Senior, Design Strategist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior, Design Strategist

Company: Samsung Research America

Location: Mountain View, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Strategy

Date Posted: August 12, 2025

Experience Level: 10+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of innovative B2B product and service experiences within Samsung's Knox ecosystem, driving user-centered design from concept to shippable product.

• Leverage extensive user research, market analysis, and trend forecasting to identify emerging opportunities and translate complex business challenges into actionable, user-centric design solutions.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with researchers, product managers, and engineers, acting as a key stakeholder in ideation, conceptualization, and development phases to ensure alignment with organizational goals and user needs.

• Articulate and visualize design vision through compelling narratives, strategic roadmaps, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs, ensuring clarity and impact for diverse stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and market-ready B2B solutions within Samsung's expansive product portfolio. The emphasis on B2B experience and the Knox ecosystem suggests a focus on enterprise-level security, management, and productivity solutions, requiring a deep understanding of business user needs and workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, document, visualize, and develop innovative B2B experiences and products, guiding them from early ideation through to market-ready delivery.

• Drive the ideation and exploration of new product and creative concepts, ensuring strategic alignment with Samsung's organizational goals and business objectives.

• Conduct comprehensive secondary research across visual trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics to develop unique insights and strategic recommendations for business direction.

• Lead brainstorming sessions and ideation workshops with cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment for creative problem-solving.

• Articulate and present design visions, strategic roadmaps, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs to diverse stakeholder groups, including lab heads and executive leadership.

• Manage end-to-end project lifecycles as an individual contributor, demonstrating strong ownership and proactive problem-solving capabilities.

• Create well-structured, strategic, and inspiring narratives for all deliverables, working collaboratively to support and enhance the overall message.

• Engage confidently with stakeholders to socialize concepts, assess feasibility, gather requirements, and incorporate feedback into the design process.

• Possess and apply outstanding visual, written, and spoken communication skills to craft bold, clear, and captivating presentations.

• Integrate knowledge of agile development processes and iterative design practices within a B2B context to ensure efficient and responsive product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic foresight, creative ideation, and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end project management as an individual contributor" suggests a need for strong self-direction and the ability to drive initiatives independently while also being a collaborative team player. The focus on B2B and the Knox ecosystem implies a need to understand enterprise use cases, security considerations, and business workflow efficiencies.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Product Management, Engineering, or a closely related field. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will also be considered.

Experience: 10+ years of progressive experience in design strategy leadership, with a foundational background in User Research or User Experience (UX).

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in identifying emerging market opportunities and successfully delivering new products or services that capitalize on them.

• A deep and clear understanding of user-centered design (UCD) processes and robust methodologies for problem identification and resolution.

• Proficiency and comfort with a wide range of research methodologies, including ethnographic research, market research, user interviews, survey design, data analysis, and project management.

• Ability to meticulously document and visualize research findings, strategic insights, and new ideas, including the creation of high-fidelity user scenarios.

• Exceptional storytelling capabilities with a proven ability to craft compelling narratives using visual tools such as PowerPoint, Keynote, and/or Figma.

• Demonstrated ability to present and defend design ideas effectively to internal teams and stakeholders, providing constructive critique to elevate collective work.

• Experience and a proven ability to think commercially, strategically, and creatively to drive business impact.

• Strong time management skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the capacity to think and act strategically and proactively.

• Possess a clear, concise, and transparent communication style, with a willingness to take initiative and develop projects from inception.

• Expertise in industry-standard design tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe Creative Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically within the enterprise software or B2B technology sector.

• Familiarity with or experience in the mobile platform, IoT, or connected device ecosystems.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and presenting strategic roadmaps for product evolution.

• Ability to conduct competitive analysis and synthesize findings into actionable design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 10+ years of experience in design strategy leadership, with a foundation in UX/User Research, indicates this is a senior-level individual contributor role with significant strategic influence. The emphasis on both strategic thinking and practical design tool proficiency (Figma, Sketch, Adobe CC) is crucial. The mention of B2B context and agile methodologies suggests that candidates with experience in enterprise software development cycles will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong track record of strategic thinking applied to product and service development, showcasing how initial concepts evolved into successful market offerings.

• Include case studies that highlight your process for identifying user needs and business opportunities, detailing the research methodologies employed and the resulting strategic recommendations.

• Showcase examples of translating complex requirements into user-centric solutions, with a clear articulation of the problem, your approach, and the impact of your design decisions.

• Present evidence of end-to-end project ownership, from initial ideation and concept development through to detailed design and stakeholder buy-in.

Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or case studies that detail your process for conducting user research and market analysis, including how findings were synthesized into strategic insights.

• Showcase examples of your workflow for concept development and ideation, including how you lead brainstorming sessions and foster creative collaboration.

• Present evidence of creating user scenarios, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that effectively communicate design intent and user experience.

• Illustrate your approach to iterating on designs based on feedback, feasibility assessments, and evolving project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is essential for this role, as it will serve as the primary evidence of the candidate's strategic thinking, research capabilities, and design execution. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's process, demonstrating how they move from understanding business needs and user problems to developing concrete product concepts and solutions. Case studies that highlight impact, particularly in a B2B context, will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $192,300 - $264,550 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Annual bonus eligibility, reflecting performance-based incentives and company success.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays, promoting work-life balance.

• Retirement savings plan with potential company match, supporting long-term financial security.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and continuous learning initiatives.

• Access to Samsung's innovative product ecosystem and employee discounts.

• Potential for commuter benefits or subsidies, depending on specific work arrangements and location.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with potential for flexibility based on project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Design Strategist role in the Mountain View, California area, reflecting the high cost of living and the specialized expertise required. The mention of "annual bonus eligibility" and "generous benefits" indicates a comprehensive total rewards package. The standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the nature of strategic roles often involves project-driven demands that may require occasional extended hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consumer Electronics, Enterprise Solutions (specifically within Samsung Knox ecosystem).

Company Size: Samsung Research America (SRA) is part of the larger Samsung Electronics conglomerate, implying a large, global organization with significant resources and reach. SRA itself likely comprises a substantial number of employees dedicated to R&D.

Founded: Samsung was founded in 1938, with Samsung Research established later to drive innovation. Samsung Research America plays a key role in this global R&D network, focusing on North American market trends and technological advancements.

Team Structure:

• The Mobile Platform Solutions (MPS) team within Samsung Research America is focused on building applications and services for Samsung's diverse device portfolio.

• This role operates within a collaborative environment, working closely with researchers, product managers, and engineers, suggesting a cross-functional team model.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles, transforming cutting-edge technologies into impactful user experiences.

• A blend of strategic foresight (trend analysis, market research) and practical application (prototyping, high-fidelity design).

• Likely utilizes agile development methodologies for iterative product development and rapid feedback integration within a B2B context.

• Strong focus on data-driven decision-making, leveraging research findings to inform strategic direction and product design.

Company Website: https://www.sra.samsung.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Samsung Research America is a significant R&D hub for a global technology leader. The culture is likely innovative, fast-paced, and results-oriented, with a strong emphasis on pushing technological boundaries. The focus on the Knox ecosystem suggests a strategic initiative within Samsung to enhance security, enterprise features, and platform integration across its product lines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is classified as "Senior," indicating a role with significant experience, strategic responsibility, and the ability to lead projects independently. It's a senior individual contributor role, not a management position, but carries substantial influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Strategist will work collaboratively with researchers, product managers, and engineers. They will likely report to a Design Manager or Director within the Mobile Platform Solutions (MPS) team, with regular engagement with higher-level stakeholders such as Lab Heads.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the strategic direction and user experience of Samsung's B2B products and services, particularly within the Knox ecosystem. Success in this role can lead to enhanced product adoption, improved user satisfaction, and a stronger market position for Samsung's enterprise solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of design strategy, B2B product development, or emerging technologies relevant to Samsung's roadmap.

• Leadership Development: Transition into lead or principal design roles, mentoring junior designers and influencing broader design strategy across multiple projects.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain deeper insights into product management, engineering, and market research functions, fostering a holistic understanding of product lifecycle.

• Strategic Influence: Increase influence on product roadmaps and strategic decision-making within Samsung Research America and potentially across global Samsung R&D initiatives.

• Industry Recognition: Contribute to high-impact projects that gain industry recognition and advance the field of design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This senior role offers significant opportunities for professional growth within a leading technology company. The emphasis on strategy and B2B solutions within a key Samsung initiative (Knox) provides a platform for developing highly valuable expertise. Career progression could lead to principal-level individual contributor roles or potential pathways into design leadership or specialized product strategy functions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is based in an office setting, specifically in Mountain View, California, suggesting a professional, R&D-focused environment.

Office Location(s): 665 Clyde Avenue, Mountain View, CA, USA. This location is in the heart of Silicon Valley, providing access to a vibrant tech ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, fostering interaction with researchers, product managers, and engineers to drive product innovation.

• Access to modern design tools and technologies (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) is a given, supporting creative and strategic work.

• Opportunities for team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional knowledge sharing are integral to the work environment.

• The environment likely encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving and a passion for technology and design.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is typically 40 hours per week. While core hours are expected for collaboration, there may be flexibility depending on project deadlines and team needs, aligning with the dynamic nature of R&D environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working in Silicon Valley offers a dynamic and stimulating environment for a Design Strategist. The emphasis on collaboration and access to cutting-edge tools suggests a supportive yet challenging workplace. The office-based nature of the role facilitates direct interaction and team cohesion, crucial for strategic product development.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and conduct an initial phone screen to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, strategic thinking, and design process. This is a critical stage to demonstrate expertise and communication skills.

• Technical/Design Interviews: Expect interviews with hiring managers and team members (designers, product managers) to delve deeper into specific skills, problem-solving approaches, and experience with B2B contexts and user research methodologies.

• Scenario-Based/Case Study: A potential design or strategy challenge may be presented, requiring candidates to apply their skills to a hypothetical Samsung product or business problem.

• Final Interview: May involve interviews with senior leadership to assess strategic alignment and overall fit within Samsung Research America.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your design strategy, user research, and B2B experience. Prioritize projects with clear problem statements, detailed process explanations, and measurable impact.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the business challenge, your role, the research conducted, the strategic decisions made, the design solutions, and the outcomes. Use a storytelling approach to guide the reviewers.

• Highlight B2B Context: If possible, include projects relevant to enterprise software, security solutions, or complex business workflows to demonstrate understanding of the B2B environment.

• Showcase Process: Detail your methodology – from initial research and ideation to iteration and final delivery. Emphasize how you translated insights into actionable strategies and designs.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your design thinking and execution. Use high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and clear visualizations.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to discuss your design choices, defend your strategic decisions, and articulate the rationale behind your work. Anticipate questions about feasibility, trade-offs, and collaboration.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Samsung's Business: Research Samsung's current product portfolio, particularly within the B2B and Knox ecosystem. Understand their strategic goals and competitive landscape.

• Practice Strategic Thinking: Be prepared to analyze business problems, identify user needs, and propose strategic design solutions under time constraints.

• Refine Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, both verbally and visually. Focus on presenting a structured approach to problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio as a demonstration of strategic thinking and execution. Candidates should prepare a compelling narrative for each project, highlighting their process, decision-making, and impact, especially within a B2B context. Being able to articulate a strategic vision and defend design choices is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign). Proficiency in at least one of these is essential for concept visualization, wireframing, and high-fidelity design.

• Presentation & Communication: PowerPoint, Keynote for creating compelling presentations and strategic narratives.

• Collaboration Tools: Internal Samsung collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams) for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a primary tool for this role, familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies (e.g., Excel, Google Analytics, user analytics platforms) is beneficial for research synthesis and impact measurement.

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems (like Salesforce) is not directly mentioned but can be advantageous for understanding B2B customer journeys and sales processes.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools might be beneficial for thinking about efficiency in product design processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in core design and prototyping tools like Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite is a fundamental requirement. The ability to craft compelling visual narratives using presentation software is equally critical. While direct analytics or CRM tool expertise isn't highlighted, an understanding of how data informs strategy is implied.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: A drive to explore and implement cutting-edge technologies and creative solutions that push boundaries.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing user needs to create impactful and valuable experiences.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of cross-functional teamwork to achieve shared goals and drive product success.

• Strategic Thinking: An emphasis on aligning design efforts with broader business objectives and market opportunities.

• Excellence: A pursuit of high-quality outcomes in all aspects of design, research, and product development.

• Proactivity: Encouraging initiative, ownership, and a willingness to tackle challenges from inception.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with diverse teams, requiring strong communication and interpersonal skills to integrate design strategy with research, product management, and engineering efforts.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: The environment likely values open feedback and constructive critique to elevate the quality of work and foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to accelerate innovation and collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Samsung's culture is generally characterized by innovation, speed, and a global outlook. Within Samsung Research America, the emphasis will be on cutting-edge R&D and translating technological advancements into practical applications. Collaboration and a user-focused approach are key to success in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Vision to Execution: Effectively bridging the gap between high-level strategic concepts and tangible, shippable B2B product features within a complex organizational structure.

• Balancing Innovation and Feasibility: Driving novel ideas while ensuring they are technically feasible, commercially viable, and aligned with Samsung's product roadmap and business goals.

• Navigating B2B Complexity: Understanding and addressing the nuanced needs and workflows of enterprise users, which often differ significantly from consumer markets.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Gaining buy-in and managing expectations across diverse stakeholders with potentially competing priorities.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of fast-paced advancements in technology and design, and integrating them effectively into Samsung's product strategy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with and shape the future of Samsung's product ecosystem, including mobile, wearables, IoT, and more.

• Strategic Impact: Contribute directly to the strategic direction of significant B2B initiatives within a global technology leader.

• Mentorship and Networking: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experienced professionals across various disciplines within Samsung R&D.

• Professional Skill Enhancement: Develop advanced skills in design strategy, user research, B2B product conception, and cross-functional leadership.

• Industry Trends: Gain deep insights into emerging trends in technology, design, and the enterprise software market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior strategic roles in innovative tech companies, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving, and excellent communication. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering significant exposure to advanced technologies and strategic decision-making within a major global corporation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you identified a significant market opportunity and how you translated that into a product or service concept. What was your strategic approach?" (Focus on your research, ideation, and strategic articulation.)

• "Walk us through a B2B product or service you significantly influenced. What were the key business challenges, user needs, and how did your design strategy address them?" (Highlight your process, collaboration, and impact.)

• "How do you approach synthesizing diverse research findings (ethnographic, market, technical) into a cohesive strategic point of view and actionable design recommendations?" (Demonstrate your analytical and synthesis skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Samsung Research America and this specific role within the Mobile Platform Solutions team?" (Connect your skills and passion to Samsung's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers, product managers, and researchers to bring complex product ideas to life?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.)

• "How do you ensure your design strategy remains aligned with organizational goals and technical feasibility?" (Discuss your process for balancing vision with practical constraints.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure your portfolio presentation with a clear beginning (problem/opportunity), middle (your strategic process and solutions), and end (outcomes/impact).

• Focus on Strategy: For each project, emphasize the strategic thinking, research insights, and decision-making process over just the final visual output.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics or qualitative feedback to demonstrate the success and impact of your work.

• Engage Your Audience: Speak confidently, maintain eye contact, and be prepared to answer questions thoroughly. Make it a conversation rather than a monologue.

• Highlight B2B Relevance: If presenting consumer projects, draw parallels to how those principles might apply to enterprise solutions, or prioritize B2B case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, showcasing a robust design process, and demonstrating experience in B2B contexts. Candidates should be ready to discuss their portfolio projects in detail, explaining the "why" behind their decisions and the impact of their work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Design Strategist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight experience in design strategy, user research, B2B product development, and success in bringing new products/services to market. Prioritize projects demonstrating strategic thinking and end-to-end ownership.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 10+ years of experience, specific skills (Figma, research methodologies, storytelling), and achievements, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on the strategic rationale, process, and impact of your key projects, particularly those relevant to B2B or enterprise solutions.

• Research Samsung's Strategy: Familiarize yourself with Samsung's current product offerings, especially within the Knox ecosystem, and understand their strategic goals in the B2B market.

⚠️ 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.