Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer Company: DailyPay Location: New York, New York, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2026-02-16T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design lifecycle for consumer mobile features, encompassing discovery, wireframing, high-fidelity execution, and developer-ready delivery for both iOS and Android platforms.
• Serve as the primary design authority within product squads, acting as a strategic partner to Product and Engineering to align design initiatives with long-term vision and business objectives.
• Translate complex, conceptual ideas into intuitive and elegant user experiences, utilizing design artifacts to facilitate cross-organizational stakeholder alignment.
• Foster a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement through active mentorship, rigorous design critiques, and leading by example within the design team.
• Collaborate closely with UX Research to validate complex interactions and UI patterns, ensuring user intuition and business performance are optimized.
• Drive the implementation and maintenance of a cohesive product experience by working with engineers and contributing to the evolution of the design system for mobile and web platforms.
• Act as a market advocate by staying abreast of consumer finance and payments industry trends to inform design patterns that address the nuances of financial wellness.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within product design, emphasizing ownership of the full design lifecycle for consumer-facing mobile products. The "player-coach" aspect suggests a hands-on role with significant mentoring responsibilities, requiring a blend of deep design craft and team leadership. The focus on fintech and financial wellness indicates a need for designers who can navigate complex and regulated domains.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design process for new consumer mobile features, from initial concept and user research synthesis to pixel-perfect visual design and final handoff to engineering.
• Champion user-centered design principles by conducting user interviews, usability testing, and analyzing user feedback to inform design decisions.
• Develop and maintain detailed wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and interaction models.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to define feature requirements, user stories, and product roadmaps, ensuring design feasibility and strategic alignment.
• Partner with Engineering teams to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, providing support and clarification throughout the development cycle.
• Contribute to and help evolve DailyPay's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all product touchpoints.
• Conduct regular design critiques and provide constructive feedback to other designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design environment.
• Stay current with industry best practices, emerging design trends, and competitive landscape within the fintech and earned wage access sectors.
• Present design rationale and solutions clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, product teams, and engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for end-to-end ownership, strategic partnership, and a strong focus on user validation and system thinking. The emphasis on "player-coach" implies active contribution to design work while also guiding junior team members.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and expertise is paramount. A background in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Interaction Design, Graphic Design, or a related field is typically beneficial for this level of role.

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a proven track record of shipping successful, consumer-facing mobile products at scale.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Lifecycle Management: Demonstrated expertise in owning and executing the full design process from discovery and ideation through to high-fidelity delivery and iteration.
• Mobile-First Design: Deep understanding and practical application of iOS and Android design patterns, best practices, and platform-specific conventions.
• High-Fidelity Prototyping: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes using tools like Figma, InVision, or similar, to effectively communicate complex motion and interaction designs.
• Wireframing & User Flows: Ability to translate complex requirements into clear, logical wireframes and user flow diagrams.
• Design System Contribution: Experience in building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems to ensure product consistency and scalability.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Proven ability to analyze business needs and user insights to develop effective and innovative design solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Excellent collaboration skills, particularly with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Researchers, to drive product development.
• Communication & Presentation: Exceptional ability to articulate design decisions, rationale, and user insights to diverse stakeholders, including executive leadership.
• User-Centered Design: Strong commitment to user research, usability testing, and incorporating user feedback into the design process.

Preferred Skills:

• Fintech/Financial Services Design: Experience designing for financial products, understanding of regulated industries, or experience with multi-sided marketplaces.
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with working in agile development environments.
• Visual Design & UI Craftsmanship: A keen eye for visual aesthetics, typography, color theory, and attention to detail.
• Motion Design Principles: Understanding of how to leverage animation and motion to enhance user experience and convey information.
• Data Analysis for Design: Ability to interpret analytics and user data to inform design iterations and optimizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong portfolio of shipped mobile products and a blend of hands-on craft with leadership capabilities. Fintech experience is a significant plus, indicating a preference for candidates who understand the complexities of financial products and user trust.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of at least 3-5 significant projects showcasing end-to-end product design for consumer-facing mobile applications (iOS and Android).
• Demonstrations of how you managed the design process from initial problem definition and user research to final shipped product.
• Clear articulation of the user problems, business goals, and your specific contributions and design rationale for each project.
• Examples of wireframes, user flows, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes that illustrate your design thinking and execution.
• Evidence of collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, and Research teams.
• Case studies that highlight strategic problem-solving, particularly in complex or regulated domains like fintech.
• Visual examples of how your designs improved key user metrics or business outcomes (e.g., engagement, conversion, task completion).
• Inclusion of how you contributed to or utilized design systems for consistency and scalability.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process in detail, including how you approach discovery, ideation, iteration, and delivery.
• Demonstrate your ability to adapt your process based on project needs, team dynamics, and business constraints.
• Explain how you integrate user research and data into your design workflow.
• Showcase your methods for collaborating with cross-functional partners and managing stakeholder feedback.
• Be ready to articulate how you ensure design quality and consistency through design system adoption and implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are standard for a lead design role, with a specific emphasis on mobile-first execution, end-to-end ownership, and impact on user metrics. The inclusion of fintech context is crucial for candidates to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $158,000 - $209,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance plans.
• Opportunity for equity ownership, providing a stake in the company's success.
• Life insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance to provide income protection.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential support services.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster community and belonging.
• Regular company outings and events to promote team cohesion and morale.
• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, allowing flexibility for rest and rejuvenation.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.

Working Hours: The role is listed as full-time, which typically implies a standard 40-hour work week. However, the hybrid nature and leadership responsibilities may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Lead Product Designer in a major metropolitan area like New York City, reflecting the experience level and responsibilities. The benefits package is robust, including equity, which is a significant draw for senior roles. The "Unlimited PTO" is a notable perk, though candidates should understand its practical implications within a demanding role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Worktech / Fintech (specifically, on-demand pay and earned wage access solutions). DailyPay operates at the intersection of human resources technology and financial services, aiming to improve employee financial well-being. Company Size: DailyPay is a growing company, likely in the scale-up phase, with a significant number of employees. This size suggests a dynamic environment with established processes but still room for innovation and individual impact. Founded: DailyPay was founded to address the growing need for flexible pay solutions, positioning itself as a modern employer benefit. Its founding principles likely revolve around employee empowerment, financial literacy, and employer-employee relationship enhancement.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Product Designer will be part of the Product and UX team, likely reporting to a Head of Product Design or VP of Product.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, UX Researchers, and a team of fellow Product Designers.
• Engineering teams are key partners for implementation and technical feasibility discussions.
• The role involves working within "squads," which are typically cross-functional teams focused on specific product areas or initiatives.

Methodology:

• DailyPay emphasizes a data-driven approach, using research and analytics to inform product decisions and validate design effectiveness.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed, fostering iterative development and close collaboration between design, product, and engineering.
• A strong focus on user-centered design is evident, aiming to create intuitive and valuable experiences for both employees and employers.
• The company culture appears to value innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to its mission of improving financial wellness.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DailyPay is in a rapidly evolving sector (Worktech/Fintech). The company culture likely reflects a fast-paced, mission-driven environment that values innovation and employee well-being. The hybrid work model suggests a commitment to both flexibility and in-person collaboration.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Lead," indicating a senior individual contributor position with leadership responsibilities. It signifies a step beyond a Senior Designer, requiring the ability to guide projects, mentor others, and influence product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director or VP of Product Design or a Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their assigned product squad.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer's work directly impacts the user experience of DailyPay's core consumer mobile product. Their designs will influence user adoption, engagement, satisfaction, and ultimately, the perceived value of the DailyPay benefit for employees. By ensuring intuitive and effective financial tools, they contribute to the company's mission of improving financial wellness and strengthening employer-employee relationships.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Transition into a Design Manager role, leading a team of designers, or specialize further as a Principal/Staff Product Designer focusing on complex challenges and strategic initiatives.
• Domain Expertise: Deepen expertise in fintech, financial wellness, and consumer finance product design, becoming a go-to expert for the company.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence across product strategy, business development, and marketing by leveraging design thinking to solve broader organizational challenges.
• Design System Evolution: Take a more significant role in shaping and scaling the company's design system, potentially leading its development.
• Mentorship Expansion: Develop formal mentorship programs or lead design workshops to scale knowledge sharing across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This "Lead" role is a significant career advancement opportunity, offering a clear path towards management or deep individual contribution at a strategic level. The emphasis on impact within a mission-driven company is a strong growth driver.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: DailyPay operates a hybrid work model. This means the office environment is designed for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work sessions, alongside the flexibility of remote work. Expect a modern office space conducive to creative brainstorming and cross-functional interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is New York City. This suggests access to a vibrant tech and design community, easy transportation, and a dynamic urban setting.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features meeting rooms, huddle spaces, and open areas designed for team collaboration, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions.
• Technology & Tools: Access to necessary hardware, software (like Figma), and potentially specialized equipment for creative work. The company provides the tools needed for digital design and prototyping.
• Team Interaction: The hybrid model encourages intentional in-office days for high-value interactions, fostering team cohesion and a shared sense of purpose. Expect opportunities to connect with colleagues across different disciplines.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (typically 40 hours/week). The hybrid arrangement allows for flexibility, with specific in-office days likely determined by team needs and individual arrangements, balancing focused remote work with collaborative on-site engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring adaptability and proactive communication. The New York City location offers significant advantages for networking and access to resources.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio to assess initial fit.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects. Expect to discuss your design process, decision-making, impact, and how you collaborated with teams.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual whiteboard exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, design approach, and ability to think critically under pressure. This might involve designing a feature or critiquing an existing experience.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Researchers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and alignment with team dynamics.
• Leadership/Stakeholder Interview: A conversation with senior leadership (e.g., VP of Product, Head of Design) to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience with consumer mobile products, end-to-end design ownership, and impact. Tailor your selection to highlight fintech or complex financial product experience if applicable.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the key decisions you made, the trade-offs considered, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.
• Focus on "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design choices. Why did you choose a particular pattern? What user needs were you addressing? How did your design solve the problem?
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).
• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional partners, handled feedback, and navigated disagreements.
• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your process, your biggest design challenges, how you handle ambiguity, and your leadership style.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly read and understand the prompt. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Define the Problem: Clearly articulate the problem you are trying to solve before jumping into solutions.
• Show Your Process: Document your steps, including any quick research, brainstorming, sketching, wireframing, and prototyping. Explain your rationale at each stage.
• Consider Edge Cases: Think about different user scenarios, accessibility, and potential technical constraints.
• Present Clearly: Be ready to present your solution concisely, highlighting key aspects and your reasoning. Focus on clarity and strategic thinking over pixel-perfect polish for timed exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for a senior design role, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and the ability to articulate design strategy and impact. The "player-coach" aspect will likely be assessed through questions about mentorship and team collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery of Figma's features, including component libraries and auto layout, is expected.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with advanced prototyping features within Figma or standalone tools like ProtoPie, Principle, or After Effects for complex animations and interactions.
• Design System Tools: Experience with tools or processes for managing and contributing to design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook integration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar for understanding user behavior and tracking key product metrics.
• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms integrate with user data can be beneficial for understanding the broader customer journey.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: Common tools for tracking development progress, bugs, and project documentation.
• Slack/Microsoft Teams: Essential for day-to-day communication and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of modern product design workflows. Proficiency in this tool, along with a strong understanding of how to leverage analytics data to inform design, is critical. Experience with design systems is also a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user's needs and experience in every design decision.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing research, analytics, and user feedback as foundational elements for design strategy and validation.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and cross-functional partnerships are strong.
• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A dedication to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of skills and processes.
• Impact & Mission-Driven: A shared passion for DailyPay's mission to improve financial wellness and a focus on designing solutions that create tangible positive outcomes for users.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new ideas, adapting to change, and finding creative solutions to complex problems in a fast-paced environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Squads: Working as a core member of cross-functional squads, embedding design into the product development lifecycle from inception.
• Open Feedback Loops: Regularly participating in design critiques, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the quality of work.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining clear and consistent communication with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and address potential roadblocks.
• Shared Ownership: A collective responsibility for product success, where designers contribute not just to the "how" but also to the "what" and "why."
• Mentorship & Support: A culture where senior members actively mentor and support junior colleagues, fostering collective growth and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: DailyPay's values likely emphasize innovation, user impact, and strong teamwork. The design team culture will reflect a blend of individual craft excellence and collaborative problem-solving within agile product squads.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the inherent tension between creating ideal user experiences and meeting aggressive business objectives, especially in a competitive fintech landscape.
• Designing for Financial Complexity & Trust: Creating intuitive and trustworthy experiences for users dealing with sensitive financial data and potentially complex financial concepts, ensuring clarity and security.
• Scaling Design Systems: Evolving and maintaining a comprehensive design system that supports both mobile and web platforms across a growing product suite.
• Hybrid Work Dynamics: Effectively collaborating and maintaining team cohesion and productivity in a hybrid work environment, ensuring seamless communication and knowledge transfer.
• Influencing Product Strategy: As a Lead, demonstrating strategic influence beyond pure execution, contributing to roadmap decisions and product vision.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Domain Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the earned wage access market, consumer finance, and regulatory considerations.
• Leadership Skills: Developing formal leadership capabilities through mentorship, team guidance, and potentially managing design initiatives.
• Advanced Design Techniques: Exploring and implementing cutting-edge interaction design, animation, and user research methodologies.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing understanding of product management, engineering constraints, and business strategy to foster more effective collaboration.
• Design System Ownership: Taking on greater responsibility for the strategy, growth, and governance of DailyPay's design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a growing tech company, particularly in a regulated industry. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening expertise, expanding leadership capabilities, and contributing strategically to the company's success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for tackling a completely new product feature from scratch. How do you ensure you're solving the right problem?" (Focus on discovery, user research integration, and problem definition.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives when designing? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight your ability to find win-win solutions and articulate trade-offs.)
• "Imagine you're designing a feature for a user who is experiencing financial stress. What are the key considerations and how would your design address them?" (Demonstrate empathy, understanding of financial wellness, and design for trust/clarity.)
• "How do you approach the evolution and maintenance of a design system? What are the challenges and best practices?" (Showcase your understanding of scalability, consistency, and cross-team adoption.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about DailyPay's mission and the worktech/fintech space?" (Research DailyPay's mission, values, and recent news to show genuine interest.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Discuss your approach to communication, feedback, and team building.)
• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders who had a different vision for a product. How did you gain alignment?" (Prepare a specific example demonstrating persuasive communication and strategic thinking.)
• "How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, especially within the fintech industry?" (Mention relevant blogs, conferences, communities, or thought leaders.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. Use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, rationale, and challenges encountered.
• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, and how you incorporated their feedback.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your portfolio that align with DailyPay's focus on consumer mobile, fintech, and user experience.
• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's clear, concise, and engaging, fitting within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, strong UX craft, leadership potential, and an understanding of DailyPay's specific market and mission. Be ready to articulate your design process, rationale, and impact with concrete examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 of your most impactful consumer mobile design projects. Ensure these examples clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable outcomes, ideally highlighting experience with financial products or complex user journeys.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords and responsibilities relevant to a Lead Product Designer role in fintech. Quantify your achievements and highlight experience in areas such as mobile-first design, design systems, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership/mentorship.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research DailyPay's mission, values, product offerings, and recent news. Understand their position in the worktech and fintech markets, and prepare thoughtful questions to demonstrate your engagement and interest.

⚠️ 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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