Lead Product Designer (all genders) for reev

Future Energy Ventures
Full-time•Munich, Germany

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer (all genders)

Company: Future Energy Ventures (reev)

Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: July 03, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the end-to-end product experience for reev, a key portfolio company of Future Energy Ventures, focusing on eMobility solutions.

  • Establish and scale the product design function from its foundation, building a strong design culture, defining workflows, and implementing design systems.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Researchers, and Engineers to translate complex challenges into intuitive, impactful, and visually excellent digital products.

  • Leverage user insights, both qualitative and quantitative, alongside emerging AI-powered design tools to drive innovation and optimize design efficiency.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity to build and shape the design function within a growing eMobility tech company. The emphasis on "end-to-end product experience" and "scaling the design function from the ground up" suggests a strategic role with significant autonomy and responsibility for establishing design best practices and team structure. The mention of AI-powered design tools indicates a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Own and evolve the entire product experience across reev's portfolio, ensuring exceptional usability, consistency, and visual appeal.

  • Develop and implement design systems and workflows that promote efficiency, scalability, and a cohesive design language.

  • Actively participate in the full product development lifecycle, from user research and concept ideation to high-fidelity prototyping and final design delivery.

  • Utilize user feedback, data analytics, and market trends to inform design decisions and validate solutions that align with business objectives and user needs.

  • Mentor and guide junior designers (if applicable in the future) and manage collaborations with external agencies or freelancers to augment design capabilities.

  • Champion a user-centric design philosophy throughout the organization, fostering collaboration between design, product, and engineering teams.

  • Research and integrate innovative design tools and methodologies, including AI-driven solutions, to enhance creative output and streamline the design process.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership (building the function, setting culture) and hands-on execution (prototyping, design delivery). The focus on "scaling from the ground up" implies a need for someone who can establish processes and infrastructure, not just execute existing ones.

šŸŽ“ 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 is typically expected for a Lead role, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 7+ years of professional experience in digital product design, with a significant portion focused on B2B SaaS or complex product ecosystems.

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in end-to-end product design, encompassing UX research, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.

  • A strong, demonstrable portfolio showcasing complex problem-solving, sophisticated UX thinking, refined visual craft, and successful product launches.

  • Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

  • Experience in establishing and managing design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across digital products.

  • Ability to leverage qualitative user research methods and quantitative data analysis to derive actionable insights for design strategy.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale to diverse stakeholders.

  • Experience in mentoring or leading design initiatives, including collaboration with external partners like agencies or freelancers.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience within the eMobility, energy management, or cleantech sectors.

  • German language proficiency.

  • Familiarity with AI-powered design tools and an eagerness to explore their application in the design process.

  • Experience in building or scaling a design team and fostering a positive design culture.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7+ years of experience designing digital products, ideally within B2B SaaS or complex product ecosystems" strongly suggests a senior-level role focused on both individual contribution and strategic team development. The emphasis on the portfolio is paramount, requiring candidates to showcase not just aesthetics but deep strategic thinking and problem-solving.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated portfolio that clearly demonstrates your ability to own and drive the end-to-end product experience, showcasing the impact of your design decisions.

  • Case studies that detail the problem, your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration), and the quantifiable outcomes or business impact achieved.

  • Examples of how you have translated complex requirements into intuitive user flows and elegant interfaces, particularly within B2B contexts.

Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of establishing or significantly improving design workflows, including collaboration with product management and engineering.

  • Examples of how you've integrated user research (qualitative and quantitative) and data analysis into the design process to inform decisions and validate solutions.

  • Demonstrations of your approach to prototyping and user testing to gather feedback and iterate on designs effectively.

  • Insights into how you have explored and integrated new tools, such as AI-powered design solutions, to enhance design efficiency and creativity.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It needs to go beyond surface-level visuals to demonstrate strategic thinking, process rigor, and measurable impact. The emphasis on "scaling the design function" means showing experience in process definition and system implementation is key.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on similar Lead Product Designer roles in Munich with 7+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €80,000 - €110,000. This estimate accounts for the cost of living in Munich and the seniority of the position, as well as the specific industry focus on cleantech/eMobility which can command competitive compensation.

Benefits:

  • Cross-team onboarding to foster a collaborative understanding of the company's ecosystem.

  • Dedicated onboarding buddy for guidance and support.

  • Generous holiday allowance: 28 days per year, plus additional days off between Christmas and New Year.

  • Free access to the platform nilo and its offerings for personal well-being.

  • Hybrid work setup promoting work-life balance.

  • Subsidized public transport tickets or a JobRad (company bicycle lease) membership.

  • Alternative: EGYM Wellpass membership for fitness and wellness.

  • Access to benefits through FutureBens and Corporate Benefits platforms.

  • Individual learning budget of €1,000 per year to support professional development.

  • Regular monthly team events and cross-office visits to foster team cohesion and collaboration.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid work model offers flexibility in managing workdays.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Lead Product Designer roles in major German tech hubs like Munich, considering the specified experience level and the competitive nature of the tech/sustainability sector. The listed benefits are directly from the job description, highlighting a strong focus on employee well-being, development, and work-life balance.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software, Energy Management, eMobility), Environmental & Sustainability. Future Energy Ventures invests in companies driving the energy transition, and reev is a key player in making electric vehicle charging more efficient and sustainable.

Company Size: Future Energy Ventures is an investment firm, and reev, as a portfolio company, likely operates as a dynamic, growth-stage startup or scale-up. The exact size of reev is not specified, but its client base (6,000+ B2B clients) suggests a significant operational footprint.

Founded: Future Energy Ventures was founded in 2015. The founding date of reev is not specified, but its substantial client numbers and growth targets for 2025 indicate a mature product and established market presence.

Team Structure:

  • The design function is being built from the ground up by this Lead Product Designer, implying a lean initial structure with strong collaboration across core teams.

  • Reporting structure will likely involve reporting to a Head of Product, CTO, or a senior executive responsible for product strategy, with direct collaboration across Product Management, UX Research, and Engineering.

Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, leveraging qualitative and quantitative insights to inform design.

  • Agile product development methodologies are implied, with close collaboration between design, product, and engineering throughout the development lifecycle.

  • Emphasis on innovation and efficiency, indicated by the exploration and integration of emerging and AI-powered design tools.

Company Website: https://fev.vc/ (Future Energy Ventures), reev's specific website is not provided but can be inferred to focus on eMobility and energy management solutions.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The context of Future Energy Ventures suggests reev operates within a forward-thinking, sustainability-focused environment. The role of Lead Product Designer is pivotal in shaping the user experience of a company contributing to the energy transition, implying a mission-driven culture.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with significant strategic influence and the responsibility of building and guiding a design function. It sits at the cusp of senior individual contribution and early-stage team leadership, focusing on setting standards and driving design excellence.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report into a senior leadership role such as the Head of Product, Chief Product Officer (CPO), or Chief Technology Officer (CTO), depending on reev's specific organizational structure. They will work hands-on with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, UX Researchers, and Software Engineers.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on reev's revenue and business success by defining and elevating the user experience of its eMobility platform. An outstanding product experience is crucial for customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction in the competitive B2B SaaS market, directly influencing market perception and adoption rates.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Team Scaling Leadership: The primary growth path involves building and leading the product design team at reev, potentially growing it from a single function to a dedicated department.

  • Strategic Product Influence: Opportunity to significantly influence the product roadmap and long-term vision of reev, shaping the future of eMobility solutions.

  • Industry Expertise: Deepen expertise in the rapidly evolving eMobility and energy management sectors, becoming a thought leader in sustainable technology design.

  • Cross-Company Exposure: As a portfolio company of Future Energy Ventures, there may be opportunities for collaboration or learning from other innovative companies within the FEV network.

  • Skill Development: Continuous learning through a dedicated €1,000 annual learning budget, access to industry conferences, and practical application of new technologies like AI in design.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and the mandate to "scale the design function from the ground up" point to a significant growth trajectory. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to establish a design legacy within a mission-driven company in a high-growth sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: reev operates a hybrid work setup, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. The emphasis on "office days" suggests a commitment to in-person interaction for achieving meaningful results, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Munich, Germany. The hybrid model implies that employees are expected to be present in the Munich office on designated days.

Workspace Context:

  • The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with designated office days encouraging interaction among team members.

  • Access to modern design tools, including Figma and potentially AI-powered design software, will be standard. The company seems invested in providing the necessary technological resources.

  • Opportunities for interaction with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, UX Research) are integral to the role, promoting a dynamic and integrated work environment.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an estimated 40 hours per week. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing personal schedules while ensuring dedicated time for in-office collaboration.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration. This setup is common in modern tech companies and requires individuals who can self-manage their time effectively while being present for key team activities.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of applications and portfolios to assess foundational qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing specific case studies that highlight their UX thinking, visual craft, and ability to drive impact in complex product ecosystems. This stage will assess problem-solving skills and communication effectiveness.

  • Cross-Functional Interviews: Conversations with Product Managers, UX Researchers, and Engineers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to integrate design into development workflows.

  • Leadership/Culture Fit Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to assess strategic vision, leadership potential, cultural alignment with reev and Future Energy Ventures, and understanding of the eMobility market.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact in B2B SaaS or complex environments.

  • Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the challenge, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (research, ideation, execution, iteration), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or business impact. Quantify results wherever possible.

  • Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: If applicable, include examples of how you've guided teams, established design systems, or mentored junior designers.

  • Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Showcase your mastery of Figma and any experience with AI-powered design tools or emerging technologies.

  • Tailor to reev: Research reev's mission and products. Frame your portfolio presentation to highlight how your skills and experience align with their goals in eMobility and sustainable energy.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Thinking Exercise: Be prepared for a hypothetical design challenge that requires you to think critically about a user problem within the eMobility or energy management space. Focus on your process, user empathy, and innovative solutions.

  • System Design Discussion: Anticipate questions about how you would approach building or scaling a design system for a growing B2B SaaS product.

  • Stakeholder Management: Prepare to discuss how you would handle design disagreements, gather feedback from diverse stakeholders, and advocate for user-centered design principles.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on the portfolio as a demonstration of practical skills and strategic thinking. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process, justify their decisions with data and user insights, and demonstrate leadership potential.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required tool, indicating it's the primary platform for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

  • Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, familiarity with other dedicated prototyping tools might be beneficial for complex interactive prototypes.

  • AI-Powered Design Tools: The job description encourages exploration and integration of emerging AI tools, suggesting a forward-thinking approach. Candidates should be curious and potentially have experience with AI-assisted design or content generation tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar, to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

  • Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that can translate quantitative data into actionable insights for design strategy.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly mentioned for the designer role, understanding the CRM ecosystem (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and how product design impacts user journeys within these systems can be advantageous for B2B SaaS.

  • Familiarity with project management and workflow automation tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for collaboration with engineering and product teams.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone tool for this role. Proficiency is non-negotiable. The mention of AI-powered design tools is a significant differentiator, suggesting the company is looking for someone proactive in adopting new technologies to enhance design operations and efficiency.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving user needs to create impactful product experiences.

  • Innovation: A drive to explore and integrate new technologies, including AI, to push the boundaries of design and product development.

  • Collaboration: A commitment to working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Researchers to achieve shared goals.

  • Sustainability & Impact: A passion for contributing to a cleaner energy future through innovative eMobility solutions.

  • Responsibility & Autonomy: Encouraging individuals to take ownership of their work and realize their ideas.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: The role demands seamless collaboration with Product, Engineering, and UX Research, working together from discovery to delivery.

  • Open Communication: An environment where ideas are shared openly, and feedback is exchanged constructively to refine designs and processes.

  • Process-Oriented: Building and refining design workflows and design systems to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability.

  • Data-Informed: Decisions are grounded in both qualitative user insights and quantitative data, fostering a pragmatic approach to design problem-solving.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: reev emphasizes a culture of ownership, innovation, and collaboration, all within the framework of sustainability. The "Lead" role is expected to embody and propagate these values, particularly in establishing the new design function.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Building from Scratch: Establishing a design function, culture, and processes within a growing company presents a significant foundational challenge requiring strategic planning and execution.

  • Balancing Vision and Execution: Effectively translating a compelling design vision into tangible, high-quality product experiences while managing day-to-day design tasks.

  • Navigating B2B Complexity: Designing for a B2B SaaS audience, which often involves complex workflows, diverse user roles, and stringent business requirements.

  • Integrating New Technologies: Successfully exploring and integrating emerging AI-powered design tools into existing workflows without disrupting productivity.

  • Market Dynamics: Keeping pace with the rapidly evolving eMobility and energy management sectors, ensuring designs remain relevant and competitive.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Leadership Development: Significant opportunity to hone leadership skills by building and managing a design team and function.

  • Strategic Product Design: Deepen expertise in shaping product strategy and influencing business outcomes through design.

  • Industry Specialization: Become an expert in the unique design challenges and opportunities within the eMobility and cleantech industries.

  • Technology Adoption: Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI design tools and their practical application.

  • Formal Learning: Access to a €1,000 annual learning budget for courses, conferences, or certifications.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The primary challenge and growth opportunity lies in the "build from scratch" aspect of the design function. This role is ideal for an ambitious designer who thrives on establishing frameworks, processes, and culture.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your approach to building a design function from the ground up. What are the first three things you would prioritize?" (Focus on culture, process, tooling).

  • "How have you leveraged qualitative and quantitative data to inform a significant design decision in a complex B2B product? Walk us through the process and the outcome." (Demonstrate data-driven approach and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about reev's mission in eMobility and sustainable energy, and how do you see design contributing to that mission?" (Align your passion with the company's vision).

  • "How would you foster a strong design culture within a company that may not have had a dedicated design lead before?" (Highlight your leadership and collaboration strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Curate for Impact: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your ability to lead, design complex B2B experiences, and drive measurable results.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the key decisions, and the impact (quantify if possible). Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

  • Highlight System Design: If you have experience building design systems, dedicate time to explaining your approach, its benefits, and how it scales.

  • Address AI Exploration: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on integrating AI into design workflows and any relevant experience you have.

  • Engage Your Audience: Be prepared for questions and actively involve the interviewers in your presentation.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a clear understanding of how design drives business value in a B2B SaaS context, particularly within the sustainability sector.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is readily accessible and highlights projects demonstrating end-to-end product design ownership, B2B SaaS experience, and quantifiable impact. Tailor your case studies to emphasize problem-solving and strategic thinking relevant to reev's mission in eMobility.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 7+ years of experience, leadership initiatives, expertise in Figma, and any experience with design systems or scaling design functions. Use keywords from the job description like "Lead Product Designer," "UX Design," "B2B SaaS," "Design Systems," and "AI-Powered Design."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling and clear articulation of your design process and outcomes. Prepare for questions about team building, user-centricity, and your approach to innovation.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research Future Energy Ventures and reev. Understand their mission, market position, and the challenges and opportunities within the eMobility and energy management sectors. This will help you articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

āš ļø 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.


Application Requirements

The ideal candidate should have 7+ years of experience in designing digital products, particularly in B2B SaaS. A strong portfolio demonstrating UX thinking and visual craft, along with mentoring experience and strong communication skills, is essential.