Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: QAD, Inc.

Location: Pune, India

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: 2026-01-20

Experience Level: 3-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end user experience for QAD's Suite of ERP solutions, focusing on creating intuitive and efficient designs for complex enterprise applications.

• Translate customer, market, and business needs into actionable design solutions through rigorous user research and data analysis.

• Collaborate closely with global, cross-functional teams, including Product Management and Engineering, to deliver user-centered designs throughout the software development lifecycle.

• Champion UX maturity across the organization by sharing best practices, participating in training, and advocating for user needs in product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on Product Design within the ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software domain, requiring a deep understanding of complex enterprise applications and user-centered design principles for business-critical systems. The emphasis on "end-to-end user experience" and "user-centered designs" highlights the importance of a holistic approach to design, from initial research to final implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop user-centered experiences by creating personas, storyboards, user journeys, and flowcharts, ensuring the user perspective is central to the software development lifecycle.

• Design wireframes, prototypes, and final mockups that result in intuitive, efficient, and effective user experiences for QAD's ERP solutions.

• Validate and iterate on designs through structured design reviews, comprehensive usability testing, and direct feedback loops with end users.

• Conduct thorough outside-in research to deeply understand customer needs and gather critical insights that will inform strategic design decisions.

• Contribute actively to the overall UX vision and strategy in close partnership with Product Management and Engineering teams.

• Support and enhance UX maturity across the organization by actively participating in UX training initiatives and disseminating best practices.

• Present UX insights, design concepts, and finalized deliverables effectively to various internal stakeholders.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the product development and design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design, encompassing research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and stakeholder communication. The mention of "ERP systems or complex enterprise applications" indicates a need for designers experienced in B2B software environments, where user workflows and data management are paramount.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 3-5 years of dedicated experience in product design, with a preference for experience within ERP systems or other complex enterprise software applications.

• Demonstrated strong interaction design skills coupled with a solid understanding of the entire end-to-end UX process.

• Proven ability in storytelling and crafting clear, compelling user stories that communicate design intent and user needs effectively.

• Verifiable experience conducting user research and performing usability testing to validate design concepts and identify areas for improvement.

• Proficient in verbal, written, presentation, and analytical communication.

• Ability to thrive and adapt within an agile development environment, responding effectively to evolving product requirements.

• A keen aesthetic sense with meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in wireframing and design tools such as Axure, Figma, Adobe XD, Balsamiq, or Illustrator, with a strong preference for Figma.

• Familiarity with foundational web technologies including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

• Knowledge of UI guidelines and best practices across major operating systems and platforms (iOS, macOS, Windows, Google, and web).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in creating high-fidelity clickable prototypes using established style guides and design systems.

• Experience specifically within the manufacturing or supply chain software industries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of theoretical knowledge (HCI, Psychology) and practical application (design tools, agile environments). The specific mention of "Figma" as preferred, alongside other tools, indicates a modern design stack. Familiarity with front-end technologies is crucial for understanding implementation feasibility. Preference for ERP or complex enterprise applications suggests a need for designers who can handle intricate data structures and business workflows.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a portfolio that clearly demonstrates the end-to-end design process for at least 2-3 complex projects, ideally within enterprise software or ERP domains.

• Include detailed case studies highlighting problem definition, user research methodologies, design iterations, prototyping, and final UX/UI solutions.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and how they were applied to solve specific business or user problems.

• Provide examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

Process Documentation:

• Detail the user research and validation processes employed, including methods for usability testing and gathering user feedback.

• Illustrate the workflow design and optimization strategies used to create intuitive and efficient user journeys.

• Showcase how design solutions were implemented and iterated upon based on feedback and technical constraints.

• Document the use of design systems or style guides in maintaining consistency and scalability across product features.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, especially in enterprise software, a robust portfolio is critical. It's not just about aesthetics but about demonstrating the strategic thinking, research capabilities, and problem-solving process behind each design. The emphasis on "complex enterprise applications" means the portfolio should ideally include examples of intricate workflows, data visualization, and B2B user interfaces.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision).

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Retirement savings plan or provident fund contributions.

• Opportunities for career advancement within a growing SaaS company.

• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are typically 40 hours per week.

• While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility in start and end times, subject to team coordination and project deadlines.

• Occasional overtime may be required during critical project phases or for urgent user support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Pune, India, considering the company's industry (SaaS, ERP) and the role's responsibilities. Benefits are typical for full-time positions in the tech sector in India. The working hours are standard but acknowledge potential for flexibility and occasional overtime common in project-driven environments.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software (SaaS), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing, Supply Chain Technology.

Company Size: QAD, Inc. is a mid-to-large enterprise company, with a global presence and a significant number of employees across various departments. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration.

Founded: QAD was founded in 1977, indicating a long-standing history and deep expertise in its domain. This maturity implies a stable company with a wealth of institutional knowledge and established methodologies.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a Product Management department, working within a dedicated product team or feature group.

• This team will comprise Product Managers, Engineers (developers, QA), and potentially other UX/UI specialists or researchers.

Methodology:

• QAD operates with a focus on solving relevant real-world problems in manufacturing and the supply chain, indicating a practical, results-oriented approach.

• The company emphasizes a user-centered approach to product development, driven by research and feedback.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for software development, requiring iterative design processes and close teamwork.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: QAD's long history and focus on manufacturing/supply chain ERP solutions suggest a culture that values expertise, reliability, and practical innovation. The company's stated commitment to DEI and employee growth indicates an inclusive and development-oriented environment. The team structure implies a collaborative, cross-functional setting common in SaaS product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring a solid foundation of experience (3-5 years) and the ability to work independently on significant product areas. It's a contributor role with significant influence on product direction and user experience.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a UX Lead, Design Manager, or potentially a Director of Product Management, depending on the specific team structure. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts user adoption, efficiency, and satisfaction with QAD's ERP solutions. Successful UX design can lead to increased customer retention, reduced support costs, and enhanced market competitiveness by providing superior user experiences in complex business environments.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in ERP design, manufacturing UX, or specific areas of the QAD platform.

• Senior/Lead Designer: Progress to a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing more significantly to UX strategy.

• Management: Transition into a UX Manager or Design Lead role, managing a team of designers and overseeing the UX vision for product lines.

• Cross-functional Roles: Explore opportunities in Product Management or UX Research, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs and product design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" is defined by the experience required and the scope of influence. The "Operations Impact" section is tailored to how a design role contributes to business outcomes in a B2B SaaS context. Growth opportunities are mapped out based on typical career paths for designers in technology companies.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Pune, India, and is described as "On-site" with an "Adjunct Office" location. This suggests a physical office space dedicated to QAD employees in Pune, fostering in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): Pune, Maharashtra, India. Specifics about the office's accessibility or amenities would be best obtained directly from QAD.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, with opportunities for direct interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology (e.g., Figma, prototyping software) will be provided.

• The environment is likely structured to support agile development sprints and iterative design processes, encouraging teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, with the potential for some flexibility in daily hours, though core collaboration times will require presence. This schedule is designed to accommodate the demands of product development cycles and cross-functional team syncs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement and mention of an "Adjunct Office" in Pune are key. This implies a preference for in-person collaboration, which is often beneficial for complex design work and team cohesion, even in a remote-friendly tech industry. The workspace context emphasizes collaboration and the necessary tools for design work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, looking for relevant experience and skills.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing case studies that demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact.

• Technical/Design Interview: This may involve a design challenge (e.g., a take-home assignment or live whiteboarding session) focused on UX principles, interaction design, or problem-solving within an ERP context.

• Behavioral/Team Fit Interview: Discussions will focus on collaboration, communication, agile experience, and cultural alignment with QAD's values.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate how you arrived at your design solutions, not just what the final design looks like. Emphasize research, ideation, iteration, and validation.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide metrics or evidence of how your designs improved user experience, efficiency, or business outcomes.

• Tailor to ERP/Enterprise: Highlight projects that involved complex workflows, data management, or enterprise-level applications. Showcase your ability to design for B2B users.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: the problem, your approach, the solution, and the results.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research QAD's products, particularly their ERP suite, and the manufacturing/supply chain industry.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle design problems that might involve user flows, information architecture, or interaction design for complex systems.

• Articulate Your Thinking: Practice explaining your design rationale clearly and concisely, as if presenting to product managers and engineers.

• Consider Constraints: Think about technical limitations and business goals as part of your design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess a candidate's design skills, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to integrate into a team and company culture. The portfolio review is a critical step, and candidates should prepare to showcase their process and impact, especially within the context of enterprise software.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Wireframing & Design: Expertise in industry-standard tools is essential.

  • Figma: Strongly preferred, indicating a modern, collaborative design environment.
  • Axure, Adobe XD, Balsamiq, Illustrator: Proficiency in these is also valuable.

• Prototyping: Experience creating interactive prototypes to demonstrate user flows and interactions.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While the Product Designer may not directly manage CRM or automation tools, understanding how designs integrate with backend systems and business processes is crucial for ERP design. Familiarity with how data flows and is managed within enterprise systems is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Axure, Adobe XD, and Balsamiq highlights the core tools expected for this role. Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is also noted, suggesting that designers are expected to have a good understanding of front-end development constraints and capabilities, enabling more realistic and feasible designs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, especially those in manufacturing and supply chain roles.

• Problem-Solving: A focus on tackling complex, real-world challenges in manufacturing and supply chains through innovative design solutions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork across Product Management, Engineering, and other departments, both locally and globally.

• Continuous Improvement: A dedication to enhancing UX maturity, sharing best practices, and iterating on designs based on feedback and research.

• Quality & Detail: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished designs with meticulous attention to detail.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers to define requirements and Engineers to ensure feasibility and successful implementation.

• Agile Environment: Collaboration will be dynamic, involving frequent communication, feedback loops, and adaptability to changing project needs within agile sprints.

• Global Teamwork: The role requires effective collaboration with international teams, necessitating clear communication and an understanding of diverse perspectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: QAD's values, as inferred from their mission and job description, point towards a culture that values practical innovation, user advocacy, and strong teamwork. The emphasis on "solving relevant real-world problems" suggests a pragmatic and impact-driven approach to design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for complexity: ERP systems are inherently complex, requiring designers to master intricate workflows, data structures, and user roles.

• Balancing user needs with business requirements: Finding the sweet spot between optimal user experience and the practical constraints of enterprise software development.

• Global collaboration: Working effectively with distributed teams across different time zones and cultures.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of manufacturing and supply chain processes, which is highly valuable in the ERP space.

• Advanced UX Skills: Developing expertise in specific areas like interaction design for complex data, information architecture, or user research methodologies for enterprise users.

• Mentorship: Learning from experienced Product Managers and Engineers within QAD.

• Industry Exposure: Potential opportunities to attend industry conferences or workshops related to UX and manufacturing technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the inherent complexities of ERP design and global collaboration. Growth opportunities focus on building specialized domain knowledge and advancing UX skills within a structured corporate environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, data-intensive application. What was your process, and what challenges did you overcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and domain relevance).

• "How do you incorporate user feedback and usability testing results into your design iterations?" (Demonstrates iterative design and user-centricity).

• "Walk me through your process for creating a user journey map or persona for a new feature." (Assesses understanding of foundational UX tools).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about designing for the manufacturing and supply chain industry, and specifically for QAD's ERP solutions?" (Shows research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach learning about new technologies or design trends?" (Assesses continuous learning and adaptability).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of the project, the problem statement, and your role.

• Process Focus: Dedicate significant time to explaining your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases. Use visuals to illustrate these steps.

• Highlight Impact: Clearly articulate the outcomes of your design decisions, using data or user feedback where available.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of work that demonstrates proficiency across different design stages and tools, especially Figma.

• Be Concise: Practice your presentation to fit within the allotted time, focusing on the most critical aspects of each case study.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to assess key competencies for a Product Designer in an enterprise software context, emphasizing process, collaboration, and domain understanding. Portfolio presentation tips focus on effectively communicating design rationale and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your resume and portfolio are tailored to highlight experience relevant to enterprise software, ERP systems, and complex application design.

• Resume Optimization: Use keywords from the job description (e.g., "user experience," "wireframing," "Figma," "ERP," "agile") and quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio Walkthrough Practice: Prepare a concise presentation of your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your process, problem-solving skills, and impact, especially within complex B2B environments.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with QAD's products, mission, and their position in the manufacturing and supply chain technology market. Understand their commitment to DEI.

⚠️ 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.