Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

Company: KittySpout

Location: Warsaw, Masovian Voivodeship, Poland (Remote)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Web Design & E-commerce Operations

Date Posted: 2026-11-03

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the visual transformation of two Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) e-commerce brands, focusing on elevating their online presence and unique brand aesthetics.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Figma design system, ensuring a cohesive and premium look and feel across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead to integrate conversion-driven principles into every design element.

• Leverage AI-first design tools to accelerate the design process, explore creative directions, and ensure the design system is extendable by AI for future development.

• Drive measurable improvements in website conversion rates and revenue per visitor through data-informed design decisions and A/B testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a contract position, indicating a focus on project-based work with the potential for ongoing engagement. The emphasis on AI-first design and the creation of an extendable Figma design system are critical components that differentiate this role from traditional web design positions, requiring a candidate adept at both creative execution and strategic system design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of existing website designs, brand guidelines, and competitor landscapes to define and present 2-3 distinct web design directions for each brand.

• Architect and build a robust, mobile-first Figma design system encompassing typography, color palettes, spacing, components, and reusable section templates for both brands.

• Design 8-10 signature conversion-focused sections per brand (e.g., hero banners, product benefits, social proof, comparison modules, bundle displays, brand story elements) for both mobile and desktop views.

• Ensure all designed sections prioritize clear visual hierarchy, a single primary call-to-action, prominent benefit statements and social proof, and optimized, thumb-friendly mobile layouts.

• Collaborate with the CRO Lead to launch major new sections as controlled split tests, analyzing performance data to validate design effectiveness.

• Deliver clean, well-organized Figma files, concise usage guidelines (including do's, don'ts, and examples), and necessary assets for seamless handover.

• Conduct a comprehensive walkthrough of the design system and assets to empower the internal web team to extend the system using AI tools.

• Review and provide feedback on the initial new sections built by the team using the AI-extended design system to ensure brand consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a phased approach to the project, starting with strategic direction, moving to system creation, then section design, and culminating in a robust handover process. The accountability for checking built pages against designs before launch indicates a need for strong attention to detail and quality assurance.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design, user experience (UX) design, or a related field is implied through the experience and portfolio requirements.

Experience: 5+ years of professional web design experience is a mandatory requirement. This should include a demonstrable track record in e-commerce website design, with a preference for Shopify platforms. Experience in elevating existing brands and making their online presence more premium and distinctive is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Web Design & E-commerce Expertise: Proven ability to design high-converting e-commerce websites.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for design, prototyping, and building comprehensive design systems.

• AI-First Design: Extensive experience utilizing AI tools for image generation, layout exploration, and rapid asset production.

• Conversion-Led Design Principles: Deep understanding of what drives online sales, including visual hierarchy, clear calls-to-action, persuasive copywriting placement, and optimized user journeys.

• Design Systems Development: Ability to create clear, extendable design systems that facilitate rapid development and AI integration.

• Mobile-First Design: Expertise in designing responsive and engaging user experiences optimized for mobile devices.

• Brand Elevation: Experience in enhancing existing brand identities to achieve a more premium and distinctive market positioning.

• Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to take direction, provide constructive feedback, and work effectively with brand and CRO stakeholders.

• English Fluency: Professional-level fluency in English for effective communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Shopify Platform Experience: Specific familiarity with designing within the Shopify ecosystem.

• DTC or Pet Brand Experience: Prior exposure to the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) market or the pet industry.

• User Experience (UX) Design: In-depth knowledge of UX principles to enhance overall user journeys.

• Prototyping: Skill in creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback.

• Digital Marketing Acumen: Understanding of how web design supports broader digital marketing objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "real taste and creativity" and designing "better than most of what is on Shopify today" suggests a need for a designer who is not only technically proficient but also possesses a strong aesthetic sensibility and a keen eye for market differentiation. The AI-first design requirement is a significant differentiator, implying a need for candidates who are early adopters and adept at integrating cutting-edge tools into their workflow.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Live E-commerce Websites: A portfolio showcasing live e-commerce sites, ideally built on Shopify, that demonstrate exceptional taste, creativity, and a premium aesthetic.

• Brand Elevation Case Studies: Specific examples or case studies detailing how you have successfully elevated existing e-commerce brands, making their sites more premium and distinctive while retaining core brand elements and conversion efficacy.

• Design System Examples: Demonstrations of previously built design systems in Figma, highlighting clarity, organization, component libraries, and scalability.

• Conversion-Focused Designs: Visual evidence of pages or sections designed with explicit conversion goals in mind, showcasing strategic use of hierarchy, calls-to-action, and persuasive elements.

• AI-Assisted Design Work: Examples that illustrate the application of AI tools in your design process, demonstrating speed, exploration of directions, or unique asset creation.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Documentation of your process for reviewing existing sites, conducting competitor analysis, and developing initial design directions.

• Design System Development Methodology: Clear articulation of your approach to building a mobile-first design system, including component structure, naming conventions, and documentation practices.

• Conversion Optimization Integration: Description of how you integrate CRO principles from the outset of the design process, including how you collaborate with CRO specialists.

• Handover and AI Extension Protocols: A documented process for preparing design handovers, including style guides, asset organization, and specifications for AI tool utilization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific and geared towards demonstrating practical application of advanced design skills. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just the final visual output but also the strategic thinking, process, and tools used, particularly regarding AI integration and design system architecture for future scalability.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $35 – $70 per hour. This range is based on the provided information and reflects the seniority, specialized skills (AI-first design, Figma, conversion focus), and contract nature of the role. The specific rate will be determined by the candidate's experience level, portfolio quality, and demonstrated ability to meet the project's unique demands.

Benefits: As a contractor role, standard employee benefits typically do not apply. However, potential benefits may include:

• Flexibility: The opportunity to work remotely on a flexible schedule, aligning with the "Speed Is King" and "Work Smart" values.

• Project Variety: Potential for ongoing design work beyond the initial revamp project, as the company aims to continuously "raise the bar."

• Direct Impact: The chance to work directly with the founder and senior team, influencing the growth trajectory of a rapidly scaling company.

• Competitive Hourly Rate: A strong hourly rate that compensates for specialized skills and project-based engagement.

Working Hours: The role is described as "ongoing" with the initial website revamp project estimated at 40–80 hours over 4–8 weeks. While specific daily working hours are not defined, the company culture emphasizes "Speed Is King" and "turn feedback around the same day," suggesting an expectation of prompt responsiveness and availability during core working periods. The company operates with a "lean, senior team that moves fast," implying a dynamic and responsive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in USD, indicating potential international engagement. The absence of traditional benefits is typical for contractor roles; therefore, candidates should focus on the project scope, hourly rate, and potential for continued work as key compensation factors. The emphasis on rapid feedback suggests a need for strong time management and proactive communication.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC), Pet Products. KittySpout operates within the rapidly growing premium pet product market, leveraging a DTC model to build direct relationships with consumers. They also sell through major online retailers like Amazon and Chewy, indicating a multi-channel sales strategy.

Company Size: Described as a "lean, senior team," indicating a relatively small but highly experienced group of professionals. The company is scaling from $50M+ to $100M+ in annual revenue, suggesting significant growth and ambition.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company is established, profitable, and experiencing rapid growth with the recent launch of a second brand.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to the Head of Brand & Community and collaborates with the CRO Lead.

• Works within a "lean, senior team" environment, suggesting direct access to leadership, including the founder.

• The team values speed, creativity, data-driven decision-making, and a "will-to-win" attitude. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizes data, including split-test results, to inform design refinements and business strategies.

• Agile & Fast-Paced: Emphasizes speed, quick turnarounds on feedback, and efficient exploration of design directions.

• Creative Problem-Solving: Leverages creativity to achieve ambitious goals with limited resources ("do more with less").

• AI Integration: Actively incorporates AI tools to enhance productivity and accelerate design processes.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/sHYrP1dtaWQ8WyRNn3nUSx/jobs-at-kittyspout (Company careers page, not direct company website)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highly performance-oriented and entrepreneurial. Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, autonomous environments with a strong emphasis on results and innovation will be a good fit. The "no politics or corporate chicanery" statement suggests a direct, transparent, and results-focused operational style.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a Senior Web Designer, functioning at a high individual contributor level with significant ownership and impact. While not a traditional "operations" role in the RevOps sense, it is critical to the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the e-commerce platform. The designer is responsible for the core digital interface that drives revenue and customer experience.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Web Designer reports to the Head of Brand & Community and works in close collaboration with the CRO Lead. This structure emphasizes a direct line to brand strategy and conversion optimization efforts.

Operations Impact: The primary impact of this role is on revenue generation and brand perception. By elevating the website's look and feel and improving conversion rates, the designer directly contributes to the company's goal of scaling from $50M+ to $100M+ in annual revenue. The creation of a robust design system also impacts the operational efficiency of the web development team by enabling faster content creation and maintenance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Ongoing Projects: The initial project is a significant revamp, with the explicit mention of "more design work after it as we keep raising the bar," suggesting potential for continued, long-term contract work.

• Skill Development in AI Design: Deepening expertise in AI-first design methodologies and tools, becoming a leader in this emerging field within the company.

• Strategic Influence: The opportunity to shape the visual identity and conversion strategy for two scaling DTC brands, working directly with senior leadership.

• Specialization: Potential to become the go-to expert for all things related to the company's web design systems and aesthetics.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the responsibilities and company context place this role within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations, specifically focusing on the digital storefront's performance and aesthetic. The growth opportunities are tied to project longevity and specialization in cutting-edge design practices.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully remote. This allows for global talent acquisition and offers significant flexibility to the contractor.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote and based in Warsaw, Poland (indicated by timezone/country derived data), the company's operations are likely distributed. The company has headquarters in an unspecified location but operates across multiple countries (Poland is a derived location).

Workspace Context:

• Autonomy: As a remote contractor, the designer will have significant autonomy over their workspace and daily schedule, provided they meet responsiveness expectations.

• Digital Collaboration: The work environment relies heavily on digital tools for communication and collaboration, including Figma, potentially Slack, and video conferencing.

• Fast-Paced Culture: The workspace is characterized by a "will-to-win," "moves fast," and "do more with less" mentality, requiring a proactive and efficient approach.

• Tools & Technology: Access to and proficiency with industry-standard design tools (Figma) and emerging AI design platforms are essential.

Work Schedule: The role is described as "ongoing" with the initial project estimated at 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks. The company culture prioritizes responsiveness ("turn feedback around the same day"), implying that while there's flexibility in when work is done, availability for collaboration and feedback is crucial. This is not a typical 9-to-5 structure but rather a results-oriented, deadline-driven approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature and contractor status mean the candidate is responsible for their own work environment and equipment. The emphasis on speed and responsiveness in a remote setting requires strong self-discipline and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application + Screening & Portfolio Review: Initial submission of resume and portfolio. The team will thoroughly review for relevant experience, taste, and AI proficiency.

2. Paid Test: A practical, real-world assignment involving designing one section for one of their brands, paid at the agreed hourly rate. This assesses practical skills, speed, and alignment with brand aesthetics and conversion goals.

3. Final Interview: Likely a discussion with senior leadership (CEO, Head of Brand & Community) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability.

4. Project Kickoff: If successful, the project begins with detailed planning and alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AI Integration: Explicitly highlight projects where AI tools were used to accelerate design, explore concepts, or generate assets. Explain the specific tools and methodologies employed.

• Demonstrate Brand Elevation: Select case studies that clearly illustrate your process for taking an existing brand and making it more premium, unique, and distinctive. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased perceived value," "improved competitor standing").

• Figma Design System Examples: Present well-organized and documented Figma design systems. Highlight the structure, component library, and how it's designed for scalability and extendability.

• Conversion-Focused Designs: For each relevant project, articulate the conversion goals and how your design decisions directly supported them (e.g., placement of CTAs, visual hierarchy, trust signals).

• Concise Storytelling: For each portfolio piece, provide a brief overview of the challenge, your approach, the tools used (especially AI), and the outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.

• Highlight Speed & Responsiveness: If possible, mention how you managed project timelines and feedback loops in previous roles, aligning with the company's "Speed Is King" value.

Challenge Preparation:

• The Paid Test: Treat the paid test section design as a mini-project. Understand the brand, its target audience, and the specific conversion goal for that page/section. Use AI tools proactively to explore options and deliver a polished result quickly.

• Figma System Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to building modular, extendable design systems. Think about how developers and AI tools would interact with your system.

• Conversion Principles: Be ready to articulate key conversion principles and how you apply them in your design process. Reference specific examples from your portfolio.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your favorite AI design tools, their strengths and weaknesses, and how you integrate them into a professional workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a paid test, which is a strong indicator of the company's commitment to assessing practical skills and fit before a final commitment. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to execute on a real task under realistic conditions.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool for building the design system, creating components, and delivering final assets. Advanced proficiency is expected.

• AI Design Tools: A broad category, candidates are expected to be proficient in various AI-powered design tools for image generation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), layout exploration, and potentially AI-assisted prototyping or asset creation.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other dedicated prototyping tools might be beneficial for demonstrating user flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools: While the designer won't manage these, understanding how tools like Google Optimize, VWO, Optimizely, or Hotjar are used for A/B testing and user behavior analysis is crucial, as designs will be tested.

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with Google Analytics or similar platforms to understand key metrics like conversion rate, revenue per visitor, bounce rate, and user flow is beneficial for designing with conversion in mind.

CRM & Automation:

• E-commerce Platforms: Deep familiarity with Shopify is a strong preference. Understanding how designs translate into the Shopify environment is key. Experience with other e-commerce platforms (like WooCommerce, Magento) could also be valuable.

• Content Management Systems (CMS): General understanding of how content is managed and deployed on websites.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI design tools and Figma as primary requirements highlights the company's focus on modern, efficient design workflows. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and strategic use of these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Everyday: A commitment to continuous improvement, using split-test results to refine the design system and ensure ongoing optimization of website elements. This translates to a data-informed approach to design evolution.

• Speed Is King: A culture that values rapid execution, quick feedback loops, and efficient delivery. This means designers must be highly productive and responsive.

• Work Smart: Encourages the use of AI and intelligent design practices to maximize output and efficiency. The design system itself is a product of working smart, enabling others to extend it efficiently.

• Overdeliver: A drive to exceed expectations, particularly by creating a lasting, extensible design system that empowers the team for years to come, rather than just delivering a set of pages.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Transparent: The company eschews "politics or corporate chicanery," suggesting a culture of open communication and direct feedback.

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead is essential, requiring the designer to understand and integrate brand strategy with conversion optimization goals.

• Feedback-Driven Iteration: The expectation to "turn feedback around the same day" indicates a highly iterative and responsive collaboration style.

• Empowerment & Extension: The goal is to create a system that the internal team can extend, fostering a collaborative environment where the designer empowers others through their work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The cultural values are deeply integrated into the operational expectations of the role. Candidates must demonstrate an alignment with these principles, particularly regarding speed, smart work (AI), and a commitment to long-term value (overdelivery).

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Elevating Existing Brands: The core challenge is to enhance the aesthetic and premium feel of existing brands without alienating the current customer base or losing established brand equity. This requires a nuanced design approach.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Conversion: Ensuring that the pursuit of a unique and premium look does not compromise conversion rates is paramount. Designs must be both beautiful and highly effective at driving sales.

• AI Integration Mastery: Rapidly adopting and mastering AI design tools to achieve the company's speed and efficiency expectations, while maintaining high quality and brand consistency.

• Design System Scalability: Creating a Figma design system that is robust enough for AI extension and long-term use by a growing team, requiring foresight and meticulous organization.

• Remote Collaboration Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and communicating with a remote team, ensuring alignment and timely feedback without in-person interaction.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Becoming a subject matter expert in AI-driven design workflows, which is a rapidly evolving field.

• DTC E-commerce Growth Strategy: Gaining deep insights into the strategies behind scaling a profitable DTC e-commerce business.

• CRO Integration Expertise: Deepening understanding of conversion rate optimization principles and how design directly impacts key e-commerce metrics.

• Leadership in Design Systems: Developing expertise in creating and managing design systems that empower development teams and AI tools.

• Exposure to High-Growth Environment: Working in a company scaling rapidly provides invaluable experience in navigating growth challenges and opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the innovative and fast-paced nature of the company. Success in this role will require adaptability, a proactive learning mindset, and a strong ability to translate complex requirements into elegant design solutions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for reviewing an existing brand's website and identifying opportunities for aesthetic elevation while maintaining conversion goals. Can you walk us through a past example?" (Focus on brand review, competitor analysis, user journey mapping, and conversion funnel optimization.)

• "How do you approach building a Figma design system that is specifically intended to be extended by AI tools? What are the key considerations for ensuring clarity and scalability for non-human interpretation?" (Emphasis on component structure, naming conventions, documentation, and modularity.)

• "Given our 'Speed Is King' and 'Work Smart' values, how do you integrate AI tools into your web design workflow to achieve faster delivery without compromising quality or brand uniqueness?" (Be ready to discuss specific AI tools and your practical workflow.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your understanding of the DTC pet brand market, and how would you ensure our brands stand out distinctively within it?" (Demonstrate market awareness and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you align with our core values of 'Better Everyday,' 'Speed Is King,' 'Work Smart,' and 'Overdeliver' in your professional practice?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values.)

• "Describe your experience working in lean, fast-paced, remote teams. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Highlight self-discipline, proactivity, and communication strategies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "AI-Assisted Elevation" Case Study: Select a project that best demonstrates elevating an existing brand using AI tools. Detail the problem, your AI-powered solution, the design system elements created, and the conversion-focused outcomes.

• Figma Design System Walkthrough: Prepare a concise, interactive walkthrough of a design system you've built in Figma. Highlight key components, spacing, typography, and explain how it's structured for easy extension.

• Conversion Element Deep Dive: Choose a specific page or section from your portfolio and break down its conversion-driving elements, explaining the rationale behind each design choice (e.g., CTA placement, benefit articulation, social proof integration).

• AI Tool Demonstration (Optional but Recommended): If possible, have a brief screen recording or live demo ready showcasing how you use a specific AI tool in your workflow to generate assets or explore design directions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess practical skills, strategic thinking, cultural fit, and proficiency with cutting-edge tools. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their capabilities through portfolio examples and articulate their approach to design challenges within the company's specific operational context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization for AI & Brand Elevation: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of AI tool integration in your design process and case studies demonstrating successful brand elevation for e-commerce sites. Tailor your presentation to highlight these specific requirements.

• Resume Optimization for Operations Impact: Clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, focusing on e-commerce, Shopify, Figma, AI design, and conversion-led design principles. Quantify achievements wherever possible, emphasizing your impact on conversion rates and brand perception.

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Familiarize yourself with DTC e-commerce best practices and rapid design execution. Be ready to showcase your ability to quickly understand brand guidelines and deliver a high-quality, conversion-focused design section.

• Research KittySpout's Brands: Gain a thorough understanding of KittySpout's existing brands, their market position, and their competitors. This research will be crucial for demonstrating your strategic thinking during interviews and the paid test.

⚠️ 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.