Senior Web Designer, Shopify

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Web Designer, Shopify

Company: KittySpout

Location: Bucharest, Romania (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 comprehensive revamp and upgrade of two direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce websites on the Shopify platform, focusing on elevating brand aesthetics and enhancing conversion rates.

• Develop a robust Figma design system for both brands, ensuring mobile-first principles and clear component structures that enable AI-driven extensions by the internal web team.

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead to translate existing brand guidelines into unique, premium, and distinctive online presences that stand out within the competitive pet industry.

• Design signature website sections optimized for conversion, employing a data-driven approach through split testing and continuous refinement based on performance metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior-level, contract-based opportunity focused on a significant website revamp project with potential for ongoing work. The emphasis on AI-first design and building a scalable Figma design system indicates a forward-thinking operations approach to web development and brand representation. The target revenue growth ($50M+ to $100M+) suggests a high-impact role within a rapidly scaling business.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews of existing websites, brand guidelines, and competitor landscapes to conceptualize and present 2-3 distinct web design directions per brand within the initial two weeks of engagement.

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

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

• Implement conversion-driven design principles across all sections, ensuring clear visual hierarchy, a singular primary call-to-action, prominent benefit and proof points, and optimized, thumb-friendly mobile layouts.

• Oversee the development and launch of major new sections as A/B split tests in collaboration with the CRO Lead, meticulously tracking conversion rate and revenue per visitor metrics against baseline performance.

• Execute a seamless handover of finalized Figma files, concise usage guidelines, and essential assets, accompanied by a brief walkthrough session to empower the internal team in extending the design system using AI tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strategic blend of creative design, technical system development, and performance optimization, directly impacting the company's revenue growth and brand perception. The explicit mention of AI-driven extension of the design system underscores the company's commitment to leveraging advanced technology for scalability and efficiency in operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design, web design, UI/UX principles, or a related field is expected, evidenced by a robust portfolio.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in website design, with a significant portion dedicated to e-commerce platforms.

• Proven track record of elevating existing e-commerce brands, demonstrating an ability to enhance premium appeal and distinctiveness without compromising core brand elements. Required Skills:

• Shopify Expertise: Deep understanding and practical experience designing and optimizing websites specifically for the Shopify e-commerce platform.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for creating intricate design systems, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, with a mobile-first approach.

• AI-First Design Tools: Extensive experience utilizing AI-powered design tools for ideation, asset generation, layout exploration, and rapid prototyping to accelerate the design process.

• Conversion-Led Design: Strong grasp of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) principles, including visual hierarchy, persuasive copywriting integration, clear calls-to-action (CTAs), and user experience flow that drives conversions.

• Design Systems Development: Demonstrated ability to build clear, scalable, and well-documented design systems in Figma that can be easily extended by developers and AI tools.

• E-commerce Portfolio: A compelling portfolio showcasing live e-commerce websites, preferably on Shopify, that exhibit exceptional taste, creativity, and superior design quality compared to industry standards.

• Brand Strategy Acumen: Ability to interpret and build upon existing brand guidelines to create unique, premium, and distinctive online brand experiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand experience.

• Experience within the pet industry.

• Familiarity with split testing methodologies and performance analytics.

• Understanding of web development processes and collaboration with development teams.

📝 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, pointing towards a modern, efficient operational workflow. The portfolio requirements are stringent, seeking evidence of elevated design taste and proven e-commerce conversion success.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Live E-commerce Examples: A curated selection of live e-commerce websites, ideally built on Shopify, that clearly demonstrate your design aesthetic, technical execution, and understanding of conversion-driven design.

• Brand Elevation Case Studies: Specific projects that showcase your ability to take an established brand and elevate its online presence, making it more premium and distinctive while retaining its core identity. Detail the process and outcomes.

• Design System Examples: Evidence of creating comprehensive design systems in Figma, illustrating component libraries, style guides, and usage rules that promote consistency and scalability.

• AI Design Integration: Examples or descriptions of how AI tools were integrated into your design workflow to accelerate ideation, asset creation, or prototyping.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate your process for reviewing existing sites, researching competitors, and developing design concepts. Showcase how you iterate based on feedback and data.

• System Implementation Standards: Provide insights into how you structure Figma files, document components, and define usage guidelines to ensure clarity for developers and AI tools.

• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Detail your approach to designing for conversion and how you collaborate with CRO specialists to test and measure the impact of your designs on key metrics like conversion rate and revenue per visitor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is expected to go beyond aesthetic presentation; it must validate the candidate's ability to build functional, scalable design systems and demonstrate a data-informed approach to e-commerce design, with a specific focus on AI integration and conversion optimization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $35 – $70 per hour.

This range is estimated based on the provided hourly rates, the senior experience level required (5+ years), the specialized skill set (Shopify, AI-First Design, Figma, CRO), and the remote, contract nature of the role. The final rate will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, portfolio quality, and demonstrated proficiency in AI design tools and conversion-focused e-commerce design.

Benefits:

• Flexible Remote Work: Full autonomy to work from any location, offering significant work-life balance.

• Ongoing Project Opportunities: Potential for continued engagement beyond the initial website revamp, as the company aims to continuously "raise the bar" on its web presence.

• Direct Impact: Opportunity to work directly with the founder and a lean, senior team, influencing the trajectory of a rapidly scaling DTC brand.

• Competitive Hourly Rate: A strong hourly compensation package reflecting the specialized skills and experience required.

• Creative Freedom & Ownership: The chance to shape the visual identity of two distinct brands and build a foundational design system.

Working Hours:

The initial project is estimated at 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks. The role requires availability for rapid feedback turnaround, aligning with the company's "Speed Is King" value. While the total hours for the first project are defined, the potential for ongoing work suggests a flexible, project-based schedule that can be managed by the contractor, provided responsiveness and timely delivery are maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The compensation is performance-based and hourly, typical for contract roles. The benefits lean towards flexibility and impact rather than traditional corporate offerings, aligning with the company's startup culture. The expectation for rapid feedback turnaround is a key operational requirement for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) E-commerce, Pet Products. KittySpout operates in a high-growth, competitive market, focusing on premium products and direct customer relationships. This context means a strong emphasis on brand experience, customer loyalty, and efficient online operations.

Company Size: Lean, senior team. While specific numbers aren't given, the description implies a small, highly effective group of experienced professionals. This structure allows for rapid decision-making, significant individual impact, and direct access to leadership.

Founded: The company has achieved $50M+ in annual revenue and is scaling to $100M+, indicating a mature yet rapidly growing startup phase. The recent launch of a second brand shows ambitious expansion.

Team Structure:

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

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Key collaborators for this role include the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead, indicating a structured approach to design, branding, and performance optimization.

• Direct Founder Interaction: Opportunities to work directly with the founder, suggesting a flat hierarchy and high visibility for impactful contributions.

Methodology:

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

• Agile & Fast-Paced: A "will-to-win" mentality, prioritizing speed and efficiency ("Speed Is King").

• Creative Problem-Solving: A focus on doing "more with less" through creativity and leveraging tools like AI.

• Value-Centric Operations: Adherence to core values: Better Everyday, Speed Is King, Work Smart, and Overdeliver.

Company Website: [KittySpout Website - Not provided, but assumed to be the primary brand presence.]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is explicitly defined as fast-paced, results-oriented, and focused on high impact. It's not a traditional corporate environment, demanding proactivity, efficiency, and a strong "get-it-done" attitude. The emphasis on AI and data aligns with modern operational best practices.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor (Contractor). This role is for an experienced professional who can operate independently, lead a critical project (website revamp), and establish foundational design assets (Figma design system). While contract-based, the scope of work and expected expertise position it at a senior level within the design and operations function.

Reporting Structure: You will report to and collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead. There's also an opportunity for direct interaction with the CEO, indicating high visibility.

Operations Impact:

• Revenue Growth: Directly contributes to scaling the business from $50M+ to $100M+ by enhancing website conversion rates and brand perception.

• Brand Elevation: Shapes the unique, premium visual identity of two distinct DTC brands, differentiating them in a competitive market.

• Scalability & Efficiency: Establishes a robust design system that enables the internal team and AI tools to efficiently build and expand website content, ensuring long-term brand consistency and operational agility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Expansion: The initial website revamp is a significant project, with clear potential for ongoing design work as the company continues to innovate and expand its product lines and marketing efforts.

• Skill Development in AI Design: Deepen expertise in leveraging AI tools for design, a rapidly evolving field, by integrating them into a high-impact project.

• Strategic Input: Opportunity to influence brand direction and conversion strategies through direct collaboration with senior leadership and functional leads.

• Portfolio Enhancement: The successful completion of this project will add a high-visibility, results-driven e-commerce revamp and design system development to your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: This contract role offers significant strategic impact and growth potential, particularly in the area of AI-driven design operations and conversion optimization. It's an opportunity to contribute at a high level to a rapidly scaling DTC business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. The company operates as a 100% remote organization, eliminating the need for physical office presence and offering maximum flexibility.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, the company specifies a location of Bucharest, Romania, likely for administrative or legal purposes, and to align with specific timezone expectations for collaboration. The candidate is expected to be available for collaboration within this timezone.

Workspace Context:

• Autonomous & Self-Managed: As a remote contractor, you will manage your own workspace and schedule, focusing on delivering results against agreed-upon objectives and timelines.

• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect to heavily utilize tools like Figma, AI design platforms, and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, email) for seamless interaction with the team.

• Fast-Paced Operations: The environment is characterized by speed and efficiency, requiring proactive communication and rapid turnaround on feedback and deliverables.

Work Schedule: The initial project is scoped for 40-80 hours over 4-8 weeks. While the total hours are defined, the contractor is expected to be responsive and deliver work promptly, aligning with the company's "Speed Is King" value. This implies a flexible schedule that accommodates timely collaboration and feedback loops, likely requiring availability during European business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote work environment is a core feature, emphasizing autonomy and results-driven performance. The mention of Bucharest, Romania, suggests a preferred time zone for collaboration, ensuring alignment with the core team's working hours.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application & Screening: Initial review of your resume and portfolio based on the stated requirements.

2. Paid Test: A crucial step where you will be tasked with completing a real design task (e.g., designing one section for one of the brands) at your agreed-upon hourly rate. This assesses practical skills, speed, and fit.

3. Final Interview: A discussion with key stakeholders (potentially CEO, Head of Brand, CRO Lead) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and detailed understanding of the project scope.

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

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight E-commerce & Shopify: Ensure your portfolio prominently features live Shopify e-commerce sites and clearly articulates your role and impact.

• Showcase Brand Elevation: Dedicate space to case studies demonstrating how you've successfully elevated existing brands, detailing the "before" and "after" state and the strategic rationale.

• Demonstrate Design Systems: Include examples of your Figma design systems, focusing on clarity, scalability, and component structure. Explain your process for creating them.

• Emphasize AI Integration: Clearly describe how you use AI tools in your design workflow. Provide concrete examples of AI-assisted ideation, asset creation, or prototyping.

• Quantify Conversion Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative evidence of how your designs have improved conversion rates or other key e-commerce performance indicators.

• Tailor to KittySpout: Briefly explain why your skills and aesthetic align with KittySpout's goal of creating unique, premium, and high-converting websites.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the "Why": Be ready to articulate the strategic reasoning behind your design choices, linking them to conversion goals and brand elevation.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your experience with specific AI design tools and how you leverage them for efficiency.

• Design System Philosophy: Understand the importance of a scalable design system and how it facilitates future development and AI extension.

• CRO Collaboration: Show an understanding of working with CRO specialists and how design integrates with A/B testing.

• Cultural Fit: Be ready to discuss how your working style aligns with KittySpout's values (Better Everyday, Speed Is King, Work Smart, Overdeliver).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes a paid test, which is a significant indicator of the company's commitment to assessing practical skills and fit before a full commitment. The portfolio review is critical and must showcase specific capabilities relevant to AI-driven design systems and conversion optimization within an e-commerce context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for creating design systems, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes. Advanced proficiency is essential.

• AI Design Tools: Experience with various AI platforms for image generation, layout assistance, content creation, and potentially code generation or site-building assistance. Specific tools are not named, implying a need for broad familiarity and adaptability.

• Shopify Platform: Deep understanding of Shopify's design capabilities, limitations, and best practices for theme customization and user experience.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools: Familiarity with tools used for A/B testing and performance analysis (e.g., Google Optimize, VWO, Optimizely), and the ability to design with their outputs in mind.

• Web Analytics Platforms: Understanding of how to interpret data from platforms like Google Analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how website design impacts customer journeys within a broader DTC ecosystem (including CRM and marketing automation) is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and a strong command of AI design tools are paramount. The ability to design for conversion within the Shopify ecosystem, informed by analytics and CRO principles, is also a core requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Everyday: A commitment to continuous improvement, using split-test results from new sections to refine the design system and overall web presence. This implies a data-driven, iterative approach to design operations.

• Speed Is King: A focus on rapid execution, quick feedback loops, and efficient delivery. Designers are expected to present initial directions within two weeks and turn around feedback on the same day.

• Work Smart: Strategic use of AI tools to enhance productivity and explore design directions more efficiently. Designing a system that AI can extend is a key aspect of working smart.

• Overdeliver: Aiming to provide more than just a set of good-looking pages; the goal is to deliver a sustainable design system that empowers the team for years to come. This emphasizes long-term value and foundational impact.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive & Collaborative: Working closely with the Head of Brand & Community and the CRO Lead, taking direction while also being empowered to push back with better ideas based on expertise.

• Results-Oriented: A shared focus on achieving tangible outcomes, such as improved conversion rates and distinctive brand presentation.

• Lean & Agile: Expectation of working in a fast-paced, low-politics environment where individuals are hands-on and active contributors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is deeply ingrained with its values, which directly translate into operational expectations for designers. The emphasis on speed, smart work (AI integration), and continuous improvement through data is central to how the team operates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Aesthetics and Conversion: The primary challenge will be to elevate the visual appeal and uniqueness of the brands while ensuring every page is meticulously designed to convert, requiring a strong understanding of both brand strategy and performance marketing principles.

• AI Integration Complexity: Effectively leveraging AI tools for design requires continuous learning and adaptation, as the technology evolves rapidly. Designing a system that AI can extend requires foresight and robust documentation.

• Elevating Existing Brands: Refining and enhancing established branding without losing its core essence or alienating existing customers requires a nuanced approach and strong strategic thinking.

• Rapid Pace and Feedback Loops: The company's "Speed Is King" value means working under tight deadlines and responding quickly to feedback, demanding high efficiency and focus.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge AI Design Practices: Gain hands-on experience and deepen expertise in using AI for web design and system development, staying at the forefront of industry trends.

• High-Growth DTC Operations: Immerse yourself in the operational dynamics of a rapidly scaling DTC e-commerce business, understanding the interplay between design, marketing, and sales.

• Strategic Brand Development: Contribute to shaping the premium identity of two distinct brands, influencing their market perception and customer engagement.

• Portfolio Expansion: Successfully completing a full website revamp and design system build for a $50M+ scaling company offers significant career advancement potential and enhances your professional portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the company's ambitious growth goals and its innovative approach to design operations. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for professionals looking to specialize in AI-driven design and high-impact e-commerce roles.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for reviewing an existing e-commerce website and identifying opportunities for aesthetic elevation and conversion improvement." (Focus on your methodology, research, and how you blend brand strategy with CRO.)

• "How do you approach building a design system in Figma, especially one intended to be extended by AI tools? What are the key considerations for scalability and ease of use?" (Detail your system architecture, component strategy, and documentation approach.)

• "Walk us through a project where you successfully elevated an existing brand's website. What were the key challenges, your strategic approach, and the measurable outcomes?" (Use a STAR method, emphasizing brand perception and conversion impact.)

• "Given our value of 'Speed Is King,' how do you balance rapid iteration and feedback incorporation with maintaining design quality and strategic integrity?" (Discuss your workflow, communication strategies, and how you manage feedback.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about KittySpout's mission and our brands? How do you see your design expertise contributing to our goal of reaching $100M+ in revenue?" (Show genuine interest and connect your skills to business objectives.)

• "How do you embody our value of 'Work Smart,' particularly in relation to leveraging AI tools in your design process?" (Provide specific examples of AI tool usage and efficiency gains.)

• "Describe a time you had to 'Overdeliver' on a project. What was the situation, what did you do, and what was the result?" (Illustrate your commitment to exceeding expectations.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative is Key: Don't just show designs; tell the story behind them. Explain the problem, your strategic approach, your process (including AI integration), and the results.

• Highlight Conversion: For e-commerce projects, explicitly point out design elements that drive conversion and mention any A/B testing or performance data you have.

• Showcase Design Systems: Present your Figma design system clearly, demonstrating its structure, components, and how it promotes consistency. Explain its scalability.

• Demonstrate AI Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your AI tool stack and how you integrate them into your workflow to accelerate design.

• Conciseness: Given the emphasis on speed, ensure your presentation is focused and hits the key points efficiently. Prepare for a walkthrough rather than a lengthy slide deck.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural alignment. Be prepared to discuss your process, your use of AI, and how your work directly impacts business outcomes like conversion and revenue.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Web Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features live Shopify e-commerce sites, specifically highlighting projects where you've elevated existing brands and demonstrated strong conversion-driven design. Include clear examples of your Figma design systems and detail how you integrate AI tools into your workflow.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your 5+ years of experience in web design, your expertise in Shopify and Figma, your proven ability to work with AI design tools, and your understanding of CRO principles. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Understand that you will be asked to complete a paid design task. Be ready to demonstrate your speed, design quality, and ability to follow brand direction within a realistic timeframe. Research KittySpout's current websites and competitor landscape in advance.

• Research KittySpout: Familiarize yourself with the company's brands, values, and growth ambitions. Be prepared to articulate why you are a strong cultural fit and how your skills align with their need for unique, premium, and high-converting web experiences.

⚠️ 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.