Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Skyscanner

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Creative & Media / Art & Design / Marketing

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Experience Level: 7+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity and creative output for a global travel brand, influencing how Skyscanner appears across diverse platforms including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Out-of-Home (OOH), and experiential channels.

• Combine strategic conceptual thinking with exceptional visual execution to bring high-impact campaigns and projects to life, ensuring brand consistency while allowing for innovative design exploration.

• Collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary Brand Studio team, including Creative Directors, Copywriters, and Motion Designers, to deliver compelling creative work that captures attention and differentiates Skyscanner in the market.

• Actively contribute to the evolution of Skyscanner's global visual expression, balancing established design principles with current trends in design, technology, and culture.

• Execute with meticulous attention to detail across all design assets, from art direction and typography to layout and final production, understanding the critical impact of craft on overall effectiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a "Brand Studio," indicating a focus on in-house creative development and brand guardianship. The emphasis on "making work people actually want to look at" and "influencing the visual expression of a global travel brand" suggests a strategic role with significant creative autonomy and impact on brand perception.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and craft distinctive, engaging creative assets for digital, social media, print, OOH, and experiential marketing channels, ensuring Skyscanner's visual presence is impactful and memorable.

• Translate high-level concepts into meticulously executed final designs, leveraging and strategically evolving the existing Visual Design System.

• Contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of Skyscanner's global visual identity, ensuring a cohesive and contemporary brand look and feel.

• Partner with creative teams and internal stakeholders to develop global campaign concepts that resonate across different markets and platforms.

• Apply exceptional craft to all aspects of design, including art direction, typography, layout, and final production, ensuring the highest standards of visual quality.

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

• Stay abreast of current design trends, emerging technologies, and cultural shifts to inform and inspire creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic creative development and hands-on execution. The mention of "healthy budgets" and "plenty of room for ideas to take flight" suggests that this role offers significant creative freedom and resources for impactful projects.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communications, 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 settings, with a demonstrable track record of producing high-quality, original visual design work.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to concept and craft distinctive, engaging creative across digital, social, print, OOH, and experiential channels.

• Exceptional eye for detail, strong design fundamentals, and a deep understanding of visual creativity.

• Proficiency in core design software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma.

• Expertise in art direction, typography, and layout design.

• Ability to work conceptually and execute designs hands-on, from initial mood boards to final delivery.

• Strong understanding of visual design systems and their application.

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and prioritization skills.

• Experience in mentoring or guiding junior creative team members. Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency with current AI tools for creative applications.

• Experience with Adobe After Effects for motion graphics.

• Familiarity with brand strategy and creative direction principles.

• Experience working within the travel industry or a global consumer brand.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7 years of client-side or agency experience" combined with the "Senior" title indicates that candidates are expected to be highly autonomous and capable of leading projects from concept to completion with minimal supervision. The emphasis on "original work" and "conceptual thinking" suggests a need for candidates who can generate novel ideas, not just execute existing ones.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of impactful visual design work, with a strong emphasis on original concepts and exceptional craft.

• Case studies demonstrating the ability to develop and execute creative campaigns across diverse channels (digital, social, OOH, print, experiential).

• Examples that illustrate how the candidate has leveraged or evolved existing design systems (like Skyscanner's Visual Design System) to create fresh and relevant work.

• Projects that highlight strong art direction, sophisticated typography, and compelling layout design.

• Evidence of conceptual thinking and the ability to translate abstract ideas into tangible visual assets. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of the design process, from initial research and concept development through to final execution and production.

• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., copywriters, motion designers, marketing) to bring campaigns to life.

• Documentation of how design decisions were made, particularly in relation to brand guidelines, user experience, and campaign objectives.

• Insights into how the candidate approaches iterative design and incorporates feedback to refine creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Visual Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It must not only showcase aesthetic talent but also the strategic thinking, process, and collaborative abilities required to drive significant brand initiatives. The expectation is to see how candidates tackle complex briefs and deliver impactful, well-crafted solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Skyscanner's global presence, hybrid work model, and the Senior Visual Designer title with 7+ years of experience, typical salary ranges in major UK cities like Edinburgh or London for such a role would be between £50,000 and £75,000 per annum. This can vary based on specific experience, skill set, and market demand.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working policy: Flexibility to work from home and in the office (twice a week).

• Generous Parental Leave policies: Minimum of 24 weeks of paid maternity/birth parent leave globally.

• Opportunity to work with a global travel brand, contributing to impactful campaigns.

• Access to a multidisciplinary Brand Studio team for collaboration and learning.

• Potential for professional development and exposure to cutting-edge design trends and AI tools.

• Company culture that values diversity, inclusion, and employee well-being.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyscanner's commitment to a minimum of 24 weeks paid parental leave globally is a significant benefit. The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in the UK, considering the company's size and reputation. Further research into specific Edinburgh/London market rates for Senior Visual Designers would provide more precise figures.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology / Online Travel Agency (OTA). Skyscanner operates in a highly competitive, dynamic market driven by consumer demand for efficient and affordable travel planning.

Company Size: Skyscanner is a significant global player, employing a substantial number of people across multiple international locations, indicating a well-established and resourced organization. This size allows for specialized teams like the Brand Studio.

Founded: Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has a mature history in the online travel space, evolving from a flight comparison site to a comprehensive travel booking platform. This longevity suggests a culture of adaptation and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the "Brand Studio," a dedicated in-house creative team comprising Creative Directors, Visual Designers, Copywriters, Motion Designers, and Design Operations specialists.

• This structure suggests a collaborative, integrated approach to brand development and creative execution, fostering a shared creative vision.

• The Brand Studio likely works closely with marketing, product, and other business units to align creative output with broader company objectives. Methodology:

• Focus on creating "work people actually want to look at," emphasizing engaging and attention-grabbing creative.

• A blend of conceptual thinking and exceptional visual craft is central to their approach.

• Utilization and strategic evolution of a "Visual Design System" to ensure brand consistency while allowing for creative flexibility.

• Development of global campaigns that are adaptable across diverse markets and channels.

• Emphasis on meticulous attention to detail in all design execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Brand Studio" model is common in larger companies aiming to maintain strong brand control and creative agility. This structure implies a fast-paced, collaborative environment where designers can see their work directly impact the brand's public face.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Visual Designer. This level signifies a highly experienced individual contributor expected to lead complex design projects, mentor junior staff, and significantly influence the brand's visual direction. It's a role that demands both creative excellence and a strategic understanding of brand building.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual Designer will likely report to a Creative Director or Head of Brand Studio within the Brand Studio team. They will collaborate extensively with peers and stakeholders across various departments.

Operations Impact: The visual output of this role directly impacts Skyscanner's brand perception, customer engagement, and campaign effectiveness. Strong visual design can drive user acquisition, conversion rates, and brand loyalty, making it critical to the company's success in the competitive travel market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Visual Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director role, managing larger projects and teams.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas such as motion design, UI/UX for marketing assets, or brand identity development.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working on diverse projects across different marketing and product initiatives.

• Mentorship Development: Enhance leadership skills by formally mentoring junior designers and contributing to the team's overall creative growth.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping the visual language of a globally recognized travel brand, potentially leading to industry recognition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a pathway toward leadership or deeper specialization. The emphasis on mentoring suggests an expectation for the candidate to contribute to the development of the broader creative team, which is a key indicator of growth potential within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, requiring two days per week in the office. This suggests a blend of focused individual work at home and collaborative, in-person interaction at the office.

Office Location(s): The role can be based in Barcelona, London, or Edinburgh. The job description specifically mentions Edinburgh. These are likely vibrant, modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and creativity.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and cross-functional collaboration within the Brand Studio and with other departments.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma) and potentially advanced tools like AI applications and After Effects.

• Creative Hub: The Brand Studio functions as a creative hub, fostering a dynamic and inspiring atmosphere for visual designers. Expect an environment that values creative expression and innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility in how and where these hours are completed, balancing personal needs with team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a company that values flexibility while still recognizing the importance of in-person collaboration for creative teams. The mention of specific office locations points to established physical workspaces.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to a panel, discussing key projects, their design process, conceptual thinking, and impact. This is a critical stage to assess craft, strategic thinking, and communication skills.

• Creative Challenge/Task: A design exercise or brief may be given to assess problem-solving abilities, conceptual ideation, and execution speed under timed conditions.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members and cross-functional stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, cultural fit, and ability to integrate into the Brand Studio.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 5-7 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase a range of skills (conceptual, craft, digital, OOH, etc.) and demonstrate impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the problem you solved, your process, the challenges faced, and the measurable results or impact.

• Highlight Craft: Ensure visual execution is impeccable. Pay attention to typography, layout, color, and overall aesthetic quality.

• Showcase Conceptual Thinking: Clearly explain the "big idea" behind your work and how it was translated into visual execution.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and any AI tools.

• Tailor to Skyscanner: If possible, subtly tailor your presentation to align with Skyscanner's brand aesthetic and values, showing you've done your research.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any provided creative brief, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Time Management: Practice developing concepts and executing designs within a limited timeframe.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, from initial brainstorming to final refinement, as you work through the challenge.

• Focus on Impact: Consider how your design solution will achieve the desired outcome for Skyscanner.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential creative challenges indicates that practical design skills, conceptual abilities, and the capacity to articulate one's process are heavily weighted. Candidates should prepare to "show, not just tell" their qualifications.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Photoshop: For image editing, manipulation, and digital asset creation.

• Adobe Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, icons, and detailed illustrations.

• Figma: A collaborative interface design tool, likely used for UI elements, prototyping, and design system management within the Brand Studio.

• AI Tools: Proficiency with current Artificial Intelligence tools for creative applications is required, suggesting an embrace of emerging technologies in design.

Analytics & Reporting: While not primary design tools, designers in this role may interact with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) to understand campaign performance and inform future design decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the visual designer's core tools, but understanding how marketing automation platforms and CRM systems display creative assets may be beneficial for designing assets that perform well within these systems.

Other Potential Tools:

• Adobe After Effects: Preferred skill for motion graphics, animations, and dynamic visual content.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, other tools might be used for interactive mockups.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Jira, or Trello for managing design tasks and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, along with "AI tools," sets the technical expectation. After Effects is a strong plus, indicating a need for versatility in creating engaging visual content that might include animation or motion.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity & Collaboration: Skyscanner values "genuinely curious, caring humans" who work collaboratively. This translates to an environment where asking questions, sharing ideas, and supporting teammates is encouraged.

• Impact & Purpose: A core value is "building things that help travellers explore the world a little easier." This role contributes to that purpose through compelling brand storytelling.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: Strong commitment to being an "equal opportunities employer" and building an "inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive," with products accessible to all. This means considering diverse perspectives and needs in design.

• Innovation & Ambition: The company is "ambitious" and aims to be "the world's number one travel ally." This suggests a culture that embraces forward-thinking ideas and strives for excellence.

• Craftsmanship & Detail: The role emphasizes "sweating the right details" and "serious craft," indicating a value placed on high-quality execution and attention to the nuances of design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The Brand Studio works with various partners across the business, suggesting a collaborative approach that requires clear communication and understanding of different departmental needs.

• Creative Exchange: Within the Brand Studio, there's likely a culture of constructive feedback, idea sharing, and collective problem-solving.

• Mentorship: An expectation for senior members to mentor and guide junior colleagues, fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Global Mindset: Collaboration across different markets and cultures, requiring sensitivity and adaptability in creative output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyscanner's stated values of curiosity, care, inclusivity, and ambition are key to understanding the team's dynamic. The emphasis on accessibility in both the workplace and products is a significant cultural indicator.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Developing creative work that adheres to established brand guidelines while also being fresh, distinctive, and capturing current trends can be a constant challenge.

• Global Campaign Adaptation: Ensuring creative concepts translate effectively and resonate across diverse cultural contexts and markets requires strategic thinking and sensitivity.

• Rapidly Evolving Design Landscape: Staying ahead of new design tools (especially AI), platforms, and trends requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• High-Volume Output: Producing high-quality creative assets across numerous channels (digital, social, OOH) demands efficient workflows and strong time management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering New Technologies: Gaining hands-on experience with advanced AI tools and potentially new design software as they emerge.

• Creative Direction Skills: Developing leadership capabilities through mentoring and potentially taking on more strategic creative direction for campaigns.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Collaborating with copywriters, motion designers, and marketing strategists to broaden understanding of integrated campaign development.

• Industry Exposure: Working on global campaigns for a well-known brand provides significant exposure to best practices in travel marketing and visual communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in dynamic creative environments. The growth opportunities are tied to leveraging these challenges as learning experiences, particularly in the areas of emerging technology and creative leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance brand guidelines with a need for innovative creative expression. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, rationale, and the outcome.)

• "Walk us through a global campaign you worked on. How did you ensure it resonated across different markets?" (Highlight collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and adaptation strategies.)

• "How do you stay current with design trends and emerging technologies like AI, and how do you integrate them into your work?" (Demonstrate proactive learning and practical application.)

• "Tell us about a project where the initial concept needed significant iteration. What was your approach to problem-solving and pivoting?" (Showcase resilience, adaptability, and critical thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Skyscanner's mission and how do you see your visual design skills contributing to it?" (Connect your passion for design with the company's purpose.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with non-designers (e.g., copywriters, marketers)?" (Provide examples of clear communication and partnership.)

• "What does an inclusive design process mean to you, especially in the context of a global travel brand?" (Show awareness of accessibility and diverse user needs.)

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers?" (Illustrate your leadership style and commitment to team development.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Project 1 (Problem, Role, Solution, Outcome), Project 2, etc., Conclusion.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the "why" and the "so what." What problem did it solve? What was the result? Use metrics if possible.

• Explain Your Process: Don't just show pretty pictures. Detail your thought process, the tools you used, the challenges you overcame, and why you made certain design decisions.

• Be Concise: Respect the interviewer's time. Prepare your key talking points for each project and avoid rambling.

• Engage with Questions: Be prepared for detailed questions about your work. Answer thoughtfully and honestly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that align with the responsibilities and values outlined in the job description will be crucial. Demonstrating both creative prowess and strategic thinking, supported by a well-articulated process, is key to success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work relevant to digital, social, OOH, and campaign design, and clearly articulates your process and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight the 7+ years of experience, proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, conceptual and art direction skills, and any experience with AI tools or After Effects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, key project contributions, and how your skills align with Skyscanner's brand and mission for potential portfolio presentations or interviews.

• Research Skyscanner: Familiarize yourself with Skyscanner's current branding, marketing campaigns, and company values, paying attention to their visual language and messaging.

⚠️ 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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