Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer Company: JustPlay GmbH Location: Germany Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design Leadership / GTM Operations Date Posted: 2025-10-23 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the product design vision and strategy for a high-impact platform used by millions, focusing on content discovery, player motivation, and engagement design.
• Mentor, manage, and grow a team of talented product designers across iOS, Android, and web platforms, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Drive measurable business outcomes through user-centric design, balancing player delight with company growth objectives and ensuring every player interaction contributes to JustPlay's mission.
• Integrate AI tools and workflows to enhance operational efficiency within the digital product development lifecycle, enabling teams to accelerate speed and improve quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within product design, with a strong emphasis on strategic impact, team management, and operational efficiency through AI integration. The focus on "content discovery, player motivation, and engagement design" suggests a critical role in driving user retention and platform growth, which aligns with GTM (Go-To-Market) operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Leadership & Vision:
  • Lead the end-to-end user experience design process, from initial concept through to launch, and champion the design vision for one of the world's leading entertainment apps.
  • Manage, mentor, and provide guidance to a team of product designers working on iOS, Android, and web platforms, fostering a high-performing and collaborative environment.
  • Cultivate a strong design culture characterized by craft, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
  • Act as a design advocate across the organization, educating stakeholders on design principles and establishing design-led practices to influence product strategy.
  • Drive tangible business results by making design decisions that optimize both player satisfaction and company growth objectives.
  • Champion and integrate AI-assisted design tools to streamline creative workflows, enhance design quality, and accelerate delivery cycles with a strong bias towards both quality and velocity.
• Hands-On Design & Product Evolution:
  • Create user-centric designs, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, for the JustPlay application.
  • Develop and iterate on features specifically designed to enhance the player journey, with a strategic focus on game discovery mechanisms and loyalty-driven gamification strategies.
  • Build, maintain, and evolve JustPlay's comprehensive design guidelines and design system to ensure consistency and scalability across all product touchpoints.
• Collaboration & Strategic Alignment:
  • Partner closely with product managers, engineers, and other key stakeholders to conceptualize and deliver innovative solutions that align with technical constraints and business goals.
  • Apply platform-specific best practices for iOS and Android to ensure a high standard of design quality and seamless user interactions across diverse devices.
  • Translate research findings, user feedback, and analytical data into actionable design concepts and product improvements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to identify strategic opportunities for leveraging AI and automation to streamline design operations and enhance overall product development efficiency.
• Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
  • Establish, refine, and maintain effective design processes that can scale efficiently with the growth of the design team and product complexity.
  • Proactively identify and implement opportunities to enhance product usability, intuitiveness, and overall user satisfaction.
  • Stay abreast of the latest trends in mobile gaming, player engagement, and the broader advertising ecosystem to inform design strategy and product innovation.
  • Foster a high-performing, growth-minded design team through consistent mentorship, constructive feedback, and opportunities for skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: strategic leadership and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on AI integration for operational efficiency and the mention of "driving measurable business outcomes" indicate a need for a candidate who can connect design decisions directly to business impact, a key tenet of GTM and RevOps.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often expected for leadership roles in this domain. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.

Experience:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a significant portion spent leading mobile product design teams.
• Demonstrated experience in scaling or refining established design teams and their associated processes within a fast-paced environment.
• Proven track record of successfully launching and iterating on mobile products, ideally within the entertainment or gaming industry.
• Experience in refining and scaling design operations to meet evolving business needs and team growth.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Leadership: Proven ability to set design vision, manage design teams, and influence product strategy.
• Gamification & User Engagement: Deep expertise in designing features that motivate players, drive retention, and foster loyalty through game mechanics.
• Mobile Design Expertise: Strong understanding of platform-specific design principles for iOS and Android, and experience designing for mobile-first experiences.
• User-Centric Design: Ability to conduct user research, synthesize insights, and translate them into intuitive and effective user experiences.
• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.
• Design Systems: Experience in building, maintaining, and evolving comprehensive design systems and style guides.
• AI Integration: Familiarity with or a strong aptitude for integrating AI tools and workflows to enhance creative processes and operational efficiency within design.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design craft, ensuring high standards of quality and polish.
• Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma for all aspects of the design workflow, from wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and prototyping.

Preferred Skills:

• Mobile Gaming Experience: Direct experience designing for or within the mobile gaming industry.
• Loyalty & Rewards Platforms: Background in designing systems related to player loyalty, rewards, or incentive programs.
• Advertising Ecosystem Understanding: Knowledge of mobile advertising trends and their impact on user experience and engagement.
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: Ability to leverage analytics and A/B testing results to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile Methodologies: Experience working within Agile or Scrum development frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5+ years’ experience leading a mobile product design team" combined with "scaling or refining established design teams and processes" strongly suggests a senior-level role focused on improving operational efficiency within the design function, a key aspect of GTM Operations. The explicit mention of AI integration points to a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing impactful mobile product design work, with a clear emphasis on user-centric solutions.
• Demonstrations of expertise in gamification strategies and their application in driving user motivation and engagement.
• Case studies that clearly articulate design challenges, the solutions developed, and the measurable business outcomes achieved (e.g., increased retention, player engagement, conversion rates).
• Examples of how you have led design initiatives, managed design processes, and mentored other designers.
• Evidence of experience in developing or contributing to design systems and ensuring design consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have established and iterated on design processes to improve team efficiency and output quality.
• Documentation or case studies highlighting the integration of AI tools or automation to streamline design workflows.
• Evidence of utilizing research insights and data analytics to inform design decisions and measure the success of implemented features.
• Demonstrations of how you translate complex requirements into clear, actionable design specifications for development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is crucial. It should not only showcase design talent but also leadership capabilities, process improvement initiatives, and the ability to deliver business impact. Highlighting experience with AI tools and scaled processes is key for this specific role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Germany, especially in a fully remote capacity for a growing tech company like JustPlay, the estimated annual salary range is typically between €70,000 and €100,000 gross. This range is influenced by the candidate's specific experience, the precise responsibilities, and the company's compensation strategy.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance and Flexibility: Flexible working hours and remote options catering to various work styles (digital nomads, hybrid, office-focused).
• Employee Stock Options: Participation in the Virtual Share Option Program (VSOP), offering a stake in the company's success.
• Mental Health Support: Access to free personal coaching through nilo.health to support employee well-being.
• Training & Development: An annual personal development budget of up to €2000 for training, conferences, and workshops, plus free language courses with Chatterbug.
• Germany-Based Benefits: 25 vacation days, a gold subscription to Gympass, a monthly Deutschland-Ticket for public transport, and a €50 monthly tax-free internet contribution.
• State-of-the-Art Equipment: Provision of necessary technical gear (MacBook or Windows) to ensure productivity.
• Relocation Package: Support for visa applications for eligible candidates.
• Berlin Office Perks: (If applicable to hybrid/office-goers) Ergonomic setups, free daily lunch, and a dog-friendly environment.
• Engaging and Diverse Work Environment: Opportunity to work within a globally diverse team (29+ nationalities) with a shared mission.

Working Hours: The role is advertised with an implied 40-hour work week, consistent with full-time employment. The emphasis on "flexible working hours" allows for adaptability in scheduling while maintaining team collaboration and output expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for Lead Product Designer roles in Germany, considering the company's industry (gaming/entertainment tech), the fully remote nature, and the experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a strong focus on employee well-being, professional growth, and financial participation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Mobile Gaming & Entertainment Technology. JustPlay operates within the dynamic and rapidly evolving mobile gaming sector, focusing on creating rewarding and engaging player experiences through a play-to-earn model. This industry is characterized by high user engagement, constant innovation, and a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making to optimize player acquisition, retention, and monetization.

Company Size: JustPlay has grown significantly since its launch in 2020, now employing a global team across 20+ countries. The company size, while not explicitly stated in numbers, is implied to be substantial enough to support a dedicated product design leadership role and a diverse international team, suggesting a mid-to-large-sized startup or scale-up. This implies a blend of agile startup energy with more structured processes as the company matures.

Founded: JustPlay was founded in 2020. This recent founding means the company is likely in a high-growth phase, characterized by rapid expansion, product iteration, and a focus on establishing market leadership. The culture is likely to be dynamic, innovative, and driven by a clear mission.

Team Structure:

• Operations Focus: The role of Lead Product Designer sits within the product development function but has significant touchpoints with Go-To-Market (GTM) operations through its focus on player engagement, retention, and driving business outcomes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Designers will work closely with product managers, engineers, data analysts, marketing, and potentially GTM strategy teams to ensure product designs align with business objectives and user needs.
• Reporting: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, VP of Product, or a Chief Product Officer, and will directly manage a team of product designers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The company emphasizes leveraging research insights and analytics to inform design decisions, aligning with a data-centric approach common in successful GTM and product operations.
• Agile Development: While not explicitly stated, the fast-paced nature of the mobile gaming industry and the company's growth trajectory suggest an agile or iterative development methodology.
• AI Integration: A key aspect of the role involves integrating AI tools and workflows, indicating a forward-thinking approach to optimizing development and design processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding JustPlay's industry and recent founding is crucial. It suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid iteration, and data-informed decision-making, all of which are vital for GTM and product operations success. The emphasis on AI integration signals a modern, efficiency-focused approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior/Lead level within Product Design, with significant leadership and strategic responsibilities. It's a pivotal position that bridges hands-on design execution with team management and strategic direction. For operations professionals, this role is analogous to a Senior Manager or Director in Sales Operations, RevOps, or GTM Operations, where strategic planning, process optimization, and team leadership are paramount.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will manage a team of product designers and will likely report to a higher-level product leader (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Product). This structure allows for clear direction from executive leadership while empowering the Lead to manage their team and contribute strategically.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer has a direct impact on the company's success by shaping the core user experience of a platform used by millions. Their work directly influences player motivation, engagement, and retention, which are critical drivers of revenue and growth in the mobile gaming industry. By integrating AI and optimizing design processes, they also contribute to operational efficiency and faster product development cycles, aligning with GTM objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Head of Product Design, VP of Product, or similar executive leadership roles, overseeing larger teams and broader product strategy.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to significantly influence the product roadmap and business strategy through design insights and leadership.
• Innovation Leadership: Lead initiatives in adopting new technologies like AI in design, positioning the candidate at the forefront of industry trends.
• Cross-Functional Development: Deepen expertise in areas like GTM strategy, user acquisition, and retention marketing through close collaboration with related teams.
• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific areas like gamification, player psychology, or loyalty programs within the gaming context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers substantial growth potential beyond traditional design leadership. Its strategic impact on business outcomes and emphasis on operational efficiency through AI integration make it highly valuable for individuals looking to expand their influence within a dynamic tech company, mirroring career paths in GTM and RevOps.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: JustPlay offers a flexible work model, accommodating various preferences including fully remote, occasional office visits, or regular office-based work. This flexibility allows employees to choose an environment that best suits their productivity and lifestyle. The mention of "Berlin Office Perks" suggests a physical office space is available for those who prefer or need it.

Office Location(s): While the role is fully remote and can be performed from anywhere in Germany, the company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. This implies there is a central office location that may serve as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and social events for employees in or near Berlin.

Workspace Context:

• Remote-First Culture: The emphasis on flexibility and remote work suggests a culture that trusts employees to manage their time and workspace effectively.
• Collaborative Tools: Expect the use of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Miro, Figma, project management software) to facilitate seamless teamwork across dispersed locations.
• Operations Support: The provision of state-of-the-art equipment and a potential internet contribution indicates the company's commitment to ensuring employees have the necessary resources to perform their roles efficiently, whether at home or in an office.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for in-person interaction may exist for those choosing hybrid or office-based work, or through occasional team meetups and company events.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit. This allows individuals to structure their workday around personal needs while ensuring alignment with team collaboration times and project deadlines. The standard is likely a 40-hour work week, but the timing can be adjusted.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexible work environment is a significant draw. For operations roles, this flexibility can be particularly beneficial for managing complex workflows and data analysis, allowing for focused blocks of work. The company's commitment to providing resources supports remote productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio. Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and leadership approach.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership, strategic thinking, gamification expertise, and impact on business outcomes. Prepare to discuss your process, decision-making, and how you leveraged AI or improved operational efficiency.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interviews: Expect interviews with the hiring manager and potential direct reports or cross-functional peers (e.g., Product Managers, Engineers). These will assess your leadership style, collaboration skills, technical proficiency, and cultural fit.
• Executive Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, long-term impact, and alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select projects that best showcase your leadership, strategic thinking, and measurable results, particularly those involving gamification, user engagement, and mobile design.
• Highlight Leadership & Process: Emphasize your role in leading teams, defining design processes, mentoring designers, and driving operational efficiencies (especially with AI).
• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions on key business objectives like retention, engagement, and user growth.
• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly outline the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable outcomes.
• Showcase Figma Mastery: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma skills or discuss how you leverage advanced features for efficiency and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: You may be given a design exercise to assess your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to apply gamification principles. Focus on a user-centric approach and clear articulation of your thought process.
• Leadership/Strategy Discussion: Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you build and mentor design teams, and your vision for evolving design operations within a growing company.
• AI Integration Strategy: Think about how AI can be practically applied to enhance design workflows, improve efficiency, and drive better product outcomes, and be ready to articulate these ideas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive business impact through design. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experience with process improvement, AI integration, and quantifying design's contribution to GTM success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a requirement for expert proficiency. It will be the core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's capabilities, familiarity with other advanced prototyping tools might be beneficial for complex interactions.
• Design System Management Tools: Tools that support the creation, maintenance, and distribution of design systems (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook integration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for understanding user behavior, tracking engagement, and measuring the impact of design changes.
• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools like Tableau or Power BI (or in-app dashboards) for interpreting and presenting user data and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design workflows, sprint planning, and task tracking.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for communication and real-time collaboration.
• AI Design Tools: Familiarity with emerging AI tools for design assistance, content generation, or workflow automation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E for inspiration, AI-powered design assistants for repetitive tasks).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is critical. The emphasis on AI integration suggests the company is keen on leveraging cutting-edge tools to improve operational efficiency in their design processes. Proficiency in analytics tools is also important for demonstrating data-driven decision-making.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the player base, ensuring that design decisions prioritize user delight and value.
• Innovation & Creativity: Encouraging bold ideas, experimentation, and a willingness to push creative boundaries to deliver unique and engaging experiences.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and cross-functional teams work cohesively towards common goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from user research and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact, rather than relying solely on intuition.
• Efficiency & Velocity: Embracing tools and processes, including AI, that help teams move faster and smarter without compromising quality, reflecting a growth-oriented operational mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: A strong emphasis on working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Data teams to ensure alignment between design vision, technical feasibility, and business objectives.
• Feedback-Rich Environment: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged among designers and with stakeholders to refine designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, learnings, and insights across the design team and the wider organization to foster collective growth and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values reflect a modern, high-growth tech environment. For operations professionals, understanding these values is key to cultural fit, particularly the emphasis on data, efficiency, and collaboration. The "efficiency & velocity" value, coupled with AI integration, points to a strong operational focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Operations: As the company grows, maintaining design quality and team cohesion while scaling processes and workflows will be a continuous challenge.
• Balancing Innovation with Execution: Driving ambitious, long-term design visions while delivering immediate, high-impact improvements requires careful prioritization and resource management.
• Integrating AI Effectively: Successfully identifying and implementing AI tools and workflows that genuinely enhance productivity and creativity, rather than simply adding complexity.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in for design strategies across diverse stakeholder groups with potentially different priorities.
• Evolving Mobile Gaming Landscape: Staying ahead of rapid changes in player behavior, market trends, and technological advancements in the mobile gaming industry.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management and strategic leadership skills through team mentorship and involvement in high-level product planning.
• AI in Design Specialization: Becoming an expert in leveraging AI tools for design and operations, a highly sought-after skill in the current tech landscape.
• Industry Exposure: Engaging with trends in mobile gaming, player motivation, and loyalty programs through company initiatives and potentially external conferences.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining deeper insights into product management, engineering, and GTM strategies through close collaboration.
• Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leadership or participation in structured development programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for leadership roles in fast-growing tech companies, particularly those focused on product innovation and operational efficiency. The growth opportunities align with advancing into more senior leadership or strategic roles, with a strong emphasis on emerging technologies like AI.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Vision & Leadership: "Describe your philosophy for leading a product design team and how you foster a culture of creativity and accountability." Prepare to discuss how you balance long-term vision with short-term execution.
• Gamification & Engagement: "How would you approach designing features to increase player motivation and retention for a platform like JustPlay? Can you walk us through a relevant case study?" Focus on illustrating your process from understanding player psychology to implementing game mechanics.
• AI in Design Operations: "Where do you see the biggest opportunities for AI to improve design workflows and operational efficiency in a company like ours? How would you implement these changes?" Be ready to provide concrete examples and address potential challenges.
• Process Optimization: "Describe a time you significantly improved a design process or workflow. What was the impact?" Quantify the results and highlight your role in driving that improvement.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Understanding JustPlay: "What excites you about JustPlay's mission and our position in the mobile gaming market?" Research the company's recent growth, user base, and competitive landscape.
• Team Dynamics: "How do you approach collaborating with product managers and engineers? What makes for a successful cross-functional partnership?" Emphasize communication, empathy, and shared goals.
• Measuring Design Impact: "How do you measure the success of your design work and demonstrate its contribution to business goals?" Discuss key metrics related to engagement, retention, and user satisfaction.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Leadership & Impact: Select projects where you led initiatives, solved complex problems, and drove measurable business results, especially those involving gamification and user engagement.
• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role and approach, the solutions developed, the challenges overcome, and the quantifiable outcomes.
• Demonstrate Figma Expertise: Be prepared to briefly showcase specific Figma techniques or workflows that highlight your efficiency and advanced skills, perhaps related to design systems or complex prototyping.
• Articulate AI Integration: If applicable, highlight projects where you explored or implemented AI tools, explaining the benefits and lessons learned.
• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, clear, and ready to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing not just design talent but also leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong understanding of how design contributes to business objectives and operational efficiency. Highlighting experience with AI and process improvement will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating leadership in mobile product design, expertise in gamification, and a track record of driving measurable business impact. Specifically, showcase any experience with AI tools in design or process optimization.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in leading design teams, scaling processes, and delivering results in the mobile/gaming sector. Use keywords relevant to product design leadership, gamification, user engagement, and AI integration.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly prepare for potential interview stages, including a portfolio presentation. Practice articulating your design philosophy, leadership approach, and how you leverage data and technology (like AI) to enhance design operations and drive business outcomes.
• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of JustPlay's mission, product, target audience, and recent developments. Familiarize yourself with their existing app and identify potential areas for design innovation, particularly concerning engagement and player motivation.

⚠️ 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.