Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

Company: KittySpout

Location: Bucharest, Romania (Remote)

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Revenue Operations (specifically GTM/Marketing Operations enablement through web design)

Date Posted: November 3, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual transformation of KittySpout's DTC ecommerce websites, focusing on elevating brand perception and enhancing user experience to drive higher conversion rates.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Figma design system for both existing and new brands, ensuring brand consistency and scalability for AI-driven content creation.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community and CRO Lead to translate brand guidelines and conversion principles into impactful web designs.

• Leverage AI-first design methodologies to accelerate design exploration, asset production, and the creation of unique, premium web aesthetics that stand out in the competitive pet industry.

• Own the end-to-end design process for website revamps, from initial concept presentation to final handover, ensuring alignment with business objectives and performance targets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is for a Web Designer, its direct impact on conversion rates, revenue per visitor, and the creation of a scalable design system for AI extension places it firmly within the strategic enablement of GTM (Go-To-Market) and Revenue Operations. The emphasis on conversion-led design and collaboration with the CRO Lead highlights its operational significance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Brand Elevation & Web Revamp:

  • Analyze competitor landscapes, current brand guidelines, and existing website performance to propose 2-3 distinct web design directions for each KittySpout brand within the first two weeks.
  • Execute a full website revamp and upgrade, focusing on enhancing the look and feel to be more unique, elevated, and premium, while meticulously preserving and building upon current branding.
  • Ensure all designed pages are optimized for conversion, incorporating clear calls to action, compelling benefit statements, and strong social proof elements.

• Design System Development:

  • Architect and build a robust, mobile-first Figma design system for both brands, encompassing typography, color palettes, spacing, components, and reusable section templates.
  • Ensure the design system is distinct for each brand yet cohesive within the overall KittySpout ecosystem, facilitating seamless extension by internal teams and AI tools.
  • Document clear usage rules, do's and don'ts, and provide illustrative examples for the design system to ensure consistent application.

• Signature Section Design:

  • Design 8-10 signature sections per brand (e.g., hero banners, product benefits, social proof, comparison modules, bundle offers, brand story elements) for both mobile and desktop viewpoints.
  • Collaborate with the CRO Lead to design key sections with conversion principles at their core, and oversee the validation of built pages against approved designs.

• AI-First Design Integration:

  • Actively utilize AI tools daily for rapid exploration of design directions, generation of assets, and accelerated production of design elements, significantly outpacing traditional design workflows.
  • Design the system with AI extensibility in mind, ensuring that the internal web team can efficiently build new sections using AI prompts based on the provided system.

• Performance & Collaboration:

  • Launch major new sections as A/B split tests in collaboration with the CRO Lead to measure and validate performance improvements against existing versions.

  • Provide clean, organized Figma files, assets, and conduct a concise walkthrough session to empower the internal team for ongoing design extension and AI integration.

  • Respond to feedback promptly, aiming for same-day turnaround to maintain project velocity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities clearly outline a project-based engagement focused on a critical website revamp and the establishment of a scalable design system. The emphasis on "AI-First Design" and "Conversion-Led Design" points towards a need for a designer who understands modern digital operations and performance marketing principles, going beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in graphic design, digital design, UX/UI, or a related field is beneficial. Emphasis will be placed on a demonstrable portfolio showcasing practical application of design principles. Experience:

• Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in web design, with a significant focus on ecommerce platforms.

• Proven track record of successfully elevating existing ecommerce brands, making their online presence more premium and distinctive without compromising core functionality or brand identity. Required Skills:

• E-commerce Web Design: Extensive experience designing high-converting websites, ideally within the Shopify ecosystem.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, prototyping, and comprehensive design system creation.

• AI-First Design Tools: Daily, hands-on experience with AI tools for image generation, layout exploration, and asset production to drive speed and creativity.

• Conversion-Led Design Principles: Deep understanding of UI/UX principles that drive conversions, including visual hierarchy, compelling calls-to-action, benefit-driven messaging, and persuasive proof elements.

• Design Systems Thinking: Ability to conceptualize, build, and document scalable design systems that are clear, organized, and easily extendable by developers and AI tools.

• Mobile-First Design: Expertise in designing responsive interfaces that prioritize the mobile user experience.

• Brand Strategy Acumen: Capacity to understand and build upon existing brand guidelines to create a more unique and premium aesthetic.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to take direction, provide constructive pushback with data-backed ideas, and communicate effectively in English with cross-functional teams.

• Agility & Responsiveness: Demonstrated ability to work at a fast pace, with same-day turnaround on feedback and a proactive approach to project timelines.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct experience within the pet industry or with Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands.

• Experience with A/B testing and collaborating with CRO specialists.

• Familiarity with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Understanding of web development constraints and best practices to ensure designs are feasible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-First Design" and the requirement for a "Design System that AI can extend" are critical differentiators for this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they integrate AI into their daily workflow and how they structure design outputs for machine interpretability.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Live Ecommerce Sites: A robust portfolio showcasing live ecommerce websites, with a strong preference for Shopify sites, that demonstrate exceptional taste, creativity, and a premium aesthetic that surpasses industry norms.

• Brand Elevation Case Studies: Specific examples within the portfolio that detail how you have taken established ecommerce brands and successfully elevated their online presence, making them more premium and distinctive while retaining core brand elements.

• Design System Examples: Documentation or examples of previously built design systems, highlighting their structure, components, scalability, and clarity for future development.

• Conversion Optimization Focus: Case studies or examples that clearly articulate your approach to designing for conversion, showcasing how specific design choices led to measurable improvements in metrics like conversion rate or revenue per visitor.

Process Documentation:

• AI Integration Workflow: Evidence of your workflow for integrating AI tools into the design process, demonstrating how you leverage AI for ideation, asset generation, and rapid prototyping.

• Figma Design System Structure: Clear articulation of your methodology for building organized and maintainable Figma design systems, including file structure, component organization, and documentation practices.

• Conversion-Led Design Process: A documented process for how you approach designing web pages with conversion principles from the outset, including user journey mapping, hierarchy planning, and CTA optimization.

• Handover & Knowledge Transfer: Examples of how you prepare and deliver design files and documentation for seamless handover to development teams or internal stakeholders, ensuring clarity and ease of use for future extensions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evaluation tool. Candidates must be prepared to not only display visually appealing work but also to articulate the strategic thinking, process, and results behind their designs, particularly concerning conversion and the creation of a scalable, AI-extensible design system.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $35 – $70 per hour (Contractor)

Explanation: This hourly range is competitive for a Senior Web Designer with specialized skills in AI-first design, conversion optimization, and Figma design systems, particularly for a remote, contract role supporting a fast-growing DTC brand. The upper end of the range reflects significant experience, a strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional taste, and proven ability to drive conversions and build scalable design infrastructure.

Benefits:

• Flexible Remote Work: Fully remote position, offering the autonomy to work from anywhere.

• Direct Impact: Opportunity to work directly with the founder and a lean, senior team, with a substantial impact on the company's growth trajectory.

• Project Variety: Initial project focused on a full website revamp, with potential for ongoing design work as the company continues to scale and innovate.

• Creative Freedom: Scope to elevate existing brands and shape their unique, premium digital identity.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Engaging work in a dynamic, results-oriented culture without corporate politics.

Working Hours:

• The initial website revamp project is estimated at 40–80 hours over 4–8 weeks.

• The role requires availability to start within the next few weeks and a commitment to fast turnaround on feedback, indicating a need for approximately 20 hours per week on average during project phases, with potential for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is structured as an hourly rate for a contractor. The benefits are primarily non-traditional, focusing on the nature of the work, autonomy, and direct impact, which are often highly valued by senior freelance professionals. The "working hours" are project-dependent, with an initial scope defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Pet Brand

Company Size: Growing rapidly, currently scaling from $50M+ to $100M+ in annual revenue. The team is described as "lean" and "senior," indicating a small but highly experienced group of professionals.

Founded: Not explicitly stated, but the company is profitable and has successfully launched a second brand, suggesting established operations and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Senior: Composed of highly experienced individuals who move quickly and have significant individual impact.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The designer will work closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead, indicating a collaborative approach across marketing, branding, and performance optimization functions.

• Direct Founder Interaction: Opportunity to work directly with the founder, suggesting a flat hierarchy and direct access to leadership.

Methodology:

• Will-to-Win: A strong drive and commitment to achieving business goals, with no task considered beneath team members if it contributes to success.

• Creativity with Constraints: Emphasis on using creativity to achieve significant results with limited resources and time ("do more with less – and quickly").

• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on data, including split-test results, to inform design refinements and strategic choices.

• Agile & Responsive: A culture that prioritizes speed, with same-day feedback turnaround and rapid iteration.

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption and daily use of AI tools to enhance efficiency and explore design possibilities.

Company Website: [KittySpout Website URL - Assuming this would be provided by the company]

📝 Enhancement Note: KittySpout fosters a high-performance culture focused on rapid growth, efficiency, and innovation. The ideal candidate thrives in a lean, autonomous environment, is comfortable with ambiguity, and possesses a strong "get-it-done" attitude. The emphasis on AI and data aligns with modern operational efficiencies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role functions at a senior individual contributor level, specifically within the creative and GTM enablement domain. While not a traditional "operations" role in terms of CRM management or process automation, it critically supports operational goals by enhancing the customer-facing digital infrastructure that drives revenue.

Reporting Structure:

• The Senior Web Designer will report directly to and collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead.

• There's also an implied direct reporting line or close working relationship with the founder, given the company's lean structure and emphasis on founder involvement. Operations Impact:

• Direct Revenue Contribution: By designing websites that convert better, the role directly impacts revenue per visitor and overall sales figures.

• Brand Scalability: The creation of a robust design system enables the company to scale its digital presence efficiently and consistently, supporting broader GTM strategies.

• Efficiency Gains: Leveraging AI and a well-defined design system allows the internal team to build new web sections faster and more cost-effectively, improving operational efficiency.

• Brand Perception: Elevating the brand's digital aesthetic contributes to premium positioning, potentially influencing customer acquisition cost and customer lifetime value.

Growth Opportunities:

• Ongoing Project Work: Successful completion of the initial revamp project opens doors for continued freelance engagements as the company scales and introduces new initiatives.

• Specialization Development: Deepening expertise in AI-assisted design, conversion-driven web architecture, and scalable design systems within a high-growth DTC environment.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Building a significant case study with a rapidly scaling, profitable DTC brand provides strong credentials for future high-value design projects.

• Strategic Input: The opportunity to influence brand direction and conversion strategies through direct collaboration with leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a contractor, "growth" is typically measured by the value and longevity of the engagement, as well as the development of skills and portfolio impact. This role offers significant opportunities in these areas, particularly in the burgeoning field of AI-assisted design for e-commerce.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This is a 100% remote position, allowing for work from any location.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company lists "Bucharest, Romania" as a derived location, suggesting a potential hub or a primary region for remote talent, or simply a location where the job was posted/filtered. However, the "fully remote" and "telecommute" status indicates no physical office requirement.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomous: Candidates are expected to manage their own time and workspace effectively to meet project deadlines and deliver high-quality work.

• Digital Collaboration: Communication and collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels (e.g., Slack, email, video conferencing).

• Technology Stack: Access to and proficiency with necessary design tools (Figma, AI tools) and collaboration platforms are essential.

• Fast-Paced Culture: The work environment is characterized by speed, agility, and a focus on results, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The initial project has a defined scope of 40–80 hours over 4–8 weeks.

• While specific daily hours are not mandated, the expectation for same-day feedback turnaround and a "will-to-win" attitude suggests a need for consistent availability and responsiveness during core working periods.

• The role is described as "ongoing," implying potential for continued work beyond the initial project based on performance and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of the role offers significant flexibility. However, the company's culture emphasizes speed and responsiveness, so candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work schedule rather than a strict 9-5.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Phase 1: Application & Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios to assess experience, taste, and alignment with core requirements (5+ years, ecommerce, AI-first design, Figma).

• Phase 2: Paid Test: A practical, real-world assignment where candidates design one section for one of the brands, paid at their proposed hourly rate. This assesses their ability to apply brand guidelines, conversion principles, and AI tools to a specific task.

• Phase 3: Final Interview: A discussion, likely with the founder and/or Head of Brand & Community/CRO Lead, to evaluate cultural fit, strategic thinking, communication skills, and final alignment with the company's values and vision.

• Phase 4: Project Kickoff: Successful candidates will begin the initial website revamp project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Taste & Uniqueness: Your portfolio should immediately convey excellent aesthetic judgment and an ability to create designs that stand out, especially in the competitive pet niche.

• Highlight Brand Elevation: Explicitly include case studies demonstrating how you've elevated existing brands. Detail the "before" and "after," explaining your strategic choices and the resulting improvements in perceived value or distinctiveness.

• Demonstrate Conversion Focus: For each ecommerce project, articulate the conversion principles you applied. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "Increased conversion rate by X%" or "Improved time-on-page by Y%").

• Detail Design System Work: If possible, include examples of design systems you've built. Explain the structure, component logic, and how it facilitates scalability and consistency. Mention how it could be extended by AI.

• AI Integration Evidence: Be prepared to discuss how you integrate AI into your workflow. If possible, showcase work where AI played a significant role in exploration or asset creation.

• Figma Expertise: Ensure your Figma files are well-organized and demonstrate advanced usage, including prototyping and component libraries.

• Conciseness & Clarity: Given the fast-paced culture, ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your key achievements are clearly communicated.

Challenge Preparation:

• Paid Test Strategy: Treat the paid test as a mini-project. Thoroughly research the brand, understand the objective of the section, and apply your AI and conversion-led design skills. Aim to deliver a polished concept that aligns with the company's values and aesthetic.

• Cultural Fit: Be ready to discuss how your work style and values align with KittySpout's emphasis on "will-to-win," "speed is king," "work smart," and "overdeliver." Provide examples of how you've embodied these principles.

• Strategic Thinking: Prepare to discuss your approach to web strategy, brand elevation, and conversion optimization. Think about how you would tackle the initial project objectives.

• AI & Future of Design: Be ready to articulate your vision for AI in web design and how you see it evolving the role of a designer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to be efficient and practical, with a paid test serving as a significant evaluation step. Candidates should focus on demonstrating tangible skills, a strong portfolio, and a cultural alignment with KittySpout's fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, prototyping, and building the comprehensive design system. Advanced proficiency is expected.

• AI Design Tools: Daily use is mandatory. This includes AI image generators (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), AI layout tools, and potentially AI-assisted website builders or content creation platforms. Candidates must demonstrate practical application and speed advantages gained from AI.

• Prototyping Tools: Integrated within Figma or standalone tools for creating interactive user flows and demonstrating design concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools: Familiarity with A/B testing platforms (e.g., Google Optimize, VWO, Optimizely) and understanding how design impacts key CRO metrics.

• Web Analytics Platforms: Understanding of how website designs are tracked and analyzed (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions and measure success.

CRM & Automation:

• E-commerce Platforms: Deep experience with platforms like Shopify is highly preferred, understanding their design capabilities, limitations, and best practices.

• Design Collaboration Tools: Proficiency with platforms for team communication and file sharing (e.g., Slack, Google Drive, Dropbox).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI-First Design" and the need for a "Figma design system that AI can extend" makes AI tools a primary requirement, not just a preferred skill. This indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations and production.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Everyday: Continuous improvement through data. The designer is expected to use split-test results from new sections to refine the design system before handover, embodying a commitment to iterative enhancement.

• Speed Is King: Urgency and efficiency. Presenting initial design directions within two weeks and turning around feedback on the same day are core expectations, reflecting a fast-paced operational rhythm.

• Work Smart: Leveraging technology and intelligent processes. The designer must use AI to explore directions and produce assets faster, and design the system to be extendable by AI, maximizing efficiency.

• Overdeliver: Exceeding expectations through tangible, lasting impact. The goal is to leave the team with a design system that can be built upon for years, demonstrating a commitment to long-term value beyond the initial project.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works closely with Brand & Community and CRO leads, requiring clear communication and understanding of different functional priorities.

• Data-Informed Input: While creative, the designer must back up ideas with data and performance insights, especially when collaborating on conversion strategies.

• Agile Feedback Loops: Embraces rapid feedback cycles, responding quickly and incorporating input to maintain project momentum.

• Empowerment Through Design: The designer's role includes empowering the internal team to extend the design system using AI, fostering a collaborative and scalable workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are explicitly tied to operational efficiency, speed, and measurable results. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how their work ethic and design philosophy align with these core principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Conversion: The core challenge is to create a unique, premium aesthetic that elevates the brand while simultaneously optimizing for conversion, ensuring both aspects are strong.

• Building an AI-Extensible Design System: Designing a system that is not only comprehensive and brand-consistent but also structured in a way that AI tools can reliably interpret and extend requires forward-thinking design and documentation.

• Rapid Iteration and Feedback: Working within a fast-paced environment with same-day feedback requires agility, resilience, and efficient communication to manage evolving design directions.

• Elevating an Existing Brand: Making an established brand feel "new" and "premium" without alienating the existing customer base or losing core brand equity requires careful strategic design.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment across a fully remote team requires excellent asynchronous and synchronous communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge AI Design Integration: Gain hands-on experience and expertise in applying AI tools to accelerate and enhance the web design process, a highly in-demand skill.

• High-Growth DTC Environment: Immerse yourself in the operational strategies and rapid scaling tactics of a successful, profitable DTC brand.

• Design System Mastery: Develop advanced skills in creating scalable, maintainable, and AI-compatible design systems.

• CRO Collaboration: Deepen understanding of conversion rate optimization principles through direct collaboration with a CRO Lead and A/B testing initiatives.

• Portfolio Expansion: Build a significant, impactful case study with a rapidly growing company, enhancing your professional portfolio with high-value project experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI integration in design for e-commerce, alongside the challenges inherent in high-growth DTC environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Elevation Approach: "Describe your process for taking an existing ecommerce brand and elevating its visual identity to feel more premium and unique, without losing its core appeal. Walk us through a past example and the specific design decisions you made."

• AI Integration in Design: "How do you currently integrate AI tools into your web design workflow? Provide specific examples of how AI has helped you move faster or explore directions you wouldn't have otherwise."

• Design System Philosophy: "What are the key elements of a successful, scalable design system? How would you structure a Figma design system to be easily extended by AI tools and developers?"

• Conversion-Led Design: "Walk us through how you incorporate conversion principles into your designs from the initial wireframing stage. What are the critical elements you focus on to drive conversions on an ecommerce page?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Cultural Fit: "Our values are Better Everyday, Speed Is King, Work Smart, and Overdeliver. How do these values resonate with your work style, and can you provide examples of how you've embodied them in past projects?"

• Remote Work & Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication when working remotely on a fast-paced project with tight deadlines?"

• Dealing with Feedback: "Describe a time you received challenging feedback on a design. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"

• Passion for the Work: "What excites you most about this specific opportunity and KittySpout's mission?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio presentation to highlight your most relevant work first – specifically, ecommerce sites, brand elevation projects, and any examples of design systems or AI integration.

• Tell the Story: For each project, don't just show the visuals. Explain the client's objective, your strategic approach, the design decisions you made (especially those related to conversion and brand elevation), and the results achieved.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data to back up your claims. Mention improvements in conversion rates, engagement metrics, or efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate AI Use: Be prepared to discuss your AI workflow. If you have specific examples of AI-generated assets or AI-assisted exploration, highlight them.

• Figma & Design System Walkthrough: If requested, be ready to briefly walk through a Figma file or a design system you've built, explaining its structure and logic.

• Concise & Engaging: Keep your presentation focused and engaging, respecting the interviewer's time. Aim for clarity and directness in your communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application (paid test) and cultural alignment. Candidates should prepare to articulate their processes, demonstrate their skills with concrete examples, and showcase their understanding of KittySpout's unique operational culture and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Web Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Apply through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in ecommerce web design, specific expertise in Figma, AI-first design methodologies, and proven success in brand elevation and conversion-driven design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features live ecommerce sites (ideally Shopify), case studies on brand elevation, examples of design systems, and any work demonstrating AI integration or conversion optimization successes. Make sure it's easily accessible and visually compelling.

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Understand that a paid test project is part of the process. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to apply KittySpout's brand guidelines and conversion principles to a real design task using AI tools efficiently.

• Research KittySpout: Familiarize yourself with their brands, products, and existing web presence. Understand their growth trajectory and their emphasis on speed, AI, and data-driven results to better articulate your cultural fit and strategic approach.

• Practice Your Presentation: Prepare to walk through your portfolio and discuss your design process, particularly concerning brand elevation, conversion optimization, and AI-assisted workflows.

⚠️ 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.