Senior Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Visual Designer

Company: Skyscanner

Location: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Creative & Design Operations / Brand Studio

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual expression of a global travel brand across diverse channels, including digital, social media, OOH, and experiential platforms.

• Conceptualize and execute high-impact creative work that captures attention and aligns with brand strategy, leveraging strong design fundamentals and cultural relevance.

• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary Brand Studio team, contributing to campaign development from initial concept through to final execution with exceptional visual craft.

• Utilize and evolve the company's Visual Design System, demonstrating a keen eye for detail in typography, layout, and art direction, while also exploring innovative approaches.

• Mentor junior designers and contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on creating visually compelling and effective marketing materials for the travel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits within a "Brand Studio," indicating a focus on internal creative operations and brand consistency rather than external agency work. The emphasis on digital, social, OOH, and experiential channels suggests a broad scope of visual design application. The "Senior" title implies leadership and mentorship responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and craft distinctive, engaging creative assets for digital, social media, print, OOH, and experiential marketing channels to ensure brand visibility.

• Translate high-level campaign concepts into beautifully executed visual designs, adhering to and strategically pushing the boundaries of the established Visual Design System.

• Contribute to the evolution of Skyscanner's global visual identity by balancing timeless design principles with contemporary trends in design, technology, and culture.

• Collaborate with creative directors, copywriters, motion designers, and design operations specialists to develop global campaigns and projects that resonate across various markets and platforms.

• Apply meticulous attention to detail in art direction, typography, layout, and overall execution to elevate the quality and impact of all visual output.

• Bring a strong conceptual thinking and hands-on design approach to projects, actively participating in the design process from ideation to final delivery.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering their development and contributing to the overall skill enhancement of the Brand Studio team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic conceptualization and hands-on execution, common in senior creative roles within established brands. The mention of "Visual Design System" and "campaigns that travel" points to a need for both brand consistency and adaptability across different contexts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application of design principles is paramount.

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

Required Skills:

• Exceptional visual craft and a strong portfolio showcasing original, beautifully executed creative work across multiple platforms (digital, social, print, OOH, experiential).

• Proven ability in conceptual thinking and art direction, with the capacity to translate abstract ideas into tangible visual designs.

• Deep understanding of design fundamentals, including typography, layout, color theory, and composition.

• High proficiency in industry-standard design software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Figma.

• Familiarity with current AI tools relevant to the creative process.

• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary creative team.

• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills, managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving and project execution. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with After Effects for motion graphics and animation.

• Familiarity with evolving and applying design systems.

• Experience in the travel industry or a related consumer-facing sector.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor and guide junior designers.

• Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 7 years of experience and a strong portfolio suggests a need for seasoned professionals capable of independent work and strategic contribution. Proficiency in Figma is increasingly standard for collaborative design workflows, and AI tools indicate a forward-looking approach to creative production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating a range of visual design applications across digital, social, print, and/or OOH channels.

• Clearly articulate the conceptual thinking and problem-solving process behind each project, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.

• Highlight meticulous attention to detail in typography, layout, color usage, and overall aesthetic execution.

• Include examples of how design systems were utilized or adapted to maintain brand consistency while allowing for creative innovation.

• Demonstrate the ability to bring ideas from initial concept sketches or mood boards to polished, final deliverables. Process Documentation:

• Within project descriptions, explain the workflow from brief to final asset delivery, including collaboration with copywriters, art directors, or other stakeholders.

• Detail any iterative design processes, including feedback loops and revisions, that contributed to the final outcome.

• Illustrate how design decisions were made to align with specific campaign objectives or brand strategy.

• If applicable, provide insights into how design choices were informed by user research or performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Visual Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic quality but also the strategic thinking, process, and collaborative skills required to execute complex campaigns and manage brand consistency. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on Skyscanner's global presence, hybrid work model, and the Senior Visual Designer title with 7+ years of experience, a competitive salary range for Barcelona, Spain, would typically fall between €45,000 - €65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Barcelona, industry benchmarks for senior creative roles, and the company's likely compensation philosophy for its Brand Studio.

Benefits:

• Hybrid working policy: Flexibility to work remotely and in the office, with a requirement of two days per week in the Barcelona office.

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

• Health and Wellness Programs: Access to resources and initiatives focused on employee well-being.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for learning, training, and attending industry events.

• Travel Perks: Potential benefits or discounts related to Skyscanner's core business.

• Global Team Collaboration: Opportunity to work with a diverse, international team.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week, with the flexibility inherent in a hybrid model, allowing for effective management of design processes and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for Senior Visual Designers in major European tech hubs like Barcelona. Actual compensation will depend on individual experience, specific skill set, and final negotiation. The mention of "Parental Leave" and "Disability Confident" scheme indicates a strong focus on employee welfare and inclusivity.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Travel Agency (OTA) / Technology. Skyscanner operates in a highly competitive digital marketplace, requiring innovative marketing and a strong brand presence to attract and retain users amidst numerous travel booking platforms.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Skyscanner is a significant global player in the travel tech industry, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals worldwide, indicating a mature organization with established processes and resources.

Founded: 2003. With nearly two decades of operation, Skyscanner has evolved from a flight comparison tool to a comprehensive travel marketplace, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the travel market's dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Brand Studio," a specialized internal creative team comprising Creative Directors, Visual Designers, Copywriters, Motion Designers, and Design Operations specialists.

• This structure suggests a hub-and-spoke model where the Brand Studio acts as a center of excellence for creative output, collaborating with various marketing, product, and regional teams across the organization.

• Reporting likely goes through a Creative Director or Head of Brand within the Brand Studio, with cross-functional collaboration across marketing, product, and international teams. Methodology:

• Data-driven creativity: Leveraging insights from user behavior and market trends to inform visual design and campaign strategies.

• Iterative design process: Employing feedback loops and continuous refinement to optimize creative output.

• Collaborative development: Fostering teamwork and knowledge sharing to drive innovation and ensure cohesive brand messaging.

• Focus on user experience: Ensuring visual designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and accessible, aligning with Skyscanner's mission to make travel planning easy.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Brand Studio" concept implies a dedicated internal creative powerhouse. The company's founding date and growth suggest a stable yet dynamic environment. The travel industry context means visual design plays a crucial role in inspiring and facilitating travel planning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior level position within the creative function, specifically in visual design. It signifies a significant level of expertise, autonomy, and the ability to influence creative direction and mentor others. The role is expected to contribute to high-level brand strategy and execution.

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

Operations Impact: The visual output directly impacts Skyscanner's brand perception, user engagement, and conversion rates across all marketing channels. High-quality, on-brand visuals are critical for inspiring travel, building trust, and communicating value propositions effectively in the competitive online travel market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Creative Leadership: Potential to advance into a Lead Visual Designer, Art Director, or Creative Director role within the Brand Studio, taking on more strategic responsibility and managing larger projects or teams.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as digital campaign design, motion graphics (if After Effects skills are developed), or brand system evolution.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working on diverse projects across different business units, potentially leading to roles in product design, marketing strategy, or brand management.

• Mentorship & Training: Formal opportunities to develop leadership and mentoring skills, contributing to the growth of junior talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation is key here, indicating expectations beyond execution, including strategic input and mentorship. Growth opportunities are likely tied to increasing creative leadership and expanding influence within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Employees are expected to work from the Skyscanner office in Barcelona a minimum of two days per week, balancing this with remote work flexibility. This model aims to foster collaboration and team cohesion while allowing for personal flexibility.

Office Location(s): Barcelona, Spain. This vibrant city offers a dynamic cultural environment and a strong creative community, which can be inspiring for designers. The office location likely provides access to amenities and a collaborative workspace.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to facilitate interaction between team members, encouraging spontaneous discussions and idea-sharing, particularly within the Brand Studio and with cross-functional colleagues.

• Technology-Rich: Access to industry-standard design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma), potentially advanced AI tools, and the necessary hardware to support creative workflows.

• Inspiring Atmosphere: The company culture emphasizes curiosity and creativity, likely reflected in the office design and the nature of the work, which involves inspiring travel.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time, the hybrid nature suggests some flexibility in daily start and end times, provided core business hours and team collaboration needs are met. The two-day office requirement is likely structured to maximize in-person collaboration for key meetings, workshops, or brainstorming sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a significant aspect of the work environment, balancing office-based collaboration with remote flexibility. The Barcelona location adds a cultural and lifestyle dimension for potential candidates.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications and creative alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you present your portfolio, discussing key projects, your process, conceptual thinking, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about your craft, attention to detail, and how you've handled specific design challenges.

• Skills-Based Assessment/Challenge: Potentially a short design exercise or case study related to Skyscanner's brand or a typical campaign brief to evaluate your hands-on skills, conceptual thinking under pressure, and ability to apply brand guidelines.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Meetings with potential colleagues (Creative Directors, fellow designers, brand strategists) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Skyscanner's values and team dynamics.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Brand, Marketing Director) to discuss overall strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your senior-level capabilities, conceptual strength, and execution across diverse channels (digital, social, OOH, print).

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the brief, your role, the challenges, your strategic approach, the design process (including iterations), and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Craftsmanship: Emphasize your attention to detail in typography, layout, color, and art direction. Explain why specific design choices were made.

• Showcase System Thinking: If applicable, demonstrate how you've worked with or evolved design systems to ensure brand consistency while allowing for creative expression.

• Prepare for AI/Tech Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and how you see them impacting visual design workflows.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough to ensure a smooth, confident, and engaging delivery within the allotted time.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brand: Thoroughly research Skyscanner's current brand identity, visual language, tone of voice, target audience, and recent marketing campaigns.

• Think Conceptually: Prepare to brainstorm creative concepts for hypothetical Skyscanner campaigns or challenges, focusing on originality and relevance.

• Focus on Process: Be ready to explain your design process, from brief interpretation to execution, and how you would approach a new task with limited information.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: If a hands-on challenge is given, be prepared to work efficiently in Figma, Photoshop, or Illustrator.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and potential design challenges indicates that practical skills and the ability to articulate design thinking are critical evaluation points. Thorough brand research is essential for demonstrating strategic alignment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite:

  • Photoshop: Essential for image manipulation, compositing, and detailed pixel-level design.
  • Illustrator: Crucial for vector graphics, logos, illustrations, and scalable design assets.

• Figma: The primary tool for collaborative interface design, prototyping, and design system management. Its cloud-based nature is ideal for hybrid and remote teams.

• AI Tools: Proficiency or familiarity with emerging AI tools for creative ideation, asset generation, or workflow enhancement.

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary tool for a visual designer, understanding how visual assets perform is beneficial. Familiarity with analytics dashboards (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics) might be helpful to understand user engagement with designed content.

CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the visual designer's core tools, but understanding how marketing assets are deployed through CRM or marketing automation platforms can provide context for asset creation needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Photoshop, Illustrator, and Figma, along with "AI tools," defines the core technical requirements. Figma's prominence highlights the need for collaborative design workflow proficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A genuine interest in exploring new creative approaches, design trends, and the travel industry itself.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork, open communication, and shared success, working effectively across diverse teams.

• Craftsmanship: A commitment to high standards of visual execution, attention to detail, and producing work of exceptional quality.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on creating work that not only looks good but also achieves business objectives and resonates with the target audience.

• Inclusivity & Accessibility: A dedication to creating designs that are welcoming and usable by everyone, reflecting Skyscanner's commitment to accessibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively partnering with copywriters, motion designers, product teams, and marketing specialists to ensure cohesive and effective campaigns.

• Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and the ability to provide thoughtful feedback to peers, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share skills, insights, and best practices within the Brand Studio and broader organization.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication, especially in a hybrid work setting, to keep projects on track and stakeholders informed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Skyscanner's stated values of curiosity, collaboration, and inclusivity are key cultural indicators. The emphasis on "craft" and "impact" aligns with senior creative roles that balance artistry with business objectives.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Consistency with Innovation: Evolving the visual identity while adhering to established guidelines and ensuring consistency across a global brand.

• Managing Diverse Creative Demands: Juggling multiple projects with varying scopes, deadlines, and stakeholders across different marketing channels.

• Adapting to Rapidly Evolving Design Trends & Technologies: Staying current with new design tools (like AI), platforms (e.g., new social media features), and creative methodologies.

• Measuring Creative Impact: Demonstrating the tangible business value and ROI of visual design work in a data-informed organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to training resources, workshops, and potentially industry conferences to stay updated on design software, techniques, and trends.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to both receive mentorship from senior creatives and provide guidance to junior designers, developing leadership capabilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Projects: Exposure to different areas of the business (e.g., product design, marketing strategy) to broaden understanding and skill sets.

• Design System Evolution: Contributing to the ongoing development and refinement of Skyscanner's core visual design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior creative roles within dynamic companies. Growth opportunities are framed around skill development, leadership, and strategic contribution, aligning with a senior career path.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing a visual concept for a new Skyscanner campaign targeting Gen Z travelers on TikTok?" (Assesses conceptual thinking, platform understanding, and brand relevance).

• "Describe a time you had to push back on a creative brief or stakeholder request. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluates communication, negotiation, and strategic rationale).

• "How do you ensure your visual designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also accessible and inclusive?" (Probes understanding of accessibility standards and user-centric design).

• "Walk us through your process for evolving a brand's visual identity while maintaining consistency." (Tests understanding of brand strategy and system-based design). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about Skyscanner's brand and mission?" (Assesses genuine interest and research).

• "How do you envision contributing to our Brand Studio's collaborative environment?" (Probes teamwork and cultural fit).

• "How do you stay inspired and keep up with the latest design trends and technologies?" (Evaluates proactivity and continuous learning).

• "What does 'craftsmanship' mean to you in the context of visual design?" (Explores values and commitment to quality). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and approach, then dive into 3-5 carefully selected projects. For each, cover: Brief/Challenge -> Your Role -> Concept/Strategy -> Process/Iterations -> Final Execution -> Outcome/Learnings.

• Narrative: Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions. Tell a compelling story for each project, highlighting your problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups and clear visuals. Be prepared to zoom in on details (typography, layout) to demonstrate your "craft obsession."

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your delivery to ensure you cover key points efficiently and engagingly.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your choices, challenges, and how your work aligns with Skyscanner's brand and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a strong understanding of the brand, and excellent communication skills, alongside the visual design expertise. Practice articulating the "why" and "how" of your work is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Visual Designer position at Skyscanner:

• Submit your application through the Skyscanner careers portal, ensuring your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and easily accessible.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that best demonstrate your senior-level visual design skills, conceptual thinking, and experience across digital, social, and OOH channels relevant to a travel brand. Emphasize projects showcasing attention to detail and brand system application.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 7+ years of experience, proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, and any AI tools, and highlights achievements in campaign development and visual storytelling. Use keywords from the job description.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Skyscanner's brand, mission, values, recent marketing campaigns, and target audience. Understand their position in the travel industry and their commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your approach to collaboration, and how your skills align with the role's responsibilities and Skyscanner's culture during interviews. Practice presenting your portfolio with confidence and clarity.

⚠️ 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.