Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Kota

Location: Ireland

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: March 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for core web product areas within Kota's Customer Platform, translating complex problems into intuitive user experiences.

• Elevate design quality and consistency by identifying, designing, and implementing reusable components and patterns within a scalable design system.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure rapid iteration and high-velocity delivery of impactful product features.

• Contribute to strategic product thinking and the overall growth of Kota's design culture, fostering innovation and a craft-driven approach.

• Leverage modern design tools and AI-assisted technologies to enhance design efficiency and explore novel interaction models.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer with an emphasis on owning significant product areas and contributing to the foundational design culture of a rapidly scaling tech company. The expectation for AI tool usage (Cursor, Claude Code) suggests a forward-thinking approach to design and development processes, requiring candidates to be adaptable and willing to explore new technologies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the design of key web product areas, from initial concept ideation through to final implementation and iteration.

• Transform ambiguous product challenges into clear, user-centered flows, intuitive interfaces, and engaging interaction models.

• Champion design quality and best practices through rigorous critique, thoughtful collaboration, and a commitment to detail.

• Utilize AI tools like Cursor or Claude Code for rapid prototyping, building simple interfaces, and accelerating the design-to-development feedback loop.

• Define, document, and scale design system components and patterns to ensure consistency, efficiency, and speed across the Kota Platform.

• Foster strong partnerships with engineering teams to collaboratively scope, design, iterate, and ship features at a high velocity.

• Actively participate in product strategy discussions, influencing the overall direction of the product and contributing to the maturation of the design function.

• Collaborate with existing product designers to collectively define the future of benefits and insurance user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual ownership and collaborative contribution. The emphasis on "turning ambiguous product problems into clear flows" and "raising the quality bar" indicates a need for strong problem-solving skills and a meticulous approach to design execution. The mention of AI tools suggests an expectation for candidates to be comfortable with or eager to learn and integrate these technologies into their workflow.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer role.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience as a Product Designer, with a proven track record of working on complex, information-dense products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in end-to-end product design, from conceptualization to shipped product.

• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional product thinking, interaction design, and visual craft.

• Proficiency in designing for complex B2B, fintech, or information-dense digital environments.

• Ability to balance speed of execution with meticulous attention to detail and quality.

• Experience in creating, maintaining, and scaling design systems and reusable components.

• Comfort and aptitude for working with AI tools such as Cursor or Claude Code for prototyping and iterative design.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with engineering and product teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the insurance, fintech, or benefits technology sectors.

• Familiarity with modern web technologies and their design implications.

• Experience contributing to and shaping design culture within a growing team.

• Ability to mentor junior designers and provide constructive design critique.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are geared towards a senior individual who can operate independently and contribute strategically. The specific mention of B2B, fintech, or information-dense environments points to the complexity of Kota's product and the need for designers who can navigate intricate data and user flows. The emphasis on AI tools is a key differentiator, suggesting that candidates with experience or a strong interest in this area will be highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong grasp of product strategy and user-centered design principles.

• Case studies showcasing end-to-end product design processes, from problem definition and research to solution design, iteration, and impact measurement.

• Examples of complex user flows, interaction models, and interface designs that effectively simplify intricate information.

• Evidence of experience in creating, scaling, or contributing significantly to design systems, including reusable components and pattern libraries.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed walkthroughs of design processes, highlighting how ambiguous problems were tackled and translated into tangible design solutions.

• Examples of how collaboration with engineering and product management facilitated rapid iteration and successful product launches.

• Documentation or case studies that illustrate the application of AI tools in the design process, demonstrating efficiency gains or novel approaches.

• Clear articulation of how design consistency and scalability were achieved through design system implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to showcase not just visual design skills but also their strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to manage complex design projects from inception to completion. A strong understanding and demonstration of design system principles and experience with modern tools, including AI, will be highly advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While a specific salary range is not provided, for a Senior Product Designer role with 5-10 years of experience in Ireland (a high-cost-of-living area with a strong tech sector), a competitive salary would typically fall between €70,000 and €100,000 annually, depending on experience and specific qualifications. For remote roles within Ireland, this range is a reasonable benchmark.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance contribution via Kota.

• Workplace Pension with matched contributions up to 5% via Kota.

• Work From Home (WFH) stipend to support home office needs.

• Group Life Assurance via Kota.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Annual, company-wide offsite for team building and strategic alignment.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are estimated at 40 hours per week, aligned with a full-time employment. Flexibility is implied given the remote nature of the role, allowing for effective management of workload and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on current market data for senior design roles in Ireland, considering the tech industry and remote work trends. The benefits package is comprehensive and highlights Kota's commitment to employee well-being, with direct integration of their own platform's offerings.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Insurtech / Employee Benefits Technology. Kota operates at the intersection of financial technology and insurance, focusing on modernizing employee benefits with a digital-first approach.

Company Size: As a rapidly growing startup founded in 2022, Kota is likely in the growth-stage, employing between 50-200 individuals. This size suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: 2022. This indicates a relatively young company with a modern operational structure and a focus on innovation and scaling quickly.

Team Structure:

• The Customer Platform team is a core functional unit within Kota, responsible for the primary user-facing application.

• The design function is early-stage, with this role joining an existing product designer to form the core of the design practice for the platform.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are expected to be informed by user data, analytics, and feedback.

• Agile Development: High-velocity shipping and iteration suggest an agile or lean development methodology.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and delighting customers is evident in the company's mission and values.

• Craftsmanship: A "craft-driven culture" implies a dedication to quality, detail, and thoughtful execution in both product and design.

Company Website: https://www.kota.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: Kota is positioned as an innovative and well-funded startup aiming to disrupt traditional employee benefits. The company culture appears to value ownership, high standards, and a proactive, "play to win" mentality. The early-stage design team structure presents a significant opportunity for a Senior Product Designer to shape the function.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a Senior Individual Contributor level. It offers the opportunity to own significant product areas and influence the strategic direction of the design function. It's a critical role for a growing company, providing a platform for substantial impact.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a Product Manager, depending on the immediate team structure. They will work closely with other product designers and engineers.

Operations Impact: The work directly impacts how employers manage and employees access benefits, influencing user adoption, satisfaction, and retention. By simplifying complex insurance and retirement processes, the designer plays a crucial role in Kota's value proposition and market differentiation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the design team grows, there's potential to move into a Design Lead or Managerial role, shaping team processes and mentoring others.

• Product Strategy Influence: Deep involvement in core product areas provides opportunities to influence product strategy and roadmap.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in complex B2B/fintech UX, design systems, or emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Impactful Projects: Working on foundational elements of a scaling platform means contributing to projects with significant, long-term business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career advancement within a fast-growing startup. The ability to shape a design function and influence product strategy makes it attractive for ambitious designers looking to make a significant mark.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This allows for flexibility and access to talent across Ireland.

Office Location(s): Ireland. This implies adherence to Irish labor laws and potentially a focus on European market needs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Although remote, the emphasis on collaboration suggests a well-structured approach to remote teamwork, likely utilizing tools for virtual communication and co-design.

• Tools and Technology: Access to modern design software, collaboration platforms, and potentially AI-assisted tools like Cursor/Claude Code.

• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional syncs will be key for interaction and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (estimated 40 hours/week), with flexibility inherent in a remote setup. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively while ensuring project deadlines and team availability are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature of the role requires strong self-discipline and excellent communication skills. The company culture seems to support a productive remote work environment with the necessary tools and collaborative practices.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A session where you will present your work, focusing on specific case studies that demonstrate your product thinking, design process, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your approach to complex problems, design systems, and collaboration.

• Design Challenge: Potentially a take-home assignment or a live design exercise focused on a specific problem relevant to Kota's platform, assessing your problem-solving skills and design execution.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with product managers, engineers, and other designers to evaluate collaboration style, cultural fit, and technical acumen.

• Founder/Leadership Interview: A final discussion to assess strategic thinking, alignment with company values, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your experience with complex products, design systems, and end-to-end ownership.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, key decisions made, challenges overcome, and measurable outcomes.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, user research, iteration cycles, and how you collaborated with stakeholders.

• Showcase Craft: Demonstrate attention to detail in UI design, interaction patterns, and microcopy.

• Address AI Usage: If applicable, explain how you've used AI tools to enhance your design workflow or outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Kota's products and target audience thoroughly.

• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, prioritize demonstrating a structured problem-solving approach over just delivering a polished UI.

• Think Scalability: Consider how your proposed solutions can scale and integrate with existing design systems.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss the trade-offs of your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's design capabilities, strategic thinking, and collaborative potential. A strong, well-articulated portfolio is paramount, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their work in detail, especially concerning complex problems and design systems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD (Figma is highly probable for modern startups).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Figma's native prototyping, or similar.

• AI Design Tools: Cursor or Claude Code are explicitly mentioned, indicating a strong interest in AI-assisted design workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a design tool, understanding how design integrates with CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and automation platforms used by B2B clients might be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma is expected. The explicit mention of AI tools like Cursor and Claude Code is a significant indicator of the technology stack and the company's forward-looking approach to design workflows. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or willingness to learn and integrate these tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Have Integrity: Uphold ethical standards and prioritize the company's mission ("why") without compromising execution ("how").

• Care Deeply: Go the extra mile to delight customers, paying close attention to details and the overall user experience.

• Own Your Ship: Take initiative, ask critical questions, do the work, gather data, and solve problems autonomously.

• Raise the Bar: Continuously strive for improvement, pushing beyond "good enough" and elevating personal and team standards.

• Play to Win: Be decisive, innovative, and willing to challenge the status quo to achieve ambitious goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration between design, product, and engineering is essential for rapid iteration and alignment.

• Constructive Critique: A culture that encourages open feedback and design critique to elevate the quality of work.

• Shared Ownership: Encouraging a sense of collective responsibility for product success.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Using data and user insights to guide conversations and decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kota's values are deeply ingrained in a high-performance, owner-operator culture. A candidate who embodies these values – demonstrating integrity, a deep care for the user, ownership, a drive for excellence, and a competitive spirit – will align well with the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complexity: Designing intuitive interfaces for complex insurance and retirement benefits is a core challenge.

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring design consistency and efficiency as the product and team grow rapidly.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Meeting high-velocity development timelines while maintaining high design standards.

• Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and maintaining a strong design culture within a fully remote environment.

• Integrating AI Tools: Learning and effectively integrating new AI technologies into established design workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Shaping Design Function: Opportunity to significantly influence the direction and processes of Kota's design team.

• Cutting-Edge Tech: Exposure to and experience with AI tools in the design process.

• Product Strategy Input: Direct contribution to the strategic roadmap of a core product.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge in the Insurtech/Fintech space.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers as the team expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a scaling tech company, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development. The emphasis on AI tools is a unique growth area.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you turned an ambiguous product problem into a clear, intuitive user experience. What was your process?" (Focus on structured problem-solving, user research, and iterative design).

• "How do you approach designing for complex, information-dense products like insurance or retirement benefits?" (Highlight your methods for simplification, information hierarchy, and user guidance).

• "Walk us through a recent project where you designed and scaled a design system or significant reusable components. What were the challenges and outcomes?" (Emphasize your understanding of design systems, consistency, and efficiency).

• "How do you balance the need for speed in a startup environment with the importance of design quality and craftsmanship?" (Discuss your approach to prioritization, trade-offs, and maintaining standards).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on our values, which one resonates most with you and why? How do you embody it in your work?" (Connect your experience to Kota's core values).

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers, especially in a remote setting?" (Provide examples of successful cross-functional partnerships).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcomes/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams to illustrate your work.

• Narrative: Tell a compelling story for each project, focusing on the "why" behind your decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, efficiency gains) to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and how you handle feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, a robust design process, and a cultural fit with Kota's values. Highlighting experience with complex products, design systems, and a willingness to embrace new technologies like AI will be key differentiators.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best align with the requirements for complex B2B/fintech products and design systems. Tailor your presentation to highlight how your skills address Kota's specific challenges.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in end-to-end product design, design systems, and collaboration. Use keywords from the job description, such as "product thinking," "interaction design," "design systems," and "AI tools."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes. Prepare specific examples that showcase your problem-solving abilities, ownership mentality, and collaborative approach. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough.

• Company Research: Deeply research Kota's mission, products, and recent news. Understand their market position and the challenges they aim to solve in the employee benefits space. Consider how you can contribute to their "Play to Win" and "Raise the Bar" values.

⚠️ 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.

---