Design Director, Platform

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Director, Platform Design
Company: Circles.Life
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design Leadership / Product Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-06T09:39:42
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead a global team of approximately 10 product designers responsible for both operator-facing B2B platform UI/UX and customer-facing B2C app and web UI/UX.
• Drive the design strategy and culture of Circles.X, focusing on scaling the global SaaS product and delivering world-class, user-centric products.
• Champion human-centered design principles and establish/maintain a global design system to ensure reusability and consistency across markets.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, research, and marketing teams to shape problem statements, explore solutions, and measure product success.
• Establish operational frameworks and rituals to enhance design efficiency, quality, and alignment across distributed teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a strategic leadership opportunity within a technology company, specifically focusing on product design for a SaaS platform serving both B2B (telco operators) and B2C (end-users) segments. The emphasis on "Platform Design" suggests a focus on the underlying architecture and user experience of the core technology that enables digital telco brands, rather than solely on individual product features. The "Design Operations" aspect highlights a need for process discipline and efficiency within the design function itself.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute a comprehensive design strategy that aligns with the Circles.X platform vision and overarching business growth objectives.
• Champion and evangelize human-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, elevating design as a key differentiator.
• Establish, nurture, and maintain a robust, scalable global design system that promotes consistency, reusability, and efficiency across all product touchpoints and markets.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of product designers, fostering a culture of design excellence, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Set clear performance expectations, provide constructive and regular feedback, and actively coach team members on their career development paths.
• Strategically shape the team structure and optimize workflows to effectively scale design capabilities in line with rapid business expansion.
• Translate complex business requirements and technical constraints into elegant, intuitive, and scalable user experiences for both B2B and B2C audiences.
• Oversee the entire end-to-end user journey across multiple product areas, from initial concept ideation and user research through to final design delivery and post-launch iteration.
• Foster deep, collaborative partnerships with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Data Analysts to collaboratively define problem statements, explore innovative solutions, and establish metrics for success.
• Establish and refine operational frameworks, key rituals, and essential tools to significantly improve design team efficiency, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure seamless alignment across geographically distributed teams.
• Partner closely with Product Operations and Engineering leadership to embed design processes seamlessly into product planning, development cadences, and delivery pipelines.
• Lead and manage rigorous design Quality Assurance (QA) processes and design reviews to ensure consistently high standards and adherence to design principles across all product releases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate the dual focus of the role: strategic leadership and hands-on team management, coupled with a strong emphasis on operationalizing the design function. The inclusion of "Design Operations" as a distinct responsibility area indicates a need for candidates who can bring process thinking to design, ensuring efficiency and scalability in a high-growth tech environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly recommended.

Experience:

• A minimum of 14+ years of progressive experience in product design roles.
• At least 4 years of demonstrated experience in a people management or design leadership capacity, with a proven track record of building and scaling design teams.
• Significant experience in designing for both B2B (enterprise/platform) and B2C (consumer-facing) products, spanning web and mobile platforms.
• Experience in developing and implementing comprehensive design systems, driving consistency and efficiency across product portfolios.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Research, within large, complex organizations.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership & Strategy: Ability to define and articulate a compelling design vision and strategy aligned with business goals.
• B2B Product Design: Expertise in designing complex enterprise platforms and SaaS solutions for business users.
• B2C Product Design: Proficiency in creating engaging and intuitive user experiences for mass-market consumer applications and web interfaces.
• UI/UX Design: Deep understanding of user interface design principles, user experience best practices, and interaction design.
• Team Management & Mentorship: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of talented designers, fostering a positive and productive environment.
• Human-Centered Design: Strong advocacy for user-centric design methodologies, ensuring user needs are at the forefront of product development.
• Design Systems: Experience in building, scaling, and maintaining robust design systems for consistency and efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Skill in working effectively with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Research teams to achieve shared objectives.
• Communication & Storytelling: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Design Operations: Understanding of design operational frameworks, processes, and tools to improve team velocity and output quality.

Preferred Skills:

• SaaS Platform Experience: Prior experience designing for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, particularly in enterprise technology or B2B contexts.
• Passion for Design Operations: Demonstrated interest and experience in improving design processes, feedback loops, and documentation practices.
• High-Growth Environments: Experience leading design teams in fast-paced, high-growth technology companies, preferably with distributed or global teams.
• Organizational Growth Contribution: A history of contributing to broader organizational development and culture beyond the immediate product scope.
• Telco or Digital Brand Experience: Familiarity with the telecommunications industry or experience in launching and scaling digital consumer brands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The extensive experience requirement (14+ years overall, 4+ in leadership) suggests this is a senior leadership role responsible for significant strategic impact. The emphasis on both B2B and B2C design is critical, as is the experience with design systems and design operations, signaling a need for a candidate who can manage complexity and drive efficiency at scale.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 14 years of product design work, with a significant portion dedicated to leadership and strategic initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to simplify complex systems into intuitive and scalable user experiences, evidenced through detailed case studies.
• Evidence of strategic design leadership, outlining how design decisions contributed to business outcomes and product differentiation.
• Examples of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) to bring products from concept to launch.
• Experience in building, scaling, or significantly contributing to a design system, illustrating its impact on consistency and efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process followed, including problem definition, user research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping, and user testing.
• Documentation of how design integrates with product development lifecycles, including participation in agile ceremonies and collaboration with engineering.
• Examples of how design operations principles were applied to improve team efficiency, workflow, or quality, such as establishing design review processes or documentation standards.
• Metrics and data used to validate design decisions and measure the success of user experiences, demonstrating an understanding of A/B testing and performance analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Director-level role, the portfolio is expected to go beyond visual design. It must showcase strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, process ownership, and demonstrable impact on business objectives through design. The inclusion of "Design Operations" implies a need for candidates to present how they've operationalized design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Director of Platform Design with 14+ years of experience in a major tech hub like Bangalore, the estimated annual salary range would be ₹40,00,000 to ₹70,00,000 (approximately $48,000 - $84,000 USD, subject to currency fluctuations and specific market conditions). This range accounts for the seniority of the role, the strategic responsibilities, and the company's positioning as a global technology firm.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees and dependents.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training programs, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Stock options or performance-based bonuses, reflecting the company's growth-oriented culture.
• Access to cutting-edge design tools and technologies.
• Potential for international travel and collaboration with global teams.
• Employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.
• Flexible working arrangements where applicable, balancing on-site collaboration with individual focus time.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday. However, given the leadership nature of the role and the global scope of operations, some flexibility may be required to accommodate cross-time zone collaborations and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for senior roles in Bangalore can vary significantly. This estimate is based on typical compensation bands for Director-level positions in technology companies within India, considering the specified experience level and the nature of the role. The actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. Benefits are standard for a tech company of this nature, with an emphasis on growth and development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS Platform, Telecommunications, Digital Lifestyle)
Company Size: Circles.Life is a global technology company with operations across multiple countries. While the exact headcount in Bangalore for this specific team isn't detailed, the company's broader operations suggest a medium to large-sized organization, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand individuals globally. This size indicates a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact and growth, but also the need for clear processes and efficient collaboration.
Founded: 2014. Founded in 2014, Circles has a history of challenging established industries, particularly telecommunications, through digital innovation and a technology-first approach. This background suggests a culture that values agility, disruption, and a forward-thinking mindset.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The design team consists of approximately 10 talented product designers, split across two key charters: B2B platform UI/UX and B2C app/web UI/UX. This structure allows for specialization while maintaining a cohesive design vision.
• Operations Team Aspect 2: The Design Director will report into a senior Product or Technology leadership role, likely a VP of Product, CPO, or CTO, reflecting the strategic importance of design within the organization.
• Operations Team Aspect 3: The role requires extensive cross-functional collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Research, Data Science, and Marketing teams to shape product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Circles.Life likely employs data-driven decision-making, leveraging user analytics, A/B testing, and market research to inform design and product strategies.
• Operations Process 2: The company's approach to workflow planning and optimization will focus on agile methodologies, ensuring iterative development and rapid feedback loops within product and design teams.
• Operations Process 3: Automation and efficiency practices are likely core to their SaaS platform offering and internal operations, aiming to streamline processes for both telco operators and end-users.

Company Website: https://circles.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's description highlights a disruptive, innovative approach to the telco industry, powered by a SaaS platform. This implies a fast-paced, technology-centric environment where design plays a critical role in both the B2B platform's functionality and the B2C brands' user experience. The emphasis on global partnerships and multiple business units suggests a complex, yet opportunity-rich landscape for a design leader.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, equivalent to a Director or Head of Product Design. It involves managing a significant team, setting strategic direction for platform design across multiple product lines, and influencing the overall design culture of the organization. The scope extends beyond tactical execution to encompass strategic planning, team development, and operational efficiency for the design department.

Reporting Structure: The Design Director will report to a senior executive, likely a VP of Product, Chief Product Officer (CPO), or Chief Technology Officer (CTO). This direct line to executive leadership underscores the strategic importance of design within Circles.X's growth trajectory. The Director will manage a team of approximately 10 product designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.

Operations Impact: The Design Director's impact will be profound, directly influencing the usability, desirability, and scalability of Circles.X's core SaaS platform for telco operators (B2B) and the digital experiences delivered to millions of end-users globally through various brands (B2C). Strategic design leadership is crucial for driving product differentiation, customer acquisition/retention, and ultimately, revenue growth for the company. By championing user-centricity and operationalizing design processes, this role will be instrumental in achieving Circles.X's global scaling objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in B2B SaaS platform design, global design systems, and design operations at scale. Potential to influence the broader product and technology strategy of a rapidly growing global tech company.
• Leadership Development: Take on increased responsibility for larger design teams, broader product portfolios, and potentially influence company-wide design standards and best practices.
• Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping the company's product roadmap and go-to-market strategies through design leadership, potentially leading to executive-level opportunities within the organization or the broader tech industry.
• Industry Impact: Contribute to transforming the telco industry by shaping innovative digital experiences for both operators and consumers worldwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant step up in leadership scope and strategic influence. The combination of managing a team, defining platform design strategy, and driving operational efficiency positions the candidate for substantial career growth within a disruptive tech company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as 'On-site' in Bangalore, indicating a requirement for the Director to be physically present in the company's Bangalore office. This setup is typical for leadership roles where in-person collaboration, team mentorship, and strategic discussions are paramount.

Office Location(s): Bangalore, India. This vibrant tech hub provides access to a strong talent pool and a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. Specific office address details would need to be confirmed with the company.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace Aspect 1: The Bangalore office is likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, common areas, and potentially open-plan workspaces to facilitate interaction between design, product, and engineering teams. Being on-site is expected to enhance spontaneous discussions and team cohesion.
• Workspace Aspect 2: As a technology company, the office will be equipped with modern infrastructure, reliable internet, and access to the necessary software and hardware for design and development work. This includes high-performance workstations and potentially specialized design software.
• Workspace Aspect 3: The on-site environment will provide ample opportunities for direct interaction with the design team, other departments, and potentially senior leadership, fostering a strong sense of community and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. However, given the global nature of Circles.Life's operations and the leadership responsibilities, flexibility may be required to attend meetings or collaborate with teams in different time zones, especially during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is key for this senior role, emphasizing the importance of in-person leadership, team building, and strategic collaboration within the Bangalore office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1: Initial screening by a recruiter to assess overall fit, experience, and interest. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their leadership philosophy and strategic vision for platform design.
• Process Step 2: An interview with the hiring manager (likely a VP of Product or CTO) to delve deeper into leadership experience, strategic thinking, and team management capabilities. Portfolio review will be a significant component.
• Process Step 3: A panel interview involving key stakeholders, including Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other senior designers or executives. This stage will assess cross-functional collaboration skills and alignment with company values. Expect case studies or scenario-based questions related to design challenges.
• Process Step 4: A final interview, potentially with a C-level executive, to discuss long-term vision, cultural fit, and the candidate's potential impact on the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Tip 1: Curate a selection of 3-5 impactful projects that best demonstrate strategic design leadership, B2B/B2C platform experience, and team management. Focus on your role and contributions, not just the final product.
• Portfolio Tip 2: For each project, clearly articulate the business problem, your strategic approach, the design process employed, key challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes (e.g., user engagement, efficiency gains, revenue impact). Use storytelling to highlight your decision-making process.
• Portfolio Tip 3: Be prepared to discuss your experience with design systems, design operations, and how you've driven consistency, efficiency, and quality within design teams. Quantify impact wherever possible.
• Portfolio Tip 4: Research Circles.Life's existing products and business model. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your experience and approach align with their specific needs in the telco SaaS space. Demonstrate an understanding of their market and user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1: Be prepared for a design challenge or case study, likely focusing on a complex B2B platform or a B2C customer journey problem relevant to Circles.Life's business. This may involve problem definition, solution ideation, and presentation.
• Challenge Preparation 2: Structure your approach clearly: problem definition, user research insights (even if hypothetical), proposed solutions with rationale, and how you would measure success. Practice presenting your thought process concisely and effectively.
• Challenge Preparation 3: Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, user advocacy, and your ability to collaborate with hypothetical Product and Engineering partners. Articulate trade-offs and how you would prioritize design efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and collaborative skills, with a strong focus on the portfolio as evidence of these capabilities. The inclusion of a design challenge indicates a need for practical problem-solving demonstration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision, Axure. Proficiency in Figma is highly likely given its industry prevalence for collaborative design.
• Design Systems Management: Tools for managing component libraries, style guides, and documentation (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook integration).
• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack. Essential for cross-functional team coordination and workflow management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Heap. For understanding user behavior and product performance.
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker. To create dashboards and communicate insights to stakeholders.
• User Research Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar. For conducting usability testing and gathering qualitative feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot (though less likely for a pure design role, understanding CRM data is beneficial for B2B/B2C context).
• Automation Tools: While not directly used by designers, understanding how marketing automation or workflow automation tools (e.g., Zapier, Make) impact user journeys can be advantageous.
• Integration Tools: Awareness of how different systems integrate within a SaaS environment (e.g., APIs, webhooks) can inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires proficiency in standard industry design tools, with a particular emphasis on collaborative platforms like Figma. Experience with design systems, project management tools, and analytics platforms is critical for a Director-level position focused on strategy and operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Disruption: A core value, reflecting Circles.Life's mission to challenge and transform the telco industry through technology and innovative digital brands. Operations professionals are expected to contribute to creative problem-solving and explore new approaches.
• Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both telco operators (B2B) and end-consumers (B2C). Design decisions should always prioritize user value and delightful experiences.
• Agility & Speed: Operating in a fast-paced tech environment necessitates swift execution, iterative development, and the ability to adapt quickly to market changes and business priorities. Efficiency in design processes is highly valued.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering a culture where teams work together seamlessly across functions and geographies, sharing knowledge and providing constructive feedback to achieve collective goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform strategic decisions, validate design hypotheses, and measure the impact of initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Collaboration Approach 1: Highly cross-functional and integrated, with design working hand-in-hand with Product Management and Engineering from ideation through to launch and iteration. Regular sync-ups and shared ownership are key.
• Collaboration Approach 2: Embraces a culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement. Design reviews are seen as opportunities for collective learning and elevating the quality of work. Open communication channels are encouraged.
• Collaboration Approach 3: Emphasis on knowledge sharing and best practice dissemination. The design team is expected to contribute to a shared understanding of design principles, tools, and processes, fostering a learning environment that benefits the entire organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values emphasize innovation, customer focus, and agility, which are crucial for a disruptive tech company. The collaboration style highlights a strong, integrated approach between design and core product/engineering functions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: Establishing and refining operational frameworks to support a growing global design team and an expanding SaaS product portfolio. Ensuring design quality and consistency across diverse markets and product lines.
• Balancing B2B & B2C Needs: Effectively designing for two distinct user bases with potentially conflicting needs, priorities, and user journeys within a unified platform strategy.
• Global Team Management: Leading and fostering a cohesive design culture across a distributed team, overcoming geographical and cultural barriers to collaboration.
• Technical Complexity: Translating complex telco functionalities and enterprise-level requirements into user-friendly and intuitive interfaces for both operators and consumers.
• Pace of Innovation: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements and market shifts in the dynamic telco and SaaS industries, ensuring the platform remains competitive and innovative.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to become an expert in designing complex SaaS platforms and implementing robust design operations strategies that can be applied across the organization.
• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the global telecommunications industry, digital brand management, and the intricacies of B2B enterprise software.
• Leadership Growth: Developing advanced leadership skills by managing a growing team, influencing executive strategy, and potentially expanding responsibilities to oversee broader product design initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Deepening understanding of product management, engineering methodologies, and data analytics by working closely with these functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior leadership roles in scaling tech companies, requiring strategic problem-solving and adaptability. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Question 1: "How would you approach defining and scaling a global design system for a B2B SaaS platform that also needs to support multiple B2C brands? What are the key considerations for governance, adoption, and iteration?" (Focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, process, and understanding of design system lifecycle).
• Operations Question 2: "Describe a time you had to manage conflicting priorities between different stakeholder groups (e.g., Product, Engineering, Sales) regarding design strategy or features. How did you navigate this, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on collaboration, negotiation, and stakeholder management).
• Operations Question 3: "Imagine our B2B platform's user adoption rate is lower than expected. What steps would you take, from a design perspective, to diagnose the problem and propose solutions? How would you involve your team and other departments in this process?" (Focus on problem-solving, user research, and cross-functional collaboration).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Question 4: "Based on your research, what do you see as the biggest design challenges and opportunities for Circles.Life in the current market? How would your leadership style contribute to our culture of innovation and customer-centricity?" (Focus on company research, cultural alignment, and leadership philosophy).
• Operations Question 5: "How do you foster a high-performing and collaborative design team, especially when managing designers across different product charters or geographical locations?" (Focus on team management, mentorship, and building cohesive teams).
• Operations Question 6: "How do you measure the success and impact of your design team's work? Can you provide an example of how you've used data to drive design decisions and demonstrate ROI?" (Focus on metrics, data-driven design, and impact articulation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: Problem → Your Strategy & Process → Solution → Impact/Outcome. Highlight your leadership role, strategic decisions, and how you leveraged design operations principles.
• Presentation Strategy 2: For each project, present key metrics (e.g., conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores, efficiency gains). If quantitative data is limited, focus on qualitative insights and the rationale behind design choices.
• Presentation Strategy 3: Be prepared for interactive discussion. Anticipate questions about your design decisions, alternative approaches, and how you would adapt your strategy to Circles.Life's specific context. Clearly articulate your vision for the platform's future design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, operational thinking, and a deep understanding of both B2B SaaS and B2C product design, tailored to Circles.Life's business model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on the Circles.Life careers page.
• Concrete Preparation Step 1: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in design leadership, B2B/B2C platform design, design systems, and design operations. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize quantifiable achievements.
• Concrete Preparation Step 2: Select 3-5 of your most impactful projects for your portfolio. Focus on case studies that demonstrate strategic problem-solving, leadership, and measurable business outcomes. Ensure clear articulation of your process and impact.
• Concrete Preparation Step 3: Research Circles.Life's products, mission, and values thoroughly. Understand their position in the telco and SaaS markets. Prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their specific challenges and opportunities.
• Concrete Preparation Step 4: Practice your interview responses, particularly for strategy, leadership, and portfolio-based questions. Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and vision for the platform design team.

⚠️ 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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