Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: UPSTARS
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UI/UX
Date Posted: 2026-01-23
Experience Level: Mid-Level (1.5+ years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote (Ukraine-based candidates)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive mobile and web interfaces aligned with user needs and strategic business objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional product teams, contributing to ideation, brainstorming, and the articulation of design rationale.
• Proactively identify opportunities for enhancing existing product designs and ensuring a cohesive user experience.
• Maintain and evolve the product's design system to guarantee consistency across all user touchpoints.
• Drive the full product development lifecycle, from initial user research and concepting through to launch and ongoing optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is identified as a Product Designer with a strong emphasis on UI/UX, requiring 1.5+ years of experience. The company, UPSTARS, operates in the tech and B2B services sector, with a focus on iGaming. The role is fully remote for candidates within Ukraine, necessitating strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype user-centric mobile and web interfaces, translating complex requirements into intuitive user flows and visually appealing layouts.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to inform design decisions and iterate on product features.
• Actively participate in product strategy discussions, offering design perspectives that drive user engagement and business growth.
• Develop and maintain detailed design documentation, including wireframes, mockups, user journey maps, and interactive prototypes.
• Champion design best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of the product design process and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the provided description focuses on core design tasks, the "Product Designer" title and emphasis on "user needs and business goals" imply a responsibility for the entire product lifecycle, including research, strategy input, and optimization, not just visual design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, but a strong portfolio demonstrating design capabilities is expected.
Experience: 1.5+ years of professional experience in UI/UX or Product Design.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to design engaging and effective mobile and web interfaces.
• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and UX best practices.
• Proficiency in user research methodologies and translating findings into actionable design solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to solve user problems through thoughtful and innovative design.
• Expertise in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
• Experience working across the full product development lifecycle, from discovery to post-launch optimization.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining design consistency and adhering to established design systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Strong product thinking: understanding how design impacts user experience and business KPIs.
• Experience in the iGaming industry or related B2B technology sectors.
• Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes for user testing and stakeholder presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 1.5+ years of experience suggests a mid-level role where candidates are expected to be largely autonomous in design tasks but still benefit from mentorship and collaboration within a product team. The emphasis on Figma indicates a primary tool requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of UI/UX and Product Design projects, with a clear emphasis on problem-solving and user-centric solutions.
• Case studies demonstrating the entire design process, from initial research and ideation through to final design and, if possible, impact metrics.
• Examples of mobile and web interface designs, highlighting user flows, wireframes, and final UI mockups.
• Demonstrations of how user needs were identified and addressed through design interventions.
• Evidence of collaboration with product managers, developers, or other stakeholders.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have contributed to or utilized design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.
• Documentation of user research findings and how they informed design decisions.
• Case studies that illustrate your approach to iterative design and optimization based on user feedback or performance data.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not just showcase aesthetics but the process behind the design, demonstrating how the candidate thinks critically about user problems and business objectives. A focus on quantifiable impact is highly valued in operations-adjacent roles, so showcasing metrics is a plus.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a mid-level Product Designer with 1.5+ years of experience in Ukraine, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 35,000 UAH and 60,000 UAH per month. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific skills, portfolio strength, and interview performance.

Benefits:

• Fully remote work arrangement within Ukraine, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Official employment with formal registration in Ukraine or Poland, including assistance with necessary documentation.
• 20 paid vacation days annually, plus observance of national holidays and paid sick leave.
• Comprehensive health insurance covering top clinics and access to psychological support via the Pleso platform.
• Monthly "Benefit cafe" allowance for personal preferences, hobbies, sports, and other activities.
• Regular team events, including masterclasses, team-building activities, and corporate parties.
• Generous learning and development budget for courses, workshops, and access to an extensive online library.
• Corporate English language classes.

Working Hours: Full-time, likely aligning with standard business hours in Ukraine (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM EET), with a focus on task completion and collaboration rather than strict time-tracking. The remote nature may offer some flexibility around core hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations for Ukraine are based on current market data for skilled tech professionals. The benefits package is robust, indicating a company that invests in employee well-being and professional growth, which is a strong selling point for operations-minded candidates who value structured support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / IT Services, with a specialization in B2B solutions and iGaming. UPSTARS focuses on developing technological solutions and providing B2B services for international clients, aiming to drive innovation in the iGaming sector.
Company Size: The description implies a growing company actively scaling its team and projects, suggesting a dynamic environment that is likely past the startup phase but still retains agility.
Founded: Founded with a mission to elevate both people and brands through technology. The company has secured a B2B license for operating in the gambling services sector in Ukraine, highlighting its commitment to legal and transparent market practices.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design department is a key component of the broader Product department.
• Collaboration is expected across product management, engineering, and potentially marketing teams.
• The culture emphasizes teamwork, positivity, and proactive contribution.

Methodology:

• Focus on leveraging technology for innovative solutions.
• Commitment to automation of routine tasks to allow for professional growth and development.
• Rejection of bureaucracy and outdated approaches in favor of freedom of action and agility.
• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

Company Website: https://career.upstars.com

📝 Enhancement Note: UPSTARS positions itself as a modern, growth-oriented tech company with a clear ethical stance (no clients from aggressor countries, commitment to legal markets). The culture emphasizes dynamism, collaboration, and employee growth, which aligns well with operations professionals who thrive in structured yet agile environments.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, requiring 1.5+ years of experience. It implies a significant level of autonomy in design tasks, contribution to product strategy, and ownership of design solutions. The role serves as a crucial link between user needs, business objectives, and the technical execution of products.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Product Lead or Head of Product, working within a dedicated product team. Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Developers, and potentially other designers.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Product Designer's work directly impacts operational efficiency through intuitive interfaces that reduce user error and support strain. Their design decisions influence user adoption, engagement, and retention, which are key metrics for business operations and revenue generation. By creating user-friendly products, they contribute to smoother customer journeys and potentially reduce support costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UI/UX, product strategy, user research, and potentially specialize in specific areas of iGaming product design.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or transition into Product Management roles, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs and product lifecycles.
• Leadership Development: Through mentorship programs and leading design initiatives on projects, candidates can develop leadership capabilities.
• Continuous Learning: Access to a substantial training budget, workshops, and an online library supports ongoing professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "opportunities" and a "clear career plan with Performance Review" suggests a structured approach to employee development, which is highly attractive to operations professionals who value career progression and skill enhancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers flexibility, allowing employees to work from their comfortable and secure offices or remotely. This hybrid approach caters to diverse working preferences.
Office Location(s): UPSTARS has offices in Ukraine and Poland. For this specific role, candidates based in Ukraine are prioritized for remote work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite the remote option, the culture fosters strong teamwork and communication, suggesting virtual collaboration tools and regular team interactions are key.
• Technology & Tools: Employees will have access to industry-standard design tools like Figma. The company's focus on automation and technological solutions implies a modern and efficient tech stack.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction through virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, and company-wide events.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment, with a likely standard workday structure (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM EET) but offering flexibility due to the remote setup. The company's emphasis on freedom of action suggests a focus on results and autonomy over rigid adherence to schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "work where it's comfortable and safe" and "work-life balance" indicates a progressive work environment that values employee well-being, a critical factor for many operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess fundamental skills and experience.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise or a deep dive into a portfolio case study to evaluate problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to articulate design decisions. This will likely focus on how the candidate approaches user problems and business goals.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about experience, cultural fit, and alignment with UPSTARS' values. This may include questions about collaboration and product thinking.
• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment and long-term contributions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project. Highlight the problem, your approach, research, ideation, iterations, and the final solution.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors, increased engagement).
• Highlight Collaboration: If applicable, show how you worked with cross-functional teams.
• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflow and any advanced techniques you use.
• Product Thinking: Demonstrate your understanding of how design contributes to business objectives and user satisfaction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly understand the brief and the target user/business goals.
• Structure Your Approach: Plan your design process logically, from research and ideation to prototyping and testing.
• Articulate Your Decisions: Be ready to explain why you made specific design choices, referencing user needs, best practices, and business goals.
• Focus on UX: Show a strong emphasis on user experience and usability throughout your solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design role, the portfolio is the primary assessment tool. Candidates should prepare to walk through their best projects in detail, demonstrating not just visual skills but strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. Operations professionals often value structured problem-solving, so demonstrating a clear, logical process is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Candidates must demonstrate strong proficiency.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated for the designer role, familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) and reporting dashboards is beneficial for understanding user behavior and product performance. This knowledge helps inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the Product Designer's daily tasks but understanding how user data is managed and how automation impacts user journeys can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma is critical. Any designer applying should be ready to showcase their Figma skills and workflow. Awareness of how design integrates with analytics and business metrics is also a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration, working together to achieve common goals, and celebrating successes as a team.
• Positivity: Maintaining a positive attitude, finding drive in challenging work, and valuing constructive feedback from teammates.
• Opportunities: Commitment to employee growth through clear career plans, performance reviews, and development programs.
• Boldness: Willingness to take on challenging tasks, embrace ambitious plans, and tackle complex problems.
• Openness: Encouraging direct and honest communication, valuing ideas and feedback, and promoting proactivity.
• Efficiency: Automating routine tasks to focus on development and professional growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with Product Managers and Developers, ensuring a shared understanding of product goals and technical feasibility.
• Feedback Exchange: A culture that values open communication means designers should be comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback during design reviews and team discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on growth and learning suggests an environment where knowledge sharing and best practice discussions are encouraged.

📝 Enhancement Note: UPSTARS' values of teamwork, positivity, boldness, and openness are indicative of a dynamic and supportive work environment. For operations professionals, the focus on efficiency and growth opportunities aligns well with their own career aspirations and work ethic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling: As UPSTARS scales its projects and team, designers may face the challenge of adapting designs and processes quickly to evolving product requirements and business needs.
• iGaming Nuances: Designing for the iGaming industry requires understanding specific user behaviors, regulatory considerations, and the competitive landscape, which can be a unique challenge.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Consistently designing solutions that satisfy both user desires and stringent business objectives requires strong strategic thinking and negotiation skills.
• Maintaining Design Consistency: As the product suite grows, ensuring a cohesive and consistent user experience across all platforms and features will be an ongoing challenge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to become an expert in product design for the iGaming sector, a niche but growing market.
• Mentorship: Access to potential mentorship from senior designers or product leads within the company.
• Cross-functional Exposure: Working closely with product managers and engineers provides valuable insights into different facets of product development and business strategy.
• Skill Enhancement: The dedicated training budget and access to resources support continuous learning in areas like advanced Figma techniques, user research methodologies, and product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-growing tech companies. The growth opportunities highlight UPSTARS' investment in its employees, offering clear pathways for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it?" (Focus on your process, negotiation, and final solution.)
• "How do you ensure design consistency across a growing product suite? Discuss your experience with design systems." (Highlight your understanding of scalability and maintenance.)
• "Walk us through a challenging product design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your approach, and the outcome?" (Prepare to detail your UX process and rationale.)
• "How do you collaborate with product managers and developers? Describe your ideal workflow." (Emphasize communication and teamwork.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about UPSTARS and our work in the iGaming sector?" (Research the company's mission, values, and market position.)
• "How do our company values (teamwork, positivity, boldness, openness) resonate with your own work style?" (Provide specific examples of how you embody these values.)
• "How do you approach receiving and giving constructive feedback?" (Show your openness to learning and collaboration.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories that highlight the problem, your journey, and the impact of your design.
• Visual Clarity: Use high-quality visuals and clear descriptions. Ensure your Figma work is easily navigable if screen-sharing is involved.
• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the results of your design work. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate ROI or user benefit.
• Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are important, demonstrating a robust and logical design process is crucial. Be ready to defend your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will look for not only design skill but also a strategic mindset, collaborative spirit, and alignment with UPSTARS' values. Demonstrating an understanding of how design contributes to business success will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the UPSTARS career portal.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UI/UX and product design skills, focusing on problem-solving and user-centric outcomes. Ensure case studies detail your process, from research to execution.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 1.5+ years of experience, proficiency in Figma, and any relevant experience in product development lifecycles or the iGaming sector. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and walk through your portfolio projects, emphasizing your problem-solving approach and the impact of your work. Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely.
• Research UPSTARS: Familiarize yourself with UPSTARS' mission, values, and work in the iGaming industry. Understand their commitment to legal markets and transparent operations.

⚠️ 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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