Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Skyscanner

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (Hybrid)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity and expression of a global travel brand across diverse digital and physical channels.

• Conceptualize and execute distinctive, engaging creative work from initial ideation to final delivery.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary Brand Studio team to bring ambitious campaigns and projects to life.

• Uphold and strategically evolve the existing Visual Design System while pushing creative boundaries.

• Contribute to the global look and feel of Skyscanner, blending timeless design principles with current cultural and technological trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the input describes a Visual Designer role, the focus on "Revenue Operations" and "Sales Operations" is not applicable. This enhancement will focus on the creative and design operations aspects inherent in a Senior Visual Designer role within a Brand Studio, as detailed in the provided description. The role requires a strong blend of conceptual thinking and hands-on execution, with a significant emphasis on visual craft and brand stewardship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and craft visually compelling creative assets for a wide array of channels including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Out-of-Home (OOH), and experiential marketing.

• Conceptualize and execute distinctive brand campaigns that resonate across multiple markets and platforms, ensuring Skyscanner stands out in a competitive landscape.

• Translate high-level creative concepts into meticulously executed final designs, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail in art direction, typography, and layout.

• Collaborate closely with Creative Directors, Copywriters, Motion Designers, and Design Operations specialists within the Brand Studio to ensure cohesive and impactful creative output.

• Partner with cross-functional teams across the business to develop global campaigns and projects, ensuring strategic alignment and effective communication of Skyscanner's brand vision.

• Apply and strategically evolve the existing Visual Design System, understanding its core principles while identifying opportunities for innovation and adaptation.

• Provide art direction and hands-on design execution, moving seamlessly between big-picture ideation and detailed craft.

• Mentor and guide junior designers and team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and creative excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities have been elaborated to reflect the senior nature of the role and the strategic impact expected within a Brand Studio. Emphasis is placed on campaign conceptualization, execution across diverse channels, and proactive evolution of design systems, which are typical for a Senior Visual Designer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application is essential. A degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field is often preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in client-side or agency settings, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality visual design work.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional Visual Craftsmanship: Demonstrated ability to create beautifully crafted, original, and impactful visual designs.

• Conceptual Thinking: Strong ability to develop and articulate creative concepts that align with brand strategy and campaign objectives.

• Art Direction & Typography: Deep understanding and practical application of art direction principles, typography, and layout.

• Software Proficiency: Highly proficient in industry-standard design tools including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma.

• Brand System Fluency: Experience working with and evolving established Visual Design Systems, understanding their importance for brand consistency and scalability.

• Cross-Channel Design: Proven ability to design for a variety of media, including digital (social media, web banners), print, and OOH.

• Collaborative Spirit: Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary creative team.

• Detail Orientation: Meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of design execution.

Preferred Skills:

• AI Tool Proficiency: Familiarity and experience with the latest AI tools relevant to the creative process.

• Motion Design Skills: Experience with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Trend Awareness: A genuine curiosity and understanding of current design trends, culture, and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship Experience: Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior design talent.

• Experiential Design: Experience in designing for physical or experiential marketing activations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "7 years" has been explicitly stated. Preferred skills like AI tools and After Effects are highlighted as they are explicitly mentioned in the source description and are valuable for a modern visual designer.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of client-side or agency experience.

• A diverse range of original, beautifully crafted creative work demonstrating strong conceptual thinking and visual execution.

• Case studies that illustrate the design process from initial brief to final delivered asset, highlighting problem-solving and decision-making.

• Examples of work across digital, social, print, and OOH channels.

• Evidence of working with or evolving a Visual Design System. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of how you take concepts from initial ideation through to polished execution, detailing your personal involvement in each stage.

• Examples of collaboration with creative teams and stakeholders to develop and refine global campaigns.

• Evidence of attention to detail in art direction, typography, and layout across various projects.

• Potential examples of utilizing or experimenting with AI tools in the creative workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section emphasizes the critical need for a robust portfolio that not only displays creative output but also illustrates the candidate's process, problem-solving abilities, and collaborative approach, which are key indicators of success for a Senior Visual Designer.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Visual Designers in the UK (Edinburgh/London) with 7+ years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This estimate considers the hybrid work model, the company's global presence, and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working Policy: Flexibility to work remotely with a structured in-office presence (twice a week).

• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave policies, with a minimum of 24 weeks of paid leave globally for birth parents/maternity.

• Global Travel Brand Exposure: Opportunity to work on a globally recognized brand with significant reach.

• Creative Freedom & Resources: Ambitious briefs, healthy budgets, and room for creative exploration.

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs: (Assumed standard for a company of Skyscanner's size and reputation, though not explicitly detailed).

• Professional Development Opportunities: Access to learning resources, conferences, and potential for career advancement within the Brand Studio.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected around project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on UK market data for similar roles and experience levels. The provided benefits, such as hybrid working and parental leave, have been explicitly listed and elaborated upon.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology / Online Travel Agency (OTA)

Company Size: Skyscanner is a significant player in the travel tech industry, employing a substantial global workforce, likely in the range of 1,000-5,000 employees, indicating a well-established, medium-to-large enterprise structure.

Founded: 2003. This founding date signifies a company with deep roots in the online travel space, having navigated and adapted through significant market changes and technological advancements over two decades.

Team Structure:

• The Senior Visual Designer will be part of the Brand Studio, a dedicated internal creative team.

• This studio is described as a "merry band" comprising Creative Directors, Designers (including Visual Designers and Motion Designers), Copywriters, and Design Operations specialists.

• This structure suggests a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment focused on creative excellence and brand consistency.

• The role will likely report into a Creative Director or Head of Brand within the Brand Studio. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Creativity: While creative-led, Skyscanner's vision to be a "travel ally" and its use of technology implies a data-informed approach to understanding user needs and campaign effectiveness.

• Agile Creative Development: The need to respond to current trends and work across multiple channels suggests agile processes for concept development and execution.

• Brand Consistency: A strong emphasis on using and evolving a Visual Design System points to a structured approach to maintaining brand integrity across all touchpoints.

• User-Centric Design: The core mission of simplifying travel planning for 160 million travelers monthly indicates a deep focus on user experience and accessibility in design.

Company Website: https://www.skyscanner.net/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as inclusive, human-centric, and ambitious, with a strong emphasis on diversity and accessibility. The Brand Studio structure is highlighted as a key element of the team context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the creative hierarchy. It requires significant independent contribution, conceptual leadership, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The scope extends beyond task execution to influencing brand direction and visual strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual Designer will report into a Creative Director or Head of Brand within the Brand Studio. They will collaborate closely with other designers, copywriters, and design operations specialists, as well as marketing and product teams across the organization.

Operations Impact: The impact is primarily on brand perception, marketing effectiveness, and user engagement. The Senior Visual Designer's work will directly influence how Skyscanner is perceived by millions of travelers globally, affecting brand recall, campaign success, and overall user experience with marketing touchpoints.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Art Director or Creative Director role, leading projects and teams.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, OOH creative, or AI-driven design tools.

• Design Operations: Transition into a Design Operations role, focusing on process, tools, and team efficiency.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into related roles within marketing or product design, leveraging a strong understanding of brand and user experience.

• Mentorship: Formalize mentorship responsibilities, guiding and developing emerging design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Senior Visual Designer is framed within the context of creative leadership and specialized skill development, emphasizing the strategic influence and growth potential within a global brand like Skyscanner.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on a hybrid model, requiring two days per week in the office. This suggests a modern, collaborative office space designed to foster teamwork and creative interaction, while also allowing for focused individual work at home.

Office Location(s): The role is available in Barcelona, London, or Edinburgh. This offers flexibility for candidates based in or willing to relocate to these vibrant European cities. Specific office details for each location would be available upon inquiry.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office environment is likely set up to facilitate brainstorming, team meetings, and cross-functional collaboration, especially for the Brand Studio team.

• Creative Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations and the latest design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, potentially AI tools) will be standard.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for in-person interaction with fellow designers, copywriters, and other creative professionals, fostering a strong sense of community and shared creative purpose.

• Focus Time: The hybrid model also allows for dedicated focus time in a home environment, crucial for deep creative work.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model. The creative nature of the role may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, particularly for campaign launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role and the specified office locations are detailed, emphasizing the collaborative and tool-rich environment expected for a creative team.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and creative quality.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discusses their creative process, and answers questions about their experience, conceptual thinking, and technical skills. This is typically with a hiring manager or Creative Director.

• Creative Challenge/Brief: Candidates may be given a short, hypothetical creative brief to test their conceptualization, problem-solving, and design execution skills under time constraints.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with other members of the Brand Studio and potentially key stakeholders from marketing or product teams to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A concluding discussion, potentially with senior leadership, to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your senior-level capabilities, conceptual depth, and craft.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your creative process, the solutions, and the impact or results. Use visuals to support your narrative.

• Highlight Seniority: Emphasize your ability to lead projects, mentor others, and contribute to strategic brand direction. Showcase how you've pushed boundaries or evolved design systems.

• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure high-quality presentation of your work. Pay attention to detail in layout, typography, and image selection.

• Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and any AI tools or After Effects experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Skyscanner's current brand identity, marketing campaigns, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Think Conceptually: For any hypothetical brief, focus on developing a strong, unique concept that aligns with the brand.

• Process Over Perfection: Be prepared to articulate your thought process and decision-making, even if the final output is a sketch or wireframe.

• Time Management: Practice working efficiently within potential time limits for any given task.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your ideas clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about strategy and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored to a senior creative role, emphasizing the need to showcase strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong conceptual foundation, in addition to design craft.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Expert proficiency required in Photoshop and Illustrator for image manipulation, illustration, and graphic creation.

• Figma: Advanced skills in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design system management.

• AI Tools: Familiarity and comfort with emerging AI tools relevant to visual design, concept generation, and asset creation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary responsibility, an understanding of how design impacts user engagement and conversion metrics is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) or reporting dashboards may be advantageous for understanding campaign performance. CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by visual designers, but an understanding of how creative assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CRM systems can be helpful for context. Motion Graphics:

• Adobe After Effects: Experience with After Effects is a significant plus for creating motion graphics, animations, and dynamic visual content for digital and social channels.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools mentioned in the job description (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, AI tools, After Effects) are highlighted with an emphasis on the required proficiency levels and their application within a creative workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A genuine interest in travel, culture, trends, and where visual creativity is heading next.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork, working effectively with diverse teams, and sharing knowledge.

• Craftsmanship: A deep appreciation for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, polished work.

• Ambition: A drive to create impactful work that helps Skyscanner achieve its vision of being the world's number one travel ally.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A commitment to building products and experiences that are accessible to all travelers, reflecting a diverse global user base.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The Brand Studio works closely with marketing, product, and other departments, requiring designers to effectively communicate and integrate their work with broader business objectives.

• Open Feedback Culture: The "merry band" description suggests an environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and used to elevate creative output.

• Knowledge Sharing: An expectation of sharing insights, best practices, and learnings within the team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture and values are derived from the company's stated mission and the description of the Brand Studio, focusing on collaboration, curiosity, and a commitment to quality and inclusivity.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: The need to adhere to a Visual Design System while also pushing creative boundaries and staying relevant with current trends.

• Global Campaign Adaptation: Developing creative concepts that translate effectively and culturally across diverse international markets.

• Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape: Staying ahead of new platforms, technologies (like AI), and design trends to ensure Skyscanner's visual presence remains fresh and impactful.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Juggling various high-profile projects simultaneously, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Workshops: Access to training on new design tools, techniques, and software updates.

• Industry Conferences & Events: Opportunities to attend design conferences and events to stay abreast of industry trends and network.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior creatives within the Brand Studio and wider Skyscanner organization.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to copywriting, motion design, and design operations to broaden understanding of the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges listed are typical for a senior creative role within a large, global brand, focusing on the complexities of brand management, innovation, and cross-cultural communication.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance adherence to a brand guideline with the need to innovate. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process for understanding constraints and proposing creative solutions that respect brand integrity.)

• "How do you approach conceptualizing a global campaign that needs to resonate across different cultures and markets?" (Highlight your research methods, strategic thinking, and understanding of cultural nuances.)

• "Walk us through a project where you significantly contributed to evolving a visual design system. What was your process and impact?" (Demonstrate your strategic thinking about design systems and your hands-on contribution.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Skyscanner's mission and brand? How do you see your design skills contributing to it?" (Show your research and genuine interest in the company's purpose.)

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment within a creative team. How do you contribute to a positive team dynamic?" (Emphasize your teamwork, communication, and mentorship qualities.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends, new technologies, and cultural shifts relevant to visual communication?" (Showcase your curiosity and commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin with your strongest, most conceptually driven project that best represents your senior capabilities.

• Narrative is Key: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" – the problem, the goal, and the strategic thinking behind your creative decisions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals and mockups to demonstrate your execution. For digital/social work, consider showing how it would appear in context.

• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your specific contributions, especially if working in a team. For senior roles, emphasize leadership, conceptual ownership, and mentoring.

• Discuss Process & Tools: Be ready to discuss your workflow, how you used specific tools (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, AI), and any challenges you overcame.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on strategic questions that probe conceptual thinking, brand understanding, and collaboration skills, along with practical advice for presenting a senior-level portfolio effectively.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects that demonstrate your senior-level visual design skills, conceptual thinking, and craft. Ensure it reflects experience across digital, social, print, and OOH channels.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 7+ years of experience, proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, and any experience with AI tools or After Effects. Emphasize achievements and contributions to brand strategy and visual expression.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, clearly articulating your creative process, rationale behind design decisions, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to brand systems and collaborative projects.

• Research Skyscanner: Familiarize yourself with Skyscanner's brand, current marketing campaigns, mission, and values to articulate your alignment and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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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