Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Beam Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid, with preference for London) Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: 2025-09-04 Experience Level: 5-10 Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for AI-focused B2B SaaS products specifically serving frontline workers in social services and healthcare.
• Drive the creation and evolution of design systems to enhance speed, consistency, and user experience across the product suite.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and user research to define product strategy and user experience.
• Focus on solving complex user problems through a systems-thinking approach, leveraging both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Contribute to a mission-driven company at the forefront of social impact and AI innovation in public services.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior Product Designer focused on B2B SaaS products within the social impact and public service sector, with a strong emphasis on AI integration. The "Senior" title implies a need for leadership in design strategy, mentorship, and the ability to drive complex projects independently.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the complete product design lifecycle for new features and entirely new AI-powered products, from initial concept and user research through to high-fidelity UI design and interaction detailing.
• Conduct user research, including interviews and feedback analysis, to deeply understand the needs, workflows, and pain points of frontline professionals like caseworkers and clinicians.
• Develop, maintain, and scale the company's design system, including defining tokens, implementing modern tooling, and establishing best practices for team-wide adoption and efficiency.
• Design and implement compelling animations and micro-interactions to enhance the intuitiveness, responsiveness, and overall user delight of the software.
• Partner with Product and Engineering teams to influence product strategy, ensuring design decisions are data-informed, user-centric, and aligned with business objectives.
• Act as a strategic design voice within cross-functional teams, contributing to the "why" behind product decisions and championing user needs.
• Proactively identify opportunities for design innovation and process improvement within the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "0-1" product development suggests significant responsibility in defining new product concepts and user experiences from the ground up, requiring strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills beyond typical feature design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered. Experience: 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of designing and shipping complex B2B SaaS products in fast-paced environments, ideally within a startup or high-growth tech company.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and component management.
• Demonstrated experience in building, scaling, and maintaining design systems.
• Strong understanding of user research methodologies and the ability to translate findings into actionable design solutions.
• Proven ability to design for complex user problems and translate them into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.
• Experience with modern design tools, plugins, and workflows for efficiency and innovation.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• A systems-thinking approach to design, focusing on interconnectedness and scalability.
• Strong product-mindedness, with the ability to use qualitative and quantitative data to inform design decisions.
• A genuine passion for social impact and a desire to create meaningful change through design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing products that integrate or leverage AI technologies.
• Familiarity with animation and micro-interaction design principles and tools.
• Experience working with public sector or social service clients/users.
• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to inform design feasibility.
• Experience in international product expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "5-10 years" of experience, coupled with the "Senior" title, indicates that candidates are expected to demonstrate leadership capabilities, strategic influence, and a high degree of autonomy in their previous roles. Experience in a VC-backed startup environment is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design case studies for complex B2B SaaS products, detailing the problem, your process, and the impact of your solutions.
• Include examples of design system development, demonstrating your approach to creating scalable and maintainable design components and guidelines.
• Highlight projects where you've applied user research to inform design decisions and demonstrate user-centric problem-solving.
• Present examples of how you've used data (qualitative or quantitative) to drive design iterations and measure success.
• Demonstrate work on "0-1" products or significant new feature development, illustrating your ability to navigate ambiguity and build from scratch.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate your design process, including discovery, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Demonstrate how you collaborate with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.
• Provide insights into how you contribute to or influence product strategy based on user needs and market opportunities.
• Showcase your approach to advocating for design best practices and user experience improvements within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. It should not only display aesthetic skills but also demonstrate strategic thinking, process rigor, and a clear understanding of user outcomes and business impact, particularly in a B2B SaaS context with AI integration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £70,000 - £110,000 per annum (GBP)

Benefits:

• Generous EMI-qualifying share options.
• Access to therapy, coaching, classes & content via Oliva.
• 1:1 workplace coaching with More Happi.
• Financial well-being coaching through Bippit.
• Generous holiday allowance: 25 days plus 3 additional days over Christmas, plus bank holidays.
• Remote work flexibility: Up to 6 weeks per year.
• Sabbatical: Eligible for a 6-week sabbatical after 3 years of service.
• Nursery scheme through Gogeta.
• Healthcare cover through Benenden Health.
• Enhanced parental leave: 18 weeks for primary caregivers, 4 weeks for secondary caregivers.
• £200 WellBeam budget for wellbeing and professional development activities.
• Annual membership to Shoreditch Exchange gym (London office only).
• Pension scheme with 3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution.
• Free subscription to the Calm meditation app.
• Discounts on bikes/accessories (Cyclescheme) and tech products (Techscheme).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are assumed, likely around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered, including remote work options.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer in the UK tech market, especially for a role with significant impact and responsibility in a growing startup. The extensive benefits package highlights Beam's commitment to employee wellbeing and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Social Impact, Public Services, AI. Beam is revolutionizing how frontline professionals deliver support to vulnerable individuals by leveraging AI and technology. Company Size: Growing rapidly, with over 200 employees. This size suggests a dynamic environment with opportunities for significant individual contribution and influence, but also a need for structured processes and scalable design systems. Founded: Beam was founded with a mission to solve societal problems through technology. Its growth and recognition (WIRED's hottest startups, LinkedIn Top UK Startup) indicate a strong, impactful trajectory.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely works closely with Product Management and Engineering teams to deliver cohesive product experiences.
• The Senior Product Designer will collaborate with a CTO (hiring manager), COO, Product Director, and other Senior Product Designers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with designers expected to partner closely with user researchers, product managers, and engineers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, with reliance on qualitative and quantitative data to inform design.
• A "0-1" approach to product development suggests a culture of innovation, experimentation, and building from the ground up.
• Focus on creating "world-class tools" implies a commitment to high-quality design and user experience.
• AI integration is central to the company's strategy, indicating a forward-thinking and technology-centric approach.

Company Website: https://beam.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: Beam's culture appears to be high-performance, mission-driven, and focused on innovation. The company values the impact of its work and invests in its employees' growth and well-being. The hybrid work model reflects a modern approach to workplace flexibility.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a significant degree of autonomy, strategic input, and potential for mentorship or leadership within the design function. The role is expected to drive design initiatives and contribute to product strategy. Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to the CTO, who is the hiring manager. They will also work closely with the Product Director and other senior leaders in product and engineering. Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the usability and effectiveness of AI-powered tools used by thousands of frontline professionals. Successful designs will directly contribute to Beam's mission of improving societal support systems and increasing operational efficiency for their users.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to lead design for entirely new product lines ("0-1" initiatives), offering significant ownership and strategic influence.
• Potential to shape the future of AI in public services and influence how cutting-edge technologies are experienced by users.
• Career progression could lead to Design Lead, Head of Design, or specialization in AI product design.
• Exposure to international expansion efforts provides opportunities to design for global markets.
• Continuous learning and development are supported through budgets and access to coaching, fostering skill advancement and career progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: This senior role offers a unique opportunity to influence product direction and gain experience in a rapidly growing company at the intersection of AI, social impact, and public services. The potential for impact and career growth is substantial.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Employees are expected to spend 2-3 days per week in their Shoreditch co-working space. Office Location(s): Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom. The office is described as a vibrant, collaborative space with amenities like rooftop views, an onsite barista, and a gym.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model promotes a balance between focused remote work and in-person collaboration.
• The Shoreditch office provides a dynamic environment for brainstorming, team meetings, and fostering company culture.
• Access to amenities supports employee well-being and productivity.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours are expected, with the flexibility of working remotely for up to 6 weeks per year. This structure allows for efficient work completion while maintaining a good work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is designed to capture the benefits of both remote flexibility and in-person collaboration, fostering a strong team dynamic while allowing for individual focus. The London office location is preferred for in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company mission.
2. CTO Chat (Hiring Manager): A 45-minute conversation focused on reviewing past projects, discussing company culture, and answering candidate questions. This stage assesses alignment with the company's vision and technical/design leadership expectations.
3. Portfolio Review & Whiteboarding: A session with the COO, Product Director, and a Senior Product Designer. This involves presenting a portfolio, discussing design processes, and potentially a whiteboarding exercise to assess problem-solving and design thinking skills.
4. Final Stage Interview: Conversation with Beam's Product Managers and Senior Engineers to evaluate cross-functional collaboration capabilities, technical understanding, and overall team fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, prototypes, and mockups to illustrate your design solutions. Explain the rationale behind key design decisions.
• Highlight Systems Thinking: Showcase examples of how you've approached design as a system, particularly regarding design systems and scalable components.
• Demonstrate AI/Complex Problem Solving: If possible, include projects that involved complex problem-solving or AI integration, explaining your approach.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved user efficiency, increased adoption, reduced errors).
• Be Prepared for Whiteboarding: Practice articulating your thought process and solving design challenges on the spot.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect to discuss your approach to user research, design systems, and the end-to-end design process.
• Be ready to explain how you collaborate with product and engineering teams.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with B2B SaaS and AI-driven products.
• Think about how you would tackle designing "0-1" products and how you use data to inform your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to thoroughly assess a candidate's design skills, strategic thinking, collaboration abilities, and cultural fit. The portfolio review is a critical component, so candidates should prepare detailed and compelling case studies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency in advanced Figma features, components, auto layout, and prototyping is expected.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools for richer interaction design might be beneficial.
• Design System Tools: Tools or methodologies for managing design tokens, component libraries, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Research Platforms: Tools used for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and gathering feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback).
• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with product analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding the CRM and automation tools used by clients (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can provide context for B2B SaaS design.
• AI Platforms: Familiarity with AI tools and platforms, particularly those related to generative AI or LLMs (like OpenAI's offerings), is a significant plus given the company's focus.

📝 Enhancement Note: Strong proficiency in Figma and design system management tools is paramount. The role also benefits from an understanding of user research and product analytics tools to inform design decisions and measure impact. Familiarity with AI technologies is highly relevant.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A core value is creating tangible, positive impact on society by improving the lives of frontline workers and vulnerable individuals.
• Innovation & AI Focus: Embracing cutting-edge AI technology and applying it to solve real-world problems is central to Beam's identity.
• User-Centricity: Deeply understanding and prioritizing the needs of users (frontline professionals) in all design and product decisions.
• High Performance & Growth: Fostering a culture where individuals can progress rapidly, take ownership, and contribute significantly.
• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve the best outcomes.
• Excellence: Striving for "world-class tools" and exceptional user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Partnerships: Design is integrated closely with Product and Engineering, requiring strong communication and collaborative problem-solving.
• Data-Informed Dialogue: Discussions are grounded in user feedback and data, fostering a rational and objective approach to design challenges.
• Shared Ownership: The team works together to define product vision and ensure successful execution, with designers acting as strategic partners.
• Open Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback to continuously improve products and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Beam's culture is a blend of social impact mission, technological innovation (especially AI), and a high-performance, growth-oriented environment. Designers are expected to be collaborative, data-informed, and deeply committed to the company's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Workflows: Creating intuitive solutions for potentially complex and demanding workflows of frontline professionals in social services and healthcare.
• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Ensuring AI features are not just added but are core to the experience and genuinely enhance user productivity and well-being without introducing new complexities.
• "0-1" Product Development: Navigating the ambiguity and rapid iteration inherent in building entirely new products from scratch.
• Scaling Design Systems: Continuously evolving the design system to support rapid product development and international expansion while maintaining consistency.
• Balancing User Needs with Tech Capabilities: Effectively translating advanced AI capabilities into practical, user-friendly tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI Applications: Gaining expertise in applying generative AI and other advanced technologies to solve real-world social and public service problems.
• Product Strategy Influence: Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of new and existing products, impacting thousands of users.
• Design System Leadership: Taking a leading role in the evolution and adoption of a critical design system.
• International Product Design: Gaining experience in designing for global markets and understanding diverse user needs.
• Mentorship and Skill Development: Access to coaching, personal development budgets, and collaboration with experienced professionals provide ample opportunities for skill advancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: While challenging, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex problems with cutting-edge technology in a mission-driven context. The ability to influence product direction and build from the ground up is a key draw.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Vision & Strategy: "How would you approach designing a new AI-powered feature to help social workers reduce administrative load, considering their existing workflows and potential skepticism towards new technology?"
• Collaboration & Stakeholders: "Describe a time you had to influence product or engineering decisions with your design recommendations. How did you handle pushback, and what was the outcome?"
• Problem Solving & Process: "Walk us through a complex B2B SaaS product you designed from scratch. What were the key challenges, how did you use data to inform your decisions, and what was the impact of your solution?"
• Design Systems: "How do you approach building and scaling a design system in a fast-growing startup? What are the key principles you follow?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What specifically about Beam's mission to solve social problems with technology resonates with you, and how does your design philosophy align with this?"
• Team Dynamics: "How do you prefer to collaborate with product managers and engineers? Describe your ideal cross-functional working relationship."
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your designs, particularly in a B2B SaaS context where user efficiency is critical?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem, User Research, Your Role, Ideation, Design Solutions (with rationale), Iterations, Impact/Outcomes.
• Highlight Process: Clearly explain your design process for each project, emphasizing how you leveraged user insights and data.
• Showcase Systems: Dedicate time to demonstrating your design system work, explaining its structure and benefits.
• Focus on AI/Complexity: If you have relevant AI or complex workflow projects, highlight them and explain your approach to these challenges.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the tangible results of your design work. Be ready to discuss ROI or efficiency gains.
• Engage Your Audience: Be enthusiastic, answer questions thoughtfully, and show your passion for design and Beam's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, demonstrate systems thinking, and clearly communicate the impact of their work. Understanding Beam's mission and their specific use of AI will be crucial for tailoring answers.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant B2B SaaS, AI integration, and design system experience. Showcase case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product design and problem-solving for complex user needs.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, proficiency in key design tools (especially Figma), experience with design systems, and any background in social impact or AI-related products. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Practice discussing your design process, collaborative approach, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples for behavioral and technical questions, particularly those related to the role's responsibilities and Beam's mission.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Beam's mission, products (Magic Notes), recent achievements, and company values. Understand their strategic use of AI and their target users (frontline workers). Be prepared to articulate why you are a good fit for their culture and mission.

⚠️ 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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