous attention to detail and pixel-perfect execution.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including UX/UI designers, CX strategists, and developers, in agile, multidisciplinary environments.

• Contribute to, maintain, and advocate for the use of design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across multiple products and platforms.

• Conduct and facilitate user research, usability testing, and workshops to gather insights and validate design decisions.

• Stay abreast of the latest UX/UI trends, tools, and technologies, including leveraging AI tools to enhance design workflows and outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-stack UX/UI role, encompassing strategy, research, interaction design, visual design, and prototyping. The explicit mention of "scaling concepts into robust, long-term solutions" alongside "short-term experiments and learning prototypes" indicates a need for versatility in handling projects of varying scope and complexity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A completed degree in design (university or technical college), such as communication, web, or interaction design, or a comparable qualification.

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience designing complex digital products and applications, preferably within an agency or product-driven environment.

Required Skills:

• Human-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Information architecture, interaction design, and user experience (UX) fundamentals.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma and Miro.

• Experience in creating wireframes and high-fidelity user interfaces.

• Strong understanding of UI design principles, interaction design, and responsive design best practices.

• Practical experience with Design Thinking fundamentals and workshop facilitation.

• Experience conducting usability testing and walkthroughs.

• Hands-on experience building, maintaining, and contributing to design systems.

• Solid technical understanding of modern web technologies.

• Experience working closely with development teams in agile environments.

• Ability to leverage AI tools to support and enhance daily design workflows.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Fluent in English (written and spoken). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with B2B, B2C, and e-commerce projects.

• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.

• Experience in designing for commerce, brand, and service experiences.

• Familiarity with other prototyping and collaboration tools beyond Figma and Miro.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of foundational UX/UI expertise, practical tool proficiency, and collaborative agility. The inclusion of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design processes. The preference for agency or product experience aligns with the company's client-facing nature.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Detailed case studies showcasing your end-to-end design process, from problem definition to final solution.

• Examples demonstrating your product vision and strategic thinking.

• Documentation of research insights, customer journeys, and user personas.

• Presentation of wireframes, prototypes, and final high-fidelity designs.

• Insights into your team setup and collaboration approach on projects.

• Clear articulation of project duration, challenges encountered, and measurable outcomes. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured design thinking and problem-solving methodologies applied to real-world projects.

• Examples of how you have contributed to or managed design systems, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• Demonstrations of your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive user flows and interfaces.

• Case studies that highlight your experience with agile development cycles and cross-functional team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design capability. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating the process behind the design, not just the final output, with a clear need to showcase strategic thinking, user advocacy, and collaborative contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers in Lisbon, Portugal, with 3-5 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €40,000 - €55,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the company's global presence, and the specified experience level.

Benefits:

• 25 vacation days per year.

• 2 additional volunteering days to support passion projects.

• Mental Health support, including 3 extra wellness days and access to a Mental Health First Aider.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for well-being support.

• Comprehensive health insurance, with options for family members.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and the latest IT tools.

• Opportunities for career development and growth.

• Full access to Dentsu Academy, a global online learning platform.

• Employee discounts.

• Regular team and company events.

• Referral bonus program.

Working Hours: Full time, with agile and flexible working hours. The hybrid model requires an expectation of 1 day per week or 4 days per month in the office for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from recent data for UX/UI Designer roles in Lisbon, considering the "Senior" title and 3-5 years of experience requirement. Benefits are extensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and a modern work-life balance, including a digital nomad policy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Merkle is a leading data-driven, technology-enabled, and creativity-led customer experience transformation company, part of the global dentsu network. They operate within the advertising, marketing, and technology sectors, focusing on digital transformation and customer experience.

Company Size: Merkle, as part of dentsu, is a large global organization with over 16,000 employees across 30+ countries, and dentsu itself has approximately 70,000 employees. This scale provides opportunities for international collaboration and diverse project exposure.

Founded: Merkle was founded in 1988, bringing over 35 years of experience in helping brands build loyalty and drive growth through customer experience. dentsu's legacy dates back much further, originating in Japan.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI team is part of a larger digital transformation and experience design function within Merkle.

• Designers work within agile, multidisciplinary teams that include CX strategists, developers, and other specialists.

• Collaboration is a core aspect, with designers acting as advocates for users within these cross-functional groups.

• The reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or Head of Experience Design, with direct reporting for this Senior role. Methodology:

• Data-driven and technology-enabled approach to customer experience transformation.

• Emphasis on human-centered design, integrating creativity, technology, and data.

• Utilization of agile methodologies for iterative development and rapid deployment.

• Focus on delivering personalized and effective solutions that drive business impact.

Company Website: https://www.merkle.com/ and https://www.dentsu.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Merkle's positioning as a leader in "experience transformation" and its integration into the vast dentsu network suggest a culture that values innovation, data intelligence, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The company culture is described as fostering innovation, collaboration, and creative problem-solving, with an emphasis on impactful international projects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior," indicating a level of expertise and autonomy beyond junior or mid-level positions. A Senior UX/UI Designer is expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute significantly to strategic design decisions. The 3-5 years of experience requirement aligns with this level.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Experience Design, or a similar managerial role within Merkle's digital transformation or creative services division. They will collaborate closely with project managers, developers, and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Senior UX/UI Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of digital products and experiences delivered to Merkle's clients. By creating user-centered, effective, and innovative digital touchpoints, they directly influence client satisfaction, user engagement, conversion rates, and ultimately, client business growth and loyalty. Their work forms a critical part of Merkle's value proposition in the "experience economy."

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, interaction design for complex systems, or emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Leadership: Transition into Lead Designer roles, managing design teams, client relationships, and strategic design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Development: Gain broader exposure to CX strategy, data science, or technology integration within Merkle's diverse service offerings.

• Global Mobility: Leverage the dentsu network for potential international project opportunities or assignments.

• Continuous Learning: Utilize Dentsu Academy and industry engagement for ongoing skill enhancement and staying at the forefront of design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a significant step in career progression, moving from execution to leadership and strategic contribution. The company's global scale and diverse service offerings provide ample avenues for specialized growth and broader career development within the experience design field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Merkle operates a hybrid work environment. This model combines the benefits of remote flexibility with the necessity of in-person collaboration. The Lisbon office is located at Praça José Queirós, nº 1, 3º andar, 1800-237 Lisboa, within the IDB Building, suggesting a professional business district setting.

Office Location(s): The primary office location specified is Lisbon, Portugal. The company also mentions a "Digital Nomad policy," indicating flexibility for employees to work from different locations under certain conditions, though the core role is based in Lisbon with hybrid expectations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model anticipates regular in-office days to foster collaboration, brainstorming, and team cohesion. This is crucial for design sprints and client workshops.

• Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to cutting-edge technology and the latest IT tools necessary for their roles, including industry-standard design software like Figma and Miro.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid setup encourages direct interaction with designers, strategists, and developers, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role offers agile and flexible working hours, aligning with a modern, results-oriented work culture. This flexibility is balanced with the requirement for in-office presence to support team collaboration and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key feature, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a mix of remote and in-office work. The emphasis on "combining flexibility with in-person collaboration" suggests that the office space is designed to facilitate teamwork and creative sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions and exercises focusing on UX/UI principles, design thinking, tool proficiency, and problem-solving capabilities. This may include a design challenge or a portfolio walkthrough.

• Case Study Presentation: A presentation of selected portfolio case studies, detailing your design process, strategic thinking, collaboration approach, and project outcomes.

• Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess alignment with Merkle's collaborative and innovative culture.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm suitability for the Senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this role (complex digital products, end-to-end design, B2B/B2C/e-commerce).

• Showcase the Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methodologies, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and final UI design. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Describe your role within multidisciplinary teams, how you collaborated with developers and strategists, and how you incorporated feedback.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).

• Technical Understanding: Briefly mention the technical constraints or considerations you worked with, especially regarding web technologies.

• Design System Contribution: If applicable, showcase your experience with design systems, explaining how you contributed to or leveraged them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve problem-solving, ideation, or a specific design task. Practice thinking aloud and articulating your thought process.

• Review common UX/UI challenges in areas like e-commerce, app design, or complex dashboards.

• Understand Merkle's client base and the types of digital solutions they provide to tailor your examples.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio with detailed case studies is paramount. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also to thoroughly explain their strategic rationale, process, and collaborative contributions, demonstrating their senior-level capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to use it extensively for creating wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Miro: Crucial for collaborative ideation, brainstorming, user journey mapping, and workshop facilitation.

• Prototyping Tools: Besides Figma, familiarity with other industry-standard prototyping tools may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for the designer, a Senior UX/UI Designer should be comfortable understanding and utilizing data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) and user testing reports to inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how user experience integrates with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms can be an advantage, especially in understanding the broader customer journey. AI Tools:

• The role explicitly mentions leveraging AI tools to support daily design workflows. This could include AI-powered design assistants, content generation tools, or research analysis aids.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Miro is a non-negotiable requirement. The mention of AI tools indicates a need for candidates to be aware of and open to incorporating emerging technologies into their design practice. Understanding the interplay between design and data/analytics is also implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Constantly seeking new and better ways to solve problems and create impactful experiences.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams and fostering a supportive environment.

• User-Centricity: Placing the needs and experiences of the end-user at the forefront of all design decisions.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and insights to inform strategy and measure the effectiveness of designs.

• Creativity: Applying creative thinking to develop unique and engaging digital solutions.

• Efficiency: Striving for streamlined processes and scalable solutions, often leveraging design systems and modern tools.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with CX strategists, developers, project managers, and account teams.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent sharing of ideas and challenges.

• Agile Mindset: Embracing iterative design, flexibility, and adaptability to changing project requirements.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in team discussions, sharing best practices, and contributing to a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a strong focus on delivering impactful experiences. The values align with a modern, forward-thinking design agency that prioritizes both client success and employee growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with User Needs: Effectively advocating for user-centered design while meeting diverse client objectives and project constraints.

• Managing Complex Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating feedback and requirements from multiple stakeholders across different client organizations.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Designing for Diverse Platforms and Devices: Ensuring a consistent and optimal user experience across various screen sizes, operating systems, and interaction models.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to Dentsu Academy for courses on advanced design techniques, emerging technologies, and project management.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and be mentored by experienced design leaders within Merkle and dentsu.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to work on high-profile international projects and gain exposure to diverse industries and client challenges.

• Skill Expansion: Developing expertise in areas like accessibility, UX research, service design, or even basic front-end development principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a client-facing agency, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging the global resources of dentsu for continuous professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting client requirements with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, negotiation skills, and user advocacy.)

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility and inclusive user experiences?" (Demonstrate your understanding of principles and practical application.)

• "Walk us through a complex digital product you designed from concept to delivery. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Use a portfolio case study here.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest UX/UI trends and technologies, particularly AI in design?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Merkle and dentsu, and how do you see yourself contributing to our culture of innovation and collaboration?" (Research the company's recent work and values.)

• "Describe your experience working in agile, multidisciplinary teams. What is your preferred collaboration style?" (Highlight your team player attributes.)

• "How do you measure the success of your designs?" (Discuss metrics, user feedback, and business impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the results achieved.

• Visualize Your Process: Use diagrams, flowcharts, wireframes, and mockups to visually explain your design journey.

• Be Concise and Focused: Highlight the most impactful aspects of your work and tailor your presentation to the specific requirements of the role.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions, discuss your decisions, and demonstrate your passion for design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the UX/UI design process, strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and a cultural fit with Merkle's collaborative and innovative environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link: https://dentsuaegis.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/DAN_GLOBAL/job/Lisbon/Senior-UX-UI-Designer_R1129210

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with complex digital products. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your role, methodology, and outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 3-5 years of relevant experience, proficiency in Figma and Miro, experience with design systems, and any contributions to AI-assisted design workflows. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your strategic thinking, user advocacy, and collaborative approach. Be ready to discuss challenges and results.

• Research Merkle & dentsu: Understand their client work, company values, and approach to experience transformation to articulate your interest and cultural fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.