Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design
Company: HomeBuddy
Location: Malta
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Design Leadership / Product Operations
Date Posted: 2025-12-11
Experience Level: 10+ Years
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the definition and execution of a comprehensive design vision and strategy, aligning design operations with broader company objectives.
• Drive excellence in design discovery and delivery processes, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience across all product touchpoints.
• Cultivate and mentor a team of 5 designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, skill development, and effective cross-functional collaboration.
• Act as a key change agent, championing organizational transformation by enhancing design maturity, optimizing workflows, and enabling the delivery of superior product outcomes.
• Maintain a hands-on approach to design, contributing directly to critical initiatives, prototypes, and design reviews, ensuring practical application of strategic vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary role is Design Leadership, the emphasis on "Product Operating Model," "process improvement," "workflows," and "cross-functional collaboration" strongly aligns with the principles and objectives of Revenue Operations and GTM Operations, particularly in how design impacts user acquisition, engagement, and retention. This role requires operationalizing design strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate the overarching design vision, strategy, and operating model, ensuring seamless integration with business goals and cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Data).
• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of 5 designers, fostering their professional growth, improving their craft, and optimizing team workflows and collaboration dynamics.
• Champion and drive excellence in both the Discovery (research, ideation, user understanding) and Delivery (prototyping, execution, implementation) phases of the design lifecycle.
• Serve as a catalyst for organizational change by improving existing design processes, elevating overall design maturity, and enabling more effective and impactful product development outcomes.
• Contribute hands-on to critical design initiatives, including concept development, user flow design, prototyping, and conducting thorough design reviews to ensure quality and strategic alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Data teams to ensure design solutions are technically feasible, data-informed, and meet user needs and business objectives.
• Establish and refine design operational processes, including feedback loops, design system management, and performance measurement frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong operational component, focusing on "operating model," "workflows," "process improvement," and "design maturity." This suggests the role requires not just creative leadership but also a systematic approach to managing and scaling the design function, akin to operations management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and an understanding of product development lifecycles is essential. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in Product Design, UI Design, and UX Design.
• 4+ years in a design leadership capacity, such as Design Lead, Design Manager, or Director level.
• Proven track record of successfully leading and scaling design teams.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Expertise: Deep understanding of end-to-end product design, including user research, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.
• UI/UX Mastery: Proficient in creating intuitive, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces and experiences.
• Design Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, coach, and develop design talent at various seniority levels.
• Discovery & Delivery Excellence: Strong expertise in driving both user research and discovery, and efficiently delivering high-quality design solutions.
• Process Optimization: Proven ability to identify and implement improvements in design workflows, processes, and methodologies to enhance efficiency and outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a history of working effectively with Product, Engineering, Data, and leadership teams.
• Organizational Transformation: Experience in shaping how design operates within an organization, driving changes in processes and increasing design maturity.
• Hands-On Design Capability: Willingness and ability to contribute directly to design tasks when strategically beneficial.
• Advanced English Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with or within a Product Operating Model.
• Familiarity with data analysis and its application in design decision-making.
• Experience with design systems and their implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements for "Process Optimization," "Organizational Transformation," and "Cross-Functional Collaboration" are critical for operations roles. The emphasis on leading "workflows" and "design maturity" points to an operational mindset required to scale the design function effectively.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies on Process Improvement: Showcase specific examples where you identified inefficiencies in design workflows or processes and implemented solutions that led to measurable improvements in speed, quality, or output.
• Discovery & Delivery Impact: Demonstrate projects where your leadership in both user research/discovery and design delivery significantly impacted product outcomes and business goals.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of how you've developed designers, improved team collaboration, and established best practices within a design team.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: Present instances where you defined a design strategy and successfully executed it, showcasing alignment with broader company objectives.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Be prepared to discuss how you've documented, analyzed, and optimized design workflows to enhance efficiency and collaboration.
• Implementation & Automation: Provide examples of how you've implemented new processes or leveraged tools to automate aspects of the design lifecycle.
• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Showcase how you've established metrics to track design team performance, process effectiveness, and overall design impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio for this role will need to demonstrate not just design output but also the operational rigor behind it. Highlighting projects that showcase process improvement, workflow optimization, and measurable impact will be crucial, aligning with typical operations expectations for efficiency and effectiveness.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the "Head of Design" title, 10+ years of experience, and leadership responsibilities, combined with the fully remote nature and Malta location for potential payroll, a competitive salary range is expected. For a senior leadership role of this nature in a tech-forward company, especially with a strong focus on operationalizing design, the estimated range is €80,000 - €120,000 per year.

• Malta Cost of Living & Market: Malta has a moderate cost of living compared to other Western European tech hubs. The salary range reflects this while also accounting for the senior leadership level and the demand for experienced design leaders in the tech industry.
• Remote Work Premium: Fully remote roles often command competitive compensation, reflecting the global talent pool and the flexibility offered.
• Industry Benchmarks: This range aligns with comparable Head of Design roles in similar-sized tech companies operating remotely or in Western Europe.

Benefits:

• Flexible Schedule: Tailored to local needs, ensuring work-life harmony.
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Local Holidays: Standard benefits providing time off for rest and personal needs.
• Work Equipment Allowance: Partial payment for chosen work equipment to ensure optimal productivity.
• Up-to-date Apps and Tools: Access to necessary software and technologies.
• Industry-Leading Compensation Package: Competitive base salary and potential for recognition/rewards.
• Performance-Based Recognition: Rewards for both individual achievements and team successes.
• Well-being Allowance: Covering fitness activities and mental health programs.
• Paid Training Opportunities: Including courses, events, and conferences to foster continuous learning and skill development.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate local time zones and personal needs, while ensuring availability during agreed-upon working hours for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general industry benchmarks for a Head of Design role with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities in a tech company, adjusted for the specified remote work arrangement and the location of Malta. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with typical offerings for senior remote positions, emphasizing well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Home Improvement Platform (Technology) Company Size: HomeBuddy is described as a "fast-growing" company, evolving from a "small idea." While an exact number isn't provided, the mention of a design team of 5 people and a focus on growth suggests a dynamic, mid-stage startup or a rapidly scaling company. This implies a culture that is adaptable, innovative, and likely values initiative and direct impact. Founded: Founded as a "small idea," HomeBuddy has grown into a platform focused on connecting homeowners with contractors, emphasizing lead quality and long-term partnerships. This foundational focus on trust and mutual success likely permeates the company's operational ethos.

Team Structure:

• Design Team: A dedicated team of 5 designers, reporting to the Head of Design. This structure allows for specialized focus within design but also necessitates strong leadership to ensure cohesion and alignment.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: High emphasis on collaboration with Product, Engineering, and Data teams, indicating a matrixed or highly integrated operational model where design is a core partner, not an isolated function.
• Leadership Hierarchy: The Head of Design will likely report to a senior leader (e.g., VP of Product, CTO, or CEO), with a direct line of influence on product strategy and company direction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Evolution: The platform "consistently and positively evolves based on data insights and the most up-to-date tools," underscoring a commitment to data-informed decision-making across all functions, including design.
• Growth-Oriented Outlook: A "long-term outlook" and focus on growth mean that operational efficiency, scalability, and measurable impact are likely key drivers.
• User-Centric Approach: The mission to "make a home awesome" and connect homeowners with the "right contractors" implies a strong focus on user needs and satisfaction, which design leadership is pivotal in achieving.

Company Website: homebuddy.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on data insights, growth, and partnerships suggests an operations-centric culture where efficiency, measurable outcomes, and strategic alignment are highly valued. The design leader will need to operate within this framework, demonstrating how design contributes to these objectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the design function, with significant operational responsibilities. It's a strategic role that bridges creative execution with business objectives, requiring an understanding of how design processes and team structure impact overall business performance and user acquisition/retention. Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report into a senior executive (e.g., VP of Product, CTO, or CEO), indicating a direct influence on strategic decision-making. They will lead a team of 5 designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Operations Impact: The Head of Design's impact extends beyond aesthetics. They are responsible for operationalizing the design function to drive product outcomes, enhance user experience, and contribute to HomeBuddy's growth targets. This includes improving lead quality through design, ensuring a trusted platform experience, and driving user engagement via intuitive and effective product design.

Growth Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Expansion: Potential to influence broader product strategy and operational models beyond the immediate design function.
• Scaling Design Operations: Opportunity to build and scale the design team and its processes as the company grows, potentially establishing new design disciplines or specializations.
• Industry Influence: Contributing to the evolution of design practices within the home improvement tech sector.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Developing expertise in product management, engineering collaboration, and data-driven decision-making at a strategic level.
• Professional Development: Access to paid training, conferences, and mentorship to further enhance leadership and operational skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential, moving beyond traditional design leadership into a more operationally focused strategic position. The emphasis on "organizational transformation" and "process improvement" suggests a path towards broader operational leadership or executive roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers maximum flexibility for the employee, allowing them to work from any location, provided they can maintain availability during agreed-upon working hours. Office Location(s): The role is based in Malta, but the "TELECOMMUTE" and "Fully Remote" indicators suggest that while payroll might be processed via Malta, the employee is not required to be physically present there. The company's primary market focus appears to be the US.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility & Autonomy: Employees are empowered to choose their work environment, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy.
• Tools & Technology: HomeBuddy provides access to up-to-date apps and tools, ensuring designers have the necessary resources to be productive. The allowance for work equipment further supports a personalized and efficient workspace.
• Collaborative Culture: Despite being remote, the emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional collaboration suggests a virtual environment designed to facilitate communication and shared problem-solving, likely utilizing various digital collaboration platforms.

Work Schedule: A flexible schedule is offered, tailored to local needs, while ensuring availability during "agreed working hours" for team collaboration. This implies a core set of hours where synchronous communication and meetings are expected, balanced with individual flexibility for focused work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature with a focus on a primary market (US) and a payroll/legal base (Malta) is common for international tech companies. The operational aspect of this role will involve managing a remote team effectively, ensuring communication, collaboration, and productivity across different time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio to assess alignment with core requirements. Be prepared to highlight your leadership experience and process improvement initiatives.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Head of Design (or their direct manager) focusing on your leadership philosophy, design strategy, team management experience, and approach to operationalizing design.
3. Team & Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with members of the design team and key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and Data. Expect questions about your collaboration style, how you handle feedback, and your approach to cross-functional problem-solving.
4. Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you present a curated selection of your work, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, process improvement capabilities, and impact on product outcomes.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with a C-level executive, focusing on cultural fit, long-term vision, and strategic alignment with HomeBuddy's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Operational Impact: Beyond showcasing beautiful designs, emphasize how your leadership and process improvements led to tangible business results (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced design cycle times, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Structure Your Case Studies: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role/approach, the processes you implemented or optimized, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of how you've developed designers, coached teams, and fostered a positive and productive design culture.
• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to define a design vision and translate it into actionable plans that align with business objectives.
• Be Ready for Process Deep Dives: Prepare to discuss your experience with Discovery and Delivery methodologies, workflow optimization, and how you measure design effectiveness.

Challenge Preparation:

• Process Design Challenge: You might be given a scenario to outline how you would improve a specific design process or workflow for HomeBuddy.
• Team Leadership Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would handle a team conflict or motivate a team through a challenging project.
• Strategic Vision Exercise: You may be asked to outline your initial priorities or vision for HomeBuddy's design function in the first 90 days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on process improvement, operationalizing design, and cross-functional collaboration means your portfolio and interview responses should demonstrate a systematic, results-oriented approach, not just creative talent.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Marvel. The specific tools will depend on the team's current stack, but proficiency in at least one leading design tool is essential.
• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Hotjar, Maze, Google Analytics. Experience with tools to gather user feedback and insights is critical.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Jira, Asana, Trello, Monday.com. Essential for managing design workflows, tracking tasks, and facilitating cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude. To understand user behavior, track key metrics, and inform design decisions.
• Reporting Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Looker Studio (formerly Google Data Studio). For creating dashboards and communicating design impact and performance to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Indirect Relevance): While not directly managing CRM, understanding how design impacts lead generation, user onboarding, and customer retention within a CRM context (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is beneficial for GTM alignment.
• Automation Tools (Indirect Relevance): Familiarity with workflow automation concepts (e.g., Zapier) can inform how design might integrate with or trigger automated processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a design leadership role, the operational aspects require familiarity with tools that support process management, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration. Demonstrating an understanding of how design integrates with the broader tech stack, including CRM and analytics, will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: HomeBuddy emphasizes:

• Positive Atmosphere & Teamwork: A collaborative environment where trust and mutual respect are paramount.
• Initiative & Feedback: Valuing proactive contributions, suggestions, and open feedback loops, creating a culture of continuous improvement.
• Responsibility & Impact: Empowering individuals to take ownership of tasks and understand how their efforts directly influence the final outcome and business success.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data insights to guide evolution and decision-making across the platform.
• Growth & Long-Term Outlook: A focus on sustainable growth and continuous development, both for the company and its employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is positioned as a key partner with Product, Engineering, and Data, suggesting a highly integrated and collaborative approach to product development.
• Open Communication: The emphasis on sharing feedback and valuing initiative points to an open and transparent communication style.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: The expectation that individuals "take responsibility for solving difficult tasks" indicates a proactive and solution-oriented collaboration style.
• Design Maturity: The role aims to "elevate design maturity," which implies a culture that supports learning, best practice adoption, and a commitment to high-quality design execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture strongly aligns with operations principles: data-driven, focused on impact and responsibility, and prioritizing continuous improvement through feedback and initiative. A successful candidate will embody these values.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Remote Design Operations: Establishing and maintaining effective design processes, communication, and team cohesion within a fully remote, fast-growing environment.
• Balancing Hands-On Work with Leadership: Effectively managing time and priorities to contribute strategically as a leader while remaining hands-on with critical design tasks.
• Elevating Design Maturity: Driving organizational change to increase the perceived value and integration of design across Product, Engineering, and the wider business.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment with Product, Engineering, and Data teams, especially in a remote setting.
• Defining and Measuring Design Impact: Clearly articulating and quantifying the ROI of design initiatives and team efforts.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Leadership Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in product strategy, operational models, and executive-level communication.
• Scaling Operations: Gaining experience in building and scaling a design function within a high-growth tech company.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of the latest trends in UX/UI design, design operations, and product development methodologies.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Expanding skills in developing and empowering design talent.
• Paid Training: Access to courses, conferences, and events to continuously enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior operational roles in growing tech companies, requiring strategic thinking, strong process management, and excellent stakeholder management skills. The growth opportunities align with advancing into more senior leadership or operational management positions.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you define and operationalize a design vision for HomeBuddy to ensure alignment with our growth objectives?" (Focus on strategy, operations, and measurable outcomes)
• "Describe a time you led a significant process improvement within a design team. What was the impact?" (Highlight process optimization, leadership, and results)
• "How do you foster collaboration and ensure effective communication within a remote design team and with cross-functional partners like Engineering and Product?" (Emphasize remote management, collaboration, and communication strategies)
• "What metrics would you use to measure the success and impact of the design team and its processes at HomeBuddy?" (Focus on data-driven approach and ROI demonstration)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of HomeBuddy, what do you see as the biggest design opportunities and challenges?" (Demonstrate research and strategic thinking)
• "How do you approach mentoring and developing designers with varying levels of experience?" (Showcase leadership and people development skills)
• "How do you ensure your design team's work directly contributes to business goals like lead quality and user retention?" (Connect design to business impact and operational objectives)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your presentation around 2-3 key case studies. For each, clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the operational processes you implemented or optimized, the challenges you overcame, your specific contributions, and the measurable results.
• Quantify Your Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., "increased conversion by X%," "reduced design cycle time by Y days," "improved user satisfaction scores by Z points").
• Emphasize Leadership & Process: Highlight your role in leading teams, mentoring designers, and improving design workflows. Show how you’ve operationalized design to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness.
• Tailor to HomeBuddy: Briefly touch on how your experience and approach align with HomeBuddy's mission and values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design talent but also operational acumen, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities. Be ready to discuss processes, metrics, and cross-functional collaboration in detail.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Workable platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 strong case studies that showcase your leadership in design strategy, process improvement, and measurable impact on product outcomes. Focus on operational aspects and team development.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, with specific emphasis on your 4+ years in design leadership roles. Quantify achievements and use keywords related to design operations, process optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design vision, leadership philosophy, and approach to operationalizing design for a remote team. Prepare to discuss specific examples of process improvements and their impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research HomeBuddy, its market position, target audience, and company culture. Understand their mission and how design can strategically contribute to their growth and operational 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.

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