Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: Velstar

Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design, eCommerce Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-02

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end UX and UI design process for a portfolio of ambitious eCommerce clients, focusing on conversion-driven storefronts and marketing assets.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including CRO, SEO, Data, and Development specialists to integrate insights into creative solutions.

• Contribute to pre-sale activities by developing concept designs and providing creative direction for pitches and proposals.

• Uphold and advance Velstar's eCommerce design system, setting standards for quality and consistency across client projects.

• Mentor junior designers, provide constructive feedback, and actively participate in enhancing the agency's overall design capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior UX/UI Designer with a strong emphasis on eCommerce performance and commercial acumen. The description highlights a blend of creative leadership, technical execution, and collaborative integration within a digital agency setting. The focus on "design that performs as well as it looks" and "experiences that convert" indicates a results-oriented approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead UX and UI design initiatives for diverse eCommerce projects, from initial discovery and wireframing through to final developer handover.

• Conceptualize and design high-converting eCommerce storefronts and engaging creative assets for integrated marketing campaigns.

• Apply and evolve established eCommerce design patterns and frameworks to craft exceptional user experiences.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with CRO, SEO, Performance, Data, and Development teams to ensure designs are practical, performant, and commercially viable.

• Clearly articulate and present design decisions and their underlying rationale to both clients and internal stakeholders.

• Actively contribute to the maintenance and enhancement of Velstar's centralized eCommerce best practice design system.

• Conduct thorough design reviews for the team, offering constructive and actionable feedback to elevate collective quality.

• Manage personal workload with accuracy, including precise estimation of effort and timely delivery within project budgets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution, requiring not just execution but also leadership, strategic input, and mentorship. The inclusion of pre-sale activity and design system contribution points to a role that influences agency-wide processes and client acquisition.

கல் Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience are prioritized. Candidates with degrees in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or related fields may have a foundational understanding, but practical application and proven results are key.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of dedicated UX and UI design experience is required, with a strong preference for candidates with a background in eCommerce or a fast-paced digital agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in UX and UI design, with a significant focus on eCommerce platforms and digital storefronts.

• Proven ability to translate client needs and commercial objectives into compelling and effective user interfaces.

• Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma, and a strong command of the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Deep understanding of core UX principles, established eCommerce design patterns, and conversion-focused design methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to balance creative vision with practical constraints, including client briefs, budgets, and technical limitations.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a track record of confidently justifying design decisions to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience designing for or managing projects on eCommerce platforms like Shopify or similar enterprise-level solutions.

• A solid understanding of how design choices impact Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and web accessibility standards.

• Experience in contributing to, maintaining, or establishing a comprehensive design system.

• Proactive exploration and application of AI design tools to enhance workflow efficiency and creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly delineate essential skills for immediate impact, with preferred skills indicating areas where candidates can further differentiate themselves and align with Velstar's forward-thinking approach, particularly regarding AI integration and platform-specific knowledge.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of UX and UI design work, with a substantial emphasis on successful eCommerce projects.

• Demonstrations of end-to-end design process, from user research and wireframing to high-fidelity UI design and prototyping.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the solutions implemented, and most importantly, the measurable impact on conversion rates and user engagement.

• Examples of responsive design across various devices (desktop, tablet, mobile), illustrating adaptability and user-centricity.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that walk through the discovery phase, including user research, competitor analysis, and defining project objectives.

• Documentation of wireframing, user flow mapping, and prototyping stages, showcasing iterative design thinking.

• Explanation of how design decisions were informed by data, user feedback, and commercial goals.

• Examples of developer handover documentation, including style guides, asset specifications, and interaction notes.

• Evidence of contribution to or utilization of design systems, demonstrating an understanding of scalability and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily geared towards demonstrating commercial impact and process rigor within an eCommerce context. Candidates are expected to show not just aesthetic skill but also a deep understanding of how design drives business results and integrates with other disciplines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Senior UX/UI Designer title, 5+ years of experience in a UK digital agency, and the hybrid work model in Liverpool/Leeds, a competitive salary range is estimated between £50,000 - £70,000 per annum. This estimate reflects industry benchmarks for experienced design professionals in the UK digital sector, considering the agency's focus on high-value eCommerce clients.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working: Minimum of 3 days per week in either the Liverpool or Leeds office, offering flexibility and in-person collaboration.

• Vitality Health Cover: Comprehensive health insurance provided from the commencement of employment.

• Generous Holiday Allowance: 28 days of holiday, including bank holidays, plus an additional day off for your birthday. An extra day of holiday is added for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 5 additional days.

• Enhanced Maternity Pay: Support for new mothers beyond statutory requirements.

• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: Opportunities to contribute to a pension plan with tax advantages.

• Cycle to Work Scheme: Encourages sustainable commuting with tax benefits on bicycle purchases.

• Tech and Home Scheme: Access to technology and home goods through salary sacrifice.

• Peer Recognition Rewards: A system to acknowledge and reward colleagues for outstanding contributions.

Working Hours: Full-time role, with standard working hours expected to align with agency operations. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in balancing office and remote workdays, with a minimum of 3 days required in the office. Estimated 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical UK agency compensation for this seniority and specialization. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, with particular emphasis on professional development and recognition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Velstar operates within the eCommerce and Digital Services industry, specializing in helping ambitious Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) and complex B2B businesses enhance their online presence and drive conversions. As a Shopify Platinum Partner, they are recognized leaders in the Shopify ecosystem.

Company Size: Velstar is a significant player, described as one of the UK's largest eCommerce agencies. This implies a company size likely in the range of 100-500 employees, offering the stability and resources of a larger firm while retaining agility. This size is conducive to structured career paths and diverse project opportunities.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, Velstar's position as a leading agency and Shopify Platinum Partner suggests a history of sustained growth and established expertise, likely founded over 5-10 years ago or more, allowing for a deep understanding of the evolving eCommerce landscape.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely composed of various specialists, including UX/UI designers, graphic designers, and potentially motion designers, with a clear hierarchy from junior to senior roles.

• The Senior UX/UI Designer will report into a Design Lead or Head of Design, working within a matrix structure where they also collaborate closely with functional leads in CRO, SEO, Data, and Development teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Insights: Velstar emphasizes using data analysis from CRO, SEO, and performance metrics to inform design decisions and optimize user experiences.

• Agile & Iterative Design: The agency likely employs agile methodologies, allowing for continuous improvement and iteration on designs based on client feedback and performance data.

• Design System Approach: A centralized design system is crucial for maintaining brand consistency, ensuring efficiency, and scaling design efforts across a diverse client portfolio.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Velstar's positioning as a leading eCommerce agency and Shopify Platinum Partner signifies a high-performance culture focused on tangible results. The company culture likely values collaboration, continuous learning, and a data-driven approach to design.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as Senior UX/UI Designer. It represents a mid-to-senior level position that requires significant autonomy, leadership in design execution, and the ability to mentor others. The scope includes leading projects, contributing to strategic client discussions, and influencing internal design standards.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design. They will also work closely with Project Managers and functional leads within client teams (e.g., CRO Lead, Development Lead), fostering a collaborative, cross-functional reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to client success and revenue generation. By designing high-converting eCommerce experiences, the Senior UX/UI Designer directly contributes to increased sales, improved customer acquisition, and enhanced user satisfaction for Velstar's clients. Their work is critical to the agency's reputation and client retention.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing larger projects or managing a team of designers.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific eCommerce platforms (e.g., Shopify Plus advanced features), CRO strategy, or emerging design technologies like AI-driven design tools.

• Client Relationship Management: Develop stronger client-facing skills, potentially leading design presentations and strategic consultations.

• Mentorship & Training: Take on a more formal mentorship role, contributing to the development of junior talent and shaping internal design training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for advancement within a specialized eCommerce design agency. Growth opportunities are geared towards both technical specialization and leadership responsibilities, aligning with the agency's focus on client success and internal capability development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Velstar offers a hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of 3 days per week in their Liverpool or Leeds office. This suggests a modern, collaborative office space designed to facilitate teamwork, client meetings, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary locations mentioned for this role are Liverpool and Leeds in the UK. These are vibrant city centers, offering good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities. The specific office addresses are:

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

• Leeds: (Specific address not provided, but implies a similar central location)

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is designed to foster cross-functional collaboration, with spaces for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and informal interactions.

• Tooling & Technology: Employees will have access to necessary hardware and software, including high-performance workstations, reliable internet, and access to the agency's full suite of design and project management tools.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages regular in-person interaction with colleagues from design, CRO, SEO, data, and development teams, promoting knowledge sharing and a strong team culture.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (estimated 40 hours/week) with a hybrid arrangement. While specific daily hours may be flexible within the standard workday, the requirement to be in the office for a minimum of 3 days provides structure for collaborative activities and team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, aiming to blend the benefits of remote flexibility with the advantages of in-person collaboration and team building. The office locations in major cities suggest a professional and accessible workplace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by the recruitment team. Focus on highlighting your eCommerce experience and quantifiable results.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your overall fit, experience, and understanding of the role's responsibilities. Be prepared to discuss your design philosophy and approach to eCommerce challenges.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: This is a critical stage. You will likely be asked to present a selection of your best eCommerce case studies, detailing your process, rationale, and the impact of your designs. Some roles may include a take-home design task or a live design critique.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential colleagues from design, CRO, SEO, and development teams. This assesses your collaboration style and ability to integrate with cross-functional workflows.

• Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader to confirm cultural fit and discuss long-term career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest eCommerce projects that best demonstrate your skills and the impact you've made. Prioritize projects with clear, measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the client's challenge, your role, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), the final solution, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user engagement, revenue growth). Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Commercial Acumen: Emphasize how your design decisions were driven by commercial objectives and user behavior. Showcase your understanding of CRO principles and how they informed your work.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If possible, illustrate how you worked with other teams (developers, marketers, CRO specialists) and how this collaboration contributed to the project's success.

• Be Ready to Defend Decisions: Be prepared to discuss your design choices in detail, explaining the 'why' behind every element and how it addresses user needs and business goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client: Research Velstar, their clients, and their specialization in eCommerce and Shopify. Understand their core values and design philosophy.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.

• Anticipate UX/UI Questions: Prepare for questions about your process, how you handle design constraints, how you stay updated on design trends, and your experience with specific tools and platforms.

• Focus on Impact: For any hypothetical scenarios or design challenges, always tie your solutions back to measurable business outcomes and user experience improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a strong portfolio and the ability to articulate the commercial impact of design decisions. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just creative talent but also strategic thinking and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UX/UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design. Proficiency is essential for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely includes Photoshop for image editing and asset creation, and potentially Illustrator for vector graphics, supporting a comprehensive design workflow.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma covers much of this, additional tools in the Adobe suite or standalone prototyping software might be used for advanced interactions or specific client needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics: Essential for understanding user behavior on eCommerce sites, tracking conversion funnels, and identifying areas for design improvement.

• CRO Tools (e.g., Hotjar, VWO, Optimizely): Used to analyze user heatmaps, session recordings, and A/B test results, providing data to inform design iterations and validation.

• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI): May be used by the data team, but understanding how to interpret data from these sources will be crucial for designers to justify decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• eCommerce Platforms (e.g., Shopify, Shopify Plus): Deep familiarity with the structure, capabilities, and design limitations/possibilities of these platforms is highly advantageous.

• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Trello): Used for managing tasks, workflows, and team collaboration on client projects.

• Collaboration Tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams): For day-to-day communication and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around industry-standard design tools, with a strong emphasis on eCommerce platforms and data/analytics tools that inform conversion-focused design. Familiarity with how design integrates with CRO and performance metrics is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commercial Focus: A core value is driving tangible business results for clients through effective eCommerce design. This means prioritizing designs that convert and contribute to revenue growth.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Velstar emphasizes working together across disciplines. Designers are expected to be active collaborators, sharing knowledge and providing constructive feedback.

• Client-Centricity: Understanding and exceeding client expectations is paramount. This involves clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and delivering high-quality work that meets client objectives.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: The agency encourages exploring new design approaches, leveraging technology (like AI tools), and constantly seeking ways to improve processes and outcomes.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Design choices should be informed by data and performance metrics, rather than solely by subjective aesthetic preferences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with CRO specialists, SEO experts, data analysts, and developers, fostering a holistic approach to eCommerce strategy.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: Constructive feedback is actively encouraged and given, both within the design team and across other departments, to elevate the quality of work.

• Knowledge Sharing: Team members are expected to share insights, best practices, and learnings from projects to collectively enhance the agency's expertise and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Velstar's culture appears to be a high-performance, results-oriented environment that values both individual contribution and collective success. The emphasis on commercial impact, data, and collaboration is central to how teams operate and achieve client goals.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Ambition with Commercial Constraints: A key challenge will be to push creative boundaries while ensuring designs meet client budgets, timelines, and conversion objectives.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Working with a portfolio of clients means adapting design approaches to different brand identities, target audiences, and business goals within the eCommerce space.

• Staying Ahead of eCommerce Trends: The eCommerce landscape evolves rapidly. Keeping pace with new technologies, user behaviors, and design patterns requires continuous learning.

• Effective Developer Handoff: Ensuring that complex designs are translated accurately into functional web experiences requires meticulous documentation and clear communication with development teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced eCommerce Platform Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in platforms like Shopify Plus, including custom theme development and app integrations.

• CRO & Analytics Specialization: Gaining deeper insights into conversion rate optimization strategies and advanced analytics interpretation to inform design.

• AI Design Tool Integration: Exploring and mastering new AI-powered design tools to enhance efficiency and creative output.

• Leadership and Mentorship Programs: Access to training and opportunities to develop leadership skills, mentor junior designers, and contribute to team development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a dynamic agency environment, requiring adaptability and strategic problem-solving. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with the specialized nature of eCommerce design and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data to significantly influence a design decision for an eCommerce client. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process of data analysis, design iteration, and measured impact on conversion.)

• "How do you balance creative vision with the commercial objectives and technical constraints of an eCommerce project?" (Prepare to discuss your approach to compromise, prioritization, and finding elegant solutions.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Velstar and our work in the eCommerce space, particularly with Shopify?" (Research their client portfolio, case studies, and mention their Shopify Platinum Partner status.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers, such as developers or CRO specialists?" (Highlight your communication skills, ability to explain design rationale, and openness to feedback.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the solution, and the results. Use a consistent structure for clarity.

• Quantify Your Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate the success of your designs. For example, "Increased conversion rate by 15%," or "Reduced bounce rate by 10%."

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. Show wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and any prototypes. If possible, include before-and-after comparisons.

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every design decision. Why did you choose a particular layout, color, or interaction? How did it serve the user and the business goals?

• Highlight Collaboration: If your case studies involved working with other teams, explain that dynamic and how it contributed to the final outcome.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative skill, strategic thinking, and a results-oriented approach, all within the context of eCommerce. Quantifiable results and a clear understanding of business objectives are key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position at Velstar:

• Submit your application through the official application link provided by Velstar.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful eCommerce design case studies. Prioritize those with clear, measurable results and demonstrate your end-to-end process from discovery to delivery. Ensure it highlights your proficiency in Figma and understanding of conversion-focused design.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of UX/UI experience, specifically within eCommerce or digital agency environments. Use keywords from the job description, such as "eCommerce," "UX/UI," "Figma," "CRO," "conversion thinking," and "client presentations." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies. Be ready to articulate your design rationale, the challenges you faced, your problem-solving approach, and the tangible business impact of your work. Rehearse your responses to common interview questions.

• Research Velstar: Understand Velstar's clients, their work, and their position as a Shopify Platinum Partner. Familiarize yourself with their company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and approach align with their objectives.

⚠️ 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.