Product Designer - UX/UI

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - UX/UI
Company: Love Finance
Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: 2025-10-20
Experience Level: 2-5 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered around a strong emphasis on User Research, constituting approximately 80% of the daily workload, to deeply understand user needs and validate product decisions.
• The Product Designer will be a key member of a lean, cross-functional Platform Squad, responsible for building the core systems and tools that power Love Finance's operations.
• The position involves translating complex research findings into clear themes, frameworks, and actionable recommendations that directly influence product strategy and development.
• This is not a purely visual design role; it's for an individual passionate about user advocacy, data-driven insights, and shaping product direction through rigorous research methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer - UX/UI," the job description explicitly states, "This isn’t a “pixel perfect” design role. It’s for someone who loves talking to users, digging into data, and shaping products through research." This indicates a strong bias towards research and strategy over pure UI execution. The "Platform Squad" context suggests working on internal tools or core infrastructure, which often involves B2B or internal user needs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end user research initiatives, employing a variety of methods such as discovery interviews, usability testing, surveys, and diary studies to uncover genuine user needs within the business finance context.
• Synthesize research findings into clear, thematic insights, actionable frameworks, and concrete recommendations to guide product development and strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with the Product Director to define product priorities, ensuring that all decisions are evidence-based and aligned with user requirements and business objectives.
• Design and execute lean experiments to rapidly validate product hypotheses and design concepts before significant development investment.
• Clearly articulate and present research findings and user insights to the squad and broader stakeholders, advocating for the voice of the user throughout the product lifecycle.
• Provide support with design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, and prototypes, as needed, but with a primary focus maintained on research activities.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Platform Squad by identifying opportunities for product improvement based on user insights and market analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "turning messy insights into clear themes, frameworks, and actionable recommendations" highlights the need for strong analytical and synthesis skills, beyond just data collection. The "lean experiments" and "fast-moving and pragmatic" working style suggest a need for adaptability and efficiency in research design and execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in a relevant field such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Design, or a related discipline is implied. Equivalent practical experience will be highly valued.
Experience: 2-5 years of dedicated experience in UX/Product Research, Product Design with a research focus, or a dedicated Researcher role.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in planning and executing a wide range of qualitative and quantitative user research studies (e.g., interviews, usability tests, surveys, diary studies).
• Proven ability to translate raw research data into compelling insights and actionable recommendations that have demonstrably driven product decisions.
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end product development lifecycle and how user research integrates at each stage.
• Proficiency in synthesizing complex information and communicating it clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including engineers, product owners, and leadership.
• Ability to work autonomously, manage one's own research roadmap, and proactively identify research opportunities.
• Experience working in agile, lean, or fast-paced product development environments.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, with the ability to build rapport with users and internal stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with platform-heavy or B2B products, particularly within the finance sector.
• Familiarity with creating design artifacts such as user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.
• Experience with A/B testing and experimental design principles.
• Knowledge of data analysis tools and techniques for quantitative research.
• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests that while autonomy is expected, the candidate might still benefit from guidance and mentorship on complex strategic initiatives. The emphasis on "turning messy insights" implies a need for strong analytical and storytelling skills, not just data collection.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end user research projects from discovery to insight generation and impact.
• For each case study, clearly outline the research objectives, methodologies employed, key findings, and the concrete product decisions or design changes that resulted from the research.
• Quantify the impact of your research where possible, highlighting improvements in user satisfaction, task completion rates, efficiency gains, or other relevant business metrics.
• Demonstrate your ability to work within lean and agile frameworks, illustrating how research was integrated iteratively into the product development process.
• Include examples of how you have translated research insights into actionable recommendations for product teams.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of structured approaches to research planning, including defining research questions, selecting appropriate methodologies, and recruiting participants.
• Examples of how research findings were synthesized and communicated effectively, potentially including personas, journey maps, or thematic analysis reports.
• Documentation or examples of how research insights informed product strategy, roadmap prioritization, or feature development.
• Demonstrations of iterative design and testing processes, showing how feedback loops were closed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's heavy research focus, the portfolio should prioritize depth and rigor in research methodologies and the impact of those insights, rather than a broad array of UI designs. Case studies should clearly articulate the "why" behind the research and the "so what" of the findings.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 to £75,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus: A performance-related bonus structure is in place, reflecting the company's success and individual contribution.
• Hybrid and Flexible Working: The role offers a hybrid work model, allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Great Places to Work Certification: Indicative of a positive and supportive work environment.
• Fast-Growing Company: Opportunity to be part of a dynamic and expanding organization, ranked in the Top 15 fastest-growing finance companies.
• TrustPilot Rating: A high customer satisfaction rating (4.9 stars) suggests a product/service that resonates well with its market.
• Professional Development: As part of a "Platform Squad" and a company focused on cutting-edge technology, there are likely opportunities for continuous learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, Monday to Friday. The exact daily schedule can be discussed, with the hybrid model offering flexibility. Approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and competitive for a Product Designer with a strong research focus in the UK market. The benefits highlight a positive company culture and growth potential, aligning with the company's rapid expansion and recognition.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Services (Online Finance Broker and Lender). Love Finance leverages technology to streamline business finance access, positioning itself as an innovative player in the Fintech space.
Company Size: While not explicitly stated, being ranked in the Top 15 fastest-growing finance companies and having a "Platform Squad" suggests a mid-sized to growing company, likely with 50-200 employees.
Founded: 2016. This indicates a relatively young company that has achieved significant growth in a short period.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will join the "Platform Squad," a lean, cross-functional team comprising Engineers (Lead, Midweight/Senior, Junior), a Product Owner, and the Product Designer.
• This structure emphasizes autonomy and shared ownership within the squad.
• Collaboration will extend beyond the immediate squad, particularly with the Product Director for strategic alignment and prioritization.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: The core of this role is research-led, ensuring that product decisions are backed by evidence rather than assumptions.
• Lean & Agile Working: The company promotes lightweight processes, fast iterations, and pragmatic approaches to development and research.
• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and advocating for the end-user's needs is paramount.
• Continuous Improvement: The company's growth and focus on technology suggest a culture of ongoing learning and adaptation.

Company Website: https://www.lovefinance.co.uk/ (Implied from domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Great Places to Work" certification and high TrustPilot score are strong indicators of a positive, employee-focused culture that values customer satisfaction. The emphasis on "lean ways of working" suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can make a tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer with a specialization in UX/Product Research. It offers significant autonomy and influence over product strategy, moving beyond purely execution-focused design to a more strategic, insight-driven role.
Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports into the Platform Squad, working closely with the Product Owner. Strategic direction and prioritization will involve close collaboration with the Product Director.
Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the functionality and efficiency of Love Finance's core platform systems. By ensuring these systems are user-centric and effective, the role contributes to the company's ability to serve its business clients, drive growth, and maintain its competitive edge in the finance sector. Insights generated will shape the future direction of key technological assets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Research Leadership: Opportunity to become the go-to research expert within the Platform Squad and influence research practices across the company.
• Product Strategy Influence: Directly contribute to shaping the product roadmap and strategic direction through evidence-based insights.
• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in various user research methodologies and their application in a B2B/Fintech context.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working closely with engineering and product management on core platform development.
• Career Progression: Potential to move into more senior research roles, lead research initiatives, or transition into Product Management roles with a strong research foundation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as an opportunity to be a "research champion" and "shape direction," indicating significant growth potential for individuals who excel in research and strategic thinking, rather than just design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid model, suggesting a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. The company has a physical presence in Birmingham.
Office Location(s): Birmingham, England, United Kingdom. Specific office details regarding amenities or accessibility for hybrid work are not provided but would be typical for a UK-based company.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Squad Environment: The "Platform Squad" model implies a close-knit, collaborative team dynamic where team members work together on shared goals.
• Tools & Technology: Access to necessary design and research tools will be provided to facilitate effective work. The emphasis on "cutting-edge technology" suggests modern tools and infrastructure.
• Cross-functional Interaction: Regular interaction with engineers, Product Owners, and potentially Product Directors from other areas of the business.

Work Schedule: Standard Monday-Friday working hours, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. This arrangement allows for structured work and dedicated time for deep research activities, balancing focused individual work with collaborative team sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for a cross-functional squad.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess suitability for the role, with a strong emphasis on your research experience and case studies.
• Hiring Manager/Product Owner Interview: Discussion about your background, approach to research, and understanding of the role's requirements. This stage will likely involve exploring your experience with qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Portfolio Presentation & Squad Interview: You will be asked to present 1-2 detailed case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your research process, insights, and impact. This will be followed by questions from the Platform Squad (engineers, Product Owner) to assess technical fit, collaboration style, and problem-solving approach.
• Product Director Interview: A final conversation focusing on strategic alignment, your understanding of business impact, and how you envision contributing to Love Finance's product strategy.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Research Impact: Prioritize case studies that clearly demonstrate how your research led to tangible product improvements or strategic shifts. Quantify impact wherever possible.
• Showcase Your Process: Detail your research methodology, from defining objectives to synthesis and recommendation. Explain why you chose specific methods.
• Highlight User-Centricity: Emphasize how you advocate for the user and bring their voice into the product development process.
• Demonstrate Lean Thinking: If possible, include examples of rapid prototyping, iterative testing, or efficient research approaches.
• Tailor to the Role: Explicitly connect your experience to the requirements of this role, especially the 80% research focus and working within a platform squad.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss hypothetical research scenarios or solve a design problem with a research-first approach.
• Think about how you would approach understanding the needs of businesses seeking finance.
• Prepare to articulate your thought process for turning ambiguous problems into well-defined research questions and actionable insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess research capabilities and strategic thinking. A strong portfolio with detailed case studies demonstrating impact is crucial. The "squad interview" suggests a team-based assessment of cultural fit and collaborative potential.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar for wireframing and prototyping will be beneficial, though not the primary focus.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), and potentially qualitative data analysis tools.
• Collaboration & Project Management: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Confluence, Asana, or Trello for agile project management and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated as a primary responsibility, an understanding of how to interpret user analytics and performance metrics will be valuable for informing research and validating insights. Experience with tools like Google Analytics or similar product analytics platforms is a plus.

CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and how they relate to user data can provide context for B2B product research, though direct experience may not be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific tools are not heavily emphasized, but the role implies a need for proficiency in standard UX/Product Design and Research software. The focus is more on methodology than mastery of a specific toolset.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Innovation: A strong belief in using research and data to guide innovation and product development, ensuring solutions are effective and meet real needs.
• User Advocacy: A commitment to understanding and representing the voice of the user, ensuring that their needs are at the forefront of product decisions.
• Lean & Agile Mindset: Embracing efficiency, speed, and iterative development, with a pragmatic approach to processes and problem-solving.
• Collaboration & Ownership: Fostering a team environment where individuals take ownership of their craft and work collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
• Continuous Learning: A culture that encourages ongoing development, adaptation to new methodologies, and staying abreast of industry best practices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Working closely and collaboratively with engineers, product owners, and product directors to ensure research insights are integrated seamlessly into the development process.
• Open Communication: Encouraging open dialogue, sharing findings transparently, and actively seeking feedback from team members.
• Pragmatic Problem-Solving: A focus on finding practical, effective solutions that balance user needs with business objectives and development constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's "Great Places to Work" certification and emphasis on "lean ways of working" suggest a culture that values both employee well-being and efficient, impactful work. The "Platform Squad" model highlights a collaborative and autonomous team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Research Depth with Speed: Effectively conducting rigorous research within a fast-paced, lean development environment requires strong prioritization and efficient methodologies.
• Driving Insight Adoption: Ensuring that research findings are not just delivered but actively understood, trusted, and acted upon by the product team and stakeholders.
• Defining Scope for Research: In a lean environment, it can be challenging to define the 'right' amount of research needed without over-engineering or under-delivering.
• Potential for Internal/B2B Focus: If the platform serves internal users or specific business client segments, understanding and empathizing with these unique user groups can be a distinct challenge requiring tailored research approaches.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Research Expertise: Gain extensive hands-on experience with a wide array of qualitative and quantitative research methods in a real-world Fintech context.
• Strategic Influence: Develop skills in translating research into strategic product recommendations and influencing product roadmaps.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Learn from experienced engineers and product owners about technical constraints, development processes, and product management strategies.
• Industry Exposure: Become an expert in the business finance sector and understand the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in effectively integrating deep research into a fast-paced environment. Growth opportunities are strongly tied to developing strategic influence and research leadership within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach understanding the core needs of businesses looking for finance through Love Finance, given you have limited time for research?" (Focus on lean methods, prioritization).
• "Describe a time when your research findings contradicted the initial product hypothesis. How did you present this, and what was the outcome?" (Tests ability to deliver difficult news and advocate for users).
• "How do you ensure your research is actionable and leads to tangible product improvements, rather than just interesting observations?" (Focus on synthesis, recommendations, and impact).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What are your thoughts on Love Finance's mission to make business finance quicker and smarter, and how do you see your research role supporting this?" (Assess alignment with company goals).
• "How would you integrate research insights into a lean, agile development squad like the Platform Squad?" (Tests understanding of agile workflows and collaboration).
• "What does 'user-centricity' mean to you in the context of a B2B finance platform?" (Assess understanding of user types and business context).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach (research methods), key findings (insights), and the solution/impact.
• Quantify When Possible: Use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your research on product decisions or user outcomes.
• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially if working in a team.
• Showcase Your Thought Process: Explain why you made certain research decisions and how you synthesized complex information.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your methodology, challenges faced, and alternative approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on articulating research methodologies, demonstrating the impact of research, and showcasing the ability to work effectively within an agile, cross-functional team.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer - UX/UI position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 1-2 of your most impactful user research case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end research process, insight generation, and influence on product decisions. Ensure these align with the role's emphasis on research.
• Tailor Your CV: Highlight your experience in user research, qualitative/quantitative studies, insight synthesis, and working in agile environments. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your chosen case studies concisely, focusing on the problem, your research approach, key insights, and the resulting impact. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your methodology and decision-making.
• Research Love Finance: Understand their business model, target audience (UK businesses seeking finance), and their stated mission. Consider how user research can directly support these objectives.

⚠️ 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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