Product Designer (UX/UI)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (UX/UI)
Company: Bees & Bears
Location: Berlin, Germany
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: 2025-08-26
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the user experience and interface design for a rapidly growing Climate FinTech startup, focusing on the Green Lending sector.
• You will be instrumental in translating complex Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) functionalities into intuitive, customer-centric digital products.
• The position requires a deep understanding of user research, flow design, and interaction design to create clear, trustworthy, and efficient user journeys for both business clients and end consumers.
• You will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Business Development, and Customer Success, to define and deliver innovative product features that accelerate the energy transition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as an on-site position in Berlin, Germany, and requires fluent German proficiency (C1 or higher), indicating a strong emphasis on local user research and team collaboration within the German market. The "5-10 years" experience level derived from the input data suggests a mid-to-senior level role with significant autonomy and responsibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design of critical business and end-customer journeys within the Bees & Bears platform, ensuring a seamless and effective user experience.
• Translate intricate SaaS functionalities into clear, understandable user flows and highly intuitive interfaces that build user clarity and trust.
• Develop high-fidelity prototypes, user flows, and wireframes that effectively balance user needs with business objectives and technical feasibility.
• Uphold and advance the UX and visual design quality across your design areas, aligning with the overarching brand vision and design principles of Bees & Bears.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships with Product Managers, Engineers, Partner Management, and Customer Success teams to co-create product solutions and drive development.
• Leverage data-driven insights, user research findings, and industry best practices to inform design decisions and strategic product direction.
• Conduct and utilize user research to gain deep insights into user behavior and needs, informing journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and user flows.
• Implement a continuous improvement cycle for UX by actively gathering feedback, analyzing usage data, and conducting iterative user testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive product design lifecycle ownership, from initial concept and research to detailed design and ongoing iteration, emphasizing a user-centric and data-informed approach critical in FinTech and SaaS environments.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected, though equivalent practical experience will be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in designing digital products, with a preference for those with a background in B2B2C or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in User Experience (UX) design, demonstrating a strong user-first mindset and a solid foundation in user research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability in flow design and interaction design, with a track record of creating intuitive and efficient user pathways.
• Proficiency in balancing competing user needs to translate complex requirements into clear, simple, and usable experiences.
• Advanced proficiency with modern design and prototyping tools, with a specific requirement for expert-level skills in Figma.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, essential for effective teamwork with Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow designers.
• Fluent German language proficiency (C1 level or higher) is mandatory for conducting user research and ensuring clear communication within the team and with users.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience within the Fintech and/or Lending sectors, providing valuable context for the specific challenges and user behaviors in this domain.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques to interpret user data and inform design iterations.
• Experience with A/B testing and other experimental design methodologies to optimize user flows and interface elements.
• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on fluent German is a critical requirement not to be overlooked. The preference for Fintech/Lending experience suggests that candidates with this background will have a significant advantage due to the specific regulatory and user trust considerations in financial services.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of digital product design experience, with a clear focus on UX/UI.
• Demonstrations of end-to-end design process ownership, from initial user research and problem definition to final UI implementation and iteration.
• Case studies highlighting the ability to translate complex SaaS functionalities into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for both B2B and B2C contexts.
• Examples of creating clear, trustworthy, and speedy user flows, detailing the design decisions made to achieve these outcomes.
• Evidence of strong collaboration with product managers and engineers, showcasing how you integrated feedback and technical constraints into your design process.

Process Documentation:

• Showcasing the application of user research methodologies, including interview techniques, survey design, and usability testing, to gather actionable insights.
• Detailing the creation of journey maps, wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity prototypes using tools like Figma.
• Providing examples of how data-driven insights and user feedback were used to iterate on designs and improve user experience metrics.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display visual design skills but also a deep understanding of the UX design process, problem-solving abilities, and the impact of design decisions on user behavior and business outcomes. Demonstrating experience with SaaS and B2B2C models is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers (UX/UI) in Berlin, Germany, with 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced startup environment, the estimated annual salary range is €60,000 - €80,000.

Benefits:

• Mentorship from Experienced Founders: Work directly with Marius (3x founder) and Jakob (2x founder), gaining invaluable insights for potential future entrepreneurial endeavors.
• Impact Guarantee: Each deal your team closes contributes significantly to the energy transition, resulting in the saving of dozens of tons of CO2 emissions.
• Continuous Learning: Gain exposure to cutting-edge climate technologies, including advanced energy storage, innovative recycling methods, and wastewater heat recovery.
• Experimentation and Growth: Opportunities to experiment and learn across all areas of the startup, fostering personal and professional development in a "fail forward" culture.
• Vibrant Team Culture: Enjoy a dynamic, close-knit team environment with regular team events and social gatherings ("Bees & Beers" after work).

Working Hours: While the standard full-time workweek is typically 40 hours, the startup environment at Bees & Bears likely offers some flexibility, encouraging efficient work practices rather than strict adherence to hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate and can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The benefits strongly emphasize learning, impact, and a supportive startup culture, which are key attractors for candidates interested in this sector and environment.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Climate FinTech, focused on Green Lending and accelerating the energy transition through financing solutions for climate hardware like energy storage, solar systems, and heat pumps. Company Size: Bees & Bears is a growing startup, having secured €500 million in financing commitments. This indicates a dynamic, fast-paced environment with significant growth potential and a need for agile team members. Founded: Founded by experienced entrepreneurs Marius and Jakob, the company is built on a foundation of prior startup success and a clear mission.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a quickly expanding agile development team.
• Collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Business Development, Engineers, Partner Management, and Customer Success teams, indicating a cross-functional and integrated approach to product development.
• The direct reporting line is likely within the Product or Engineering department, with close proximity to the founding team due to the startup's early stage.

Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies are central, emphasizing iterative progress, rapid feedback loops, and adaptability.
• Data-driven insights and user research are core to the design and product development process.
• A focus on efficiency and impact is paramount, with a clear mission to accelerate the energy transition.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Climate FinTech startup that has recently secured substantial funding, Bees & Bears is likely characterized by a high-energy, mission-driven culture. The emphasis on experienced founders suggests a culture that values learning, mentorship, and ambitious goals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Product Designer (UX/UI) with 4+ years of experience, fitting into a mid-to-senior level within the product design discipline. The scope includes end-to-end design ownership for significant customer journeys.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Lead Designer, or a Product Manager, working closely within an agile Product team. Collaboration will extend across various departments, including Engineering, Business Development, and Customer Success.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts customer acquisition and retention by creating seamless financing experiences for renewable energy installations. This role has a tangible impact on accelerating the adoption of green technologies and contributing to the company's mission of a greener planet.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen FinTech Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in Green Lending and the financial technology sector, becoming an expert in this growing market.
• Leadership Potential: As the company scales, opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, or even transition into a Product Management role may arise.
• Skill Expansion: Develop advanced skills in user research, interaction design, and potentially product strategy through hands-on experience and exposure to experienced founders.
• Startup Acumen: Acquire comprehensive understanding of startup operations, growth strategies, and cross-functional team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The startup environment at Bees & Bears offers significant potential for rapid career advancement and skill diversification, particularly for individuals who are proactive and eager to contribute across different facets of the business.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," suggesting a physical office presence in Berlin. Startups often foster open-plan or collaborative office spaces designed to encourage interaction and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This vibrant city offers a strong tech and startup ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic and collaborative workspace where close interaction with product managers, engineers, and other team members is the norm.
• Access to modern design tools and technologies, with Figma being a primary requirement.
• Opportunities to engage in brainstorming sessions, design critiques, and cross-functional project discussions.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, but the startup culture may offer flexibility in working hours, encouraging productivity and results over strict time-logging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin is a key factor for candidates. The work environment will likely be fast-paced, innovative, and highly collaborative, reflecting the startup's growth phase and mission-driven nature.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design capabilities.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely present a selection of your work, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your designs. Be prepared to articulate your Figma skills and UX methodologies.
• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to evaluate your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to translate requirements into tangible design solutions. This might involve a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual whiteboard session.
• Team/Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and possibly other stakeholders to assess collaboration, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Founder/Final Interview: A final discussion, likely with one of the founders, to gauge overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company's mission and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end UX/UI process, particularly those involving complex SaaS or B2B2C scenarios.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the challenges you faced, your design solutions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible, using metrics related to user engagement, conversion rates, task completion, or satisfaction.
• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Be ready to walk through your Figma files, demonstrating your organization, component usage, and prototyping capabilities.
• Address German Language Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss how your German language skills facilitate your UX research and collaboration efforts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with FinTech, Green Lending, and the energy transition sector. Research Bees & Bears' specific business model and target audience.
• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle hypothetical design challenges related to user onboarding, loan applications, or partner portals.
• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, decision-making criteria, and how you would approach a given design problem, even if you don't have a fully polished solution.
• Stakeholder Empathy: Consider how your designs will impact various stakeholders, including end-users, installers, and the Bees & Bears business team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your portfolio and your ability to articulate your design decisions and their impact. Demonstrating a user-centric approach, strong Figma skills, and fluency in German will be critical for progressing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect to work with design systems and create reusable components.
• User Research Tools: Platforms like UserTesting.com, Maze, or tools for conducting qualitative interviews and surveys (e.g., Typeform, Google Forms) might be utilized.
• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools could be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for understanding user behavior, tracking feature adoption, and identifying areas for improvement.
• Data Visualization Tools: Potentially Tableau, Looker, or Power BI for analyzing user data and presenting insights, though direct use by designers might be limited.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Familiarity with CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot could be helpful for understanding customer data flow and B2B interactions.
• Project Management Tools: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Experience with user research platforms and product analytics tools will significantly enhance a candidate's profile, as data-driven design is a key requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to sustainability and accelerating the energy transition, influencing all aspects of work and decision-making.
• Impact-Oriented: Focus on tangible results and contributions that drive both business growth and environmental progress.
• Collaborative: Emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving across departments.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility, continuous learning, and adapting to rapid changes inherent in a startup environment.
• User-Centric: Prioritizing the needs and experiences of customers and partners in all design and product development efforts.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly integrated approach where designers work hand-in-hand with Product Managers and Engineers from conception through launch.
• Regular design reviews and feedback sessions are likely to foster a culture of continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Open dialogue and constructive criticism are encouraged to ensure the best possible product outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should align with a mission-driven, fast-paced culture that values impact, collaboration, and data-informed decision-making. Proactive communication and a willingness to adapt are key to thriving in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Scaling: Adapting design processes and systems to support the company's rapid growth and expansion into new markets.
• Balancing User Needs and Business Goals: Effectively navigating the complexities of a B2B2C model where different user groups have distinct needs and priorities.
• Translating Complex Financial Concepts: Simplifying intricate lending processes and financial products into intuitive and trustworthy user experiences.
• Maintaining Design Consistency: Ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience across a growing product suite and evolving features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• FinTech Specialization: Deepen expertise in financial technology, lending regulations, and sustainable finance practices.
• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gain exposure to product management, business development, and customer success strategies.
• Leadership Growth: Potential to take on more responsibility, mentor junior designers, and influence product strategy as the company scales.
• Industry Exposure: Stay abreast of innovations in climate tech, renewable energy financing, and UX design best practices through company-sponsored learning or industry events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a high-growth startup, offering significant opportunities for personal and professional development. Candidates who are adaptable and eager to learn will find this role rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Vision & Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new feature for our Green Lending platform to increase user adoption by 20%?" or "Describe your process for defining and prioritizing design initiatives based on business objectives and user needs."
• Collaboration & Communication: "How do you ensure effective collaboration with product managers and engineers throughout the design process?" or "Describe a time you received critical feedback on your design and how you responded."
• Problem-Solving & Design Thinking: "Walk us through a complex UX challenge you faced and how you solved it." or "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and cater to diverse user needs?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Bees & Bears' mission and our work in Climate FinTech?"
• "How do you see your role contributing to our goal of accelerating the energy transition?"
• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to positive team dynamics."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.
• Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).
• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to navigate your Figma files, explaining your design system, component usage, and prototyping techniques.
• Highlight German Proficiency: Be ready to discuss how your fluency in German aids your user research and internal communication, providing specific examples if possible.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to Bees & Bears.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your design process, demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, and connect your work directly to business impact and the company's mission. Being able to showcase your Figma proficiency and discuss your German language skills in context will be advantageous.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (UX/UI) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on join.com.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating end-to-end UX/UI design for SaaS or B2B2C products, with a specific focus on translating complex functionalities into intuitive user flows. Showcase your Figma expertise and user research capabilities.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 4+ years of relevant experience, highlighting achievements and responsibilities using operations and design-centric keywords such as UX Design, UI Design, Figma, Prototyping, User Research, Interaction Design, and SaaS.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare for potential design challenges or case studies relevant to FinTech or lending platforms.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Bees & Bears, their mission in Climate FinTech, their business model, and their target audience. Understand their current product offerings and identify potential areas for UX improvement.

⚠️ 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.