Senior UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI Designer

Company: VML

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design (UX/UI)

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design, encompassing UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution for digital experiences.

• Drive user-centric design principles and best practices across complex projects, ensuring accessibility and conversion optimization.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including UX/UI Leads, Content Designers, Product Managers, and Developers to deliver visionary concepts.

• Utilize user research, data insights, and iterative testing to inform design decisions and advocate for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for a Senior UX/UI Designer within VML's Enterprise Solutions division, focusing on crafting digital experiences for major clients across various routes to market. The emphasis on "North Star" experiences and leading design within complex, fast-paced environments suggests a strategic and impactful role, requiring strong leadership and problem-solving capabilities beyond standard design execution.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with UX/UI Leads, Content Designers, Product Managers, Developers, and clients throughout the product design lifecycle.

• Take creative direction from Principals/Leads to develop forward-thinking concepts and deliver visionary design direction, creating "North Star" experiences.

• Proactively elevate user experiences by collaborating with content teams to identify and address content gaps.

• Utilize user research and insights to propose data-driven decisions, build stakeholder confidence, and advocate for continuous improvement through user testing and feedback integration.

• Present solutions clearly and persuasively, highlighting experience deficiencies and business needs, while effectively communicating agile project status to internal and client teams.

• Plan and conduct user research, including usability testing, to understand user behaviors, motivations, and identify potential usability issues before product launch.

• Deliver comprehensive design artefacts such as competitor benchmarking, site maps, heuristic evaluations, wireframes, Figma designs, and prototypes for developer handoff.

• Investigate existing product functionality and service usage to inform solution feasibility, working seamlessly with multi-disciplinary teams.

• Apply in-depth knowledge of design systems and tokenization to adhere to user-centered design practices, conversion principles, and accessibility standards.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, tools, technologies, and AI capabilities to ensure the creation of industry-leading digital experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic ideation, hands-on design execution, and client-facing communication. The emphasis on "uplifting what we have today to push the boundaries beyond reuse" and "investigating how existing products work or how services are used to input into solution feasibility" indicates a proactive, problem-solving approach rather than just fulfilling briefs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

Experience: Extensive experience in product design (UX/UI) roles, with a focus on e-commerce or complex user journeys.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to work autonomously and lead design within complex, fast-paced environments, often with evolving requirements.

• Strong experience in stakeholder management, with the ability to challenge, influence, and align senior stakeholders across disciplines.

• Demonstrated ability to frame problems, define opportunities, and shape product direction.

• Proven ability to operate as an end-to-end product designer, seamlessly transitioning between UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Confidence in working across a variety of clients, sectors, and problem spaces, adapting approach to different levels of design maturity.

• Comfort in operating within BAU (Business As Usual) and retained delivery models, managing multiple workstreams and priorities.

• Strong experience working with complex, tokenized design systems, with a deep understanding of component architecture.

• Solid understanding of responsive design principles and behavior logic.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, including creating scalable, well-structured design files.

• Ability to produce high-quality supporting design artefacts beyond core product UI (prototypes, presentations, visual assets).

• Expertise in translating user research and data into actionable insights.

• Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale, trade-offs, and recommendations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience across multiple brands and visual identities, adapting design approach while maintaining consistency and brand alignment.

• Familiarity with the latest design trends, tools, technologies, and AI capabilities.

• Experience contributing to or developing design systems and tokenization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a senior-level candidate who can operate independently, influence stakeholders, and drive product direction. The specific mention of "e-commerce or complex journeys" and "complex, tokenised design systems" points to the need for expertise in demanding digital product environments. The expectation to "shape product direction, not just respond to briefs" indicates a strategic contributor role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end product design capabilities, showcasing the entire design process from research to final UI.

• Include case studies detailing how user research and data insights informed design decisions, leading to measurable improvements.

• Showcase experience with e-commerce or complex user journeys, highlighting problem-solving for intricate user flows.

• Present expertise in utilizing and contributing to design systems, including examples of component architecture and tokenization.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in collaborative, fast-paced, and potentially ambiguous project environments.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research methodologies, including planning, execution, and analysis of findings.

• Explain your process for translating user needs and business requirements into wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity designs.

• Illustrate how you incorporate feedback from user testing and stakeholders into iterative design improvements.

• Document your experience with design system implementation, maintenance, and adherence to tokenization principles.

• Showcase your methods for ensuring accessibility standards and conversion principles are embedded within the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical, emphasizing the candidate's ability to not just design, but to strategically solve problems, collaborate effectively, and demonstrate tangible impact through their work, particularly within complex digital environments and design systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for a Senior UX/UI Designer in London, UK, with 5-10 years of experience, falls between £60,000 and £85,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major metropolitan areas, considering the specialized skills in UX/UI, product design, Figma proficiency, and experience with complex systems and e-commerce relevant to VML's Enterprise Solutions division.

Benefits:

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme

• Training Opportunities for skill development and career growth.

• Competitive Pension plan to secure future financial well-being.

• Medical Insurance for health and wellness.

• Life Assurance for peace of mind.

• Social Events to foster team cohesion and networking.

• Opportunities to Buy and Sell Holidays for flexible time off.

• Family Friendly Policies to support work-life balance.

• Discounts with hundreds of retailers, offering savings on various purchases.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring approximately 4 days per week in the central London office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for a Senior UX/UI Designer in London, reflecting the experience level and specialized skills requested. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering standard corporate benefits alongside some unique options like buying/selling holidays. The hybrid model with specific office days is a key detail for work-life planning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing and Advertising (specifically within digital experience, customer experience, and commerce). VML is part of WPP, a global leader in marketing and communications services.

Company Size: VML is a large global organization with over 26,000 employees across 55+ markets. Its Enterprise Solutions division alone comprises over 4,200 experts. This scale offers significant opportunities for diverse project exposure and career development.

Founded: VML was founded in 1992, with WPP being a much older entity founded in 1982. This history signifies established industry presence and deep expertise.

Team Structure:

• The role is within VML's Enterprise Solutions division, which focuses on delivering digital experiences for leading organizations across various market routes.

• The immediate team will likely include UX/UI Leads, Content Designers, Product Managers, Developers, and potentially Strategic Consultants and Technical Architects.

• Collaboration is emphasized as multi-disciplinary, working seamlessly with various specialists.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, utilizing user research, insights, and testing to inform design.

• Agile project management methodologies are implied through the mention of "agile project status and updates."

• A strong focus on user-centered design, conversion principles, and accessibility standards guides the design process.

• Collaboration is key, with a "team working" approach to tackle challenges.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's positioning as a "leading creative company" and its extensive client roster (AstraZeneca, Dell, Microsoft, etc.) indicate a high-caliber work environment. The Enterprise Solutions division's focus on digital experiences across commerce, D2C, B2B, and marketplaces suggests a dynamic and technically sophisticated operational landscape. The company's core values of Heart, Brains, and Courage are central to its culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer (UX/UI) role. It signifies a mid-to-senior level position within the design discipline, requiring not only strong execution skills but also the ability to lead design efforts, influence stakeholders, and contribute strategically to product direction. Candidates are expected to operate end-to-end and potentially mentor more junior designers.

Reporting Structure: The Senior UX/UI Designer will likely report to a UX/UI Lead or Principal Designer within the Enterprise Solutions division. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX/UI Leads, Developers, and Content Designers, and present work to senior stakeholders and clients.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts business growth through the creation of engaging, conversion-optimized digital experiences for VML's clients. By designing effective user journeys across various platforms (e-commerce, D2C, B2B, marketplaces), the Senior UX/UI Designer contributes to client success, revenue generation, and brand loyalty. The "North Star" experience focus implies a drive to create industry-leading digital products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized areas like design systems, tokenization, accessibility, and AI in design. Opportunities to work on diverse client projects and complex problem spaces.

• Leadership Development: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and take on more strategic responsibilities in shaping product direction.

• Career Progression: Path to Principal Designer, Design Lead, or potentially management roles within the Enterprise Solutions division or broader VML network. Exposure to a wide range of client industries can broaden professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The seniority of this role implies a significant level of autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities at VML are likely tied to taking ownership of complex projects, demonstrating leadership, and contributing to the strategic vision of digital product development for major global brands.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in a central London office, operating on a hybrid model. VML emphasizes that "best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection."

Office Location(s): Central London, England, United Kingdom. Specific details on accessibility or amenities would typically be available on the company's careers page or provided during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model (average of 4 days in office) is designed to foster in-person collaboration, idea exchange, and team building. The focus on "connected brands" and "connected experiences" suggests an environment that values cross-pollination of ideas.

• Tools & Technology: Advanced proficiency in Figma is a direct requirement. The team likely utilizes a suite of design, research, and collaboration tools common in the digital product development space. Access to design systems and tokenization resources is essential.

• Team Interaction: Daily interaction with UX/UI Leads, Product Managers, Developers, and Content Designers is expected. Regular client interactions are also part of the role.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility, with an expectation of being in the office for approximately four days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid arrangement emphasizes a balance between focused, individual work and collaborative team engagement. The "central London office" location suggests a vibrant urban work setting. The company's commitment to fostering connection points to a culture that values interpersonal relationships alongside professional output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A key stage will likely involve presenting a curated portfolio, detailing specific case studies that demonstrate end-to-end design process, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and impact. This will be followed by in-depth discussion on design rationale, trade-offs, and strategic thinking.

• Skills-Based Assessments: Potential for a design challenge or practical exercise, either take-home or timed, to evaluate Figma proficiency, problem-solving skills, and approach to specific design scenarios (e.g., complex user journeys, design system application).

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with UX/UI Leads, Product Managers, and potentially other cross-functional team members to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within VML's values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations, overall fit, and confirm strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your senior-level capabilities, focusing on complex problems solved with significant user and business impact.

• Showcase the Process: Clearly articulate your role, the problem, your process (research, ideation, design, testing, iteration), the solutions, and the outcomes (quantifiable metrics where possible).

• Highlight Collaboration & Strategy: Demonstrate how you navigated stakeholder feedback, influenced decisions, and contributed to shaping product direction, not just executing briefs.

• Emphasize Design Systems & UI: Showcase your expertise with Figma, complex design systems, tokenization, and your ability to deliver high-fidelity, accessible, and responsive UI.

• Tell a Story: Structure your presentations to tell a compelling narrative about your design journey and problem-solving approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly analyze the brief, identify key constraints, and ask clarifying questions.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach. Outline your steps, from initial research/analysis to ideation and solution design.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made specific design decisions, referencing user needs, business goals, and design principles.

• Consider Scalability & Systems: For VML, consider how your proposed solutions integrate with existing design systems and handle scalability.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work concisely and persuasively, managing your time effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's ability to articulate their strategic thinking and problem-solving process, not just the final visual output. A robust portfolio that showcases senior-level contributions to complex projects is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a mandatory requirement for creating scalable, well-structured design files, prototypes, and supporting artefacts.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely includes Figma's prototyping capabilities, potentially supplemented by tools for more advanced or interactive prototypes.

• Design Systems & Tokenization Platforms: Deep understanding of how to work with and contribute to complex, tokenized design systems. This implies familiarity with component architecture, variants, and properties.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how to translate user research and data into actionable insights is crucial. This suggests familiarity with or ability to interpret data from:
  • Web Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
  • User Behavior Analytics tools (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory)

CRM & Automation:

• Typically, designers in this context wouldn't directly manage CRM or automation tools, but they would need to understand how their designs integrate with these systems and impact user journeys within them. Familiarity with platforms like Salesforce, Adobe Experience Cloud, or marketing automation tools could be beneficial for understanding the broader ecosystem.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different platforms connect and data flows between them is helpful for holistic design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "advanced proficiency in Figma" and "strong experience working with complex, tokenised design systems" highlights the critical technical skills needed. The ability to leverage data for design decisions implies an understanding of analytics tools, even if not directly using them daily.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Fostering empathy and trust, leading to genuine connections and human-centric work. This translates to understanding user needs deeply and collaborating respectfully with colleagues.

• Brains: Valuing relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges. This means approaching problems with an analytical mindset, seeking innovative solutions, and working together to overcome obstacles.

• Courage: Inspiring individuals to speak up, embrace experimentation, and advocate for bold solutions. This encourages taking calculated risks, pushing creative boundaries, and championing impactful design ideas.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with UX/UI Leads, Content Designers, Product Managers, and Developers is paramount. This involves clear communication, shared understanding of goals, and mutual respect for each discipline's expertise.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that likely encourages constructive feedback loops, iterative design based on testing and stakeholder input, and continuous improvement of workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across the team and with clients to foster collective growth and elevate the quality of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's stated values (Heart, Brains, Courage) are central to the expected team culture. Candidates should demonstrate how their work and collaboration style align with these principles, emphasizing empathy, intelligent problem-solving, and a willingness to advocate for innovative and impactful design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with "incomplete or evolving requirements" requires strong problem-framing skills and the ability to drive clarity through design.

• Balancing Pace and Quality: Operating within "BAU and retained delivery models" means managing multiple workstreams with varying deadlines while maintaining high standards of design excellence.

• Influencing Senior Stakeholders: Challenging, influencing, and aligning diverse senior stakeholders across disciplines requires strong communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking.

• Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying current with design trends, tools, and emerging technologies like AI necessitates continuous learning and adaptation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced UX strategy, design system architecture, accessibility compliance, and AI-driven design tools.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse portfolio of high-profile clients across various sectors (e.g., automotive, consumer goods, technology, health) provides broad industry experience.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Potential to lead design projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the strategic direction of VML's Enterprise Solutions offering. Access to WPP's broader learning resources and networks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in large agencies, emphasizing adaptability, strategic influence, and continuous professional development. The growth opportunities are substantial, leveraging VML's global reach and client diversity.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame a complex problem and define product direction, rather than just responding to a brief. What was your process and the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving methodology, strategic thinking, and impact).

• "How do you approach collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Developers, Content Designers) to ensure seamless execution of a design vision, especially when requirements are evolving?" (Highlight communication, negotiation, and iterative process).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) resonate with your personal working philosophy and how have you demonstrated these in previous roles?" (Prepare specific examples for each value).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and how you foster collaboration and connection with your team members." (Emphasize proactivity, communication, and team building).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure as a Narrative: For each case study, create a clear story: The Problem, Your Role/Challenge, The Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), The Solution, and The Results (quantifiable impact).

• Highlight Key Contributions: Clearly articulate your specific responsibilities and contributions, especially in leadership or strategic aspects.

• Showcase Design Systems & UI: Dedicate time to demonstrating your Figma skills, complex design system work, and high-fidelity UI execution. Explain the rationale behind your component design and tokenization choices.

• Engage and Discuss: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your rationale, trade-offs, and how you would adapt your approach to VML's client context. Make it interactive.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating senior-level strategic thinking, robust problem-solving skills, strong collaboration capabilities, and a deep understanding of design systems and user-centered principles, all while aligning with VML's stated values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the VML careers portal using the provided link.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest, most relevant case studies that showcase end-to-end product design, complex problem-solving, design system expertise, and quantifiable impact. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight experience in e-commerce or complex user journeys.

• Optimize your CV: Ensure your resume clearly details your extensive experience in UX/UI product design roles, highlighting achievements in stakeholder management, autonomous leadership, and proficiency with Figma and design systems. Use keywords such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Figma," "Design Systems," "E-commerce," and "Stakeholder Management."

• Prepare for portfolio presentation and interview: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and impact for your selected case studies. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and how you embody VML's values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

• Research VML and Enterprise Solutions: Understand VML's client roster, their focus on creating connected brands and customer experiences, and the specific goals of the Enterprise Solutions division in delivering digital experiences across various market routes.

⚠️ 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.