Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: ControlUp Location: Poland Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2026-01-21 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and refine user funnels and workflows from concept to iteration, ensuring a seamless user journey.
• Craft innovative, end-to-end user experiences across web and mobile platforms, balancing user needs with business objectives.
• Conduct user research to identify pain points and proactively drive workflow improvements and cross-team initiatives.
• Produce comprehensive design deliverables including vision statements, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Collaborate daily with Design, Product Management, and Engineering teams to deliver exceptional products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for substantial experience in complex B2B system design and a proactive approach to driving product vision and process improvements. The focus on end-to-end UX lifecycle management and cross-functional collaboration suggests a strategic contribution beyond individual design tasks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on user funnels, workflows, and user journeys from initial concept through usability testing, research, interviews, and surveys.
• Employ strategic design thinking to create innovative, end-to-end user experiences that align user needs with business objectives across web and mobile platforms, maintaining a holistic product view.
• Conduct thorough user research to uncover pain points and needs, translating these insights into effective UX solutions.
• Proactively identify opportunities for workflow and collaboration enhancements, leading initiatives to implement these improvements across relevant teams.
• Produce detailed design deliverables, including vision statements, functional specifications, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Collaborate closely on a daily basis with the Design team, Product Managers, and Software Engineers to define product requirements and deliver outstanding user-centric products.
• Lead and drive the product design vision for the next generation of ControlUp's platform.
• Manage the full UX lifecycle, starting from a Product Manager's brief, encompassing inspiration gathering, competitor analysis, and in-depth user research.
• Coordinate and facilitate usability testing, analytics review, and other user research activities with stakeholders to validate current and future feature designs.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in UX/UI design, advocating for and driving the adoption of new approaches and innovative ideas within the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a strategic and leadership-oriented approach, requiring the candidate to not only execute design tasks but also to drive vision, lead initiatives, and influence process improvements. This goes beyond typical product designer duties and points towards a role with significant autonomy and impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of direct experience as a Product Designer, with a strong emphasis on complex B2B systems and crafting user experiences for both web and mobile platforms. Proven experience managing the entire UX process, from ideation and wireframing to prototyping, user testing, and incorporating customer feedback. Experience leading significant UX design projects from concept through maturity, including conducting and analyzing usability tests.

Required Skills:

• Deep knowledge of user-centered design (UCD) best practices and current trends across web and mobile platforms.
• Expertise in usability principles, heuristics, and testing techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to design intuitive and effective user interfaces for customer-facing products.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to propose multiple viable solutions and distill complex challenges into elegant, well-informed designs.
• Proficiency in producing detailed design deliverables such as vision statements, specifications, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Experience managing the full UX lifecycle, from initial concept and user research to final implementation and iteration.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (Design, Product Management, Engineering).
• Advanced English proficiency for effective communication in a global team setting.
• A proactive mindset focused on innovation and a strong design vision.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with AI technologies and their application in user experience design.
• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven design optimization.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within sprint cycles.
• Experience with design systems and component-based design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "minimum 5 years of experience as a Product Designer working on complex B2B systems and crafting user experiences for both web and mobile platforms—this is essential" strongly suggests this is not an entry-level or mid-level role. The emphasis on leading projects and driving vision further solidifies the senior-level expectation. Familiarity with AI technologies is highlighted as a plus, aligning with ControlUp's product focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio is mandatory, showcasing a strong track record of designing complex B2B systems and end-to-end user experiences for both web and mobile platforms.
• The portfolio should demonstrate your ability to manage the entire UX process, from initial ideation and user research through wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and iteration based on feedback.
• Include case studies that highlight your strategic design thinking, problem-solving skills, and how you translated user needs into elegant, intuitive, and effective designs.
• Showcase examples of detailed design deliverables such as vision statements, specifications, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Demonstrate your ability to identify and implement workflow and collaboration improvements across teams.

Process Documentation:

• For each case study, provide clear documentation of the design process followed, including:
  • Problem statement and business objectives.
  • User research methodologies and key findings.
  • Design exploration and iterative refinement stages.
  • Usability testing plans, execution, and analysis.
  • Final design solutions and their impact (quantifiable metrics where possible).
  • Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a "Portfolio required" and the detailed nature of responsibilities (managing the full UX lifecycle, conducting research, leading initiatives) strongly imply that the hiring team will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio. It needs to go beyond pretty visuals and demonstrate a deep understanding of process, problem-solving, and measurable impact, especially within a B2B context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the Senior Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and the on-site requirement in Poland, the estimated salary range for this role is between €45,000 - €70,000 per year.

📝 Enhancement Note: This salary estimate is based on research of Senior Product Designer roles in Poland, considering the specified experience level and the prevailing cost of living and market rates for tech talent in the region. It assumes a standard full-time role. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, interview performance, and ControlUp's internal compensation structure.

Benefits: While specific benefits are not detailed, typical offerings for a full-time role at a tech company like ControlUp often include:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, public holidays).
• Potential for stock options or other equity-based compensation.
• A collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Access to modern office facilities and equipment.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, and while exact hours are not specified, a standard work week of approximately 40 hours is typical. The on-site nature suggests adherence to local business hours, with potential for some flexibility depending on team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Working Hours: 40" field from the input data is interpreted as a standard full-time work week. Given the on-site requirement in Poland, it's reasonable to assume adherence to local business hours, though specific team norms may allow for some flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software, Digital Employee Experience (DEX), IT Operations Management. ControlUp operates in the rapidly evolving field of Digital Employee Experience, a critical area for modern businesses focused on productivity and IT efficiency.

Company Size: ControlUp is a well-established tech company, likely falling into the medium to large enterprise category based on its product maturity and market presence. This suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: ControlUp was founded in 2009. This long history indicates a stable company with deep expertise in its domain, providing a solid foundation for innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is part of a broader "Creative team" and will work closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers.
• Expect a collaborative, cross-functional structure where designers are integrated early in the product development lifecycle.
• Reporting will likely be to a Design Lead or Head of Design, with direct interaction with product stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, usability testing, and analytics to inform design decisions.
• Agile Development: Collaboration with engineering teams suggests working within agile methodologies, requiring iterative design and quick adaptation.
• User-Centricity: A core principle, focusing on understanding and meeting user needs to create intuitive and effective experiences.
• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new approaches and drive the vision for product evolution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: ControlUp's focus on "autonomous workplace" and "unifying digital employee experience and IT operations" positions them at the intersection of IT management and employee productivity. This context is crucial for a Product Designer to understand the user base and the business problems they are solving. The foundation date of 2009 suggests a mature company with established products, implying a need for designers who can navigate existing systems while also driving future innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for significant product areas, and the expectation to mentor junior designers. The role involves strategic input, influencing product direction, and potentially leading design initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Head of Design, with close daily collaboration with Product Managers and Software Engineers. This structure fosters cross-functional teamwork and ensures design is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact: This role directly influences the usability, intuitiveness, and overall effectiveness of ControlUp's platform. By creating superior user experiences, the designer contributes to increased user adoption, customer satisfaction, employee productivity, and ultimately, ControlUp's market competitiveness and revenue growth. The focus on complex B2B systems means the impact is on IT professionals and the organizations they serve.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: Potential to lead design for new product initiatives, product lines, or mentor junior designers, progressing towards a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of DEX, IT operations, or emerging technologies like AI within the product.
• Strategic Influence: Greater involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and user research direction.
• Cross-Functional Development: Opportunities to expand understanding of product management, engineering processes, and business strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and responsibilities like "Leading and driving the vision for the next generation of product design" clearly indicate a growth trajectory beyond individual contributor. The emphasis on B2B systems and the IT operations domain suggests specialization within this niche as a key growth path.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: ControlUp is described as having an on-site work requirement in Poland. This suggests a traditional office environment designed for collaboration, likely equipped with modern amenities to support creative and technical teams.

Office Location(s): While specific city details are not provided, the role is located in Poland. This implies proximity to a major tech hub or a well-established business center within the country.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The on-site nature promotes spontaneous collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and direct feedback loops with Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow designers.
• Tooling: Expect access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, and potentially user research platforms.
• Team Interaction: Daily face-to-face interaction with the Creative team, Product Managers, and Software Engineers is a key aspect of this role, facilitating rapid iteration and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, on-site. While a standard 40-hour work week is assumed, the dynamic nature of product development may require occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines, especially during critical launch phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" work arrangement is a critical factor. It implies a preference for in-person collaboration, team building, and a structured work environment. This is typical for roles where close-knit team synergy and direct mentorship are prioritized.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a selection of their best work, discussing their process, design decisions, problem-solving approach, and impact. Be prepared to walk through case studies from ideation to implementation.
• Technical/Design Challenge: A practical exercise may be assigned to assess design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and proficiency with design tools. This could involve a take-home assignment or an in-interview whiteboard session.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Software Engineers, and potentially other designers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader or hiring manager to discuss vision, strategic thinking, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest B2B projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving skills, and impact.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes. Focus on the "why" behind your design choices.
• Showcase Process: Include wireframes, user flows, research insights, usability testing results, and final UI designs to illustrate your journey.
• Highlight B2B Complexity: Emphasize projects involving complex systems, enterprise users, and business objectives.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion rate improvements, task completion times, user satisfaction scores) to demonstrate the value of your work.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, how you handle feedback, collaboration challenges, and your approach to innovation.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the core problem, the target user, and the business goals.
• Structure your approach logically: define assumptions, outline research needs, sketch initial ideas, and then refine.
• Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and concisely.
• For whiteboard challenges, think out loud and engage with the interviewer.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a "Portfolio required" and the emphasis on "complex B2B systems" mean candidates must be ready to present detailed case studies that highlight their strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and measurable impact within an enterprise context. Generic portfolios will likely not suffice.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar. Figma is increasingly becoming a dominant tool for collaborative design and prototyping.
• Wireframing & Flow Mapping: Tools like Balsamiq, Miro, or even advanced features within Figma/Sketch for creating detailed user flows and wireframes.
• User Research Platforms: Familiarity with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Lookback).
• Collaboration Tools: Experience with platforms like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for cross-functional communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct responsibility, understanding how to interpret data from analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is highly beneficial.
• Familiarity with dashboarding tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) can help in understanding how design impacts key business metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding the principles of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation platforms, especially in a B2B context, can provide valuable insight into user workflows and business processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job description doesn't explicitly list tools, a Senior Product Designer in a tech company like ControlUp would be expected to be proficient in leading design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch), user research platforms, and collaboration tools like Jira and Slack. Familiarity with AI technologies is a plus, suggesting potential future integration of AI-driven features or tools within their workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of IT professionals and end-users.
• Innovation: A drive to push boundaries, explore new technologies (like AI), and envision the future of workplace management.
• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, with designers working hand-in-hand with Product Managers and Engineers.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, testing, and analytics to validate design choices and measure impact.
• Efficiency & Automation: Reflecting the company's product mission, the team likely values streamlined processes and effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers are embedded within product teams, working daily with cross-functional peers.
• Open Communication: Encouragement of constructive feedback, brainstorming, and transparent dialogue.
• Agile Approach: Iterative development cycles requiring close collaboration and rapid adaptation.
• Ownership & Accountability: Team members are expected to take ownership of their contributions and drive initiatives forward.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission of creating an "autonomous workplace" and unifying "digital employee experience and IT operations" suggests a culture that values efficiency, intelligence (AI), and proactive problem-solving. The collaborative nature of the role implies a team that thrives on shared goals and open communication.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy Systems: Designing for a mature product while introducing new features and visions requires careful consideration of existing user workflows and technical constraints.
• Complex B2B User Needs: Understanding and designing for the diverse and often demanding needs of IT professionals in enterprise environments.
• Integrating AI: Exploring and effectively integrating AI capabilities into the platform in a way that is intuitive, valuable, and enhances the user experience without overwhelming users.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across multiple teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing) to deliver a cohesive product.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in UX: Gaining hands-on experience with how AI can be leveraged to improve user experiences in enterprise software.
• DEX & IT Operations Expertise: Deepening knowledge in the specific domain of Digital Employee Experience and IT operations management.
• Leadership Skills: Developing skills in mentoring junior designers, leading design initiatives, and influencing product strategy.
• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant design, tech, or IT operations conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "AI technologies is a plus" qualification hints at a significant future challenge and opportunity: integrating AI meaningfully into the product. This is a prime area for a Senior Product Designer to innovate and grow their expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex B2B system you designed. What were the key challenges, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on your end-to-end process, problem-solving, and impact.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business objectives when designing for enterprise software?" (Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to find win-win solutions.)
• "Walk us through a time you identified a significant opportunity to improve a user workflow. How did you lead that initiative?" (Demonstrate proactivity, research skills, and leadership.)
• "How do you approach user research, and how has it influenced your design decisions?" (Showcase your understanding of UCD and data-driven design.)
• "Given our product's focus on DEX and IT Ops, how might you approach designing for AI-driven automation features?" (Prepare a hypothetical approach demonstrating your understanding of the domain and AI potential.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about ControlUp and our mission to create an autonomous workplace?" (Research ControlUp's product, vision, and market position.)
• "How do you handle constructive criticism or conflicting feedback from stakeholders?" (Demonstrate your collaboration and resilience.)
• "Describe your ideal cross-functional team dynamic." (Align with the description of close collaboration with PMs and Engineers.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, especially in areas like AI?" (Showcase your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your journey and decisions.
• Focus on the "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind every significant design choice.
• Quantify Outcomes: Present metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the tangible value of your work. If metrics aren't available, discuss qualitative impact and user feedback.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a lecture. Be open to questions throughout your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should heavily emphasize the B2B context, complex systems, and the company's focus on AI and automation. Candidates need to demonstrate not just design skills but strategic thinking and leadership potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 3-5 of your most impactful B2B design projects, clearly outlining your end-to-end UX process, problem-solving methodologies, and quantifiable results. Tailor the case studies to highlight experience with complex systems and user workflows.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to explicitly mention your experience with complex B2B systems, web and mobile platforms, user research, and managing the full UX lifecycle. Use keywords from the job description such as "user-centered design," "wireframing," "prototyping," and "usability testing."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for key projects, focusing on your strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven workflow improvements and collaborated with Product Managers and Engineers.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research ControlUp's product, mission, target audience (IT professionals), and recent news. Understand their position in the DEX and IT operations market, and consider how your skills can contribute to their vision of an autonomous workplace powered by AI.

⚠️ 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.