Web & Visual Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web & Visual Designer

Company: Proton

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing & Web Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-12

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote OK with specified office locations)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the visual design and user interface (UI) for Proton's primary storefront websites, including proton.me and protonvpn.com, focusing on enhancing user engagement and conversion rates.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Brand, Content, and Engineering, to ensure a cohesive and impactful web presence.

• Develop and refine web mockups, wireframes, and interactive prototypes, adhering to modern Web UX/UI standards such as accessibility, usability, and responsiveness.

• Contribute to the evolution of Proton's Design System by creating and updating reusable components, ensuring brand consistency and design efficiency across all digital platforms.

• Apply a user-centered design approach to create visually appealing and conversion-oriented website elements that guide visitors through Proton's privacy ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core role is Web & Visual Design, its placement within a company focused on privacy products and its emphasis on storefront websites and conversion optimization suggests a strong connection to GTM (Go-To-Market) operations, specifically in driving user acquisition and engagement through digital channels. The role requires understanding how design impacts business objectives, which is a key component of operations-focused design roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and execute high-fidelity web mockups and wireframes for marketing websites, ensuring adherence to Web UX and UI best practices, including accessibility, usability, and consistency.

• Create visually engaging and brand-aligned website elements and interactive prototypes to illustrate information architecture, user flows, and interface behaviors for review and testing.

• Collaborate with marketing, brand, content, and engineering teams to deliver high-quality user experiences and ensure seamless integration of design elements into the development workflow.

• Support the maintenance and expansion of Proton's component-based Design System by creating and updating design components as directed by senior designers or leads.

• Apply modern UI patterns and interaction standards to ensure designs are responsive and render effectively across desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

• Focus on conversion-oriented design principles to delight visitors and guide them through Proton's privacy ecosystem, contributing to user acquisition and retention goals.

• Contribute to A/B testing initiatives by designing variations of web elements to optimize user journeys and improve key performance indicators.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative execution and operational collaboration. The focus on conversion optimization, design systems, and cross-functional teamwork highlights the operational aspect of this design role, aiming to drive tangible business outcomes through effective web experiences.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in graphic design, web design, HCI, or a related field is implied by the experience and skill requirements. Candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of design principles.

Experience: 4+ years of professional experience in Web Design, UI Design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of designing and launching successful marketing websites or storefronts.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A comprehensive and compelling portfolio showcasing web-optimized designs, UI/UX work, and visual design capabilities, with a link provided in the application.

• Web Design Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create visually appealing and engaging web designs that align with established brand guidelines and visual identity standards.

• User-Centered Design: A strong understanding of user experience (UX) principles, with a passion for creating intuitive and accessible interfaces.

• Conversion Optimization: Familiarity with conversion-oriented design principles and a willingness to learn about user journeys and optimize for key business objectives.

• Design Tools: Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).

• Responsive Design: Expertise in designing for various screen sizes and devices, ensuring a consistent and optimal user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to clearly articulate design choices, ask clarifying questions, and present work effectively to diverse teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Design System Contribution: Experience contributing to or maintaining a component-based design system.

• Motion Design/Animation: Familiarity or experience with motion design, animation, or illustration to enhance user engagement and visual storytelling.

• AI Tools in Design: Experience or a keen interest in leveraging AI tools within the creative design process.

• Web UX/UI Standards: Deeper knowledge of web accessibility (WCAG) and usability testing methodologies.

• Information Architecture: Understanding of how to structure content and navigation for optimal user flow and information discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio and specific tool proficiency (Figma, Adobe Suite) are critical for this role. The "Bonus Points" for AI tools and motion design indicate a forward-looking approach to design, aligning with modern digital marketing and GTM strategies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Visual Design Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating your ability to create compelling visual designs for websites, highlighting brand integration and aesthetic appeal.

• UI/UX Process Examples: Include examples of wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups that illustrate your design process and problem-solving approach for web interfaces.

• Responsive Design Examples: Demonstrate your capability to design for multiple devices (desktop, tablet, mobile), showing how layouts adapt and maintain usability.

• Conversion-Focused Design: If possible, highlight projects where your design directly contributed to improved conversion rates or user engagement metrics, detailing the strategies employed.

• Design System Contribution (if applicable): If you have experience with design systems, showcase examples of components you've designed or how you've applied a design system.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Illustrate how you approach the design process from initial concept to final asset delivery, including collaboration touchpoints with developers and marketers.

• User Journey Mapping: Provide examples of how you've considered or mapped user journeys to inform design decisions for marketing websites.

• Prototyping & Testing: Showcase interactive prototypes and explain how they were used for feedback, testing, or stakeholder presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Web & Visual Designer role with a GTM focus, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic talent but also an understanding of how design serves business objectives like user acquisition and conversion. Highlighting contributions to design systems and responsive design principles is also key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Mid-Level Web & Visual Designer with 4+ years of experience in Paris, France, the estimated salary range is €45,000 - €65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Paris, industry benchmarks for design roles, and Proton's status as a growing tech company.

Benefits:

• Vacation Support: Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance.

• Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for new parents.

• Refreshments: Provided if working from the office, enhancing the daily work experience.

• Learning and Development Opportunities: Access to training, workshops, and resources to foster professional growth.

• Equity: Opportunity for stock options or equity, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Flexible Working Hours: Ability to adjust work schedules to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

• Company Events: Regular social gatherings and team-building activities to foster camaraderie.

• Team Building Activities: Opportunities to connect with colleagues outside of typical work tasks.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through flexible working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on general market data for Paris and the specified experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific skills, experience, and negotiation. The benefits package is comprehensive and typical for a growing tech company, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Privacy & Security Software), specifically focused on encrypted communication and data storage solutions. Proton is a mission-driven company aiming to make privacy accessible to everyone.

Company Size: Over 400 members, indicating a medium-to-large sized tech company with established processes but still retaining a dynamic startup culture.

Founded: 2014, by scientists from CERN, highlighting a strong scientific and technical foundation.

Team Structure:

• The "Creative & Growth Studio" houses the design team, suggesting a dedicated unit focused on marketing, brand, and website experience.

• This role will collaborate closely with Marketing, Brand, Content, and Engineering teams, indicating a highly cross-functional environment.

• The reporting structure is not explicitly detailed but implies working under a design lead or manager within the Creative & Growth Studio. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on conversion-oriented design and user journeys suggests a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Collaborative Workflow: Close collaboration with engineering and marketing teams implies agile or iterative development processes.

• Design System Approach: Utilizing a component-based design system points to a focus on efficiency, consistency, and scalability in design and development.

Company Website: https://proton.me/

📝 Enhancement Note: Proton's mission around privacy is central to its culture. For a designer, this means understanding how visual communication can support complex technical products and resonate with a user base prioritizing security and trust. The company's growth trajectory suggests opportunities for impact and career advancement.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Mid-Level Designer role, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of dedicated experience. It offers a significant opportunity to contribute to high-visibility projects within a rapidly growing company, moving beyond junior responsibilities to take ownership of specific design tasks and contribute to strategic web presence.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Senior Designer, Design Lead, or Head of Creative within the Creative & Growth Studio. They will work closely with marketing managers, content strategists, and front-end developers.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts Proton's Go-To-Market strategy by designing and optimizing storefront websites. Effective web design is crucial for user acquisition, brand perception, and communicating the value of Proton's privacy products. Success in this role can lead to increased website traffic, higher conversion rates, and improved brand engagement.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in web UX/UI, conversion rate optimization (CRO), and design systems.

• Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Web Designer or Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and taking on more strategic design initiatives.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunity to explore related areas such as motion design, illustration, or even product design if the interest and aptitude align with future company needs.

• Cross-functional Learning: Gain experience working within a privacy-focused tech company, understanding product strategy and marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned for growth. The emphasis on "growth studio" and the company's rapid expansion suggest a clear path for designers who can demonstrate impact and a willingness to learn and adapt. The opportunity to influence high-traffic websites for a well-known privacy brand is a significant career differentiator.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Proton has offices in multiple locations (Geneva, Zurich, Prague, London, Vilnius, Skopje, Taipei) and also supports remote employees. The Paris location is an "on-site" role as per the #LI-Onsite tag, but the company culture is generally flexible. This suggests a hybrid model where some days might be in an office and others remote, or a primary office location with flexibility.

Office Location(s): While the job is listed for Paris, France, the company has a global presence. The Paris office would provide a central hub for design collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with marketing, content, and engineering teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma, Adobe Creative Suite) and potentially internal tools for project management and design system management.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with designers, marketers, and developers, facilitating knowledge sharing and efficient project execution.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely around 40 hours per week. Proton offers flexible working hours, allowing individuals to structure their workday to optimize productivity and maintain work-life balance, which is beneficial for design tasks that often require focused, uninterrupted periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Onsite" tag for Paris is important, suggesting a preference for in-person collaboration in that location. However, Proton's broader remote-friendly culture means that flexibility may still exist. The emphasis on collaboration implies a team that values open communication and shared problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design quality.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Expect to present your portfolio to the hiring team, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and rationale behind key design decisions. This may include specific questions about web UX/UI, responsive design, and conversion optimization.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A practical exercise, potentially a small design task or a more in-depth case study, to evaluate your design skills, tool proficiency, and ability to apply design principles to Proton's context.

• Team & Culture Fit Interview: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Proton's mission and values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Showcase your strongest, most relevant work (4-6 projects) that highlight your web design, UI, and visual design skills, especially those related to marketing websites or conversion-focused design.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your role, your design process, the solutions you implemented, and the impact or outcome (quantify if possible).

• Highlight Process: Include wireframes, user flows, and mockups to demonstrate your thought process and how you arrived at the final design.

• Showcase Brand Adherence: Demonstrate your ability to work within brand guidelines while still being creative.

• Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and how you ensure designs are technically feasible for developers.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Proton: Research Proton's products, mission, brand, and target audience. Understand their current websites and identify potential areas for design improvement from a user experience and conversion perspective.

• Practice Design Thinking: Be ready to apply a structured design thinking approach to a given problem, outlining your steps from understanding the brief to proposing a solution.

• Focus on Conversion & UX: Frame your solutions in terms of user benefits and business impact, particularly concerning user acquisition and engagement.

• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about the team, the design process, company culture, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio. Being able to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, especially in relation to user experience and business goals (like conversion), will be critical. The emphasis on "growth studio" suggests a proactive and collaborative approach is valued.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop for image editing and manipulation, Illustrator for vector graphics and icons, and potentially Adobe XD for prototyping.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial for showcasing interactive elements.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary tool for the designer, an understanding of web analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) and how design impacts key metrics (traffic, bounce rate, conversion rate) is highly advantageous.

• Familiarity with A/B testing platforms (e.g., Optimizely, VWO) and how design variations are implemented and measured. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly used by the designer, but understanding how website interactions feed into CRM systems or marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo) can provide valuable context for design decisions aimed at lead generation.

• Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or headless CMS solutions might be a plus, as designs need to be implementable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma and Adobe Creative Suite are explicitly mentioned and are non-negotiable. A designer's ability to translate their designs into actionable assets for developers, considering the technical constraints and goals of marketing websites, is key. Awareness of analytics and CRO principles is crucial for demonstrating impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Privacy First: A deep commitment to user privacy, which should be reflected in all design decisions, ensuring user data is handled responsibly and ethically.

• Excellence & Impact: Striving to be the best in the world at what they do, with a focus on creating products and experiences that have a significant positive impact on users.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Encouraging team members to take ownership of problems and work together across disciplines to find solutions.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A culture that values new ideas, experimentation, and the constant refinement of products and processes.

• User-Centricity: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of users, ensuring that design decisions are made with the end-user in mind.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work hand-in-hand with marketing, content, and engineering teams, requiring strong communication and the ability to integrate feedback from various stakeholders.

• Open Feedback Culture: Proton encourages open dialogue and constructive feedback, meaning designers should be comfortable giving and receiving critiques to improve designs.

• Mission-Driven: A shared passion for Proton's mission to build a better, more private internet unites the team and drives their collaborative efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of privacy, excellence, and collaboration are central to Proton's identity. Designers are expected to embody these values, translating them into user-friendly and trustworthy web experiences that align with the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Brand and Conversion: Designing for a brand that prioritizes privacy and security while also driving user acquisition and conversion can be a delicate balance. The challenge lies in creating visually appealing designs that build trust and clearly communicate value without compromising user experience or data privacy principles.

• Technical Constraints: Working within the technical limitations of web development and the existing design system requires creative problem-solving to achieve desired design outcomes.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (marketing, engineering, product) are aligned on design direction and priorities can be challenging in a fast-paced environment.

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to the rapid growth of the company, which may involve evolving processes, tools, and team structures, requires flexibility and a proactive approach.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX/UI, responsive design, interaction design, and potentially motion graphics or illustration.

• Design System Mastery: Become an expert in contributing to and utilizing a robust design system, which is a valuable skill in the industry.

• Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Gain hands-on experience in applying design principles to optimize website performance and drive business metrics.

• Privacy Tech Industry Insights: Develop a nuanced understanding of the privacy and security technology landscape, which can inform design strategies for a niche but growing market.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers and learn from experienced professionals in a mission-driven tech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for growth in specialized design areas relevant to the tech industry. The challenges are typical of a growing company and a mission-driven product, requiring adaptability and a strong focus on user value and business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance strong brand guidelines with conversion-driven design goals. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses strategic thinking and problem-solving).

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and usable across different devices and for users with varying technical proficiencies?" (Evaluates understanding of UX/UI standards and user empathy).

• "Walk us through a project where your design significantly improved a website's user experience or conversion rate. What metrics did you track, and how did you measure success?" (Tests ability to demonstrate impact and data-driven approach).

• "How do you approach collaborating with engineers and marketing teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment with project goals?" (Probes collaboration skills and understanding of the development lifecycle). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Proton's mission of making privacy accessible? How would this influence your design approach?" (Assesses alignment with company values and mission).

• "How do you stay updated on the latest web design trends, tools, and best practices, especially in the context of privacy-focused products?" (Evaluates proactivity and continuous learning).

• "Describe your experience contributing to or working with a design system. What are the benefits and challenges?" (Gauges understanding of design system methodologies). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the challenge, your role, the process, the solution, and the results. Use visual aids effectively.

• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs and business objectives (e.g., conversion, engagement, brand trust).

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your workflow in Figma and Adobe Creative Suite, and how you use these tools to create efficient and effective designs.

• Be Prepared for Feedback: Actively listen to feedback and engage in a constructive discussion about your designs.

• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the team's workflow, current design challenges, and opportunities for growth to show engagement and interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a blend of creative talent, technical proficiency, and a strategic understanding of how design contributes to business objectives, particularly within the context of a privacy-focused technology company. The emphasis on collaboration and mission alignment is also key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web & Visual Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided greenhouse.io link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest web design, UI, and visual design projects relevant to marketing websites and conversion optimization. Ensure it demonstrates your ability to work within brand guidelines and design for responsive layouts.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 4+ years of experience, emphasizing achievements related to web design, UI/UX, and collaboration. Quantify your impact whenever possible, especially concerning conversion improvements or user engagement.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process, rationale, and the outcomes of your projects. Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Proton's mission, products, current websites (proton.me, protonvpn.com), and brand identity. Understand their commitment to privacy and how this might influence design.

⚠️ 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.