Lead Web Designer

The Lead Web Designer role at Syndicate Labs, based in Vista, California, directs UX and UI strategy while delivering polished, functional websites across client projects. This hands‑on, design‑forward position requires close collaboration with developers and experience with WordPress, Elementor, Shopify, and Figma. Salary is USD 89,000 to 100,000 per year.

Responsibilities

• Provide directional UX and UI leadership across website projects from concept to completion
• Produce high‑fidelity Figma designs for websites, e‑commerce experiences, and landing pages
• Translate client goals into clear information architecture, messaging, and design direction
• Design key pages such as homepages, landing pages, product/category pages, and reusable templates
• Present design concepts and justify UX/UI decisions to clients
• Collaborate with team members and mentor production designers
• Design or build core pages and guide others in creating supporting pages
• Step in to refine, build, or finalize pages as needed
• QA final builds for usability, responsiveness, and visual polish
• Partner with marketing on landing pages and conversion‑focused improvements
• Ensure design work is polished and ready prior to client review
• Leverage AI tools to improve workflow and efficiency

Requirements

• 5+ years of professional web design experience
• Strong portfolio of launched websites
• Solid UX/UI expertise with focus on user flows, structure, and conversions
• Advanced proficiency with Figma
• Experience with WordPress, Elementor, WooCommerce, Shopify, and visual builders
• Working knowledge of HTML and CSS
• Ability to build, edit, refine, troubleshoot, or QA website pages
• Comfortable collaborating with developers on functionality and implementation
• Meticulous attention to detail before client review
• Confidently present design work to clients
• Experience using AI tools within a professional workflow
• Professional communication and collaboration skills
• Proactive mindset with ownership of projects

Technologies

• Figma
• WordPress
• Elementor
• WooCommerce
• Shopify
• Visual builders
• HTML
• CSS
• AI tools

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) plus matching
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Paid federal holidays
• Performance‑based bonus incentives
• Growth opportunities
• Collaborative team environment

Work Location and Onsite Requirements

This is primarily an in‑office role based in Vista, CA. You will work in the office Monday through Friday, with limited remote flexibility considered on a case‑by‑case basis. The position is not fully remote, and candidates must reside in or be willing to relocate to the San Diego / North County area.

This role is not a fit if

• You are seeking a fully remote position
• You prefer only mockups and not work with live websites
• You do not want to engage with builders, QA, or implementation
• You prefer a narrow corporate design role
• You need heavy direction and do not want ownership
• You do not have live website examples
• You are a freelancer, agency, or contractor

Application Instructions

• Resume
• Portfolio link
• At least three live website examples
• A short note describing your role in each example
• Applications without live website examples will not be considered

About Syndicate Labs

Established in 2005, Syndicate Labs is a digital agency with more than 21 years of experience. The firm provides web design, development, e‑commerce, landing pages, SEO, PPC, and custom web solutions for clients across a broad range of industries.