Product Designer

American Express Global Business Travel
Full_timeLondon, United Kingdom

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) Location: London, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Support Date Posted: January 14, 2026 Experience Level: 5+ Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive product innovation by translating complex user needs and business objectives into intuitive and impactful design solutions within the business travel sector.
  • Lead the end-to-end product design process, from user research and concept development to iterative prototyping and final design delivery, ensuring a seamless user experience for millions of global business travelers.
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Development, and Research, within a blended team structure (centralized design + pod teams) to ship sophisticated, globally unified products.
  • Contribute to and maintain a scalable Design System, ensuring design consistency and brand identity across all GBT products and platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the role's focus on improving user experience for millions of travelers, coordinating with product management and development, and contributing to a unified product/brand identity strongly aligns with GTM operations support functions, particularly those focused on user adoption and platform optimization. The emphasis on understanding user pain points and translating them into actionable product improvements directly impacts Go-To-Market success by enhancing user satisfaction and product stickiness.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews and surveys, to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, pain points, and motivations within the business travel context.
  • Develop detailed user personas, user journey maps, and experience maps to articulate user flows and identify key interaction points for design intervention.
  • Create high-fidelity wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma to effectively visualize and communicate design concepts to stakeholders.
  • Plan and execute usability testing sessions, analyze feedback, and iterate rapidly on designs to optimize user experience and achieve product goals.
  • Partner effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other designers to ensure designs are technically feasible, aligned with business strategy, and meet user requirements.
  • Actively contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the GBT Design System, ensuring adherence to established guidelines and promoting design consistency across the product portfolio.
  • Manage multiple design projects simultaneously within a fast-paced, agile environment, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
  • Stay abreast of emerging design trends, user experience best practices, and innovations within the travel technology industry to continuously enhance design processes and product offerings.
  • Champion accessibility standards and best practices throughout the design process, ensuring products are inclusive and usable by all GBT users.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on user-centricity and iterative design, which are critical for GTM success. The need to "ship entire lines of business" and "empower millions of business travelers" indicates a direct impact on market adoption and user engagement strategies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for roles of this seniority. Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in Product Design, with a significant portion focused on B2B/SaaS environments. Experience in the travel industry or with complex enterprise software is highly advantageous.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated expertise in user-centered design principles, methodologies, and processes.
  • Strong portfolio showcasing a range of UX/UI design projects, including wireframing, prototyping, and user research deliverables.
  • Proficiency in Figma for creating wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and design system components.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders effectively.
  • Proven collaboration skills, with experience working effectively in cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail and a structured approach to design challenges.
  • Experience conducting user research, including planning, execution, and analysis of findings (e.g., user interviews, usability testing).
  • Understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their practical application in design.
  • Fluent in spoken and written English.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with French language, both spoken and written.
  • Familiarity with design system management tools and processes beyond Figma.
  • Experience within the travel industry, particularly business travel.
  • Knowledge of agile development methodologies and how design integrates into sprint cycles.
  • Experience with design tools for animation or motion design to enhance user interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a strong portfolio and specific tool proficiency (Figma) suggests that candidates will be evaluated on their practical application of design skills in a professional GTM context. The preference for B2B/SaaS experience indicates a need for understanding enterprise-level user needs and complex workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A curated collection of 3-5 significant product design case studies that clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process.
  • Each case study should highlight a specific problem, your approach to solving it (including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, and testing), and the final design solution.
  • Showcase how you translated user needs and business goals into tangible product features or improvements.
  • Quantifiable outcomes or impact metrics (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores) are highly valued to demonstrate ROI.
  • Evidence of your contributions to or creation of design systems and ensuring design consistency.

Process Documentation:

  • Within case studies, clearly articulate your design process, including research methodologies employed, tools used (especially Figma), and iteration cycles based on feedback.
  • Demonstrate your ability to document design decisions, user flows, and interaction patterns clearly and concisely.
  • Provide examples of how you collaborated with product managers and engineers, including documentation of requirements and design handoffs.
  • Showcase your understanding of how design processes integrate with broader product development lifecycles and GTM strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role that significantly impacts user experience and thus GTM success, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skills but a strategic, data-informed approach to problem-solving that aligns with business objectives and user adoption.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers in London, United Kingdom, with 5+ years of experience in a B2B/SaaS environment, the estimated salary range is approximately £65,000 - £90,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the results of the interview process.

Benefits:

  • Flexible benefits package tailored to each country, commencing from the first day of employment.
  • Comprehensive health and welfare insurance plans.
  • Retirement programs (e.g., pension schemes).
  • Generous parental leave and adoption assistance.
  • Access to wellbeing resources and support systems for employees and their families.
  • Travel perks, including weekly deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Extensive learning and development opportunities through a dedicated platform with over 20,000 courses.
  • Internal job mobility program, prioritizing internal candidates for new openings.
  • Participation in global INclusion Groups for networking and professional development.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, reflecting a full-time commitment. While the role is on-site, Amex GBT emphasizes a "work and life" balance, suggesting a supportive environment for managing professional responsibilities alongside personal well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimation is based on current market data for Product Designers in London, considering the specified experience level and industry. The benefits package is extensive and reflects a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth, which can be a significant factor for attracting and retaining talent critical to GTM success.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Business Travel and Travel Technology. Amex GBT operates within a dynamic sector focused on facilitating corporate travel, expense management, and delivering innovative solutions to businesses worldwide. This industry demands agility, a strong focus on user experience, and robust technological infrastructure to support global operations. Company Size: Large Enterprise (indicated by "8+ million users" and global presence). This implies a structured organization with established processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for impact at scale. Founded: American Express Global Business Travel was established in 2014 (as a joint venture later fully acquired by private equity). This history suggests a blend of established corporate practices with the agility of a more focused business unit.

Team Structure:

  • The design team operates under a blended model: a centralized design team responsible for global product and brand identity, and designers embedded within "pod teams" (Product Management, Development, Research) to focus on specific product lines.
  • This structure fosters both global consistency and agile, focused execution on specific business objectives.
  • Designers are expected to be problem solvers with "small egos," valuing individual vision and growth within a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

Methodology:

  • Emphasis on user-centered design, with direct input from over 8 million users.
  • Collaborative approach, working in cross-functional pod teams to ship entire product lines.
  • Commitment to experimentation and embracing new ideas to drive innovation in business travel.
  • Focus on crafting global designs that maintain a unified product and brand identity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "travel innovation" and redefining business travel aligns with a GTM strategy that relies on product differentiation and superior user experience. The blended team structure is common in tech companies and supports agile product development, crucial for quickly responding to market demands and user feedback.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Product Designer. This role requires significant experience and autonomy, with the ability to lead design initiatives and contribute to strategic product decisions. The focus is on delivering tangible product improvements and supporting the company's mission through design excellence. Reporting Structure: Designers belong to a centralized design team for mentorship and global standards, but also work within agile "pod teams" alongside Product Managers and Developers, likely reporting to a Design Lead or Manager within the centralized team, while collaborating closely with a Product Manager within their pod. Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is critical to GTM success by directly shaping the user experience of GBT's products. By transforming complexity into clarity and addressing user pain points, they drive user adoption, satisfaction, and retention, which are key performance indicators for any GTM strategy. Their work empowers millions of travelers, coordinators, and agents, directly influencing how the company's services are perceived and utilized in the market.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, user research, or design systems.
  • Leadership: Transition into Senior Product Designer roles, Lead Designer positions, or management roles within the design team.
  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain broader product management or development experience through close collaboration within pod teams.
  • Skill Development: Utilize the extensive learning platform and internal courses to acquire new skills, potentially in areas like product strategy, UX writing, or accessibility consulting.
  • Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in business travel technology and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a large organization, allowing for both specialization in design and broader exposure to product development and GTM strategy. The emphasis on "shipping entire lines of business" suggests significant responsibility and opportunity for high-impact contributions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in London, United Kingdom. This indicates a traditional office setting conducive to in-person collaboration, team building, and focused work. Office Location(s): London, United Kingdom. This prime location offers access to a vibrant talent pool and a major business hub. Workspace Context:

  • The design team operates in a blended model, suggesting opportunities for both focused, individual work and highly collaborative sessions within pod teams and the broader design community.
  • Access to modern design tools (Figma) and potentially other collaborative technologies.
  • The emphasis on a "collaborative culture" and "teamwork" implies an environment where open communication and idea sharing are encouraged.
  • The "problem solvers with small egos" culture suggests a supportive and ego-free environment where constructive feedback is valued.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. While on-site, the company promotes a "work and life" balance, suggesting potential for flexibility where operational needs allow, though the primary expectation is presence in the office for core collaboration and team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in London is typical for large enterprises, facilitating direct collaboration essential for complex product design and GTM alignment. The balance between centralized design standards and embedded pod teams offers a dynamic work environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company.
  • Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: A deep dive into your portfolio, discussing past projects, your design process, and problem-solving approach. This may be followed by a design challenge (take-home or live) to assess your skills in a practical scenario relevant to GBT's products.
  • Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Developers, and potentially other Designers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate into the pod team structure.
  • Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the Design Manager or Hiring Manager to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic thinking.
  • Final Round/Executive Interview: Potentially a final interview with a senior leader to confirm alignment with company values and strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact of your work.
  • Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your design thinking.
  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, task completion times).
  • Highlight Collaboration: Showcase how you worked with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Tailor to GBT: Research Amex GBT's products and target users. Highlight projects that demonstrate relevant skills (e.g., B2B SaaS, complex workflows, global user bases).
  • Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your workflow in Figma and showcase your ability to work with design systems.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the user needs and business goals before jumping into solutions.
  • Structure Your Approach: Outline your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing) clearly.
  • Focus on User-Centricity: Demonstrate how your solutions address specific user pain points.
  • Consider Constraints: Think about technical feasibility, business objectives, and the existing design system.
  • Present Clearly: Be prepared to articulate your thought process and design decisions concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for senior design roles in large tech companies, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality and practical application of design skills. The GTM aspect is implicitly assessed through how well candidates can demonstrate that their designs drive user adoption and satisfaction.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as a required skill. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in using Figma for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and design system management.
  • User Research Tools: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback, Maze).
  • Prototyping Tools: While Figma includes prototyping, familiarity with other specialized tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Analytics Platforms: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) or product analytics platforms (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude) can be advantageous for understanding user behavior and measuring design impact.
  • Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools that help visualize user data and performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

  • CRM Systems: Understanding how design interfaces with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) might be relevant for B2B products, though not a primary requirement for the designer role itself.
  • Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of this role's toolset. Proficiency here is non-negotiable. Understanding how design integrates with analytics and project management tools demonstrates a holistic approach to product development and GTM readiness.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of millions of business travelers and their coordinators.
  • Innovation & Experimentation: A culture that encourages trying new approaches and "redefining business travel" through creative solutions.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Strong emphasis on working together in cross-functional teams ("pod teams") and within the broader design community.
  • Excellence & Quality: A drive to "ship sophisticated products" and maintain a "globally unified product and brand identity."
  • Inclusion: A commitment to diversity and fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are valued.

Collaboration Style:

  • Blended Model: Designers are integrated into agile "pod teams" for focused product development while also being part of a centralized design team for global alignment and best practice sharing.
  • Cross-functional Partnership: Close working relationships with Product Management, Development, and Research are essential for delivering cohesive and effective products.
  • Feedback-Driven: The process involves conducting user research and usability testing, indicating an openness to feedback and iterative improvements.
  • Problem-Solving Focused: A culture that values individuals who can tackle complex challenges and find clarity through design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values directly support a GTM strategy focused on user satisfaction and continuous improvement. The emphasis on inclusion is also a key aspect of modern corporate culture and can influence how products are designed and marketed.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Complexity of Business Travel: Designing for a B2B audience with diverse needs, complex workflows, and high stakes (travel budgets, duty of care).
  • Global Scale & Consistency: Ensuring designs are effective and culturally relevant for a global user base while maintaining a unified brand and product experience.
  • Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Navigating the inherent tension between user desires, technical constraints, and business objectives to create optimal solutions.
  • Rapidly Evolving Industry: Staying ahead of technological advancements and changing travel patterns in the dynamic business travel sector.
  • Integration within Agile Pods: Effectively contributing to fast-paced development cycles and managing design deliverables within agile sprints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to refine skills in UX/UI, user research, interaction design, and design systems.
  • Product Strategy Exposure: Close collaboration with Product Management provides insight into strategic decision-making and roadmap planning.
  • Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of the business travel industry, its challenges, and its future.
  • Leadership Development: Potential to grow into senior, lead, or management roles within the design organization.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to software development processes and research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: These challenges are common for senior product designers in enterprise settings and present significant opportunities for professional growth. Successfully navigating these challenges directly contributes to the effectiveness of the company's GTM strategy.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • Design Process: "Walk me through your process for designing [a specific feature/product in your portfolio]. How did you approach user research, ideation, and testing?" (Focus on structure, user-centricity, and iteration).
  • Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to design for a complex or ambiguous problem. How did you bring clarity to the situation?" (Highlight analytical skills and ability to define the problem).
  • Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers? Describe a situation where you had a design disagreement and how you resolved it." (Emphasize communication, negotiation, and teamwork).
  • Design Systems: "What is your experience with design systems? How do you contribute to or leverage them?" (Show understanding of consistency and scalability).

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Amex GBT and the business travel industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent news).
  • "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible?" (Connect to company values and user-centricity).
  • "Describe your ideal team environment. How do you contribute to a positive team culture?" (Align with their emphasis on collaboration and "small egos").

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact/Results.
  • Visuals: Use high-quality visuals of your work. Ensure prototypes are functional and easy to navigate.
  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.
  • Storytelling: Engage your audience by telling a compelling story about how you solved a problem.
  • Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and challenges. Be prepared to discuss metrics and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples that showcase your ability to solve complex problems, collaborate effectively, and deliver user-centered designs with measurable impact will be crucial. Demonstrating an understanding of the B2B/SaaS context and the travel industry will also be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided MyWorkday link.
  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating B2B/SaaS experience, user-centered design processes, and proficiency with Figma. Prioritize case studies with quantifiable results.
  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience, specific skills (Figma, user research, etc.), and achievements relevant to enterprise product design. Use keywords from the job description.
  • Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail, practice answering common design interview questions (process, problem-solving, collaboration), and research Amex GBT's products and values.
  • Company Research: Understand Amex GBT's mission, target audience, and competitive landscape in the business travel industry. Be ready to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and goals.

⚠️ 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.


Application Requirements

Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in product design, preferably in a B2B/SaaS environment, and a strong portfolio demonstrating user-centered design principles. Proficiency in Figma and excellent communication skills are also required.