Product Designer

StarRez
Full-timeHyderabad, India

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: StarRez

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the end-to-end delivery of product design workstreams for innovative SaaS solutions in the student housing industry.

  • Craft intuitive and exceptional user experiences and interfaces, translating user needs and business requirements into compelling design solutions.

  • Lead well-defined design projects, taking ownership from concept through to granular detail, ensuring alignment with product and technology department goals.

  • Develop and manage a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all digital products and platforms.

  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional product teams, including development and product management, within an agile framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, implying a need for leadership in design execution, mentorship potential, and strategic contribution to the design function. The emphasis on SaaS and the student housing industry provides critical context for understanding user needs and business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with cross-functional product teams to deliver impactful design solutions that meet user needs and business objectives.

  • Create innovative UX and UI solutions, including wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, that inspire both internal teams and external customers.

  • Iterate, test, and refine design solutions based on real user feedback and data insights to ensure products effectively solve user problems.

  • Develop, maintain, and champion a comprehensive design system to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all digital products and platforms.

  • Champion accessibility best practices, ensuring that all designed solutions not only comply with accessibility guidelines but are truly user-friendly for all individuals.

  • Foster a collaborative design attitude, actively participating in design critiques and contributing to a positive team environment.

  • Own and lead well-defined design projects as agreed with the Director of Design, contributing incrementally to the goals of the Product, Design, and Technology departments.

  • Act as a bridge between the local Design Team in India and the wider global Design Team, ensuring alignment and knowledge sharing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution (creating UIs, wireframes) and leadership/ownership (leading projects, managing design systems). The emphasis on "real user feedback" and "data, and research insights" points to a data-informed design process, crucial for SaaS product success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design or comparable on-the-job experience.

Experience: 5+ years of professional design experience, with a strong emphasis on SaaS product design.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in end-to-end product design, from concept to detailed execution.

  • Expertise in creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and manage design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.

  • Solid understanding of core design principles: usability, visual hierarchy, responsive design, and accessibility standards.

  • Proficiency in industry-standard design and collaboration tools such as Figma and Miro.

  • Experience working within cross-functional product teams using agile methodologies.

  • Ability to clearly define problems, frame design decisions with rationale, data, and research insights.

  • Effective communication and articulation skills, with the ability to present design rationale and insights to diverse teams.

  • Comfortable working across all levels of design, from conceptualization to final design polishing.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working in startup or scale-up environments.

  • Knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and practical experience ensuring designs meet accessibility standards.

  • Familiarity with HTML/CSS to understand design implementation constraints and possibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" requirement for a "Senior" role is standard. The emphasis on "SaaS product design" is critical, indicating a need for experience in complex, data-driven applications rather than purely marketing or visual design. The explicit mention of Figma and Miro suggests these are primary tools.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A strong portfolio showcasing excellence in SaaS product design is mandatory.

  • Case studies should demonstrate a clear understanding of user-centered design processes, problem-solving methodologies, and design decision rationale.

  • Examples of end-to-end design delivery, including wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, are expected.

  • Evidence of contributions to or development of design systems, highlighting consistency and scalability achievements.

Process Documentation:

  • Showcase how you have used data, research insights, and user feedback to inform and iterate on design solutions.

  • Illustrate your process for collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering) within an agile development cycle.

  • Detail your approach to developing and maintaining design documentation, including style guides and component libraries within a design system.

  • Present examples of how you have championed accessibility throughout the design process, from initial concepts to final outputs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Portfolio and case studies demonstrating excellence in SaaS product design" is a key differentiator. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, decision-making, and the impact of their work, particularly within a software-as-a-service context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the Senior Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and location in Hyderabad, India, the estimated annual salary range is ₹1,200,000 to ₹2,200,000 INR. This range is derived from market research for senior design roles in Tier-1 Indian cities, considering the SaaS industry and the company's global presence.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

  • Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

  • Generous paid time off and holidays.

  • Contribution to long-term financial security (e.g., provident fund, retirement plans).

  • A supportive and collaborative work environment with a focus on employee well-being.

Working Hours:

The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligned with typical full-time employment. Flexibility may be available, but adherence to agile sprint cycles and cross-functional team collaboration will require consistent availability during core business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for senior design roles in Hyderabad, India, for a company of StarRez's apparent scale and industry. Exact compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The benefits are inferred based on standard offerings for full-time roles in established tech companies.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Student Housing Software / PropTech (Property Technology). StarRez is a global leader in providing innovative software solutions for on and off-campus student housing management. This industry requires a deep understanding of user needs for both administrators and students, focusing on efficiency, experience, and revenue generation.

Company Size: StarRez operates globally with offices in the US, Australia, UK, and India. While the exact size of the India center isn't specified, the company supports over 1,400 clients and 4 million beds, indicating a significant operational scale.

Founded: StarRez was founded with a vision to revolutionize student housing management. The company's longevity (implied by "20+ years" team member tenure) suggests stability and a strong market position, now further bolstered by Vista Equity Partners.

Team Structure:

  • The design team in India is a "center of excellence" and a "pivotal extension of our growth strategy," suggesting it plays a key role in global product development.

  • The role involves close collaboration with cross-functional product teams (development, product management), indicating a matrixed or agile team structure.

  • The Senior Product Designer will report to the Director of Design, providing a clear reporting line and guidance.

Methodology:

  • Agile development methodologies are explicitly mentioned, implying iterative design processes, sprint planning, and regular feedback loops.

  • A strong emphasis is placed on user research and data-driven decision-making to inform design solutions.

  • The development and management of a comprehensive design system are central to ensuring consistency and efficiency across products.

  • Accessibility is a core consideration, integrated into the design process from conception to final delivery.

Company Website: https://www.starrez.com/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding StarRez's position as a leader in student housing software is crucial. This means the design challenges will involve complex workflows for administrators and engaging user journeys for students, with a focus on operational efficiency and resident experience.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role. It signifies a level of expertise and autonomy where the individual is expected to lead significant design initiatives, mentor junior designers (potentially), and contribute strategically to the design function. The role requires not just execution but also ownership and proactive problem-solving.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to the Director of Design. This indicates a structured design department where strategic direction is provided from leadership, allowing senior designers to focus on execution and project leadership. Collaboration will extend to Product Management and Development teams.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to the success of StarRez's SaaS products. By crafting intuitive and user-friendly experiences, the designer will influence user adoption, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency for clients, and ultimately, revenue generation for StarRez. The development of a design system will have a scalable impact across all products.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in SaaS product design, user research methodologies, and advanced UX/UI techniques. Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in the student housing tech space.

  • Leadership Potential: Lead complex design projects, potentially mentor junior designers, and contribute to the strategic direction of the design team.

  • Global Exposure: Work with international teams, gaining experience in diverse design contexts and contributing to a global product.

  • Career Progression: Potential career paths could lead to Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or specialized roles within UX/UI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies an expectation of leadership and strategic thinking beyond just task execution. Candidates should highlight instances where they have influenced product direction or mentored others. The growth opportunities suggest a company that invests in its employees' long-term development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a physical office presence in Hyderabad. This suggests a collaborative office environment where in-person interaction with colleagues is valued.

Office Location(s): Hyderabad, Telangana, India. This location is a key hub for the company's growth strategy, suggesting a dynamic and developing work environment.

Workspace Context:

  • The environment is likely to be collaborative, fostering interaction with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Development) and other designers.

  • Access to modern design tools such as Figma and Miro is expected, supporting efficient workflow and collaboration.

  • The emphasis on a "center of excellence" implies a focus on high-quality output and continuous improvement in design practices.

  • As part of a global company, there will be opportunities to connect with international colleagues and contribute to global product initiatives.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is approximately 40 hours. Given the agile methodology and cross-functional collaboration, consistent availability during core business hours will be essential for effective teamwork and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement in Hyderabad suggests a focus on building a strong local team culture and facilitating direct collaboration. Candidates should be prepared for an office-based role with opportunities for in-person teamwork and idea exchange.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on experience, skills, and portfolio relevance.

  2. Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, rationale behind specific decisions, problem-solving approaches for SaaS products, and how you've used data and user feedback.

  3. Technical/Skills Interview: This may involve a design challenge or a deep dive into your proficiency with tools like Figma and Miro, understanding of design principles, and experience with design systems and accessibility.

  4. Cross-functional Interview: Meeting with members of the Product Management and Development teams to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work within an agile framework.

  5. Final Interview: Potentially with the Director of Design or a senior leader to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and overall suitability for the senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Selectively: Showcase 3-5 of your strongest SaaS product design projects. Prioritize quality over quantity.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your design decisions (and the rationale behind them), and the measurable impact of your solution.

  • Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered approach, research methods, iterative design process, and how you incorporated feedback.

  • Design System Focus: If you have experience with design systems, dedicate a section or specific case study to showcase your contributions, including how you ensured scalability and consistency.

  • Accessibility Integration: Clearly demonstrate how accessibility was considered and implemented in your designs.

  • Tool Proficiency: Mention the tools used (Figma, Miro, etc.) and how they facilitated your workflow.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Be ready for a design challenge that might involve solving a specific user problem related to student housing software or improving an existing feature.

  • Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to both designers and non-designers.

  • Think about how you would approach defining the problem, exploring solutions, and presenting your recommendations within a limited timeframe.

  • Consider how you would leverage data and user insights, even if hypothetical, to justify your design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical. Candidates must be prepared to not only show their work but also articulate the "why" and "how" behind their designs, demonstrating a strategic and process-oriented approach relevant to SaaS.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in its advanced features, including component creation, auto layout, and design system integration, is essential.

  • Miro: Crucial for collaborative ideation, user journey mapping, wireframing, and workshop facilitation.

  • Prototyping Tools: Likely integrated within Figma or other dedicated tools for creating interactive prototypes to test user flows and gather feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly relevant to the Product Designer role, but an understanding of how design integrates with broader business systems is always valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Explicit mention of Figma and Miro indicates these are the core tools. Candidates should be ready to discuss their proficiency and how they leverage these tools for efficient design delivery and collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Passion & Care: A commitment to delivering high-quality work with genuine care for users and colleagues.

  • High Performance: Striving for excellence and continuous improvement in all aspects of design and collaboration.

  • Collaboration: Fostering an inclusive environment where ideas are shared freely and teams work together effectively.

  • Innovation: Encouraging creative thinking and the development of groundbreaking solutions.

  • User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and meeting the needs of students and housing administrators.

  • Data-Driven: Utilizing data and research to inform design decisions and measure impact.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Working seamlessly with Product Management and Development teams, acting as a proactive partner.

  • Agile Cadence: Participating actively in agile ceremonies, providing design input throughout sprints.

  • Open Communication: Encouraging feedback exchange, constructive criticism, and a transparent approach to design challenges.

  • Global Alignment: Bridging communication and design practices between the India center and global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: StarRez's "Z-Factor" culture, emphasizing passion, care, and high performance, suggests a team that is dedicated and supportive. The emphasis on "Global Impact, Local Ownership" indicates a structure where local teams contribute significantly to global products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Global Consistency with Local Needs: Ensuring design solutions align with global standards while catering to specific user needs within the student housing sector.

  • Rapid Iteration in a SaaS Environment: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles and continuously refining designs based on evolving user requirements and market trends.

  • Championing Accessibility: Ensuring that accessibility is a priority and consistently implemented across all product features, which can require advocacy and education.

  • Managing Design System Evolution: Maintaining and expanding a complex design system to support new features and evolving product requirements across a global platform.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like complex data visualization, user journey mapping for intricate workflows, and inclusive design practices.

  • Industry Expertise: Deepen knowledge of the student housing management and PropTech industries.

  • Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team in India.

  • Global Collaboration Experience: Gain valuable experience working with diverse teams across different geographical and cultural contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges reflect typical complexities in scaling SaaS products, especially involving global teams. The growth opportunities point to a supportive environment for career development within the design field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex SaaS product you've designed. What were the key challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on problem definition, user research, and design rationale.)

  • "How do you ensure consistency and scalability in your designs across multiple products or features? Discuss your experience with design systems." (Highlight your process for creating and maintaining design systems.)

  • "Walk us through a project where you had to make difficult design trade-offs. What was your decision-making process, and how did you communicate it to stakeholders?" (Emphasize data, rationale, and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about StarRez and the student housing software industry?" (Research StarRez's mission, products, and recent news.)

  • "How do you foster collaboration within a cross-functional team, particularly within an agile framework?" (Provide examples of your collaborative practices.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results/Impact.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Show the evolution of your designs.

  • Data & Insights: Integrate data, user research findings, and analytics to support your design decisions and demonstrate impact. Quantify results where possible (e.g., "increased user engagement by X%").

  • Conciseness: Be articulate but concise. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project.

  • Tool Demonstration: Be ready to briefly demonstrate your proficiency in Figma or other tools if asked, especially regarding design system components or prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on articulating design strategy, process, and impact, with a strong emphasis on SaaS, design systems, and accessibility, which are core to this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is tailored to showcase your strongest SaaS product design projects, highlighting your experience with wireframing, prototyping, design systems, and accessibility.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of design experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities relevant to SaaS product development and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare to discuss your experience with Figma, Miro, and agile methodologies.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research StarRez's products, mission, and culture. Understand their position in the student housing software market and prepare to discuss how your skills align with their goals, particularly the "Z-Factor" and global impact.

⚠️ 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 must have a degree in design or comparable experience with at least 5 years in the field, specifically within SaaS product design. Proficiency in design tools like Figma and a solid understanding of design principles, including accessibility and agile methodologies, are required.