Web Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Web Designer

Company: Kicksite

Location: Overland Park, Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Web Design & Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-05

Experience Level: 0-2 Years (Entry-Level to Junior)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Must be located in the Kansas City Metro Area)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and build visually appealing, responsive WordPress websites for clients in the martial arts and fitness industries, focusing on user experience and brand consistency.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including front-end developers, customer success, sales, and marketing, to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.

• Optimize websites for performance, accessibility, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to enhance client online presence and business growth.

• Maintain and develop website design standards, ensuring adherence to Kicksite's brand guidelines and industry best practices for templated WordPress solutions.

• Continuously learn and apply emerging web design trends and techniques to improve service offerings and client outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the design aspect of templated WordPress websites, distinguishing it from a full-stack web development position. The emphasis is on aesthetic execution and adherence to established frameworks rather than custom coding from scratch, making it suitable for candidates with strong design skills and foundational WordPress knowledge.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Construct and design responsive WordPress websites, ensuring alignment with client-specific needs, brand aesthetics, and Kicksite's templated structure.

• Execute web projects by effectively collaborating with front-end developers, customer support/success teams, and sales/marketing departments, ensuring seamless integration of design elements.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive website design standards and style guides to guarantee consistency, quality, and adherence to best practices across all client projects.

• Implement website optimizations for improved performance (loading speed), accessibility (WCAG compliance), and SEO best practices to maximize client visibility and user engagement.

• Conduct user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design enhancements, applying principles to create intuitive and engaging digital experiences for end-users.

• Manage multiple web design projects concurrently, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines within a dynamic, client-focused environment.

• Assist in the creation and manipulation of graphical assets using design software to support website content and branding initiatives.

• Stay abreast of the latest trends in web design, WordPress capabilities, and digital marketing to proactively suggest improvements and innovative solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a design-centric approach within a structured WordPress environment. Collaboration with development and client-facing teams is crucial, highlighting the need for strong communication and an understanding of the end-to-end client journey, from initial design to ongoing optimization and support.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Graphic Design, Web Design, Digital Media, or a related field is highly beneficial. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience:

• 0-2 years of experience in web design, with a focus on WordPress platforms.

• Demonstrated experience in creating or modifying templated websites. Required Skills:

• Strong foundational understanding of WordPress CMS, including theme customization and content management.

• Proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe XD) for asset creation and manipulation.

• Solid grasp of UX/UI design principles, ensuring intuitive and user-friendly website interfaces.

• Experience in designing responsive websites that adapt seamlessly across various devices (desktops, tablets, mobile).

• Fundamental knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) principles for web content and design.

• Excellent attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and aesthetic quality in all design outputs.

• Strong motivation and self-starter attitude, capable of working independently and managing tasks effectively.

• Effective communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and understanding client requirements.

• Project management aptitude, including the ability to organize and prioritize design tasks. Preferred Skills:

• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS, enabling a deeper understanding of front-end implementation and design constraints.

• Familiarity with other content management systems beyond WordPress.

• Experience with website performance optimization tools and techniques.

• Understanding of web accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "0-2 years" experience level suggests a role for recent graduates or individuals early in their web design careers. The emphasis on WordPress and design tools, with a "plus" for HTML/CSS, indicates a practical, hands-on role focused on applying design principles within a specific platform rather than deep coding expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of at least 3-5 diverse web design projects, showcasing proficiency in WordPress and responsive design.

• Projects should demonstrate clear understanding and application of UX/UI principles, including navigation, layout, and user flow.

• Examples of graphic asset creation and manipulation for web use, highlighting skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, or XD.

• Case studies or project descriptions that detail the design process, challenges faced, and the rationale behind design decisions.

• Demonstrations of websites optimized for different devices and screen sizes. Process Documentation:

• Ability to articulate the design process from client brief to final website delivery, including wireframing, mock-up creation, and revision stages.

• Documentation or examples of how design standards and brand guidelines were applied consistently across projects.

• Evidence of how SEO and performance considerations were integrated into the design workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a systematic approach to design, an understanding of user needs, and the ability to work within platform constraints (like templated WordPress). The ability to explain the "why" behind design choices is as important as the final output.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated annual salary range of $50,000 - $57,000 USD. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for entry-level to junior Web Designers in the Overland Park, Kansas area, considering the specified experience level (0-2 years) and the hybrid work arrangement. Factors such as specific skill sets, portfolio strength, and interview performance may influence the final offer. Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) for tax-advantaged healthcare spending.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) to support work-life balance.

• Retirement plan with a company match, aiding in long-term financial planning.

• Paid holidays for recognized national and company-specific observances.

• Fantastic company culture and regular company events fostering team cohesion.

• Opportunity for advancement within the company, supporting career growth. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek of 40 hours, typically Monday through Friday.

• A notable benefit includes an early departure at Noon on Fridays, offering an extended weekend.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for a junior role in the specified location. The benefits package is comprehensive, and the early Friday finish is a significant perk that should be highlighted for work-life balance.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (specifically SaaS for fitness and martial arts businesses). Kicksite operates within the specialized niche of providing business management solutions for martial arts studios, gyms, and fitness-focused establishments, aiming to revolutionize their operations through innovative web and software solutions.

Company Size: Mid-size company (based on typical company size ranges for companies using BambooHR as an applicant tracking system and having a dedicated careers page). This size often means a balance between established processes and a dynamic, adaptable environment.

Founded: Founded on "nearly a decade of setting a new standard" prior to the current description, suggesting an establishment date around the mid-2010s, indicating a company with a solid track record and evolving expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Web Designer will likely be part of a larger Marketing or Product Development team, working closely with other designers, front-end developers, and potentially UX specialists.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Web Design Lead, Marketing Manager, or Head of Product/Development, depending on the internal organization.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring interaction with Customer Success (understanding client needs and feedback), Sales (understanding client acquisition drivers), and Marketing (ensuring brand consistency and campaign support). Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on how design impacts client business growth and operational efficiency.

• Agile or iterative development processes for website projects, allowing for flexibility and continuous improvement.

• Emphasis on user-centric design, ensuring that client websites are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and effective for their target audiences.

• Commitment to quality and continuous learning, reflected in the desire for candidates to stay current with web design trends.

Company Website: https://kicksite.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kicksite positions itself as a "GOLD STANDARD" company, emphasizing values like respect, loyalty, integrity, perseverance, and sportsmanship, derived from martial arts principles. This suggests a culture that values discipline, continuous improvement, and strong ethical foundations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an Entry-Level to Junior Web Designer level (0-2 years experience). It offers a foundational opportunity within the operations of a SaaS company focused on client-facing digital assets. The role is design-focused, working with templated systems, which allows for skill development in specific areas of web design and platform utilization.

Reporting Structure: The Web Designer will likely report to a Web Design Lead, Marketing Manager, or a similar role overseeing digital asset creation and client website projects. This structure provides guidance and mentorship from more experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: The Web Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of Kicksite's clients. By creating effective, aesthetically pleasing, and high-performing websites, they contribute to client acquisition, retention, and overall business growth for Kicksite's users. This directly influences the perceived value and effectiveness of Kicksite's service offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in WordPress theming, advanced responsive design techniques, and specific UX/UI patterns relevant to the fitness industry.

• Technical Proficiency: Develop foundational HTML/CSS skills further, potentially transitioning into more complex front-end development tasks or specialized roles like Web Accessibility Specialist.

• Project Leadership: With experience, take on lead roles for larger or more complex web design projects, managing client expectations and guiding junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Gain exposure to marketing, customer success, or product teams, potentially leading to roles focused on digital strategy or client solutions.

• Advancement within Kicksite: Progress to Senior Web Designer, Lead Designer, or even management roles within the design or marketing departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Opportunity for advancement" listed in the benefits, combined with the entry-level nature of the role, clearly indicates a growth path within Kicksite. The focus on templated WordPress suggests that career progression will involve mastering this system and potentially expanding into related digital asset creation or client strategy roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, requiring candidates to be located within the Kansas City Metro Area. This suggests a physical office presence is necessary for collaboration, with flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): Overland Park, Kansas. This location is part of the broader Kansas City metropolitan area, providing access to a vibrant business community.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest a dynamic workspace where in-person collaboration is encouraged for brainstorming, project reviews, and team building.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite) and the necessary hardware and software to operate within the Kicksite WordPress environment. This includes reliable internet access and potentially project management tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with designers, developers, marketing specialists, and client-facing teams, fostering a learning environment and shared problem-solving.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week.

• A significant perk is the "Off at Noon on Friday" policy, which provides an extended weekend and emphasizes a positive work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role and the specific requirement to be within the Kansas City Metro Area indicates that while remote work is part of the arrangement, regular in-office presence is expected for team synergy and collaborative tasks. The early Friday finish is a key aspect of the work environment's attractive features.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills, relevant experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical/Design Assessment: This may involve a practical design exercise or a detailed portfolio review session. Candidates will be expected to discuss their design choices, process, and problem-solving approach.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential team members from development, marketing, or customer success to evaluate collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and understanding of Kicksite's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest, most relevant WordPress design projects. Ensure they showcase responsive design, UX/UI principles, and your ability to work within a templated system.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the client's objective, your design process, the challenges you overcame, and the outcome or impact of your design. Use visuals effectively to guide the reviewer.

• Highlight WordPress Expertise: Specifically point out elements that demonstrate your proficiency with WordPress – theme customization, content integration, plugin considerations, etc.

• Showcase Design Tools: Be prepared to discuss your use of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD) and how you leverage these tools for web asset creation and optimization.

• Demonstrate UX/UI Acumen: Explain your rationale behind layout, navigation, color choices, and user flow, showing how these decisions contribute to a positive user experience.

• Address SEO/Performance: If possible, mention how you considered SEO and performance during the design phase, even if it was within a templated framework.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach designing within predefined templates and brand guidelines.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of UX/UI principles and how you apply them to create effective web experiences.

• Think about how you would optimize a website for performance and accessibility within a WordPress environment.

• Consider how you would communicate design decisions and rationale to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio. Demonstrating a clear understanding of the design process, the ability to articulate design decisions, and a practical grasp of WordPress are key to success. The company's values suggest that candidates who can demonstrate integrity and a commitment to client success will also stand out.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• WordPress: The core platform for website building and management. Proficiency here is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Specifically Photoshop, Illustrator, and Adobe XD for graphic design, asset creation, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Design Software: Any other relevant design tools used for asset creation or mock-ups.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a developer role, a basic understanding of how to interpret website analytics (e.g., Google Analytics) to inform design decisions or report on performance metrics is a plus.

• Familiarity with SEO tools for keyword research and performance tracking (e.g., SEMrush, Ahrefs – though likely used by a dedicated SEO specialist). CRM & Automation:

• Kicksite's Platform: Implicitly, candidates will need to understand how Kicksite's proprietary platform integrates with or supports the websites they design.

• Project Management Tools: Likely tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for task management and collaboration with other teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements revolve around WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite. While direct experience with CRM or advanced automation tools isn't listed as primary, an understanding of how design impacts client operations and the ability to use project management software are important for collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on making businesses better for clients, meaning design decisions should prioritize client growth and operational efficiency.

• Excellence & Quality: Adherence to "The Gold Standard" implies a commitment to high-quality work, attention to detail, and continuous improvement in design execution.

• Integrity & Respect: Values like integrity, respect, and honesty are paramount, suggesting a work environment that is ethical and supportive.

• Perseverance & Sportsmanship: These martial arts-derived values indicate a culture that embraces challenges, learns from setbacks, and maintains a positive, team-oriented attitude.

• Innovation: A drive to "revolutionize the way businesses operate" suggests an openness to new ideas and creative solutions in web design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with development, marketing, and customer success teams. This means open communication, willingness to share work, and receptiveness to feedback from diverse perspectives.

• Team-Oriented Problem Solving: Challenges are likely tackled collectively, with an expectation that team members will support each other to achieve project goals and client success.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is exchanged to improve designs and processes, fostering a continuous learning loop.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is strongly influenced by martial arts principles, emphasizing discipline, continuous improvement, respect, and a client-first mentality. Candidates who resonate with these values and can demonstrate collaborative behavior will likely thrive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Templated Constraints: Effectively creating unique and compelling designs within Kicksite's established WordPress templates requires creativity and problem-solving.

• Managing Diverse Client Needs: Working with clients across different martial arts and fitness niches, each with unique branding and functional requirements, presents a continuous learning curve.

• Optimizing for Performance and SEO within a CMS: Achieving high performance and SEO rankings often involves technical considerations that may be outside pure design, requiring close collaboration or learning new skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Web Trends: The digital landscape changes rapidly; staying current with design best practices, WordPress updates, and client expectations is an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastering WordPress: Deepen expertise in WordPress theme customization, plugin integration, and best practices for building client sites.

• UX/UI Specialization: Advance understanding of user psychology, interaction design, and usability testing principles.

• Front-End Fundamentals: Develop or enhance basic HTML/CSS skills for better collaboration with developers and a more nuanced understanding of web structure.

• SEO & Performance: Gain practical knowledge in how design impacts SEO and website speed, potentially leading to a specialization in performance optimization.

• Industry Exposure: Learn about the specific business needs of martial arts studios and gyms, providing context for design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear pathway for growth by mastering a specific platform (WordPress) and developing core design skills. The challenges are framed as opportunities for learning and skill development, aligning with the company's culture of continuous improvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a WordPress website from initial concept to final delivery, especially when working within a templated system." (Focus on your workflow, how you gather requirements, wireframing, mockups, and revisions.)

• "How do you ensure a website is responsive and provides a good user experience across different devices (desktop, tablet, mobile)?" (Discuss your approach to responsive design principles and testing.)

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you had to create or manipulate graphics for a website. What tools did you use, and what was the objective?" (Be ready to show and discuss specific visual assets.)

• "How do you approach incorporating SEO best practices into your web design process?" (Mention on-page elements, site structure considerations, and collaboration with SEO specialists if applicable.)

• "Imagine a client wants a website that looks very different from our standard templates. How would you handle this request while still adhering to Kicksite's guidelines?" (Focus on creative solutions within constraints and effective communication.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Kicksite and our mission to make businesses better?" (Show you've researched the company and understand its value proposition.)

• "How do you embody values like integrity, perseverance, or sportsmanship in your work?" (Connect your personal work ethic to Kicksite's stated values.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a team on a project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Demonstrate openness to feedback and a growth mindset.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically. For each project, have a brief overview, your role, the problem, your solution (with visuals), and the outcome.

• Focus on WordPress: Emphasize projects built on or significantly customized within WordPress.

• Showcase Design Process: Don't just show the final product. Include wireframes, mockups, or user flow diagrams to illustrate your thinking.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If you have any metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, faster load times, positive client feedback), include them to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs.

• Be Enthusiastic: Show passion for design and for helping clients succeed through effective web solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating practical design skills, a solid understanding of WordPress, and strong collaborative potential. Candidates should be ready to discuss their portfolio projects in detail, articulating their design rationale and problem-solving approach.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Web Designer position:

• Visit the Kicksite careers page at kicksite.bamboohr.com/careers and locate the Web Designer (45) opening.

• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest WordPress projects, especially those demonstrating responsive design, UX/UI principles, and graphic asset creation. Highlight any experience with templated systems.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your experience with WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, and UX/UI design. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing answers to common interview questions related to teamwork, problem-solving, and company values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Kicksite's mission, services, and target audience. Understand their "Gold Standard" philosophy and how your design skills can contribute to client success.

⚠️ 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.