Shopify Brand & Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Shopify Brand & Web Designer

Company: KittySpout

Location: Lisbon, Portugal (Fully Remote)

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Revenue Operations / GTM Operations (Design & Execution)

Date Posted: November 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in elevating the visual presence and conversion capabilities of KittySpout's Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) pet brands, focusing on a comprehensive website revamp and the creation of a robust Figma design system.

• The position requires a deep understanding of conversion-led design principles and a strong ability to collaborate with Brand, Community, and CRO leads to drive measurable improvements in website performance.

• A key aspect of this role involves leveraging AI-first design methodologies to accelerate the design process and create a system that can be easily extended by the team for future development.

• The designer will be responsible for building out signature sections for each brand, ensuring a premium, distinctive look and feel that stands out in the competitive pet industry, while strictly adhering to conversion optimization best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Web Designer," the responsibilities and collaboration with CRO significantly position this role within the broader GTM Operations and Revenue Operations spectrum. The focus on conversion, design systems, and iterative improvement through testing directly impacts revenue generation and operational efficiency. The "Contractor" employment type indicates a project-based engagement, likely with the potential for ongoing work.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive website revamp for KittySpout's two DTC pet brands, focusing on enhancing the look, feel, and conversion rates.

• Develop a mobile-first Figma design system for both brands, encompassing typography, color palettes, spacing, components, and signature section templates, ensuring distinct brand identities.

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

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Brand & Community to ensure the elevated design aligns with current branding and evolves it to a more premium and unique aesthetic.

• Partner with the CRO Lead to implement conversion-led design principles, ensuring each section has clear visual hierarchy, a primary call to action, prominent benefit and proof points, and optimized mobile layouts.

• Conduct split testing for major new sections in collaboration with the CRO Lead to measure and validate conversion rate improvements against existing versions.

• Create clean Figma files, simple usage guidelines, and provide a short walkthrough to empower the internal web team and AI tools to extend the design system for new sections.

• Review and approve built pages against the designed specifications before launch to ensure fidelity and quality.

• Utilize AI-first design tools daily to explore creative directions, produce assets efficiently, and deliver faster than traditional design methods.

• Own the brand direction for the website revamp, presenting 2-3 web directions per brand within the first two weeks for CEO and Head of Brand & Community approval.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic, results-oriented approach to web design, directly linking visual elements to conversion metrics and revenue impact. The requirement for AI-first design and the creation of an extendable design system highlight a forward-thinking operational approach to website management and scalability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, but equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio are paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in website design, with a significant focus on e-commerce platforms.

Required Skills:

• Shopify Expertise: Proven experience designing and optimizing websites specifically on the Shopify platform.

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

• AI-First Design: Demonstrated experience using AI tools (image generation, layout assistants, site builders) to accelerate design workflows and explore creative directions rapidly.

• Conversion-Led Design: Deep understanding of conversion rate optimization (CRO) principles, including visual hierarchy, persuasive copywriting placement, clear calls to action, and user experience (UX) optimization for sales.

• Design Systems: Proven ability to create well-documented, extendable design systems in Figma that empower developers and AI tools.

• Mobile-First Design: Expertise in designing responsive websites with a primary focus on the mobile user experience.

• E-commerce Specialization: A strong portfolio showcasing successful e-commerce website designs, ideally for DTC brands.

• Brand Elevation: Experience in taking existing e-commerce brands and making their online presence more premium and distinctive without compromising core functionality or brand identity.

• 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 in a fast-paced environment, respond to feedback quickly, and meet tight deadlines.

• Fluent English: Essential for clear communication within the remote team.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the pet industry or other DTC CPG verticals.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and interpreting test results.

• Basic understanding of web development principles to ensure design feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI-first design and extendable design systems suggests the company is looking for a designer who can not only create beautiful and functional interfaces but also build scalable design infrastructure that supports efficient future development and iteration, a key aspect of modern GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing live e-commerce websites, ideally built on Shopify, that demonstrate exceptional taste, creativity, and a premium aesthetic exceeding typical Shopify standards.

• Specific case studies or examples highlighting experience in elevating existing e-commerce brands, detailing the process of enhancing their online look and feel while maintaining brand integrity and improving conversion.

• Demonstrations of well-structured and functional Figma design systems, illustrating component libraries, spacing rules, typography scales, and clear documentation for extendability.

• Examples of conversion-focused page designs, articulating the strategic thinking behind layout, hierarchy, and calls to action that drive user engagement and sales.

• Evidence of using AI tools in the design process, showcasing how AI was leveraged for rapid exploration, asset creation, or workflow acceleration. Process Documentation:

• The designer will be expected to document the design system clearly, including usage rules, best practices, and examples for both human developers and AI tools.

• A short walkthrough session will be required to explain the design system and its intended extension methods to the internal team.

• Collaboration with the CRO Lead will involve documenting the design rationale for key sections and participating in the definition of split-test parameters and success metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations roles, a portfolio is not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating process, impact, and scalability. This section emphasizes the need for candidates to showcase how their design work directly contributes to business objectives like conversion rates and brand perception, and how they build systems that enable operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $35 – $70 per hour.

• Explanation: This range is competitive for experienced freelance web designers with specialized skills in e-commerce, Shopify, and AI-assisted design, particularly for remote roles serving US-based clients. The upper end reflects the demand for high taste, extensive experience, and proven conversion-focused design capabilities, as well as the AI-first design requirement.

• Methodology: Based on market research for freelance UI/UX designers specializing in e-commerce, Shopify, and DTC brands, considering the experience level (5-10 years), the specific skill set (AI-first design, design systems), and the project scope (full website revamp, ongoing work). The rate is provided in USD, aligning with the company's likely operational base and the common currency for international freelance contracts.

Benefits:

• Fully Remote: Opportunity to work from anywhere, offering maximum flexibility.

• Ongoing Project Work: Potential for continuous engagement beyond the initial revamp project, providing stable freelance income.

• Direct Impact: Work directly with senior leadership, including the founder, on high-impact projects that shape the company's growth.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Experience working in a lean, agile team without corporate politics, fostering rapid learning and professional development.

• Competitive Rate: A strong hourly rate reflecting the specialized skills and experience required.

Working Hours: Approximately 40–80 hours over 4–8 weeks for the initial project. The role requires availability to start within the next few weeks and a commitment to turning feedback around quickly, indicating a need for dedicated time allocation and responsiveness, typical for project-based contractor roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Contractor" status means traditional employee benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plans are not included. The compensation is entirely project-based hourly. The "working hours" are an estimate for the first project, with ongoing work likely having variable hour commitments based on business needs and project scope.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) E-commerce, specializing in the Pet Industry. The company operates multiple brands, with one focused on premium pet products and a recently launched second brand in a new vertical.

Company Size: Described as a "lean, senior team." While not explicitly stated, a $50M+ revenue company with a second brand launch suggests a team size likely ranging from 20-100 employees, emphasizing a high-impact, hands-on environment for each member.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company is profitable, doing $50M+ in annual revenue and scaling towards $100M+, indicating a mature yet rapidly growing business.

Team Structure:

• The designer will report to the Head of Brand & Community and collaborate closely with the CRO Lead.

• The team is described as "lean" and "senior," implying experienced professionals who are self-directed and capable of making significant contributions.

• Cross-functional collaboration is emphasized, particularly between design, brand marketing, and conversion rate optimization, which is critical for GTM success. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: The company uses data to inform decisions, particularly evident in the CRO Lead's involvement and the emphasis on split testing.

• Agile & Fast-Paced: The culture values speed, creativity, and the ability to "do more with less." Feedback loops are short, and responsiveness is key.

• Will-to-Win: A strong drive to achieve goals, with a pragmatic approach where "no work is beneath us."

• AI Integration: Proactive adoption of AI tools to enhance efficiency and explore creative avenues.

Company Website: https://www.kittyspout.com/ (Note: This is a placeholder based on the company name and industry. The actual company website may differ.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highly performance-oriented and entrepreneurial. For operations professionals, this means a focus on measurable results, efficiency, and a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving. The emphasis on AI suggests a forward-thinking approach to leveraging technology for operational advantage.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an experienced individual contributor position focused on specialized design execution within the GTM operations framework. It offers a significant opportunity to influence brand perception and direct revenue generation through conversion-optimized web design.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports to the Head of Brand & Community and works in close partnership with the CRO Lead. This structure ensures that design decisions are aligned with both brand strategy and performance metrics.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly impacts revenue by enhancing website conversion rates, improving brand perception to justify premium pricing, and creating a scalable design system that supports efficient growth. Success is measured by increased conversion rates, revenue per visitor, and the maintainability of the brand's premium aesthetic through the design system.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepening E-commerce Design Expertise: Gain extensive experience in designing for high-growth DTC brands and optimizing for conversion on a leading platform like Shopify.

• AI Design Mastery: Become highly proficient in leveraging cutting-edge AI tools for design, positioning oneself at the forefront of industry trends.

• Design System Development: Further hone skills in creating and managing scalable design systems that drive efficiency and consistency across multiple brands and campaigns.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Develop strong working relationships and understanding of performance marketing, CRO, and brand strategy through close collaboration.

• Potential for Ongoing Work: Successful completion of the initial project can lead to continued freelance opportunities as the company scales and introduces new products or campaigns.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of creative design and operational impact. Growth here is less about hierarchical promotion and more about deepening specialized skills, contributing to high-impact projects, and becoming an indispensable part of a fast-growing company's operational success.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This signifies a distributed team model where all collaboration and work are conducted digitally.

Office Location(s): While the company has a presence in Lisbon, Portugal, this specific role is designated as fully remote, allowing the candidate to work from any location. The mention of Lisbon might indicate a legal or administrative base for the company.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration: The primary workspace is digital, relying on tools like Figma, Slack, and video conferencing for communication and collaboration.

• AI Integration: The environment encourages the use of AI tools, suggesting that the company provides access to or expects candidates to utilize such technologies in their daily workflow.

• Direct Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with key decision-makers (CEO, Head of Brand & Community, CRO Lead) ensure clear communication and alignment on project goals.

Work Schedule: The role is project-based with an estimated 40-80 hours for the initial revamp over 4-8 weeks. It requires availability to start soon and a commitment to rapid feedback turnaround. While not a rigid 9-5, the need for quick responses implies a responsive work schedule, adaptable to project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote, contractor model requires significant self-discipline and proactive communication. The "no politics" and "no stress-free corporate 9-5" culture suggests an environment where results and efficiency are prioritized, and individuals are expected to manage their time effectively to meet project milestones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application + Screening & Portfolio Review: Initial submission of resume and portfolio. Candidates are screened based on experience, portfolio quality, and alignment with required skills (Shopify, Figma, AI-first design, conversion focus).

2. Paid Test: A real-world task, likely designing one section for one of their brands, paid at the candidate's hourly rate. This assesses practical skills, design taste, adherence to brand, and efficiency.

3. Final Interview: A discussion with key stakeholders (likely CEO, Head of Brand & Community, CRO Lead) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and deeper understanding of the role's objectives.

4. Project Kickoff: If successful, onboarding and commencement of the first project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Taste & Uniqueness: Highlight examples where you've elevated existing brands to look more premium and distinctive, demonstrating a sophisticated aesthetic that stands out.

• Quantify Impact: For e-commerce case studies, include metrics related to conversion rate improvements, revenue per visitor, or other relevant KPIs that demonstrate the ROI of your design work.

• Detail Design Systems: Clearly present your process for building Figma design systems, emphasizing their structure, componentization, and the ease with which they can be extended.

• Illustrate AI Integration: If possible, demonstrate how you've used AI tools in your workflow to achieve faster results or explore novel design directions.

• Focus on Conversion: For each project, articulate the conversion-focused principles you applied (e.g., hierarchy, CTAs, benefit presentation) and how they contributed to the site's performance.

• Brand Alignment: Ensure your portfolio clearly shows your ability to adapt to and build upon existing branding, rather than just creating new brands from scratch.

Challenge Preparation:

• Paid Test Strategy: Approach the paid test as if it were the final project. Understand the brand, the target audience, and the conversion objective. Aim for a design that is not only aesthetically strong but also strategically sound and efficient to build.

• Demonstrate AI Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your AI tools and workflows. If the test allows, incorporate AI elements thoughtfully.

• Presentation Readiness: Prepare to articulate your design decisions, focusing on how they align with the brand, enhance user experience, and drive conversions. Be ready to explain how your design system would support future development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The paid test is a significant differentiator and a crucial step. It's an opportunity to showcase not just design skill but also the ability to execute under real-world project constraints and collaborate effectively with the team. This is a common practice for senior freelance operations and design roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for design, prototyping, and building the design system. Advanced proficiency is expected.

• AI Design Tools: Candidates are expected to be "very experienced designing with AI," implying daily use of various AI-powered creative tools for image generation, layout exploration, and potentially content assistance. Specific tools are not mentioned, suggesting the company is open to the candidate's preferred stack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) Tools: While not used directly for design, understanding and designing for conversion means familiarity with the outcomes tracked by CRO tools. The designer will work closely with the CRO Lead, implying interaction with data derived from A/B testing platforms.

• Web Analytics Tools: Familiarity with how website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) measure performance will inform design decisions, even if direct use is not required.

CRM & Automation:

• Shopify Platform: The primary e-commerce platform. The designer must be adept at designing within its constraints and capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI-First Design" and the expectation of daily AI tool usage is a critical requirement, setting this role apart from traditional web design positions. It signals a company that is heavily invested in leveraging technology for operational efficiency and speed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Better Everyday: This translates to a continuous improvement mindset. For the designer, it means using split-test results to refine the design system and designs, ensuring ongoing optimization rather than static output.

• Speed Is King: A core value that emphasizes rapid iteration and execution. Designers must be able to present initial concepts quickly and turn feedback around the same day, requiring efficient workflows and clear communication.

• Work Smart: This principle is embodied by the expectation of using AI to explore directions and produce assets faster. It also means designing systems that enable others (developers, AI) to work more efficiently post-handover.

• Overdeliver: The goal is to leave the team with a lasting, extendable design system, not just a one-off set of pages. This implies a focus on creating sustainable value and empowering the internal team for long-term success.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Proactive: The team is lean and senior, suggesting a collaborative style that is direct, efficient, and focused on achieving shared goals.

• Data-Informed: Collaboration involves working closely with the CRO Lead, integrating data and performance metrics into design discussions and decisions.

• Feedback Integration: A willingness to give and receive feedback rapidly is essential, with the expectation that designers will push back with better ideas when they have them, supported by rationale.

• Hands-on & Active: The culture values active participation and a hands-on approach to problem-solving, rather than passive corporate engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is highly results-driven and entrepreneurial. For operations professionals, this means thriving in an environment that prioritizes efficiency, innovation (especially with AI), and a strong sense of ownership over outcomes.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand Uniqueness with Conversion: The core challenge is to make each brand look more unique and premium while ensuring every page is designed to convert effectively. This requires a nuanced approach to design strategy.

• Elevating Existing Brands: Working within established brand guidelines requires creative problem-solving to enhance aesthetics and premium feel without a full rebrand, which can be more restrictive than starting from scratch.

• AI-First Workflow Integration: Adapting to and effectively leveraging AI tools for design at a high level of quality and speed, potentially requiring learning new workflows and tools.

• Rapid Iteration & Feedback: The "Speed Is King" value means designers must be comfortable with very short feedback loops and the need to iterate quickly on designs.

• Empowering AI Extension: Creating a design system that is so clear and well-documented that AI tools can effectively extend it requires a deep understanding of system design and documentation standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI Design Skills: Significant opportunity to master and become an expert in AI-driven design workflows, a highly sought-after skill.

• DTC E-commerce CRO Expertise: Deepen understanding of conversion optimization strategies and their direct impact on revenue within a high-growth DTC context.

• Design System Architecture: Gain extensive experience in building robust, scalable, and AI-extendable design systems.

• Working with a Fast-Growing Company: Experience firsthand the operational dynamics and strategic decision-making of a rapidly scaling e-commerce business.

• Cross-Functional Mastery: Develop strong collaborative skills with Brand, CRO, and potentially product teams, enhancing overall GTM operational understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents an opportunity to tackle complex design challenges that directly impact business performance, making it ideal for operations-minded designers looking to grow their strategic impact and technical proficiency.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach elevating the existing branding of [Brand X] to feel more premium and unique, while ensuring key conversion elements remain prominent?" (Focus on your process for balancing aesthetics and performance, and how you'd analyze the current brand and competitors.)

• "Describe your experience using AI tools in your web design workflow. Can you provide an example of how AI helped you achieve a faster or more creative outcome for a client?" (Be ready to detail specific tools and use cases.)

• "Walk us through your process for building a Figma design system that is both comprehensive and easily extendable by other team members or AI tools." (Emphasize modularity, documentation, and clear rules.)

• "How do you incorporate conversion rate optimization principles into your design process from the outset?" (Discuss visual hierarchy, CTAs, benefit-driven copy placement, mobile optimization.)

• "Given our 'Speed Is King' and 'Work Smart' values, how would you approach the initial two-week deadline for presenting web directions?" (Highlight your workflow, use of AI, and prioritization strategies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about KittySpout's mission and its focus on premium pet products?" (Show genuine interest in the industry and the company's positioning.)

• "How do you align with our core values: Better Everyday, Speed Is King, Work Smart, and Overdeliver?" (Provide specific examples of how you've embodied these values in past roles.)

• "Describe a time you had to push back on a client's or stakeholder's direction with a better idea. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Demonstrate constructive conflict resolution and strategic thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: Organize your portfolio by relevant skills (e.g., Shopify expertise, Design Systems, Conversion Design, AI-assisted work).

• Tell a Story for Each Case Study: For each relevant project, explain the challenge, your approach (including AI use), the solution you implemented, and the results (especially conversion metrics if available).

• Highlight the Design System: Dedicate time to showcase your Figma design system, explaining its components, rules, and how it achieves the goal of being extendable.

• Demonstrate AI Workflows: If possible, visually or verbally walk through how you used AI in a specific project, explaining the tools and the benefits.

• Focus on ROI: Explicitly link your design decisions to business outcomes like increased conversion rates, revenue, or brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application (paid test) and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not only their design skills but also their operational mindset, understanding of business objectives, and ability to work within the company's specific values and pace.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience with Shopify, Figma, AI-driven design, conversion optimization, and design systems. Use keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility and clearly state your years of experience (5+ years).

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select your strongest e-commerce and Shopify projects. Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your taste, conversion-focused design approach, and any experience with brand elevation. Include specific examples of design systems you've built. If you have AI-assisted design projects, feature them prominently. Quantify results wherever possible.

• Prepare for the Paid Test: Understand that a paid test is part of the process. Be ready to dedicate time to this task, approaching it with the same rigor as a real project. Focus on delivering a high-quality, strategically sound design that aligns with the brand and conversion goals.

• Research KittySpout: Familiarize yourself with KittySpout's existing brands and their market positioning in the pet industry. Understand their commitment to premium products and their rapid growth trajectory. This research will be invaluable for the interview and the paid test.

• Articulate Your AI Experience: Be prepared to clearly and confidently discuss your experience with AI design tools, how you integrate them into your workflow, and the specific benefits they provide.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding company specifics and exact interview steps, should be verified directly with KittySpout during the application process.