Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: DEPT®

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-12

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (Estimated 5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the aesthetic and motion design for high-profile digital campaigns, e-commerce platforms, and interactive content.

• Drive conceptualization, prototyping, and execution of high-fidelity visual designs and art direction.

• Collaborate closely with UX designers to ensure seamless integration of brand storytelling and user journeys.

• Present creative concepts and articulate design decisions directly to client stakeholders.

• Proactively integrate AI-enabled creative tools and advanced workflows into design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Visual Designer, implying a need for a strong portfolio demonstrating advanced visual craft, independent project ownership, and client-facing capabilities. The hybrid nature suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the visual design and art direction for major digital campaigns, flagship e-commerce platforms, and content-driven experiences.

• Take ownership of the motion design strategy for projects, creating short-form video, dynamic social content, and animated assets.

• Develop interactive prototypes to effectively map out campaign flows, content hierarchies, and user interactions prior to production.

• Partner with UX Designers to ensure cohesive brand storytelling and functional, seamless user journeys.

• Confidently present and defend creative concepts and design rationale to client stakeholders.

• Interpret and apply client brand guidelines, understanding when to adhere to them and when to strategically push creative boundaries.

• Actively explore and implement AI-powered creative tools and cutting-edge workflows to enhance design output.

• Ensure the final delivery of design assets meets the highest standards of both aesthetic quality and implementation readiness.

• Contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment that values innovation and pragmatic execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of independent creative leadership, technical execution (motion, prototyping), and client interaction, typical for a senior role in a client-facing agency. The mention of "digital grit" and "pragmatic agency matrix" suggests a need for resilience and adaptability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Visual Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Proven experience as a Senior Visual Designer, Digital Art Director, or a hybrid UI/Motion Designer, ideally within a fast-paced agency environment.

Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in visual design execution, with a meticulous eye for modern typography, layout, and digital aesthetic.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a high degree of visual craft and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated capability in motion design, including short-form video, animation, and interactive digital assets.

• Hands-on experience creating interactive prototypes using industry-standard tools such as Figma.

• Solid understanding of digital content mapping and how assets connect across paid media, CRM, and web experiences.

• Ability to present and articulate creative concepts effectively to client stakeholders.

• Proficiency in navigating and applying client brand guidelines.

• Experience with AI-enabled creative tools and modern design workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with varying tiers of digital campaign assets (T1–T4) and their strategic role in the customer journey.

• Experience working with large or ambitious client accounts.

• Understanding of broader customer journey mapping and its impact on design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "elite portfolio" and "deep visual design execution" indicates that practical experience and a strong body of work are paramount. The mention of specific tools like Figma and AI creative tools points to the need for up-to-date technical proficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio that clearly demonstrates a high level of visual design execution, including meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, and overall digital craft.

• Specific case studies showcasing your ability to lead and execute visual design and art direction for digital campaigns, e-commerce platforms, or interactive content.

• Examples of motion design work, such as short-form video, dynamic social content, or animated assets, that bring static designs to life.

• Interactive prototypes demonstrating your ability to map out campaign flows, content hierarchies, and user interactions.

• Projects that illustrate your understanding of digital content mapping and how creative assets integrate across different channels (paid media, CRM, web). Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have conceptualized, prototyped, and executed high-fidelity work independently.

• Demonstrations of your collaboration process with UX designers to ensure brand storytelling and user journeys are aligned.

• Case studies that highlight your experience presenting and articulating creative concepts directly to client stakeholders.

• Evidence of your ability to work within and strategically push client brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of advanced visual craft, motion design skills, and client-facing capabilities. The emphasis on process within the portfolio suggests a need to showcase not just the final output but also the journey and strategic thinking behind it.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Visual Designers in Amsterdam with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual gross salary range is €55,000 - €75,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid working policy (2-3 days in office).

• Opportunity to work from abroad for 13 weeks per year.

• 24 vacation days per year.

• Possibility to buy an unlimited number of extra vacation days.

• Access to DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs for skill development.

• Contribution to health and well-being through the OpenUp platform.

• Gym and wellness discounts.

• Healthy lunches provided at the office.

• Discount on lease bikes.

• NS Business Card for hassle-free commutes.

• Participation in a Certified B Corp® and "Great Place To Work" certified company.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid policy and opportunities to work abroad.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical compensation for senior design roles in major European tech hubs like Amsterdam. The benefits package is extensive, highlighting DEPT®'s commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Agency / Technology / Marketing. DEPT® operates at the intersection of technology and marketing, positioning itself as a "Growth Invention" company.

Company Size: 4,000+ specialists globally. This indicates a large, established, yet agile organization with diverse expertise.

Founded: DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021, suggesting a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices. The company culture is described as running on values of "better together," "relentlessly curious," and "get sh*t done."

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the "Experience & Engineering" team based in the Netherlands.

• This team combines technical solution development with design expertise to create digital experiences.

• Collaboration is expected with other talented designers, Design Leads, and cross-functional teams.

• The agency operates in a matrix structure, implying cross-project and cross-functional team engagement. Methodology:

• Focus on "Growth Invention" – pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further.

• Emphasis on combining technology and marketing expertise for client growth.

• Data-driven approaches are implied through the "Technology & Data" specialty.

• Agile and pragmatic execution in a fast-moving environment.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DEPT®'s culture appears to be dynamic, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on impact and sustainability. The "Growth Invention" and "Growth Faster" ethos suggests a results-oriented environment where proactive problem-solving and strategic thinking are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Visual Designer role, indicating a position of significant creative responsibility and autonomy. It requires a blend of elite visual craft, motion design capability, and client-facing leadership. This level typically involves mentoring junior designers and influencing project aesthetics.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, Senior Designers often report to a Design Lead or Creative Director. Collaboration will be with UX Designers and potentially project managers and account teams.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct on client success through the creation of exceptional digital experiences that build lasting relationships. Visual design and art direction are critical for brand perception, user engagement, and ultimately, client business growth. The role contributes to the agency's reputation for delivering high-quality creative work.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in visual design, motion graphics, and AI-driven creative tools. Potential to specialize further within digital campaign design, e-commerce, or interactive content.

• Leadership: Opportunity to act as a creative lead on ambitious accounts, mentor junior designers, and influence design direction.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into Art Director, Design Lead, or Creative Director roles within DEPT®.

• Learning & Development: Access to the DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and Special Programs provides structured opportunities for skill enhancement and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a career path that involves not only execution but also leadership and strategic input. Growth opportunities are likely tied to taking on more complex projects, client leadership, and potentially team management within the design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model, with employees expected to be in the office 2-3 days per week. This suggests a blend of collaborative in-office work and focused remote work.

Office Location(s): Amsterdam, Netherlands. The office environment likely fosters collaboration among creative and technical specialists.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to facilitate collaboration among a diverse team of 4,000+ specialists.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology is expected.

• Opportunities for interaction with talented designers and other agency professionals.

• The "healthy lunches" and wellness discounts suggest an environment that prioritizes employee well-being.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (estimated 40 hours/week) with inherent flexibility due to the hybrid policy and the option to work abroad for extended periods. This allows for effective management of creative processes and data analysis while maintaining work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup and emphasis on collaboration indicate a modern work environment that balances individual focus with team synergy. The company's commitment to well-being and professional development suggests a supportive atmosphere for its employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess alignment with required skills and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design rationale, and their approach to visual design, motion, and prototyping. This is a critical stage for demonstrating senior-level thinking and craft.

• Creative Challenge/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or discuss a hypothetical client brief to assess problem-solving skills, creative thinking, and ability to apply DEPT®'s methodologies.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Design Leads, potential collaborators (UX designers), and possibly client-facing managers to evaluate cultural fit, communication style, and ability to work within a matrix environment.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm mutual interest.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize work that demonstrates elite visual craft, motion design, prototyping, and client-facing experience.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your process (including conceptualization, design decisions, and use of AI tools), and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight Motion & Interaction: Ensure your motion design examples are well-executed and clearly demonstrate your capability. For prototypes, focus on flow and user interaction.

• Showcase Brand Dexterity: Include examples where you've successfully navigated and innovated within client brand guidelines.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you approach client feedback, your experience with AI tools, and how you ensure quality in final delivery.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand DEPT®'s DNA: Research DEPT®'s values (better together, relentlessly curious, get sh*t done), their "Growth Invention" approach, and their client work.

• Focus on Visual Craft & Motion: Anticipate design challenges that require strong visual execution and creative motion solutions.

• Client-Centric Thinking: Prepare to demonstrate how your design solutions drive client business goals and enhance customer journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily relies on the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their creative process, strategic thinking, and client management skills. Expect a deep dive into your past work and a practical assessment of your design capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects are essential).

• Prototyping & UI Design: Figma is explicitly mentioned and is a primary tool for collaborative design and prototyping.

• Motion Design: After Effects for animation and short-form video.

• AI Creative Tools: Candidates are expected to be familiar with and actively integrate AI-enabled creative tools (e.g., Generative AI for ideation, image creation, or workflow optimization).

Analytics & Reporting: While not primary tools for a visual designer, an understanding of how design impacts analytics and reporting metrics (e.g., engagement rates, conversion rates) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or platform-specific analytics might be useful for understanding performance.

CRM & Automation: Understanding of how visual assets are deployed within CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., for email campaigns, social media) is a plus, particularly in relation to digital content mapping.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma and Adobe Creative Suite (with a strong emphasis on After Effects for motion), is non-negotiable. The explicit mention of AI tools signifies a forward-looking requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Together: Emphasis on collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support across design and engineering teams.

• Relentlessly Curious: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies (like AI), and creative approaches, fostering continuous learning and innovation.

• Get Sh*t Done: A pragmatic, action-oriented approach to project execution, delivering results efficiently and effectively in a fast-paced agency environment.

• Growth Invention: A core philosophy centered on helping ambitious brands grow faster through pioneering ideas and bold execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with UX designers to ensure a cohesive brand and user experience.

• Client-Facing Partnership: Confidently presenting and working directly with client stakeholders, acting as a trusted creative partner.

• Team Engagement: Sharing ideas, feedback, and wins within the design team and broader agency matrix.

• Pragmatic & Agile: Working effectively in a fast-moving environment, adapting to project needs and client feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at DEPT® values a blend of creative excellence, technical innovation, collaborative spirit, and a strong bias for action. Candidates should demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Client Constraints: Navigating client brand guidelines while pushing creative boundaries to deliver exceptional and impactful designs.

• Rapidly Evolving Technology: Staying current with and effectively integrating new AI creative tools and design workflows into daily practice.

• Fast-Paced Agency Environment: Thriving in a dynamic, matrixed agency setting that requires adaptability, speed, and pragmatic execution.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Ensuring seamless integration of visual design and motion with UX and engineering, particularly on complex digital platforms.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in visual design, motion graphics, interactive prototyping, and AI-driven creative techniques.

• Exposure to Diverse Clients & Projects: Working with a wide range of ambitious brands across various industries, tackling diverse design challenges.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers and take on creative leadership roles within projects.

• Formal Learning Programs: Access to DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs for structured courses and skill development.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of digital design trends, AI integration, and innovative campaign strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex creative challenges and embracing new technologies within a supportive and innovative agency environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to push back on a client's design direction while maintaining a positive relationship. How did you present your alternative concept?" (Assesses client management, articulation of design rationale, and strategic thinking).

• "How do you approach integrating AI tools into your visual design workflow? Can you provide an example of how AI has enhanced a project for you?" (Evaluates understanding and application of AI in design).

• "Walk us through a project where you were responsible for both visual design and motion. What was your process for ensuring they worked cohesively?" (Tests dual-skill execution and process management). Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our values of 'better together,' 'relentlessly curious,' and 'get sh*t done,' how do you see yourself contributing to the DEPT® culture?" (Assesses cultural fit and self-awareness).

• "How do you stay curious and keep up with the latest trends in visual design and digital technology?" (Explores proactive learning and industry engagement).

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and productivity?" (Evaluates adaptability to work model). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the strategic approach, the creative solutions (visuals, motion, interaction), and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Your Seniority: Emphasize your leadership in conceptualization, art direction, and client communication. Showcase your ability to own projects from start to finish.

• Demonstrate Visual Mastery: Ensure your visual examples are impeccably executed. Be prepared to discuss your choices in typography, color, layout, and composition.

• Showcase Motion Expertise: Present your motion work clearly, explaining the purpose and execution of animations and video assets.

• Explain Your Process: Be ready to discuss your use of tools (especially Figma and AI), how you collaborate with UX, and how you interpret brand guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only strong visual and motion design skills but also strategic thinking, client-facing confidence, and a cultural alignment with DEPT®'s values and "Growth Invention" mindset.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating elite visual craft, motion design, interactive prototyping, and experience with client-facing roles. Prioritize case studies that align with DEPT®'s focus on digital campaigns, e-commerce, and interactive experiences.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in fast-paced agency environments, specific design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, After Effects), and any experience with AI-enabled creative tools. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your strategic approach, design decisions, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your understanding of DEPT®'s culture and values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research DEPT®'s website, recent projects, client work, and their stated values and mission. Understand their "Growth Invention" philosophy and how your skills can contribute to client success.

⚠️ 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.