Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: StarRez
Location: UK - Remote
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: 2026-01-28
Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and refine user experiences for a leading student housing software platform, focusing on intuitive and accessible web and mobile interfaces.
• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, usability testing, and journey mapping, to inform design decisions and identify customer needs.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers in a cross-functional team environment to drive end-to-end product design from discovery to delivery.
• Contribute to the evolution of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and quality across the platform, and partner with engineering for high-fidelity implementation.
• Champion accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) throughout the design process, ensuring inclusive and equitable user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw input is for a "Product Designer," the output is tailored to emphasize operations-adjacent aspects where applicable, such as driving measurable impact through design metrics and collaborating with engineering for efficient implementation. The role is categorized under Product Design/UX/UI, reflecting its core function.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for specific product areas, from initial concept and user research through to high-fidelity mock-ups and final implementation, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.
• Plan, execute, and synthesize findings from user research activities, including customer interviews, usability tests, and journey mapping, to generate actionable design insights.
• Develop wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups using Figma to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.
• Define, set, and measure key design metrics to assess the success and impact of design initiatives, focusing on user engagement and business outcomes.
• Actively contribute to the maintenance and advancement of the design system, ensuring design consistency, scalability, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Partner closely with engineering teams to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and ongoing support.
• Advocate for and embed accessibility best practices into all design decisions, aiming to meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards.
• Facilitate design critiques, workshops, and collaborative sessions to foster alignment among the product team, engineers, and stakeholders.
• Present design rationale, research findings, and proposed solutions clearly and persuasively to internal teams and external stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are detailed to reflect the end-to-end nature of product design in a SaaS environment, emphasizing the iterative process from discovery to delivery and the importance of data-driven decision-making, which are critical in operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 3+ years of professional product design experience, specifically within Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or Business-to-Business (B2B) technology environments. Experience in startups or scale-ups is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product design, encompassing discovery, wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and high-fidelity visual design.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Proficiency in conducting user research, including customer interviews, usability testing, and synthesizing research findings.
• Expert-level skill in Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about product direction while also executing detailed, pixel-perfect designs.
• Experience in contributing to or maintaining design systems.
• Deep understanding of web and mobile platform design patterns and best practices.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale effectively.
• Comfort working collaboratively within cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, QA).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Knowledge of WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and experience with accessibility testing practices.
• Familiarity with assistive technologies.
• Exposure to AI-driven workflows, design-to-development automation, or advancements in design tooling.
• Experience working in agile development environments.
• A portfolio showcasing a strong track record of designing and delivering successful SaaS products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications are framed to highlight the strategic and analytical aspects of product design, aligning with operations competencies such as data-driven decision-making and process optimization. The emphasis on Figma and design systems is crucial for efficiency and scalability in a product development context.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 3 years of professional product design experience, with a focus on SaaS or B2B products.
• Case studies that clearly articulate the design problem, your process, your role, the solutions you designed, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.
• Examples of end-to-end design ownership, from user research and concept development to high-fidelity design and collaboration with engineering.
• Visual examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups, showcasing your proficiency in tools like Figma.
• Specific projects that highlight your ability to conduct and leverage user research (interviews, usability testing) to inform design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrated ability to document design processes, including user research methodologies, design iterations, and decision-making rationale.
• Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, illustrating an understanding of scalable design principles and component-based architecture.
• Evidence of collaborating with engineering teams, including how you hand off designs and ensure implementation quality, which is critical for efficient product delivery.
• Case studies that detail how you identified and solved complex user problems, showcasing problem-definition and solution-design skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are detailed to emphasize the importance of demonstrating process, impact, and collaboration, which are key performance indicators in operations roles. This section guides candidates on how to present their work in a way that resonates with operations-minded hiring managers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a remote Product Designer role in the UK with 3+ years of experience, the estimated salary range is £50,000 - £75,000 per annum. This range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the UK tech sector, considering the company's established presence and the remote nature of the position.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work remotely within the UK.
• Contribution to a well-established, high-performance company with over 30 years of industry experience.
• Supportive team environment with a strong emphasis on learning and development.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill advancement.
• A culture that values impact, contributions, and continuous improvement.
• Work with a passionate and collaborative team ("Z-Factor" value).
• Potential for travel (<5%) for specific business needs, though the role is primarily remote.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While remote, adherence to core working hours or team availability expectations may apply to facilitate collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: A salary range has been estimated based on typical UK market rates for a mid-level Product Designer in a SaaS company. Benefits are detailed to highlight aspects attractive to professionals seeking a supportive and growth-oriented work environment, including remote flexibility and development opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software & Technology (specifically Student Housing Management Software). StarRez operates in a niche but critical segment of the EdTech and PropTech industries, providing essential solutions for higher education institutions and residential communities. This industry demands robust, scalable, and user-friendly software to manage complex operations like housing assignments, billing, resident life, and facility management. Company Size: StarRez is a well-established global organization with offices in multiple countries, supporting over 1,400 clients and 4 million beds annually. This indicates a stable, mid-to-large-sized company structure with established processes and a significant market presence. Founded: Over 30 years ago. This long history signifies stability, deep domain expertise in student housing, and a proven track record of adapting to market changes.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is led by a Director, Design, to whom this role reports.
• Product Designers work within cross-functional teams, implying a collaborative structure involving Product Managers, Engineers, QA, and potentially other stakeholders.
• The company has a global presence, suggesting potential for collaboration with international teams and exposure to diverse user needs.

Methodology:

• Design is integrated into product development, with a focus on user needs, business goals, and measurable impact.
• The company emphasizes a user-centered approach, utilizing research, testing, and feedback loops.
• Collaboration and iterative development are key, with designers working closely with engineers and product managers.
• A commitment to accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) indicates a structured approach to quality and inclusivity.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context is fleshed out to provide a deeper understanding of StarRez's market position and operational environment. The industry and company size are particularly relevant for understanding the scale of operations and the types of challenges a Product Designer might face.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Product Designer role, requiring 3+ years of experience. It sits within the Design function, but its impact on product success and user adoption touches upon operational efficiency for StarRez's clients. Professionals in this role are expected to own significant design problems and contribute measurably to product outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Director, Design. This suggests a clear reporting line within the design function, with opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior design leader. Collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers within cross-functional teams is also a key aspect of the reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: While primarily a design role, the Product Designer's work has a direct impact on the operational efficiency and user experience of StarRez's student housing software. By creating intuitive and accessible interfaces, the designer helps clients manage their operations more effectively, reduce training overhead, improve resident satisfaction, and potentially increase revenue. Measuring design metrics directly links design output to business performance, a core tenet of operations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of product design, such as user research, interaction design, accessibility, or design systems.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer roles, taking on more complex challenges, mentoring junior designers, and influencing product strategy.
• Cross-functional Development: Gain broader exposure to product management and engineering processes, potentially leading to roles with more strategic product involvement.
• Skill Enhancement: Continuous learning through workshops, conferences, and hands-on experience with evolving design technologies and methodologies, including AI-driven design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the Product Designer role within an "operations" lens by highlighting its impact on efficiency and measurable outcomes. Growth opportunities are detailed to appeal to ambitious professionals looking for career progression within a product-focused, but operationally impactful, domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (UK-based). This designation means the primary work environment is the employee's home office, offering flexibility and autonomy.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote within the UK, StarRez has physical offices in the United States, Australia, and India, indicating a global operational footprint.

Workspace Context:

• Flexibility and Autonomy: The remote nature allows for a personalized workspace and flexible working hours, provided core collaboration needs are met.
• Digital Collaboration Tools: Expect extensive use of digital tools for communication (e.g., Slack, Teams), project management (e.g., Jira, Asana), and design collaboration (e.g., Figma, Miro).
• Cross-functional Interaction: Regular virtual interactions with Product Managers, Engineers, and other designers will be essential for design alignment and project execution.
• Accessibility Focus: The company's emphasis on accessibility suggests that digital tools and workflows are likely configured to be inclusive and usable by all.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with flexibility typically offered within reasonable limits to accommodate remote work and different time zones for global collaboration. Occasional travel (<5%) may be required for team meetings or specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to a remote role, emphasizing the digital tools and collaborative dynamics crucial for effective remote operations and product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth discussion, potentially including a take-home design exercise or a review of your portfolio with specific project deep-dives. Expect to discuss your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and technical understanding.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the Director, Design, to discuss role alignment, career aspirations, and overall fit within the team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, describe the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the results (metrics where possible).
• Showcase Process: Highlight your research methods, ideation phases, iterations, and how you incorporated feedback. This demonstrates your operational thinking in design.
• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your skills in prototyping, interaction design, and component usage.
• Accessibility Focus: If possible, include examples where you've considered and implemented accessibility features.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with StarRez's software and its target users (student housing administrators).
• Think Systemically: For any design challenge, consider how your solution integrates with existing systems (including the design system) and impacts overall user workflows.
• Communicate Your Rationale: Be ready to clearly articulate why you made certain design decisions, backing them up with research, best practices, or logical reasoning.
• Embrace Constraints: Be prepared to discuss how you handle trade-offs and constraints (e.g., technical limitations, tight deadlines) in a practical, operations-oriented manner.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for preparing for the interview and portfolio review, focusing on how to present design work in a way that highlights process, impact, and collaborative abilities, which are highly valued in operations-centric roles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for all aspects of product design, including wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.
• Design Systems: Experience working with, contributing to, or building design systems is highly valued for ensuring consistency and efficiency.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms used to track user behavior and measure design impact.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools that can help visualize user data and design performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, an understanding of how design impacts user journeys within CRM or other business systems can be advantageous. Familiarity with how user data flows and is utilized can inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section specifies the critical design tools, particularly Figma, and touches upon analytics and data tools that are relevant for measuring design impact, aligning with the data-driven nature of operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer Focus: A commitment to understanding and solving real customer problems, ensuring the software delivers tangible value and enhances operational efficiency for clients.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals, mirroring the integrated nature of successful operations teams.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly refine processes, designs, and products based on feedback, data, and evolving user needs.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing metrics and research to inform design choices, ensuring that outcomes are measurable and aligned with business objectives.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: A dedication to creating products that are usable by everyone, reflecting a commitment to ethical design and broad market reach.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in product teams, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the product lifecycle.
• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open feedback, design critiques, and transparent sharing of ideas and challenges.
• Outcome-Oriented: A shared focus on delivering impactful solutions that meet user needs and business goals rather than just focusing on the design artifact itself.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section extrapolates potential company values and collaboration styles based on the role description and general tech industry best practices, framing them through an operations lens of efficiency, impact, and data.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse user requirements and complex business logic into a cohesive and intuitive user experience.
• Scaling Design Processes: Maintaining design quality and consistency as the product and user base grow, requiring strong design system adoption and efficient workflows.
• Driving Adoption of New Features: Designing features that users will not only understand but actively adopt, requiring effective user onboarding and clear value proposition.
• Ensuring Accessibility Compliance: Consistently meeting stringent accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) across a complex SaaS platform, which requires ongoing vigilance and expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to master advanced Figma techniques, explore new design methodologies, and deepen expertise in interaction design or UX research.
• Accessibility Specialization: Developing a strong understanding and practical application of accessibility best practices, potentially becoming a go-to expert within the company.
• Product Strategy Involvement: Gaining exposure to product strategy discussions and contributing to the long-term vision of the product suite.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Learning about the intricacies of software development, product management, and customer success within a SaaS company.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on common issues in SaaS product design, and growth opportunities are framed to align with career progression and skill development relevant to both design and operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with technical constraints. How did you arrive at a solution?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, trade-offs, and communication.)
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility? Walk us through an example where you implemented WCAG standards." (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility principles and practical application.)
• "Tell us about a product or feature you designed that had a measurable impact. What metrics did you track, and what were the results?" (Prepare a case study highlighting quantifiable outcomes.)
• "How do you collaborate with product managers and engineers to ensure your designs are implemented effectively?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills, emphasizing handoff processes and feedback loops.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about StarRez and the student housing software industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and market position.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Discuss your collaboration style and how you foster connection.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in product design and accessibility?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative. Start with the problem, guide them through your thought process and actions, and conclude with the results.
• Focus on Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if you worked on a team.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your points. Be prepared to interact with a prototype.
• Quantify Impact: Reiterate the metrics and outcomes of your projects. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss how you would measure success.
• Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions about the team, the product roadmap, design challenges, and company culture to show your engagement and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are tailored to probe for operational thinking within a design context, focusing on process, impact, collaboration, and strategic rationale, in addition to core design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the StarRez careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant SaaS or B2B design projects. Emphasize case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, user research methodologies, and quantifiable outcomes.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3+ years of product design experience, specifically mentioning SaaS/B2B environments and proficiency in Figma. Use keywords from the job description, such as "user research," "interaction design," "accessibility," and "design systems."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and how you measure design success. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions.
• Company Research: Gain a thorough understanding of StarRez, its products, its mission, and its values. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with their focus on student experience and operational efficiency for their clients.

⚠️ 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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