Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior UX/UI (Product) Designer

Company: VML

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design Operations

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for digital products, encompassing discovery, user journey definition, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Drive user-centric design solutions that enhance engagement and conversion rates for a diverse portfolio of client projects.

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

• Champion design thinking methodologies and problem-solving approaches to shape product direction and address complex user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Product Design Operations" context due to its focus on end-to-end design leadership, systemization (design systems, tokenization), and collaboration with technical and strategic teams, which are critical for operationalizing design at scale within a large agency environment like VML.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of digital products and services from initial concept through to polished UI execution, ensuring a seamless transition across all design phases.

• Develop and refine user journeys, interaction models, and visual designs, paying meticulous attention to micro-interactions and component behavior for consistency and purpose.

• Lead design thinking and problem-solving for complex, ambiguous problem spaces, translating user research and data into actionable design strategies.

• Manage and influence senior stakeholders across various disciplines by effectively framing problems, defining opportunities, and shaping product direction.

• Operate autonomously in fast-paced, dynamic environments, often with evolving requirements, while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.

• Work across a variety of clients, sectors, and design maturity levels, adapting approaches to meet diverse stakeholder expectations and project needs.

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

• Ensure deep understanding and application of accessibility standards, conversion principles, and user-centered design best practices throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution, requiring not just execution but also strategic influence, problem framing, and autonomous leadership within complex project environments, typical of senior roles in large creative agencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. A strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience is often accepted in lieu of formal education.

Experience: 5-10 years of proven experience in product design, with a significant focus on both UX strategy and high-fidelity UI execution within agency or client-side product development environments.

Required Skills:

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

• Deep understanding and experience with complex, tokenized design systems, including component architecture, variants, and properties.

• Proven ability to operate as a true end-to-end product designer, seamlessly bridging UX strategy, interaction design, and high-fidelity UI execution.

• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge, influence, and align senior leaders across different departments.

• Expertise in translating user research and data into actionable insights to drive informed design decisions.

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

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

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

• Ability to produce high-quality supporting design artifacts such as prototypes, presentations, and visual assets.

• Deep understanding of accessibility standards, conversion principles, and user-centered design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in leading design within complex, fast-paced environments with evolving requirements.

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

• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Experience with user research methodologies and synthesis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, tokenized design systems, and end-to-end design capabilities points to a need for a highly skilled practitioner capable of operationalizing design within a structured, scaled environment. The requirement to "shape product direction" indicates a strategic component beyond pure execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end design process examples, from initial user research and problem definition through to high-fidelity UI and interaction design.

• Showcase experience with complex, tokenized design systems, illustrating how components were designed, documented, and implemented across projects.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to frame problems, define opportunities, and shape product direction, rather than just responding to briefs.

• Present examples of how you've translated user research and data into actionable insights that influenced design decisions and improved outcomes.

• Feature projects where you managed senior stakeholders, articulating design rationale, trade-offs, and recommendations effectively.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to defining and documenting user flows, interaction models, and visual design specifications for clear handover to development teams.

• Provide examples of how you ensure consistency and scalability by leveraging and contributing to design systems and component libraries.

• Showcase your methods for incorporating accessibility standards and conversion principles into the design process from the outset.

• Demonstrate how you measure the impact of design decisions, referencing user feedback, data analytics, or conversion metrics where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, not only to showcase design skills but also to demonstrate strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and the ability to operationalize design through robust systems and processes. The focus on "shaping product direction" and "framing problems" means the portfolio should highlight proactive contributions beyond reactive design tasks.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Lisbon, Portugal, an estimated annual salary range would be between €40,000 and €65,000. This range accounts for the senior level, the specific skill set required (Figma, design systems), and the cost of living in Lisbon, which is moderate compared to other major European tech hubs.

Benefits:

• Training Opportunities: Access to continuous learning and skill development programs to enhance expertise in product design and related fields.

• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for employees.

• Dental Insurance: Specialized coverage for dental care.

• Meal Cards: Provided to assist with daily meal expenses.

• Social Events: Opportunities for team building and networking through company-organized events.

• Family Friendly Policies: Supportive policies designed to help employees balance work and family life.

• Retailer Discounts: Access to discounts with a wide range of retailers, offering cost savings on various goods and services.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week. The role is hybrid, with an expectation of being in the office an average of four days per week, allowing for flexibility on one day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior UX/UI designers in Lisbon, Portugal, considering industry benchmarks and the specific requirements of the role. Benefits are directly extracted from the provided text. The hybrid work arrangement is detailed, specifying the expected office days.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marketing & Advertising, Digital Transformation, Enterprise Solutions. VML operates within the broader WPP network, a global leader in marketing and communications services. Their Enterprise Solutions division focuses on helping large organizations deliver exceptional digital experiences across various market channels.

Company Size: VML is a large, global organization with over 26,000 employees across 55+ markets. This scale means opportunities for diverse project exposure, international collaboration, and career progression within a well-established framework.

Founded: VML was founded in 1992 and has since grown into a significant player in the creative and digital services industry, now part of WPP. This history suggests a company with established processes, a strong client base, and a mature approach to service delivery.

Team Structure:

• The Enterprise Solutions division is a key part of VML, housing specialists in strategic consulting, creative and technical architecture, development, and operations.

• This role will likely report into a Design Lead or Head of Design within the Enterprise Solutions division, working closely with Product Managers, Developers, and Strategists.

Methodology:

• VML emphasizes a data-driven approach, using analytics and user research to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Workflow planning and optimization are critical, especially within the Enterprise Solutions context, where efficiency and scalability are paramount for large-scale client projects.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely integrated into design workflows, particularly through the use of robust design systems and collaborative tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights VML's significant global presence and its focus on enterprise solutions, which implies working on large-scale, complex projects for established brands. The emphasis on a hybrid approach and core values of Heart, Brains, and Courage suggests a culture that values both collaboration and individual initiative.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of autonomy, strategic contribution, and leadership within design projects. Senior designers are expected to mentor junior team members, influence project direction, and manage complex design challenges independently.

Reporting Structure: The role is likely to report to a Design Lead or Director within the Enterprise Solutions division. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, Developers, Account Managers, and other cross-functional team members.

Operations Impact: As a Senior Product Designer, your impact will be measured by the quality and effectiveness of the digital experiences you design, directly influencing client engagement, conversion rates, and overall business growth for VML's clients. This includes driving innovation in design solutions and contributing to the operational efficiency of the design process through robust systems and practices.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of product design, such as design systems, accessibility, or UX research, and potentially move into Lead Designer or Design Manager roles.

• Client & Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of high-profile clients and challenging projects across different industries, broadening your industry knowledge and design adaptability.

• Skill Development: Access to VML's training opportunities and a culture that encourages continuous learning can foster growth in new technologies, methodologies, and leadership skills.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of VML's design talent pool.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around career progression within a large agency structure, emphasizing specialization, leadership, and continuous learning, which are key drivers for senior operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: VML operates a hybrid work model, with teams expected to be in the office an average of four days a week. This suggests a blend of collaborative in-office work and focused remote work. The offices in Lisbon, Porto, and Faro provide options for location.

Office Location(s): Lisbon, Porto, or Faro offices in Portugal. These locations offer access to vibrant professional communities and potential for networking.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model fosters a collaborative environment where in-office days are likely dedicated to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative design sprints.

• Access to VML's design tools and technology stack, including advanced Figma capabilities and potentially other collaboration software, will be standard.

• Opportunities for interaction with a diverse range of professionals—designers, strategists, developers, account managers—facilitate knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approximately 40 hours per week) with a hybrid arrangement. The specific office days can be discussed, offering some flexibility to balance project needs with personal preferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is emphasized, with specific guidance on expected office days, indicating a structured approach to balancing remote and in-office collaboration within VML's operational framework.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit your CV in English.

• Portfolio Review: Expect a thorough review of your portfolio, focusing on end-to-end design process, stakeholder management, design system expertise, and problem-framing capabilities.

• Initial Screening: Likely a call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or complete a design challenge that demonstrates your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and proficiency in Figma.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with potential team members and senior design leadership to assess collaboration style, technical skills, and strategic approach.

• Final Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with VML's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate 3-5 of your strongest projects that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, from discovery to execution.

• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, and the impact of your design solutions.

• Highlight examples where you influenced product direction, managed complex stakeholder relationships, and leveraged design systems effectively.

• Be prepared to discuss your decision-making process, design trade-offs, and how you incorporated user research and data.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly and asking clarifying questions.

• Structure your approach logically, outlining your assumptions, research methods, design directions, and rationale.

• Be prepared to present your solution clearly and concisely, articulating your thought process and design choices.

• Demonstrate your proficiency with Figma for prototyping and UI execution.

• Consider how your solution aligns with business objectives and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes practical demonstration of skills through a portfolio and potential design challenges, requiring candidates to showcase strategic thinking and operational execution in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is a core requirement for creating scalable, well-structured design files, prototyping, and collaborative workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial for specific project needs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Design Systems & Component Libraries:

• Experience working with and contributing to complex, tokenized design systems is crucial. This implies understanding component architecture, variants, properties, and scalable design patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as a primary tool. The emphasis on design systems and tokenization points to a need for designers who can contribute to and leverage scalable design infrastructure, which is key for operational efficiency in a large agency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Heart: Fostering empathy, trust, and genuine connections. This translates to collaborative relationships with colleagues and a user-centric approach that prioritizes human needs.

• Brains: Valuing relentless curiosity and collaborative intelligence to solve complex challenges. This means embracing innovation, critical thinking, and a data-informed approach to design.

• Courage: Inspiring individuals to speak up, embrace experimentation, and advocate for bold solutions. This encourages proactive contributions, challenging the status quo, and pushing creative boundaries.

• Impact-Driven: The company culture is geared towards individuals who are motivated to make a difference and drive growth for clients, with an emphasis on measurable outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designs are developed in close partnership with product managers, developers, strategists, and client stakeholders, ensuring alignment and shared ownership.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages open feedback and iterative improvement of design processes and outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Emphasis on sharing expertise, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) provide insight into the expected behaviors and mindset of employees, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and proactive problem-solving, all within a framework aimed at delivering impactful results for clients.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working effectively with incomplete or evolving requirements in fast-paced client environments, requiring strong problem-framing and adaptability.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Influencing and gaining buy-in from senior stakeholders across diverse disciplines, often requiring strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Balancing Pace and Quality: Delivering high-quality design outcomes within tight deadlines and multiple workstreams, common in agency retained delivery models.

• Adapting to Diverse Contexts: Quickly understanding new domains and adapting design approaches to different levels of design maturity and client expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Continuous learning through training opportunities on new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining experience with a wide array of clients and industries, broadening professional expertise and market understanding.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on more responsibility, mentor junior designers, and potentially move into leadership roles within VML's design teams.

• Networking: Engaging with a global network of professionals within VML and WPP, fostering professional relationships and knowledge exchange.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the dynamic and demanding nature of agency work, while the growth opportunities focus on continuous skill development, career progression, and broad industry exposure, typical for senior roles in large, global organizations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to frame a complex problem or define an opportunity that wasn't explicitly given to you. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-framing, opportunity definition, and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you manage and influence senior stakeholders who may have differing opinions or priorities? Provide an example of a challenging stakeholder interaction and how you navigated it." (Focus on stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of VML and WPP, how do you see our core values – Heart, Brains, and Courage – influencing the work of a Senior Product Designer?" (Focus on cultural alignment and understanding of company values.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team, especially when working in a hybrid environment?" (Focus on collaboration style and adaptability.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations as compelling narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, challenges, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Process Depth: Showcase your methodology, emphasizing how you translated research into actionable insights and leveraged design systems for scalability and consistency.

• Strategic Rationale: Be prepared to articulate the why behind your design choices, demonstrating critical thinking and strategic alignment with business goals.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate specific Figma techniques if asked, such as advanced component setup, prototyping, or collaboration features.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time, presenting your most impactful projects effectively and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and operational execution of design principles, aligning with the senior nature of the role and VML's emphasis on impact and collaboration.

📌 Application Steps

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

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating end-to-end design leadership, complex design system experience, stakeholder management, and problem-framing capabilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your CV is in English and clearly outlines your 5-10 years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities that align with the required skills and qualifications.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic rationale, and problem-solving approaches using specific examples from your portfolio, especially for potential case study presentations.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with VML's work, client portfolio, and core values (Heart, Brains, Courage) to articulate your cultural fit and understand their approach to client solutions.

⚠️ 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.

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