Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer Company: Jerry Location: San Francisco, California, United States Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2025-07-23T00:00:00 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site (with potential for remote work within the US)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for new features and product enhancements within a rapidly growing, pre-IPO startup environment.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow Designers to translate complex user needs into intuitive and visually appealing mobile experiences.
• Take ownership of design projects from initial concept, wireframing, and prototyping through to final implementation and post-launch iteration, ensuring brand consistency and user-centricity.
• Leverage expertise in user research and A/B testing to inform design decisions and continuously optimize the user experience across Jerry's innovative car ownership super app.
• Contribute to shaping the future of a $2T market by designing features that will scale to millions of users, reporting directly to the CEO.

📝 Enhancement Note: While listed as "On-site," the "location_requirements_raw" indicates work within the United States, suggesting potential flexibility for remote employees based in other US locations, common for pre-IPO tech companies scaling rapidly. The role emphasizes contributing to "0-1" features, highlighting an opportunity for significant impact in a fast-paced environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design strategy and execution for new product features, from initial ideation and user flow mapping to detailed UI design and prototyping.
• Translate product requirements and user insights into compelling design concepts, wireframes, user stories, and detailed specifications for engineering teams.
• Manage multiple design projects concurrently throughout the entire product lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality output for new feature launches.
• Maintain and evolve brand consistency across all touchpoints of the Jerry mobile application, ensuring a cohesive and visually stunning user experience.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and analyze A/B test results to gather feedback and iterate on designs, driving continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with product management to define product strategy, facilitate discovery workshops, and brainstorm innovative design solutions.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in mobile application design patterns, user interface trends, and best practices to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product input and hands-on design execution, typical for a "Lead" role in a smaller, fast-growing design team. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery" and "guiding product direction" suggests a high degree of autonomy and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is often preferred, though equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered. Experience: 5-10 years of proven experience in product design, UX/UI design, or interaction design, with a significant focus on consumer-facing mobile applications.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in visual design, UX design, and interaction design principles within a professional setting.
• Proven experience in designing for consumer-facing mobile or web applications, with a portfolio showcasing successful product launches.
• Deep understanding of user-centric design methodologies and processes.
• Proficiency in creating detailed screen flows, rapid prototypes, and defining information architecture.
• Expert-level command of Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of platform-specific design patterns, including iOS Human Interface Guidelines and Android Material Design guidelines.
• Ability to articulate and present design concepts, user flows, and wireframes effectively.
• Experience in conducting user research and leveraging user feedback to refine designs.
• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies to validate design hypotheses.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing for financial technology (FinTech) or automotive-related applications.
• Ability to build and utilize design frameworks for efficient workflow and consistency.
• Experience facilitating product discovery workshops and brainstorming sessions.
• Skills in creating and maintaining design systems to ensure brand consistency and scalability.
• Familiarity with front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma expertise and platform-specific guidelines is critical. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects demonstrating proficiency in these areas within their portfolio. The "5-10 years" experience level suggests the expectation of leadership and strategic thinking, not just execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing 3-5 significant projects that demonstrate end-to-end product design ownership, from concept to launch.
• Projects should clearly articulate design challenges, user research insights, design process (wireframes, user flows, prototypes), and final visual designs.
• Evidence of impact and results, ideally through metrics or case studies demonstrating improvements in user engagement, conversion rates, or task completion.
• Demonstrations of proficiency in Figma, including complex prototyping, component libraries, and collaborative workflows.
• Examples of adherence to and thoughtful application of platform-specific design patterns (iOS/Android).

Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in creating and documenting design processes, including user research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.
• Highlight examples of facilitating product discovery workshops and contributing to product strategy through design thinking.
• Include case studies that detail how design decisions were informed by user data, A/B testing, and iterative feedback loops.
• Demonstrate ability to manage design projects, including timelines, scope, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display aesthetic quality but also a clear, strategic, and user-centered design process with measurable outcomes. Highlight projects that show problem-solving capabilities and the ability to influence product direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Designer in San Francisco with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is between $150,000 - $200,000. This estimate accounts for the company's pre-IPO status, significant funding, and the high cost of living in San Francisco.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity/stock options in a pre-IPO, high-growth startup.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Opportunities for professional development and continued learning in design and product management.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and impact.
• Potential to work with a talented team from top tech companies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to adapt to project needs and deadlines. The hybrid or on-site nature of the role in San Francisco may require adherence to specific office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate. Candidates should expect that compensation may include a significant equity component, reflecting the startup's growth trajectory. Benefits are typical for tech companies but should be confirmed directly.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (specifically, a "super app" for car ownership, encompassing insurance, financing, maintenance, and more), FinTech, Automotive Technology. Company Size: Approximately 200 employees, indicating a dynamic and growing startup environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This size often means less bureaucracy and more direct access to leadership. Founded: 2017. The company has a history of significant growth, scaling revenue 60X and customers to over 5 million, positioning it as a mature startup with proven traction.

Team Structure:

• The design team is currently small (3 designers) and aims to double, suggesting a foundational role for the Lead Product Designer in shaping the team's processes and culture.
• The Lead Product Designer reports directly to the CEO, Art Agrawal, indicating a high level of visibility and direct influence on company strategy.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers working closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform product and design strategies.
• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, allowing for rapid iteration and adaptation.
• Focus on customer-centricity and solving real-world problems for car owners.
• Emphasis on innovation and building disruptive technology in a massive market.

Company Website: https://www.jerry.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: The "pre-IPO startup" status is a key cultural indicator, suggesting a fast-paced, high-energy environment with a strong focus on growth and innovation. Reporting to the CEO offers a unique opportunity for impact and exposure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with leadership responsibilities within the design function. It sits above a standard Product Designer and below a Design Manager or Director. The role is expected to mentor junior designers and influence design strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer reports directly to the CEO, Art Agrawal. This direct line to top leadership provides significant visibility and influence over product and design decisions.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's product strategy and user experience, which are critical drivers of customer acquisition, retention, and overall revenue growth. The Lead Product Designer will shape how millions of users interact with Jerry's services, directly influencing the company's mission to simplify car ownership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor and guide a growing design team, potentially evolving into a formal management role as the team expands.
• Strategic Influence: Direct involvement in product strategy discussions with the CEO and executive team, offering a chance to shape the company's direction.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in mobile app design, FinTech, or automotive tech through hands-on work on innovative features.
• Career Advancement: Potential for rapid career progression within a high-growth startup environment, moving into senior leadership positions as the company scales towards its $10B valuation goal.

📝 Enhancement Note: The direct reporting line to the CEO is a significant growth opportunity, offering unparalleled exposure to executive-level decision-making and strategic planning within a rapidly scaling company.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "TELECOMMUTE" with a primary location of San Francisco, California. However, the "remote_derived": true flag and "location_requirements_raw": ["United States"] suggest that while the role is based in San Francisco, there may be flexibility for remote candidates within the United States, or a hybrid model is in place. The company culture described is collaborative and fast-paced.

Office Location(s): Primary location is San Francisco, California. Given the company's global team (~200 employees across 7 countries), there might be other distributed hubs, but the primary focus for this role is likely the US market.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic and collaborative workspace where designers work closely with product managers and engineers.
• Expect a fast-paced environment characteristic of a growing startup, with opportunities for rapid iteration and immediate impact.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies, with a strong emphasis on Figma.
• Opportunities for close interaction with leadership, including the CEO.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the flexibility often found in tech startups to accommodate project demands. The on-site or hybrid nature in San Francisco implies a structured work week with potential for collaboration during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Clarification on the exact remote/hybrid policy is recommended. Given the "On-site" classification in some systems and "TELECOMMUTE" in others, it's crucial for candidates to understand the expectation for physical presence in San Francisco or the model for remote US-based employees.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Design Discussion: A deep dive into your portfolio with design and product team members. Expect to walk through your process, rationale, and impact on specific projects.
• Design Challenge/Whiteboarding Session: You may be asked to tackle a design problem, sketch solutions, or discuss design strategies for a hypothetical Jerry feature, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and creative thinking.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration skills and understanding of technical constraints.
• CEO Interview: A final interview with the CEO to discuss strategic alignment, vision, and overall fit with the company's mission and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made, and the outcome. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.
• Showcase Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. Use metrics related to user engagement, task success rates, conversion, or retention to demonstrate the value of your design work.
• Highlight Process: Demonstrate your understanding of the full design lifecycle, from research and ideation to prototyping, testing, and iteration. Show your Figma proficiency through interactive prototypes or well-organized design files.
• Tailor to Jerry: Select projects that best align with Jerry's product (mobile app, user-centric design, potentially FinTech/automotive adjacent) and the company's growth-stage.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with Jerry's existing app and understand its value proposition and target users.
• Practice articulating design decisions and trade-offs clearly and concisely.
• Be prepared to think critically about user problems and propose innovative, user-centered solutions.
• Understand how to balance user needs with business goals and technical feasibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, reflecting the importance of design in a user-centric product company. Direct interaction with the CEO underscores the strategic nature of this role. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is essential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool. Expect advanced usage for UI design, interactive prototyping, component libraries, and collaborative workflows.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial for specific use cases.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with mobile app analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics for Firebase) to understand user behavior and track feature adoption.
• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with A/B testing frameworks or platforms to measure the impact of design variations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, understanding how design integrates with CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for a holistic view of the customer journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is non-negotiable. A strong understanding of how design integrates with user analytics and A/B testing is crucial for demonstrating impact and iterating effectively.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user's needs, ensuring every design decision prioritizes the customer experience.
• Data-Driven Innovation: Leveraging data and insights to guide product development and design, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively across teams, sharing knowledge openly, and valuing diverse perspectives to achieve collective goals.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking initiative, owning projects end-to-end, and striving to make a tangible impact on the company's success and user satisfaction.
• Egolessness: A focus on team success and product improvement over individual ego, encouraging constructive feedback and a collaborative spirit.

Collaboration Style:

• Close partnership with Product Managers to define product strategy and requirements.
• Tight collaboration with Engineers to ensure designs are feasible and implemented accurately.
• Open communication and feedback exchange within the design team to foster a strong design culture and ensure brand consistency.
• Cross-functional interaction with stakeholders across the organization to gather input and communicate design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "egoless" collaboration and a "data-driven" approach are key cultural indicators. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate how they embody these values in their work and interactions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Processes: As the design team grows, there will be a need to establish and refine design processes, standards, and potentially a design system to ensure scalability and consistency.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Balancing the need for thorough design work with the startup's demand for rapid feature delivery and iteration can be challenging.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring alignment on design vision and execution across multiple teams (product, engineering, marketing) requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Defining New Product Areas: Contributing to "0-1" feature development means navigating ambiguity and defining new user experiences from scratch.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship from Leadership: Direct access to the CEO and experienced product leaders provides an exceptional learning environment.
• Impactful Project Ownership: The opportunity to own significant features and product areas allows for deep learning and skill development in a real-world context.
• Exposure to High-Growth Startup Dynamics: Experience the intricacies of scaling a technology company, from product-market fit to IPO readiness.
• Industry Exposure: Gain insights into the automotive, insurance, and FinTech sectors through the lens of product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a lead role in a fast-growing startup. Framing these challenges as opportunities for growth and process improvement will be beneficial during interviews.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a complex product design initiative from concept to launch. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your leadership, process, and impact.)
• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business objectives and technical constraints in your design process?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving.)
• "Walk us through a design you created that required significant iteration based on user feedback or A/B testing. What did you learn, and how did you adapt your design?" (Highlight your user-centricity and iterative approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Jerry's mission to simplify car ownership and our 'super app' approach?" (Showcase your understanding and enthusiasm for the company.)
• "How do you contribute to a collaborative and egoless team environment?" (Align with Jerry's stated values.)
• "What are your thoughts on our current mobile app's user experience? What opportunities do you see for improvement?" (Demonstrate proactive thinking and an understanding of the product.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, typically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
• Storytelling: Use compelling narratives to explain your design journey, highlighting key decisions and their rationale.
• Visuals: Ensure your slides are clean, visually appealing, and effectively showcase your designs, wireframes, and prototypes.
• Figma Demo: Be prepared to show interactive prototypes or elements of your Figma workflow if asked.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples that align with the company's mission and values. Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you collaborate, and how you measure success. The interview with the CEO will likely focus on strategic alignment and cultural fit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end product design process, leadership capabilities, and impact, ideally focusing on mobile consumer applications. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates Figma proficiency and user-centric problem-solving.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience in mobile app design, UX/UI, user research, prototyping, and any leadership or mentoring experience. Use keywords from the job description and quantify your achievements with metrics.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work for each portfolio project. Be ready to discuss your experience with A/B testing, user research, and collaboration.
• Research Jerry: Understand Jerry's product, market position, and company mission. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their goals and how you can contribute to their growth.

⚠️ 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.