Product Designer (Competitive) at VC-backed social tech startup

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: VC-backed social tech startup (Recruited via Jack & Jill)
Location: Remote (United Kingdom)
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: 2025-10-20
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of immersive and outcome-driven user experiences for a novel social networking platform.
• Collaborate intimately with a VC-backed founding team to translate strategic vision into actionable product features and user flows.
• Leverage deep understanding of user psychology and behavioral science to foster authentic human connections within the platform.
• Contribute critically to bringing a new, stealth social product from initial concept through to successful launch.
• Act as a creative and collaborative partner in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment, with potential for a permanent role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a unique opportunity for a Product Designer to be a foundational member of a new social tech startup, offering significant impact and potential for long-term growth and ownership. The emphasis on "competitive" salary and "potential for a permanent role" suggests this might initially be a contract or project-based engagement with a strong possibility of conversion.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for a new social networking platform, from ideation and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and prototyping.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights and validate design decisions, ensuring an outcome-driven approach.
• Translate complex user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging user interfaces and interaction flows.
• Partner closely with product management, engineering, and the founding team to ensure design feasibility and alignment with technical constraints and product vision.
• Champion user-centric design principles, advocating for the user's needs and ensuring delightful and effective interactions.
• Apply principles of behavioral psychology and social dynamics to design features that encourage user engagement, retention, and meaningful connections.
• Contribute to the development of design systems and style guides to maintain consistency and scalability across the platform.
• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies (including AI applications in social platforms), and best practices in consumer social products.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input, typical of early-stage startups. The mention of AI suggests the candidate should be comfortable exploring how AI can enhance user experience and connections within a social context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of design principles and a track record of successful product launches is paramount.

Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or a related role, with a focus on consumer-facing digital products.
• Proven experience designing and shipping complex, engaging consumer social platforms (e.g., dating apps, social networking platforms, mobile games, community platforms).

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in UX/UI design principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience with user research, persona development, journey mapping, and usability testing across various platforms (web, mobile).
• Strong command of design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.
• Solid understanding of user psychology, behavioral science, and how these principles can be applied to drive engagement and connection.
• Experience in designing for immersive experiences and understanding of interaction design patterns.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly to stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team environment and with a founding team.
• Comfort and adaptability in working within an ambiguous, fast-paced startup environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven features or applications within a product context.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working closely with engineering teams in an iterative design process.
• Experience in building or contributing to design systems.
• A portfolio that showcases innovative solutions for social interaction and community building.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "consumer social platforms" and "user psychology" is critical. Candidates should highlight projects where they've directly influenced user behavior and connection through design. The "competitive" salary and early-stage nature imply a need for candidates who are comfortable with ambiguity and can drive outcomes with minimal oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects, with at least one focused on a consumer social platform.
• Detailed case studies for each project, outlining the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key challenges, and the ultimate outcomes.
• Evidence of applying user psychology and behavioral science principles to achieve desired user engagement or connection metrics.
• Demonstrable expertise in UX/UI design, including wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs.
• A clear articulation of how your designs contributed to business objectives or user satisfaction.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, clearly document the research methodologies used (e.g., user interviews, surveys, competitive analysis).
• Illustrate the iterative design process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases, with examples of how feedback informed design changes.
• Showcase the application of design principles and tools, detailing the software used and the specific features or interactions you designed.
• Present metrics and data where possible to demonstrate the impact of your design solutions on user behavior, engagement, or conversion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary tool for demonstrating capability. Candidates must ensure their case studies are well-structured, clearly articulate their individual contributions, and quantify impact wherever possible, especially concerning user engagement and connection.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Competitive, commensurate with experience and market rates for a mid-level Product Designer in the UK tech startup scene.
• Given the "competitive" nature and the early-stage VC-backed startup context, this could range from £60,000 to £90,000 per annum, potentially with equity or options.

Benefits:

• Potential for a permanent role with a growing, well-funded startup.
• Opportunity to shape a product from its inception and have a significant impact on its direction.
• Exposure to experienced founding team and top-tier Venture Capitalists.
• Fully remote work environment, offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and innovative concepts in the social tech space.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.
• While remote, flexibility is expected to accommodate collaboration with a founding team, potentially across different time zones, though primarily focused within the UK.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is explicitly stated as "competitive," and the "potential for a permanent role" implies this might start as a contract. For a mid-level Product Designer in London with 2-5 years of experience, a typical range would be £60,000-£90,000. Equity or stock options are also common in VC-backed startups and could form a significant part of the compensation package, especially if the role converts to permanent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Social Technology / Social Networking / Consumer Tech
Company Size: Early-stage startup (likely <50 employees), VC-backed. This implies a lean, agile, and fast-paced environment where individuals wear multiple hats and have direct impact.
Founded: Recently founded, implied by the "concept to launch" nature of the product.

Team Structure:

• Small, dynamic founding team with VC experience.
• Close-knit, collaborative unit where direct communication and cross-functional partnership are essential.
• The Product Designer will likely report directly to a founder or Head of Product (if one exists).
• High degree of autonomy and responsibility for the design function.

Methodology:

• Agile and iterative product development process.
• Data-driven decision-making informed by user research, analytics, and A/B testing.
• Emphasis on rapid prototyping and validation of ideas.
• Focus on user psychology and behavioral design to create engaging and sticky experiences.
• Embracing ambiguity and pivoting quickly based on learnings.

Company Website: https://www.jackandjill.ai

📝 Enhancement Note: The company is described as a "VC-backed social tech startup" and is "stealth." This means it's likely in its early stages, possibly pre-launch or very early post-launch, with significant funding. The culture will be highly dynamic, with a strong emphasis on innovation, speed, and direct impact from every team member.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a foundational Product Designer, likely a mid-level position (2-5 years experience). The designer will be instrumental in defining the product's user experience from the ground up.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report directly to one of the founders or potentially a Head of Product, depending on the immediate team structure. The lack of a large design team suggests a highly collaborative and direct reporting line.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a profound impact on the core product's success, directly influencing user acquisition, engagement, retention, and the overall brand perception. Their work will be critical in translating the startup's vision into a tangible, user-loved product that drives business growth and attracts further investment.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the company scales, there's a clear path to become the Lead Product Designer or Head of Design, building and managing a design team.
• Product Strategy: Deep involvement in product strategy from the outset allows for significant influence on the product roadmap and future direction.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in areas like behavioral design, AI integration in UX, or immersive experience design within a focused domain.
• Equity and Long-Term Role: The potential for a permanent role and equity offers significant long-term career and financial growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is significant, moving from a core individual contributor to a potential design leader within a funded startup. The emphasis on "pioneering" and "concept to launch" implies a high degree of ownership and the chance to build a design function from scratch.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in an independent, home-based work environment. Office Location(s): Remote within the United Kingdom. This allows for flexibility while ensuring alignment with UK employment laws and potential for occasional in-person meetups if the company opts for them.

Workspace Context:

• A self-directed work environment where autonomy and time management are key.
• Access to digital collaboration tools and platforms for seamless remote teamwork.
• Opportunities to connect with the founding team and other early employees through virtual meetings and communication channels.
• Encouragement of a healthy work-life balance, with the flexibility that remote work provides.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).
• While remote, core hours may be expected for team synchronization and collaboration, but overall flexibility is a hallmark of this arrangement.
• The ability to manage one's own schedule effectively is crucial for success in this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature demands strong self-discipline and proactive communication. The "United Kingdom" location requirement suggests the company is adhering to local employment regulations for its remote workforce.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Step 1: Initial Screening with Jack (AI Recruiter): A 20-minute conversation via the Jack & Jill platform, where Jack assesses your experience, ambitions, and suitability for the role based on your LinkedIn profile and conversation. Be prepared to articulate your key achievements and career goals.
• Step 2: Portfolio Review & Initial Interview: If Jack identifies a strong match, you will be introduced to the hiring manager (likely a founder). This stage will involve a deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on your process, problem-solving skills, and specific contributions to past projects. Be ready to walk through your case studies in detail.
• Step 3: Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be given a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise to assess your practical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to work under constraints.
• Step 4: Team/Founder Interviews: Further interviews to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking. This is where you'll discuss how your approach aligns with the startup's vision and values.
• Step 5: Final Decision: Based on all assessments, a decision will be made, potentially leading to an offer for a permanent role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your unique solution, and the impact.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics (e.g., increased engagement, reduced churn, improved conversion rates) to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Process Clarity: Detail your design process, from research and ideation to iteration and final delivery. Show your thinking.
• Highlight Social/Psychology: Emphasize projects where you applied user psychology or designed for social interaction. Clearly articulate how your design fostered connections or engagement.
• Tailor to the Role: Understand the startup's mission and tailor your presentation to highlight relevant skills and experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a challenge, ensure you fully grasp the product's context and target audience.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your approach to problem-solving, even if you don't reach a perfect solution.
• Time Management: Be mindful of time constraints and prioritize key aspects of the challenge.
• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your design choices and trade-offs clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process starts with an AI recruiter, "Jack," which is a unique approach. Candidates must be prepared for an initial conversational screening. The portfolio is paramount, and its presentation should clearly showcase experience in social platforms and psychological design principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator). Proficiency in at least one primary tool is essential.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), potentially Notion or similar for documentation.
• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or internal methods for gathering user feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar for tracking user behavior and engagement metrics.
• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or built-in dashboarding within analytics tools, if required for reporting on design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding CRM principles (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and how user data flows can be beneficial for context in consumer applications.
• Automation tools might be relevant if the designer is involved in marketing or onboarding flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools will be design software like Figma. However, a strong Product Designer in a startup environment should also be comfortable with analytics platforms to measure the impact of their designs and collaboration tools for remote teamwork.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Creativity: A drive to build something new and unique, pushing boundaries in social tech.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the user's needs and fostering genuine connections.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and teamwork are vital in a small, fast-paced startup.
• Agility & Adaptability: Willingness to embrace change, learn quickly, and iterate based on feedback and market dynamics.
• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering meaningful results and contributing directly to the company's growth and success.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with direct interaction between design, product, and engineering.
• Emphasis on constructive feedback loops and shared ownership of product outcomes.
• Proactive communication to align on goals and ensure smooth execution.
• A culture of shared learning and problem-solving, where everyone contributes to the product's vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values of a VC-backed startup are typically centered around rapid growth, innovation, and a strong sense of mission. For a design role, user-centricity and collaboration are paramount, enabling the team to build a product that resonates with its target audience.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Ambiguity: Working in a stealth startup means navigating uncertainty regarding product direction, features, and market fit. Be prepared to define processes and solutions proactively.
• Rapid Iteration: The need to move quickly means designs may need frequent updates based on new information or user feedback.
• Resource Constraints: As an early-stage startup, resources (including time and personnel) may be limited, requiring efficient and creative problem-solving.
• Balancing Vision and Execution: Translating a bold vision into a functional, user-friendly product within startup constraints.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Foundational Role: The chance to shape the entire design language and user experience of a new product.
• Direct Mentorship: Learning directly from experienced founders and VCs.
• Broad Skill Development: Gaining experience across the full product lifecycle, from concept to launch and beyond.
• Industry Exposure: Deep dive into the nuances of social tech, behavioral psychology, and AI in product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be the inherent ambiguity of an early-stage startup. Success will depend on the candidate's ability to adapt, problem-solve creatively, and drive progress autonomously. The growth opportunities are substantial due to the foundational nature of the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a feature that significantly increased user engagement or fostered stronger connections on a social platform." (Focus on your process, metrics, and psychological principles.)
• "How would you approach designing a new social networking feature from scratch, given limited information and a tight deadline?" (Highlight your research, ideation, and iterative process.)
• "What is your philosophy on balancing user needs with business objectives in a startup environment?" (Showcase your understanding of trade-offs and strategic thinking.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about the potential of AI in enhancing social connections?" (Demonstrate your understanding of the role's unique technology focus.)
• "How do you handle ambiguity and change in a fast-paced startup environment?" (Provide specific examples of your adaptability.)
• "Given our mission to create real human connections, what are the key design considerations you'd prioritize?" (Show your alignment with the company's core value.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Clearly articulate the problem you were solving and the user need.
• Showcase Your Process: Walk through your steps—research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Your Role: Be explicit about your individual contributions, especially in team projects.
• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the outcomes of your design work, using data and metrics where possible. For this role, specifically highlight how your designs impacted user connections or engagement.
• Connect to the Startup: Briefly explain why your experience is a strong fit for their mission and the challenges they face.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of social design, user psychology, and the ability to thrive in a startup. The AI recruiter interaction will be a key first step, so be ready to articulate your value proposition concisely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Visit the Jack & Jill website and click 'Speak with Jack'.
• Log in with your LinkedIn profile to initiate the conversation with Jack, the AI recruiter.
• Be prepared for a 20-minute conversation with Jack to discuss your experience, career aspirations, and suitability for the role.
• Clearly articulate your most relevant experience in consumer social platforms and user psychology during your conversation with Jack.
• Have your portfolio readily accessible and be prepared to highlight your strongest case studies, focusing on impact and relevant design principles.
• If Jack determines a good fit, he will facilitate an introduction to the hiring manager for further interview stages.

⚠️ 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.