Principal Product Designer (m/f/d) at AutoScout24

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Product Designer (m/f/d) Company: AutoScout24 Location: Berlin, Germany Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) Date Posted: August 26, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (7+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and own the user experience strategy and execution for key product areas within AutoScout24's B2B offerings.
Drive product vision and contribute to strategic decision-making by translating user insights and data into innovative design solutions.
Foster a collaborative design environment, mentoring junior designers and facilitating cross-functional alignment with Product Management, Engineering, UX Research, and Content Design teams.
Ensure high-craft design execution from concept through launch, championing UI excellence and continuous improvement.
Actively contribute to the broader design community within AutoScout24, sharing knowledge and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original posting is for a Product Designer role, the "Principal" title and emphasis on strategic contributions, end-to-end ownership, and mentoring suggest a senior-level position requiring significant experience and leadership capabilities within the UX/Product Design domain. The focus on B2B products indicates a need to understand complex user workflows and business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end design process for specific product features or platforms, from user research and concept development to high-fidelity prototyping and final implementation.
Collaborate closely with Product Managers to define product strategy, identify user needs, and translate business goals into effective design solutions.
Partner with UX Researchers to conduct user studies, analyze feedback, and synthesize insights that inform design decisions and product roadmaps.
Work hand-in-hand with Engineers to ensure design feasibility, technical implementation accuracy, and a seamless user experience across platforms.
Mentor and guide less experienced designers, providing constructive feedback, design critiques, and fostering their professional growth within the team.
Facilitate workshops, design sprints, and strategic discussions with cross-functional stakeholders to align on product direction and drive consensus.
Champion best practices in UX and UI design, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and a high level of aesthetic quality across all product touchpoints.
Utilize data analytics and user feedback to identify pain points, measure the impact of design changes, and iterate on solutions for continuous improvement.
Represent the design team in various forums, articulating design rationale, presenting concepts, and advocating for user-centered design principles.
Contribute to the evolution of AutoScout24's design system and standards, ensuring scalability and maintainability of design assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are inferred based on the "Principal" title and typical duties of senior product designers in tech companies. This includes leadership, strategic input, and cross-functional collaboration, moving beyond individual contribution to influencing product direction.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

7+ years of professional experience in product design, with a significant portion in-house at a software development company, preferably within e-commerce, marketplaces, or similar digital platforms.
Proven track record of successfully designing and launching complex digital products or features, demonstrating end-to-end ownership.

Required Skills:

Product Design Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead design initiatives, influence product strategy, and own the user experience for significant product areas.
User Experience (UX) Design: Mastery of the entire UX design process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and interaction design.
Portfolio of Work: A strong, comprehensive portfolio showcasing exceptional UX/UI design skills, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles, with a focus on digital products.
Mentoring & Coaching: Proven experience in mentoring and guiding junior designers, providing constructive feedback, and fostering team growth.
Communication & Facilitation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly and facilitate productive discussions with diverse stakeholders.
Data-Driven Design: Proficiency in using quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions, identify user pain points, and measure the success of design solutions.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, Content Designers, and other cross-functional partners.
UI Excellence: A critical eye for high-craft visual design and a drive to achieve exceptional UI quality and consistency.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with design systems and component libraries.
Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
Experience in the B2B SaaS or marketplace technology space.
Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG).
Experience with user journey mapping and service design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title implies a need for leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking beyond core design skills. The requirement for "7+ years of in-house experience" and "software development environment" are key differentiators. The emphasis on B2B and e-commerce/marketplaces suggests a need for understanding business workflows and user contexts specific to these domains.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Case Studies: Showcase 3-5 in-depth case studies demonstrating your end-to-end product design process, from problem definition and user research to solution implementation and impact measurement.
Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the design challenges faced, your approach to solving them, and the rationale behind your design decisions.
User-Centricity: Highlight your understanding of user needs and how your designs address those needs effectively.
Collaboration: Illustrate instances of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research) within your case studies.
Impact & Metrics: Quantify the impact of your designs using relevant metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction, task completion time), demonstrating ROI where possible.
UX/UI Craftsmanship: Present high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and final UI designs that exhibit a high level of polish, attention to detail, and adherence to design principles.

Process Documentation:

Candidates are expected to demonstrate how they integrate research findings, stakeholder feedback, and data analysis into their design workflow.
Evidence of process improvement contributions or the establishment of new design processes within previous roles may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal-level role, a portfolio needs to demonstrate not just execution but also strategic thinking, leadership in process, and measurable business impact. The focus is on showing how design influences business outcomes and how the candidate can elevate the design practice.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Principal Product Designers in Berlin, Germany, with 7+ years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €85,000 - €110,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, interview performance, and the company's compensation structure.

Benefits:

Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).
Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
Hybrid work model with flexibility for in-office collaboration.
Access to modern office spaces in Berlin and Munich.
Company pension scheme or equivalent retirement savings plan.
Employee assistance programs and other well-being initiatives.
Potential for stock options or equity, depending on the company's policy.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week.
Hybrid work arrangement requires presence in the office two days per week, offering flexibility for the remaining days.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for senior/principal design roles in major tech hubs like Berlin, Germany, factoring in the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are standard offerings for tech companies in the region, enhanced by the company's global community focus.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Online Marketplaces / Automotive Technology Company Size: AutoScout24 is a significant player in the European digital automotive market. While specific employee numbers are not provided, it is a well-established company with a substantial workforce, indicating a structured but dynamic environment. Founded: AutoScout24 was founded in 1998, signifying a long history of operation and adaptation in the digital space.

Team Structure:

The Product Design team operates within a larger Product & Technology organization.
Designers collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, and Content Designers within agile squads or product teams.
There is a clear emphasis on cross-functional collaboration, with designers playing a pivotal role in product development cycles.
As a Principal Designer, you will likely be part of a senior design cohort, contributing to design leadership and mentorship across teams.

Methodology:

AutoScout24 emphasizes a data-driven approach to product development, using analytics and user research to inform decisions.
Agile methodologies are likely employed, fostering iterative development and continuous improvement.
A strong focus on user-centered design principles guides the product creation process.
The company values innovation and encourages employees to challenge the status quo and strive for excellence.

Company Website: https://www.autoscout24.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a forward-thinking culture focused on innovation, customer delight, and employee growth. The "fast lane" metaphor suggests a dynamic, results-oriented environment. The emphasis on B2B products implies a focus on business solutions and platform efficiency.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Product Designer

This role represents a senior individual contributor position within the design hierarchy.
It demands a high level of autonomy, strategic influence, and the ability to lead complex design initiatives.
Responsibilities extend beyond execution to include mentoring, setting design standards, and contributing to the overall product strategy.

Reporting Structure:

Typically, a Principal Product Designer would report to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or Director of Product.
They would work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their assigned product squads.
Direct reports are not explicitly mentioned, but mentoring responsibilities suggest a leadership role within the design team.

Operations Impact:

The Principal Product Designer directly impacts the user experience of AutoScout24's B2B products, influencing customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction.
By driving product innovation and usability, the role contributes to business growth, operational efficiency for B2B users, and market competitiveness.
Strategic design decisions can significantly affect revenue streams and user engagement metrics.

Growth Opportunities:

Leadership Track: Potential to move into management roles (e.g., Design Manager, Lead Product Designer) or continue as a Principal/Staff Designer with broader strategic influence across multiple product lines.
Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX, such as interaction design, UX research leadership, or design systems strategy.
Cross-functional Exposure: Gaining experience in product strategy, business development, and market analysis through close collaboration with other departments.
Community Contribution: Becoming a recognized leader within the AutoScout24 design community and potentially speaking at industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title signifies a significant career step, emphasizing leadership, strategic impact, and mentorship. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening expertise or moving into management within a UX/Product Design career path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

AutoScout24 operates a hybrid work model, requiring employees to be in the office two days per week. This suggests a blend of focused individual work and collaborative team sessions.
The office environment is likely modern, equipped with the tools and technologies necessary for collaborative design work.

Office Location(s):

The role is advertised for Berlin, Germany, with the possibility of working in Munich offices as well. This offers flexibility for candidates located in or willing to relocate to these vibrant tech hubs.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Spaces: Offices will likely feature meeting rooms, brainstorming areas, and open-plan spaces conducive to team collaboration and design critiques.
Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite), prototyping tools, collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Miro), and project management systems.
Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for direct interaction with design peers, product managers, engineers, and researchers, fostering a dynamic and communicative work environment.

Work Schedule:

Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).
The hybrid model allows for flexibility in how the remaining three days are managed, balancing remote work with in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model (2 days in office) is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a need for candidates comfortable with both remote and in-person collaboration. The choice between Berlin and Munich offers location flexibility within Germany.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.
Portfolio Review & Skills Assessment: A dedicated session with design leadership and/or team members to review your portfolio in depth. This will likely involve presenting case studies and discussing your design process, decision-making, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions about your experience with B2B products and your approach to user research and data utilization.
Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with key partners such as a Product Manager and Engineering Lead to evaluate collaboration skills, communication effectiveness, and ability to integrate design into the product development lifecycle.
Final Interview: Potentially a conversation with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO, or VP of Design) to discuss strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to a Principal Product Designer role, particularly highlighting B2B or marketplace product experience.
Tell a Story: Structure each case study as a narrative: the problem, your role, the process, the challenges, the solutions, and the outcomes (quantified with metrics).
Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design thinking. Clearly explain your rationale for key decisions.
Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples of how you've mentored junior designers, led design initiatives, or influenced product strategy.
Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design process, how you handle feedback, conflict resolution, and your approach to balancing user needs with business goals.
Tailor to AutoScout24: Research AutoScout24's products and target audience to tailor your presentation and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for a potential design exercise, either take-home or live. This might involve critiquing an existing product, conceptualizing a new feature, or solving a specific design problem.
Focus on demonstrating your thinking process, problem-solving skills, and ability to articulate your ideas clearly and concisely, rather than just the final output.
Practice presenting your work and ideas concisely, as time management is often a factor in these exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Principal role is rigorous and aims to assess strategic thinking, leadership, and deep domain expertise. A strong portfolio that tells a compelling story and demonstrates measurable impact is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
Collaboration & Whiteboarding: Miro, Mural, Confluence.
Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello (or similar).
User Research Platforms: Lookback, UserTesting.com, Dovetail (or similar for qualitative data synthesis).

Analytics & Reporting:

Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics (or similar platforms for tracking user behavior and product performance).
Business Intelligence/Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, Looker (for understanding and presenting data insights).

CRM & Automation:

While less directly used by designers, an understanding of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for context in B2B product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma is essential. Understanding how to leverage analytics and data platforms to inform design decisions is a key requirement for a data-driven Principal Designer.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Customer Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of AutoScout24's B2B customers.
Innovation & Growth: A drive to continuously improve products, explore new ideas, and foster a culture of learning and personal development.
Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, teamwork, and a willingness to share knowledge and provide constructive feedback across functions.
Excellence & Quality: A dedication to delivering high-quality design solutions with meticulous attention to detail and user experience.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to guide strategy and validate design choices.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Partnership: Designers are expected to work closely and collaboratively with Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers, and other stakeholders, acting as integral members of product teams.
Iterative Design: Embracing an agile approach, involving frequent feedback loops and iterative refinement of designs based on user testing and stakeholder input.
Open Dialogue: Encouraging open discussion, constructive critique, and knowledge sharing within the design team and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and a data-driven approach, with a strong focus on customer needs, particularly in the B2B context. The design team is positioned as a key partner in product development.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing expectations and aligning diverse stakeholder requirements (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing) to achieve optimal design outcomes.
Scaling Design: Ensuring design consistency and quality as the product suite and user base grow, potentially requiring contributions to design systems and scalable processes.
Data Interpretation: Translating complex datasets and user behavior into actionable design insights can be challenging, requiring strong analytical and synthesis skills.
Navigating a Mature Market: Differentiating AutoScout24's B2B offerings in a competitive online marketplace environment through superior user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone expertise in areas like complex interaction design, service design, or leading design for large-scale platforms.
Strategic Influence: Developing skills in product strategy, roadmap planning, and influencing business decisions through design advocacy.
Mentorship & Leadership: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially develop leadership capabilities.
Industry Engagement: Attending relevant conferences, workshops, and gaining exposure to emerging design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in established tech companies, focusing on strategic impact, scalability, and stakeholder management. Growth opportunities align with advancing design leadership and strategic influence.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

"How would you approach redesigning a key feature of our B2B platform, considering user feedback and business objectives?" (Focus on process, user research, data, and stakeholder alignment).
"Describe a time you had to influence product strategy with your design recommendations. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight strategic thinking, communication, and impact).
"How do you measure the success of your designs, and what metrics do you prioritize for B2B products?" (Demonstrate data literacy and focus on business impact).
"Tell us about your experience mentoring junior designers. What is your philosophy on design feedback and development?" (Show leadership and team contribution).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What excites you about AutoScout24 and our B2B products?" (Research the company, its market position, and its mission).
"How do you see yourself contributing to our design community and fostering collaboration?" (Emphasize teamwork, knowledge sharing, and mentorship).
"How do you stay updated on design trends and best practices, especially in the B2B/marketplace space?" (Show continuous learning and industry awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, challenges, and measurable outcomes.
Highlight Key Contributions: Emphasize your leadership, strategic input, and how you drove impact beyond individual task execution.
Be Concise and Engaging: Practice presenting your work within a set time limit, focusing on clarity and impact. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your process and rationale.
Showcase B2B Relevance: If possible, draw parallels between your past work and the challenges faced in B2B environments or online marketplaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the product design lifecycle, particularly within a B2B context. Quantifiable results from your portfolio are critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Product Designer position:

Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
Portfolio Preparation: Curate your portfolio to showcase 3-5 of your most relevant case studies, emphasizing end-to-end ownership, strategic contributions, B2B experience (if applicable), and measurable outcomes. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your design process and problem-solving approach.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience, leadership in design, mentoring capabilities, and experience in software development environments. Use keywords such as "Product Design," "UX Design," "User Experience," "Strategic Design," "Mentoring," "Facilitation," and "Data-Driven Design."
Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, focusing on your design rationale, collaboration experiences, and how you drive product impact. Practice answering strategy and behavioral questions related to leadership and problem-solving.
Company Research: Thoroughly research AutoScout24, its B2B products, market position, and company culture to articulate your interest and alignment during the interview process.

⚠️ 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.

Principal Product Designer (m/f/d)