Pleos Platform Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Pleos Platform Product Designer Company: 42dot Location: Pangyo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / Operations Strategy Date Posted: 2025-09-16 Experience Level: Senior (10+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a leadership position within 42dot's Pleos Playground group, focused on designing end-to-end customer experiences across the in-vehicle OS ecosystem.
• It involves defining feature strategy and product portfolios, aligning them with company vision and customer needs, and translating customer insights into tangible vehicle features.
• The position requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Product Managers, Service Architects, Engineers, and Operations teams to deliver optimal user experiences.
• A key aspect of this role is mentoring junior designers and leading company-wide design practices and standards.
• Responsibilities include managing feature roadmaps, prioritizing features based on technical maturity, cost, and schedule, and aligning with OEM stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities and experience requirements (10+ years, feature strategy, portfolio definition, cross-functional leadership, business acumen, OEM collaboration, KPI management) strongly indicate a strategic operations and product management function, often found within GTM or Operations Strategy teams. This role bridges product development with operational execution and market strategy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define feature strategy and product portfolios for specific vehicle programs, ensuring alignment with overarching company vision and evolving customer needs.
• Translate customer insights, including unmet needs and lifestyle patterns, into concrete and actionable vehicle features.
• Prioritize features by carefully considering technical maturity, associated costs, and project timelines to ensure feasibility and impact.
• Foster collaboration across design, engineering, and business units to ensure features are appealing, executable, and commercially viable.
• Manage the feature roadmap across the vehicle lineup, balancing short-term performance gains with long-term differentiation strategies.
• Coordinate with OEM stakeholders to synchronize feature definitions with manufacturing and program schedules for seamless integration.
• Establish and manage Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for each feature, focusing on metrics like adoption rates, customer satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.
• Lead cross-functional working groups to adeptly navigate trade-offs between customer value, technical possibilities, and business cases.
• Provide executive leadership with clear, data-driven justifications to support decisions on feature adoption or deferral.
• Mentor junior designers, fostering their growth and contributing to the establishment of company-wide design standards and leadership culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly demonstrate a strategic operational focus on product lifecycle management, stakeholder alignment, and performance measurement (KPIs), which are core to Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, and GTM functions. The emphasis on aligning technical feasibility with business viability and customer needs is a hallmark of effective operations strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Product Management, Design, Engineering, Business) or equivalent practical experience. Advanced degrees in related fields may be advantageous, particularly for strategic planning and analysis.

Experience: 10+ years of experience in product planning, automotive function planning, or digital platform leadership. This experience should include a proven track record of translating market insights and technical trends into actionable product strategies and feature sets.

Required Skills:

• Profound experience in product planning, automotive function planning, or digital platform management.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize customer research, technology trends, and business strategy into executable feature plans.
• Extensive experience collaborating cross-functionally with engineering, design, marketing, finance, and operations teams.
• A strong customer-centric product development philosophy and proficiency in design thinking rooted in user lifestyles.
• Solid business acumen, enabling evaluation of ROI, timelines, and competitive positioning.
• Native fluency in Korean and professional proficiency in English, enabling seamless communication with executives and global partners.
• Experience in mentoring junior team members and guiding design best practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience in automotive function planning for areas such as In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), connectivity, or convenience features.
• Understanding of technical roadmaps in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), infotainment systems, sensors, cloud services, and mobility platforms.
• Prior experience working with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and global partners.
• Experience in customer segmentation and lifestyle analysis to inform product strategy.
• Proven ability in product cost modeling and business case development.
• Program Management (PMO) experience within large-scale automotive programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required experience level and the blend of strategic planning, cross-functional leadership, and business acumen are critical for operations roles focused on go-to-market strategy and product operations. The preference for automotive-specific experience and technical domain knowledge (AI, cloud, mobility) highlights the need for an operations professional who can navigate complex technical and market landscapes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio that clearly demonstrates end-to-end product lifecycle management, from initial concept and strategy definition to feature prioritization and roadmap execution.
• Include detailed case studies illustrating how customer insights and lifestyle analysis were translated into specific, successful vehicle features or digital platform functionalities.
• Provide examples of strategic decision-making, highlighting the rationale behind feature prioritization, trade-off analysis, and alignment with business objectives and technical constraints.
• Demonstrate experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects, including collaboration with engineering, design, marketing, and OEM partners.
• Present evidence of defining and tracking Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for product features, showcasing impact on adoption, satisfaction, or efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Documented processes for feature ideation, validation, and prioritization, emphasizing a data-driven and customer-centric approach.
• Evidence of established workflows for cross-functional collaboration, including communication protocols and decision-making frameworks for feature development.
• Examples of process optimization initiatives within product planning or feature development cycles, detailing the implemented changes and their impact.
• Methodologies for translating technical roadmaps and market trends into tangible product strategies and feature roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role at this strategic level within operations, a portfolio is crucial. It should highlight not just design output but the operational processes behind feature strategy, cross-functional alignment, and performance measurement. This demonstrates an understanding of how product development integrates into broader business operations and go-to-market execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers/Strategists with 10+ years of experience in South Korea's tech and automotive sectors, a competitive salary range can be estimated. For a role requiring extensive experience and leadership, particularly in a significant company like 42dot, the annual salary is projected to be between ₩100,000,000 and ₩160,000,000 (approximately $75,000 - $120,000 USD, subject to exchange rates). This range accounts for the high level of expertise, strategic responsibility, and market demand for such specialized roles in the Seoul metropolitan area.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).
• Retirement savings plan or pension contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and workshops.
• Potential for stock options or performance-based bonuses.
• Employee engagement programs and team-building activities.
• Support for work-life balance initiatives.
• Potentially subsidised meals or transportation if applicable to the on-site role.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility potentially offered based on project needs and team agreements. The role's leadership nature may require occasional extended hours to meet critical deadlines or manage global stakeholder communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research for senior-level product management and strategic roles in the South Korean technology and automotive industries, considering the high cost of living and talent demand in the Seoul metropolitan area. Benefits are standard for a full-time position at a company of 42dot's apparent scale and ambition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Automotive Technology & Mobility Services. 42dot is at the forefront of developing autonomous driving technology and integrated mobility solutions, aiming to create a new era of urban mobility. The company is deeply invested in software, AI, and user experience design for vehicles. Company Size: While specific numbers fluctuate, 42dot is a significant player in the Korean tech scene, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand employees, indicating a dynamic, growth-oriented environment. Founded: 42dot was founded in 2017, making it a relatively young but rapidly advancing company in the burgeoning autonomous driving and mobility sector. This suggests a culture of innovation, agility, and a fast-paced approach to product development.

Team Structure:

• The Pleos Playground group is focused on the in-vehicle OS ecosystem, implying a dedicated product development team.
• This Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Director of Design, or a senior executive overseeing product strategy.
• Collaboration will extend across multiple departments: Product Management, Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering, UX/UI Design, Marketing, Business Development, and Operations.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is paramount, leveraging customer insights, market analysis, and performance metrics to guide product strategy.
• Agile and lean methodologies are likely employed for rapid prototyping, iteration, and development.
• A strong emphasis on user-centric design and continuous improvement processes.
• Cross-functional teams are the norm, promoting shared ownership and collaborative problem-solving.

Company Website: https://42dot.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding 42dot's industry and founding date is crucial for operations candidates. It highlights a company focused on cutting-edge technology with a need for strategic operational planning to bring complex products to market. The team structure suggests a need for strong communication and collaboration skills, typical of operations roles that bridge technical and business functions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior/leadership level within the product design and strategy domain. It demands a strategic mindset, significant experience in automotive or digital platform product planning, and the ability to influence product direction and mentor junior talent. This level is often a stepping stone to higher leadership roles in product management, GTM strategy, or operations leadership. Reporting Structure: The role reports into a leadership position within the Pleos Playground group or the broader product organization. The designer will work closely with product managers, engineers, and other cross-functional leads, requiring strong influence and collaboration skills without direct authority over all parties. Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to define and deliver competitive in-vehicle experiences, which is critical for customer adoption, brand perception, and revenue generation in the automotive sector. Strategic feature planning and execution are core to the operational success of product launches and ongoing product evolution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Potential to move into a Product Management Lead, Head of Product Design, or Director of Product Strategy role, overseeing larger product portfolios or teams.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific automotive domains (e.g., AI-driven features, infotainment systems, user experience for autonomous vehicles) or expand into broader GTM strategy roles.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunity to transition into roles within Product Marketing, Business Operations, or Program Management, leveraging a deep understanding of product strategy and execution.
• Mentorship Development: Enhance leadership skills by formally mentoring designers and contributing to the development of company-wide design and product strategy processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential within the rapidly evolving mobility sector. For operations professionals, it represents an opportunity to shape product strategy from a deeply integrated perspective, impacting market success and revenue. The emphasis on mentorship and process leadership aligns well with career paths in operations management and strategic planning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Pangyo, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, a major hub for technology and innovation in the country. This suggests a modern office environment designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Office Location(s): Pangyo Techno Valley, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. This location is known for its concentration of tech companies, research institutions, and startups, creating a vibrant ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is likely designed to encourage collaboration, with open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and dedicated spaces for focused work.
• Access to advanced design tools, prototyping software, and potentially VR/AR equipment for immersive experience design.
• Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse range of professionals across engineering, product, and business functions.
• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, innovative, and driven by a shared mission to revolutionize mobility.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time business hours, typically Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, the company may offer some flexibility for focused work or team coordination needs, but the core expectation is consistent presence and contribution at the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in a tech hub like Pangyo indicates an environment geared towards intense collaboration and rapid development cycles, which is common in operations teams responsible for product launches and market execution. The workspace context suggests a focus on tools and interaction that support efficient product strategy and design processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and any requested materials through the Ashby portal.
• Document Screening: Initial review of applications for alignment with core qualifications and experience.
• Pre-Assignment Review: Candidates may be asked to complete an assignment or provide a detailed portfolio upfront.
• Video Interview (1 hour): A virtual interview focusing on foundational experience, strategic thinking, and initial fit. Expect questions on past product planning, customer insights utilization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• On-site or Extended Video Interview (3 hours): A more in-depth session potentially involving multiple interviewers from different departments (Product, Engineering, Design, Leadership). This stage will likely include case studies, problem-solving exercises related to feature strategy, and discussions on leadership philosophy and mentorship.
• Final Evaluation & Offer: Comprehensive assessment of all interview stages, potentially including a reference check or background verification, leading to a final decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Narrative: Structure your portfolio to tell a story about your product development journey, highlighting your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and impact.
• Process Focus: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed (customer research, ideation, prioritization, cross-functional alignment), the solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes (KPIs, impact).
• Business Acumen: Demonstrate how you considered business objectives, technical constraints, and market dynamics in your decision-making. Include examples of ROI analysis or business case development if applicable.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Showcase examples of successful collaboration with diverse teams, highlighting your communication and influencing skills.
• Leadership & Mentorship: If possible, include examples demonstrating leadership or mentorship capabilities, aligning with the role's expectations.
• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to digest. Focus on quality over quantity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Feature Strategy Case Study: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach defining a feature strategy for a new vehicle program or improving an existing one, considering customer needs, technology, and business goals.
• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions that require you to break down complex problems related to product development, user experience, or cross-functional conflicts, and propose solutions.
• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating your thought process and decisions clearly to different stakeholders (technical, business, executive), and be ready to demonstrate how you manage competing priorities.
• Mentorship Approach: Prepare to discuss your philosophy and experience in mentoring junior designers and fostering a positive team culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is rigorous, emphasizing strategic thinking, practical application, and collaborative potential. A strong portfolio that highlights operational processes and measurable impact is critical for demonstrating the strategic and leadership capabilities required for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management Platforms: Jira, Confluence, Asana, or similar for project management, documentation, and workflow tracking.
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar for user interface design, wireframing, and interactive prototyping.
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams for real-time communication and team coordination.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: SQL, Python/R (for advanced analysis), Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for data visualization and reporting on feature performance and user engagement.
• Analytics Platforms: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel for tracking user behavior within digital platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (less direct but relevant for understanding customer data): Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar if customer data is managed here.
• Integration Tools: Understanding of how different systems integrate to support the user experience and data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is design-focused, a strong understanding of the tools used for product management, data analysis, and collaboration is essential. Operations professionals in product roles leverage these tools to drive efficiency, track performance, and communicate insights across the organization. Proficiency in data visualization and analytics tools is particularly valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing customer needs and lifestyle patterns, ensuring product decisions are user-focused.
• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies, methodologies, and ideas to drive forward-thinking solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering open communication and teamwork across departments, valuing diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Relying on metrics, research, and analysis to inform product strategy and evaluate performance.
• Excellence & Ownership: Taking responsibility for product outcomes, striving for high quality, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participating in and leading cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and synergy between product, engineering, design, and business units.
• Constructive Feedback: Engaging in open and honest feedback loops with peers and stakeholders to refine product strategies and designs.
• Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned to elevate the team's collective capabilities.
• Strategic Alignment: Ensuring that individual contributions and team efforts are aligned with the company's broader vision and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on customer-centricity, data-driven decisions, and cross-functional collaboration aligns perfectly with the core tenets of effective operations and GTM strategies. Understanding these values is key for candidates to demonstrate cultural fit and operational alignment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Priorities: Effectively managing trade-offs between customer desires, technical feasibility, business viability, and OEM timelines requires strong strategic negotiation and prioritization skills.
• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of and integrating advancements in AI, autonomous driving, and mobility services within product roadmaps.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and buy-in across diverse teams (engineering, design, marketing, legal, operations) for complex feature sets.
• Defining Novel User Experiences: Creating intuitive and compelling user experiences for technologies that are still emerging and evolving in the automotive space.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Leadership: Exposure to cutting-edge autonomous driving technology and mobility solutions, positioning the individual as a thought leader.
• Advanced Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like AI integration, automotive UX, and complex system design.
• Strategic Impact: The chance to significantly influence the direction of 42dot's product strategy and shape the future of in-vehicle experiences.
• Mentorship and Leadership Training: Formal opportunities to develop leadership and mentorship capabilities, essential for career advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are directly related to operational execution in a high-growth, innovative industry. Overcoming these challenges provides significant opportunities for professional development, particularly in strategic planning, stakeholder management, and technical integration – all vital for operations careers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for translating broad customer lifestyle insights into specific, actionable product features for a vehicle program. How do you prioritize these features against technical constraints and business goals?" (Focus on structured approach, data utilization, and trade-off analysis.)
• "How would you manage feature roadmaps for a vehicle lineup, balancing short-term market needs with long-term strategic differentiation? Provide an example." (Emphasize strategic planning, portfolio management, and market awareness.)
• "Walk us through a complex cross-functional project you led or significantly contributed to. What were the key challenges in alignment, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight collaboration skills, communication strategies, and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about 42dot's mission and the future of mobility? How do you see your role contributing to this vision?" (Showcase genuine interest and alignment with company goals.)
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers or product professionals? Describe a time you helped someone grow their skills." (Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to team development.)
• "How do you ensure your product decisions are both customer-centric and commercially viable? What metrics do you use to measure success?" (Focus on balancing user needs with business outcomes and data-driven evaluation.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Begin with an overview of your product philosophy and career trajectory, then dive into 2-3 key projects that best showcase your strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and impact.
• Process Visualization: Use flowcharts or diagrams to illustrate your product development processes and decision-making frameworks.
• Data-Driven Impact: Clearly present KPIs, user feedback, and any quantitative results that demonstrate the success and ROI of your contributions. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
• Stakeholder Communication: Be prepared to explain how you communicated with and influenced various stakeholders throughout your projects.
• Concise Storytelling: Practice delivering your portfolio presentation within the allotted time, focusing on clarity, impact, and relevance to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should center on demonstrating strategic thinking, operational process knowledge, and leadership capabilities. Candidates should be ready to articulate their decision-making process, highlight their impact with data, and showcase their ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link, ensuring all requested information is accurate and complete.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight the 10+ years of experience in product planning, automotive function planning, or digital platform leadership, emphasizing strategic feature definition, cross-functional collaboration, and business acumen.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines achievements using action verbs and quantifiable results, focusing on responsibilities that align with product strategy, operations, and GTM execution.
• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research 42dot's mission, products, and the "42dot Way." Practice articulating your experience with specific examples related to strategic decision-making, customer insight translation, and stakeholder management. Prepare to discuss your mentorship approach.
• Company Culture Research: Familiarize yourself with 42dot's employee engagement programs and "way of working" to demonstrate a strong cultural fit and understanding of their operational philosophy.

⚠️ 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.