Product Design Director

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design Director

Company: Eidra

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design & Strategy Leadership

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead product design and UX strategy for clients, translating business challenges into actionable product roadmaps.

• Drive design excellence and craft through hands-on involvement in the design process, from concept to production.

• Cultivate and manage senior client relationships, fostering growth and expanding service opportunities for Eidra.

• Spearhead business development initiatives, contributing to proposals, pitches, and establishing Eidra's market presence.

• Build and shape a new design team in Chicago, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is distinctly positioned as a leadership opportunity with a strong emphasis on both strategic direction and hands-on design craft. The "founding nature" of the role in the US market implies a significant entrepreneurial component, requiring someone comfortable with ambiguity, team building, and market expansion. The explicit mention of "commercial leadership" and "account growth" alongside design responsibilities indicates a need for a candidate who can balance creative vision with business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Shape and articulate product strategy and experience direction for clients, ensuring alignment with customer needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility.

• Lead client discovery workshops and framing sessions to define product opportunities and strategic roadmaps.

• Actively participate in the design process, providing direction and feedback on concepts, user flows, wireframes, and visual designs.

• Elevate the quality of design output by setting high standards for craft and user experience throughout the delivery lifecycle.

• Independently manage senior client stakeholders, navigate complex project landscapes, and ensure successful project outcomes.

• Identify and develop expansion opportunities within existing client accounts, contributing to proposals and pitches to drive revenue growth.

• Contribute to building Eidra's brand and reputation in the Chicago market through community engagement and strategic partnerships.

• Play a key role in hiring, mentoring, and developing the product design team in the Chicago office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, client management, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "shaping product strategy" and "framing opportunities" suggests a proactive and consultative approach, moving beyond traditional design execution. The expectation to "own senior client relationships independently" and "grow the business" underscores the commercial aspect of this leadership role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in product design, UX strategy, and team leadership, with a strong preference for agency or consulting backgrounds. Proven track record of successfully shaping and shipping complex digital products.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience leading product design and UX strategy for digital products.

• Strong portfolio demonstrating successful product strategy formulation and execution.

• Proven ability to translate ambiguous briefs and business problems into clear product directions.

• Expertise in leading discovery, framing opportunities, and developing product concepts.

• Demonstrated success in owning and growing senior client relationships.

• Commercial acumen with experience in account management and business development.

• Deep understanding of design craft and the ability to raise quality standards.

• Proficiency in design tools, with Figma being a key component of the daily workflow.

• Experience working with and understanding the impact of AI tools on the design process.

Preferred Skills:

• Agency or consulting background with a focus on client-facing roles.

• Experience in building and scaling design teams from the ground up.

• Strong opinions and practical experience with the application of AI in design workflows.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Experience in market expansion and establishing a company's presence in a new region.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a hybrid skill set: strong design craft, strategic thinking, and commercial leadership. The "agency or consulting background strongly preferred" indicates a need for candidates accustomed to client-driven work, fast-paced environments, and revenue-generating responsibilities. The explicit mention of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design technology adoption.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A diverse range of case studies showcasing the end-to-end product design process, from initial discovery and strategy to final implementation and iteration.

• Examples that clearly articulate the problem, the strategic approach taken, the design solutions developed, and the measurable impact on business objectives and user experience.

• Demonstrations of leadership in product strategy, including framing opportunities, defining roadmaps, and influencing client direction.

• Evidence of hands-on design craft and quality elevation, with examples of detailed design work and problem-solving in the delivery phase.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase how you define and optimize design processes, particularly in agency or consulting settings.

• Detail your approach to leading discovery phases, concept development, and user research.

• Illustrate methods for ensuring design quality and consistency across complex digital product development cycles.

• Provide examples of how you integrate AI tools into design workflows to enhance efficiency and creativity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily focused on demonstrating strategic impact and commercial success, in addition to design execution. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their process for shaping product strategy, managing client expectations, and driving business growth through design leadership. The "founding nature" of the role suggests a portfolio that highlights experience in building new capabilities or teams.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $160,000 – $210,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package reflective of experience and leadership.

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including fully subsidized insurance premiums for employees and their families.

• Flexible time off with a minimum requirement of 3 weeks per year, encouraging extended breaks for true rejuvenation.

• Emphasis on work-life balance, promoting a sustainable and productive work environment.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development.

• Annual engagement opportunities with global teams in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, fostering international collaboration and networking.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring 3 days per week in the Chicago office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Director-level role in a major metropolitan area like Chicago, particularly for a position with significant strategic and commercial responsibilities. The benefits package, influenced by a Nordic heritage, emphasizes employee well-being, work-life balance, and comprehensive healthcare, which are significant draws for experienced professionals. The mention of global team engagement adds a unique international dimension to the role's benefits.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consulting, Digital Product Development. Eidra operates at the intersection of technology services and strategic consulting, helping clients navigate digital transformation and build innovative products.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the role is described as "founding" the US market presence and building a team, suggesting a growing or expanding organization.

Founded: Eidra has global offices in the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, indicating an established international presence prior to its US expansion. The founding date is not specified, but its Nordic roots suggest a potentially established company with a distinct cultural heritage.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design Director will be instrumental in building and leading a new design team in Chicago.

• This role involves close collaboration with client teams, project managers, developers, and potentially other leadership roles within Eidra's US operations.

Methodology:

• Eidra emphasizes a collaborative and transparent approach, drawing from its Nordic heritage.

• The company values inclusive decision-making, continuous learning, and building trust.

• Design and product development methodologies likely incorporate agile principles, user-centered design, and a focus on delivering tangible business value.

• There's a stated interest in exploring and integrating AI tools into design processes.

Company Website: https://careers.eidra.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is influenced by its Nordic roots, suggesting a focus on work-life balance, transparency, and collaborative decision-making. The "founding" aspect of this role implies an opportunity to shape the culture and team dynamics in a new market, which can be both exciting and challenging. The emphasis on building trust and continuous learning is key for operations professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned as a Director, responsible for strategic direction, team building, and business growth. It represents a significant step up from individual contributor or management roles, requiring a blend of strategic vision, design expertise, and commercial acumen.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, this role likely reports to a senior executive overseeing US operations or a global Head of Design/Product. The Director will, in turn, build and manage their own team.

Operations Impact: The Product Design Director will have a direct and substantial impact on Eidra's success in the US market. This includes shaping client perception, driving revenue growth through account expansion and new business, and establishing Eidra's reputation for design excellence and strategic thinking. The role is critical for the company's market entry and expansion strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Leadership & Development: Opportunity to build and shape a high-performing design team from the ground up, defining its structure, culture, and processes.

• Strategic Influence: Play a pivotal role in shaping Eidra's overall product strategy and service offerings in the North American market.

• Business Growth: Directly contribute to the commercial success of Eidra by growing accounts and securing new business opportunities.

• International Exposure: Engage with global teams, offering cross-cultural collaboration and a broader perspective on design and business practices.

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Gain valuable experience in establishing a new market presence for a company, a significant undertaking with high learning potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of hands-on design leadership and entrepreneurial responsibility. The growth potential lies not just in career advancement within Eidra, but also in the foundational experience of building a new market presence and team. Candidates should highlight their experience in scaling operations and fostering team growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a commitment of 3 days per week at the Chicago office located in Fulton Market. This suggests a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): 171 N Aberdeen St suite 400, Chicago, IL 60607. Fulton Market is a vibrant, rapidly developing area known for its tech and creative industries, offering a dynamic professional environment.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting workshops, team meetings, and client interactions.

• As a Director, you will likely have access to resources and tools necessary for leading design initiatives and managing a team.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home while leveraging the office for essential collaboration and team building.

• The location in Fulton Market provides access to a thriving business community and amenities.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is implied, with flexibility expected around client needs and project deadlines. The 3-day-per-week office commitment suggests a structured approach to hybrid work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Chicago office location in Fulton Market positions Eidra within a hub of innovation and business activity, which is advantageous for client engagement and talent acquisition. The hybrid model, with a defined office presence, balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for leadership roles and team building.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, focusing on design leadership, strategy, and commercial experience.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Discussion about your background, leadership style, approach to product strategy, and experience building teams. This may include a high-level overview of your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio. This is a critical step to demonstrate your strategic thinking, design process, craft, client management, and business impact. Be prepared to discuss how you've used AI tools.

• Cross-functional/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with other key stakeholders at Eidra (e.g., engineering leads, business development, senior management) to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic alignment.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with a senior executive to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose case studies that best represent your experience in product strategy, leadership, commercial growth, and hands-on design craft. Highlight projects where you influenced strategy, managed complex client relationships, and drove measurable business outcomes.

• Tell a Compelling Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, the design solutions, the challenges faced, and the quantifiable results achieved. Emphasize your role and impact.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Demonstrate your ability to frame opportunities, challenge briefs, and define product roadmaps. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions, linking them to business goals.

• Highlight Leadership & Collaboration: Provide examples of how you've led teams, mentored designers, and collaborated effectively with cross-functional partners and clients.

• Address AI Integration: Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and how they have been integrated into your design process, highlighting both benefits and limitations.

Challenge Preparation:

• Strategic Framing Exercise: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical ambiguous client brief or business problem, outlining your discovery process and strategic framing.

• Client Management Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you handle challenging client conversations, manage scope creep, or drive consensus among stakeholders.

• Team Building & Culture: Think about how you would approach hiring, onboarding, and fostering a positive and productive design culture in a new market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio presentation and case studies is paramount for this role. Candidates should prepare to deep-dive into their experience, showcasing not just design execution but strategic influence, client management, and commercial acumen. The inclusion of AI tools in the discussion indicates a need for forward-thinking candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a tool used in the daily workflow, indicating a strong reliance on it for design and collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with tools like InVision, Principle, or similar for creating interactive prototypes.

• Design Systems: Familiarity with creating, maintaining, or working within design systems for consistent product development.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar for understanding user behavior and product performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Proficiency in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for creating dashboards and reporting on key metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not direct design tools, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is beneficial for understanding client management and business development aspects.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for managing design projects and team workflows.

• AI Design Tools: Explicitly mentioned as a requirement; candidates should be familiar with generative AI tools for ideation, content creation, or workflow enhancement (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E, ChatGPT for design-related tasks, or specialized AI design assistants).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI tools in the design process is crucial. While specific CRM or advanced analytics tools aren't highlighted as core design requirements, a general understanding of how design integrates with these systems and business objectives is expected for a Director-level role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Design Excellence & Craft: A commitment to high-quality design and user experience, with a keen eye for detail and execution.

• Strategic Impact: A focus on driving tangible business outcomes and commercial success through design leadership.

• Client Partnership: Building strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a strategic advisor.

• Innovation & Future-Forward Thinking: Embracing new technologies like AI and exploring their potential to enhance design processes and product offerings.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working effectively within cross-functional teams and fostering an open, trusting environment, influenced by Nordic values.

• Team Building & Mentorship: A dedication to developing talent, building strong teams, and fostering a positive, growth-oriented culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with product managers, engineers, business development, and client stakeholders.

• Workshop Facilitation: Leading and participating in collaborative sessions to drive alignment and generate ideas.

• Feedback-Driven: An open approach to giving and receiving constructive feedback to continuously improve design quality and team performance.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture of sharing expertise and supporting the growth of team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of creative excellence, strategic business acumen, and collaborative spirit. The Nordic influence suggests a culture that prioritizes well-being and inclusive decision-making, which is a key differentiator for potential employees.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a New Market Presence: Building Eidra's brand and reputation in the US market from the ground up requires significant effort in business development, client acquisition, and team building.

• Defining and Scaling a New Team: Hiring, onboarding, and shaping the culture of a new design team in Chicago will involve navigating recruitment challenges and establishing operational processes.

• Balancing Strategic Leadership with Hands-on Craft: The role requires fluid movement between high-level strategy, client management, and detailed design execution, demanding adaptability and strong time management.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying ahead of the curve with AI tools and effectively integrating them into workflows while maintaining design integrity and value.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills in building and scaling a team, managing client relationships, and driving business growth.

• Strategic Consulting Skills: Deepen expertise in product strategy, market analysis, and business development within a consulting-like framework.

• Exposure to Global Operations: Gain insights into international business practices and collaborate with diverse teams across different regions.

• Innovation in Design: Be at the forefront of adopting and experimenting with new design technologies, particularly AI, to shape future workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but come with substantial growth opportunities. This role is ideal for an ambitious leader who thrives in dynamic, entrepreneurial environments and seeks to make a tangible impact on a company's expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to translating ambiguous client briefs into clear product strategy and design direction." (Focus on your process for discovery, problem framing, and stakeholder alignment.)

• "How would you build and lead a high-performing product design team from scratch in a new market?" (Discuss your hiring philosophy, team culture building, and operational setup.)

• "Walk us through a complex digital product you led from strategy to launch. What were the key strategic decisions, design challenges, and commercial outcomes?" (This is your primary case study opportunity.)

• "How do you see AI tools evolving the product design process, and where do you see their greatest value and limitations?" (Be opinionated and provide practical examples.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to this 'founding' role and building Eidra's presence in Chicago?" (Connect your aspirations with the entrepreneurial nature of the role.)

• "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and transparency within a design team?" (Reference Nordic values if possible.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, use a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Strategy -> Process -> Solution -> Impact (Quantifiable where possible).

• Focus on Your Leadership: Emphasize your strategic contributions, decision-making, and leadership of teams and clients, not just individual design tasks.

• Showcase the "Why": Clearly articulate the strategic rationale behind your design decisions and how they aligned with business goals.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, client interactions, and how you handled challenges.

• Demonstrate AI Integration: If applicable, have a case study or specific examples of how you've leveraged AI tools effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and commercial impact with concrete examples from their portfolio. The interview process is designed to assess not only design expertise but also the ability to lead, build, and grow a business unit.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design Director position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Eidra careers website.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 1-2 comprehensive case studies that best exemplify your experience in product strategy, design leadership, client relationship management, and commercial growth. Ensure these case studies highlight your hands-on craft and any experience with AI tools.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight leadership experience, strategic contributions, business development achievements, and any experience in building or scaling teams or operations. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design Director," "UX Strategy," "Product Strategy," "Commercial Leadership," and "Client Relationship Management."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your case studies clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss your leadership philosophy, approach to team building, and how you integrate emerging technologies like AI into design workflows.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Eidra's existing work (if available), its Nordic heritage, and its strategic goals for expanding into the US market. Understand their values and how your experience aligns with their mission.

⚠️ 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.

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