Middle / Strong Junior Product Designer (FORMA)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Middle / Strong Junior Product Designer (FORMA) Company: Universe Group Location: Kyiv, Ukraine Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design Date Posted: January 9, 2026 Experience Level: 1.5 - 5 years (Middle / Strong Junior) Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office, 1 day remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design impactful user experiences within the FORMA product suite, focusing on driving key business metrics such as user activation and retention.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to translate user needs and business objectives into effective, data-informed design solutions.
• Leverage analytical insights and A/B testing results to iterate on designs and optimize user flows for enhanced engagement and product adoption.
• Contribute to a high-tech design culture by staying ahead of industry trends, exploring innovative solutions, and actively participating in cross-functional design discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a product-centric approach where design directly influences business outcomes, moving beyond purely aesthetic execution. The "strong junior" or "middle" designation suggests a need for demonstrated commercial experience and the ability to work semi-autonomously, while still benefiting from mentorship.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop compelling design solutions for diverse user journeys, with a strategic focus on user activation and retention, in close partnership with Product Managers.
• Generate multiple design variations for A/B testing, informed by thorough user research, market analysis, and competitive intelligence, to drive key business metric improvements.
• Conduct comprehensive competitor research and user experience (UX) analysis to identify opportunities for UX/UI enhancements and innovative product features.
• Actively participate in team brainstorming sessions, design reviews, and solution presentations, and conduct design grooming sessions for development teams.
• Create AI prototypes and Figma prototypes for unmoderated user testing sessions to gather early feedback and validate design concepts with the target audience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking (influencing business metrics, A/B testing) and hands-on execution (creating prototypes, conducting research). The emphasis on partnership with Product Managers and grooming for dev teams underscores the collaborative nature of the role within a product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a background in Design, HCI, Psychology, Sociology, or related fields is beneficial. A higher education in Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, or Journalism, or equivalent experience as a UX Researcher, is considered an advantage.

Experience: A minimum of 1.5 years of commercial experience in UI/UX or Product Design.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to work with product hypotheses and translate them into actionable design strategies.
• High-level proficiency in Figma, including deep knowledge of auto-layouts, variables, and component systems.
• Excellent UI design skills, demonstrating a strong aesthetic sense and attention to detail.
• Solid understanding of HTML & CSS, with knowledge of the technical aspects of web platform development.
• English language proficiency at B1+ (Intermediate+) level.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting UX research and user testing.
• Strong sense of responsibility, decisiveness, and the ability to both provide and receive constructive feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on multiple projects concurrently.
• Background as a UX Researcher or a degree in Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, or Journalism.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for strong Figma skills, including advanced features like auto-layouts and variables, indicates a need for efficient and scalable design system management. The English language requirement is crucial for collaboration within a globally diverse user base and potentially international teams.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A current portfolio demonstrating commercial case studies for UI/UX or Product Design roles.
• Examples of design solutions that directly influenced key business metrics (e.g., activation, retention, conversion).
• Demonstrations of how user research and data analysis were integrated into the design process.
• Showcase of proficiency in Figma, including design system components and advanced features.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies detailing the design process from problem identification through to solution implementation and iteration.
• Evidence of hypothesis-driven design and A/B testing methodologies applied to product features.
• Examples of user flow optimization and UI improvements that led to measurable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component, expected to showcase not just visual design skills but also a systematic, data-driven approach to product development. Candidates should be prepared to articulate the rationale behind their design decisions and their impact on business objectives.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While specific figures are not provided, for a Middle / Strong Junior Product Designer in Kyiv, Ukraine, with 1.5-5 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between $1,500 - $3,000 USD per month. This can vary based on the candidate's specific skill set, portfolio strength, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation in hard currency with transparent review system and potential product/business performance bonuses.
• Unlimited budget for tools, services, experiments, and professional development (courses, conferences, mentorship).
• Access to a network of experts within the largest product holding in Eastern Europe.
• Medical insurance, corporate doctor, and flexible working hours.
• Comprehensive social package including 20 days of paid leave, collaboration via FOP or Diia.City, paid sick leave, and subsidized meals in Kyiv and Warsaw offices.
• Well-being program including compensation for psychological support, yoga, and meditation classes.
• Support during wartime, ensuring safety and stability.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are implied, with a flexible schedule offered. The role requires 4 days per week in the Kyiv office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Ukraine, considering the company's stated benefits and the "middle" to "strong junior" experience level. The unlimited budget for tools and learning is a significant perk for continuous professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, SaaS, Document Management Software, AI Tools. Universe Group operates in a dynamic tech environment, building and scaling global digital products.

Company Size: Universe Group is a significant player, with its products serving over 400 million users worldwide. The design department within FORMA currently comprises 4 designers: a Lead Product Designer, 2 Middle Product Designers, and a Graphic/Motion Designer.

Founded: Universe Group is actively building tech businesses. FORMA, their flagship product, has seen substantial growth in the last 2+ years.

Team Structure:

• The design department is part of the FORMA product team, with designers collaborating closely with Product Managers and development teams.
• The Product Design Lead, Tamara, will serve as the direct mentor and partner for this role.
• Cross-functional collaboration is expected with product management, engineering, and potentially marketing/analytics teams.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, using analytics and A/B testing to inform design.
• Agile product development methodologies, focusing on iterative design and rapid hypothesis testing.
• A culture that values initiative, results, and continuous improvement over process for process's sake.

Company Website: Universe Group: https://universeplc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a results-oriented, fast-paced environment where initiative and direct impact on business metrics are highly valued. The structure within FORMA suggests a dedicated product team with clear leadership and mentorship channels.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Middle or Strong Junior Product Designer. This implies a level of autonomy in executing design tasks, an ability to contribute to strategic discussions, and a solid understanding of user-centered design principles and business objectives. The role is ideal for someone looking to deepen their product design expertise and gain experience in a high-growth tech environment.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report directly to the Product Design Lead, Tamara, who will act as a mentor. They will also collaborate closely with Product Managers and development teams.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will have a direct impact on FORMA's key business metrics, including user activation, retention, and overall product adoption. By designing effective user flows and optimizing experiences, they will contribute to the company's growth and success in the competitive SaaS market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Mentorship from a Lead Product Designer.
• Access to an unlimited budget for professional development, including courses and conferences.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact products with a global user base.
• Potential for career progression within the design department or other Universe Group companies based on performance and demonstrated capabilities.
• Exposure to a wide network of experts within the Universe Group ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "strong junior" designation suggests a candidate who is beyond entry-level but may not yet have extensive experience leading complex projects independently. The emphasis on mentorship and growth opportunities indicates a strong focus on developing talent within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, requiring 4 days per week in the company's modern office in Kyiv. The office is described as "All-inclusive," suggesting a well-equipped and comfortable workspace.

Office Location(s): Kyiv, Ukraine.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, with amenities like silent rooms for focused work and walking tracks.
• Access to necessary tools, services, and technology is supported by an unlimited budget.
• Opportunities for direct interaction and knowledge sharing with design colleagues and other teams are inherent in the hybrid office model.

Work Schedule: Full-time with a flexible schedule. The hybrid model requires attendance in the office 4 days a week, with one remote day.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model and emphasis on office presence suggest a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, while still offering some flexibility. The "all-inclusive" office description points to a company that invests in employee comfort and productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on key case studies that demonstrate their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact on business metrics. Expect questions about their rationale, decision-making, and collaboration.
• Practical Task/Case Study: A design challenge or case study may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving abilities, design thinking, and proficiency with tools like Figma.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Product Design Lead (Tamara) and potentially other team members to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and potential for growth.
• Final Interview: Potentially with higher management or cross-functional leads to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest commercial case studies that best align with the responsibilities outlined (focus on activation, retention, A/B testing, and business impact).
• Tell a Story: Structure each case study to clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions generated, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Process & Data: Emphasize how you used research, data, and user feedback to inform your design decisions. Showcase your Figma skills and any design system work.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics and data that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs on business goals.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, how you handled feedback, and your collaboration process.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with FORMA and PDFGuru to grasp the user base and business objectives.
• Practice Problem Solving: Be ready to tackle design challenges related to user flows, feature enhancements, or user acquisition/retention.
• Think Data-Driven: Frame your solutions with an eye toward measurable impact and A/B testing potential.
• Articulate Your Process: Be able to clearly explain your thought process and design rationale under pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio with commercial case studies and the mention of a "Lead Product Designer" as a mentor suggest that the company values practical experience and a structured approach to design evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and design system management. Candidates must have a deep understanding of its advanced features (auto-layouts, variables, components).
• Prototyping Tools: Figma prototypes, and potentially AI prototyping tools for rapid testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, proficiency with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) would be beneficial for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.
• Experience with A/B testing platforms is highly valued.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly mentioned for this role, but understanding how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms can be an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a critical tool. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their mastery of its advanced functionalities and how they leverage it for efficient and scalable design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on influencing business metrics and delivering tangible results, rather than just executing tasks.
• High-Tech Design Ambition: Embracing cutting-edge design practices and technologies.
• Partnership & Collaboration: Valuing strong teamwork and treating colleagues as partners.
• Continuous Learning & Development: Commitment to personal and professional growth through mentorship and resources.
• Data-Informed Decisions: Utilizing analytics and user research to guide design choices.
• Efficiency & Iteration: Embracing a mindset of continuous improvement and agile development.

Collaboration Style:

• Team Player: Emphasis on strong collaboration within the design department and cross-functionally with product management and development.
• Open Communication: Encouraged participation in brainstorming, discussions, and feedback sessions.
• Mentorship-Oriented: A structured approach to knowledge sharing and skill development, with a dedicated mentor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values align with a modern, growth-focused tech company. The emphasis on "business metrics" and "impact" is a key differentiator for this role within the design function.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Excellence with Business Goals: Effectively translating user needs and business objectives into designs that drive key metrics.
• Rapid Iteration and A/B Testing: Managing multiple design variations for testing and incorporating feedback quickly within an agile environment.
• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication with Product Managers and Development teams to execute designs effectively.
• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, methodologies, and AI advancements in the product space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Lead Product Designer on strategic thinking, design execution, and career development.
• Skill Advancement: Access to an unlimited budget for courses, conferences, and workshops to deepen expertise in product design, UX research, and related fields.
• Exposure to Global Products: Working on products with millions of users worldwide provides invaluable experience.
• Career Progression: Opportunities to grow into senior design roles or explore other opportunities within Universe Group's diverse portfolio.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a product designer in a fast-paced SaaS environment, emphasizing problem-solving, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset. The growth opportunities are robust, with significant investment in employee development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a feature specifically to increase user activation or retention. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on metrics, hypothesis, and iteration).
• "How do you approach collaborating with Product Managers and Developers? Can you give an example of a challenging collaboration and how you resolved it?" (Highlight communication, empathy, and problem-solving).
• "Walk us through a complex user flow you designed. What were the key decision points, and how did you ensure it was intuitive and efficient?" (Showcase process, problem-solving, and user-centricity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about FORMA and Universe Group's mission to build global tech products?" (Demonstrate research into the company and its products like PDFGuru).
• "How do you see yourself contributing to a 'high-tech design ambassador' culture?" (Align your values with the company's stated culture).
• "How do you measure the success of your design work beyond aesthetics?" (Emphasize data-driven approaches and business impact).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, dive into 2-3 case studies, clearly outlining the problem, your role, process, solutions, and quantifiable results.
• Storytelling: Weave a narrative for each case study, highlighting challenges and your problem-solving approach.
• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your Figma workflow, component usage, and any design system contributions.
• Data & Metrics: Clearly present the impact of your designs using data, graphs, or specific metrics. Be prepared to discuss how you gathered this data.
• Interactive Elements: If applicable, be ready to demo interactive prototypes or discuss user testing findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of strong design craft, strategic thinking tied to business outcomes, and excellent collaboration skills, all supported by a well-documented portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Universe Group's careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 commercial case studies that align with the responsibilities of driving business metrics (activation, retention), using data, and demonstrating strong Figma skills.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience with UI/UX, Product Design, Figma, A/B testing, and user research, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering strategy and behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your familiarity with SaaS products and the document management space.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Universe Group, FORMA, and PDFGuru. Understand their market position, user base, and recent developments to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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