Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Web Designer: DTC Ecommerce

Company: KittySpout

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine (Remote)

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Web Design / E-commerce Operations

Date Posted: November 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a comprehensive website revamp for two distinct DTC pet brands, focusing on enhancing visual appeal and brand uniqueness while maintaining a strong conversion-driven approach.

• Develop and implement a sophisticated Figma design system, emphasizing mobile-first principles and clear component structures to empower AI-driven content creation.

• Collaborate closely with Brand & Community leadership and the CRO Lead to integrate conversion optimization strategies and best practices into all design elements.

• Drive a data-informed design process, utilizing split testing and performance metrics to refine the design system and ensure continuous improvement of user experience and sales outcomes.

• Act as a key contributor to scaling the business from $50M+ to $100M+ by elevating the digital storefront and ensuring brand distinctiveness in a competitive market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a contractor position with an initial project scope for a website revamp, but with the clear indication of ongoing design work and the potential for a long-term engagement based on performance and business needs. The emphasis on AI-first design and building a scalable design system suggests a forward-thinking operations approach to digital asset management and content scaling.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough analyses of existing brand guidelines, competitor landscapes, and current website performance to define 2-3 distinct web design directions for each of the two DTC brands, presenting these within the first two weeks of engagement.

• Architect and build a robust, mobile-first Figma design system for both brands, encompassing typography, color palettes, spacing, reusable components, and signature section templates, ensuring clear documentation and approval by the project midpoint.

• Design 8-10 high-converting signature sections per brand (e.g., hero banners, product benefits, social proof, bundles, brand story), optimized for both mobile and desktop views, ensuring alignment with brand identity and conversion objectives.

• Integrate conversion-rate optimization (CRO) principles into every design element, focusing on clear visual hierarchy, prominent calls-to-action, benefit-driven messaging, and rapid, thumb-friendly mobile layouts; collaborate with the CRO Lead to launch major new sections as split tests.

• Execute a comprehensive handover of the design system, including clean Figma files, concise usage guidelines (do's, don'ts, and examples), all necessary assets, and a detailed walkthrough session, enabling the internal team to effectively extend the system using AI tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are clearly defined around project milestones and deliverables, emphasizing a structured approach to design execution. The inclusion of "check the built pages against the design before launch" indicates a level of quality assurance and accountability beyond initial design creation, which is crucial in operations for ensuring brand consistency and technical accuracy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design, user interface (UI) design, user experience (UX) design, or a related field is implied by the nature of the role and the required experience.

Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of professional experience in web design is mandatory, with a significant focus on e-commerce platforms. Experience in elevating established brands without compromising existing strengths is a key requirement.

Required Skills:

• E-commerce & DTC Expertise: Proven track record designing for Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) e-commerce businesses, ideally with experience on platforms like Shopify.

• AI-First Design Proficiency: Extensive experience utilizing AI tools for image generation, layout exploration, and rapid asset production; ability to design systems that AI can effectively extend.

• Figma Mastery: Advanced skills in Figma for UI/UX design, prototyping, and building comprehensive design systems.

• Design Systems Architecture: Demonstrated ability to create scalable, well-documented design systems that are easily extendable by developers and AI tools.

• Conversion-Led Design Principles: Deep understanding of conversion optimization, including visual hierarchy, persuasive copywriting integration, clear calls-to-action, and user journey mapping.

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

• Brand Elevation: Experience in enhancing existing brand aesthetics to achieve a more premium, unique, and distinctive look and feel without losing brand equity.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to take direction, provide constructive pushback with data-backed ideas, and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams (Brand, CRO, CEO).

• Agile Workflow: Capacity to work at speed, deliver initial concepts within two weeks, and provide rapid turnaround on feedback.

• English Fluency: Professional fluency in English for seamless communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the pet industry or with other DTC brands.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and data analysis for design iteration.

• Understanding of web development principles to facilitate smoother handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "AI-First Design" and "Design Systems" expertise highlights the company's focus on leveraging technology for efficiency and scalability in their operations. This suggests a need for candidates who are not just designers but also strategic thinkers about how design assets can be managed and propagated in a growth-focused environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Live E-commerce Sites: A portfolio showcasing live e-commerce websites, demonstrating a high level of taste, creativity, and aesthetic appeal that stands out in the current market.

• Shopify Experience: Preference for portfolios that include significant work on the Shopify platform.

• 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.

• Conversion Optimization Examples: Evidence within your portfolio of designs that are demonstrably conversion-focused, illustrating clear calls-to-action, persuasive layouts, and effective use of social proof or benefit-driven content.

• Figma Design System Examples: Showcase of previously built design systems in Figma, highlighting their structure, component organization, and documentation clarity.

Process Documentation:

• Design System Documentation: Ability to create clear, concise usage rules for the Figma design system, including best practices, do's and don'ts, and illustrative examples.

• AI Extensibility: Designs and documentation should be structured to facilitate extension by AI tools, indicating an understanding of how to prepare assets for programmatic use.

• Workflow Optimization: Evidence of processes used to rapidly explore design directions and deliver assets efficiently, particularly through AI integration.

• Handover Protocols: A clear methodology for handing over design assets and systems to development and content teams, ensuring continuity and ease of implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Figma design system" that AI can extend implies a need for portfolio pieces that demonstrate not just aesthetic design but also a systematic, modular approach to UI elements and page structures. Candidates should highlight their ability to create reusable components and establish clear design rules.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $35 – $70 per hour.

This rate is offered on a contractor basis, reflecting the freelance nature of the engagement and the senior level of expertise required. The specific hourly rate within this range will be determined based on the candidate's demonstrated experience, the quality of their portfolio, and their alignment with the company's specific needs.

Benefits:

• Fully Remote Work: Opportunity to work from anywhere, offering flexibility and work-life balance.

• Ongoing Project Work: The initial website revamp project (40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks) is expected to lead to continued design work as the company scales.

• Direct Impact: A chance to significantly influence the brand's digital presence and contribute directly to a fast-growing, profitable DTC company.

• Lean, Senior Team Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced, results-oriented setting without corporate bureaucracy.

• Competitive Hourly Rate: A strong compensation structure designed to attract top-tier talent.

• Potential for Long-Term Engagement: Successful completion of the initial project may lead to ongoing freelance opportunities.

Working Hours:

The role is described as flexible, with an expectation of speed and responsiveness ("turn feedback around the same day"). The initial project is estimated at 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks, averaging approximately 10-20 hours per week. This suggests a need for availability during core working hours for collaboration, with flexibility for focused design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in USD and is based on an hourly rate for a contractor. Given the remote nature and the specified location of Kyiv, Ukraine, this range is competitive for senior freelance design roles globally, particularly those requiring specialized e-commerce and AI design skills. The benefits focus on flexibility, impact, and ongoing opportunity, aligning with the expectations of senior freelance professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Pet Brand. KittySpout operates in the rapidly growing pet industry, focusing on premium products. This sector often demands strong brand storytelling and a high degree of customer engagement.

Company Size: A lean, senior team operating within a profitable DTC company generating $50M+ in annual revenue and scaling towards $100M+. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's rapid growth and establishment as a profitable entity indicate a mature yet ambitious stage of development. The recent launch of a second brand further signifies expansion and strategic diversification.

Team Structure:

• Lean & Senior: Composed of highly experienced professionals who move quickly and have substantial impact.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Close interaction with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead is central to this role.

• Direct Founder Access: The opportunity exists to work directly with the founder, implying a flat hierarchy and direct communication lines.

Methodology:

• Will-to-Win: A strong drive for success and goal achievement is paramount.

• Creativity with Constraints: Emphasis on innovative solutions to achieve more with fewer resources ("do more with less – and quickly").

• Data-Driven Decisions: Reliance on data and split-testing results to inform design and business strategies.

• AI Integration: Proactive use of AI tools for efficiency in design exploration and asset production.

Company Website: https://jobs.workable.com/company/sHYrP1dtaWQ8WyRNn3nUSx/jobs-at-kittyspout (Note: This is a link to the company's job portal, not a direct company website).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as high-performance, results-oriented, and innovative, with a strong emphasis on speed, creativity, and data. The "no stress-free corporate 9-5" statement clearly sets expectations for a demanding but rewarding environment where individuals can make a substantial impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior, specialized role focused on Web Design within the e-commerce operations and marketing functions. This position is critical for shaping the front-end customer experience and directly impacts conversion rates and brand perception.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Web Designer will report to or work closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead. This implies a collaborative working relationship where design direction is influenced by brand strategy and performance metrics.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly contributing to:

• Revenue Growth: By improving website conversion rates and enhancing the overall customer journey, leading to increased sales and customer acquisition.

• Brand Equity: Elevating the visual identity and premium feel of the brands, differentiating them from competitors and fostering customer loyalty.

• Operational Efficiency: Establishing a robust design system that enables faster content creation and iteration by the internal team using AI tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Ongoing Project Pipeline: The initial revamp is a stepping stone to potentially continuous design work, allowing for sustained contribution and skill application.

• Skill Development in AI Design: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge AI design tools and methodologies within a practical, high-growth context.

• Strategic Design Influence: Contribute to the strategic direction of brand presentation and customer experience for a rapidly scaling DTC company.

• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a substantial portfolio with high-impact projects for a successful $50M+ revenue business.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, opportunities may arise for taking on more complex design challenges or leading design initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior designer to apply and expand their skills in a high-growth, fast-paced e-commerce environment. The emphasis on AI and design systems points towards a career path that embraces future design technologies and scalable operational frameworks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is 100% remote, allowing for flexibility in location.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the specified location is Kyiv, Ukraine. This might indicate a preference for candidates within a similar time zone for collaboration, or it could be an administrative designation. The company operates globally with sales across Shopify, Amazon, and Chewy.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Digital Space: Expect frequent communication and collaboration via digital tools (e.g., Slack, Figma, video conferencing) with the Head of Brand & Community, CRO Lead, and potentially other team members.

• AI-Integrated Workflow: The work environment is characterized by the integration of AI tools into the design process, requiring a forward-thinking and adaptable mindset.

• Fast-Paced Operations: The environment is lean and fast-moving, demanding quick turnaround times and proactive problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

Flexible, but with an emphasis on speed and responsiveness. The initial project has specific time estimates (40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks), suggesting an average of 10-20 hours per week. The requirement to "turn feedback around the same day" indicates that availability for real-time collaboration during core business hours is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature combined with the emphasis on rapid feedback loops and AI integration suggests a modern, digitally-native work environment. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication but also prepared for synchronous collaboration sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application & Screening: Initial review of applications, focusing on experience, skills, and alignment with company values.

2. Portfolio Review: Thorough assessment of the candidate's portfolio, specifically looking for e-commerce experience, taste, AI proficiency, design system examples, and brand elevation work.

3. Paid Test: A practical assessment where the candidate will design one real section for one of the brands, paid at their agreed hourly rate. This allows the company to evaluate skills in a real-world context and the candidate to experience the workflow.

4. Final Interview: A concluding interview, likely with key stakeholders (e.g., CEO, Head of Brand & Community, CRO Lead), to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall alignment.

5. Project Kickoff: Successful candidates will move on to the initial project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Relevant Work: Ensure your portfolio prominently features e-commerce sites, especially those on Shopify. Prioritize examples that demonstrate brand elevation, premium aesthetics, and conversion-focused design.

• Showcase AI Integration: Include case studies or examples of how you've used AI tools in your design process, emphasizing speed and efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate Design Systems: Present clear examples of Figma design systems you've built, explaining their structure, components, and scalability. Detail how they are documented for easy use by others, including AI.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics or describe the impact of your designs on conversion rates, user engagement, or brand perception. For this role, focus on "converting better than what they replace."

• Tailor to Brand Elevation: Specifically address projects where you took an existing brand and elevated its online presence without losing its core identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Understand the company's brands and target audience. Be ready to propose a design direction for a specific section that aligns with their existing branding but offers a unique, premium feel and clear conversion pathways.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your design process, particularly how you integrate AI, build design systems, and apply CRO principles.

• Understand Company Values: Familiarize yourself with KittySpout's four core values (Better Everyday, Speed Is King, Work Smart, Overdeliver) and be prepared to provide examples of how you embody them.

• Discuss Competitors: Be ready to talk about competitor websites in the pet industry and how you would differentiate KittySpout's brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inclusion of a paid test is a significant part of the hiring process, allowing the company to evaluate practical skills. Candidates should view this not just as a test, but as an opportunity to demonstrate their problem-solving approach and collaboration style.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for creating mockups, prototypes, and building the comprehensive design system. Proficiency in Figma is essential.

• AI Design Tools: Experience with various AI platforms for image generation, layout suggestions, and rapid asset production (specific tools not named, but candidates should demonstrate broad familiarity).

• Mobile-First Design Tools: Any tools or methodologies that support a mobile-first approach to UI/UX design.

Analytics & Reporting:

• CRO Tools: Familiarity with tools used for conversion rate optimization and A/B testing (e.g., Google Optimize, Optimizely, VWO) is implied through collaboration with the CRO Lead.

• Analytics Platforms: Understanding of how website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) inform design decisions, though direct use may not be required.

CRM & Automation:

• Shopify Platform: Experience designing for and understanding the capabilities of the Shopify e-commerce platform is highly preferred.

• Design System Extension Tools: Implicitly, tools or platforms that can leverage the Figma design system for AI-driven content generation and website building.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on Figma and AI-driven design processes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and how they leverage them for efficiency and scalability in design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: KittySpout emphasizes four core values that are critical for cultural fit:

• Better Everyday: A commitment to continuous improvement, utilizing data from split tests to refine the design system and enhance user experience over time. This means iterating on designs based on performance, not just aesthetics.

• Speed Is King: Prioritizing swift execution, rapid feedback loops, and efficient delivery. This value is demonstrated through quick turnaround times on feedback and presenting initial directions promptly.

• Work Smart: Leveraging AI and efficient design practices to achieve maximum output with available resources. This includes designing systems that are easily extendable by AI tools.

• Overdeliver: Going beyond basic expectations to provide lasting value. For this role, it means creating a design system that the team can build upon for years, not just delivering a set of pages for a single project.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Proactive: Collaboration involves taking direction from brand and CRO leads, but also pushing back constructively with data-backed ideas.

• Results-Oriented: Focus is on achieving agreed-upon outcomes, such as improved conversion rates and distinctive brand presentation.

• Lean & Agile: Team members are expected to be hands-on, active, and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• No Politics: The company culture aims to be free of bureaucracy and internal politics, fostering direct communication and focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Cultural fit is the #1 hiring factor. Candidates must demonstrate alignment with these values, particularly the drive for speed, smart work (leveraging AI), and a commitment to overdelivering value through robust, scalable design systems.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Conversion: The primary challenge will be to elevate the visual appeal and uniqueness of the brands without compromising their ability to convert visitors into customers.

• Building a Scalable AI-Extensible Design System: Creating a design system that is not only comprehensive and well-documented but also structured in a way that AI tools can effectively utilize and extend it requires foresight and technical understanding.

• Working with Existing Branding: Elevating brands without a full rebrand requires careful navigation of existing assets and guidelines to create a fresh, premium feel while maintaining brand consistency.

• Fast-Paced Environment: The demand for speed and rapid feedback requires excellent time management and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.

• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining effective communication and collaboration across a remote team requires proactive engagement and clear articulation of ideas.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of AI-Assisted Design: Become a leader in utilizing AI tools for design workflows, gaining practical experience with cutting-edge technology.

• Deep Dive into DTC E-commerce: Gain in-depth knowledge of strategies for scaling high-revenue DTC brands, particularly in the competitive pet industry.

• Design System Best Practices: Refine skills in architecting and documenting design systems for both human and AI-driven implementation.

• Strategic Design Impact: Contribute directly to the growth trajectory of a successful company, seeing the tangible results of design decisions on business outcomes.

• Ongoing Freelance Opportunities: Potential for continuous engagement and a steady stream of challenging design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly linked to the company's growth objectives and innovative approach. Successfully navigating these challenges offers significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement in specialized areas of digital design and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Brand Elevation Approach: "Describe your process for elevating an existing e-commerce brand's website to feel more premium and unique, using the example of a past project where you did this without a full rebrand. How would you ensure it still converts effectively?" (Focus on your process, how you balance aesthetics with CRO, and your understanding of brand equity.)

• AI in Design Systems: "How do you approach designing a Figma system with the explicit goal of enabling AI tools to extend it? What specific considerations do you make in terms of component structure, documentation, and asset preparation?" (Highlight your understanding of modular design, AI capabilities, and forward-thinking system architecture.)

• Conversion-Led Design: "Walk us through a specific section you designed that significantly improved conversion rates. What were the key design elements and CRO principles you implemented, and how did you measure success?" (Be ready to present a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates measurable impact.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Value Alignment: "KittySpout values 'Speed Is King' and 'Work Smart.' How have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles, particularly when working on fast-paced projects or leveraging new technologies like AI?" (Prepare specific examples that align with these values.)

• Remote Collaboration: "Describe your experience working remotely with cross-functional teams, especially when collaborating with brand managers and CRO specialists. How do you ensure clear communication and alignment on objectives?" (Emphasize proactive communication and experience with digital collaboration tools.)

• Fit for a Lean Environment: "This role is within a lean, fast-growing company. How do you adapt to environments where you need to be hands-on, move quickly, and potentially wear multiple hats?" (Show enthusiasm for a dynamic, impactful role.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation to clearly showcase projects relevant to e-commerce, DTC, brand elevation, and AI integration. Start with your strongest, most relevant case studies.

• Tell the Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process (including AI and system design), the solutions you implemented, and the results (especially conversion improvements and brand perception shifts).

• Highlight Design System: Dedicate a segment to showcasing your Figma design system work. Explain its architecture, key components, and how it's designed for scalability and AI extensibility. Provide examples of usage rules.

• Demonstrate AI Proficiency: If possible, include a brief demo or visual examples of how AI tools were used in your workflow or how the design system is intended to be used with AI.

• Focus on Collaboration: Be prepared to discuss your interaction with stakeholders (like brand and CRO leads) and how you incorporated their feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process, including the paid test, is designed to rigorously assess both technical design skills and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only creativity but also a strategic, data-driven, and AI-savvy approach to design operations.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Web Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the application portal and submit your resume and any requested information.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features your most relevant work. Prioritize e-commerce sites (especially Shopify), examples of brand elevation, AI-assisted design projects, and clear demonstrations of Figma design systems. Quantify results where possible.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight keywords related to DTC, e-commerce, Shopify, Figma, AI-first design, conversion rate optimization, design systems, and mobile-first principles. Emphasize your experience in elevating existing brands and working in fast-paced environments.

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Research KittySpout's brands and competitors. Think about how you would approach designing a specific web section to enhance their premium feel while driving conversions, keeping in mind the need for AI extensibility.

• Articulate Your Values: Be ready to discuss how your work ethic and approach align with KittySpout's core values of "Better Everyday," "Speed Is King," "Work Smart," and "Overdeliver."

⚠️ 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.