Product Designer Senior H/F

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Senior H/F Company: NEXTON Location: Lille, Hauts-de-France, France Job Type: Temps complet (Full-time) Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations Date Posted: 2025-09-19T16:56:50.774 Experience Level: Senior (Implied 5+ years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and manage a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Drive user research initiatives, from planning and execution to analysis and actionable insights, to inform product strategy.
• Develop and champion the overall design strategy in close collaboration with product teams, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Oversee the implementation and adherence to design systems, promoting consistency and scalability across digital products.
• Conduct and analyze user testing sessions, translating feedback into concrete design improvements and recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities clearly indicate a senior role with significant team leadership and strategic input, aligning with operations management principles within a design context. The emphasis on user research, design strategy, and team management suggests a blend of design expertise and operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Manage, mentor, and guide a team of UX/UI designers, ensuring their professional development and project success.
• Plan, execute, and synthesize user research studies, including interviews, surveys, and usability tests, to uncover user needs and pain points.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define product vision, strategy, and roadmaps from a design perspective.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure brand consistency and design efficiency.
• Facilitate and moderate user testing sessions, analyze results, and translate findings into actionable design recommendations for product iterations.
• Ensure the overall coherence and consistency of the user experience across all touchpoints and platforms.
• Propose and implement design improvements based on user feedback, data analysis, and industry best practices.
• Create detailed wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed directly align with senior-level product design roles that require not only design execution but also strategic leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration. The inclusion of "management" and "strategy" further solidifies the operational aspect of this design leadership position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles, though equivalent practical experience may be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of significant, hands-on experience in Product Design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful digital products and a strong product vision.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in managing and leading design teams, fostering collaboration and driving project outcomes.
• Expertise in conducting comprehensive user research, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
• Strong understanding and practical application of design systems, style guides, and their benefits for scalability and consistency.
• Proficiency in facilitating and analyzing user testing sessions, translating feedback into actionable insights.
• Advanced proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams within an Agile development environment.
• A strong user-centric design philosophy, prioritizing user journey and experience over interface aesthetics alone.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to effectively convey design concepts and collaborate with stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with front-end development principles and technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineering teams.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles.
• Experience in a consulting or agency environment, working with diverse clients and project types.
• Proficiency in English, in addition to French, for broader communication and access to resources.

📝 Enhancement Note: The prompt emphasizes the "Product Designer Senior" title and the explicit mention of "Management" and "User Research" expertise, along with a 5+ year experience requirement. This indicates a role that goes beyond individual contribution, demanding leadership and strategic operational capabilities within the design function.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design processes, from initial concept to final launch.
• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your role, the methodologies used (user research, ideation, prototyping, testing), design decisions, and the final outcomes/impact.
• Highlight experience with design system implementation or significant contributions to existing design systems.
• Include examples of user research reports, usability testing summaries, and how feedback influenced design iterations.
• Demonstrate proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mockups using tools like Figma or Sketch.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolios should detail the design process followed for each project, emphasizing workflow optimization and efficiency.
• Evidence of how user feedback and data were integrated into the design process to achieve desired outcomes.
• Examples of how design systems were leveraged or created to streamline the design and development workflow.
• Documentation of how design solutions were measured for effectiveness and impact, linking back to business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior product design role with leadership responsibilities, a portfolio is crucial. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just design skills but also the ability to manage a design process, conduct research effectively, and deliver measurable results. This implies a need for documentation and clear articulation of the "how" and "why" behind design decisions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer in Lille, France, with 5+ years of experience and team leadership responsibilities, the estimated annual gross salary can range from €50,000 to €75,000. This range is influenced by the specific client, project complexity, and the candidate's demonstrated impact.

Benefits:

• Dynamic Communities: Access to internal communities of practice for knowledge sharing and professional networking.
• Meet Ups: Opportunities to attend and participate in industry-specific meetups to enhance skills and stay current.
• Training: Access to ongoing training programs and professional development opportunities to advance skills and career.
• Sporting Events: Participation in company-sponsored sports and recreational activities.
• Sustainable Mobility Package: Support for sustainable commuting options, such as public transport or cycling.
• Latest Generation Phone: Provision of a modern mobile device for work-related communication and tasks.

Working Hours: The standard full-time working hours in France are typically 35 hours per week, but in consulting and IT services, it's common to work around 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime depending on project needs. The role is described as "Temps complet," indicating a full-time commitment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the location in Lille, France, and the senior-level position with management duties, a salary range was estimated based on industry benchmarks for experienced product designers in major French cities, adjusted for the specific responsibilities. The listed benefits are directly from the job description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Information Technology and Services, Consulting, Digital Transformation. NEXTON operates as a hybrid entity, combining the strategic advisory of a consulting firm with the creative execution of a digital agency and the technical delivery of an IT services company (ESN). This suggests a dynamic, client-focused environment that values innovation and expertise.

Company Size: Over 450 experts. This indicates a medium to large-sized organization with established processes and a significant market presence, offering opportunities for growth and exposure to diverse projects and clients.

Founded: 2011. This suggests a relatively young but well-established company that has experienced significant growth, indicating a robust business model and a capacity for innovation.

Team Structure: The role places the Product Designer Senior within the IT UX/UI design direction of a client. They will lead a team of UX/UI designers, reporting to a higher-level design or product lead within the client organization, while also being part of the larger NEXTON expert community. Collaboration will be cross-functional with product teams, engineers, and potentially marketing or business stakeholders.

Methodology: The company emphasizes digital innovation and transformation. The role operates within an Agile framework, requiring flexibility, adaptability, and a collaborative approach. Design processes are expected to be user-centric, data-informed, and focused on delivering optimized solutions.

Company Website: www.nexton.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about NEXTON's culture and structure was derived from the "Description de l'entreprise" section. The role's placement within a client's IT UX/UI design team highlights the consulting nature of NEXTON's operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer with Team Leadership. This role represents a significant step up from a mid-level designer, involving direct management of other designers and strategic input into product development. It’s a critical juncture for those looking to transition into design leadership or management roles.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer Senior will lead a team of UX/UI designers and report to a higher-level manager or director within the client's IT UX/UI design department. They will also be part of the NEXTON community, benefiting from its internal network and development programs.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of digital products for major clients like SNCF, Orange, and BNP Paribas. By leading design strategy and ensuring user-centric solutions, this position influences customer satisfaction, product adoption rates, and ultimately, the success of the client's digital initiatives. The operational aspect lies in managing the design process, team productivity, and the quality of design deliverables.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression into roles such as Head of Design, Design Director, or VP of Design, managing larger design teams and setting broader design strategy.
• Product Management: Transitioning into Product Management roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and design principles to guide product vision and execution.
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like UX research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility.
• Consulting Leadership: Moving into senior consulting roles within NEXTON, managing client relationships and larger digital transformation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The analysis focuses on the career trajectory and operational responsibilities inherent in a senior design role with management duties. The "operations" aspect is framed around managing the design process, team productivity, and strategic contribution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Lille, France, and is described as "On-site," implying work within the client's office environment where the IT UX/UI design team is located. This suggests a traditional office setting conducive to team collaboration and client interaction.

Office Location(s): Lille, Hauts-de-France, France. Lille is a major city in northern France, known for its business hubs and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Working within a client's IT UX/UI design team means close proximity and frequent interaction with fellow designers, product managers, and potentially developers. This facilitates rapid feedback loops and collaborative problem-solving.
• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite) and potentially client-specific project management and collaboration platforms.
• Team Interaction: Direct leadership and mentorship of a design team, alongside collaboration with cross-functional departments, offers ample opportunities for knowledge exchange and skill development.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time ("Temps complet"). While standard French working hours are around 35-40 hours per week, the consulting nature and client-facing responsibilities might necessitate some flexibility to meet project deadlines and client demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is inferred to be a typical client-focused office setting in Lille, emphasizing collaboration within a dedicated design team and cross-functional interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience. Be prepared to articulate your design philosophy and leadership approach.
• Technical/Design Interview: Discussion of past projects, design challenges, and problem-solving methodologies. This is where your portfolio will be a key asset. Expect questions on user research, design systems, and Agile workflows.
• Team/Manager Interview: Assessment of cultural fit, leadership style, and ability to manage a team. This stage may involve behavioral questions.
• Client Presentation (Potential): For senior roles, you might be asked to present a case study or discuss your approach to a specific client challenge to demonstrate your strategic thinking and communication skills.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio with clear case studies. For each, detail the problem, your role, the process (research, ideation, testing), your design decisions, and the measurable impact.
• Show Leadership: Highlight instances where you led a team, mentored junior designers, or influenced design strategy.
• Demonstrate Process: Emphasize your user research methods, how you incorporated feedback, and your experience with design systems.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to show the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores).
• Tailor to the Role: If possible, subtly tailor your portfolio presentation to align with NEXTON's focus on innovation and client success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking Exercise: Be ready for a potential design exercise that tests your problem-solving skills, user-centric approach, and ability to think critically under pressure.
• Scenario-Based Questions: Prepare for questions that probe how you would handle specific team management or design strategy scenarios.
• Company Research: Understand NEXTON's business model, their client portfolio, and their values to articulate how you align with their culture and operational approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice for candidates targeting a senior product design role within a consulting firm, focusing on portfolio presentation and interview preparation tailored to operational and leadership aspects of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for collaborative interface design, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in advanced features like auto layout, components, and variants is expected.
• Sketch: Another industry-standard vector design tool for UI design, often used in conjunction with other tools for prototyping and handoff.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Includes tools like Photoshop and Illustrator for image editing, asset creation, and visual design elements. Adobe XD might also be relevant for prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Testing Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, or Maze for conducting and analyzing usability tests.
• Analytics Tools: Familiarity with web analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics to understand user behavior and product performance, informing design decisions.
• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau or Power BI could be beneficial for presenting user research findings or product performance metrics to stakeholders.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms impact user journeys and data collection can inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core design tools are explicitly mentioned in the job description. Other listed tools are inferred based on the responsibilities of user research, analysis, and collaboration within product teams, which are standard for senior product designers.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental belief that user needs and experiences should drive all design decisions. This translates to a process where user research and testing are integral.
• Collaboration: Strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams (product, engineering, marketing) to achieve shared goals. This means open communication and a willingness to share knowledge.
• Innovation & Agility: A commitment to exploring new ideas, adapting to changing requirements, and delivering solutions efficiently through agile methodologies.
• Excellence & Quality: A drive to produce high-quality, well-crafted designs that meet user needs and business objectives, with a focus on process optimization for efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning and development, encouraging designers to stay updated with industry trends and refine their skills and processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect to work closely with product managers to define requirements, engineers for feasibility and implementation, and potentially marketing for brand alignment.
• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that values constructive feedback and iterative refinement of designs and processes. Open dialogue and willingness to adapt are key.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings within the design team and across other departments, potentially through internal workshops or knowledge-sharing sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred based on the company's description as a digital innovation firm and the senior nature of the role, which necessitates strong teamwork and process-oriented thinking.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Best Practices: Navigating diverse client expectations while upholding high standards of user experience and design quality.
• Managing Team Dynamics and Performance: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers, resolving conflicts, and ensuring consistent output quality.
• Rapidly Evolving Technologies and Methodologies: Staying current with advancements in design tools, user research techniques, and Agile practices in the fast-paced digital landscape.
• Cross-Functional Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicating design rationale and securing buy-in from various stakeholders with different priorities and levels of design understanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced interaction design, motion design, or accessibility.
• Leadership and Management Training: Formal training programs or mentorship to enhance team leadership, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Industry Exposure: Attending conferences, workshops, and online courses to stay abreast of the latest trends in UX/UI design, product strategy, and design operations.
• Mentorship: Access to senior leaders within NEXTON or client organizations for guidance on career progression and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are framed around the operational complexities of a senior, client-facing role in a dynamic industry. Growth opportunities are tailored to advancing both design expertise and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a design team through a challenging project. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on leadership, problem-solving, and process management.)
• "How do you ensure the design strategy aligns with business objectives and user needs for a complex client project?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and user-centricity.)
• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research and translating insights into actionable design improvements." (Highlight your research methodology and impact.)
• "How do you manage conflicts or differing opinions within a design team or with stakeholders?" (Showcase collaboration and conflict resolution skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to NEXTON and this specific role?" (Research NEXTON's values, client work, and express genuine interest.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers in an Agile environment?" (Emphasize teamwork and communication strategies.)
• "How do you measure the success of your design work and its impact on business goals?" (Prepare to discuss metrics and ROI.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear narrative for each case study: problem, your role, process, solution, and impact.
• Highlight Leadership: Explicitly point out where you led the design process, managed team members, or influenced strategic decisions.
• Concise & Impactful: Focus on the most relevant projects and key takeaways. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your design choices and methodologies.
• Interactive Elements: If presenting digitally, be ready to navigate your portfolio smoothly and highlight specific interactive elements or prototypes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is geared towards demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, process management, and collaborative skills, which are critical for a senior role with operational oversight.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.smartrecruiters.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your leadership experience, user research methodologies, and successful project outcomes. Highlight case studies where you managed design processes or teams.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience, management skills, expertise in Figma/Sketch/Adobe Suite, and contributions to design systems and user research. Use keywords like "Product Design," "UX/UI," "Management," "Agile," and "User Research."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and how you contribute to operational efficiency and team success. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your portfolio.
• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with NEXTON's services, client portfolio (SNCF, Orange, BNP Paribas), and company culture to articulate your fit and interest effectively. Understand their approach to digital innovation and client partnership.

⚠️ 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.