Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Kettle

Location: San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; Austin, TX

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Visual Design, Digital Design, Creative Operations

Date Posted: September 11, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (Onsite 5 days/week for project durations, remote otherwise)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and execute end-to-end digital website projects for a leading creative tech client, focusing on creating world-class digital experiences.

• Translate creative concepts, product stories, and copy into thoughtful, beautifully crafted digital designs across various screens and contexts.

• Own design work from initial exploration through final execution, ensuring high craft and attention to detail.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Visual Designers, Art Directors, UX, Copy, Motion, Production, and client stakeholders.

• Mentor and guide less experienced designers, contributing to the overall quality and consistency of the design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a creative agency (Kettle) but operates in an "embedded" capacity for a significant client. This implies a need for adaptability to client environments and a strong understanding of client-specific brand guidelines and business objectives, in addition to agency-level creative excellence. The hybrid nature, with mandatory onsite periods, requires candidates to be comfortable with both remote and in-office collaboration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design differentiating, modern, on-brand visual solutions for digital websites, ensuring they meet client challenges and offer unique value.

• Develop clear and compelling digital experiences by translating creative concepts, product narratives, and written content into visual designs.

• Confidently utilize and contribute to established design systems and component libraries, discerning when to leverage existing patterns and when to innovate.

• Effectively communicate and present design solutions, articulate web interaction rationale, and engage with both internal teams and client representatives.

• Stay abreast of the latest design best practices, emerging technologies, and creative tools, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance design and user experience.

• Partner closely with Art Directors and Copywriters to ensure a cohesive creative vision across all deliverables, fostering an integrated approach to design.

• Maintain a consistent level of quality and brand tone across all project outputs, from initial concept exploration to final build-ready assets.

• Actively seek and incorporate constructive feedback, integrating diverse perspectives while contributing a strong individual point of view.

• Provide support and mentorship to junior designers, sharing expertise and elevating the overall design quality within the team.

• Demonstrate strong individual contribution while seamlessly integrating into and supporting the broader team dynamic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of individual design execution and team leadership/mentorship, typical for a Senior role. The requirement to "translate creative concepts, product stories, and copy" highlights the need for strong narrative understanding and the ability to visually represent complex information, a key skill in GTM and digital product design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Interaction Design, or a related field is preferred but not strictly required if compensated by extensive experience and a strong portfolio.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional digital design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to website design and digital experiences, preferably within an agency setting or for a prominent in-house creative team.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in Figma and Sketch for UI/UX design, including proficiency in creating and managing components and variants.

• Mastery of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for asset creation, manipulation, and visual refinement.

• Proficiency in Keynote for creating compelling presentations and design walkthroughs.

• Deep understanding of design systems and component libraries, including their creation, maintenance, and application.

• Proven ability to create modern, thoughtful visual design for digital experiences, showcasing a high level of craft and attention to detail.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate design decisions and present work effectively to diverse audiences.

• Excellent collaboration skills, with a track record of partnering effectively with Art Direction, UX, Copywriting, Motion Design, Production, and client teams.

• A proactive and optimistic attitude, with a genuine passion for creating high-quality work and fostering positive team dynamics. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion design tools (e.g., After Effects) for creating dynamic digital elements.

• Familiarity with prototyping tools beyond Figma/Sketch (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie).

• Experience working with or within established design systems for large-scale digital products.

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

• Experience in a client-facing or embedded role within a creative agency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and Sketch mastery, alongside design systems and component libraries, points towards a role heavily focused on scalable and maintainable digital product design. The "creative tech company" client suggests a need for design that is both aesthetically advanced and functional, aligning with modern digital product development practices.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of digital design work, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end website and digital experience projects.

• Demonstrate modern, thoughtful visual design across a range of digital interfaces, highlighting a high level of craft and meticulous attention to detail.

• Include case studies that detail the design process from initial concept and strategy through to final execution and implementation.

• Showcase examples of working within or contributing to design systems and component libraries, illustrating proficiency in scalable design.

• Present work that reflects an understanding of user experience principles and the ability to translate product stories and copy into compelling visual narratives. Process Documentation:

• Provide detailed case studies that outline the design process employed for key projects, including ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and final asset delivery.

• Illustrate how workflow optimization was achieved through design solutions, detailing any improvements in user journeys or interface efficiency.

• Demonstrate the application of design systems and component libraries in your work, explaining how they ensured consistency and scalability.

• Include examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (UX, Copy, Dev) and how design decisions were communicated and justified.

• Showcase the ability to receive and incorporate feedback, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to refining designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Visual Designer role, particularly one involving embedded client work and design systems, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also process, collaboration, and the ability to deliver scalable, high-quality digital experiences within established frameworks. The emphasis on "end-to-end" implies a need to show ownership from concept to completion.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The target range for this role is $85,000 - $110,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with potential company match.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to training, workshops, and conferences relevant to design and operations.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit sharing.

• Flexible work arrangements, with remote work available outside of required onsite project periods.

Working Hours: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. Flexibility may be available depending on project needs and team collaboration schedules, particularly during remote work periods. Onsite project phases will require adherence to specific on-site hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided ($85k-$110k USD) is a base compensation estimate. Actual compensation will depend on factors such as experience level, specific skills, location within the listed cities, and the candidate's fit for the role. San Francisco and Los Angeles typically command higher salaries within this range due to cost of living and market demand compared to Portland and Austin, though all are competitive tech hubs. Benefits are standard for a full-time role in the US tech/creative industry.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The company operates within the Creative Services and Technology sectors, providing design and production services to clients, particularly in the tech industry. Kettle positions itself as a team of "passionate, fearless creatives."

Company Size: While not explicitly stated for Kettle, the description implies a mid-to-large agency structure capable of handling significant client engagements like the one described. The embedded nature suggests a client that is likely a large creative tech company.

Founded: Information not provided, but the company operates with a modern agency model focused on digital product design.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a design team working on a specific client account. This team likely includes other Visual Designers, Art Directors, UX Designers, Copywriters, and potentially Motion Designers and Production Specialists.

• The Senior Visual Designer will report to an Art Director or Design Lead for the client account and will be responsible for mentoring less experienced designers on the team.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core aspect, with deep partnerships expected across creative disciplines, UX, production, and directly with the client's internal teams. Methodology:

• Kettle emphasizes delivering "great products" and redefining "best-practices," suggesting a focus on innovative and high-quality output.

• The "embedded role" implies a methodology that integrates seamlessly with client processes and workflows, prioritizing efficiency and client satisfaction.

• A strong focus on conceptual digital design and detailed execution indicates a process that balances creative ideation with meticulous craft.

Company Website: kettlebrand.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely fast-paced and client-centric, with a strong emphasis on creative excellence and collaborative problem-solving. The "embedded" nature requires adaptability and a client-first mindset, while the agency background ensures a high standard of creative output and process rigor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Visual Designer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position within the design hierarchy. It requires not only strong individual contributor skills but also the ability to lead, mentor, and influence design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual Designer will report to a Design Lead or Art Director overseeing the client account. They will also be responsible for mentoring junior designers, suggesting a dotted-line leadership responsibility. Collaboration will be extensive with various departments and the client.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" role, this position significantly impacts the client's digital presence and product perception, which in turn drives user engagement, conversion rates, and brand loyalty. High-quality visual design is critical for a "creative tech company" to effectively communicate its value proposition and user experience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to advance to Art Director or Design Lead roles, managing larger projects or teams, and taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like UI/UX for complex digital products, design systems, or even emerging technologies within digital design.

• Client Relationship Management: Developing strong client relationships can lead to opportunities for more senior embedded roles or managing key client accounts.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in new design tools, methodologies, and industry trends, supported by the agency's commitment to best practices.

• Mentorship Experience: Gaining experience in mentoring and team leadership, which is crucial for future management roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Senior Visual Designer in this context is tied to both creative excellence and leadership capability. The embedded nature offers unique exposure to client-side operations and strategic decision-making, which can accelerate career progression beyond a typical agency role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role involves a hybrid work model. Candidates must be prepared for 5-day per week onsite presence for specific project durations (2-3 months at a time) at the client's location. Outside of these intensive project phases, the team operates remotely. This suggests a flexible but sometimes demanding onsite requirement.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates in San Francisco, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; and Austin, TX. The onsite requirement would be at the client's location, likely in the Bay Area given the description.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic, collaborative workspace, especially during onsite project phases, requiring close interaction with diverse teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard creative software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite) is essential. The client's tech stack might also influence the tools and platforms used.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with Art Directors, UX Designers, Copywriters, and client stakeholders, fostering a rich learning and exchange environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is anticipated. However, project-driven onsite phases may require more intensive workdays to meet critical deadlines. Remote periods offer more flexibility in managing work hours, provided deliverables are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with mandatory onsite phases is a critical detail. Candidates must be prepared for periods of intensive, in-person collaboration, potentially involving travel to the client's primary location (likely Bay Area). This model balances the flexibility of remote work with the benefits of in-person collaboration for critical project stages.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation/Interview: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your design process, your role, and the outcomes. Expect to elaborate on how you've used tools like Figma and Sketch, worked with design systems, and collaborated with teams.

• Team/Client Interview: Interviews with potential Art Directors, Design Leads, and possibly client representatives to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and design thinking.

• Skills Assessment/Challenge: You may be asked to complete a small design exercise or case study, focusing on problem-solving, conceptual thinking, and applying design principles to a specific challenge relevant to the client's work.

• Final Interview: A discussion with a senior leader at Kettle to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest digital design projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, focus on website and digital experiences.

• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (ideation, wireframing, prototyping, visual design), the tools used (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite), and the final outcome/impact.

• Highlight Collaboration: Detail how you collaborated with Art Directors, UX, Copywriters, and clients. Use specific examples of communication and problem-solving.

• Demonstrate Design Systems: If applicable, showcase projects where you utilized or contributed to design systems and component libraries. Explain your approach to scalability and consistency.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative results that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user engagement, brand perception).

• Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentation as a narrative, guiding the interviewer through your thought process and decision-making.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve translating a brief into a visual concept or solving a specific UI/UX problem.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving approach, conceptual thinking, and ability to articulate your design decisions clearly and concisely.

• Practice presenting your work under time constraints, mimicking the interview scenario.

• Research Kettle's client base and recent work to understand their style and the types of challenges they tackle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the portfolio. Candidates should be ready to deep-dive into their projects, explaining not just the "what" but the "why" behind their design decisions, and demonstrating their ability to function effectively in an embedded, client-facing role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to use it extensively for creating interfaces, components, and design systems.

• Sketch: Another primary tool for UI design. Proficiency in both Figma and Sketch is highly valued.

• Adobe Photoshop: Used for image editing, asset creation, and manipulation.

• Adobe Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, icons, and illustrations.

• Keynote: Required for presenting design concepts, case studies, and proposals to internal teams and clients.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for this role, familiarity with how design impacts analytics (e.g., user engagement metrics, conversion rates) is beneficial. Understanding how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics or client-specific analytics platforms can inform design decisions. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how design integrates into broader marketing or product automation workflows can be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Sketch is non-negotiable for this role. The emphasis on design systems and component libraries suggests a need for deep technical understanding of these tools' capabilities for creating scalable and maintainable design assets.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creative Excellence: A commitment to producing work that is not only functional but also innovative, aesthetically pleasing, and impactful.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork, open communication, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve the best outcomes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding client needs and delivering solutions that drive client success and satisfaction.

• Craftsmanship: A meticulous attention to detail and a high standard for the quality and polish of all design deliverables.

• Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, embrace new challenges, and adjust to client-specific needs and project demands.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect seamless integration with Art Directors, UX Designers, Copywriters, and Production teams, fostering a holistic approach to creative projects.

• Feedback-Driven: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged and incorporated to refine designs and elevate the overall work.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across the team to foster collective growth and improve processes.

• Client Partnership: A collaborative approach with clients, viewing them as partners in the creative process rather than just recipients of work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of agency-driven creativity and client-focused execution. Candidates should be comfortable with a collaborative, feedback-rich environment and possess a strong work ethic that prioritizes both individual contribution and team success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Creative Vision: Navigating the inherent tension between client requirements/brand guidelines and pushing creative boundaries to deliver innovative solutions.

• Managing Onsite Demands: Adapting to intensive, full-time onsite periods for specific projects, which may require adjustments to personal routines and work-life balance.

• Working with Large, Variable Teams: Effectively collaborating and maintaining design consistency across diverse teams, potentially with varying levels of experience and communication styles.

• Staying Ahead of Design Trends: Continuously evolving design skills and incorporating new tools and technologies in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in cutting-edge digital design techniques, tools, and methodologies.

• Client Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the operations and strategic challenges of a major creative tech company.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing leadership capabilities by mentoring junior designers and contributing to team strategy.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events, workshops, and online courses to stay current with design best practices and emerging trends.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Working on high-profile client projects that significantly enhance one's professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in client-facing creative environments, emphasizing adaptability, strong communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways to leadership and specialized expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's specific brand guidelines with your creative vision for a project. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus: Client collaboration, creative problem-solving)

• "Walk us through your process for translating a complex product story or a piece of copy into a compelling visual design for a website." (Focus: Narrative design, conceptualization)

• "How do you approach working within an established design system? Provide an example of when you had to deviate from it and why." (Focus: Design systems, innovation within constraints)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your philosophy on mentorship, and how do you foster growth in others?" (Focus: Leadership, team development) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kettle and this specific client engagement?" (Focus: Research, alignment with company values)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism on your designs, especially from clients or senior team members?" (Focus: Adaptability, professionalism)

• "Describe a challenging cross-functional collaboration you've experienced. What made it challenging, and how did you navigate it?" (Focus: Teamwork, communication) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of Kettle and the role. Then, present 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your senior-level skills, focusing on website and digital experiences. For each project: state the objective, your specific role, the challenge, your design process (concept to execution), the tools used, and the results.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out instances where you applied Figma/Sketch, worked with design systems, collaborated with other disciplines, and mentored junior designers.

• Visual Storytelling: Use your visuals to tell the story of the project. Be concise with your narration, letting the designs speak for themselves where appropriate.

• Engagement: Be prepared for in-depth questions about your decisions, process, and how you'd approach specific scenarios relevant to the client. Engage with the interviewers and ask clarifying questions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design talent but also the maturity, collaborative spirit, and client-facing acumen expected of a Senior Designer in an embedded agency role. Be ready to articulate your thought process and decision-making with clarity and confidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate a compelling portfolio that highlights your best digital design work, with a strong emphasis on websites and digital experiences. Ensure it demonstrates your process, collaboration, and proficiency with tools like Figma and Sketch.

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of digital design experience, specific skills in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite, and experience with design systems and client collaborations. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation thoroughly, practicing your narrative and anticipating questions about your design choices, process, and ability to mentor.

• Research Kettle and their client to understand their work, culture, and the industry context. 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.