Senior UX/UI Designer

Velstar
Full-timeLeeds, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Velstar

Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom / Leeds, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design - eCommerce Operations

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead end-to-end UX and UI design for a portfolio of eCommerce clients, ensuring commercially sharp and creative solutions.

  • Drive the design process from initial discovery and UX thinking through to polished, production-ready UI and creative assets.

  • Collaborate closely with CRO, SEO, Data, and Development specialists to integrate insights and push creative boundaries within client briefs.

  • Contribute to and evolve a centralized design system, setting standards for eCommerce best practices across the agency.

  • Mentor junior designers, provide constructive feedback, and actively contribute to improving the team's design methodology and workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed within an eCommerce agency context, emphasizing the direct impact of design on conversion rates and client business objectives. The "Senior" title implies leadership, mentorship, and strategic input beyond individual design contributions. The integration with CRO, SEO, and Data specialists highlights a data-driven approach to design, crucial for revenue operations and GTM strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Spearhead UX and UI design initiatives for a diverse range of eCommerce projects, encompassing discovery, wireframing, prototyping, and final asset creation for developer handover.

  • Contribute to pre-sales activities by developing concept designs, providing creative direction, and supporting pitches and proposals to secure new business.

  • Design and iterate on eCommerce storefronts, creating compelling visual assets for web, mobile, and marketing campaigns for both DTC and B2B clients.

  • Apply and advance established eCommerce design patterns and frameworks to build user experiences optimized for conversion and commercial success.

  • Foster strong collaboration with CRO, SEO, Performance Marketing, Data Analytics, and Development teams to ensure designs are practical, technically feasible, performant, and commercially effective.

  • Clearly articulate and present design decisions, rationale, and user-centric insights to clients and internal stakeholders, building consensus and buy-in.

  • Actively maintain, contribute to, and evolve Velstar's eCommerce best practice design system, ensuring consistency and scalability.

  • Conduct thorough design reviews for peers, providing constructive, actionable feedback to elevate the quality of work across the team.

  • Accurately manage personal workload, including estimation, time tracking, and adherence to project budgets and delivery timelines, demonstrating strong project management capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution, strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and team leadership, all critical for a senior role in a client-facing agency environment. The focus on "conversion thinking" and "commercial constraints" is key for operations professionals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of dedicated UX and UI design experience, with a strong preference for roles within an eCommerce-focused agency or within an eCommerce-specific team.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise in UX and UI design principles, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful eCommerce web and mobile design projects.

  • Advanced proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

  • Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for asset creation and manipulation.

  • Solid understanding of user behavior online, eCommerce design patterns, and conversion rate optimization (CRO) strategies.

  • Proven ability to balance creative ambition with commercial objectives and client brief constraints.

  • Exceptional communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and decisions.

  • Familiarity with front-end development constraints (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and best practices for effective developer handover.

Preferred Skills:

  • Hands-on experience with Shopify or other leading eCommerce platforms (e.g., Magento, BigCommerce).

  • In-depth understanding of how design choices impact conversion rate optimization (CRO), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and web accessibility standards.

  • Experience contributing to, maintaining, or leading the development of a design system.

  • Active use and exploration of AI design tools to enhance workflow efficiency and creative output.

  • Experience in mentoring and providing design guidance to junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and specific tool proficiencies (Figma, Adobe Suite) are critical for assessing candidate suitability. The emphasis on eCommerce, CRO, and commercial thinking signifies a need for designers who understand the business impact of their work, aligning with revenue-generating goals.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio demonstrating 5+ years of UX/UI design work, with a significant emphasis on eCommerce projects.

  • Case studies showcasing the end-to-end design process for at least 2-3 distinct eCommerce storefronts or complex digital products.

  • Visual examples of creative assets designed for marketing campaigns or promotional use within an eCommerce context.

  • Evidence of applying UX principles, conversion-focused design patterns, and user behavior analysis in design solutions.

Process Documentation:

  • Showcase of wireframes, user flows, and prototypes illustrating the discovery and ideation phases.

  • Examples of UI design iterations and final polished interfaces for both desktop and mobile eCommerce experiences.

  • Documentation of developer handover processes, including style guides, asset specifications, and collaboration methods.

  • Examples of contributions to or creation of design system components, demonstrating an understanding of scalability and consistency.

  • Case studies that highlight collaboration with cross-functional teams (CRO, SEO, Dev) and how their input shaped the final design.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior UX/UI Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display aesthetic quality but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of eCommerce conversion drivers. Demonstrating the ability to work within a design system and collaborate effectively is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £65,000 per annum (estimated based on experience level, location, and industry benchmarks for Senior UX/UI Designers in the UK digital agency sector).

Benefits:

  • Hybrid working model with a minimum of 3 days per week in the Liverpool or Leeds office, offering flexibility and in-person collaboration.

  • Vitality Health cover provided from day one, promoting employee well-being.

  • Generous annual leave: 28 days (including bank holidays) plus your birthday off.

  • Additional holiday entitlement increases by one day for each year of service, up to a maximum of 5 extra days.

  • Enhanced maternity pay, supporting employees during significant life events.

  • Salary sacrifice pension scheme, enabling tax-efficient retirement savings.

  • Access to Cycle to Work scheme, facilitating sustainable commuting.

  • Tech and home scheme, offering opportunities for personal technology and home office upgrades.

  • Peer recognition rewards program, acknowledging and celebrating outstanding contributions.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on typical compensation for a Senior UX/UI Designer in the UK market, considering the agency environment and the hybrid work model. The extensive benefits package reflects a company that invests in employee well-being and long-term retention.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency - Specializing in eCommerce, particularly with Shopify.

Company Size: Mid-market to large (implied by multiple offices, Shopify Platinum Partner status, and diverse client base).

Founded: Velstar is a Shopify Platinum Partner, indicating a significant and established presence in the eCommerce agency space, likely founded several years prior to achieving this high tier. The company has expanded internationally (Miami office).

Team Structure:

  • The design team likely operates as a hub within the agency, working on client projects and contributing to the centralized design system.

  • Designers collaborate closely with specialized teams: CRO (Conversion Rate Optimization), SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Performance Marketing, Data Analytics, and Development.

  • Senior designers are expected to mentor and provide feedback, suggesting a hierarchical structure with opportunities for leadership development.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven design approach, integrating insights from CRO, SEO, and analytics to inform design decisions and optimize for conversion.

  • Agile and collaborative workflows, emphasizing cross-functional team interaction and iterative design processes.

  • Focus on building impactful eCommerce experiences that drive measurable business results for clients.

  • Utilization of established eCommerce frameworks and a shared design system to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://velstar.co.uk/

📝 Enhancement Note: Velstar's specialization in eCommerce and its Shopify Platinum Partner status suggest a highly focused, results-oriented culture. The emphasis on collaboration with data and performance teams indicates a strong GTM alignment, where design is a critical component of the customer acquisition and conversion funnel.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor with potential for leadership. This role is positioned as a senior specialist, expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead projects, and mentor others. It's a step towards potential team lead or design manager roles within the agency.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Senior UX/UI Designer would report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially a Creative Director. They would work closely with Project Managers and client-specific account managers.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role on operations is through the direct enhancement of eCommerce storefronts and marketing assets, leading to improved user experience, higher conversion rates, and ultimately, increased revenue for clients. By contributing to the design system and mentoring, the designer also impacts the operational efficiency and scalability of the design team.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in eCommerce UX/UI, CRO, SEO, and accessibility through project work and potentially specialized training.

  • Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design on larger client projects, mentor junior designers, and contribute to shaping the agency's design processes and best practices.

  • Specialization: Potential to specialize further in areas like UX research, interaction design, or design system management.

  • Client Relationship Management: Develop strong client-facing skills and build trusted advisor relationships.

  • Career Progression: Path towards Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially moving into a more strategic Product Design role within a client organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation and the emphasis on mentoring and contributing to process indicate a role with significant growth potential. For operations professionals, understanding how design directly impacts revenue through conversion optimization is a key aspect of this role's growth trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in either the Liverpool or Leeds office. This suggests a blend of collaborative in-office work and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s):

  • Liverpool: Tempest on Tithebarn, Liverpool, L2 2DT

  • Leeds: Platform, Leeds, LS1 4JB

These locations are typically in modern, professional office spaces conducive to collaborative work.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and in-person client interactions within the office.

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

  • Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with cross-functional teams (CRO, SEO, Data, Development) and other designers, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Typically 40 hours per week, with the expectation of meeting project deadlines. The hybrid model offers some flexibility in where work is performed, but the core hours and deliverables remain consistent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid requirement necessitates candidates who can effectively manage their time and collaboration across different work settings. The office locations suggest well-established business hubs, implying a professional and well-equipped workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with eCommerce requirements.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio, walking through selected case studies. Expect questions about design rationale, problem-solving, collaboration, and commercial impact.

  • Technical/Skills Assessment: Potentially a small design challenge or a discussion about specific design tools and methodologies.

  • Cross-functional Team Interview: Meeting with members from CRO, SEO, Data, or Development teams to assess collaboration skills and understanding of integrated GTM strategies.

  • Cultural Fit & Leadership Interview: Discussion with senior management to evaluate alignment with Velstar's values, mentoring capabilities, and overall fit within the agency culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best represent your eCommerce experience, commercial acumen, and senior-level capabilities. Prioritize projects with measurable results.

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, the design process, your specific contributions, the rationale behind key decisions, and the impact/outcomes (quantify where possible).

  • Highlight Commercial Impact: Emphasize how your designs contributed to conversion rate improvements, increased sales, better user engagement, or other key business metrics.

  • Showcase Collaboration: Detail how you worked with other teams (CRO, SEO, Dev) and how their input influenced your design decisions.

  • Demonstrate Process: Clearly show your UX process, from research and wireframing to UI design and handover.

  • Address Constraints: Be prepared to discuss how you balanced creative vision with client budget, timeline, and technical limitations.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand eCommerce Nuances: Brush up on current eCommerce trends, common user journeys, and conversion optimization tactics specific to DTC and B2B.

  • Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate advanced Figma skills, including component creation, prototyping, and collaboration features.

  • Design System Thinking: Prepare to discuss your experience with design systems, their importance, and how you've contributed to or utilized them.

  • Client Communication: Practice articulating complex design concepts and justifications clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily weighted towards portfolio review and demonstrating practical application of design skills within an eCommerce and collaborative context. Candidates should prepare to defend their design decisions with data and commercial reasoning.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Essential for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect advanced usage scenarios.

  • Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Illustrator for image editing, asset creation, and graphic design.

  • Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Adobe XD, or Axure might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Google Analytics: Understanding how to interpret data from GA to inform design decisions and measure impact.

  • CRO Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Hotjar, VWO, Optimizely for heatmaps, A/B testing, and user session recordings.

  • Data Visualization Tools: While not directly used for design, understanding dashboards from tools like Tableau or Power BI can provide context.

CRM & Automation:

  • eCommerce Platforms: Shopify is a strong preference; experience with Magento, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, etc., is valuable.

  • Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for workflow management and task tracking.

  • Communication Platforms: Slack, Microsoft Teams for day-to-day team and client communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is non-negotiable. Understanding eCommerce platforms like Shopify and the principles behind CRO and analytics tools is critical for a designer focused on revenue generation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Commerciality: A strong focus on delivering designs that directly contribute to client business objectives and revenue growth.

  • Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

  • Excellence: Striving for high-quality design output that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly performant.

  • Data-Driven: Basing design decisions on user research, analytics, and performance metrics.

  • Client Focus: Prioritizing client needs and success, building strong relationships through effective communication and delivery.

  • Continuous Improvement: A commitment to learning, evolving workflows, and staying ahead of industry trends.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are embedded within project teams alongside CRO, SEO, Data, and Development specialists, requiring active and frequent communication and joint problem-solving.

  • Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged among peers and junior team members to elevate design quality.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new techniques, and insights across the design team and wider agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a results-oriented, collaborative approach where design is an integral part of the broader GTM strategy, not an isolated function. A proactive and communicative style is essential for success here.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Creative Ambition with Commercial Constraints: Navigating client expectations, budgets, and timelines while pushing creative boundaries.

  • Integrating Diverse Team Insights: Synthesizing feedback and requirements from various specialists (CRO, SEO, Dev) into a cohesive design.

  • Maintaining Design System Scalability: Ensuring the design system evolves effectively to meet the needs of a growing client portfolio.

  • Adapting to Rapid eCommerce Trends: Keeping pace with the constantly evolving landscape of online retail, user expectations, and technology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • eCommerce Specialization: Deepen expertise in conversion optimization, user psychology in online shopping, and platform-specific design (e.g., Shopify).

  • Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead client projects, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.

  • Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events, webinars, and workshops related to eCommerce, UX/UI, and digital marketing.

  • AI Tool Exploration: Actively engaging with and learning about emerging AI design tools to enhance productivity and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities to grow within the specialized field of eCommerce design, with a clear path for developing both technical and leadership skills by tackling complex, commercially driven projects.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you had to balance creative vision with strict commercial constraints on an eCommerce project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

  • "How do you incorporate CRO and SEO best practices into your UX/UI design process for an eCommerce storefront?"

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do you see design contributing to Velstar's goal of helping clients convert more customers?"

  • "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your approach to providing constructive feedback?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: For each case study, clearly outline the Problem, Your Role, Solution (Process & Design), and Results (Quantified Impact).

  • Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design choices, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and data.

  • Show Collaboration: Highlight instances where you worked with CRO, SEO, or Development teams, explaining how their input shaped your design.

  • Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved AOV) that demonstrate the success of your designs.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your work and be ready to go deeper on specific points if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviews will heavily focus on practical application, commercial impact, and collaborative capabilities within the eCommerce domain. Candidates should prepare to articulate their value proposition in terms of driving client revenue and improving operational efficiency through design.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Velstar Teamtailor portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest eCommerce design case studies, emphasizing commercial impact and collaboration with performance teams.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 5+ years of relevant UX/UI experience, specific eCommerce achievements, proficiency in Figma and Adobe Suite, and any experience with Shopify or design systems.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and problem-solving skills, particularly in relation to conversion optimization and client communication. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Velstar's work, client base, and their position as a Shopify Platinum Partner. Understand their focus on "experiences that convert."

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires over 5 years of UX/UI experience, specifically within eCommerce or a digital agency, with a strong portfolio. Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite is essential, along with a deep understanding of conversion-driven design patterns.