Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: Vesper
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)
Date Posted: October 6, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-4 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Craft intuitive, elegant, and data-informed product experiences for commodity professionals on the Vesper platform.
• Own the end-to-end design process, from understanding complex user workflows and needs to shaping flows, creating polished UI, and validating solutions.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and subject matter experts, working under the guidance of the Senior Product Designer.
• Contribute to shaping design practices at Vesper, transforming commodity data into simple yet powerful tools.
• Embrace a curious, open-minded, and proactive approach, driving ownership from idea conception to shipped solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Medior Product Designer, indicating a need for a candidate who can operate with a significant degree of autonomy while still benefiting from mentorship. The emphasis on "end-to-end" design implies a broad scope of responsibility, covering both strategic problem-solving and detailed UI execution. The mention of "data-informed" and "commodity data" suggests a strong requirement for analytical thinking and the ability to translate complex information into user-friendly interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the full product design lifecycle, encompassing user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity UI design, and usability testing.
• Conduct user interviews, usability testing sessions, and gather qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Partner effectively with Product Managers to translate business requirements and user needs into compelling product strategies and design solutions.
• Collaborate closely with Engineers to ensure seamless implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and maintaining design integrity throughout the development process.
• Present and articulate design decisions, rationale, and user insights clearly and persuasively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Actively contribute to the evolution of Vesper's design system and best practices, fostering a culture of design excellence.
• Advocate for user-centric design principles, ensuring that user needs and pain points are consistently addressed in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who is not only skilled in craft but also adept at cross-functional collaboration and strategic thinking. The expectation to "own the full design process" and "turn commodity data into tools" suggests a role that requires a strong product mindset and the ability to impact business outcomes directly.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Digital Media, or a related field is considered a plus but not a mandatory requirement. Experience: 2-4 years of professional product design experience, with a preference for candidates experienced in SaaS, data-heavy platforms, or B2B applications.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in interaction design and visual design, demonstrably showcased through a strong portfolio.
• A robust product mindset, characterized by the ability to question assumptions, propose innovative solutions, and champion user needs.
• High levels of curiosity and agency, demonstrating initiative to explore, learn, and drive ideas forward without constant direction.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, enabling effective partnership with Product Managers, Engineers, and business stakeholders.
• Proficiency with modern design tools such as Figma.
• Familiarity with AI prototyping tools, including but not limited to Bolt or Lovable.
• A growth mindset, actively seeking feedback, learning rapidly, and maintaining curiosity in both design craft and business impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex data visualization or analytical platforms.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within fast-paced environments.
• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.
• Experience contributing to or maintaining a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "product mindset" and "high agency" suggests Vesper is looking for a proactive designer who can operate independently and contribute strategically. The specific mention of Figma and AI prototyping tools like Bolt or Lovable indicates a need for modern tool proficiency. The preference for SaaS/data-heavy/B2B experience is crucial for understanding the context of Vesper's commodity trading platform.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product design ownership.
• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (discovery, ideation, iteration, validation), and the final solution.
• Evidence of strong interaction and visual design skills, presented through high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and UI elements.
• Demonstrations of how user research, usability testing, and data informed your design decisions and led to measurable improvements.
• Examples of complex problem-solving, particularly those involving data interpretation or B2B/SaaS applications.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed explanations within case studies of how you conducted user research, synthesized findings, and translated them into actionable design insights.
• Workflow diagrams or process maps illustrating the user journey and key interaction points for the featured projects.
• Prototypes (ideally interactive) that effectively communicate the user flow and core functionality of the designed solutions.
• Metrics and outcomes, where available, to quantify the impact of your design work (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level Product Designer role, especially in a data-heavy SaaS environment, the portfolio is paramount. Candidates should focus on showcasing their ability to manage ambiguity, conduct thorough user research, and demonstrate a clear link between their design decisions and tangible business or user outcomes. The inclusion of AI prototyping tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Product Designers in Amsterdam with 2-4 years of experience in SaaS/B2B environments, the estimated salary range is €50,000 - €70,000 per year. This range accounts for the cost of living in Amsterdam and the specialized nature of Vesper's industry.

Benefits:

• Opportunity for significant learning and professional development in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.
• Full ownership of design domains, with the autonomy to shape the role and contribute to strategic decisions.
• A collaborative company culture that prioritizes speed, clarity, and tangible impact.
• The chance to be part of a company transforming a traditional, globally impactful business.
• Prime office location in the city center of Amsterdam, facilitating easy commute and access to city amenities.
• Regular team events and social gatherings fostering strong relationships with colleagues.
• Potential for equity or stock options as part of the compensation package (details to be confirmed).

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Vesper likely offers some flexibility in daily scheduling to accommodate effective workflow and collaboration within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on data from reputable Dutch job boards and industry salary surveys for Product Designers in Amsterdam, considering the specified experience level and industry focus. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings in high-growth tech startups in major European cities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Vesper operates within the FinTech/Commodity Trading Technology sector, providing data and decision-making tools for commodity professionals. This industry is characterized by complex data, high stakes, and a need for precision and efficiency. Company Size: Vesper is likely a growing startup or scale-up, indicated by the "fast-moving, high-growth environment" and the opportunity for ownership. This size typically means a dynamic culture with flatter hierarchies and direct impact potential. Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, the description suggests a company that has moved beyond the initial startup phase and is focused on scaling its product and impact.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of a Senior Product Designer and this Medior Product Designer, potentially with plans to expand.
• Collaboration is expected to be highly cross-functional, with close partnerships between Product Management, Engineering, and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) within the commodity domain.
• Reporting likely goes up to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or CTO, depending on the company's current structure.

Methodology:

• Design decisions are expected to be data-informed, requiring analysis of user behavior, market trends, and commodity data specifics.
• Workflow planning and optimization will be key, focusing on streamlining complex processes for users.
• Automation and efficiency in both product features and internal processes are likely valued.

Company Website: https://vespermoscow.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on commodity professionals and data suggests a need for designers who can handle complexity and translate intricate information into intuitive interfaces. The culture is described as collaborative, fast-paced, and impact-driven, typical of successful tech scale-ups.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Medior Product Designer role, signifying a transition from junior-level execution to mid-level ownership. The individual is expected to manage projects independently, contribute strategically, and mentor junior designers (if applicable in the future). Reporting Structure: The Designer will report to the Senior Product Designer, providing an excellent opportunity for mentorship, skill development, and learning best practices in a specialized domain. This structure allows for guidance while still offering significant autonomy. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the usability and effectiveness of Vesper's platform, influencing how commodity professionals make critical decisions. Success in this role translates to improved user efficiency, better decision-making, and ultimately, increased value derived from Vesper's data and tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX for data-heavy applications, commodity markets, or specific design methodologies like data visualization or complex workflow design.
• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and growth, opportunities may arise to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, or even move into a Product Design Lead or Manager role as the team expands.
• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the FinTech and commodity trading technology space, a niche with high demand for skilled designers.
• Strategic Contribution: Contribute to product strategy and roadmap development, influencing the direction of Vesper's offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path for a medior designer at a growing company like Vesper often involves increasing responsibility, specialization, and potential leadership. The direct mentorship from a Senior Product Designer is a key growth lever.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company emphasizes a "fantastic location in the city centre of Amsterdam," suggesting a modern, well-equipped office designed to foster collaboration and productivity. Office Location(s): Amsterdam, the Netherlands. This central location offers excellent connectivity and access to amenities, making it an attractive place to work.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as "fast-moving" and "collaborative," implying a dynamic and interactive workspace where teamwork is encouraged.
• Access to modern design tools like Figma and AI prototyping tools is expected, providing designers with the necessary technology to excel.
• Opportunities for frequent interaction with product managers, engineers, and senior design leadership will be common, facilitating knowledge sharing and rapid problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site, with approximately 40 working hours per week. While specific daily schedules may offer some flexibility, the emphasis on collaboration suggests a need for consistent presence during core business hours to engage effectively with the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in a central Amsterdam location points to a desire for in-person collaboration and a vibrant office culture. The tools mentioned are standard for modern design environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Vesper.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: This is a critical stage. Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their process, rationale, and impact. A design challenge (take-home or live exercise) may be assigned to evaluate problem-solving skills, design thinking, and execution, focusing on data-heavy or complex workflow scenarios.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to articulate design decisions within a team context.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Product, CEO) to discuss strategic thinking, growth potential, and overall fit with Vesper's vision and culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select case studies that best showcase your experience with SaaS, data-heavy applications, or complex B2B problems. Highlight your end-to-end design process.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the user problem, your specific contributions, the design decisions you made and why, and the resulting outcomes. Quantify impact wherever possible.
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your research methods, ideation techniques, iteration cycles, and how you incorporated user feedback and data.
• Highlight Collaboration: Mention how you worked with PMs, engineers, and stakeholders, and how you navigated feedback and trade-offs.
• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your toolset (Figma, AI tools), your design philosophy, and how you approach ambiguity and problem-solving.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Vesper's business, the commodity market, and common challenges faced by commodity professionals.
• Focus on Process: For a design challenge, emphasize your thought process, how you break down problems, and how you would approach research and ideation, even within a limited timeframe.
• Prioritize User Needs: Demonstrate how you would advocate for the user and ensure their needs are met.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your ideas concisely and effectively, as if presenting to a cross-functional team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process and decision-making. The design challenge will likely be tailored to Vesper's specific industry and user base.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Proficiency is essential.
• AI Prototyping Tools (e.g., Bolt, Lovable): Familiarity or willingness to learn and utilize AI-assisted design tools for efficiency and innovation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for designers, an understanding of analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) used by product teams will be beneficial for data-informed design.
• Experience with data visualization tools or libraries might be advantageous given the data-heavy nature of the platform.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant for this design role, but awareness of how CRM systems impact user experience in B2B contexts could be helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI prototyping tools indicates Vesper's commitment to modern design workflows. A designer's ability to leverage these tools effectively will be a key differentiator.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Clarity: A culture that values quick iteration, clear communication, and efficient execution.
• Impact: A strong focus on delivering tangible results and making a meaningful difference for users and the business.
• Collaboration: An environment where cross-functional teamwork and open communication are paramount.
• Curiosity & Learning: Encouragement of continuous learning, exploration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ownership: Empowering individuals to take responsibility for their work and drive initiatives forward.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the product development lifecycle, fostering a shared understanding and co-creation approach.
• Feedback Exchange: An open culture for giving and receiving constructive feedback on designs, processes, and ideas.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to elevate collective understanding and skill.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on speed, clarity, impact, and collaboration suggests a dynamic and results-oriented work environment characteristic of successful tech startups. A designer who thrives in such an atmosphere will be a strong cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Complexity: Effectively simplifying and visualizing complex commodity data and trading workflows for intuitive user experiences.
• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Navigating competing priorities to deliver solutions that satisfy users while meeting business objectives.
• Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting quickly to changing priorities and iterating rapidly in a high-growth startup setting.
• Domain Specificity: Gaining a deep understanding of the commodity trading industry and its unique user needs and terminology.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Training: Opportunities to attend workshops or courses focused on data visualization, B2B UX, or FinTech design.
• Industry Exposure: Deep immersion into the commodity trading sector, providing unique domain expertise.
• Mentorship: Direct guidance from a Senior Product Designer, accelerating learning and skill development.
• Strategic Input: Contributing to product strategy, offering exposure to higher-level decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity to develop expertise in a specialized, high-value industry, tackling complex design challenges that have a direct business impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex data set. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data visualization thinking, and impact.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements when faced with conflicting priorities?" (Highlight your negotiation, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.)
• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where you took ownership from conception to launch. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Emphasize your end-to-end ownership and proactive approach.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Vesper and the commodity trading industry?" (Show research and genuine curiosity.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers? Can you give an example?" (Demonstrate your cross-functional teamwork skills.)
• "How do you ensure your designs are data-informed and contribute to business impact?" (Connect your design work to metrics and outcomes.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, iteration, validation), your solutions, and the results. Use a narrative approach.
• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and clear diagrams to illustrate your points. Ensure your UI and interaction design skills are showcased effectively.
• Data & Metrics: Wherever possible, present quantitative data to support your design decisions and demonstrate the impact of your work.
• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma and any AI prototyping tools used.
• Q&A: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, product, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process rigorously, demonstrate a strong understanding of user-centered design principles applied to complex data, and showcase their ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating experience with SaaS, data-heavy applications, or complex B2B workflows. Emphasize your end-to-end design process and user-centric approach.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 2-4 years of product design experience, specifically mentioning proficiency in Figma and any relevant AI tools. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on your problem-solving process, collaboration strategies, and the impact of your designs. Prepare to discuss your understanding of the commodity market.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Vesper, its mission, its product, and the commodity trading industry to demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute from day one.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations/design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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