Sr Visual / UI Designer (All Genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Visual / UI Designer (All Genders)

Company: zooplus SE

Location: Madrid, Spain

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product & Tech (Design)

Date Posted: April 22, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (6+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive significant improvements in customer experience through scalable UI, interaction, and systems design.

• Elevate the zooplus brand by enhancing engagement, usability, and visual appeal across digital touchpoints.

• Contribute to and advance the company's design system and core design libraries.

• Utilize data-driven insights and customer research to inform and execute design strategies.

• Mentor junior designers and foster a collaborative design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Visual/UI Designer within the Product & Tech department, focusing on customer experience enhancement through design system contribution, UI/interaction design, and data-informed decision-making. The hybrid work model and emphasis on scalable, branded design suggest a strategic operational role within the product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and execute scalable, modular design solutions for web and app experiences, supporting automation and personalization initiatives.

• Create engaging, branded, and user-friendly designs that adhere to accessibility and inclusivity standards.

• Partner with data and research teams to translate insights into tangible, well-designed prototypes for user testing.

• Lead the exploration and integration of AI and automation tools to optimize design system workflows and scalability.

• Facilitate design sprints, rapid prototyping sessions, and workshops to drive efficient collaboration from research to prototype.

• Mentor junior designers through work reviews and daily coaching, fostering their professional growth.

• Collaborate with product owners, marketing, and brand teams to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience across all touchpoints.

• Proactively identify gaps in the design system and propose scalable, sustainable solutions.

• Effectively communicate design decisions, rationale, and results to diverse stakeholders, including non-technical audiences.

• Champion the power of good design and visual storytelling within the team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution (design execution, prototyping) and leadership (mentoring, facilitating sprints). The emphasis on scalability, design systems, and AI/automation indicates a focus on operational efficiency within the design process. Stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration are critical for aligning design efforts with business goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in UX/UI Design, Visual Design, Interaction Design, or a closely related field.

Experience: Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in visual/UI design, with a proven track record of leading sizeable projects from concept to completion.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in visual and UI design principles, with a strong portfolio showcasing engaging and user-centric designs.

• Proficiency in leading and managing complex design projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and successful delivery.

• Deep understanding of modern design methodologies, including user-centered design and design thinking.

• Advanced proficiency with key design tools such as Figma, Mural, SharePoint, Baymard, Adobe Creative Suite, and PowerPoint.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including product owners, marketing, sales, data analysts, and fellow designers.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for clear articulation of design rationale and insights.

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, timelines, and deliverables effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in the e-commerce sector or digital product design.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within agile teams.

• Proven ability to analyze customer insights and leverage them to inform and drive design decisions.

• Experience contributing to or leading the development of design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 6+ years of experience and the emphasis on leading sizeable projects suggest this role is for a seasoned designer capable of independent work and mentorship. Proficiency in specific tools like Figma and Baymard is critical for operational efficiency and adherence to design system standards. E-commerce experience is highly valued, indicating a need for understanding specific industry challenges and user behaviors.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 6 years of impactful visual and UI design work, with a clear focus on customer experience enhancement.

• Case studies showcasing end-to-end project ownership, from initial concept and user research to final implementation and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, illustrating scalability, modularity, and consistency.

• Prototypes and user testing results that demonstrate a data-driven approach to design validation.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing scalable and modular components that facilitate automation and personalization.

• Documentation of how user insights and data were integrated into the design process.

• Examples of leading design sprints, workshops, or collaborative design sessions.

• Demonstrations of designing for accessibility and inclusivity, with an understanding of relevant standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Visual/UI Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic proficiency but also a strategic understanding of how design contributes to business goals, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency through design systems and scalable solutions. Demonstrating experience with data-driven design and user research is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Visual/UI Designers in Madrid, Spain, with 6+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is €55,000 - €75,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Madrid, the seniority of the role, and the specific skill set required.

Benefits:

• 28 Annual Vacation Days: Generous paid time off for work-life balance.

• Private Medical Health Insurance: Comprehensive healthcare coverage.

• Hybrid Working Model: Flexibility to work from home up to 40% of the month, balancing office collaboration with personal comfort.

• Development Opportunities: Access to programs and resources for career path shaping and skill advancement.

• Training and Support: Continuous learning and professional development support.

• Wellbeing Offers: Initiatives focused on employee health and overall well-being.

• Subsidised Transport: Assistance with commuting costs.

• Bike Leasing: Option for eco-friendly and healthy commuting.

• 20% Product Discount: Significant discount on zooplus products.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 40 hours per week, with the flexibility offered by the hybrid model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for senior-level design roles in major European tech hubs like Madrid. The provided benefits package is comprehensive, emphasizing work-life balance, health, professional growth, and employee perks, which are attractive to experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce (Pet Supplies). Zooplus SE is a leading online retailer in the pet supplies market, operating for over 25 years. The industry is highly competitive and relies on strong customer experience, efficient logistics, and effective digital marketing to drive sales and customer loyalty.

Company Size: Zooplus SE is a significant player in the e-commerce space, likely employing several thousand individuals globally, with established offices in multiple European locations. This size suggests a structured environment with opportunities for impact and career progression, but also the need for clear processes and efficient operations.

Founded: Founded over 25 years ago, zooplus SE has a long-standing history and deep expertise in the pet e-commerce sector. This longevity indicates stability, a proven business model, and a capacity for adaptation in a dynamic market.

Team Structure:

• The role is within the Product & Tech department, specifically in a design-focused capacity.

• The design team likely includes other UI/UX designers, visual designers, and potentially researchers.

• The Senior Visual/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Insights from data and customer research are central to decision-making.

• Scalable and modular design: Emphasis on creating reusable components and systems for efficiency.

• Agile development: Familiarity with agile methodologies is preferred, suggesting iterative development cycles and cross-functional team collaboration.

• User-centricity: Focus on meeting customer needs and enhancing the overall customer experience.

• Continuous improvement: An ongoing effort to adapt, innovate, and improve processes and outcomes.

Company Website: https://www.zooplus.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Zooplus's position as a long-standing e-commerce leader in the pet industry implies a focus on customer retention, efficient operations, and a robust digital presence. The company culture appears to value collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement, which are key elements for success in operations-related roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, indicating a significant level of autonomy, responsibility, and expected contribution. The role requires not only strong design execution skills but also the ability to mentor, lead design initiatives, and influence strategic decisions related to customer experience.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Visual/UI Designer will likely report into a Design Manager, Head of Design, or potentially a Product Lead, within the larger Product & Tech organization. They will be expected to work collaboratively with peers in Product Management, Engineering, and Data Science.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the customer experience, which is a critical driver of revenue and customer loyalty in e-commerce. By improving usability, engagement, and brand consistency, the designer contributes to conversion rates, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, business growth. The focus on scalable design systems also implies an impact on development efficiency and the speed-to-market of new features.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like design systems, interaction design, or accessibility.

• Leadership: Advance to Lead Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design roles, managing teams and setting design strategy.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management or other strategic roles within Product & Tech, leveraging design thinking and customer insight skills.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in e-commerce design and design system best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Sr" title and responsibilities suggest a clear path for growth, either through deepening specialized design expertise or moving into management. The emphasis on design systems and scalable solutions positions this role as integral to the operational efficiency of the product development lifecycle.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Zooplus operates with a hybrid working model, meaning a blend of in-office and remote work. The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, team synergy, and knowledge sharing, while remote days offer focused work time and flexibility.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located in Madrid, Spain, at Génova 17, 5plta, 28004. This is a central location, likely easily accessible by public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative spaces designed for team meetings, design sprints, and workshops.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology.

• Opportunities for informal interaction and synergy with colleagues from various departments.

• A professional yet dynamic atmosphere that encourages innovation and cross-functional teamwork.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a hybrid model allowing for up to 40% of working time to be remote. This structure supports a balanced approach to work, integrating focused individual work with collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model (60% office, 40% home) is a key feature of the work environment, emphasizing a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility. This setup is common in modern tech companies and requires strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: A session where you present your portfolio, highlighting key projects that demonstrate your skills in visual/UI design, interaction design, design systems, and data-driven decision-making. This will likely involve discussing your design process, challenges, and outcomes.

• Technical/Skills Interview: A discussion or practical exercise focusing on design tools (e.g., Figma proficiency), design methodologies, and problem-solving approaches relevant to e-commerce.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet with potential team members and stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with zooplus's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic alignment and long-term fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant projects (ideally 3-5). Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact (KPIs, business results).

• Highlight Design Systems: If you have experience with design systems, dedicate specific examples to show how you've contributed to or utilized them for scalability and consistency.

• Emphasize Data-Driven Approach: Show how you used data, user research, or A/B testing to inform your design decisions and validate your solutions.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. Use high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes where possible.

• Tailor to Zooplus: Research zooplus's current digital presence and brand. Consider how your work can specifically address their needs and contribute to their e-commerce goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve solving a specific UI/UX problem relevant to an e-commerce platform, or refining an existing design.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to stakeholders.

• Focus on demonstrating your understanding of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Be ready to discuss how your proposed solutions align with design system principles and contribute to scalability and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior design role will heavily emphasize portfolio review and case study presentations. Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and impact on business metrics, not just their aesthetic skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, essential for creating scalable and consistent designs within a design system.

• Mural: Used for collaborative whiteboarding, design sprints, brainstorming, and workshop facilitation.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Likely used for more advanced graphic design, image editing, or illustration tasks (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator).

• PowerPoint: For presentations, stakeholder communication, and formal design proposals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Baymard Institute Resources: Likely referenced for e-commerce UX best practices, research, and benchmarks.

• Data & Research Tools: While not explicitly named, the role requires partnership with data teams, implying familiarity with accessing and interpreting data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, internal BI tools).

CRM & Automation:

• SharePoint: Used for document management, team collaboration, and potentially as a repository for design assets or documentation.

• Automation Tools: The role mentions exploring AI and automation tools for design system workflows, indicating an interest in efficiency and scalability beyond manual processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable, as it's the industry standard for collaborative UI/UX design and design system management. Familiarity with Baymard is crucial for an e-commerce focus. The mention of AI and automation in design workflows points towards a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through intuitive and engaging digital experiences.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on cross-functional teamwork, open communication, and mutual respect between designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Utilizing insights from data, research, and user feedback to guide design choices and measure impact.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive approach to problem-solving, process optimization, and staying abreast of design trends and best practices.

• Excellence in Design: A dedication to creating high-quality, visually appealing, accessible, and functional designs that elevate the brand.

• Efficiency & Scalability: A focus on designing solutions that are not only effective but also sustainable, scalable, and contribute to operational efficiency through design systems and automation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active involvement in team rituals like design sprints and workshops, working closely with product and engineering.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback on designs to foster growth and improve outcomes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to mentor junior team members and share expertise on design systems, tools, and methodologies.

• Proactive Communication: Keeping stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to align well with typical operations and product development environments, emphasizing collaboration, data, and continuous improvement. For a designer, understanding how their work fits into the larger operational framework and contributes to business objectives is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing diverse expectations from various departments (product, marketing, brand) while ensuring a cohesive customer experience.

• Scalability Across Platforms: Ensuring design consistency and usability across web and app interfaces, as well as potentially different device types.

• Integrating New Technologies: Exploring and integrating AI and automation tools into design workflows requires learning and adaptation.

• Maintaining Design System Integrity: As the company grows and evolves, keeping the design system up-to-date, comprehensive, and adopted by all teams can be challenging.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the precise ROI of design improvements, especially for subjective elements like brand perception and engagement.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in building, maintaining, and scaling design systems.

• AI & Automation in Design: Gaining hands-on experience with innovative tools that enhance design efficiency and capability.

• E-commerce UX Mastery: Deepening knowledge of user behavior, conversion optimization, and best practices specific to online retail.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Developing leadership skills through mentoring junior designers and potentially leading design initiatives.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining a broader understanding of product development, marketing strategies, and business operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a growing e-commerce company, requiring strategic thinking and problem-solving. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering paths for both technical specialization and leadership development within the design and operations functions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data or user research to significantly change a design direction. What was the outcome?" (Prepares for data-driven decision-making)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for our mobile app that needs to be scalable and integrate seamlessly with our existing design system?" (Tests design system thinking and scalability)

• "Walk us through a complex design project from your portfolio. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Assesses problem-solving and project management)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about zooplus's current digital customer experience, and what opportunities do you see for improvement from a design perspective?" (Demonstrates research and strategic thinking)

• "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers to ensure design intent is accurately implemented?" (Evaluates cross-functional collaboration)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly explain the "Why" (the business problem/user need), "What" (your solution), and "How" (your process and tools).

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced bounce rates, improved user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Showcase Design System Thinking: If applicable, highlight how your work aligned with, contributed to, or extended an existing design system.

• Be Ready for Critiques: Present your work confidently but be open to feedback and discussion. Demonstrate your ability to receive and act on constructive criticism.

• Tailor to Zooplus: Make connections between your past work and zooplus's specific business context and challenges in the pet e-commerce industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives and operational efficiency, particularly within an e-commerce context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr Visual / UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided SmartRecruiters link.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that prominently features 3-5 of your most impactful visual/UI design projects. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process (including data/research insights), the solution, and quantifiable business impact. Specifically highlight any experience with design systems, scalability, and e-commerce.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 6+ years of experience, proficiency in Figma and other relevant tools, experience with design systems, and impactful contributions to customer experience and business goals. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the outcomes of your work. Practice answering strategic questions related to design challenges, stakeholder management, and data-driven design.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research zooplus SE, its brand, its current digital presence, and its position in the pet e-commerce market. Understand their values and consider how your design philosophy aligns with their culture.

⚠️ 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.

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