Product Designer Pleno (UX/UI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Pleno (UX/UI)
Company: Whirlpool
Location: São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / User Experience
Date Posted: October 21, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design process, from ideation and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and final user-friendly solutions.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust Design System, ensuring consistency and scalability across all digital products.
• Leverage data analysis of usability and business metrics to proactively identify user pain points and propose data-driven enhancements to the user experience.
• Develop and maintain a scalable Design System to foster consistency, efficiency, and scalability across multiple platforms and product lines.
• Apply systemic thinking to identify opportunities for improvement within both products and operational processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core responsibilities lean heavily into Product Design and UX/UI, the emphasis on analyzing metrics, identifying pain points, and thinking systemically about processes suggests a strong connection to data-driven decision-making and operational efficiency, which are core tenets of Revenue Operations and Sales Operations roles. This role will require close collaboration with product management, engineering, and potentially GTM teams to ensure seamless user experiences that drive business objectives.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype user interfaces and user experiences for digital products, ensuring intuitive and engaging interactions.
• Actively participate in building and evolving the company's Design System, documenting components, patterns, and guidelines for broader adoption.
• Conduct thorough analysis of user behavior, usability testing results, and key business metrics to identify areas for improvement and innovation.
• Translate user research findings and data insights into actionable design recommendations and product enhancements.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and marketing, to define product requirements and ensure successful implementation of design solutions.
• Champion user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, advocating for the needs of the end-user.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of product design by identifying emerging trends and best practices in UX/UI and Design Systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of creative design execution and analytical rigor. The expectation to "analyze usability and business metrics" and "recommend data-driven opportunities" indicates a need for the designer to not only create aesthetically pleasing and functional designs but also to understand their impact on business outcomes, aligning with GTM and RevOps goals of driving user adoption and conversion.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX/UI design, with a focus on digital products and user experience.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in UX/UI design principles and best practices.
• Strong proficiency in creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools.
• Demonstrated experience in building, contributing to, or maintaining a Design System.
• Experience conducting various forms of user research, including usability testing, A/B testing, and user interviews.
• Ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data to inform design decisions and identify areas for improvement.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the capacity for systemic thinking to improve products and processes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific design and prototyping tools such as Sketch and Adobe XD.
• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.
• Experience working within large-scale organizations, particularly in e-commerce or retail sectors.
• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate collaboration with engineering teams.
• Experience with data visualization tools for presenting insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Pleno" designation in the job title (Product Designer Pleno) typically signifies a mid-level role in Brazil, aligning with the AI-derived experience level of 2-5 years. The emphasis on Design Systems, data analysis for improvement, and systemic thinking indicates a need for a designer who can operate with a degree of autonomy and strategic foresight, contributing to operational efficiency beyond just visual design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, from conception through to final execution.
• Case studies demonstrating the application of UX/UI principles, user research methodologies, and the creation of intuitive user interfaces.
• Examples of contributions to or management of Design Systems, highlighting component libraries, pattern documentation, and scalability considerations.
• Demonstrations of how data analysis and user feedback were utilized to iterate on designs and drive measurable improvements in user experience or business metrics.
• Evidence of systemic thinking applied to product or process optimization, showcasing an ability to understand and improve complex systems.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of well-documented design processes, including user flows, wireframes, and interaction specifications.
• Present how design decisions were validated through user research and iterative testing.
• Illustrate the integration of Design System components and patterns into project workflows.
• Demonstrate how design outcomes were measured against business objectives and user satisfaction metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role with a focus on Design Systems and data analysis, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display visual design skills but also the candidate's ability to think strategically about process, scalability, and impact. Highlighting projects where data directly influenced design iterations and where Design System contributions led to efficiency gains will be particularly compelling.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer Pleno (Mid-Level) in São Paulo, Brazil, the estimated annual salary range is typically between BRL 90,000 and BRL 150,000. This range can vary based on specific experience, the company's compensation philosophy, and the exact scope of responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance plans (medical, dental, vision) tailored for employees and their families.
• Retirement savings plans or pension contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and national holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.
• Employee assistance programs providing confidential counseling and support services.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing schemes.
• Access to company product discounts or employee purchase programs.
• On-site amenities (depending on the specific office location) such as cafeterias, gyms, or transportation assistance.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work hours are typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines. The role is designated as on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Product Designers in major Brazilian cities like São Paulo, considering the company's global presence and the specified "Pleno" experience level. Benefits are standard for a large, established corporation like Whirlpool and are typical within the Brazilian market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Whirlpool Corporation operates in the Home Appliances industry, a sector that increasingly relies on sophisticated user experiences for smart home devices, connected appliances, and digital services. This context implies a strong focus on user-centric design, innovation, and seamless integration of technology into consumers' daily lives. Company Size: Whirlpool Corporation is a large, global enterprise, employing over 61,000 people worldwide. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for cross-functional collaboration, and potential for career advancement within a multinational organization. Founded: Founded in 1911, Whirlpool has a long history of innovation and market leadership in home appliances. This longevity indicates a stable company with a deep understanding of its market and consumers, likely fostering a culture that values experience, reliability, and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a larger Product Development or Engineering department.
• Designers will report to a Design Lead or Manager, who oversees the UX/UI strategy and team.
• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Software Engineers, QA Testers, and potentially Marketing or Insights teams.
• The team structure will likely support specialized roles, with opportunities to work on diverse product lines, from traditional appliances to smart home ecosystems.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design principles, ensuring that user needs and behaviors are at the forefront of all design decisions.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, requiring designers to be adaptable and responsive to changing requirements.
• Data-driven decision-making will be key, with a focus on analyzing metrics to validate designs and drive continuous improvement.
• The development and maintenance of a Design System will be a core operational process, promoting efficiency, consistency, and scalability.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Whirlpool's position as a major player in home appliances means this role will likely involve designing for a broad consumer base, with a focus on usability, reliability, and increasingly, smart technology integration. The emphasis on Design Systems and data analysis points to a mature product development process that values efficiency and measurable impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Pleno" (Mid-Level) Product Designer. This implies a capacity to work independently on defined projects, contribute meaningfully to design strategy, and mentor junior designers. The focus on Design Systems and data analysis suggests a pathway toward more specialized UX roles or even Product Management if combined with business acumen. Reporting Structure: The Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead, who in turn reports to a Director of Product or Head of Design. This structure provides clear lines of communication and decision-making within the design function. Collaboration will extend laterally to Product Managers and Engineering Leads, forming project-specific "squads" or teams. Operations Impact: While not a direct RevOps or SalesOps role, the Product Designer's work has a significant indirect impact on revenue and operations. By creating intuitive, user-friendly products and optimizing the user journey through data-driven design, this role directly influences customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and adoption of new features. A well-maintained Design System also significantly improves operational efficiency for the design and development teams, reducing time-to-market and development costs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in areas like Design Systems, user research methodologies, interaction design, or accessibility.
• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer roles, leading complex projects, mentoring junior team members, and contributing to design strategy.
• Cross-functional Transition: With a strong understanding of user needs and business metrics, there's potential to move into Product Management, UX Strategy, or even roles closer to Go-to-Market strategy.
• Global Mobility: As part of a multinational corporation, opportunities for international assignments or collaboration with global design teams may arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Pleno" level suggests a candidate ready to take ownership of significant design tasks and contribute to process improvements. The growth opportunities highlight how a strong foundation in product design, coupled with an understanding of business impact and operational efficiency (through Design Systems), can lead to diverse career paths within a large organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This likely means a dedicated workspace within Whirlpool's São Paulo offices. Office Location(s): São Paulo, SP, Brazil. This major metropolitan area offers robust infrastructure and a vibrant professional community. Specific office details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: Expect an environment that encourages teamwork, with shared spaces and opportunities for spontaneous collaboration with colleagues across design, product, and engineering.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, prototyping tools, and potentially specialized hardware for user testing will be provided. The company's Design System will be a fundamental toolset.
• Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional project syncs will be common, fostering a connected and communicative work culture.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week is typical. While on-site, there might be some flexibility in start and end times, but the core hours will be focused on aligning with team activities, project timelines, and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role in São Paulo suggests a traditional corporate setting. For a designer focused on systems and data, this environment can be beneficial for fostering strong team cohesion and facilitating direct collaboration, which is crucial for effective Design System implementation and user research.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on design process, problem-solving skills, contributions to Design Systems, and understanding of user research and data analysis. This may involve a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise.
• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager and potential team members to evaluate technical skills, collaboration style, and alignment with team dynamics.
• Final Interview: May involve senior leadership to assess strategic thinking and overall fit with Whirlpool's culture and business objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions developed, and the impact (quantifiable where possible).
• Highlight Design System Work: Explicitly detail your contributions to Design Systems, including component design, pattern creation, governance, and how it facilitated efficiency or consistency.
• Showcase Data-Driven Iterations: Present examples where user data or business metrics directly informed your design decisions and led to measurable improvements.
• Demonstrate Systemic Thinking: Include projects where you considered the broader product ecosystem or operational processes, not just isolated UI elements.
• Tailor to Whirlpool: Research Whirlpool's products and brand. Consider how your skills and experience align with their specific industry and user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is given, focus on understanding the prompt thoroughly.
• Break down the problem into manageable parts: research, ideation, solution design, and justification.
• Clearly articulate your assumptions and decision-making process.
• For a Design System-focused challenge, consider scalability, maintainability, and accessibility.
• Be prepared to present your solution concisely and answer questions about your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Design Systems and data analysis in the job description means the portfolio review and technical interviews will heavily scrutinize these areas. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just what they designed, but how they designed it, why they made specific choices, and what the impact was, particularly concerning efficiency gains from Design Systems and improvements driven by data.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD (experience with at least one is expected; specific preference may vary).
• Design System Management: Tools for documenting and sharing design system components and guidelines (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, or internal documentation platforms).
• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting usability tests, user interviews, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).
• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web/App Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to track user behavior and key performance indicators.
• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker Studio for analyzing and presenting data insights.
• A/B Testing Platforms: Tools used for experimental design and analysis of user behavior variations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a primary focus for this role, a general understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and data collection could be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma or Sketch is almost a given for modern UX/UI roles. The specific mention of "Design System" and "analyzing usability and business metrics" strongly suggests that candidates with experience in tools that support Design System creation (like Figma's component features or dedicated documentation platforms) and analytics tools (like GA or Tableau) will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the end-user, ensuring that designs are intuitive, accessible, and valuable.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and user feedback as the foundation for design choices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and measurable impact.
• Collaboration and Transparency: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, sharing insights openly, and fostering a supportive environment for feedback and iteration.
• Innovation and Efficiency: Continuously seeking new ways to enhance user experiences and streamline design and development processes, particularly through the strategic use of Design Systems.
• Quality and Consistency: Upholding high standards for design execution and ensuring brand consistency across all products through adherence to the Design System.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants in product teams, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers from concept to launch.
• Open Feedback Culture: Regular design critiques and feedback sessions are encouraged to foster learning and refine solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, research findings, and Design System updates across the team and potentially wider organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on data-driven decisions and Design Systems suggests a culture that values efficiency, scalability, and measurable outcomes. Collaboration is key, especially between design, product, and engineering, to ensure that user needs are met while business objectives are achieved.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation with Consistency: Ensuring that new, innovative features are integrated seamlessly within the existing Design System and brand guidelines.
• Scalability Across Diverse Products: Maintaining a cohesive Design System and user experience across a wide range of home appliance categories, each with unique user needs and technical constraints.
• Data Interpretation and Actionability: Effectively translating complex usability and business metrics into clear, actionable design improvements.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Navigating differing priorities and perspectives from various departments (e.g., engineering, marketing, sales) to advocate for user-centered design solutions.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Adapting design practices to incorporate emerging technologies and trends in smart home devices and connected ecosystems.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Design System Mastery: Deepen expertise in Design System architecture, governance, and implementation strategies.
• Advanced User Research Techniques: Explore and implement cutting-edge user research methodologies.
• Data Analytics for Designers: Enhance skills in interpreting and leveraging product analytics for design optimization.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic design planning.
• Industry Trends: Access to industry conferences, workshops, and continuous learning resources to stay abreast of UX/UI and product design advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not only skilled in execution but also possesses strategic thinking, problem-solving acumen, and the ability to influence stakeholders. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing a well-rounded design professional with deep expertise and leadership potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data analysis to identify a significant user pain point and how you translated that into a design solution. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, data sources, and measurable impact.)
• "Walk us through your experience building or contributing to a Design System. What were the key components, challenges, and benefits?" (Highlight your understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency.)
• "How do you approach systemic thinking when designing products or improving processes? Provide an example." (Demonstrate your ability to see the bigger picture and interdependencies.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to balance user needs with business requirements or technical constraints. How did you navigate it?" (Showcase your negotiation and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Whirlpool and our products, specifically from a design perspective?" (Research Whirlpool's product lines and recent innovations.)
• "How do you see your role contributing to Whirlpool's overall business objectives and operational efficiency?" (Connect your design work to business outcomes and Design System benefits.)
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you collaborate effectively with engineers and product managers." (Align your collaboration style with the expected cross-functional approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a high-level overview of the project, your role, and the main challenge. Then, dive into your process, key decisions, and solutions, using visuals effectively. Conclude with the results and key learnings.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your work whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%", "improved user satisfaction scores").
• Design System Examples: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase your Design System contributions, explaining the value it brought.
• Data Integration: Clearly explain how data informed your design choices and present the results of any A/B tests or usability studies.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Present your strongest projects and be prepared to discuss others in more detail if asked.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design craft, but also strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and an understanding of how design contributes to business success and operational efficiency. Highlighting experience with Design Systems and data-driven decision-making will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Visit the Whirlpool Careers website and locate the job posting for "Product Designer Pleno (UX/UI)" in São Paulo.
• Submit your application through the provided link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.
• Portfolio Customization: Prepare your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating your UX/UI expertise, Design System contributions, and experience with user research and data analysis. Tailor your case studies to highlight impact and process.
• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize keywords and skills relevant to product design, UX/UI, prototyping, Design Systems, user research, and data analysis, aligning with the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work, especially regarding efficiency gains from Design Systems and data-informed decisions. Be ready to discuss Whirlpool's products and industry.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Whirlpool's company culture, recent product launches, and their approach to technology and design. Understand their market position in the home appliance industry.

⚠️ 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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