Lead, Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead, Product Designer (CBS Sports App)

Company: Paramount

Location: New York, NY, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: May 08, 2026

Experience Level: 8-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for the CBS Sports App on iOS and Android, embedded within a cross-functional squad.

• Leverage AI and code-centric workflows for rapid prototyping, iterative development, and feature shipping.

• Translate audience behavior data and user research into actionable design strategies and user-centric features.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers to define, design, and deliver interactive, holdable features.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead" Product Designer, implying significant autonomy and ownership over design initiatives within the CBS Sports App. The emphasis on AI-native workflows, code-confidence, and a "builder culture" suggests a forward-thinking, hands-on design environment. The "embedded" team model indicates a high degree of integration with engineering and product management, moving beyond traditional design handoffs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Drive the complete product design lifecycle for new features and enhancements within the CBS Sports App, ensuring a cohesive and engaging user experience across iOS and Android platforms.

• Conduct in-depth user research, analyze product analytics, and gather audience insights to inform design decisions and identify areas for user flow optimization.

• Utilize AI tools (LLMs) for problem-solving, exploring design hierarchies, stress-testing edge cases, and drafting detailed specifications.

• Develop interactive prototypes using tools like Cursor or Claude, and leverage code repositories for rapid iteration and building "holdable" prototypes with live data feeds.

• Collaborate directly with engineers to refine UI states, specifications, and ensure seamless implementation of design solutions, potentially pushing changes directly into production with engineer review.

• Champion a "systems thinking" approach, designing scalable solutions that maintain consistency and integrity across the entire product ecosystem, bridging the gap between AI-generated concepts and Figma's visual canvas.

• Proactively identify opportunities to create internal SaaS-style tools using AI to enhance squad efficiency and accelerate development workflows.

• Actively participate in design critiques, provide constructive feedback to cross-functional team members, and maintain a high standard of visual craft and interaction design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a departure from traditional product design roles. The emphasis is on a "builder culture," where designers are expected to be deeply involved in the technical aspects of development, including prototyping with code and leveraging AI as a primary design tool. The expectation to "own the result" and track specific metrics underscores a performance-driven approach to design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and digital product architecture is essential.

Experience: 8-10 years of experience in end-to-end product design, with a demonstrable track record of shipping features and driving outcomes.

Required Skills:

• Product Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead design initiatives from concept to launch, managing the full design lifecycle.

• AI-Native Design Workflow: Extensive experience and comfort utilizing AI tools (LLMs, AI assistants) for ideation, problem-solving, spec generation, and rapid prototyping.

• Code-Confidence & Technical Intuition: Understanding of digital product architecture, data flow, code repositories, and logic structuring sufficient to direct AI agents and collaborate effectively with engineers.

• Mobile App Design Expertise: Strong portfolio showcasing shipped consumer-facing mobile applications (iOS and Android) with clear interaction decisions and visual craft.

• Rapid Prototyping & Iteration: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes using tools beyond standard design software, incorporating code and live data.

• User Research & Analytics: Ability to conduct self-serve research, interpret product analytics, and use data to inform and adjust design strategies.

• Systems Thinking: Capacity to design scalable, consistent solutions across a product ecosystem and contribute to or manage design systems.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for visual design, detailing states, and exploring high-polish ideas.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Excellent communication and feedback skills, working effectively with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Outcome-Oriented Mindset: Accountability for driving specific, measurable business metrics through design work.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion and interaction design that enhances live experiences.

• A passion for sports, betting, live events, or broadcast media.

• Experience with AI-assisted building and pushing changes directly into production.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Slope Over Intercept" philosophy suggests that demonstrated rapid improvement and a proactive "builder" mindset are valued more than years of experience in a specific tool or technology. The emphasis on AI and code-confidence is a significant differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Shipped Consumer Mobile Work: A comprehensive online portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a range of consumer-facing mobile applications designed for iOS and Android.

• Interaction Design Decisions: Clear articulation of the rationale behind key interaction design choices, demonstrating an understanding of user behavior and flow.

• Visual Craft & Polish: Evidence of high-quality visual design, attention to detail, and ability to create polished, engaging user interfaces.

• Systems Thinking & Scalability: Examples that demonstrate how you approach designing for consistency and scalability across a product ecosystem, potentially including contributions to or management of a design system.

• AI & Code Integration: Showcase projects where AI was leveraged in the design process or where you demonstrated code-confidence in prototyping or iterative development.

Process Documentation:

• End-to-End Design Process: Documented case studies that illustrate your complete design process, from initial research and ideation through to final implementation and post-launch analysis.

• Data-Driven Design Iteration: Examples of how you used product analytics and user research to iterate on designs and drive measurable improvements.

• AI-Assisted Workflow Examples: Specific instances where AI tools were integral to your workflow, detailing the problem, the AI solution, and the outcome.

• Collaboration & Handoff (or Lack Thereof): Showcase how you collaborate with engineering and product teams, emphasizing the "no handoffs" builder culture and your role in shaping the product alongside them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical and must go beyond static mockups. It needs to demonstrate practical application of AI, code-confidence, data-driven decision-making, and a builder's approach to design within a collaborative team structure. The emphasis is on "results" and "outcomes" rather than just "artifacts."

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $125,000 - $170,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.

• 401(k) Plan.

• Life Insurance Coverage.

• Disability Benefits.

• Tuition Assistance Program.

• Paid Time Off (PTO).

• Bonus Eligibility.

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages (refer to Paramount's careers benefits page for full details).

• Generous paid time off.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week.

• While a standard work week is outlined, the "fast & fluid" and "builder culture" suggest an emphasis on output and responsiveness over strict adherence to hourly tracking, encouraging efficiency and proactive problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated and detailed, providing a clear benchmark. The inclusion of "bonus eligible" and the emphasis on a comprehensive benefits package are key selling points. The note about "starting pay" depending on various factors is standard but important for candidates to understand.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media, Entertainment, Sports Broadcasting, Digital Content.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Paramount is a global media conglomerate).

Founded: Paramount's history traces back to 1912, indicating a long-standing presence and evolution within the media landscape.

Team Structure:

• The role is embedded within a cross-functional "CBS Sports App squad," suggesting a small, agile team comprising a Lead Product Designer, Product Manager, and Engineers.

• This structure promotes direct collaboration and shared ownership of product outcomes.

Methodology:

• Builder-Led Process: A hybrid, builder-led approach focused on rapid iteration and shipping interactive, "holdable" features.

• AI-Centric Development: AI (LLMs) is the bedrock of the workflow, used for problem-solving, exploring options, and drafting specs.

• Code-First & Code-Last: Design and development are tightly integrated, with a focus on prototyping directly in or from code.

• No Handoffs Culture: Designers are expected to be active participants in shaping the product alongside engineers and PMs, not just delivering static assets.

• Systems Thinking: Emphasis on designing scalable solutions and maintaining consistency across the product ecosystem.

Company Website: https://www.paramount.com/ (General) and https://careers.paramount.com/ (Careers)

📝 Enhancement Note: Paramount is a major player in the entertainment industry, bringing significant brand recognition and scale. The specific context of the CBS Sports App highlights a focus on high-stakes live events and a data-rich environment. The "builder culture" and AI-native approach are defining characteristics of this particular team and role.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Product Designer. This level signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant design ownership, strategic input, and the expectation of mentoring or guiding less experienced designers implicitly through collaboration and example. The role requires a high degree of autonomy and accountability for design outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The designer is embedded within a cross-functional CBS Sports App squad. While the direct reporting line isn't explicitly stated, it's likely to a Design Lead, Director of Product Design, or a similar senior design management role within the broader CBS Sports or Paramount digital product organization. The day-to-day collaboration is with a Product Manager and Engineers on the squad.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on user engagement, retention, and potentially monetization for the CBS Sports App. By designing features that enhance the fan experience for major sporting events and content, the designer contributes significantly to the app's success and Paramount's digital media strategy. The focus on AI and rapid iteration aims to accelerate the delivery of value to millions of users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-assisted design, code-based prototyping, and advanced mobile UX patterns.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a formal design leadership role (e.g., Design Manager) by demonstrating mentorship, strategic vision, and team-building capabilities.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Gain experience across different product areas within Paramount's extensive portfolio.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to shaping best practices in AI-driven product design within the sports and media industries.

• System Design Mastery: Become a key contributor to or lead the evolution of complex design systems and internal tooling.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of AI adoption in product design within a major media company. The "slope over intercept" philosophy suggests that individuals who rapidly learn and adapt will find significant growth potential, both in terms of skill development and career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in New York, NY, and is described as "On-site" with no explicit remote options mentioned. This suggests a traditional office-based work environment within Paramount's New York City offices.

Office Location(s): New York, NY (Postal Code: 10019).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The "embedded" and "cross-functional squad" model emphasizes close collaboration, regular crits, and constant feedback exchange with PMs and engineers.

• Tools & Technology: The workspace will be equipped with industry-standard design tools (Figma) and cutting-edge AI/developer tools (Cursor, Claude, code repos). The environment fosters hands-on experimentation with new technologies.

• Team Interaction: Expect frequent, dynamic interactions within the squad, focusing on problem-solving, ideation, and iterative refinement of the product. The culture values direct communication and honest disagreement.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week.

• The "fast & fluid" culture implies a dynamic work environment where agility and responsiveness are key, potentially leading to periods of intense focus and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job is listed as "On-site," the description of the "builder culture" and focus on rapid iteration suggests a highly collaborative and communicative environment where physical presence is likely leveraged for frequent, in-person interaction and co-creation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: Submit resume and a strong online portfolio. The portfolio is the primary screening tool, focusing on shipped mobile work, AI integration, and code-confidence.

• Screening Call: Likely a brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: Expect a hands-on design exercise or a deep dive into a portfolio case study. This will likely assess your approach to problem-solving, AI utilization, prototyping skills, and ability to articulate design decisions and outcomes.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers from the CBS Sports App squad. These will focus on collaboration style, technical intuition, and how you integrate with a development team.

• Leadership/Final Interview: A discussion with a senior design leader to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Paramount's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI & Code: Clearly showcase projects where AI was integral to your design process or where you demonstrated code-confidence and technical intuition. Explain the "why" and "how" of AI's application.

• Showcase Shipped Mobile Work: Prioritize projects that have been launched on the App Store or Google Play. Detail your specific contributions, design decisions, and the impact of your work.

• Demonstrate Process & Data: For each project, articulate your problem-solving process, how you leveraged user research and product analytics, and the metrics your work influenced.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Use case studies to illustrate your ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, particularly in a "no handoffs" environment.

• Visual Craft & Interaction: Ensure your portfolio presents high-quality visuals and compelling interaction design examples that convey polish and user delight.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Prompting & Problem Solving: Practice using AI tools to brainstorm solutions, explore hierarchies, and generate initial concepts for given problems.

• Rapid Prototyping Scenarios: Be prepared to quickly mock up interactive flows, potentially using tools that integrate with code or simulate dynamic data.

• Data Interpretation: Familiarize yourself with common product analytics metrics relevant to mobile apps (e.g., engagement, retention, conversion) and how to translate them into design actions.

• Technical Communication: Be ready to discuss technical constraints, data flows, and how your design decisions interact with the underlying architecture. Articulate your "code-confidence" clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to work in an AI-first, code-aware design environment. The portfolio review is paramount, and candidates must be prepared to deeply discuss their process, rationale, and measurable impact, especially concerning AI and technical aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for visual design, component management, and exploration. Expect to use it for high-polish detailing and setting visual rules for AI tools.

• AI Tools (LLMs): This is a foundational element. Expect to use tools like Cursor (for AI-assisted coding/design) and Claude (or similar LLMs) for ideation, problem-solving, spec generation, and potentially drafting code snippets or design system rules.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, expect to use tools that allow for rapid, interactive prototyping, potentially integrating with code or data feeds.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Proficiency in interpreting data from platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar tools to understand user behavior within the CBS Sports App.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that can present data insights effectively, though direct use might be less frequent than interpreting reports.

CRM & Automation:

Development Environment Integration:

• Code Repositories (e.g., Git): Understanding how to pull from and interact with code repositories for prototyping and iteration is key.

• Developer Tools: Familiarity with browser developer tools or mobile IDEs to understand the technical context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily weighted towards AI and modern development practices. Proficiency in Figma is a given, but the emphasis on AI tools (Cursor, Claude) and "code-confidence" is what sets this role apart. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their practical application of these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Outcome Ownership: A strong emphasis on accountability for results and a focus on moving specific business metrics. Designs are valued for their impact, not just their aesthetic appeal.

• Builder Mindset: A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and creation. Designers are expected to be creators and implementers, not just specifiers.

• AI Integration: Embracing AI as a core tool and partner in the design and development process, not just an experiment.

• Speed & Agility: A culture that prioritizes rapid iteration, quick shipping, and continuous improvement over lengthy, drawn-out processes.

• Collaboration & Candor: Open communication, regular feedback exchange, and a willingness to engage in constructive debate to achieve the best outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded & Integrated: Designers work directly within cross-functional squads, fostering deep integration with PMs and engineers.

• No Handoffs: The team operates with a philosophy that avoids traditional design handoffs, promoting shared ownership and continuous involvement throughout the development cycle.

• Mutual Feedback: A culture where feedback is given and received freely among all team members, regardless of role, to ensure collective ownership of product quality.

• Workshop & Iterate: Ideation and refinement happen collaboratively through workshops, regular crits, and iterative prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is distinctly modern and agile, emphasizing speed, AI adoption, and deep collaboration. Candidates who thrive in a self-directed, fast-paced environment where they are deeply integrated with engineering and product will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• AI Adoption Curve: Effectively integrating and scaling AI-assisted design workflows while maintaining high standards of craft and user experience. This involves staying ahead of rapidly evolving AI capabilities.

• Code-Confidence Expectations: Meeting the requirement for technical intuition and "code-confidence" for designers who may not be full-stack developers.

• Balancing Speed and Polish: Rapid iteration cycles can sometimes challenge the pursuit of pixel-perfect polish; finding the right balance will be key.

• Data Interpretation Complexity: Extracting actionable insights from complex sports data and user behavior analytics to inform design effectively.

• Evolving Design Systems: Managing and scaling design systems that need to accommodate AI-generated components and dynamic content.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge AI Tooling: Gaining hands-on expertise with the latest AI tools and their application in product design and development.

• Advanced Mobile UX: Deepening understanding of user engagement strategies for high-traffic, content-rich mobile applications, especially in the sports domain.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills by working intimately with product management and engineering teams.

• Design Leadership: Developing leadership capabilities through mentorship, strategic contribution, and potentially managing design aspects of features.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of design trends in media, sports, and AI-driven product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around pioneering new design methodologies with AI and code, requiring adaptability and a continuous learning mindset. The growth opportunities are significant for individuals eager to be at the cutting edge of design technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI to significantly accelerate your design process or solve a complex problem. What tools did you use, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, tools, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you approach balancing rapid iteration with maintaining design quality and consistency, especially in a 'no handoffs' environment?" (Highlight your collaboration style and iterative process.)

• "Walk us through a mobile app feature you designed from conception to launch. Explain your user research, data analysis, design decisions, and how you measured success. How would you have incorporated AI into this process?" (Demonstrate your end-to-end process, data-driven approach, and AI integration capability.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the CBS Sports App and the sports media industry?" (Show your passion and industry understanding.)

• "How do you give and receive constructive feedback, particularly with engineers and PMs?" (Assess your collaboration and candor.)

• "What does a 'builder culture' mean to you, and how have you embodied it in past roles?" (Align with the team's core philosophy.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin each case study by stating the problem, your role, the key metrics, and the outcome.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, interactive prototypes, and clear explanations to walk through your process.

• Highlight AI & Code: Explicitly detail where and how AI was used, and discuss your "code-confidence" and technical understanding.

• Focus on Rationale: Explain the "why" behind your decisions, linking them back to user needs, data, or strategic goals.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, technical challenges, and collaboration process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating practical experience with AI in design, a strong understanding of mobile UX, and a collaborative, results-oriented mindset. Candidates must be ready to articulate their technical intuition and how they bridge the gap between design and code.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead, Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the Paramount Careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features examples of shipped consumer mobile apps, clearly articulating your role, design process, and measurable outcomes. Specifically highlight projects where AI was used or where you demonstrated strong technical intuition.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords such as "Product Design," "AI-Assisted Design," "Figma," "Mobile App Design," "User Research," "Systems Thinking," and "Code-Confidence." Quantify achievements with metrics whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly how you leverage AI and data. Prepare to discuss your collaboration style in a "no handoffs" environment and be ready to walk through your portfolio case studies in detail, focusing on impact and methodology.

• Company & Role Research: Familiarize yourself with the CBS Sports App, Paramount's media properties, and the company's emphasis on AI and a "builder culture." Understand the sports landscape and the unique challenges of designing for live event consumption.

⚠️ 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.