Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer Company: Staysure Group Location: Northampton, England, United Kingdom Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Date Posted: 2025-12-09T16:09:43 Experience Level: 6+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for a specific product area, transforming complex challenges into elegant, user-centered solutions that drive measurable business impact.
• Champion a data-driven approach to design, collaborating with Product, Engineering, Marketing, Compliance, and Operations teams to align design decisions with commercial goals, customer needs, and key performance indicators such as revenue and retention.
• Drive the evolution and adoption of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and quality across all digital products and customer journeys.
• Integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies across design workflows, enhancing research, prototyping, and decision-making processes responsibly.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Lead Product Designer," the description emphasizes collaboration with "Operations" and a focus on "efficiency" and "commercial realities," indicating a strong link to Go-To-Market (GTM) and operational effectiveness within the product development lifecycle. The role requires a strategic, hands-on leader who can translate business objectives into user-centric product experiences, a key function within GTM operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product design lifecycle for a designated product area, from concept and research through to high-fidelity prototyping and implementation, ensuring user-centricity and business alignment.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Marketing, Compliance, and Operations stakeholders to define product strategy, gather requirements, and ensure design solutions meet user needs and commercial objectives.
• Conduct and lead user research, usability testing, and A/B testing initiatives, translating insights into actionable design recommendations and strategic product direction.
• Mentor and coach junior designers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing design team environment and raising design quality standards across the organization.
• Drive the strategic development and adoption of the company's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design and development processes.
• Identify and implement opportunities to embed AI within design workflows (e.g., generative design, AI-assisted research analysis, predictive user behavior modeling) to enhance efficiency and innovation.
• Facilitate workshops and design sprints to foster cross-functional alignment, generate innovative solutions, and drive product strategy with key stakeholders.
• Ensure design decisions consider complex or regulated domains, adhering to compliance standards while maintaining an exceptional user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, typical of a senior design role. The explicit mention of "Operations," "efficiency," "revenue," and "retention" strongly aligns this role with the operational aspects of product development and Go-To-Market strategy, requiring a candidate who can bridge design thinking with business outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 6+ years of progressive experience in digital product design, with a significant portion in a leadership or senior capacity.

Required Skills:

• Proven end-to-end product design leadership experience, demonstrating the ability to manage complex projects from conception to launch.
• Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, particularly Figma, with a strong ability to establish and maintain high design quality standards.
• Extensive experience in user research methodologies, usability testing, and translating research findings into strategic design directions.
• Demonstrated commercial awareness and a proven track record of balancing user needs with critical business goals, including revenue generation and customer retention.
• Expertise in service-level thinking, journey mapping, and designing for complex or regulated industries, ensuring both usability and compliance.
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities, with a demonstrated ability to develop designers and foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to confidently influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Experience in facilitating workshops, conducting A/B testing, contributing to product strategy, and integrating AI into design workflows.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and scaling design systems across multiple brands or product lines.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration within an agile framework.
• Knowledge of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineering teams.
• Experience with analytics platforms to measure design impact and inform iterative improvements.
• Understanding of AI's potential applications within product design and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a strong foundation in core product design principles, coupled with leadership, strategic thinking, and a commercial mindset. The inclusion of AI integration and collaboration with Operations points to a need for a designer who can operate within a broader GTM and business context, not just a design silo.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design leadership across multiple complex digital products or features.
• Include detailed case studies that highlight problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final design solutions.
• Showcase examples of how design decisions directly contributed to measurable business outcomes such as increased revenue, improved retention, enhanced user engagement, or increased operational efficiency.
• Provide evidence of experience in leading design initiatives, mentoring other designers, and influencing product strategy through design.
• Include examples of contributions to or leadership in the development and implementation of design systems.
• Present examples of how AI was integrated into design workflows or how AI considerations influenced design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate a structured approach to design processes, including user research protocols, ideation techniques, and prototyping workflows.
• Detail how design processes are integrated with engineering, product management, and Operations teams for seamless collaboration and efficient execution.
• Showcase methods for capturing and acting upon user feedback and A/B testing results to drive iterative design improvements and optimize user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It must not only display design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership, and a quantifiable impact on business metrics and operational efficiency. The emphasis on AI integration and collaboration with Operations suggests a need for case studies that highlight these specific competencies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday allowance, supporting work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and continuous learning, including access to industry conferences and courses.
• Pension scheme with company contributions, providing long-term financial security.
• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between remote work and occasional office presence.
• Employee assistance program (EAP) offering confidential support for personal and professional well-being.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered within the hybrid working model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific. The benefits listed are standard for a UK-based full-time role of this seniority, with the added emphasis on professional development aligning with the leadership aspect of the role. The hybrid model is also clearly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Insurance (specifically travel insurance), Financial Services, and related technology services. Company Size: Staysure Group is a significant player in the travel insurance market, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand employees, indicating a structured yet dynamic environment. Founded: Staysure was founded in 2005. This suggests a company with established operations and a track record of growth, now likely focused on innovation and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a broader Product or Technology department, comprising designers with various specializations.
• As a Lead, this role will likely report to a Head of Product, Director of Design, or VP of Product/Technology, and will manage or mentor a team of Product Designers.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Compliance, and Operations teams, requiring strong cross-functional partnership and alignment on GTM strategies.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a mix of agile development methodologies, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles.
• Data analysis and performance metrics (revenue, retention, conversion, efficiency) are critical for informing design decisions and demonstrating impact.
• Process optimization, workflow streamlining, and the adoption of new technologies like AI are key drivers for innovation and competitive advantage.

Company Website: https://www.staysure.co.uk/ (and potentially others under the Staysure Group umbrella)

📝 Enhancement Note: Staysure Group's focus on the insurance industry, particularly travel, suggests a need for designers who can navigate regulated environments and complex customer journeys. A company founded in 2005 has likely evolved significantly, making a focus on innovation, design systems, and AI integration crucial for continued growth and market positioning. The integration with Operations implies a GTM focus.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the Product Design function. It requires not only deep design expertise but also strategic vision, team management, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. The "Lead" title signifies responsibility for a product area's design strategy and the development of other designers.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a senior leader in Product or Design (e.g., Head of Product, Director of UX/Product Design) and will be responsible for mentoring and guiding a team of Product Designers. They will also work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's commercial success by designing user experiences that drive revenue, enhance customer retention, and improve operational efficiency. By leading design for a product area, the Lead Product Designer influences customer acquisition, engagement, and satisfaction, which are critical GTM metrics. The integration of AI and design systems further contributes to scalable and efficient product development pipelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Head of Product Design or Director-level role, overseeing larger teams and broader product portfolios.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the overall product strategy and design vision for the Staysure Group.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like AI-driven design, complex domain design, or design system architecture.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop stronger skills in leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing business strategy beyond the design team.
• Mentorship: Formalize mentorship programs and contribute to the development of emerging design talent within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a Lead Product Designer is typically toward larger-scale leadership or specialized strategic roles. The emphasis on AI and collaboration with Operations positions this role as a key player in the company's GTM and product innovation strategy, offering significant growth potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, combining remote work with occasional travel to the Northampton office. This suggests a modern approach to workplace flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 3-5 Rushmills, Northampton, NN4 7YB, United Kingdom. This location provides a base for in-person collaboration, workshops, and team meetings.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely, while the office provides opportunities for in-person brainstorming, team-building, and strategic alignment sessions.
• Access to modern design tools and collaboration platforms is expected, facilitating seamless communication and workflow between remote and in-office team members.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse, cross-functional team (Product, Engineering, Marketing, Compliance, Operations) will be integral to the role, fostering a collaborative and outcome-oriented environment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with the flexibility to manage time effectively within the hybrid model. This allows for efficient execution of design tasks, research, and collaboration, while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring strong self-management and communication skills. The Northampton office serves as a hub for collaborative activities essential for strategic design leadership and GTM alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Screening: Submit resume and portfolio. The hiring team will review for relevant experience, design skills, leadership potential, and alignment with company values.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess leadership capabilities, strategic thinking, experience with complex domains, and understanding of business impact. This may include a deeper dive into portfolio case studies.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on a complex problem they solved, their design process, and the measurable outcomes. This may also involve a practical design exercise.
• Cross-Functional Team Interviews: Meet with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations to evaluate collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to integrate design into broader GTM strategies.
• Final Interview/Offer: Discussion with senior leadership to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that demonstrate end-to-end design ownership, strategic thinking, and quantifiable business results (revenue, retention, efficiency).
• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored designers, influenced product strategy, or led design initiatives.
• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your design process, including how you conducted research, made decisions, iterated based on feedback, and collaborated with cross-functional teams, especially Operations.
• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, include a case study or discuss your approach to integrating AI into design workflows and how it benefited the project.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to answer questions about your design rationale, how you handled challenges, and how your work contributed to business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business Context: Research Staysure Group's market, products, and target audience. Consider how design can address specific business challenges within the insurance sector.
• Practice Presentation Skills: Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Time yourself to stay within the allocated slot.
• Anticipate Operations Alignment Questions: Be prepared to discuss how your design decisions support Operations, marketing, and sales efforts, and how you ensure design contributes to efficiency and revenue goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively across departments, particularly with Operations, for GTM success. A strong portfolio presentation is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision, Axure, or similar for more complex interactive prototypes may be beneficial.
• Design System Management: Experience with tools or platforms for managing and scaling design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics / Adobe Analytics: Understanding user behavior and website performance data.
• Hotjar / FullStory: For heatmaps, session recordings, and user behavior analysis to inform design.
• A/B Testing Platforms: Tools like Optimizely, VWO, or built-in platform tools for experimentation.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): Understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM and related customer management systems.
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): For managing design tasks, sprints, and workflows in collaboration with engineering and product teams.
• AI Tools: Familiarity with AI-powered design assistants, research analysis tools, or generative AI platforms relevant to design workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly mentioned, making it a cornerstone requirement. The inclusion of analytics, A/B testing, and CRM awareness highlights the role's connection to performance metrics and GTM effectiveness. The mention of AI tools indicates a forward-looking approach to design technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through thoughtful and intuitive design.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design choices and measure impact.
• Collaboration & Communication: Fostering open, honest, and constructive dialogue across all teams, especially with Operations, Product, and Engineering.
• Innovation & Efficiency: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and processes to create elegant solutions that are also efficient and scalable.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always seeking to enhance user experiences, design processes, and team performance.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively partnering with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, Compliance, and Operations to ensure holistic product development and successful GTM execution.
• Feedback-Driven: Encouraging a culture where constructive feedback is welcomed, shared, and acted upon to refine designs and processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting the sharing of best practices, insights, and learnings within the design team and across the wider organization.
• Agile & Iterative: Working in an agile manner, embracing iterative design cycles and adapting to evolving requirements and market dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style emphasize a blend of user advocacy, business acumen, and teamwork crucial for a Lead role that bridges design, product, and operational functions. The explicit mention of Operations underscores the need for seamless integration in GTM strategies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Complex Needs: Navigating the intricate requirements of the insurance industry, including regulatory compliance, alongside user desires and business objectives.
• Driving AI Adoption: Successfully integrating AI tools and methodologies into established design workflows, overcoming potential resistance and ensuring responsible implementation.
• Scaling Design Systems: Evolving and disseminating a comprehensive design system across multiple brands and product lines to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and execution of design vision across diverse departments like Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations.
• Leading and Mentoring: Effectively coaching and developing a team of designers while managing individual design responsibilities and strategic initiatives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI in Design: Exploring cutting-edge AI applications for generative design, user research analysis, and predictive UX.
• Leadership and Management Skills: Formal training or mentorship in people management, strategic leadership, and team development.
• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of evolving trends in UX/UI design, service design, and product strategy within the financial services and insurance sectors.
• Contribution to Product Strategy: Gaining deeper insights into business strategy, market dynamics, and how design directly influences commercial outcomes.
• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and, conversely, be mentored by senior leaders within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the complexity of the role, requiring a leader who can manage intricate requirements, drive innovation (AI), and foster collaboration. The growth opportunities are aligned with advancing leadership and strategic impact within the organization and the broader industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the end-to-end design of a complex product feature. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and how did you measure its success?" (Focus on process, leadership, and impact measurement).
• "How do you approach balancing user needs with critical business objectives like revenue, retention, and operational efficiency? Provide an example." (Demonstrate commercial awareness and GTM alignment).
• "Discuss your experience integrating AI into design workflows. What tools have you used, and what were the benefits or challenges?" (Showcase innovative thinking and technical aptitude).
• "How would you go about developing or evolving a design system for our company? What are the key considerations for adoption and maintenance?" (Assess understanding of scalable design practices).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Staysure Group and the travel insurance market? How do you see design contributing to our success in this industry?" (Demonstrate research and industry understanding).
• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within your design team and with cross-functional partners like Product, Engineering, and Operations?" (Assess teamwork and communication skills).
• "Describe your leadership style and how you mentor and develop designers." (Evaluate leadership and team-building capabilities).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives, clearly outlining the problem, your role, your process, the solutions, and the impact.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. Focus on metrics relevant to GTM and business operations (e.g., conversion rates, retention improvements, task completion times, efficiency gains).
• Emphasize Collaboration: Detail how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and Operations teams, showcasing your ability to integrate design into the broader product development and launch process.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and how you handled trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, a strong understanding of business impact (including GTM and operational efficiency), and the ability to integrate new technologies like AI. The portfolio presentation is a critical component for showcasing these skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position at Staysure Group:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Staysure Group careers portal.
• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6+ years of experience in digital product design, leadership achievements, experience with Figma, user research, and commercial awareness. Strategically weave in keywords such as "product strategy," "design systems," "AI integration," and "operational efficiency."
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful case studies that showcase end-to-end design ownership, leadership, and measurable business outcomes. Ensure these examples clearly articulate your process, problem-solving skills, and collaboration with cross-functional teams, including Operations.
• Prepare for Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, quantifying impact, and articulating your design rationale. Be ready to discuss how your work contributes to business goals and operational efficiency.
• Research Staysure Group: Familiarize yourself with Staysure Group's products, market position, and company values. Understand their customer base and the unique challenges within the travel insurance industry.

⚠️ 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.