Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

Company: VML Enterprise Solutions

Location: Porto, Porto, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design (UX/UI)

Date Posted: 2026-04-21T14:50:13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design strategy, from initial discovery and experience definition to high-fidelity UI execution, ensuring a seamless user journey.

• Lead design thinking and problem-solving across complex and often ambiguous digital product challenges, translating user needs into actionable design solutions.

• Collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and strategists, to deliver impactful and user-centric digital experiences.

• Utilize advanced proficiency in Figma and complex, tokenized design systems to create scalable, well-structured, and maintainable design files.

• Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills, capable of influencing and aligning senior stakeholders across diverse disciplines and varying levels of design maturity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for leadership in design thinking, autonomous execution, and significant stakeholder influence. The emphasis on "bridging the gap between UX and UI" and "end-to-end expertise" suggests a holistic approach to product design. The hybrid nature combined with specific office locations implies a structured work environment where in-office collaboration is expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for digital products and services, encompassing user research, experience definition, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Develop and refine user journeys, interaction models, and visual design elements, ensuring consistency, purpose, and a delightful user experience.

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

• Manage and influence senior stakeholders across various disciplines, challenging briefs and shaping product direction based on user-centric principles.

• Operate effectively in both Business As Usual (BAU) and retained delivery models, balancing pace, quality, and stakeholder management across multiple workstreams.

• Design and maintain complex, tokenized design systems, ensuring adherence to component architecture, variants, properties, and scalable design patterns.

• Ensure consistent and high-quality experiences across devices and platforms through a strong understanding of responsive design principles and behaviour logic.

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

• Champion accessibility standards, conversion principles, and user-centered design best practices throughout the design lifecycle.

• Adapt design approach across various clients, sectors, and problem spaces, quickly building domain understanding and aligning with different levels of design maturity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level expectation for autonomy, strategic influence, and end-to-end ownership. The mention of "BAU and retained delivery models" suggests a need for adaptability and efficiency in managing ongoing client engagements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and understanding of design principles is expected. Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred.

Experience: 5-10 years of proven experience in UX/UI and Product Design, with a significant portion in senior or lead roles.

Required Skills:

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

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

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

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

• Experience working with complex, tokenized design systems, including component architecture, variants, and scalable patterns.

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

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

• Ability to produce high-quality supporting design artifacts (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 and trade-offs.

Preferred Skills:

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

• Confidence operating in diverse client sectors and problem spaces, adapting to varying levels of design maturity.

• Experience working within Agile methodologies and cross-functional teams.

• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "advanced proficiency in Figma" and "complex, tokenized design systems" indicates a high technical bar for this role. The requirement for "end-to-end product designer" capability is crucial, meaning candidates must show a breadth of skills from strategy to pixel-perfect execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design case studies that demonstrate problem framing, user research, UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Highlight contributions to or creation of complex, tokenized design systems, detailing component architecture, variants, and scalability.

• Include examples of responsive design implementations across various devices and platforms.

• Present well-structured and organized design files (e.g., Figma prototypes, design system documentation) that illustrate scalability and collaboration readiness.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate user research and data into actionable design decisions and measurable outcomes.

• Feature work where you have influenced product direction or shaped opportunities beyond responding to briefs.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you approach and document design processes, from initial discovery and user research to final UI implementation and iteration.

• Provide examples of how you have utilized user research and data analytics to drive design decisions and measure impact.

• Illustrate your workflow for collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., product managers, engineers) and managing design handoffs.

• Demonstrate your understanding of agile methodologies and how you integrate design into iterative development cycles.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is critical for this role, and it must demonstrate a full spectrum of design capabilities, not just visual execution. The emphasis on design systems and end-to-end process is key. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process and rationale in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior level (5-10 years experience), hybrid work arrangement, and location in Porto, Portugal, the estimated annual salary range for a Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer would typically fall between €45,000 and €65,000 gross per year. This estimate is based on current market data for experienced design professionals in major Portuguese tech hubs, considering the cost of living and industry benchmarks for agencies of VML's caliber.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive training opportunities to support skill development and career growth.

• Medical insurance coverage.

• Dental insurance coverage.

• Meal cards to assist with daily expenses.

• Regular social events to foster team cohesion and networking.

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

• Discounts with hundreds of retailers, offering employee savings.

Working Hours: This is a full-time permanent position. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles in Portugal, with potential for some flexibility given the hybrid arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry standards for a senior role in Portugal. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for senior positions in international agencies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Experience, Commerce Solutions, Technology Consulting. VML Enterprise Solutions operates within the broader WPP network, a global leader in marketing and communications services.

Company Size: VML globally is powered by 26,000+ employees across 55+ markets. The Enterprise Solutions division alone comprises over 4,200 experts in 55 operational centers across 34 countries. This indicates a large, well-established, and globally distributed organization.

Founded: VML was founded in 2008 through the merger of WPP's digital agencies, VML and Y&R. WPP itself was founded in 1982. The Enterprise Solutions division leverages decades of experience in digital transformation and commerce.

Team Structure:

• The Operations team likely consists of a mix of strategic consultants, creative and technical architects, skilled developers, and operators.

• Reporting structures within a large agency like VML can vary, but a Senior Product Designer would typically report to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of Product Design.

Methodology:

• Data-driven approach, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile and iterative design and development processes to ensure flexibility and rapid delivery.

• Emphasis on human-centered design principles, ensuring solutions are intuitive, effective, and engaging for users.

• Strategic thinking to align design solutions with client business objectives and drive growth.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: VML's scale and integration within WPP suggest a professional, structured, yet dynamic environment. The Enterprise Solutions division's focus on commerce and digital experiences means designers will work on high-impact projects for major global brands. The company values emphasize connection, creativity, inclusion, and positivity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is explicitly Senior, indicating a mid-to-late career stage. It requires demonstrated leadership in design thinking, autonomous execution, and significant stakeholder influence. A Senior Product Designer is expected to mentor junior team members, lead design initiatives for complex projects, and contribute to the evolution of design processes and standards.

Reporting Structure: A Senior Product Designer typically reports to a Design Manager, Creative Director, or Head of Design. They will work within project-based teams, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the success of digital products and services by ensuring they are user-friendly, engaging, and effectively meet business objectives. By crafting exceptional user experiences, this role contributes to increased customer acquisition, engagement, conversion rates, and overall client satisfaction, directly influencing revenue and brand perception for VML's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, accessibility, UX research methodologies, or interaction design.

• Leadership: Progress into Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Creative Director roles, managing teams and strategic design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into related roles such as UX Strategist, Product Manager, or Design Operations.

• Client Engagement: Develop expertise in client management and strategic consulting within the agency context.

• Continuous Learning: Access to VML's training programs, workshops, and industry conferences to stay abreast of design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a significant level of autonomy and responsibility. Growth paths are well-defined, offering opportunities for both deep specialization and broader leadership within the agency structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with primary offices in Lisbon, Porto, or Faro. This suggests a modern office setup designed for collaboration, client meetings, and focused individual work.

Office Location(s): Lisbon, Porto, and Faro, Portugal. These are vibrant cities with strong tech and creative communities, offering excellent amenities and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to foster collaboration, with open plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated project spaces.

• Access to industry-standard design tools and technology (e.g., Figma, prototyping software) will be readily available.

• Opportunities for informal and formal interaction with design peers, project teams, and leadership will be abundant.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced and dynamic, reflecting the agency's work with high-profile clients.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration. This structure supports focused design sprints while ensuring essential in-person teamwork and client interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers flexibility. The specific office locations in Portugal are strategic, placing the role within key talent hubs. The expectation is for a professional, collaborative, and results-oriented agency environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where candidates present 2-3 key case studies from their portfolio, detailing their process, problem-solving approach, design decisions, and outcomes. This is where end-to-end design skills and stakeholder management capabilities are evaluated.

• Technical/Skills Interview: Discussion focused on specific design tools (especially Figma), design systems, responsive design, accessibility, and user research methodologies. This may involve scenario-based questions.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into problem-solving skills, leadership potential, collaboration style, and how the candidate would fit into the existing team structure and VML's culture.

• Final Interview (Optional): May involve a senior leader or client representative for high-level strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 diverse case studies that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Prioritize projects demonstrating leadership, complex challenges, and successful outcomes.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and approach, the design process (research, ideation, iteration), key decisions and trade-offs, and the final results/impact. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Highlight Figma & Design Systems: Explicitly demonstrate your advanced Figma skills and your experience with complex, tokenized design systems. Show how you structure files for scalability and collaboration.

• Showcase UX/UI Integration: Ensure your portfolio clearly illustrates how you bridge UX strategy with polished UI execution.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your rationale, challenges faced, how you handle feedback, and how you collaborate with stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges, which could involve a small design exercise or a more in-depth case study presented within a time limit.

• Practice articulating your design thinking process clearly and concisely.

• Focus on demonstrating how you would approach a problem, not necessarily delivering a pixel-perfect solution within a short timeframe.

• Be ready to discuss how you would incorporate user research, accessibility, and business goals into your solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is a critical stage. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their design process and rationale in detail, demonstrating both strategic thinking and technical execution. The emphasis on Figma and design systems is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency required for UI design, prototyping, collaboration, and design system management.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with Figma's prototyping features, and potentially others like InVision, Principle, or Adobe XD for advanced interactions.

• Design System Tools: Familiarity with tools and methodologies for building, maintaining, and scaling design systems (often managed within Figma).

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, or similar for gathering qualitative and quantitative user feedback.

• Analytics Dashboards: Familiarity with understanding data from tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or specific product analytics platforms to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design integrates with CRM, marketing automation platforms, and e-commerce platforms (e.g., Salesforce, Adobe Commerce Cloud, Shopify) is beneficial for context.

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a primary tool. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Familiarity with the broader MarTech/AdTech stack and e-commerce platforms provides context for how design contributes to business goals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Connect Meaningfully: Emphasizes building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and users through empathetic design and clear communication.

• Inspire Creatively: Fosters an environment where innovative ideas are encouraged, and pushing creative boundaries is valued.

• Include Purposefully: Promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and in the design solutions created, ensuring solutions are accessible and relevant to all users.

• Approach Positively: Encourages a proactive, solution-oriented mindset, tackling challenges with enthusiasm and a collaborative spirit.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working in cross-functional teams with product managers, engineers, strategists, and researchers.

• Open communication and feedback loops are encouraged, with a focus on constructive criticism to elevate design quality.

• Emphasis on shared ownership of product success, with designers playing a key role in strategic decision-making.

• A culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing, where best practices and new techniques are regularly discussed and adopted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values are clearly stated and provide insight into the expected behaviors and mindset of employees. Designers are expected to be collaborative, creative, inclusive, and positive problem-solvers.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguous Requirements: Working in fast-paced, complex environments often means dealing with evolving or incomplete requirements, demanding strong problem-framing skills and the ability to seek clarity.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Influencing and aligning senior stakeholders with diverse perspectives and priorities can be challenging, requiring strong communication, negotiation, and strategic reasoning skills.

• Balancing Pace and Quality: Operating within BAU and retained delivery models requires efficiently managing multiple workstreams while maintaining high design quality and attention to detail.

• Adapting to Diverse Contexts: Quickly adapting design approaches to different clients, sectors, and levels of design maturity requires flexibility, domain learning agility, and a broad toolkit of methods.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Mastery: Opportunities to become a subject matter expert in design systems, contributing to their evolution and governance.

• Leadership Development: Pathways to lead design projects, mentor junior designers, and take on more strategic leadership roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Learning from and collaborating with experts in strategy, technology, data analytics, and other areas within VML and WPP.

• Industry Trends & Technology: Access to training, workshops, and conferences to stay current with emerging design trends, tools, and best practices in UX/UI and product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in agency environments, emphasizing the need for strong soft skills alongside technical expertise. The growth opportunities are robust, reflecting VML's commitment to employee development.

💡 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?"

• "How do you approach influencing and aligning senior stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities regarding design? Provide a specific example."

• "Walk us through a situation where you had to work with ambiguous or evolving requirements. How did you ensure progress and maintain design quality?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do VML's values (Connect Meaningfully, Inspire Creatively, Include Purposefully, Approach Positively) resonate with your own professional approach?"

• "Describe your experience working within a hybrid environment and collaborating with distributed teams. How do you ensure effective communication and teamwork?"

• "What interests you most about VML Enterprise Solutions and our work with major brands in the commerce and digital experience space?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. For each case study, clearly state the client/project, the problem, your role, the objective, your process, key decisions, challenges, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight End-to-End: Explicitly show your progression from UX strategy and user flows to high-fidelity UI and interaction details.

• Showcase Figma & Design Systems: Use live Figma examples or well-documented screenshots to demonstrate your mastery of the tool and your expertise with tokenized design systems. Explain your file organization and collaborative workflows.

• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to defend your design decisions by explaining the underlying rationale, supported by user research, data, or design principles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and a deep understanding of the end-to-end design process, with specific emphasis on Figma and design systems.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior UX/UI Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 strong case studies that best exemplify your end-to-end design process, advanced Figma proficiency, and experience with complex design systems. Quantify outcomes wherever possible.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5-10 years of relevant experience, focusing on senior-level responsibilities, leadership, stakeholder management, and specific achievements in UX/UI and product design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and impact for your selected portfolio case studies. Prepare specific examples to answer behavioral and situational questions related to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and autonomy.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, client portfolio, and company values. Understand the Enterprise Solutions division's focus on commerce and digital experiences. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers.

⚠️ 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.