Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design
Company: Everstar
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Design Leadership / Product Design
Date Posted: May 18, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic development and execution of the company's comprehensive design vision, encompassing both digital (software platforms, dashboards, mobile/web interfaces) and physical (devices, control panels) products.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing, multidisciplinary design team from the ground up, including UX/UI, Industrial Design, Brand Identity, Motion Design, and Design Operations.
• Establish and refine robust design processes, including user research, prototyping, usability testing, design systems, and governance frameworks, to ensure user-centered product development.
• Drive the creation of a cohesive brand visual language and product identity, ensuring a unified standard of design quality across all company offerings for critical defense sector applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical leadership position focused on establishing and scaling design functions within a high-growth, technology-focused defense manufacturing company. The emphasis on both software and hardware design, coupled with the need to build a team from scratch, highlights a significant strategic opportunity for a seasoned design leader. The operations aspect comes into play through the establishment of "Design Ops" and the implementation of scalable design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a holistic design strategy aligned with Everstar's mission to support Ukraine's defense sector, ensuring products meet the rigorous demands of military personnel, operators, and engineers.
• Recruit, onboard, and nurture top design talent to build a world-class, multidisciplinary design team, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Oversee the end-to-end design lifecycle for both software and hardware products, from initial concept and user research to prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
• Champion user-centered design principles by conducting field interviews, user testing, and gathering actionable insights to inform product development and enhance user experience.
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive design system and governance model to ensure consistency, scalability, and quality across all product interfaces and physical designs.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, and Marketing, to integrate design effectively into the product development roadmap.
• Define and promote a strong design culture within the business, elevating the perceived value and strategic importance of design at all organizational levels.
• Develop and evolve the company's brand visual language and product-specific visual identity, ensuring strong brand recognition and consistent aesthetic across all touchpoints.
• Act as the primary advocate for design excellence, ensuring all products meet high standards of usability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize building foundational design capabilities, suggesting a need for a leader comfortable with ambiguity and rapid iteration, common in fast-paced, mission-critical environments. The mention of "Center of Excellence" for RnD designers points towards a strategic focus on developing internal design expertise and best practices.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Industrial Design, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
• At least 2 years of proven experience in a leadership or management role, successfully building, mentoring, and guiding multidisciplinary design teams.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing comprehensive design strategies for complex products.
• Proven ability to build and lead multidisciplinary design teams (UX/UI, Industrial Design, Brand, Motion, Design Ops).
• Strong background in UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and best practices for digital products (platforms, dashboards, mobile, web).
• Proficiency in user research techniques, including field interviews, usability testing, and qualitative data analysis.
• Experience in creating and scaling design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across product portfolios.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong "ownership mindset," taking responsibility for design outcomes and driving projects to completion.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design vision to diverse stakeholders.
• English proficiency at a B2 level or higher, enabling effective communication in a global context.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in hardware, industrial, or embedded design is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with complex B2B, enterprise, or mission-critical product environments.
• Experience working within or for the defense sector or related industries.
• Understanding of product marketing, R&D, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience in scaling design processes within rapidly growing organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for B2 English proficiency indicates a need for clear communication with international stakeholders or potential team members, common in the defense sector. The emphasis on "ownership mindset" and "working with uncertainty" suggests the company values proactive problem-solvers who can thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing successful product design leadership, with a focus on both digital and physical products.
• Include case studies that highlight your ability to build and scale design teams from inception, detailing team structure, recruitment, and management strategies.
• Present examples of user-centered product development processes, from initial research and ideation through to prototyping, testing, and implementation.
• Showcase experience with the development and implementation of robust design systems and governance frameworks.
• Highlight instances where you have successfully influenced product strategy and business outcomes through design leadership.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of established design processes, including user research methodologies, prototyping workflows, and testing protocols.
• Detail your approach to implementing and managing design systems, including version control, documentation, and adoption strategies.
• Illustrate how you measure and iterate on design performance, including user feedback loops and A/B testing results.
• Document your experience in working cross-functionally to integrate design into broader product development and manufacturing workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role, the portfolio should not only showcase individual design work but also demonstrate strategic leadership, team-building capabilities, and the ability to institutionalize design processes. The inclusion of both software and hardware design examples will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Kyiv, Ukraine location, the experience level (5-10 years), and the strategic importance of this leadership role in a specialized industry, the estimated salary range for a Head of Design is typically between ₴1,800,000 - ₴3,500,000 gross per year (approximately $48,000 - $95,000 USD at current exchange rates). This range can vary significantly based on the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's ability to offer competitive compensation for specialized talent in the defense sector.

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off: 24 calendar days of annual vacation to ensure work-life balance and employee well-being.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Medical insurance provided after the successful completion of the probationary period.
• Personalized Gifts: Special gifts for employee birthdays, fostering a culture of appreciation.
• Military Support: Official military reservation for conscription-obligated employees who possess valid military registration documents, providing job security and legal compliance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and growth within a mission-critical industry.
• Impactful Work: The chance to contribute to projects that directly impact national defense and contribute to Ukraine's strategic objectives.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team collaboration. The on-site nature of the role suggests adherence to typical office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for senior design leadership roles in Kyiv, Ukraine, considering the specialized nature of the defense industry and the requirement for both software and hardware design expertise. Benefits are detailed from the provided information, with added context for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology Manufacturing. The company operates in a highly specialized and critical sector, focusing on developing advanced solutions for defense applications. This implies a culture that values precision, reliability, innovation, and a strong sense of mission. Company Size: The description indicates the company is "constantly growing, developing, forming management structures and a professional product marketing department." This suggests a mid-sized to rapidly scaling organization, likely moving from a startup or early-stage phase into more structured operations. This growth phase presents unique opportunities for leadership and impact. Founded: The founding date is not explicitly provided. However, the description implies a relatively new or rapidly evolving entity, given the focus on building new departments and structures.

Team Structure:

• The design team is to be built from scratch by the Head of Design, indicating an initial small team or individual contributors that will grow under this leadership.
• The Head of Design will report into a senior leadership role, likely within Product, R&D, or a dedicated GTM/Product function, overseeing the strategic direction of design.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Engineering, R&D, Manufacturing, and Marketing teams, highlighting a matrixed or highly integrated cross-functional structure.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, field interviews, and testing to gather insights, suggesting a data-informed approach to design decisions.
• Agile & Iterative Processes: The need to "work with uncertainty and quickly launch solutions" points to agile methodologies, rapid prototyping, and iterative development cycles.
• Standardization & Scalability: Building "design systems" and "Center of Excellence" indicates a focus on establishing scalable processes and consistent quality standards.

Company Website: https://everstar.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on defense solutions implies a high bar for quality, security, and reliability. The "growth and development" phase suggests a dynamic environment where the Head of Design can significantly shape processes and culture. The "mission to bring Ukraine closer to victory" provides a strong purpose-driven context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Director or VP level within a design function. It involves strategic decision-making, team building, and significant influence over product direction and company brand. The scope includes both digital and hardware product design, offering a broad and challenging career opportunity.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report to a Chief Product Officer (CPO), VP of Product, or a similar senior executive responsible for product strategy and execution. They will be responsible for building and managing their own team, fostering a "Center of Excellence" for design within R&D.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a direct and significant impact on the company's success by:

• Ensuring products are user-centric, intuitive, and effective for critical defense applications, directly impacting operational efficiency and mission success for end-users.
• Shaping the company's brand identity and visual language, influencing market perception and customer trust.
• Driving innovation through design, creating competitive advantages in the defense technology market.
• Optimizing the product development lifecycle through efficient design processes, reducing time-to-market and development costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Organizational Leadership: Potential to grow into a Chief Design Officer (CDO) role or expand design oversight to encompass broader product strategy and innovation initiatives as the company scales.
• Specialization Expansion: Deepen expertise in specific areas like defense hardware UX, mission-critical software interfaces, or advanced design operations, becoming a recognized expert in the field.
• Team & Process Development: Lead the growth of a significant design organization, establishing best practices and fostering a strong design culture that influences the entire company.
• Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping the company's product roadmap and long-term strategic direction, leveraging design insights to identify new opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a rare opportunity to build a design function from the ground up within a rapidly scaling, mission-driven company in a critical industry. The combination of software and hardware design responsibilities provides a unique growth path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a convenient office located on the right bank of Kyiv. This suggests a modern, professional workspace designed to facilitate collaboration and productivity. Given the nature of defense technology, the office environment likely prioritizes security and efficiency.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Kyiv, Ukraine, on the right bank. Specific details about accessibility (e.g., proximity to public transport, parking) would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The on-site requirement points to a workspace designed for in-person collaboration, team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and workshops, essential for building a new design team and fostering cross-functional synergy.
• Technology-Rich Environment: Expect access to industry-standard design software, hardware prototyping tools, and potentially specialized equipment relevant to defense technology development.
• Mission-Focused Atmosphere: The environment is likely one that fosters a strong sense of purpose, given the company's contribution to national defense. This can create a highly motivated and dedicated workforce.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely aligning with typical business hours in Kyiv (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM EEST). While the role demands leadership and strategic input, there may be an expectation of flexibility to meet project deadlines and critical needs, especially during the team-building phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Kyiv is a key differentiator, suggesting a preference for in-person collaboration and team cohesion, which is often critical for building a new function and fostering a strong design culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and portfolio to assess overall experience, leadership capabilities, and alignment with the role's requirements. Candidates should highlight their experience in building teams and shaping design strategy.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (likely a senior executive) to delve into leadership philosophy, strategic thinking, experience with complex products, and fit with the company's mission and culture.
• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on 1-2 key case studies that demonstrate their ability to lead design initiatives, build teams, and drive product success. This may include a hypothetical challenge related to defense product design.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, R&D, and potentially Manufacturing to assess collaboration skills, understanding of technical constraints, and ability to integrate design into broader business objectives.
• Final Interview: A discussion with executive leadership to confirm strategic alignment and finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Storytelling: Structure your portfolio presentations around the narrative of your leadership impact. Focus on the "why" behind your design decisions and the business outcomes achieved.
• Team Building Evidence: Showcase specific examples of how you've built, managed, and mentored design teams. Include team structures, growth trajectories, and successful team achievements.
• Software & Hardware Integration: If possible, include examples that demonstrate experience with both digital and physical product design, or clearly articulate your understanding and approach to bridging these disciplines.
• Process & Systems Focus: Highlight your experience in establishing design systems, governance models, and scalable design processes. Explain how these frameworks improved efficiency and quality.
• Mission Alignment: Clearly articulate how your design philosophy and experience align with the company's mission in the defense sector. Show you understand the unique user needs and constraints of this industry.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a design challenge that might involve a hypothetical problem related to defense technology, requiring you to outline your approach to user research, concept development, and solution definition.
• Practice articulating your design strategy and process concisely, focusing on how you would tackle ambiguity and deliver results under pressure.
• Prepare to discuss how you would foster a design culture and integrate design thinking across different departments within a growing organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on building a team from scratch and the unique nature of defense products suggests interviewers will be looking for a pragmatic leader capable of strategic foresight and hands-on execution, with a strong understanding of user needs in critical environments.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• UX/UI Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Axure RP (for complex prototyping).
• Industrial Design: SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, Rhino 3D, CATIA (especially for hardware components).
• Design Systems: Tools for managing design systems, style guides, and component libraries (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook).
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, Hotjar, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Google Forms.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Pendo.
• Dashboard & Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio (for reporting on design metrics and user behavior).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by Design, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding customer journeys and product adoption.
• Integration Tools: Understanding how design integrates with development workflows and CI/CD pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the dual focus on software and hardware, familiarity with a broader range of design tools, including those used in industrial and mechanical design, would be highly advantageous. The ability to integrate design processes with engineering and manufacturing workflows is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven Impact: A strong commitment to contributing to Ukraine's defense and national security, fostering a sense of purpose and dedication among team members.
• Innovation & Excellence: A drive to push boundaries, develop cutting-edge solutions, and maintain the highest standards of quality and performance in all design outputs.
• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of end-users (military personnel, operators, engineers), ensuring products are intuitive, reliable, and effective.
• Collaboration & Ownership: A culture where individuals take responsibility for their work, collaborate effectively across teams, and contribute to collective success.
• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to navigate uncertainty, adapt quickly to evolving requirements, and deliver solutions in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Emphasis on close partnerships between Design, Product, Engineering, R&D, and Manufacturing to ensure holistic product development and seamless integration of hardware and software.
• Open Communication & Feedback: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and continuous learning through shared insights and design reviews.
• Knowledge Sharing: Practices that promote the sharing of best practices, research findings, and design expertise across the team and the wider organization, potentially through a "Center of Excellence" model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in defense likely cultivates a culture of high accountability, precision, and a shared sense of purpose. The Head of Design will need to foster a collaborative environment that respects these core values while championing design innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing a comprehensive design function, including team structure, processes, and culture, within a growing organization.
• Dual-Domain Expertise: Balancing the demands of software (UX/UI) and hardware (industrial) design, requiring a broad understanding of different design disciplines and workflows.
• Mission-Critical Environment: Designing for high-stakes applications where user error can have severe consequences, demanding exceptional rigor, reliability, and user empathy.
• Navigating Uncertainty: Working in a rapidly evolving industry and company that requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and iterative problem-solving.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Ensuring design is effectively integrated with R&D, manufacturing, and product management, especially in a company that is still formalizing its structures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone strategic planning, team building, and organizational development skills at a senior level.
• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge of the defense technology sector, its unique challenges, and user needs.
• Hardware Design Acumen: Develop or deepen expertise in industrial and hardware design principles, bridging the gap between physical and digital product experiences.
• Process Innovation: Lead the creation and optimization of design processes that can serve as a benchmark for scalability and efficiency.
• Mentorship & Influence: Shape the careers of emerging designers and influence the product direction and design culture of a growing company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but offer substantial opportunities for personal and professional growth, particularly for a leader passionate about building impactful products in a meaningful context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building a multidisciplinary design team from the ground up at Everstar, considering our mission in defense?" (Focus on recruitment strategy, team structure, and fostering culture.)
• "Describe your process for developing a cohesive design strategy that spans both software platforms and hardware devices for complex B2B/enterprise clients." (Emphasize user research, stakeholder alignment, and balancing diverse needs.)
• "How do you ensure design quality and consistency across a broad product portfolio, especially when dealing with the complexities of both digital interfaces and physical products?" (Discuss design systems, governance, and cross-functional collaboration.)
• "Walk us through a time you had to work with significant ambiguity or rapidly changing requirements. How did you lead your team to deliver effective solutions?" (Highlight your problem-solving approach, adaptability, and leadership under pressure.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Everstar's mission and our role in the defense sector?" (Research the company's specific contributions and articulate your alignment with their purpose.)
• "How would you foster a strong design culture within a company that may not have had a formal design leadership function before?" (Discuss strategies for advocacy, education, and embedding design thinking.)
• "How do you envision collaborating with our R&D, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to ensure successful product development?" (Focus on communication, integration, and mutual understanding of constraints and opportunities.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your presentation around a clear narrative for each case study: the problem, your strategic approach, your leadership role, the design process, the solution, and the measurable impact.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design initiatives (e.g., improved user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, increased adoption rates, cost savings).
• Highlight Leadership: Clearly differentiate between your individual contributions and your role in leading and enabling your team. Showcase your ability to mentor, delegate, and empower others.
• Address Dual-Domain: If you have examples of both software and hardware design, present them. If not, articulate your understanding of hardware design challenges and how you would approach them.
• Process & Systems: Dedicate a section to explaining your approach to building and managing design systems and scalable processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be assessing your ability to build a function, lead diverse talent, and deliver high-quality, user-centric designs in a demanding, mission-critical context. Demonstrating strategic thinking and a pragmatic approach to execution will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided Breezy HR link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest leadership case studies that best exemplify your experience in building design teams, developing design strategy, and delivering impactful results for complex products (both digital and hardware, if applicable). Tailor the presentation to highlight your understanding of the defense sector's unique demands.
• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your leadership experience, team-building successes, and specific accomplishments in UX/UI, industrial design, and design operations. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice delivering your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, quantifiable results, and demonstrating your strategic approach to design leadership. Be ready to discuss your methodology for tackling ambiguity and building a design function from scratch.
• Research Everstar: Thoroughly research Everstar, its mission, its products, and its position in the defense industry. Understand their current challenges and opportunities to better articulate how your leadership can contribute to their success.

⚠️ 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.