Associate Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Associate Product Designer

Company: Sedex

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T09:52:44

Experience Level: 0-2 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for an Associate Product Designer focused on enhancing user experience and interface design within a dynamic product area.

• The position involves collaborating within multi-disciplinary squads to support product development from ideation through to design sign-off.

• It's an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals eager to develop their skills in both user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.

• The role emphasizes learning, collaboration, and contributing to the creation of impactful product features within an agile environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Associate Product Designer," the description strongly indicates a junior or entry-level position focused on learning and development within established product design frameworks. The emphasis on "under guidance" and "assisting" points to a role designed for someone early in their career.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Support a specific product area by collaborating closely with a Product Manager, Tech Lead, and under the guidance of a senior Product Designer.

• Assist in the comprehensive gathering and prioritization of design requirements, ensuring alignment with product strategy and user needs.

• Conduct analysis of competing products and features to identify market trends, opportunities, and potential improvements.

• Participate actively in user research activities, guided by the User Research team, and implement feedback to refine product designs.

• Contribute to the ideation process by sketching, wireframing, and prototyping new product features and components.

• Create high-fidelity user interface designs, leveraging and adhering to the established components within Sedex's design system.

• Work collaboratively with Front-End and Back-End Engineers throughout the design lifecycle to understand technical constraints and build feasibility.

• Take responsibility for design sign-off of components and features, ensuring quality and adherence to design standards before release.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to guide an Associate Product Designer through a typical product development cycle, emphasizing learning and collaboration at each stage. The inclusion of "design sign-off" for components suggests a growing level of ownership as the candidate gains experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A relevant degree, equivalent qualification, or demonstrable equivalent experience in a related field.

Experience: Ideally, 0-2 years of experience in product design or a closely related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing problem-solving abilities.

Required Skills:

• A strong willingness and demonstrated desire to learn and excel in the craft of Product Design.

• A portfolio that effectively illustrates your approach to identifying and solving Product Design problems.

• Some practical experience in producing tactical design outputs, such as wireframes or mockups.

• A keen interest in the role and application of qualitative and quantitative user research in informing design decisions.

• A foundational understanding of user experience (UX) design principles, behavioral design concepts, and usability best practices.

• An interest in the practical application of core design principles, including grid systems, typography, and color theory.

• Familiarity with interaction design principles and the concept and use of design systems.

• Basic knowledge of accessibility implications and considerations in Product Design.

• A collaborative and humble attitude, demonstrating empathy in all interactions.

• The ability to both provide and receive constructive feedback effectively.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within multi-disciplinary product squads.

• Exposure to agile development methodologies.

• Understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and their application in product design.

• Knowledge of design system contribution or maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications clearly position this as an entry-level role, prioritizing potential and a learning mindset over extensive experience. The emphasis on a portfolio and foundational knowledge in design principles is crucial for candidates to showcase their capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A portfolio showcasing your approach to identifying and solving Product Design problems, demonstrating your design thinking process.

• Examples of tactical design outputs, such as wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes, that clearly articulate design solutions.

• Case studies that detail your involvement in user research, how you incorporated feedback, and the impact of your design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of participation in user research activities and how user insights were translated into design actions.

• Examples of collaborative workflows with Product Managers and Engineers, illustrating communication and problem-solving approaches.

• Demonstrations of how you've worked with or contributed to design system components.

• Documentation of your design sign-off process for features or components, highlighting quality assurance steps.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate role, the portfolio should emphasize process and learning. It's less about leading complex projects and more about demonstrating a solid understanding of the design process, tool proficiency, and the ability to collaborate and integrate feedback effectively.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Associate Product Designers in London with 0-2 years of experience, the estimated salary range is £30,000 - £45,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in London and the responsibilities outlined, including working under guidance and contributing to a growing product.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including access to training and industry events.

• Pension scheme contributions.

• Generous paid time off and holiday allowance.

• Collaborative and inclusive work environment with a focus on employee well-being.

• Potential for hybrid working arrangements, offering flexibility.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility in scheduling within an agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical Associate Product Designer roles in London. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for tech roles in established companies and are intended to attract and retain talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), Supply Chain Management. Sedex operates in a growing market focused on sustainability and ethical supply chains, leveraging data and technology to drive positive impact. This industry context means a focus on data integrity, user trust, and measurable outcomes.

Company Size: Sedex is a trusted partner for over 100,000 businesses worldwide, indicating a significant global reach and established presence. The internal team structure likely involves multiple departments and cross-functional teams to manage this scale.

Founded: Sedex has been operating long enough to be a "trusted partner for over 100,000 businesses worldwide," suggesting a mature company with established processes and a clear mission, likely founded in the early to mid-2000s given its market position.

Team Structure:

• The Product, Design, and Technology department is organized into multi-disciplinary squads, each focused on a specific product area.

• Each squad typically comprises a Product Manager, Product Designer, and Front-End/Back-End Engineers.

Methodology:

• Sedex employs an agile methodology not just within Product, Design, and Technology, but across the entire business, indicating a commitment to iterative development and rapid adaptation.

• Teams are assigned strategically important problems and KPIs, with significant autonomy to identify and execute solutions.

• A strong emphasis is placed on discovery and testing to ensure the right problems are identified and solved effectively.

Company Website: https://careers.sedex.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Sedex's mission in sustainability and ESG is a key cultural driver. The company culture description highlights a collaborative, agile, and data-driven environment where teams have autonomy and are focused on delivering impactful results.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the Associate level, typically considered an entry-point into the Product Design profession. It's designed for individuals with foundational knowledge and a strong desire to learn and grow, focusing on executing tasks under guidance and developing core competencies.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Product Designer will report to a senior member of the Product Design team and will work within a multi-disciplinary squad, reporting functionally to the team's Product Manager for project-specific priorities.

Operations Impact: While this is an Associate role, the designer will contribute to features that directly impact Sedex's core mission of creating socially and environmentally sustainable supply chains. Their work on user experience and interface design will influence how businesses interact with the platform, manage sustainability data, and drive positive ESG outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX, UI, interaction design, user research, and design systems through hands-on project work and mentorship.

• Career Progression: A clear path exists from Associate to Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, and potentially leadership roles within the Product, Design, and Technology department.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Exposure to Product Management, Engineering, User Research, and Analytics will broaden understanding of the product development lifecycle and business strategy.

• Learning & Development: Access to company-provided training, workshops, and potentially industry conferences to stay abreast of design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for an Associate Product Designer is heavily reliant on demonstrated learning, feedback integration, and proactive contribution within their assigned squad and under mentorship.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Sedex operates with a hybrid work model, suggesting a mix of in-office collaboration and remote work. The London office likely serves as a hub for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and focused collaborative work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 18 St Swithin's Ln, London, EC4N 8AD, United Kingdom, situated in the heart of the City of London, offering good accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration within multi-disciplinary squads, encouraging direct interaction between designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Access to essential design tools like Figma and a well-defined design system will be provided, supporting efficient workflow and consistent output.

• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing sessions with shared specialists (User Research, Analytics, etc.) will be available.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are 40 per week, aligning with an agile framework that values flexibility. This allows for structured work within the team's sprints while accommodating individual needs where possible.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model implies a need for strong communication and self-management skills, as well as the ability to be productive both in an office setting and remotely.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application and portfolio to assess foundational skills and alignment with the role requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: Discussion about your background, motivations, and understanding of product design principles. This stage will likely involve questions about your portfolio.

• Design Challenge/Task: A practical exercise or case study to evaluate your problem-solving approach, design thinking, and tool proficiency (e.g., Figma).

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Interaction with potential team members (Product Manager, Engineers, Senior Designers) to assess collaboration style and cultural alignment with Sedex's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Head of Department or senior leader for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking process for each project. Show, don't just tell, how you moved from problem identification to solution.

• Highlight Collaboration: Include examples or descriptions of how you worked with others (Product Managers, Engineers, Users) and incorporated their input.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Showcase your Figma skills through well-crafted wireframes, prototypes, and UI designs.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Select projects that demonstrate your ability to tackle user problems and deliver effective design solutions, even if they are from academic or personal projects.

• Explain Impact: Where possible, quantify the impact of your designs or explain the intended outcomes. For an Associate role, focus on the potential impact and how your design choices supported user goals.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: Carefully read and understand the brief for any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively across research, ideation, design, and presentation.

• Articulate Your Decisions: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design choices, linking them back to user needs and business objectives.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable using Figma for rapid prototyping and creating polished UI elements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an Associate role, the interview process will heavily weigh the candidate's potential, learning agility, and fundamental design skills as demonstrated through their portfolio and any design tasks.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the primary design tool specified. Proficiency in creating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and managing design components within Figma is essential.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or understanding the principles of design systems is crucial for maintaining consistency and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core responsibilities of an Associate Product Designer, but an awareness of how design impacts user journeys within these systems might be helpful for broader context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on Figma and design systems, reflecting the core tools Sedex uses for product design. Candidates should highlight their experience and comfort level with these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Respect Each Other: Fosters an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and constructive feedback is shared with empathy.

• Customer-Driven: A strong focus on understanding customer needs and challenges to deliver exceptional value and empower them to achieve sustainability goals.

• Thinking Creatively: Encourages innovative problem-solving, embracing new ideas, and challenging the status quo to continuously improve products and services.

• Take Ownership: Empowers individuals to take responsibility for their work, make confident decisions, and proactively contribute to team and business success.

• Deliver Results: A commitment to achieving tangible, impactful outcomes for customers, the business, and society, with a focus on measurable success.

Collaboration Style:

• Multi-disciplinary Squads: Encourages close collaboration within small, focused teams comprising Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers, working on specific product areas.

• Cross-functional Integration: Works side-by-side with various business functions, including User Research, Content Design, Product Marketing, and Analytics, to ensure holistic product delivery.

• Agile Mindset: Promotes iterative development, continuous feedback loops, and adaptability across all business functions, fostering a dynamic and responsive work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sedex's core values are deeply integrated into their operational approach, emphasizing collaboration, customer focus, and a drive for results, which is critical for any team member to understand.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Growing Market: Contributing to product development in the rapidly evolving ESG and sustainability sector, requiring adaptability and an understanding of emerging trends.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse stakeholder requirements and user feedback into cohesive and impactful design solutions within an agile framework.

• Adhering to Design Systems: Mastering the use of a design system to ensure consistency and scalability while still allowing for creative problem-solving.

• Developing Expertise Under Guidance: Progressing from an Associate role requires proactive learning, seeking feedback, and demonstrating capability to take on more complex tasks.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from senior members of the Product Design team to hone craft and navigate career growth.

• Hands-on Experience: Working on real-world product challenges and features within dedicated multi-disciplinary squads.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to deepen knowledge in UX research, interaction design, accessibility, and potentially specialized areas of product design.

• Industry Exposure: Potential for attendance at relevant design conferences or workshops to stay current with industry best practices and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for an Associate role in a growing tech company. The growth opportunities are framed to highlight Sedex's commitment to developing talent from within.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to gather design requirements. What was your process, and how did you ensure you understood the core need?" (Focus on your process, questions asked, and how you sought clarity).

• "Walk us through a project in your portfolio where you assisted with user research. How did you incorporate feedback into your design?" (Highlight your role, the feedback received, and the resulting design changes).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Sedex and our mission to create sustainable supply chains?" (Research Sedex's impact, values, and tailor your answer to show genuine interest).

• "How do you approach giving and receiving constructive feedback?" (Provide specific examples demonstrating humility, openness, and a growth mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by demonstrating a full design process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly explain the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Figma: Be ready to show specific examples of your work in Figma, demonstrating your proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, include examples of how your designs were influenced by or influenced others on a team.

• Keep it Concise: Focus on the most impactful projects and be prepared to discuss them in detail, but also respect the interviewer's time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating the candidate's foundational design skills, learning agility, collaborative spirit, and alignment with Sedex's mission and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Associate Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Sedex careers portal at https://careers.sedex.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your design process, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with tools like Figma. Select 2-3 projects that best represent your capabilities and learning journey.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant skills such as user experience design, UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and Figma proficiency. Use keywords from the job description and quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to articulate why you are passionate about product design, Sedex's mission, and how your skills align with the Associate Product Designer role. Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your process and learnings.

• Research Sedex: Understand Sedex's mission, values, and the impact of their work in sustainable supply chains. Familiarize yourself with their product offerings and customer base to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ 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.