Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Skyscanner

Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Brand and Creative Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the conceptualization and execution of visually compelling creative assets across a diverse range of channels including digital, social media, Out-of-Home (OOH), and print.

• Drive the evolution and consistent application of Skyscanner's visual identity, ensuring brand coherence and impact globally.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary Brand Studio team and cross-functional partners to develop and deliver impactful global campaigns and projects.

• Apply exceptional craft and attention to detail in art direction, typography, layout, and final execution to elevate Skyscanner's brand presence.

• Actively contribute to the development of the Visual Design System, with a keen understanding of when and how to innovate and push creative boundaries.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Brand Studio," indicating a focus on internal creative operations and brand expression rather than external client-facing work. The emphasis on "making work people actually want to look at" and "shaping how Skyscanner shows up everywhere" points to a strategic, high-impact design role within a creative hub. The mention of "Design Ops specialists" within the team suggests an environment that values process, efficiency, and scalability in creative production.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and craft distinctive, engaging creative work across digital platforms (including social media like TikTok, Instagram), YouTube, OOH, and print, ensuring Skyscanner stands out.

• Translate initial concepts into beautifully executed final designs, leveraging and evolving the existing Visual Design System.

• Contribute to shaping and refining the global visual expression of the Skyscanner brand, balancing timeless design principles with current trends in design, technology, and culture.

• Collaborate with creative directors, copywriters, motion designers, and design operations specialists within the Brand Studio, as well as stakeholders across marketing, product, and engineering teams.

• Develop global campaigns and project assets that resonate effectively across diverse markets and channels, ensuring cultural relevance and strategic alignment.

• Execute with exceptional craft in art direction, typography, layout, and overall visual execution, paying close attention to details that enhance impact and quality.

• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and creative excellence within the Brand Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative direction and hands-on execution. The mention of "ambitious briefs, healthy budgets" suggests a significant level of creative freedom and resources. The need to "push [the Visual Design System] somewhere new" implies that this role isn't just about adhering to guidelines but actively contributing to their evolution, requiring a strong understanding of design systems and their strategic application.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Fine Arts, or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Visual Designer role.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in client-side or agency environments, with a proven track record in visual design and brand expression.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated conceptual thinking and the ability to translate abstract ideas into compelling visual narratives.

• Exceptional visual craft with a keen eye for detail in typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) and Figma.

• Experience in art direction and guiding visual execution for various media.

• Strong understanding and application of Visual Design Systems and brand guidelines, with the ability to innovate within them.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary creative team and with cross-functional stakeholders.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of articulating design rationale and creative concepts.

• Self-motivated, organized, with strong prioritization and time management skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools for creative ideation and execution.

• Proficiency in After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Experience in designing for global campaigns across multiple markets and channels.

• Familiarity with digital marketing, social media content creation, and OOH advertising.

• Experience in mentoring or leading junior design talent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7 years of client-side or agency experience" and a "portfolio packed with beautifully crafted, original work" strongly indicates a need for seasoned professionals. The emphasis on being "conceptual and hands-on" means candidates must demonstrate both strategic thinking and practical design execution capabilities, not just high-level direction. Proficiency in Figma is highlighted, suggesting its central role in Skyscanner's design workflow, alongside traditional Adobe tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of projects showcasing a minimum of 7 years of professional visual design experience.

• Demonstrations of conceptual thinking and the ability to develop original, impactful creative ideas.

• Examples of high-quality execution across digital, social media, OOH, and print channels.

• Projects that highlight expertise in art direction, typography, layout, and brand system application.

• Case studies detailing the design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of the visual solutions. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of working within and evolving Visual Design Systems, with examples of how guidelines were applied or adapted.

• Case studies that illustrate the journey from initial concept to final polished creative, detailing the iterative design process.

• Examples of collaboration with creative teams and stakeholders, showing how feedback was integrated and how cross-functional alignment was achieved.

• Documentation of how projects were managed from a design perspective, including prioritization and execution within deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Visual Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase aesthetic quality but also the strategic thinking, process, and craft behind the work. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design decisions, explain how they leveraged or adapted design systems, and articulate the impact of their creative output. The inclusion of "AI tools" in the required skills suggests that portfolios might benefit from showcasing innovative uses of technology in the design process.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Visual Designer with 7+ years of experience in a major UK city like Edinburgh, and considering Skyscanner's position as a well-established global brand, the estimated salary range is approximately £55,000 - £75,000 per annum. This can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working policy with 2 days per week in the office.

• Comprehensive Parental Leave policies (e.g., minimum 24 weeks maternity leave globally).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Access to a global brand's resources and creative environment.

• Potential for participation in global campaigns and projects.

• Employee assistance programs and well-being initiatives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on UK market data for senior design roles in tech/travel sectors, adjusted for Edinburgh's cost of living and Skyscanner's likely compensation strategy for experienced creative talent. The explicit mention of generous Parental Leave and a hybrid policy are key benefits for attracting talent in the current market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology / Online Travel Agency (OTA). Skyscanner operates in a highly competitive global market, leveraging technology to provide consumers with comprehensive travel search and booking solutions.

Company Size: Skyscanner is a significant global brand, indicated by its reach of "around 160 million travellers count on us every month." While the exact employee count isn't provided, its international presence (Barcelona, London, Edinburgh offices) suggests a company size likely in the range of 1,000-5,000 employees. This implies a structured yet agile environment with established processes and a global outlook.

Founded: 2003. With over two decades of operation, Skyscanner has a mature business model and a well-established brand identity, having navigated significant shifts in the travel industry and digital landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Brand Studio," described as a "merry band of Creative Directors, Designers, Copywriters, Motion Designers and Design Ops specialists." This indicates a collaborative, in-house creative department.

• The Senior Visual Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Brand Design.

• Close collaboration is expected with other creative disciplines (copywriting, motion design) and a dedicated Design Operations function, suggesting a focus on efficient creative workflows. Methodology:

• Emphasis on turning "travel-planning chaos into a breeze" suggests a user-centric design philosophy focused on simplicity and efficiency.

• The "Visual Design System" indicates a structured approach to maintaining brand consistency and design quality across all touchpoints.

• The team's goal is to "make work people actually want to look at," highlighting a commitment to high creative standards and engaging aesthetics.

• The company values diversity and inclusion, aiming for an "inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and products that are accessible to all."

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyscanner's positioning as a "global brand" and its emphasis on user experience ("turn travel-planning chaos into a breeze") suggest a company that invests in its brand and design. The description of the Brand Studio as a "merry band" implies a creative, possibly informal, and collaborative atmosphere, distinct from traditional corporate structures. The mention of "Design Ops specialists" is a key indicator of a mature creative function that values efficiency and process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role within the Brand Studio, focusing on visual design execution and creative strategy. It sits above a standard Visual Designer but is not typically a management position, though mentoring is expected. The role implies significant autonomy and responsibility for high-impact creative output.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual Designer will report to a Creative Director or Head of Brand Design within the Brand Studio. They will collaborate closely with peers in copywriting, motion design, and Design Operations, as well as marketing and product teams.

Operations Impact: The visual design output directly influences Skyscanner's brand perception, customer engagement across digital and physical channels, and the overall effectiveness of marketing campaigns. Strong visual design is critical for standing out in the competitive travel market and building brand loyalty. The role's impact is measured by the quality, creativity, and effectiveness of the visual assets produced.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into an Art Director or lead creative on specific global campaigns or product lines.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like digital design, OOH creative, or motion graphics through project work and development.

• Mentorship: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior designers within the Brand Studio.

• Brand Strategy: Contribute more significantly to the evolution of Skyscanner's global brand expression and visual identity.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain deeper understanding of product development, marketing strategy, and user experience by working across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title, coupled with the requirement for 7 years of experience and the expectation of mentoring, positions this role as a significant step in a visual designer's career. Growth opportunities are likely to focus on increasing creative leadership, strategic input into brand direction, and potentially moving into art direction or specialized design roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, requiring 2 days per week in a physical office location (Barcelona, London, or Edinburgh). This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Barcelona, London, or Edinburgh. The specific office chosen will determine the local working environment and team dynamics. Edinburgh is highlighted in the listing, suggesting it's a primary hub.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative spaces designed to foster interaction between creative disciplines (design, copy, motion) and potentially other departments.

• Access to creative tools, technology, and potentially a well-equipped studio environment.

• Opportunities for in-person brainstorming, critiques, and team meetings to drive creative projects forward.

• A culture that values creativity, innovation, and effective execution, supported by a Design Operations function.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for remote work on most days. This offers a balance between flexibility and in-person collaboration, which is beneficial for creative teamwork and maintaining team cohesion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, indicating a modern workplace that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration for creative roles. The company's emphasis on "making work people actually want to look at" suggests an environment that values aesthetics and creative output.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and creative output.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, walking through key projects, design process, and impact. This is a critical stage for visual roles.

• Creative/Conceptual Challenge: Potentially a take-home brief or an in-interview exercise to assess conceptual thinking, problem-solving, and design execution under timed conditions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with members of the Brand Studio (Creative Directors, Designers, Copywriters, Design Ops) and potentially marketing or product leads to evaluate collaboration, communication, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 4-6 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase conceptual thinking, craft, and impact across various channels (digital, social, OOH).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your process, key decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Brand System Experience: Explicitly show how you've worked with and potentially evolved design systems.

• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure high-quality presentation of your work. Pay attention to typography, layout, and visual polish in your portfolio itself.

• Showcase Versatility: Include examples that demonstrate your ability to work across different media and styles while maintaining brand consistency.

• Address AI Tool Usage: If AI tools were used, be prepared to explain your role in the process and how they enhanced your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Skyscanner's current branding, visual identity, target audience, and recent campaigns.

• Think Conceptually: Practice generating creative ideas quickly based on abstract prompts or campaign objectives.

• Focus on Craft: Be ready to demonstrate strong design fundamentals under pressure.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is the most critical part of the application for a visual design role. Candidates must be prepared to not just show their work but to defend their decisions, explain their process, and demonstrate their understanding of brand strategy and creative execution. The emphasis on "global campaigns" and "Visual Design System" means these aspects should be prominent in portfolio selections.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop and Illustrator are explicitly mentioned as essential for visual design tasks, including asset creation, manipulation, and illustration.

• Figma: Highlighted as a key tool, indicating its use for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaborative design workflows within the Brand Studio.

• AI Tools: Proficiency with the latest AI tools for creative ideation, content generation, or design assistance is required, suggesting an innovative and forward-thinking approach to design.

Analytics & Reporting: While not directly specified for this role, designers in such environments often interact with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and campaign performance, informing design iterations.

CRM & Automation: Not typically a direct responsibility for a visual designer, but familiarity with how design assets are deployed through marketing automation platforms or CMS systems can be beneficial.

Other Potential Tools:

• After Effects: Mentioned as a bonus, indicating its value for creating motion graphics, animations, or video content for campaigns.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's capabilities extend to prototyping, which may be utilized for presenting campaign concepts or user interface elements.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira might be used for task management and workflow tracking within the Brand Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and AI tools defines the core technical requirements. Figma's inclusion points to modern collaborative design practices. The bonus of After Effects suggests that motion graphics are an important component of Skyscanner's visual communication strategy.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Craftsmanship: A strong emphasis on producing visually appealing, high-quality work that is innovative and well-executed.

• Collaboration: A "merry band" implies a team that works closely together, sharing ideas and supporting each other across different creative disciplines.

• Curiosity: A genuine interest in culture, trends, and the future of visual creativity, driving continuous learning and innovation.

• Impact: A focus on creating work that "turns heads" and helps travellers, linking creative output to business goals and user experience.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Commitment to building an inclusive workplace and creating accessible products for all users.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Working closely with Creative Directors, Copywriters, Motion Designers, Design Ops, and potentially teams beyond the Brand Studio (e.g., marketing, product).

• Feedback-Driven: A culture that likely embraces constructive critique and iteration to refine creative work.

• Proactive & Self-Motivated: While collaborative, individuals are expected to be organized and drive their own work forward.

• Mentorship & Support: An environment where experienced designers are encouraged to mentor and support junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyscanner emphasizes being "genuinely curious, caring humans" and building "things that help travellers." This suggests a culture that values both personal connection and purpose-driven work. The "merry band" description points towards a creative, possibly less formal, and highly collaborative atmosphere within the Brand Studio.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Continuously evolving the brand's visual expression while adhering to established guidelines and ensuring global consistency.

• High Volume & Pace: Delivering high-quality creative assets across multiple channels for a global brand in a fast-paced industry.

• Conceptual Rigor: Consistently generating fresh, impactful concepts for diverse briefs and campaigns.

• Adapting to New Technologies: Staying current with and effectively integrating new tools like AI into the design workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Creative Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in art direction, campaign conceptualization, and potentially motion graphics.

• Brand Strategy Involvement: Deeper involvement in shaping the strategic direction of Skyscanner's visual identity.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to copywriting, motion design, and design operations practices.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of visual design, digital trends, and travel marketing.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior creative leaders and to mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be to consistently produce innovative, high-quality visual work that meets the demands of a global brand while navigating the fast-paced travel industry. Growth will come from taking on more strategic creative responsibilities and mastering new design methodologies and tools.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How do you approach developing a creative concept for a new global campaign, and what steps do you take to ensure it translates effectively across different markets and channels?" (Focus on process, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability.)

• "Describe a time you had to push the boundaries of an existing Visual Design System. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses understanding of design systems and ability to innovate.)

• "How do you balance the need for high-quality visual craft with tight deadlines and evolving project requirements?" (Tests prioritization, time management, and execution skills.)

• "Can you walk us through a project where you used AI tools in your design process? What was your role, and how did it impact the final output?" (Evaluates familiarity and strategic application of new technologies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Skyscanner as a brand, and how do you see your visual design skills contributing to our mission of making travel planning easier?" (Assesses research and alignment with company values.)

• "Describe your experience working within a multidisciplinary creative team like our Brand Studio. How do you collaborate with copywriters, motion designers, and Design Ops specialists?" (Gauges teamwork and cross-functional communication.)

• "How do you stay inspired and keep up-to-date with the latest trends in visual design, technology, and culture?" (Highlights curiosity and commitment to professional development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career, then dive into 3-4 key projects. For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the process, your creative rationale, the challenges, and the results/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-resolution mockups and clear layouts. Ensure your portfolio itself is a testament to your design skills.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking, not just aesthetics.

• Craftsmanship Focus: Be ready to discuss specific design decisions regarding typography, color, layout, and imagery, and why they were made.

• Systemic Thinking: Emphasize how you applied or evolved design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating both creative prowess and strategic thinking, with a clear understanding of Skyscanner's brand and the role of visual design in achieving its goals. Being able to articulate design decisions, process, and impact is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Skyscanner careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features your strongest work from the last 5-7 years, with a focus on conceptual thinking, high-quality craft across digital, social, and OOH channels, and experience with design systems. Tailor your presentation to highlight relevant case studies.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, specific tool proficiencies (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, AI tools), and key achievements in visual design, art direction, and campaign development. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, strategic rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare answers to common interview questions related to creativity, collaboration, and brand strategy.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Skyscanner's brand, mission, recent campaigns, and values. Understand their position in the travel industry and how visual design contributes to their 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.