TLDR //
Figma expert needed to build and manage scalable design systems for apps, web and XR at a growing Glasgow studio. 3-month fixed term to start, with potential to continue. End-to-end ownership and clean dev handover essential.
Full Job Spec //
Company Detail ( )
Vertical Vertical is a Glasgow-born digital studio that builds next-generation apps, websites, software and XR experiences. The studio is fully integrated, with design, development and emerging tech working side by side, which lets us take ideas from a blank page to a finished product without breaking the creative flow.
We focus on creating digital experiences that feel sharp, intuitive and purposeful. Our team work across leading development environments every day, which keeps our technical knowledge current and gives us the freedom to shape solutions that suit the project rather than forcing a project to suit the tools. Whether the task is a mobile app, a bespoke platform, a web build or an immersive XR environment, the aim is always the same, make something that feels exciting to use and solid to maintain.
Clients who partner with us gain access to the full breadth of our studio's experience. Creativity and functionality sit together in everything we deliver, and our process is built around reliable timelines, clear communication and a pixel-perfect finish. We are known for producing work that looks strong, performs well and can scale as our clients grow.
Vertical Vertical was founded in Glasgow with a simple ambition, to spark creative imagination through hands-on, disruptive technology. We push into new ideas, new interfaces and new ways of thinking so the businesses we support can do the same.
Inside the studio, we work hard to create an environment that encourages sustainable growth and steady innovation. The standard we set for our output, and the mindset we bring to each project, continue to shape a team culture that sets us apart. It is this approach that has allowed Vertical Vertical to grow year on year and establish itself as one of Scotland's most forward-looking digital companies.
Role Responsibilities
* Take established brand guidelines and translate them into robust, scalable Figma design systems, including colour styles, typography, components, variants, tokens, and layout rules.
* Work closely with senior management and clients to interpret brand intent, challenge assumptions where needed, and turn strategic direction into clear, usable design frameworks.
* Own Figma files end to end, from early concept and brand setup through to production-ready layouts.
* Prepare Figma documentation specifically for development handover, ensuring files are clean, structured, annotated, and ready for engineers to work from without friction.
* Build and maintain component libraries and shared styles that support consistency across websites, apps, dashboards, and emerging tech products.
* Support client presentations by preparing clear, well-structured Figma files that tell a story and communicate design decisions confidently.
* Collaborate day to day with developers to resolve edge cases, clarify intent, and ensure design fidelity through build.
* Work across multiple projects at once, managing your own time, priorities, and deadlines with minimal supervision.
* Bring considered design thinking to the table, not just execution, contributing ideas around layout, interaction, hierarchy, and usability.
* Ensure all design output aligns with agreed brand rules while remaining practical for real-world implementation.
* Stay current with Figma best practice, tooling updates, and modern design system workflows.
* Work flexibly and remotely, with regular collaboration with the wider studio and occasional client-facing sessions.
Q&A - once shortlisted, you will be asked to complete this next section. At this stage in the application, it is optional, but not a requirement until shortlisting stage.
SECTION A - IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU
A1) Pick your all-time favourite font.
A2) If you could be any animal, what would you be and why?
A3) What fictional place would you like to visit?
A4) If money & time were no object what would you be doing right now?
A5) What is something you hate doing?
A6) What is something that you like doing?
A7) What two things do you consider yourself to be very good at?
A8) What two things do you consider yourself to be very bad at?
A9) Do you have any hidden talents (a party-piece) what can you do?
A10) How would you change your life today if the average life expectancy was 350 years?
A11) What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
A12) If you had to teach a class on one thing, what would you teach?
A13) If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be and why?
A14) What is the best perk you have ever enjoyed at a job?
A15) What is your favourite time of day and why?
A16) If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your phone, which ones are staying?
A17) If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
A18) What is your most used emoji?
SECTION B - SELF SCORING
Being as honest and accurate as you can be, what would you rate your own proficiency with the following tools and software on a scale of 1-10 in efficiency, we have created a handy guide to help you score yourself
** Please note, not all of these software's are necessarily applicable in this Design outpost, this question helps our studio identify and you to communicate what other strengths in software/tools that you have in play,
( 1 - I am a beginner, used it a few times and it is something I can use but need more time on to get better )
( 5 – pretty good all round understanding and can use to a decent level, always learning )
( 10 – expert mode, countless accumulative days using, know tonnes of shortcuts, extremely strong understanding & ability to use )
Software & Tools to score yourself on, please add any others that you feel are relevant that are not on the list:
B1) PHOTOSHOP (1-10)
B2) ILLUSTRATOR (1-10)
B3) ADOBE XD (1-10)
B4) IN DESIGN (1-10)
B5) FIGMA (1-10)
B6) AFTER EFFECTS (1-10)
B7) GPT/ AI (1-10)
B8) MIDJOURNEY (1-10)
B9) SPLINE (1-10)
SECTION C - DESIGN
C1) What's your tried and tested method for keeping organised, everyone has their own approach - do you have any strategies or tools that you use to manage multiple assets, design instructions, files, ideas?
C2) Tell me about a time when a client disliked your work, how did you handle the situation?
C3) How do you get unstuck creatively, what's your go-to inspo sites?
C4) How do you want feedback, are their specific ways that you would value criticism, how do you
handle the situation when the feedback from a client differs from those of your design views?
C5) Tell me about the project/s that you're most proud of and why, what was your role in that?
C6) What are 3 design resources that you can't live without in your day-to-day tasks?
C7) What would you describe as 'your' design process, how does your idea flow from vision to screen?
C8) What kind of questions do you ask before beginning any design project, in context for you project-to project, which piece of information is the most important?
C9) Which websites / or apps make you jealous that you never designed them?
C10) What types of design aesthetics do you typically incorporate into your work, do you have a personal theme you tend to adopt?
C11) What would you say in the day-to-day design world is the #1 most encountered problem that you find, and how do you solve this normally?
C12) What made you decide to want to become a designer, what was the major influencer in this do you think?
C13) Do you specialise in any particular types of design, if so what motivated you to choose that type?
SECTION D - ACTIVITY & READINESS
D1) Could you describe your home office setup for remote work?
D2) Have you previously worked from home? If so, could you share the routines or processes you've established to stay productive?
D3) Do you have any pre-planned absences in the next six months? We aim to schedule projects accordingly.
D4) Are there any current obligations that might influence your capability to fulfil this role or affectyour attendance?
D5) Which languages can you read, speak, and write fluently?
D6) What days are you available to work during a typical week from Monday to Sunday ( flexibility over a 40 hour week )?
D7) Do you foresee any legal impediments to taking on this position?
D8) Do you feel equipped to handle the specific duties of this job? Are there any accommodations or requirements you need to perform effectively?
D9) Do you prefer using Mac or Windows for your design work?
D10) If selected for this role, when could you potentially start?
Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months
Pay: £18.00-£20.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Glasgow G3 7QF