UX/UI Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX/UI Designer

Company: Santander

Location: Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: UX/UI Design, Product Design

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Translates business vision and customer needs into intuitive, simple, usable, and effective digital solutions for customers, with a strong emphasis on a mobile-first approach.

• Designs engaging and intuitive visual experiences for digital products and services, ensuring optimal user experience and elegant, attractive visual design.

• Collaborates extensively with product, technology, analytics, and stakeholder teams throughout the entire user experience design process, from research to testing.

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive design system and style guide, contributing to the evolution of the bank's digital design standards.

• Focuses on identifying and resolving usability issues to optimize conversions and enhance the overall customer journey across omnichannel platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "UX/UI Designer," the description heavily emphasizes visual design, user experience, and the creation of intuitive digital solutions within a financial services context. The role requires a strong blend of user-centered design principles and an understanding of business objectives and technical constraints, particularly for mobile and e-commerce platforms.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Convert ideas, concepts, and business vision into intuitive, simple, usable, and effective solutions for digital products.

• Design attractive and intuitive experiences for customers, taking responsibility for the visual design of digital products and services to ensure optimal user experience and an elegant, appealing aesthetic.

• Balance customer interests with business needs and technical limitations to create user-centric solutions.

• Design and develop wireframes, sketches, prototypes, user stories, and user journeys optimized for a wide range of devices and interfaces, with a primary focus on mobile-first design.

• Identify usability issues and propose solutions that add value and contribute to optimizing conversion rates.

• Maintain a user-centered design approach, rapidly testing and iterating on designs based on feedback and data.

• Strategically work on the experience of both new and existing functionalities and features.

• Collaborate and conduct working sessions with members of the design, technology, analytics, stakeholders, and third-party teams.

• Act as a guardian of the team's style guide and contribute to its growth as needs arise.

• Assist in evolving the bank's digital design and contribute to the creation, maintenance, and evolution of the team's design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities indicate a hands-on design role that requires not only creative output but also strategic thinking about user journeys, conversion optimization, and the maintenance of design consistency across a large financial institution. The emphasis on "mobile-first" and "omnichannel" suggests a need for adaptability across various platforms.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years of professional experience as an experience designer, interaction designer, information architect, or similar role. Experience in omnichannel projects (native mobile apps and responsive web) and e-commerce is mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of experience as an experience designer, interaction designer, information architect, or similar (mandatory).

• Experience in omnichannel projects (native mobile apps and responsive web) and e-commerce (mandatory).

• Experience developing sitemaps, flows, user journeys, and creating low, medium, and high-fidelity interactive prototypes (mandatory).

• Advanced knowledge of mobile design patterns and the iOS Human Interface Guidelines and Android Material Design guidelines (mandatory).

• Advanced proficiency in prototyping and wireframing tools, preferably from Adobe Creative Cloud and Figma (mandatory).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience contributing to and evolving design systems.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Experience in the financial services industry.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "mandatory" requirements highlight the critical need for practical, hands-on experience and a demonstrable track record through a portfolio. The emphasis on specific tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and design guidelines (iOS, Android) indicates a need for specialized technical skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3 years of UX/UI design work is mandatory.

• The portfolio must demonstrate experience in omnichannel projects (native mobile apps and responsive web) and e-commerce.

• Showcase the design process from ideation to final delivery, including wireframes, user flows, user journeys, and interactive prototypes of varying fidelity.

• Include case studies that highlight problem-solving skills, user-centered design methodologies, and the impact of design decisions on business objectives (e.g., conversion optimization).

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to document the design process, including user research findings, usability test results, and iteration rationale.

• Clear articulation of how user needs were identified and translated into design solutions.

• Examples of how design decisions were balanced with business requirements and technical constraints.

• Documentation of the creation and maintenance of user flows, sitemaps, and user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a robust portfolio is paramount. Candidates should prepare to walk through their case studies, explaining their design process, the challenges faced, and the outcomes achieved, with a clear connection to user needs and business goals, especially within the financial services and e-commerce domains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for experienced UX/UI Designers in Madrid, Spain, with 3-5 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is approximately €35,000 - €50,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Madrid and the specialization required for financial services UX/UI design.

Benefits:

• Health and Wellness Program: Global "BeHealthy" program promoting comprehensive well-being.

• Family Support Programs: Assistance for childcare and family programs tailored to life stages.

• Career Growth Opportunities: Support for growth, international mobility, and extensive career paths.

• International Mobility: Opportunities for international career development.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Paid time off for volunteering activities.

• Competitive remuneration package reflecting impact and value delivered.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with an estimated standard working week of 40 hours, typical for a professional role in Spain. Flexibility may be available, but the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for UX/UI designers in Madrid with 3-5 years of experience. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and highlights Santander's commitment to employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Banking). Santander is transforming from a global brand to a technology-driven organization, focusing on customer-centricity and disruptive thinking.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Santander is a global bank with a significant employee base). This implies structured processes, potential for cross-functional collaboration across many departments, and a focus on scalable solutions.

Founded: 1857. A long history in banking, now undergoing a significant digital and technological transformation.

Team Structure:

• The UX/UI Designer will be part of a product and technology team, collaborating closely with product managers, engineers, analysts, and other stakeholders.

• Likely reports to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design within the digital transformation division.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Utilizes data from customer research, usability testing, and analytics to inform design decisions and identify areas for optimization.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Focuses on designing seamless user flows and optimizing journeys for efficiency and conversion.

• Automation and Efficiency: Aims to create intuitive and efficient digital experiences that reduce friction for customers and support business goals.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Santander's emphasis on digital transformation and customer-centricity means this role is crucial for shaping the future of their digital offerings. The large company size suggests opportunities for impact but also the need to navigate established processes and collaborate with diverse teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level to senior individual contributor within the design function. It requires significant practical experience and the ability to work autonomously on complex design challenges, contributing to strategic product development.

Reporting Structure: The UX/UI Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Product Design Lead. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and various business stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The designer's impact is directly tied to improving the customer experience across Santander's digital platforms, which directly influences customer acquisition, retention, engagement, and conversion rates, ultimately contributing to the bank's revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in mobile-first design, omnichannel strategies, and financial services UX. Potentially specialize in areas like interaction design, information architecture, or design system management.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Opportunities to attend relevant design conferences and pursue certifications to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for specific product features, and grow into senior design roles or team leadership positions within the digital transformation program.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career progression within a large, transforming organization. The focus on digital transformation provides opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and develop specialized skills relevant to the evolving financial technology landscape.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site role in Madrid. Santander typically offers modern office spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Madrid, Spain. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process. Accessibility and proximity to public transport are usually considerations for major city offices.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect an environment that encourages teamwork, brainstorming, and cross-functional interaction, vital for effective UX/UI design.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud) and potentially other collaboration and project management software.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a team of designers, product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders, fostering a dynamic and communicative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard business hours. While the role is on-site, there might be some flexibility in daily start/end times, typical for corporate environments. The focus is on delivering high-quality design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role is emphasized, suggesting that in-person collaboration and immersion in the company culture are important for this position. The workspace will likely be equipped with the necessary tools to support a productive design workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, discussing past projects, design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with specific tools and methodologies. This may involve a design exercise or case study presentation.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential colleagues, design leads, product managers, and other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with Santander's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your skills, experience, and the requirements of this role (mobile-first, e-commerce, financial services if applicable).

• Structure Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions, challenges, and the outcomes/impact (quantify where possible using metrics).

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered approach, how you incorporated user feedback, and how you balanced user needs with business goals.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other relevant tools.

• Tailor to Santander: If possible, subtly align your examples with the financial services sector or demonstrate an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a practical design challenge, which might involve solving a specific UX problem or creating a new feature concept. Focus on demonstrating your process, not just the final output.

• Think Aloud: During a live challenge or presentation, articulate your thought process clearly, explaining your assumptions and rationale.

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice explaining complex design decisions in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio evaluation. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design thinking process in detail and demonstrate how their work has achieved tangible results for users and businesses.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced proficiency is highly preferred, as it's a leading tool for collaborative design, prototyping, and wireframing.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Proficiency in tools like Adobe XD, Photoshop, and Illustrator is expected for visual design, asset creation, and potentially advanced prototyping.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with various prototyping tools for creating interactive wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and track the impact of design changes.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data is managed within systems like CRMs can be beneficial for designing integrated user experiences.

• Awareness of how design impacts automated workflows and customer journeys within digital platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud is explicitly stated as mandatory. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their skills with these tools and discuss how they leverage them to create effective user experiences.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Centricity: A core value, driving all design decisions to ensure the best possible customer experience.

• Innovation & Disruption: Encouragement to challenge the status quo and bring new, innovative ideas to digital product design.

• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork, working closely with diverse teams to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Approach: Using data and insights from user research and analytics to inform design strategies and measure impact.

• Efficiency: Striving for simple, usable, and effective solutions that streamline user interactions and business processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to ensure designs are aligned with business objectives and technically feasible.

• Process Review & Feedback: Participating in design reviews, crit sessions, and providing constructive feedback to peers.

• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to share best practices, insights, and learnings with the broader design and product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Santander's culture appears to value innovation, customer focus, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they embody these values in their design practice and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Diverse Needs: Effectively balancing the needs of various stakeholders (customers, business, technology) to create cohesive and effective designs.

• Navigating a Large Organization: Adapting to the processes and stakeholders within a large, established financial institution during a digital transformation.

• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience across a wide range of digital products and platforms.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in UX/UI design, mobile technology, and financial services innovation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize in advanced UX/UI techniques, explore new design tools, and gain expertise in financial technology design.

• Industry Conference and Certification Participation: Support for attending industry events and obtaining relevant certifications to enhance professional skills.

• Operations Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design projects, and develop leadership capabilities within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents a significant opportunity for growth within a dynamic industry. The challenges are typical of large-scale digital transformation projects, offering valuable experience in complex environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on collaboration, problem-solving, and compromise).

• "Walk us through a complex user journey you designed. What were the key pain points, and how did your design address them?" (Highlight user empathy, process, and impact).

• "How do you approach designing for a 'mobile-first' strategy, and what are the key considerations?" (Demonstrate understanding of mobile design principles and constraints).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Santander and our digital transformation journey?" (Research Santander's recent initiatives and express genuine interest).

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially when working with non-designers like engineers or product managers?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative. Start with the problem, walk through your process and decisions, and conclude with the impact and learnings.

• Visuals are Key: Use clear, high-quality visuals of wireframes, prototypes, user flows, and final designs.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if working in a team.

• Metrics Matter: Quantify the success of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion times, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges, and alternative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process holistically, demonstrating not just their technical skills but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business objectives within the financial services context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX/UI Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Santander's careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your online portfolio is up-to-date and prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in mobile-first design, e-commerce, and ideally, financial services or complex digital products. Tailor your case study selection to highlight relevant skills.

• Resume Optimization: Craft a resume that clearly highlights your 3+ years of experience in UX/UI design, interaction design, or information architecture. Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "mobile-first," "omnichannel," "Figma," "prototyping," "user journeys"). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and mobile design patterns.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Santander's digital transformation initiatives, their mission, and their values. Understand the context of the financial services industry and the importance of user experience in this sector.

⚠️ 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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