Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Company: StarRez Location: UK - Remote Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: October 1, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-level (3+ years) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Shape intuitive, effective, and accessible user experiences across web and mobile platforms for student housing software.
• Lead end-to-end product design processes, from user research and discovery to high-fidelity mock-ups and implementation.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers within cross-functional teams to drive product strategy and deliver measurable user value.
• Contribute to and evolve the company's design system, ensuring consistency and quality across the platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically for a Product Designer, focusing on user experience and interface design within the SaaS B2B environment of student housing software. The remote nature is specific to the UK, implying a need for strong self-management and asynchronous communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including customer interviews, usability testing, and journey mapping, to deeply understand user needs and business goals.
• Translate research insights and business requirements into intuitive, accessible, and engaging user interface designs, including wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mock-ups.
• Own and manage design problems from initial concept through to final delivery, actively iterating based on user feedback, data, and stakeholder input.
• Define, set, and measure key design metrics to assess the success and impact of implemented design solutions, driving data-informed design decisions.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure the high-quality implementation of designs, working closely with them to resolve technical constraints and optimize user flows.
• Actively contribute to the development, maintenance, and evolution of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across the product suite.
• Champion accessibility best practices, ensuring all designs meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 AA standards and align with assistive technology compatibility.
• Facilitate design thinking workshops, critiques, and collaborative sessions to foster alignment and shared understanding among cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Confidently present and articulate design rationale, research findings, and strategic thinking to team members, product leadership, and business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities emphasize a full-cycle design ownership, from research to implementation, with a strong focus on user-centricity, data-driven iteration, and cross-functional collaboration, typical for a mid-level Product Designer in a SaaS environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for foundational understanding. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in Product Design, specifically within SaaS or B2B environments, demonstrating a track record of successful product launches and feature development.

Required Skills:

• Solid foundations in interaction design, visual design principles, and prototyping methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about product vision while executing with pixel-perfect precision.
• Proficiency in user research techniques, including user interviews, usability testing, research synthesis, and problem definition.
• Expert-level proficiency with Figma for prototyping, interaction design, and creating high-fidelity mock-ups.
• Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams, balancing multiple priorities and project timelines.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions backed by rationale, evidence, and user research insights.
• A collaborative, adaptable, and proactive mindset with a strong focus on delivering measurable outcomes and user value.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in startup or scale-up environments, demonstrating adaptability and a fast-paced work ethic.
• Working knowledge of WCAG guidelines and familiarity with assistive technologies or accessibility testing practices.
• Exposure to or interest in AI-driven workflows, design-to-development automation, or advancements in design tooling innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required qualifications highlight a blend of strategic thinking and execution skills, with a strong emphasis on user research, Figma proficiency, and effective communication within a collaborative, cross-functional setting. Preferred skills suggest an interest in forward-thinking design technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, ideally within SaaS or B2B contexts, demonstrating your process from problem discovery to final solution.
• Clear articulation of the design challenge, your role, the process followed, and the impact of your design solutions.
• Examples of user research methodologies employed, such as interviews, usability testing, and persona development, and how they informed design decisions.
• Demonstration of wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design skills, with specific examples of complex UI/UX challenges overcome.
• Evidence of collaboration with engineering and product management, highlighting how you navigated trade-offs and ensured successful implementation.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you've documented design processes, including user flows, information architecture, and design system components.
• Illustrate how you've used data and user feedback to iterate on designs and optimize user journeys.
• Present case studies that highlight your ability to define, measure, and report on design metrics that demonstrate user value and business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, with an emphasis on demonstrating a structured, user-centered design process, collaborative capabilities, and the ability to measure the impact of design work, reflecting typical expectations for product designers in SaaS companies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on current market data for UK-based remote Product Designers with 3+ years of experience in the SaaS sector, a competitive salary range is estimated between £45,000 - £70,000 per annum. This range is subject to variation based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and the final negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package, tailored to UK standards.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work environment with a focus on employee well-being and growth.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate remote work and cross-time zone collaboration. Specific working hours may be discussed during the interview process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on UK market rates for a mid-level remote Product Designer in the tech sector. Benefits are inferred from standard offerings for senior roles in established SaaS companies, emphasizing growth and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software - Student Housing Management. StarRez operates in the niche but critical sector of managing student accommodation, providing software solutions that enhance resident experience and administrative efficiency. Company Size: StarRez is a well-established global organization with offices in multiple countries and over 1,400 clients. This indicates a stable, mid-to-large-sized company with a significant market presence, offering both established processes and opportunities for impact. Founded: Over 30+ years ago, StarRez has a long history in the student housing software market, suggesting a mature product offering, a stable customer base, and deep industry expertise.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is led by a Director, Design, and likely consists of other Product Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UI Designers.
• Designers work within cross-functional product teams, which typically include Product Managers, Software Engineers, and Quality Assurance testers.
• Collaboration is key, with designers expected to work closely with stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales to align on product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• StarRez emphasizes a user-centric approach, using customer interviews, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and product development.
• The company values innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging designers to contribute to evolving the design system and explore new technologies.
• A focus on outcomes and user value drives the design process, aiming to deliver measurable impact through intuitive and effective solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global reach suggest a stable yet innovative environment. The emphasis on user needs and data-driven design aligns with modern product development practices, and the cross-functional team structure is typical for SaaS companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level (3+ years of experience). It requires a solid understanding of product design principles and the ability to independently own design problems. The designer is expected to contribute significantly to product strategy and execution within their area. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports directly to the Director, Design. This provides a clear line of mentorship and oversight from a senior design leader, offering opportunities for guidance and career development within the design function. Operations Impact: Product Designers at StarRez have a direct impact on the user experience of millions of residents and administrators worldwide, influencing student satisfaction, operational efficiency, and revenue generation for their clients. Their work directly shapes the usability and effectiveness of the core software product.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like accessibility, user research methodologies, or design system governance.
• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior designers, and influencing product strategy at a higher level.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading design initiatives and influencing product roadmaps through strong collaboration and communication.
• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge in the student housing software domain, becoming a subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers clear growth paths within design leadership or specialization, supported by reporting to a Director. The impact is significant due to the scale of StarRez's user base.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role operates entirely remotely, requiring self-discipline, effective time management, and strong asynchronous communication skills. Office Location(s): Remote within the UK. This allows for flexibility in location within the United Kingdom, provided candidates can work effectively within UK time zones and meet any potential (though minimal, <5%) travel requirements for team events or client meetings.

Workspace Context:

• The remote setup fosters autonomy and flexibility, allowing designers to create their optimal work environment.
• Access to digital collaboration tools and design software (primarily Figma) is essential for seamless teamwork.
• Opportunities for team interaction will occur through virtual meetings, collaborative design sessions, and company-wide communications.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While largely flexible due to the remote nature, candidates should be prepared to align with core UK business hours for collaboration and meetings, and potentially occasional travel (<5%).

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature in the UK requires candidates to be proactive in communication and collaboration. Flexibility is a key aspect, balanced with the need for team alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screen: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss past projects, and potentially tackle a small design exercise or problem-solving scenario. This stage assesses design thinking, process, and communication skills.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to work within a team environment.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final conversation with the Director, Design, to discuss career aspirations, leadership potential, and overall fit within the design team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Thoughtfully: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact within SaaS or B2B contexts.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the methodology you employed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the challenges you faced, and the measurable outcomes or impact of your design.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design process, showing how you moved from understanding the problem to delivering a solution. Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final high-fidelity designs.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you handle feedback and critique.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with StarRez's software and the student housing industry to understand the user context and business goals.
• Practice Problem Framing: Be ready to break down a given problem into smaller, manageable components and articulate your approach to solving it.
• Communicate Your Thinking: Focus on articulating your thought process clearly, even if you don't reach a perfect solution. Explain your assumptions and rationale.
• Design System Awareness: Be prepared to discuss your experience with design systems and how you would contribute to or utilize one.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to evaluate not just design skills but also collaboration, problem-solving, and cultural fit. A strong portfolio presentation is paramount, emphasizing process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, interaction design, and high-fidelity mock-ups. Proficiency is a core requirement.
• Design System Tools: Familiarity with tools and practices for maintaining and contributing to design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight, or Figma-native components).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how to interpret and utilize analytics data (e.g., from Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is beneficial.
• Experience with user feedback platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Hotjar) for conducting usability tests and gathering qualitative insights.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of how design impacts user workflows within CRM systems or other business software is helpful, though direct CRM tool proficiency is not explicitly required for this design role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central design tool. The role requires an understanding of how design integrates with development and analytics to drive user value and business outcomes.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems, ensuring that design decisions are always grounded in user needs and feedback.
• Collaboration: Working effectively within cross-functional teams, valuing diverse perspectives, and fostering an environment of open communication and mutual respect.
• Impact & Outcomes: A focus on delivering measurable results and tangible user value, rather than just producing designs. This includes setting and tracking design metrics.
• Continuous Improvement: A mindset of learning, iterating, and refining designs and processes, embracing feedback and adapting to new challenges.
• Accessibility: A core belief that digital products should be usable by everyone, regardless of ability, embedding accessibility into the design process from the start.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnership: Actively engaging with Product Managers and Engineers to ensure alignment on product vision, technical feasibility, and design implementation.
• Design Critiques: Participating in and facilitating design critiques to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared learning and improvement.
• Transparent Communication: Openly sharing design thinking, research findings, and rationale with team members and stakeholders to build consensus and ensure clarity.
• Data-Informed Dialogue: Using research data and design metrics to support design decisions and drive productive discussions about product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes user focus, collaborative innovation, and measurable impact, aligning with modern product development philosophies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively navigating the inherent tension between delivering optimal user experiences and meeting business objectives and technical constraints.
• Scaling Design Systems: Contributing to and maintaining a robust design system that supports a growing product suite and diverse user base, ensuring consistency while allowing for flexibility.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining high levels of communication, collaboration, and team cohesion in a fully remote environment, especially across different time zones.
• Driving Adoption of Best Practices: Advocating for and implementing best practices in user research, accessibility, and design thinking within a cross-functional team structure.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like complex interaction design, UX research methodologies, or advanced prototyping.
• Accessibility Specialization: Developing a strong understanding of WCAG standards and inclusive design principles, potentially becoming a subject matter expert.
• Product Strategy Influence: Growing the ability to contribute more significantly to product strategy and roadmap planning through demonstrated impact and leadership.
• Industry Engagement: Attending relevant industry conferences, webinars, and workshops to stay abreast of design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a mid-level designer in a growing SaaS company, focusing on collaboration, system thinking, and strategic influence. Growth opportunities are tied to specialization and leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process and decision-making rationale.)
• "How do you approach designing for accessibility? Can you walk us through an example where you ensured WCAG compliance?" (Demonstrate your understanding of accessibility standards and practical application.)
• "Imagine you're given a vague problem statement for a new feature. What are the first steps you would take to define the problem and begin designing a solution?" (Highlight your research and discovery process.)
• "How do you collaborate with engineers during the design and implementation phases? Describe a situation where you had to work through technical constraints." (Showcase your teamwork and problem-solving skills with technical partners.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in StarRez and the student housing industry?" (Research the company's mission, values, and impact.)
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a remote setting?" (Align your answer with StarRez's values like the 'Z-Factor'.)
• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, your contributions, challenges, and outcomes. Use a consistent structure for all projects.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals – wireframes, user flows, prototypes, final mock-ups – to illustrate your design thinking and decision-making.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the results of your work. Quantify success with metrics where possible, and articulate the value delivered to users and the business.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, trade-offs, and your rationale. Be honest about what you would do differently if given a second chance.
• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Ask clarifying questions and be open to feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured, user-centered design process, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to articulate the impact of design work. Aligning with company values is also crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most relevant and impactful projects, ensuring they clearly demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable results within SaaS or B2B environments. Tailor your portfolio to highlight experience with user research, Figma, accessibility, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 3+ years of relevant experience, focusing on achievements related to product design, user experience, and your proficiency with key tools and methodologies. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, your approach to user-centered design, and your motivations for joining StarRez during initial screening calls. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.
• Research StarRez: Familiarize yourself with StarRez's product, their mission, values (especially the 'Z-Factor'), and their position in the student housing software market. Understand their commitment to user experience and accessibility.

⚠️ 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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