Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: American Express Global Business Travel (GBT)

Location: Manchester, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: January 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation and user experience improvements within the business travel sector by translating complex user needs into intuitive and sophisticated digital products.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, development, and research, to deliver end-to-end product solutions.

• Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies to ensure product designs are feasible, aligned with business objectives, and meet the needs of millions of users.

• Contribute to the continuous development and maintenance of a scalable Design System, ensuring global product and brand identity consistency.

• Actively participate in user research and usability testing to gather feedback and iterate on designs, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities, especially the emphasis on user needs, B2B/SaaS environment, and collaboration with product management and development, strongly align with roles that support Go-To-Market (GTM) operations by ensuring the usability and effectiveness of the tools and platforms used by business travelers, coordinators, and agents. The role requires a deep understanding of user workflows and the ability to translate business requirements into user-friendly interfaces, which is critical for operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• User Research & Analysis: Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and observational studies, to deeply understand user needs, behaviors, pain points, and workflows within the business travel domain.

• Design Artifact Creation: Develop a range of design deliverables, such as user personas, customer journey maps, experience maps, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

• Usability Testing & Iteration: Plan, execute, and analyze usability testing sessions to gather critical user feedback, iteratively refining designs based on insights to optimize user experience and product effectiveness.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner effectively with Product Managers to define product strategy, with Developers to ensure technical feasibility and implementation accuracy, and with Researchers to validate design hypotheses.

• Design System Management: Actively contribute to and maintain the company's Design System, ensuring consistency in UI elements, patterns, and brand guidelines across all products and platforms.

• Accessibility Compliance: Ensure all designs adhere to established accessibility standards and best practices (e.g., WCAG), promoting inclusivity and usability for all users.

• Project Management: Manage multiple design projects concurrently in a fast-paced, agile environment, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines effectively.

• Industry Trend Monitoring: Stay abreast of the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in product design, user experience, and the travel industry to drive innovation and elevate design outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a significant focus on user-centric product development. For a GTM operations perspective, this translates to designing tools that streamline booking processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and improve overall user adoption and efficiency for business travelers and administrators. The emphasis on user research and usability testing is crucial for ensuring that the final products directly address operational pain points and contribute to smoother GTM execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Product Design, with a strong preference for experience within a B2B or SaaS environment.

Required Skills:

• User-Centered Design Expertise: Deep understanding and practical application of user-centered design principles, methodologies, and processes.

• Prototyping & Wireframing: Proficiency in creating detailed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• User Research & Testing: Experience conducting various forms of user research (e.g., interviews, surveys) and usability testing.

• Design System Contribution: Experience in contributing to or maintaining a design system, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Figma Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in using Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Strong Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale and defend design decisions to diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen attention to detail and a systematic approach to design challenges.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative and productive environment.

Preferred Skills:

• B2B/SaaS Experience: Direct experience designing products for business-to-business or Software-as-a-Service platforms is highly advantageous.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1 AA) and best practices for inclusive design.

• User Journey & Persona Development: Experience creating detailed user personas, journey maps, and experience maps.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile development processes and working within sprint cycles.

• French Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written French is a plus, though not mandatory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for B2B/SaaS experience is critical. For operations roles, this implies an understanding of complex workflows, enterprise-level user management, and the need for robust, scalable solutions that support business processes rather than just consumer-facing features. Expertise in Figma is a key operational tool for design collaboration and handoff.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Comprehensive Case Studies: A robust portfolio showcasing at least 3-5 detailed case studies that highlight your design process from problem identification to final solution.

• Problem Definition: Clear articulation of the user problem or business challenge addressed in each case study.

• Design Process Documentation: Visual representation and explanation of your design process, including user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Visual Design Execution: High-quality mockups and visual design examples demonstrating aesthetic sensibility and attention to detail.

• Interactive Prototypes: Links to or embedded interactive prototypes that demonstrate user flows and interactions.

• Impact & Results: Quantifiable outcomes or qualitative feedback demonstrating the impact of your design solutions on user experience, business goals, or operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Examples of how your designs have simplified or optimized user workflows, reducing steps or cognitive load.

• System Integration: Evidence of how your designs integrate seamlessly with existing systems or design systems.

• Data-Driven Iteration: Demonstrations of how user research and testing data informed design decisions and led to iterative improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For operations professionals reviewing candidates, the portfolio is the primary indicator of an applicant's ability to translate requirements into functional, user-friendly solutions. The emphasis on process documentation and impact is key to assessing their understanding of how design contributes to operational efficiency and business outcomes. A strong portfolio will demonstrate the candidate's ability to think critically about user needs and business objectives simultaneously.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Flexible Benefits: Tailored country-specific benefits starting on day one, including:

  • Health and welfare insurance plans
  • Retirement programs
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption assistance
  • Wellbeing resources for employees and their families.

• Travel Perks: Access to weekly deals from major travel providers on flights, hotels, cruises, and car rentals.

• Learning & Development: Access to over 20,000 courses on the company's learning platform, leadership development programs, and internal job opportunities.

• Inclusion Groups: Opportunities to connect with colleagues through global INclusion Groups focused on common identities or initiatives.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is primarily on-site, Amex GBT emphasizes a work-life balance, suggesting potential flexibility within the typical workday, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Product Designer with 5+ years of experience in Manchester, UK, considering the B2B/SaaS context. Benefits are comprehensive and align with industry standards for large organizations, with a notable emphasis on professional development and employee wellbeing, which are attractive for operations-focused roles requiring continuous learning.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel Technology / Business Travel Services

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Likely 10,000+ employees globally, based on Amex GBT's profile)

Founded: Transformed into American Express Global Business Travel in 2014, with roots tracing back much further through its predecessor companies.

Team Structure:

• Blended Model: Designers are part of a centralized Global Design team responsible for unified product and brand identity, while also belonging to agile "pod teams" (Product Management, Development, Research) to ship specific product lines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The structure emphasizes close collaboration between design, product, research, and engineering to ensure cohesive product development.

• Global Reach: Designers contribute to products used by millions of users worldwide, requiring an understanding of diverse user needs and global market considerations.

Methodology:

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and addressing user needs as the primary driver for product development.

• Data-Driven Design: Utilization of user research, usability testing, and potentially A/B testing to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Work within agile "pod teams" suggests an iterative approach to product development, with frequent feedback loops and rapid prototyping.

• Design System Adoption: Commitment to a unified design system for consistency, efficiency, and scalability in product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on redefining business travel implies a commitment to innovation and leveraging technology to solve complex operational challenges for businesses. The blended team structure is common in large tech-forward organizations, aiming to balance global consistency with agile execution. For operations roles, this means the design team plays a crucial part in enabling efficient and effective travel management for clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Product Designer. This role is suitable for individuals who have moved beyond junior design tasks and can independently manage significant design projects, contribute strategically, and mentor others. It requires a strong understanding of product lifecycles and the ability to influence product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report into a Design leadership role within the centralized design team, while simultaneously being embedded within various product-focused "pod teams" for day-to-day project work. This dual reporting structure allows for both global design consistency and agile project execution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of business travel operations for millions of users. By creating intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows, they reduce friction in booking, managing, and reporting travel, which in turn lowers administrative overhead, improves compliance, and enhances the overall travel experience for employees and travel managers. This role is pivotal in enabling the "force for good" aspect of travel by making it more efficient and positive.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of product design, such as user research, interaction design, or design systems, within the travel tech domain.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or Managerial role, overseeing design projects and mentoring junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Possibility to transition into related roles within Product Management or UX Research, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge of the business travel industry, becoming a subject matter expert in travel technology and user behavior within this sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "product" and "design" in a B2B/SaaS context, especially within a large organization like Amex GBT, points towards significant opportunities for impact on operational efficiency. The growth paths highlight the potential for career progression within design or related operational functions, driven by specialized knowledge and leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model with a significant on-site component in Manchester. The company emphasizes a collaborative environment, suggesting office days are utilized for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional collaboration.

Office Location(s): Manchester, United Kingdom. This location likely offers a modern office space designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment is expected to feature spaces conducive to teamwork, brainstorming, and design critiques, supporting the blended team structure.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma mentioned explicitly) and potentially other collaboration platforms to support seamless remote and in-office work.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with design peers, product managers, researchers, and developers, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (40 hours/week), the company culture and benefits suggest an emphasis on work-life balance and flexibility where possible, enabling employees to manage their time effectively to meet project demands and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement for this role, combined with the company's emphasis on collaboration, suggests that the Manchester office is a hub for innovation and team synergy. For operations, this environment is designed to facilitate the rapid iteration and problem-solving necessary for complex product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio.

• Hiring Manager Interview: An in-depth discussion about your experience, design philosophy, and approach to problem-solving.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: You will likely be asked to present a case study from your portfolio and potentially complete a design exercise or whiteboard challenge to assess your skills and thought process.

• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with other designers, product managers, and/or developers to evaluate your collaboration skills and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A concluding interview, potentially with senior leadership, to assess overall fit and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process, demonstrating how you arrive at solutions, not just the final output.

• Showcase Problem-Solving: Highlight how you identified and solved complex user or business problems.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to show the positive outcomes of your designs.

• Tailor to B2B/SaaS: If possible, include case studies that demonstrate experience with enterprise software or complex user workflows.

• Highlight Figma Usage: Explicitly mention and demonstrate your proficiency with Figma, showcasing its use in your workflow.

• Be Concise and Clear: Present your case studies in a structured, easy-to-follow manner.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Business: Research Amex GBT, its services, target audience, and recent industry news.

• Practice Design Exercises: Familiarize yourself with common design challenge formats (e.g., redesigning an existing feature, solving a hypothetical user problem).

• Articulate Your Thinking: Be prepared to explain your thought process step-by-step, considering user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Consider Edge Cases: Think about potential edge cases, accessibility, and scalability in your solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to operate within a structured, collaborative, and business-oriented environment. A strong portfolio that demonstrates a clear process, user empathy, and an understanding of B2B/SaaS contexts will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is explicitly required.

• Design System Tools: Potentially tools integrated with Figma or separate platforms for managing design tokens, components, and style guides.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities, or potentially others like InVision for more advanced interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is less direct for a designer but understanding how user data is managed can inform design decisions, especially in B2B/SaaS contexts.

• Automation: Awareness of workflow automation principles can help in designing more efficient user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is a critical technical requirement. For operations roles, understanding the tools used by designers is important for effective handoff and collaboration. Proficiency in Figma ensures seamless integration into the design and development workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A commitment to deeply understanding and serving the needs of business travelers, travel coordinators, and agents.

• Innovation & Transformation: A drive to redefine business travel through technology and creative solutions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve collective goals.

• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to tackling complex challenges with a focus on clarity and effective solutions.

• Inclusion & Diversity: A dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are valued and respected.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Pods: Designers work closely within cross-functional "pod teams," fostering tight communication and iterative development.

• Global Design Standards: Collaboration with a centralized design team ensures global brand and product consistency.

• Feedback-Oriented: The culture encourages feedback exchange, both for design iterations and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and collaboration style highlight a culture that values both individual contribution and collective success. For operations, this means the designer must be adept at working with diverse teams and contributing to a unified operational vision through their design work.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Business Travel: Designing for the intricate needs and diverse user types within the business travel ecosystem (travelers, administrators, agents).

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Needs: Ensuring a unified product experience while accommodating regional variations and user preferences.

• Maintaining Design System Scalability: Evolving the design system to support new features and product lines without compromising efficiency.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to rapid product development cycles and evolving business priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Specialization: Gaining deep expertise in the business travel tech landscape.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in specific areas like advanced interaction design, user research methodologies, or accessibility.

• Leadership Track: Potential to move into senior design roles, team leadership, or management positions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Exposure to product management, research, and engineering provides a holistic understanding of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for roles supporting complex operational domains. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement within design or related operational functions, emphasizing continuous learning and specialization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex B2B/SaaS product you designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" Prepare a case study that highlights your process for understanding complex user needs and business objectives in an enterprise context.

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for all users?" Be ready to discuss your knowledge of accessibility standards and how you integrate them into your workflow.

• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research and translating those insights into design decisions." Prepare to discuss specific research methodologies you've used and provide examples of how research directly influenced your designs.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working in the business travel industry and specifically at Amex GBT?" Research Amex GBT's mission, values, and recent news. Understand their role in the industry.

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment?" Prepare examples of how you support colleagues, share knowledge, and foster teamwork.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative, guiding the interviewers through the problem, your process, your solutions, and the impact.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively – wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flow diagrams.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and the rationale behind them.

• Demonstrate Figma Expertise: If presenting prototypes or workflows, showcase advanced Figma features and how you leverage them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Thorough preparation focusing on process, B2B/SaaS context, and collaborative skills will be key. The ability to articulate design decisions with data and business rationale is paramount for a role supporting operational efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with B2B/SaaS products, user-centered design methodologies, and proficiency in Figma. Quantify achievements wherever possible (e.g., "improved user task completion rate by X%").

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Ensure they showcase complex challenges and user-centric solutions.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting one or two key case studies from your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, your specific contributions, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to discuss your Figma workflow.

• Research Amex GBT: Understand their business, target audience, and their role in transforming business travel. Think about how your design skills can contribute to 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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