Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer Company: Match Group (Plenty of Fish) Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: July 22, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior to Lead (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of engaging and revenue-driving product experiences for a leading dating platform.
• Drive user-centric design solutions that enhance member retention, subscription growth, and community connection across mobile and web.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data, and Design leadership to translate business objectives into impactful user interfaces and workflows.
• Contribute to and evolve a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability across the product suite.
• Leverage user research, data analytics, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and iterate on product features.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead Product Designer, indicating a need for strategic thinking, mentorship capabilities, and ownership of significant product areas. The focus on engagement and monetization within the dating app context suggests a strong emphasis on user psychology, behavioral economics, and data-driven optimization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design elegant, accessible, and scalable product experiences that support engagement and revenue growth across both mobile and web platforms.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Analysts to clearly define user problems, explore innovative solutions, and deliver high-quality, thoughtful designs.
• Own the entire design lifecycle for key projects, from initial user research and concept exploration through detailed user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.
• Utilize user research findings, product analytics, and A/B testing results to rigorously inform design decisions and drive iterative improvements with clear purpose and measurable impact.
• Actively contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of the company's design system, ensuring design consistency and improving overall design and development efficiency.
• Participate actively in design reviews and critiques, providing constructive feedback to peers and receiving feedback to elevate the overall craft and clarity of design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design leadership, requiring the candidate to be proficient in all stages of the design process. The explicit mention of "revenue growth" and "subscriptions" highlights the critical business impact expected from this role, requiring a designer who can balance user needs with commercial objectives.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 6+ years of professional experience in product design, with a significant portion focused on consumer-facing digital products. Experience within the social media, dating, or subscription-based application sectors is highly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in designing intuitive, impactful, and user-centric product experiences, demonstrated through a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end design execution from concept to launch.
• Solid understanding of core User Experience (UX) principles, interaction design patterns, and mobile-first design best practices for both iOS and Android platforms.
• High proficiency in modern design and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.
• A data-informed mindset, with the ability to effectively use product metrics, user research, and experimentation (A/B testing) to guide and validate design decisions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationales, advocate for user needs, and build consensus with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Adaptability and a strong sense of focus, with the ability to thrive in fast-paced, agile development environments and manage shifting priorities effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with building, contributing to, or maintaining design systems.
• Familiarity with web design and responsive design principles.
• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience in user research methodologies and user testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 6+ years of experience and a strong portfolio indicates a mid-to-senior level position. The preference for dating or subscription-based app experience is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates with this background will be highly valued for their understanding of the specific user behaviors and monetization strategies relevant to Plenty of Fish.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of at least 3-5 comprehensive case studies that clearly demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and impact on user engagement and business metrics.
• Showcase projects that highlight your ability to translate complex user needs and business goals into elegant and intuitive design solutions.
• Include examples of your work on mobile applications (iOS and/or Android) and potentially web interfaces.
• Demonstrate your skills in user research, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity visual design.
• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, especially in a team-based environment.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail your approach to understanding user problems, including any research or analysis conducted.
• Illustrate your design exploration phase, showing iterations and the rationale behind design decisions.
• Present final designs with clear explanations of how they address the initial problems and achieve desired outcomes.
• Quantify the impact of your designs using metrics such as increased engagement, conversion rates, retention, or revenue, where possible.
• Highlight your experience with design systems and how you've used them for consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on presenting case studies that not only showcase visual design skills but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the product development process, user-centered design principles, and the ability to measure and articulate the impact of their work on business objectives like engagement and monetization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,000 - $150,000 USD per year (base salary).

Benefits:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation days and flex days.
• Dedicated professional development days to support continuous learning.
• Retirement savings plan with RRSP matching.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) to foster ownership.
• Professional development budget for courses, conferences, and training.
• Unlimited access to Udemy for online learning from day one.
• Participation in the Match Group mentorship program.
• Enhanced parental leave top-up benefits.
• Fertility preservation benefits.
• Comprehensive extended health and dental benefits package from day one.
• Corporate ClassPass membership for wellness and fitness.
• Numerous other wellness benefits designed to support employee well-being.

Working Hours: The standard full-time work week is 40 hours. The company operates on a hybrid model, requiring in-office presence on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in Vancouver, with remote work flexibility for the remainder of the week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is in USD, and it's noted that this is a base salary. Factors like scope, responsibilities, experience, education, and market conditions can influence the final offer. The hybrid model with specific in-office days is important for candidates to consider regarding their work-life balance and commute.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Dating / Social Networking. Plenty of Fish is a pioneer in the online dating industry and a significant brand within the Match Group portfolio, which includes other prominent dating apps like Tinder, OkCupid, and Hinge. Company Size: Match Group is a large, publicly traded company with a significant global presence. Plenty of Fish, as a brand within Match Group, benefits from the resources and expertise of a larger organization while maintaining its unique culture. Founded: Plenty of Fish was founded in Vancouver, Canada, in 2003. This long history in the industry provides a foundation of experience and a deep understanding of the online dating market.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is based in Vancouver and reports to a Product Design Team Lead.
• This role involves collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Analysts within the Plenty of Fish brand.
• The designer will also collaborate and grow alongside a broader design team that spans across various brands within the Match Group portfolio, offering opportunities for cross-pollination of ideas and best practices.

Methodology:

• The company emphasizes a data-informed approach, utilizing metrics and user research to guide design decisions.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed, given the mention of adapting to shifting priorities.
• Design systems are utilized to ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of startup agility (as a pioneer in the industry) and corporate structure (as part of Match Group). The core values—Be Proud, Make Waves, Dive Deep, Crew Together—suggest an environment that values ownership, impact, thoughtful decision-making, and teamwork. The "BC's Top Employers 2025" recognition highlights a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Lead Product Designer, signifying a senior-level position that requires not only strong individual design contributions but also the ability to influence design direction, mentor junior designers (potentially), and take ownership of significant product areas.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will report directly to the Product Design Team Lead, who is also based in Vancouver. This provides a clear reporting line and access to design leadership.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on key business objectives, specifically engagement and monetization. By shaping how members interact with the Plenty of Fish platform, the designer will influence user retention, subscription conversion rates, and overall revenue growth for one of Match Group's prominent brands.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in user-centered design, engagement strategies, monetization design, and design systems within the context of a large-scale consumer application.
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into Design Manager or Senior Lead roles, taking on more strategic responsibilities, managing design projects, and potentially mentoring other designers.
• Cross-Brand Collaboration: Exposure to design challenges and solutions across the broader Match Group portfolio, offering diverse learning experiences and opportunities to contribute to different product strategies.
• Industry Recognition: Contributing to a product recognized as one of BC's Top Employers and a leader in the online dating space can enhance professional reputation.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a "Lead" role, there's an expectation of leadership and mentorship. Growth opportunities likely extend beyond individual contributor roles into management or principal design positions, with a strong emphasis on impact within the dating industry and the larger Match Group ecosystem.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates on a hybrid work model, with a physical office presence required for three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) in downtown Vancouver. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster team interaction and in-person brainstorming.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. This location is known for its accessibility and vibrant tech scene.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model facilitates a balance between focused remote work and collaborative in-office sessions.
• The office environment likely supports team collaboration, design reviews, and cross-functional meetings, essential for a product design role.
• Access to design tools, technology, and the broader Plenty of Fish and Match Group teams provides a supportive ecosystem for design innovation.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule aligns with a full-time role (approximately 40 hours per week), with the hybrid model offering flexibility on remote days. This structure allows for dedicated time for deep work and focused design tasks, balanced with collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring candidates to be comfortable with a mix of in-office and remote work. The emphasis on collaboration on specific days suggests a structured approach to team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a portfolio case study, demonstrating their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. This may be followed by a specific design exercise or critique session.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the Product Design Team Lead to delve deeper into experience, leadership potential, and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Quantify your contributions whenever possible. Highlight how your designs improved key metrics like engagement, retention, or revenue.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design journey for each project – from problem identification and research to ideation, iteration, and final execution. Use visuals to illustrate your process.
• Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as narratives that highlight the challenges, your solutions, and the outcomes achieved.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the responsibilities of this Lead Product Designer role, particularly those involving consumer-facing products, engagement, and monetization.
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Plenty of Fish, its user base, and its position within the Match Group. Understand the core challenges of engagement and monetization in the dating app industry.
• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly explain your design decisions, the trade-offs you made, and the rationale behind your approach.
• Data-Driven Approach: Be ready to discuss how you use data and user research to inform your designs. If possible, prepare examples of how you've used A/B testing or analytics to improve a product.
• System Thinking: Consider how your designs fit within a larger design system and how they scale across platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and the candidate's ability to articulate their design process and impact. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies and discuss their strategic thinking regarding engagement and monetization.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is a must.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has strong prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Framer, or Adobe XD may be beneficial.
• Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, or adhering to design systems is crucial for ensuring consistency and efficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and track product performance.
• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms like Optimizely, VWO, or internal A/B testing frameworks to run experiments and iterate on designs.

CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly listed for this design role, understanding how design outputs integrate with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for a holistic understanding of the user journey and business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as a core tool. A strong understanding of product analytics and A/B testing is also critical, as the role is data-informed and focused on measurable outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Be Proud: Take ownership of your work, see challenges as opportunities, and proactively drive solutions. This implies a sense of accountability for design outcomes.
• Make Waves: Understand the profound impact the product has on millions of lives and strive to create meaningful experiences that resonate with users.
• Dive Deep: Empathize with users through research and data, using these insights to make thoughtful, informed design decisions. This emphasizes a user-centric and analytical approach.
• Crew Together: Collaborate effectively with team members across disciplines, working towards shared goals and achieving success as a united team. This highlights the importance of teamwork and cross-functional harmony.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Analysts, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills to translate ideas into implemented features.
• Design Critiques: A culture of constructive feedback and design reviews is expected, fostering continuous improvement and shared learning within the design team.
• Data-Driven Discussions: Collaboration will likely involve data insights and user feedback, requiring designers to engage in evidence-based discussions about design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values directly inform the expected collaborative style and the approach to design work, emphasizing ownership, user empathy, data-driven decision-making, and teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: A key challenge will be designing experiences that are both delightful for users and effective in driving engagement and monetization within the competitive dating app market.
• Data Interpretation: Effectively translating complex user data and A/B test results into actionable design insights can be challenging.
• Design System Evolution: Contributing to and maintaining a design system in a growing product suite requires meticulousness and strategic thinking to ensure scalability and consistency.
• Agile Environment: Adapting quickly to evolving priorities and project requirements in a fast-paced agile setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for engagement, user retention, and subscription models within a large-scale consumer product.
• Industry Trends: Stay abreast of the latest trends in UX design, social networking, and the dating industry.
• Mentorship: Benefit from the Match Group mentorship program and learn from experienced design leaders across the organization.
• Skill Enhancement: Utilize the provided professional development budget and unlimited Udemy access to acquire new skills or deepen existing ones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to product design in a high-growth, consumer-focused tech environment, particularly in monetization and engagement. The growth opportunities are robust, offering both specialized skill development and broader career progression within a respected industry leader.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a project where you significantly improved user engagement or conversion. What was the problem, your approach, the challenges, and the outcome?" Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end process and impact.
• Data & Research: "How do you use data and user research to inform your design decisions? Can you give an example of a time data led you to change your initial design direction?" Be prepared to discuss specific metrics and research methods.
• Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to gain buy-in for a design decision from stakeholders with differing opinions. How did you approach it?" Highlight your communication and influence skills.
• Design Systems: "What is your experience with design systems? How have you contributed to or utilized them in previous roles?" Emphasize efficiency and consistency.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Plenty of Fish and the dating industry?" Show genuine interest and understanding of the product and market.
• "How do you align with our company values (Be Proud, Make Waves, Dive Deep, Crew Together)?" Prepare examples of how your past work or approach reflects these values.
• "What are your expectations regarding hybrid work and team collaboration?" Demonstrate your understanding of and comfort with the hybrid model.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, following a clear narrative for each case study (Problem -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome).
• Highlight Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions, especially in team projects.
• Visualize Your Process: Use mockups, wireframes, user flows, and research artifacts to visually communicate your thinking.
• Quantify Impact: Present key metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, articulate the intended impact and user benefits clearly.
• Practice Timing: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time, allowing for Q&A.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on showcasing a data-informed, user-centric design process with a clear emphasis on business impact (engagement, monetization). Articulating alignment with company values and understanding the hybrid work model are also crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.lever.co.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies that align with the role's focus on consumer-facing products, engagement, and monetization. Highlight your process from discovery to execution, and quantify impact where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of relevant experience, specific skills in UX, interaction design, and proficiency with Figma. Use keywords from the job description and emphasize achievements related to user engagement and revenue growth.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes clearly. Prepare to discuss your data-informed approach and how you've used research and metrics to drive design decisions. Be ready to present your portfolio case studies effectively.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Plenty of Fish's product, its user base, and its position within the Match Group. Understand the company's values and how your approach aligns with their culture.

⚠️ 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.