Founding Product Designer @Panora (backed by Hexa)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Founding Product Designer @Panora

Company: Panora (backed by Hexa)

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Operations Technology

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the user experience and interface design for an AI-native platform serving insurance brokers, focusing on translating complex operational workflows into intuitive digital solutions.

• Conduct in-depth user research with insurance brokers to understand nuanced industry processes, identify edge cases, and inform product strategy.

• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and AI teams to design how AI-generated outputs are presented, understood, and utilized by end-users.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy and decision-making, shaping the direction of an AI Operating System for the European insurance market.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Founding Product Designer," indicating a critical early-stage contribution with significant impact on product direction and user experience, particularly within the operational complexities of the insurance industry. The emphasis on AI and operational workflows suggests a blend of UX/UI design with a strong understanding of process optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct deep discovery and user research sessions with insurance broker Design Partners to thoroughly understand their daily workflows, client interactions, and decision-making processes.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of how insurance brokers reason about risks, pricing, coverage decisions, and compliance requirements to inform product design.

• Identify and meticulously document edge cases, exceptions, and non-standard situations within insurance operations that critically impact user experience and system functionality.

• Contribute significantly to the overall product strategy and key decision-making processes, influencing the strategic direction of Panora's AI platform.

• Create, iterate, and present user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively translate complex insurance logic into clear, actionable, and reliable user interfaces.

• Design and deliver high-quality product improvements that enhance user efficiency, compliance, and advisory capabilities for insurance brokers.

• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to design intuitive interfaces for AI outputs, ensuring they are easily understood, acted upon, and contribute to improved output quality, relevance, and usability.

• Refine and design how insurance nuance, such as specific policy terms or regulatory specificities, is accurately reflected and managed within the product's user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to design, emphasizing direct engagement with users and a deep dive into industry-specific operational challenges. The role requires not just visual design but also strategic thinking and a keen ability to design for complex, regulated environments, particularly concerning AI output interpretation and application.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating design thinking, user-centered design principles, and problem-solving skills is essential. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in UX/UI design for software products, with a demonstrated ability to manage design projects from conception to delivery.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for creating user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.

• Demonstrated experience in conducting user research, including interviews, usability testing, and workflow analysis, within a software product context.

• Proven ability to design simple, elegant solutions for complex user problems, particularly in operational or regulated industries.

• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX and UI design work, with an emphasis on intuitive interfaces for complex systems.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools to effectively articulate and test nuanced design decisions and interaction models.

• Experience working independently, taking ownership of design tasks from initial exploration to final delivery.

• A keen eye for high-quality visual design, interaction design, and a passion for UI details that enhance usability and user satisfaction. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for AI-powered products or applications, with an understanding of how to present AI outputs effectively.

• Familiarity with the insurance industry, its operational workflows, regulatory landscape, and common challenges for brokers.

• Experience in workflow mapping and process optimization design.

• Understanding of how to design for compliance and data security within a regulated environment.

• Ability to contribute to product strategy discussions and translate business objectives into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "founding-level responsibility" and "doer" mentality suggests that candidates should be self-starters capable of navigating ambiguity. While insurance expertise is preferred, the core requirement is a strong foundational design skill set and the motivation to learn a complex domain.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of case studies demonstrating your process for solving complex user problems, with a clear emphasis on the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Examples of user research methodologies employed, including how insights were gathered and translated into design solutions.

• Detailed walkthroughs of at least one complex workflow you've designed, showcasing how you simplified intricate processes into intuitive user interfaces.

• Demonstrations of your prototyping skills, illustrating interactive flows and how they were used to test and communicate design concepts.

• Visual examples of high-fidelity UI designs, highlighting attention to detail, visual consistency, and adherence to design best practices. Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you document design processes, including user journey mapping, wireframing, and prototyping phases, to ensure clarity and alignment with product goals.

• Provide examples of how you have iterated on designs based on user feedback and data, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and optimization.

• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (engineering, product management) to ensure seamless design implementation and successful product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a founding designer role, the portfolio should not just showcase finished work but also the thought process, research, and iterative design cycles. The ability to demonstrate problem-solving for complex operational challenges is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Founding Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Paris, France, the estimated annual salary range is €50,000 - €70,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Paris, the early-stage nature of the company, and the significant impact expected from this role.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, including a salary commensurate with experience and market rates.

• Equity in Panora, offering significant upside potential as the company grows.

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic, startup environment with direct exposure to founders and key market participants.

• Steep learning curve at the intersection of insurance, product design, and cutting-edge AI technology.

• Real influence on product direction and company strategy from day one.

• Access to Hexa's office space and collaborative ecosystem, fostering innovation and networking.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, with flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and collaborative needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for similar roles in Paris and the early-stage startup context. Equity is a significant component of compensation in such roles, reflecting the founding-level responsibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: InsurTech / AI Software as a Service (SaaS) for the insurance brokerage sector. This industry is characterized by complex regulations, operational intensity, and a growing need for digital transformation and AI integration.

Company Size: Early-stage startup, part of the Hexa (formerly eFounders) startup studio ecosystem. This implies a lean, agile, and fast-paced environment with a strong focus on rapid iteration and product-market fit.

Founded: Panora was founded by Diane (ex-VC with operational background) and Fabian (repeat founder, AI engineer). It is backed by Hexa, known for building successful SaaS companies like Aircall, Spendesk, and Front.

Team Structure:

• The operations and product teams are lean and highly collaborative, with founders directly involved in day-to-day operations.

• Reporting structure is likely flat, with the Product Designer reporting directly to one of the co-founders or a Head of Product, emphasizing direct communication and quick decision-making.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with tight integration between Product Design, Engineering, AI, and direct engagement with brokers (customers) and carriers (partners). Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Decisions are driven by user research, market analysis, and performance metrics derived from product usage and broker feedback.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core focus is on understanding and streamlining complex insurance operational workflows through intuitive AI-native product design.

• Automation & Efficiency: The company's mission is to automate high-friction workflows, making efficiency and AI integration central to its operational and product strategy.

Company Website: https://www.hexa.com (for Hexa, Panora's parent studio)

📝 Enhancement Note: Being part of Hexa provides a strong foundation and network, suggesting a culture that values ambitious founders, operational excellence, and building scalable SaaS products. The focus on AI within a regulated industry implies a need for rigorous design and a deep understanding of user needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Founding" level Product Designer role. It signifies an extremely high level of influence and responsibility, akin to being the first dedicated designer. The scope includes not only execution but also shaping design strategy, user research direction, and contributing to product vision in a critical developmental phase.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report directly to one of the co-founders, providing direct access to leadership and strategic discussions. This structure fosters rapid learning and immediate impact.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will directly influence the efficiency, compliance, and client advisory quality for insurance brokers using Panora. By designing effective AI-powered tools, they will enable brokers to save significant time, reduce analysis effort, and focus on higher-value client interactions, directly impacting Panora's value proposition and market adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the company scales, there's a clear path to lead the design function, build a design team, and establish design systems and processes.

• Domain Expertise: Deepen expertise in insurance operations, AI product development, and the European InsurTech market, becoming a specialist in a complex and high-demand field.

• Product Strategy: Gain extensive experience contributing to product strategy, roadmap planning, and market positioning in a fast-growing SaaS environment.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Benefit from the "startup studio" environment, learning best practices in building and scaling tech companies from experienced founders and operators.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for rapid career acceleration due to its founding nature. The growth trajectory is heavily tied to the company's success and the individual's ability to contribute strategically and operationally to product development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Hexa's offices in Paris. Hexa provides a co-working environment designed for early-stage startups, fostering collaboration and a vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. This location offers access to a rich tech and startup ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working within Hexa's offices means being surrounded by other founders, operators, and early-stage startup teams, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas and a dynamic atmosphere.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma), collaboration tools, and potentially shared resources within the Hexa ecosystem. The team will leverage AI tools and SaaS platforms.

• Team Interaction: Frequent interaction with co-founders, engineering team members, and potentially other designers or product managers within the Hexa network. This fosters a culture of open communication and shared problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A full-time schedule is expected, with the potential for some flexibility. The fast-paced startup environment may necessitate periods of intense work, but the focus is on delivering results and effective collaboration rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Paris, within the Hexa hub, is designed to maximize collaboration and immersion in a startup-building environment. This setup is ideal for roles requiring constant communication and rapid iteration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a member of the founding team or Hexa to assess basic fit and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and UX/UI capabilities. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person design exercise simulating a real-world problem Panora faces.

• Founder/Team Interviews: Discussions with the co-founders to assess strategic thinking, cultural fit, motivation, and understanding of the product vision and operational challenges.

• Final Round: Potentially a meeting with key stakeholders or advisors to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methodologies, and iterative process for each case study. Explain why you made certain decisions.

• Highlight Complexity: Showcase projects where you tackled complex user problems or operational workflows. Emphasize how you simplified them.

• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, time savings). If not quantifiable, clearly articulate the intended impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. High-quality mockups and prototypes are essential.

• Tailor to Panora: Emphasize any experience with AI, regulated industries, or complex operational software. Show enthusiasm for the insurance domain and Panora's mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, thoroughly analyze the brief, identify the core problem, and define the target user.

• Show Your Thinking: Document your thought process, assumptions, and any quick research you might conduct.

• Focus on Core Requirements: Prioritize designing for the essential user needs and operational constraints.

• Present Clearly: Be prepared to present your solution, explain your rationale, and answer questions about your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "founding" nature of this role, interviewers will be looking for not just design skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving aptitude, and a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset. The portfolio and any design challenge are critical for demonstrating these qualities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for all UX/UI design activities, including wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity visual design. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Prototyping Tools: In-depth use of Figma's prototyping capabilities or similar tools (e.g., InVision, Adobe XD) for creating interactive user flows.

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Typeform, or direct video conferencing tools).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, familiarity with how design impacts user analytics (e.g., engagement metrics, task completion rates) is beneficial. Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics might be used by the broader team. CRM & Automation:

• Panora's platform is an AI-native SaaS product, so understanding the principles of designing user interfaces for complex business applications, potentially involving CRM integrations or automated workflows, is relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on design tools, particularly Figma. The role requires a designer who can be self-sufficient with design execution and prototyping, while also understanding the broader impact of their designs on user behavior and system efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Builder Mentality: A strong emphasis on hands-on contribution, taking initiative, and a "get things done" attitude.

• User-Centricity: Deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of insurance brokers, translating their operational realities into effective product experiences.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing insights from user research, market analysis, and product performance to drive design and product decisions.

• Efficiency & Automation: A core mission to automate complex workflows and improve operational efficiency through intelligent design and AI.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, constructive feedback, and cross-functional teamwork are essential in this lean startup environment.

Collaboration Style: