Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Faro, Faro District, Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-29T08:20:17

Experience Level: 5-10 years (assumed based on "Senior" title and responsibilities)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end design of digital products and services, from initial discovery and user journey mapping to high-fidelity UI execution.

• Drive user-centric design thinking and problem-solving across complex and ambiguous challenges for a diverse range of global clients.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including strategists, architects, developers, and operators, to deliver exceptional digital experiences.

• Leverage expertise in UX/UI design to craft engaging and conversion-driving solutions that align with brand identities and business objectives.

• Lead design initiatives within fast-paced environments, effectively managing stakeholders and evolving requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer with a strong emphasis on both User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design, requiring end-to-end ownership. The "Enterprise Solutions" division suggests a focus on complex client projects, likely within B2B, D2C, or large-scale e-commerce environments, demanding robust design systems and stakeholder management skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the full design spectrum of digital products and services, encompassing user research, experience definition, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI development.

• Define user journeys, interaction models, and refine visual designs, micro-interactions, and component behaviors to ensure a cohesive and purposeful user experience.

• Translate user research and data analytics into actionable insights to inform design decisions and build stakeholder confidence.

• Develop and maintain complex, tokenized design systems, ensuring component architecture, variants, properties, and scalable design patterns are well-defined and consistently applied.

• Create high-quality supporting design artifacts, including detailed prototypes, presentations, visual assets, and communication materials, to facilitate stakeholder alignment and user research.

• Adapt design approaches to various client needs, sectors, and levels of design maturity, while maintaining consistency, quality, and brand alignment.

• Operate effectively in both Business As Usual (BAU) and retained delivery models, managing multiple workstreams, priorities, and stakeholders with a balance of pace and quality.

• Ensure adherence to accessibility standards, conversion principles, and user-centered design best practices throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can operate autonomously and lead design efforts, not just execute tasks. This implies significant strategic input, problem framing, and the ability to influence product direction. The mention of "tokenized design systems" and "component architecture" points to a sophisticated design operation environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in UX/UI and Product Design, with a proven track record of leading design for complex digital products and services.

Required Skills:

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

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

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

• True end-to-end product design capability, seamlessly transitioning between UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Experience working with diverse clients, sectors, and problem spaces, adapting approach to different levels of design maturity.

• Comfort operating within BAU and retained delivery models, managing multiple workstreams and priorities.

• Strong experience with complex, tokenized design systems and component architecture (variants, properties, scalable patterns).

• Solid understanding of responsive design principles and behavior logic across devices and platforms.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma, with experience creating scalable, well-structured design files for collaboration and handover.

• Ability to work with multiple brands and visual identities, adapting design while maintaining consistency and brand alignment.

• Skill in producing supporting design artifacts beyond core UI, including prototypes, presentations, and visual assets.

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

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

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies and conducting user interviews or usability testing.

• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.

• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design decisions.

• Experience with animation and micro-interaction design.

• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "autonomous," "lead design," "stakeholder management," and "shaping product direction" indicates this is not a purely execution-focused role. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership capabilities in their applications and interviews. Proficiency in Figma is a hard requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects demonstrating problem framing, user research, UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to work autonomously and lead design within complex or ambiguous environments.

• Demonstrate experience with complex, tokenized design systems and component architecture, ideally with examples of how you've contributed to or utilized them.

• Provide evidence of strong stakeholder management, illustrating how you've influenced decisions or aligned diverse teams.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for each project, emphasizing user-centricity, research integration, and iterative refinement.

• Detail how you have translated user research and data into actionable design insights and decisions.

• Illustrate your approach to creating and working with design systems, including component structure and scalability.

• Document your collaboration methods with cross-functional teams (developers, product managers, strategists) and how you facilitated handover and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not just present final designs but also the strategic thinking, process, and problem-solving that underpinned them. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio and discuss design decisions, trade-offs, and outcomes in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior UX/UI Product Designer in Faro, Portugal, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €45,000 and €65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Portugal, the demand for senior design talent, and industry benchmarks for similar roles within international agencies.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive training opportunities to enhance skills and career development.

• Medical insurance coverage for employees.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Meal cards/vouchers to assist with daily expenses.

• Regular social events to foster team cohesion and networking.

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

• Discounts with a wide range of retailers and service providers.

• Opportunity to work with leading global brands.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically aligning with standard business hours in Portugal (e.g., 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the hybrid nature may offer some flexibility in scheduling, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on current market data for senior design roles in Portugal and the provided benefits. Actual compensation will be determined by experience, specific skills, and negotiation. The inclusion of "Enterprise Solutions" and working with global brands suggests potential for higher compensation within this range.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Solutions. VML is part of WPP, a global leader in marketing and communications services. The Enterprise Solutions division focuses on helping large organizations deliver digital experiences across various market routes.

Company Size: VML has over 26,000 employees globally, with the Enterprise Solutions division comprising over 4,200 experts across 34 countries. This indicates a large, established, and globally connected organization.

Founded: VML was founded in 1992, and WPP was founded in 1982. This long history signifies stability and deep industry experience.

Team Structure:

• The Enterprise Solutions division operates with a global network of experts, including strategic consultants, creative and technical architects, developers, and operators.

• The design team likely works within project-based squads, collaborating closely with product managers, strategists, developers, and client stakeholders.

Methodology:

• VML emphasizes creating "connected brands" by integrating brand experience, customer experience, and commerce.

• The Enterprise Solutions division focuses on delivering "outstanding digital experiences" across multiple market routes (marketplaces, online retailers, D2C, B2B, social platforms).

• Their approach likely involves a blend of agile methodologies, design thinking, and a strong focus on data-driven decision-making to drive multi-channel growth for clients.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's culture is rooted in WPP's global strength and its own reputation for award-winning work. The core values of Heart, Brains, and Courage suggest an environment that values empathy, intelligence, and boldness. The Enterprise Solutions division specifically targets complex client challenges, implying a professional, results-oriented, and collaborative atmosphere.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a substantial degree of autonomy, responsibility, and expected leadership within design projects. It's a role that requires not only strong design craft but also strategic thinking, problem-framing, and the ability to influence outcomes and mentor junior team members.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Creative Director within the Enterprise Solutions division. They will work closely with Product Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Leads on a day-to-day basis.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts client success by designing digital experiences that drive engagement, conversion, and loyalty. The output contributes significantly to client revenue growth and brand perception. The ability to translate complex business requirements into user-friendly and effective digital solutions is paramount.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as design systems, accessibility, e-commerce UX, or service design.

• Leadership: Progress into roles like Design Lead, Art Director, or Head of Design, managing teams and client relationships.

• Strategic Influence: Take on more responsibility in shaping product strategy and client digital transformation initiatives.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gain exposure to strategy, technology, and operations through close collaboration within VML's diverse teams.

• Global Exposure: Work on projects for a wide array of international blue-chip clients, broadening industry and market experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a path for advancement. Candidates should look for opportunities to demonstrate leadership potential and strategic contribution beyond pure design execution. The global nature of VML and its diverse client base offers significant opportunities for broad experience and professional development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, with offices located in Lisbon, Porto, or Faro. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with facilities to support both individual focused work and team-based activities.

Office Location(s): Faro, Faro District, Portugal. This location offers a professional setting within a vibrant Portuguese city.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, catering to focused design tasks and team synchronization.

• Expect a technology-rich environment with access to the latest design software and collaboration tools necessary for complex digital projects.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse team of designers, strategists, developers, and project managers, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule, typically Monday to Friday, with standard working hours. The hybrid arrangement may offer some flexibility in terms of which days are spent in the office versus working remotely, subject to team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect. Candidates should clarify the specific expectations for in-office days and the company's approach to hybrid work flexibility. The Faro location offers a specific regional context for the work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and fit for the Senior Product Designer role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, discussing their process, problem-solving approach, and design rationale for key projects. This is a critical stage to assess end-to-end design capabilities and strategic thinking.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: May involve a design challenge or a deep dive into specific areas like design systems, Figma proficiency, or user research interpretation.

• Stakeholder/Team Interviews: Discussions with potential colleagues, leads, or hiring managers to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within VML's core values (Heart, Brains, Courage).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss career aspirations and overall alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end product design process, leadership, and impact. Prioritize projects that align with enterprise-level challenges or showcase your ability to manage complex design systems.

• Tell a Story: Structure each case study with a clear narrative: the problem, your role and process, key decisions and challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Process & Rationale: Go beyond final visuals. Explain why you made certain design decisions, what research informed them, and how you navigated trade-offs.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your Figma file structure, component libraries, and how you ensure scalability and collaboration.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).

• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you handle projects with evolving or incomplete requirements, showcasing your ability to adapt and lead.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate design challenges that require you to frame a problem, conduct quick research (even if simulated), ideate solutions, and present a rationale, often under time constraints.

• Practice articulating your design thinking process clearly and concisely.

• Prepare to discuss trade-offs, potential risks, and how you would measure success for any proposed solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on assessing a candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and strategic thinking. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with complex design systems and stakeholder management in depth.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

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

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie) may be beneficial for specific project needs.

• Design Systems: Experience working with and contributing to complex, tokenized design systems is essential.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and derive insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly stated as a primary requirement. Candidates should ensure their resume and portfolio highlight extensive experience with this tool. Understanding design systems is also a critical technical requirement for this role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Fostering empathy and trust in interactions with colleagues and clients, leading to genuine connections and human-centric work.

• Brains: Valuing relentless curiosity, analytical thinking, and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges and drive innovation.

• Courage: Encouraging individuals to speak up, embrace experimentation, advocate for bold solutions, and challenge the status quo to achieve better outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with strategists, developers, product managers, and client teams to ensure cohesive product development.

• Process-Oriented: A culture that values well-defined processes, iterative design, and constructive feedback exchange for continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across teams and projects to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of Heart, Brains, and Courage are central to VML's culture. Candidates should be prepared to provide examples of how they embody these values in their daily work and design practice. A collaborative and process-driven approach is expected.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating effectively in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements and sometimes incomplete briefs, requiring strong problem-framing and adaptability.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Managing diverse stakeholder expectations and influencing decisions across different disciplines and seniority levels.

• Balancing Pace and Quality: Delivering high-quality design solutions within tight timelines and project constraints, common in agency environments.

• Adapting to Diverse Clients: Quickly understanding new domains, brands, and varying levels of design maturity across a range of client projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to refine expertise in areas like complex design systems, interaction design, accessibility standards, and user research methodologies.

• Industry Exposure: Working with a broad spectrum of leading global brands across various sectors, providing diverse industry experience.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into leadership roles, manage junior designers, and take on more strategic client responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights from VML's other capabilities, such as strategy, creative, technology, and commerce.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges, but these are framed as opportunities for growth. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they approach and overcome such challenges, demonstrating resilience and a proactive learning mindset.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame a complex problem for a digital product. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your ability to define the problem space before jumping to solutions.

• "Walk us through a project where you had to manage significant stakeholder input or differing opinions. How did you ensure alignment and drive the design forward?" Prepare to discuss your communication and negotiation tactics.

• "How do you approach designing for a product with evolving requirements? Provide an example." Highlight your adaptability and iterative design process.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do VML's core values – Heart, Brains, and Courage – resonate with your own work philosophy?" Prepare specific examples of how you embody these traits.

• "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially in a hybrid work environment?" Discuss your communication strategies and teamwork approach.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For