First Product Designer - Sénior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: First Product Designer - Sénior

Company: Sezame

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (4-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (Minimum 3 days/week in Paris office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design vision and execution for Sezame's premium digital product, directly impacting user experience and business objectives.

• Drive product strategy and user-centric design solutions through deep understanding of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, impactful features incrementally.

• Champion the evolution and maintenance of Sezame's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across the user journey.

• Leverage user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and continuously optimize the product experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as the first Product Designer, indicating a critical need to establish and mature the design function within Sezame. The emphasis on "structuring and elevating the experience" and defining "visual guidelines" suggests significant autonomy and influence in shaping the company's design strategy and practices.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Contribute to squad OKRs and overall product strategy by providing user insights and design perspectives.

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative user research, including interviews, workshops, and data analysis, to understand user needs and pain points.

• Explore and define innovative design solutions that align with user, business, and technical requirements.

• Frame and scope design problems effectively in collaboration with the Product Manager, ensuring clarity on user needs, business impact, and scope.

• Iteratively co-design user interfaces (UX, UI, microcopy) and user journeys across platforms with Product Managers and Developers.

• Ensure the quality and consistency of the user experience in production, actively contributing to and maintaining the design system.

• Monitor product performance against OKRs by analyzing usage data and adoption metrics through tools like Google Analytics and Metabase.

• Share performance insights and guide product decisions based on data-driven analysis.

• Actively participate in and contribute to the company's product culture by sharing design and product trends and best practices.

• Maintain and evolve the design system, ensuring its usability and adherence across the product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's responsibilities are divided into Strategy, Discovery, Delivery, Measurement & Pilotage, and Product Culture. This structured approach highlights the expectation for a comprehensive product design process, from strategic alignment to post-launch analysis and continuous improvement. The emphasis on "delivering incrementally and qualitatively" points towards an agile development environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific educational requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred for senior product design roles.

Experience: 4-5 years of experience in Product Design, specifically within product environments that demand high standards and have a significant business impact.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Strong business acumen and a strategic mindset, with the ability to link design decisions to business outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience in user research (qualitative and quantitative) and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, Metabase).

• Ability to facilitate collaborative workshops and design thinking sessions.

• Mastery of UX/UI principles and best practices for creating intuitive and engaging user experiences.

• Experience in developing and maintaining Design Systems.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of autonomy.

Preferred Skills:

• Interest or experience in the luxury, hospitality, or lifestyle sectors.

• Knowledge of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) and A/B testing methodologies.

• Familiarity with AI tools in design, such as Figma Make, V0, or Cursor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4-5 years of experience in a "demanding product environment" suggests the company values candidates who have navigated complex product challenges and can deliver high-quality work under pressure. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 4-5 years of product design work, highlighting projects with significant business impact and user experience improvement.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end product design process, from discovery and research to delivery and iteration.

• Present case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., conversion rate improvements, user satisfaction scores).

• Include examples of how you have leveraged user research and data analytics to inform design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail your involvement in user research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, usability testing, surveys).

• Illustrate your process for defining user needs and translating them into functional requirements and design specifications.

• Demonstrate your iterative design process, including wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and refinement.

• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or maintained a design system, including style guides and component libraries.

• Show evidence of tracking and analyzing product performance using analytics tools and how this data influenced subsequent design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is the first Product Designer role, the portfolio review will be critical for assessing the candidate's ability to establish and mature design processes. The emphasis on business impact and data-driven decision-making suggests a need for portfolios that go beyond aesthetics to demonstrate tangible results and strategic thinking.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €50,000 - €60,000 per year. This range is based on the provided salary data and reflects a senior-level Product Designer position in Paris, France. The final salary will be determined by the candidate's profile and experience.

Benefits:

• Stock options (BSPCE)

• Meal Vouchers (Tickets restaurant)

• Company Health Insurance (Mutuelle d’entreprise)

• Transportation Reimbursement (Remboursement des titres de transport)

• Welcome Package

• Discounts on Sezame's catalogue of activities

• Partial remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in Paris office)

• Access to modern office amenities including common areas (ping-pong, foosball, etc.), barista, rooftop, and beer taps.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, a standard full-time work week in France is 35 hours, but for contractor roles, it can be more flexible. A typical expectation for a senior role, especially with partial remote work, would be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility managed by the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range aligns with senior Product Designer roles in Paris, considering the company's focus on a premium product and the candidate's experience level. The inclusion of BSPCE (Bons de Souscription de Parts de Créateur) indicates an opportunity for equity participation, common in startups. The office amenities suggest a vibrant and collaborative work environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality, Luxury Travel, Lifestyle Services. Sezame operates at the intersection of technology and premium hospitality, offering exclusive access to high-end hotel experiences for non-staying guests.

Company Size: The description implies a fast-growing startup environment with a "tight-knit and engaged team." The role being the "first Product Designer" suggests a lean, agile structure where individuals have significant ownership.

Founded: While the founding date isn't provided, the rapid growth and international ambition suggest a relatively young but established company.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design role will be part of a squad, working closely with a Product Manager (PM), developers, and other teams including Customer Success Experience (CSX), Sales, and Marketing.

• This indicates a cross-functional, collaborative team structure common in agile product development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasis on using data (tracking, analytics) to inform product strategy and design iterations.

• Agile & Iterative Development: Focus on "delivering incrementally and qualitatively," suggesting a lean and agile approach to product development.

• User-Centricity: Deep understanding of user needs through research and continuous feedback integration.

• Collaborative Design: Close collaboration with product, engineering, and other departments to ensure alignment and optimal solutions.

Company Website: https://www.joinsezame.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sezame's mission to "make the world's most beautiful hotels accessible... without staying overnight" positions it uniquely within the luxury and hospitality tech space. The emphasis on a "premium product with high ambition" suggests a culture that values quality, innovation, and a sophisticated user experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "First Product Designer - Senior," signifying a pivotal position. It's an opportunity to establish design foundations, define processes, and influence the product's aesthetic and functional direction from an early stage. The senior level implies significant autonomy and responsibility for design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The designer will work "in close collaboration with the PM, developers, and other teams." While a direct manager isn't specified, it's likely they will report to a Head of Product or a similar product leadership role within the company, overseeing the product squad.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is directly tied to improving conversion rates on the primary revenue channel (joinsezame.com), fluidifying user journeys, and integrating new features. This role is crucial for driving business growth, enhancing customer satisfaction, and building a strong brand identity through design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Opportunity to build and lead the product design function as the company scales.

• Strategic Influence: Direct contribution to product strategy and OKRs, shaping the future direction of the product.

• Skill Development: Deepening expertise in user research, analytics, CRO, A/B testing, and AI-driven design tools.

• Industry Expertise: Gaining valuable experience in the luxury hospitality and lifestyle tech sectors.

• Career Progression: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Head of Design role as the company expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: As the inaugural Product Designer, this role offers a unique chance to shape the design culture and processes. The growth potential is significant, moving from an individual contributor to a potential leadership position as Sezame scales its product and design teams.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is based at a "WeWork - Office and coworking space" in Paris. This suggests a modern, flexible, and potentially collaborative co-working environment with access to shared amenities.

Office Location(s): Paris, France (specifically WeWork, 75013). This location is in a central area of Paris, likely offering good accessibility via public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Model: The role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the Paris office, balancing remote flexibility with in-person collaboration.

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Working within a WeWork space and closely with various teams fosters a dynamic and interactive environment.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office technology, plus the company's internal tech stack for design and analytics. The mention of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to technology adoption.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with product managers, developers, sales, marketing, and customer experience teams, promoting cross-functional synergy.

Work Schedule: A hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of 3 days in the office implies a flexible schedule. Standard full-time hours are expected, but the specific daily schedule can likely be adjusted to accommodate personal needs and team collaboration needs, particularly for design tasks that require deep focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The WeWork location suggests a startup-friendly environment with built-in networking opportunities and amenities. The hybrid model balances the benefits of remote work with the necessity of in-person collaboration for a senior design role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Discovery Call + Portfolio Review (15-30 min): An initial screening to assess basic fit, understand your background, and get a first look at your portfolio. Be prepared to briefly walk through key projects and explain your design philosophy.

2. Technical Interview (1h-1h30): A deeper dive into your product design skills, UX/UI process, research methodologies, and technical proficiency (especially with Figma). Expect scenario-based questions and potentially a design exercise discussion.

3. Team Meeting (1h): An opportunity to meet potential colleagues from the product, engineering, or other relevant teams. This assesses cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you integrate into the team dynamic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best represent your experience in "demanding product environments" and showcase tangible business impact (e.g., conversion improvements, user satisfaction).

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process for each project: problem definition, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Use visuals to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with PMs, developers, and stakeholders. Emphasize your ability to influence and communicate design decisions.

• Showcase Business Acumen: Demonstrate how your design solutions directly contributed to business goals (e.g., increased revenue, reduced churn, improved engagement). Quantify results where possible.

• Design System Example: If possible, include an example of your contribution to or creation of a design system.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your favorite tools (Figma), your approach to user research and analytics, and your understanding of CRO/A/B testing.

Challenge Preparation:

• While no explicit design challenge is mentioned upfront, be prepared for potential questions that simulate design problems Sezame faces.

• Think about how you would approach improving the conversion funnel on joinsezame.com or designing a new feature for exclusive hotel experiences.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to progressively assess your skills, from initial fit and portfolio to technical depth and team integration. The emphasis on portfolio review in the first call highlights its importance for this role. Prepare to discuss how your design work directly drives business outcomes.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly stated as a required skill and will be the primary tool for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to demonstrate advanced proficiency.

• Design System Tools: Proficiency in creating and maintaining design systems, likely within Figma or a related platform.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics (GA): Required for understanding user behavior and tracking performance on the website.

• Metabase: Mentioned as an analytics tool, indicating its use for data exploration and dashboarding.

• Other Analytics Tools: Familiarity with general analytics principles and potentially other BI tools will be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned, a company focused on premium experiences and sales will likely use a CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and potentially marketing automation tools. Understanding how design integrates with these systems is advantageous.

• CRO & A/B Testing Tools: Familiarity with platforms for A/B testing (e.g., Optimizely, VWO) and Conversion Rate Optimization strategies is a preferred skill.

Emerging Technologies:

• AI Tools: Familiarity with AI tools in design such as Figma Make, V0, or Cursor is a plus, indicating Sezame's interest in leveraging AI for design efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design execution (Figma), user behavior analysis (GA, Metabase), and conversion optimization. This aligns with the role's core responsibility of improving the website's performance and user experience. Candidates should highlight their experience with these tools and demonstrate how they use data to drive design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence & Premium Quality: Reflected in the mission to provide access to "the most beautiful hotels in the world" and the "premium product" focus. Operations professionals are expected to maintain high standards in their work.

• Impact-Oriented: The role contributes directly to "business impact" and "OKRs." A value placed on measurable results and driving growth is paramount.

• Collaboration & Engagement: The emphasis on "close collaboration" and a "tight-knit and engaged team" suggests a culture that thrives on teamwork and shared goals.

• Innovation & Growth: Sezame is described as "evolving rapidly" with "strong growth," indicating a culture that embraces change, experimentation, and continuous improvement.

• User-Centricity: Understanding and prioritizing user needs is central to product design and overall company ethos.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and Customer Experience teams. Open communication and a shared understanding of objectives are key.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: The "iterative delivery" and "continuous testing and improvement" suggest a culture that welcomes feedback and uses it to refine processes and products.

• Proactive Communication: Given the "first Product Designer" aspect, proactive communication about design progress, challenges, and insights will be crucial for alignment across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sezame's culture appears to blend the ambition and agility of a startup with the sophistication and quality expected in the luxury hospitality sector. Operations professionals are expected to be results-driven, collaborative, and committed to delivering a premium experience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Design Foundations: As the first Product Designer, you'll be responsible for defining and implementing design processes, standards, and potentially building out a design system from scratch or early stages.

• Balancing Multiple Priorities: Juggling strategic contributions, discovery, delivery, and continuous improvement across a fast-evolving product.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design vision is understood and adopted across different departments (tech, sales, marketing) with potentially varying priorities.

• Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Introducing and championing new design methodologies and tools within the organization.

• Maintaining Premium Aesthetic: Translating the "premium" brand identity into a cohesive and delightful digital user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to shape the future of design at Sezame, potentially growing into a leadership role.

• Strategic Product Input: Direct influence on product strategy and roadmap, gaining valuable experience in product-led growth.

• Specialized Skills: Deepen expertise in user research, analytics, CRO, A/B testing, and emerging AI design tools.

• Industry Exposure: Gain in-depth knowledge of the luxury hospitality and lifestyle tech markets.

• Agile Methodologies: Hone skills in agile development environments and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and opportunity lie in the "first Product Designer" aspect. This role demands someone who can not only execute design but also build and evangelize the design function, making it a strategic asset for Sezame.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the design strategy for a premium luxury product like Sezame, given you are the first Product Designer?" (Focus on setting foundations, aligning with business goals, and establishing a design process.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting priorities between user needs, business goals, and technical constraints. How did you resolve it?" (Highlight your problem-solving skills and collaborative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Sezame's mission and the luxury hospitality sector?" (Show genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you envision contributing to and evolving Sezame's product culture as the first Product Designer?" (Discuss building design systems, evangelizing user-centricity, and fostering collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative: the challenge, your role, your process, the solution, and the impactful results.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics (e.g., "% increase in conversion," "% improvement in user satisfaction," "reduction in support tickets") to demonstrate the business value of your design work.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design process and final solutions.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you partnered with stakeholders, engineers, and PMs throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepare for Live Design Exercise Discussion: Be ready to discuss hypothetical design problems or critique existing interfaces, explaining your reasoning based on UX principles and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for design at Sezame and demonstrate how your experience directly addresses the challenges of being the first dedicated product designer. Your portfolio should be your strongest asset, showcasing tangible results and a robust design process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sezame careers page.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your 4-5 years of experience in product design, specifically mentioning environments with high standards and business impact. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Figma," "User Research," "Analytics," and "Design Systems." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end design process, business acumen, and ability to drive measurable results. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., via a link).

• Prepare for the Discovery Call: Be ready to briefly introduce yourself, your background, and highlight 1-2 key projects from your portfolio that align with Sezame's needs.

• Research Sezame: Understand their mission, target market (luxury hospitality), and current product offering. Think about potential design challenges and opportunities they might face.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.