Product Designer II, Strategic AI Partnerships

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II, Strategic AI Partnerships Company: Spotify Location: Stockholm, Sweden / London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Permanent Category: Product Design / Strategic Partnerships / AI Date Posted: 2025-11-20 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver user-centric experiences for Spotify's presence across AI assistants, chat interfaces, and connected devices, focusing on adaptive and inclusive design principles.
• Leverage AI-assisted tools and advanced prototyping techniques to accelerate iteration cycles while upholding high standards of design quality and clarity.
• Collaborate closely with cross-cultural teams, including content designers, user researchers, product managers, and engineers, to ensure cohesive and impactful product outcomes.
• Drive the application and extension of Spotify's established design language across diverse partner integrations and new ecosystem contexts, maintaining brand consistency and craft excellence.
• Champion user needs by integrating research findings to continuously enhance accessibility, user happiness, and overall experience quality across all partner-facing platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role description strongly indicates a focus on "Product Designer II" within a "Strategic AI Partnerships" team, suggesting a mid-level position (2-5 years of experience) focused on external integrations and ecosystem development. The emphasis on AI assistants, chat interfaces, and connected devices points to a specialization in conversational and multimodal UX design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and iterate on user interfaces and interaction models for AI assistants, chat bots, and various connected device platforms, ensuring seamless integration of Spotify's audio experiences.
• Utilize advanced prototyping tools and explore AI-enabled design workflows to rapidly test concepts and gather feedback, balancing speed with meticulous design execution.
• Partner with localization teams and regional stakeholders to ensure that designed experiences are culturally relevant, linguistically appropriate, and intuitively understood by diverse global user bases.
• Actively participate in cross-functional team rituals, contributing design expertise to product strategy, user research initiatives, and engineering development cycles.
• Adapt and extend Spotify’s core design system and build language to meet the unique requirements and constraints of strategic partner integrations and emerging technology platforms.
• Translate user research insights, including accessibility audits and user feedback, into actionable design improvements that elevate user satisfaction and product usability.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for AI partnerships by identifying opportunities for innovative user experiences that leverage AI and expand Spotify's reach.
• Maintain a high degree of design craft and conceptual thinking, ensuring that all partner integrations reflect Spotify's commitment to quality and user delight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core product design tasks with a strong emphasis on external collaboration, AI integration, and global market adaptation, typical for a role focused on strategic partnerships and expanding product reach into new technological frontiers.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design (e.g., Interaction Design, UX Design, Graphic Design), Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred for mid-level product design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: Proven experience in Product Design, with a significant portion focused on platform integrations, global products, or developing experiences for external ecosystems.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in Product Design, with a portfolio showcasing work on platforms, integrations, or global products.
• Proficiency in scaling foundational design systems and agnostic design principles into specific partner surfaces and contexts.
• Advanced skills in Figma and various prototyping tools (e.g., Framer, Principle), with a strong desire to explore and integrate AI-enabled design workflows for enhanced efficiency and creativity.
• Exceptional collaboration and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively within cross-cultural teams and manage relationships with external partners.
• Adaptability and a proactive mindset, comfortable navigating and excelling in fast-moving, dynamic environments while maintaining a focus on creativity and structured problem-solving.
• Strong understanding of accessibility principles and best practices for designing inclusive user experiences across diverse user groups.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience designing for APAC markets or AI-adjacent interfaces such as voice assistants, messaging applications, or OEM device platforms.
• Familiarity with conversational design principles and prompt engineering for AI-powered interactions.
• Experience in user research methodologies and the ability to translate research findings into actionable design strategies.
• Knowledge of Spotify's existing design language and a passion for extending its application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 'Who You Are' section directly translates into the required and preferred skills. The emphasis on "scaling partner agnostic foundations" implies a need for abstract thinking and system design capabilities. The "bonus" points are clearly mapped to preferred skills. The experience level is inferred from "Product Designer II" and the typical career progression for such titles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies that demonstrate your end-to-end product design process, from problem definition to final execution and impact.
• Highlight examples of designing for complex platforms, external integrations, or global products, illustrating your ability to scale design solutions.
• Include projects that demonstrate your proficiency with Figma and prototyping tools, illustrating your workflow and iterative design approach.
• Present case studies with a clear focus on how you addressed accessibility and inclusive design challenges within your projects.
• Demonstrate how you applied or extended existing design systems or brand guidelines in your work, particularly in varied partner contexts.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your personal design process, emphasizing how you approach problem-solving, user research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
• Provide evidence of how you collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Research, Content) and external partners throughout the design lifecycle.
• Illustrate your ability to work with AI-assisted tools or explore new technologies to enhance design efficiency and output.
• Detail how you incorporate user feedback and research findings to iterate on designs and drive continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, especially one focused on partnerships and AI, a portfolio is critical. The emphasis on "scaling partner agnostic foundations" suggests a need for case studies that show how a core design concept was adapted for different contexts, rather than just standalone product designs. Demonstrating collaboration with external entities is also key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer II role in London or Stockholm, a competitive salary range is estimated.

• London, UK: £60,000 - £90,000 per annum, depending on experience and specific qualifications.
• Stockholm, Sweden: 600,000 SEK - 900,000 SEK per annum, depending on experience and specific qualifications.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, personal days, and public holidays.
• Parental leave policies supporting new parents.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and workshops.
• Stock options or equity grants as part of the compensation package.
• Retirement savings plans or pension contributions.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support.
• Commuting benefits or subsidies for public transportation.
• Access to Spotify's premium streaming service.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. Spotify offers flexibility in daily working hours, allowing employees to structure their schedules to best suit their productivity and work-life balance, within the needs of team collaboration and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Product Designers in major European tech hubs like London and Stockholm, considering Spotify's standing as a major tech company. Benefits are typical for large tech organizations and are inferred from general industry offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Music Streaming, Audio Entertainment, AI & Partnerships Company Size: Spotify is a large, publicly traded company with over 10,000 employees globally. This size offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for impact across a vast user base, while also requiring agility to innovate and adapt. Founded: 2008. Spotify has a history of innovation, disrupting the music industry and evolving its platform to include podcasts and other audio content, now venturing into AI-driven experiences and strategic partnerships.

Team Structure:

• The "Partner AI" team is likely a specialized unit within Spotify's product organization, focusing on external integrations and ecosystem growth.
• This team will collaborate closely with core Product Design, AI/ML teams, Business Development, and Legal departments responsible for strategic partnerships.
• Reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Director overseeing multiple design disciplines within the team, working in close partnership with Product Management and Engineering leads.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, heavily relying on user research, A/B testing, and performance metrics to guide product development and design iterations.
• Agile development methodologies are standard, enabling rapid iteration and responsiveness to market changes and partner needs.
• A strong emphasis on user-centric design, ensuring that all product decisions are grounded in understanding and meeting user needs.
• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging open communication and cross-functional input to achieve optimal outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Company information is derived from LinkedIn data and general knowledge of Spotify's public profile. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the role's description (Strategic AI Partnerships) and typical structures within large tech companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Product Designer II," typically considered a mid-level individual contributor. It signifies a step beyond entry-level design and requires a solid grasp of the design process, user empathy, and the ability to work independently on defined projects. The focus on "Strategic AI Partnerships" suggests potential growth into senior design roles, specialized AI design expertise, or even leadership positions within partnership-focused product teams.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Manager within the Partner AI team. They will work closely with Product Managers, Content Designers, User Researchers, and Engineers, forming a cross-functional pod or squad dedicated to specific partnership initiatives or feature areas.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts Spotify's strategic growth and market penetration by shaping how the brand and its services are experienced on third-party AI platforms and devices. Success in this role contributes to increased user engagement, broader adoption of Spotify's audio content, and stronger relationships with strategic AI partners, ultimately driving revenue and market share.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven UX, conversational design, or multimodal interaction design.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or Design Manager roles, potentially within the Partner AI domain or other product areas.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Transition into Product Management, User Research, or roles focusing on design systems and platform strategy.
• Industry Exposure: Gain extensive experience with cutting-edge AI technologies and diverse global markets, making them highly valuable in the tech industry.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities through internal workshops, external conferences, and hands-on experience with emerging design tools and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" in Product Designer II indicates a mid-level role. The "Strategic AI Partnerships" aspect implies a focus on external-facing product strategy and ecosystem development, offering unique growth paths in specialized areas of design and business strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Spotify operates with a hybrid work model, offering flexibility. This means employees can work remotely for a portion of their week but are expected to come into the office for in-person collaboration, team building, and key meetings. The office environment is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Office Location(s): The role is available in Spotify's offices located in London, England, United Kingdom, and Stockholm, Sweden. These are vibrant, major European cities with excellent infrastructure and a strong presence of the tech industry.

Workspace Context:

• The office spaces are typically designed to be modern, open-plan, and conducive to collaboration, with ample meeting rooms, breakout areas, and quiet zones.
• Access to the latest design tools, software, and hardware necessary for effective product design and prototyping will be provided.
• Opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues across design, product, engineering, and other departments, fostering a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere.
• The hybrid model necessitates effective use of digital collaboration tools alongside in-person interactions.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours. While core hours may be established for team alignment, there's generally flexibility in start and end times, allowing individuals to manage their schedules effectively. This flexibility is crucial for accommodating cross-functional collaboration across different time zones and for personal work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description explicitly mentions "This role is based in London or Stockholm" and "We offer the flexibility to work where you work best. Some in-person time helps us connect and create together." This confirms a hybrid model. Travel is also mentioned, indicating a need for flexibility beyond the primary office location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio. A brief call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: You will likely be asked to present your portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies. This may be followed by a design exercise or challenge, either take-home or conducted during an interview session, simulating real-world tasks.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with potential teammates, including other designers, Product Managers, Content Designers, and Engineers. These sessions will assess your collaboration skills, design thinking, and technical proficiency.
• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: A final conversation with the hiring manager or a design director to discuss your experience in depth, career aspirations, and overall fit with the team and Spotify's culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the impact of your work (quantified where possible).
• Process Clarity: Detail your design decisions and the rationale behind them. Show how you navigated constraints, incorporated feedback, and iterated on solutions.
• AI & Partnership Focus: If possible, include projects that touch upon AI, integrations, or global product considerations to directly align with the role's core requirements.
• Visual Polish: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to navigate. High-quality mockups and prototypes are essential.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work concisely, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Scope: If given a design challenge, clarify the problem statement, target audience, and any constraints immediately.
• Think Aloud: Articulate your thought process clearly. Explain your assumptions, the trade-offs you're considering, and why you're making specific design choices.
• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even if you can't complete the entire design. Show how you would start, what questions you'd ask, and how you'd proceed.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Keep accessibility and global considerations in mind, as these are emphasized in the job description.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is a standard model for design roles at tech companies. The portfolio review tips are tailored to emphasize the specific requirements of this role, such as AI, partnerships, and global reach.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design and prototyping tool, essential for UI design, wireframing, and collaborative workflows.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in tools like Framer, Principle, or similar for creating interactive prototypes to simulate user flows and test concepts.
• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Eagerness to explore and utilize emerging AI tools that can enhance design processes, such as AI-powered ideation assistants, content generation tools, or automated layout generators.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).
• Data Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Google Analytics, or internal Spotify analytics platforms, used to understand user behavior and measure the impact of design changes.
• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in platforms like Slack, Jira, Confluence, and Miro for team communication, project management, and collaborative design sessions.

CRM & Automation: While not a primary focus for a Product Designer, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation systems can be beneficial for a holistic view of the user experience. Familiarity with how design elements are implemented across different platforms and integrations is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned. The role's focus on AI and partnerships implies a need for proficiency in modern prototyping and a willingness to adopt AI-assisted design tools. Exposure to user research and analytics tools is also standard for product designers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user, ensuring that all design decisions prioritize user needs, accessibility, and delight.
• Collaboration & Inclusivity: Valuing diverse perspectives and fostering an environment where all team members feel empowered to contribute, share ideas, and challenge the status quo respectfully.
• Innovation & Curiosity: A passion for exploring new technologies (like AI), creative problem-solving, and continuously learning to push the boundaries of audio experiences.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking pride in delivering high-quality work that has a tangible impact on users and the business, demonstrating accountability for design outcomes.
• Craftsmanship: A dedication to high standards of design quality, attention to detail, and an appreciation for elegant, intuitive, and accessible solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Pods: Working in integrated teams with Product Managers, Engineers, Content Designers, and User Researchers, fostering a shared sense of ownership and collaborative problem-solving.
• Open Communication: Encouraging direct, honest, and constructive feedback through regular design critiques, team meetings, and informal discussions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design guilds, sharing learnings, and contributing to the growth of the broader design community within Spotify.
• Partnership-Oriented: Proactively engaging with external partners to understand their needs and constraints, ensuring designs are feasible and mutually beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Spotify's stated values and culture are generally known for being innovative, collaborative, and user-focused. The "Partner AI" context adds an emphasis on external collaboration and adaptability.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Partner Needs with Spotify's Vision: Navigating the complexities of integrating Spotify's brand and user experience into diverse partner ecosystems while maintaining brand integrity and user satisfaction.
• Designing for AI Ambiguity: Working with rapidly evolving AI technologies and interfaces where best practices are still emerging, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving.
• Global Localization and Cultural Nuances: Ensuring designs are effective and resonant across a wide range of cultures and languages, particularly in the APAC region.
• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: Maintaining high design quality and craft while meeting the demands of quick iteration cycles driven by partner timelines and technological advancements.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with teams and partners across different time zones, cultural backgrounds, and working styles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Deep dive into the principles and practices of designing for AI, voice, and conversational interfaces.
• Strategic Partnership Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of business development, partner management, and ecosystem strategy within the tech industry.
• Global Design Practices: Gain invaluable experience in designing for diverse international markets, enhancing cross-cultural design skills.
• Advanced Tooling: Master cutting-edge design tools, including AI-assisted design software and advanced prototyping techniques.
• Mentorship & Leadership: Opportunities to be mentored by senior designers and leaders, and to mentor junior designers, developing leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from the role's description (AI, partnerships, global reach, fast pace) and common issues in such specialized design roles. Growth opportunities are linked to these challenges and the potential career trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a platform or integration where you had limited control over the underlying technology or user context. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Assesses ability to work within constraints and with external partners.)
• "How do you approach designing for AI-powered experiences, and what are the key considerations for accessibility and user trust in such interfaces?" (Tests understanding of AI UX and ethical design principles.)
• "Walk us through a project where you had to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders (e.g., internal teams, external partners, users). How did you manage competing priorities and reach a consensus?" (Evaluates collaboration and stakeholder management skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Spotify's mission and its entry into the AI-first era?" (Assesses genuine interest and alignment with company goals.)
• "How do you stay updated on emerging AI technologies and design trends, and how might you apply them to Spotify's strategic partnerships?" (Gauges proactivity and forward-thinking.)
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or flexible work environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and maintain team connection?" (Evaluates adaptability to Spotify's work model.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Context is Key: For each case study, clearly articulate the business problem or user need, your specific role, and the project's objectives.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and user flow diagrams to illustrate your solutions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement, reduced error rates, improved accessibility scores).
• Focus on Process & Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design decisions, the research that informed them, and how you iterated based on feedback.
• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase your ability to design for external integrations, AI interfaces, or global audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the specific requirements and challenges outlined in the job description, focusing on AI, partnerships, global design, and collaborative problem-solving.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Spotify's careers page.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your experience with platform integrations, AI-adjacent interfaces, and/or global product design. Tailor your case study selection to highlight relevance to AI partnerships.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with Figma, prototyping, AI design considerations, cross-cultural collaboration, and any experience with partner integrations or global markets. Use keywords from the job description where applicable.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, explaining your rationale for design decisions, and prepare to discuss your portfolio in detail. Be ready to think aloud and problem-solve during potential design challenges.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Spotify's product ecosystem, recent AI initiatives, and its approach to partnerships. Understand their design language and user-centric philosophy.

⚠️ 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.