Sr. Product Designer at The Helper Bees

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer

Company: The Helper Bees

Location: Austin, Texas, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design

Date Posted: 2025-06-05

Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

Remote Status: Remote OK

🎨 Role Summary

Conduct UX research, including user interviews and stakeholder engagement, to understand user problems and needs.
Design intuitive and accessible user interfaces for both mobile and web platforms, focusing on improving workflows and internal tools.
Collaborate with empowered teams focused on outcomes-driven product management to discover and deliver effective solutions.
Create rapid prototypes to test ideas quickly and iterate on designs based on user feedback.
Work closely with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings and impact seniors' lives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and a strong focus on creating impactful solutions that improve the lives of seniors and their supporters.

🖼️ Primary Responsibilities

Conduct user research, including user interviews and surveys, to understand user needs and pain points.
Design intuitive and accessible user interfaces for both mobile and web platforms, focusing on improving workflows and internal tools.
Collaborate with product managers and tech leads to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.
Create rapid prototypes to test ideas quickly and iterate on designs based on user feedback.
Work closely with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings and impact seniors' lives.
Help evolve The Helper Bees to an empowered product team model, comfortable with the challenges that come from evolving an organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a high degree of autonomy and the ability to work independently, as well as strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience preferred. A strong portfolio demonstrating relevant skills and experience is required.

Experience: Experience as a product designer, especially in an environment where priorities can change quickly based on new information. Familiarity with service design principles and healthcare industry experience is a plus.

Required Skills:

Strong skills in lean research, user interviews, and stakeholder engagement.
Proficient in designing for mobile and web, with a solid understanding of service design principles.
Fluency in interaction design, information architecture, UX, and accessibility.
Ability to work independently and take initiative as the first product designer.
Comfortable working in a collaborative environment, working closely with product managers and tech leads.

Preferred Skills:

Expertise in prototyping tools and methods.
Experience in the healthcare industry or working with seniors and their supporters.
Ability to speak multiple languages, particularly Spanish.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and a strong focus on creating impactful solutions will be prioritized.

🎨 Portfolio & Creative Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles through case studies showcasing research, ideation, prototyping, and testing processes.
Include examples of your ability to design for both mobile and web platforms, with a focus on improving workflows and internal tools.
Showcase your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and incorporate feedback into your design process.
Highlight your experience working with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings.

Process Documentation:

Include detailed documentation of your design process, including research findings, user personas, user journey maps, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups.
Demonstrate your ability to iterate on designs based on user feedback and testing results.
Showcase your ability to present and articulate your design decisions and rationale to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should provide a portfolio that demonstrates a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and a clear focus on creating impactful solutions that improve the lives of seniors and their supporters.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000 per year

Benefits:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and flexible work arrangements
Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. The Helper Bees offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and well-being of its employees.

🎯Team & Company Context

🏢 Company & Design Culture

Industry: The Helper Bees operates in the insurance industry, specifically focusing on aging in-place solutions and long-term care services. This presents unique design challenges and opportunities to improve the lives of seniors and their supporters.

Company Size: The Helper Bees has 51-200 employees, providing ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within the design team.

Founded: 2015, The Helper Bees has established itself as a leader in the aging in-place platform, empowering older adults to remain in their homes and live independently.

Team Structure:

The design team at The Helper Bees is still in its early stages, with the Sr. Product Designer role being the first dedicated design position. This presents an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to shape the design team and culture.
The design team will collaborate closely with product managers, tech leads, and other stakeholders to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.
The design team will work closely with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings and impact seniors' lives.

Methodology:

The Helper Bees follows a user-centered design approach, focusing on understanding user needs and pain points through research and iterative design processes.
The design team will employ lean research methods, user interviews, and stakeholder engagement to inform design decisions and ensure that products meet the needs of seniors and their supporters.
The design team will work closely with product managers and tech leads to prioritize features and ensure that products are delivered on time and within budget.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The Helper Bees is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment that values and prioritizes the voices of its employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Design Career Level: The Sr. Product Designer role is a mid-senior level position, requiring a deep understanding of user-centered design principles and a strong focus on creating impactful solutions. This role offers ample opportunities for growth and leadership within the design team.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Product Designer will report directly to the Chief Product Officer and work closely with product managers, tech leads, and other stakeholders to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.

Design Impact: The Sr. Product Designer will have a significant impact on the lives of seniors and their supporters by improving product offerings and workflows. Their work will directly contribute to The Helper Bees' mission to help people stay home longer through data-driven services that transform both the payer and the care-recipient experience.

Growth Opportunities:

As the first dedicated design position at The Helper Bees, the Sr. Product Designer will have the opportunity to shape the design team and culture, as well as mentor and grow junior designers as the team expands.
The Sr. Product Designer will have the opportunity to work on high-impact projects and gain exposure to various aspects of the business, enabling them to grow both personally and professionally.
The Sr. Product Designer will have the opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, building strong relationships and expanding their network within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Sr. Product Designer role at The Helper Bees presents an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to shape the design team and culture, as well as grow both personally and professionally.

🌐 Work Environment

Studio Type: The Helper Bees offers a flexible, remote-friendly work environment, allowing designers to work from home or in the office as needed. This provides a high degree of flexibility and autonomy for designers to manage their work-life balance.

Office Location(s): The Helper Bees' headquarters is located in Austin, Texas, with remote work options available for employees across the United States.

Design Workspace Context:

The Helper Bees provides designers with the tools and resources they need to succeed, including the latest design software and hardware, as well as access to online learning and development resources.
The Helper Bees fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, encouraging designers to work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.
The Helper Bees offers a flexible and supportive work environment, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.

Work Schedule: The Helper Bees offers a flexible work schedule, with core hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM CST. Employees are encouraged to work hours that best fit their personal needs and preferences, as long as they meet their weekly work goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Helper Bees is committed to creating a flexible and supportive work environment that prioritizes the well-being of its employees and enables them to achieve their full potential.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Design Interview Process:

The design interview process at The Helper Bees typically consists of three to four rounds, including a portfolio review, design challenge, stakeholder presentation, and final interview with the Chief Product Officer.
Candidates can expect to be evaluated on their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
The design interview process is designed to be challenging but fair, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the role and the company's expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Candidates should provide a portfolio that demonstrates a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and a clear focus on creating impactful solutions that improve the lives of seniors and their supporters.
Candidates should include case studies that showcase their ability to conduct user research, design intuitive and accessible user interfaces, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Candidates should highlight their experience working with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings.
Candidates should include examples of their ability to iterate on designs based on user feedback and testing results.

Challenge Preparation:

Candidates can expect to be given a design challenge that aligns with The Helper Bees' mission and values, focusing on improving the lives of seniors and their supporters.
Candidates should approach the design challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Candidates should allocate sufficient time to conduct user research, iterate on designs, and prepare a clear and concise presentation of their design process and rationale.

ATS Keywords: [Comprehensive list of design-relevant keywords for resume optimization, organized by category: design skills, tools, methodologies, soft skills, industry terms]

📝 Enhancement Note: The design interview process at The Helper Bees is designed to be challenging but fair, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the role and the company's expectations.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

Sketch: Used for creating and collaborating on design files, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency.
Figma: Used for creating interactive prototypes and design systems, with a focus on scalability and collaboration.
InVision: Used for conducting user testing and gathering feedback on designs, with a focus on usability and accessibility.
Zeplin: Used for creating design tokens and style guides, with a focus on consistency and efficiency.

Collaboration & Handoff:

Slack: Used for real-time communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Jira: Used for project management and tracking design tasks and progress.
Confluence: Used for collaborative documentation and knowledge sharing within the design team and across the organization.

Research & Testing:

Google Forms: Used for creating and distributing user research surveys and gathering data.
Google Analytics: Used for analyzing user behavior and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Hotjar: Used for conducting user testing and gathering qualitative feedback on designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design technology stack at The Helper Bees is designed to be flexible and adaptable, enabling designers to work efficiently and effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Design Values:

User-centered: Prioritize the needs and preferences of users, especially seniors and their supporters, in all design decisions.
Collaborative: Work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.
Iterative: Embrace a continuous improvement mindset, iterating on designs based on user feedback and testing results.
Impact-driven: Focus on creating impactful solutions that improve the lives of seniors and their supporters, rather than just creating features.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional: Work closely with product managers, tech leads, and other stakeholders to understand user problems and discover effective solutions.
Inclusive: Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, valuing the diverse perspectives and experiences of team members.
Agile: Embrace an agile and flexible approach to design, adapting to changing priorities and feedback as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design culture at The Helper Bees is focused on creating impactful solutions that improve the lives of seniors and their supporters, while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Design Challenges:

User diversity: Design for a diverse user base, including seniors with varying levels of tech-savviness and physical abilities, as well as their supporters and caregivers.
Regulatory constraints: Work within the constraints of the insurance industry and relevant regulations, balancing user needs with compliance requirements.
Technical limitations: Design for a range of devices and platforms, considering the technical limitations and constraints of each.
Data-driven design: Incorporate data and analytics into the design process, using insights to inform design decisions and measure impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Design mentorship: Work closely with experienced designers and other mentors to develop your skills and advance your career.
Industry conferences: Attend industry conferences and events to stay up-to-date on the latest design trends and best practices.
Online learning: Utilize online learning platforms and resources to develop new skills and deepen your expertise in specific design disciplines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The design challenges and growth opportunities at The Helper Bees are unique and varied, presenting designers with a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Design Process Questions:

Walk us through your design process: Describe your approach to understanding user needs, ideating, prototyping, and testing designs, with examples from your portfolio.
How do you handle feedback and criticism? Discuss your approach to incorporating feedback from users and stakeholders into your design process.
Can you describe a time when you had to pivot or change your design approach based on new information or feedback? Explain the situation, your initial approach, and how you adapted to the new circumstances.

Company Culture Questions:

How do you align with The Helper Bees' mission and values? Explain how your personal values and design philosophy align with the company's focus on improving the lives of seniors and their supporters.
How do you approach collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams and stakeholders? Describe your experience working with diverse teams and your strategies for effective communication and collaboration.
How do you ensure that your designs are accessible and inclusive for all users, including seniors with varying levels of tech-savviness and physical abilities? Discuss your approach to designing for accessibility and inclusivity, with examples from your portfolio.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Tell us about a case study from your portfolio that demonstrates your ability to create impactful solutions that improve the lives of users: Walk us through your design process, highlighting your understanding of user needs, your approach to ideation and prototyping, and the impact of your design on users' lives.
How do you ensure that your designs are user-centered and focused on creating impactful solutions? Describe your approach to understanding user needs and incorporating user feedback into your design process, with examples from your portfolio.
How do you approach design critiques and feedback from your peers and stakeholders? Discuss your strategies for receiving and incorporating feedback from your peers and stakeholders, with examples from your portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process at The Helper Bees is designed to be challenging but fair, providing candidates with a clear understanding of the role and the company's expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this design position:

Submit your application through this link
Customize your portfolio to highlight your experience working with seniors, nurses, insurance carriers, and internal operations teams to improve product offerings.
Optimize your resume for design roles by highlighting your relevant skills and experience, and including design-relevant keywords naturally throughout the document.
Prepare for design interviews by practicing your design process explanation and portfolio walkthrough, as well as researching The Helper Bees' mission, values, and design culture.
Research The Helper Bees' industry and competition to gain a deeper understanding of the company's unique challenges and opportunities.

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

The Helper Bees is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any non-merit-based or legally protected grounds.

The Helper Bees provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the job application and interview process. To request accommodation, please let your recruiter know.

As part of our standard hiring process, selected candidates may be required to undergo a background check and/or drug screen. The Helper Bees adheres to applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding these screenings, and the results will be considered in accordance with applicable regulations.

The Helper Bees was recently made aware of a fraudulent entity posing as our organization and requesting personal information. Please be aware of and protect yourself from scams. Visit thehelperbees.com/careers to view all current job openings.

Sr. Product Designer