Interim Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Interim Product Designer

Company: Carla

Location: Stockholm, Sweden

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Operations Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is crucial for designing and optimizing the end-to-end business processes for buying and selling used cars, focusing on both internal operations and customer-facing experiences.

• You will be instrumental in driving discovery, service design, and user research to translate complex operational needs into intuitive digital solutions.

• The position requires a proactive designer who can independently manage design initiatives, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams including product owners, developers, and operational stakeholders.

• A strong emphasis is placed on leveraging AI tools to enhance efficiency in research, prototyping, and design system maintenance, reflecting a modern, agile design approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is framed as a Product Designer but has a significant "Operations Design" component, as the description explicitly states the designer will "design the entire business and not just what happens on the screen." This implies a deep involvement in optimizing internal workflows and commercial processes, making it highly relevant for operations professionals interested in the intersection of design and operational efficiency. The "Interim" nature suggests a need for immediate impact and self-sufficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead discovery and service design initiatives by conducting in-depth user interviews and qualitative research with internal teams (e.g., mechanics, technicians, car valuators, sales, support).

• Translate user needs and operational challenges into clear problem statements and user stories that inform product development.

• Design, prototype, and conduct user testing for new features and process improvements across internal tools (BackOffice), commercial processes, and customer-facing digital platforms.

• Collaborate closely with product owners, tech leads, and developers within the Operations and Commercial teams to ensure seamless integration of design solutions into the development lifecycle.

• Plan and prioritize design tasks in alignment with product roadmaps and business objectives, working closely with product owners and management.

• Contribute to and evolve the company's design system to ensure consistency and efficiency across all digital touchpoints.

• Proactively utilize AI tools to streamline discovery, accelerate prototyping, and maintain design system integrity.

• Act as the sole product designer for a nine-month period, requiring strong autonomy and the ability to manage multiple design streams concurrently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic discovery and tactical design execution. The emphasis on "designing the entire business" and working with "hands-on" internal users suggests a deep dive into operational workflows, making process optimization and efficiency gains a core output of this role, beyond traditional UI/UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating relevant design experience and problem-solving capabilities is essential.

Experience: Proven experience in driving design initiatives independently, with a minimum of 2-5 years in product design, service design, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to lead product design and service design processes from discovery through to iteration.

• Proficiency in conducting user research, including user interviews and translating insights into actionable problem formulations.

• Expertise in designing, prototyping, and user testing digital solutions using tools like Figma and FigJam.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Strong understanding of how to integrate AI tools into the design workflow for efficiency and enhanced insights.

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with product owners, developers, and operational teams.

• Fluency in both Swedish and English (written and spoken).

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects concurrently. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with BackOffice or internal operational tools design.

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms and customer journey mapping.

• Experience in a fast-paced, growth-stage company environment.

• Comfort with data-driven decision-making and iterating based on performance metrics.

• Understanding of the used car industry or similar complex, multi-stage transaction processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for independent design leadership and the specific mention of "no designer next to you" underscores the need for a candidate who is not only skilled but also highly self-motivated and capable of setting design direction autonomously. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking candidate who embraces new technologies to drive efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one comprehensive case study detailing an end-to-end product design process, from initial discovery and problem definition to final solution and iteration.

• Include examples of how you have translated complex user needs or operational challenges into intuitive user interfaces and workflows.

• Demonstrate your ability to work with internal operational teams and understand their unique workflows and pain points.

• Highlight projects where you have utilized AI tools to enhance the design process or outcomes.

• Provide examples of your contribution to or development of design systems, showcasing consistency and scalability. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured approaches to discovery, including user interview synthesis and problem framing.

• Examples of prototyping and user testing methodologies employed to validate design solutions.

• Documentation of how design decisions were made and how they impacted business or user outcomes, ideally with quantifiable results.

• Demonstrations of collaboration with development teams to ensure successful implementation of designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on "designing the entire business," a portfolio that clearly articulates the process of understanding and improving operational workflows will be highly valued. The preference for "research that impacts weekly decisions" suggests a need for case studies that demonstrate rapid iteration and tangible impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is an interim role and potentially open to consultants, compensation will be discussed in the first conversation. Based on industry standards for a Mid-Level Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Stockholm, Sweden, a competitive hourly or monthly rate is expected. For a full-time interim position of 9 months, a gross monthly salary might range from 45,000 SEK to 65,000 SEK, depending on experience and consultancy status.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment within a growing company.

• Direct impact on the core business processes of a leading used car marketplace.

• Hybrid work model offering flexibility between home and office.

• Potential for extension or a permanent role, though not guaranteed.

• Collaborative team environment with access to product owners, tech leads, and motivated developers.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility in how days are structured between the office and remote work. The role requires approximately 1-3 days in the Vasastan office, 1-2 days in Kungsängen, and the remainder remote, with flexibility based on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on typical market rates for product design roles in Stockholm, Sweden, considering the mid-level experience and the interim nature of the contract. The specific compensation will depend on the candidate's experience and whether they are applying as an employee or a consultant.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Retail (Used Cars), E-commerce, Technology. Carla operates in the dynamic used car market, aiming to disrupt it with a digital-first, transparent, and customer-centric approach, particularly focusing on electric vehicles.

Company Size: Over 250 employees, indicating a growing and established startup environment.

Founded: 2020 in Stockholm. This recent founding means the company is in a high-growth phase, with established processes but still agile enough to innovate rapidly.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Tech & Product team, reporting to the Chief Product & Technology Officer (CPTO), Peter Simon.

• They will work within two cross-functional teams: Operations and Commercial, each comprising product owners and about ten developers.

• This structure emphasizes close collaboration and a shared responsibility for product development and operational efficiency. Methodology:

• Carla emphasizes building proprietary systems to ensure a seamless, integrated chain from car valuation and acquisition to workshop, logistics, financing, and sales.

• The design approach is deeply integrated with business operations, focusing on "service design" that spans the entire customer and internal journey.

• AI is a core component of their design methodology, used to enhance efficiency in research, prototyping, and documentation.

• A data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous iteration based on user feedback and business impact is expected.

Company Website: https://careers.carla.se

📝 Enhancement Note: Carla's mission to create the "safest, easiest, and most transparent way to buy and sell used cars" suggests a company culture that values innovation, customer trust, and operational excellence. The focus on electric vehicles also points to a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a crucial contributor within the Tech & Product team, acting as the sole Product Designer for a significant period. It offers a unique opportunity to take ownership and drive design strategy for critical operational and commercial processes.

Reporting Structure: The designer reports directly to the CPTO, Peter Simon, indicating high visibility and direct access to leadership. They will also work closely with Product Owners for the Operations and Commercial teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on Carla's operational efficiency, cost savings, and customer experience. By optimizing internal tools and commercial processes, the designer will contribute directly to the company's ability to scale and achieve its business objectives in the competitive used car market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in service design, operational process optimization, and the application of AI in design.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrate leadership by independently driving design initiatives and influencing product direction.

• Industry Exposure: Gain invaluable experience in the fast-growing online used car market and e-commerce operations.

• Potential for Permanent Role: While not guaranteed, there is a possibility of extending the contract or transitioning into a permanent position, offering long-term career growth within Carla.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interim nature of the role, coupled with its direct impact on core operations and reporting to the CPTO, presents a significant opportunity for a designer to showcase their autonomy, strategic thinking, and ability to drive tangible results in a short timeframe. This could be a stepping stone to more senior or permanent roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. The role requires a mix of office presence in two distinct locations (Vasastan and Kungsängen) and remote work.

Office Location(s):

• Vasastan (likely headquarters or primary office): 1-3 days per week. This is where commercial teams and potentially some product functions are based.

• Kungsängen (workshop/operations hub): 1-2 days per week. This location is critical for understanding the hands-on work of mechanics, technicians, and car graders. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role demands close collaboration with product owners, developers, and operational staff in both office settings and remotely.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design tools (Figma, FigJam), documentation platforms (Notion, Google Docs), and advanced AI tools (Claude, Claude Design) is provided.

• Operational Immersion: A key aspect will be spending time in the Kungsängen workshop to observe and understand the real-world operational challenges faced by staff.

Work Schedule: The role adheres to standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week). The hybrid model offers flexibility, allowing individuals to structure their week between office visits and remote work, with the distribution varying based on project needs and team focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to visit the Kungsängen workshop is a critical element of the work environment, emphasizing the hands-on, process-oriented nature of the design work. This is not a purely digital design role; it requires immersion in the physical operations of the business.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application Submission: Submit CV, portfolio (optional but recommended), and a brief statement of interest.

2. Alva Labs Assessment: Online cognitive and personality assessments.

3. Recruiter Call (30 mins): Initial screening with recruiter Sandra Palm to discuss suitability and logistics.

4. CPTO Call (Peter Simon): Deeper discussion about experience, design philosophy, and strategic alignment.

5. Case & Portfolio Interview: Present a self-selected case study to the current designer and both Product Owners. This stage assesses problem-solving skills, design process, and presentation abilities.

6. References & Background Check: Standard verification process.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process (discovery, ideation, testing, iteration), and the impact of your design on users or business metrics. For this role, highlighting improvements to operational efficiency or user workflows is key.

• Showcase Autonomy: Select a case study where you led the design process independently, demonstrating your ability to drive initiatives from start to finish.

• Integrate AI Usage: If possible, include a project where AI tools were used to enhance efficiency or outcomes, explaining your rationale and the results.

• Tailor to Carla's Needs: If you have experience designing internal tools, complex workflows, or within industries with similar operational challenges, emphasize these aspects.

• Clear Communication: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio with clarity, explaining your design decisions and trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Carla's Business: Research Carla's model, their mission, and the challenges of the used car market. Understand their focus on transparency, customer experience, and operational efficiency.

• Prepare for Process-Oriented Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach understanding and designing for complex internal workflows like those in a workshop or a commercial sales process.

• AI Integration Readiness: Be prepared to discuss your experience and thoughts on using AI in design, and how you would leverage it at Carla.

• Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting your chosen case study concisely and effectively, focusing on impact and your role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is explicitly mentioned as "optional but recommended." Given the role's emphasis on independent design leadership and the final interview stage including a case and portfolio presentation, candidates are strongly advised to prepare a portfolio that showcases their problem-solving skills, process, and impact, especially in operational contexts.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma & FigJam: Core tools for UI/UX design, prototyping, wireframing, and collaborative workshops. Proficiency is essential.

• Notion & Google Docs: Used for documentation, research synthesis, and project planning.

• AI Tools (Claude, Claude Design): Integrated into the daily workflow for tasks such as interview summarization, problem identification, rapid prototyping, and design system maintenance. The emphasis is on the judgment of when and how to use AI effectively, rather than specific tool mastery.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed, expect to work with product analytics to understand user behavior and measure the impact of designs. Familiarity with analytics platforms would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation: Carla likely uses internal CRM and automation systems for managing car inventory, customer interactions, and sales processes. Understanding how design integrates with these systems is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools like Claude and Claude Design highlights Carla's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and innovative approaches to using AI in design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Transparency: A core tenet of Carla's business model, reflected in their desire for seamless internal processes and clear customer interactions.

• Customer-Centricity: While designing for internal tools, the ultimate goal is to improve the overall customer experience.

• Innovation & Agility: As a young, fast-growing company, Carla likely values a proactive approach to problem-solving and embracing new technologies like AI.

• Ownership & Independence: The role requires a self-starter who can take charge of design initiatives and deliver results with minimal direct supervision.

• Collaboration: Strong teamwork is essential, with designers working hand-in-hand with product owners and developers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will be embedded within cross-functional teams, working closely with developers and product owners on a daily basis.

• Process Review & Feedback: An open culture for discussing and iterating on processes and designs is expected, especially given the close proximity to operational staff.

• Knowledge Sharing: The role involves sharing insights from user research and design thinking with the broader team to foster a shared understanding of user needs and business challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "designing the entire business" suggests a culture where design is seen not just as an aesthetic function but as a strategic tool for operational improvement and business growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Sole Designer Role: Operating as the only designer for a nine-month period requires strong self-management, prioritization skills, and the ability to handle pressure.

• Diverse User Groups: Designing for vastly different user needs—from hands-on mechanics to commercial sales teams and end customers—requires adaptability and deep empathy.

• Balancing Discovery & Delivery: Effectively managing time between deep discovery work and rapid design/prototyping to meet business demands.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of AI tools to find the most impactful applications without succumbing to hype.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Operational Insight: Gain unparalleled understanding of the end-to-end processes involved in buying and selling used cars.

• AI Design Mastery: Become highly proficient in leveraging AI for design discovery, prototyping, and system maintenance.

• End-to-End Product Ownership: Experience taking full ownership of design for critical business functions.

• Strategic Influence: Directly influence product strategy and operational efficiency at a leadership level (reporting to CPTO).

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the solo nature of the role, which simultaneously presents the greatest growth opportunity for a candidate looking to prove their autonomy and end-to-end design capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex operational workflow with diverse user groups. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, discovery, and impact.)

• "How do you prioritize design tasks when working independently and facing competing demands from different teams?" (Highlight prioritization frameworks and communication strategies.)

• "How have you used AI tools in your design process, and what are your thoughts on their future impact on design?" (Be ready to discuss specific tools, benefits, and potential drawbacks.)

• "How would you approach understanding the needs of mechanics and technicians in the Kungsängen workshop from day one?" (Emphasize empathy, observation, and iterative feedback.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Carla's mission and business model?" (Show you've researched their focus on transparency and electric vehicles.)

• "How do you envision your role contributing to Carla's operational efficiency and customer experience?" (Connect your skills to their business goals.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product owners and developers." (Highlight your cross-functional teamwork approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with the business problem or user need, then detail your process, key decisions, challenges, and the final outcome with quantifiable results where possible.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the "so what?" – how did your design solve the problem or improve the situation?

• Highlight Autonomy: Emphasize your role and ownership, especially in projects where you worked independently.

• AI Integration: If applicable, explain how AI tools were used and what value they added.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and present the most impactful aspects of your work clearly and efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process includes specific stages like cognitive assessments and a case/portfolio interview. Candidates should prepare thoroughly for each, understanding that the case interview is a direct test of their design thinking and problem-solving skills in a context relevant to Carla's operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations design position:

• Submit your CV, portfolio (strongly recommended), and a brief cover letter explaining your interest via the Carla careers portal.

• Prepare for Assessments: Be ready to complete online cognitive and personality tests administered by Alva Labs.

• Tailor Your Portfolio: Select case studies that best demonstrate your experience in end-to-end design, operational process improvement, independent project leadership, and ideally, AI tool utilization.

• Research Carla Thoroughly: Understand their business model, mission, values, and the specific challenges of the used car industry. Focus on how design can drive operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

• Practice Your Case Study Presentation: Rehearse presenting your chosen case study, focusing on clarity, impact, and your role in driving the solution. Be prepared to discuss your design process and rationale in detail.

⚠️ 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.

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