Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: November Five Location: Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium Job Type: FULL_TIME Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: 2025-11-25 Experience Level: 5+ Years Remote Status: On-site (with potential for hybrid flexibility, context-dependent)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end visual and experience design process for innovative digital products, focusing on creating memorable and impactful user interactions.
• Translate complex research findings and business objectives into intuitive user journeys, wireframes, detailed UI designs, and interactive prototypes that resonate with core human drivers.
• Leverage advanced prototyping tools to explore novel interaction forms and emotional design elements, pushing the boundaries of digital experiences.
• Champion November Five's Design Philosophy (MX™) by identifying opportunities to amplify value, simplify complexity, and infuse meaning into product design.
• Act as a key collaborator within multidisciplinary teams, ensuring design vision is integrated seamlessly with product, engineering, and research workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the listing specifies "On-site," the "location_type" as "TELECOMMUTE" and the mention of a "stunning Antwerp HQ" suggest a strong preference for on-site collaboration with potential for hybrid arrangements. Operations roles often benefit from clear communication regarding hybrid expectations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire design lifecycle from initial concept and sketching through to final UI delivery, with a strategic emphasis on crafting resonant user moments.
• Develop comprehensive user journeys, wireframes, high-fidelity UI designs, and interactive prototypes, informed by user research and business requirements.
• Construct interactive prototypes using Figma, supplemented by tools like Rive, After Effects, or similar, to explore and demonstrate advanced interaction patterns and emotional design.
• Facilitate design thinking workshops, co-design sessions, and critique meetings to align stakeholders and team members on design decisions and their impact on user experience and memory.
• Establish, maintain, and advocate for design standards, including component libraries, design systems, type scales, and adherence to W3C accessibility and sustainability guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and clients through iterative reviews and feedback loops to refine designs.
• Integrate November Five's unique MX™ design philosophy into projects, focusing on amplifying key moments, simplifying user flows, and adding lasting value through meaningful design.
• Embrace and pragmatically apply AI as a collaborative tool for task acceleration and exploration, without compromising strategic design judgment or creative input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a Senior-level role requiring ownership and leadership in the design process, not just execution. Emphasis on "shaping moments that stick" and "deeper drivers" points to a strategic, human-centered design approach beyond standard UX/UI tasks.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Design, HCI, or a related field is implied through the experience and portfolio requirements. Experience: 5+ years of relevant professional experience in product design, agency, consulting, or in-house product environments. Demonstrated experience in owning end-to-end design processes is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead and execute the full visual and experience design process, from concept to delivery.
• Expertise in translating research and business goals into user journeys, wireframes, UI, and prototypes.
• Advanced proficiency in design and prototyping tools, with essential expertise in Figma.
• Strong visual design skills, including a keen eye for composition, typography, layout, and aesthetics.
• Demonstrated ability to justify design decisions with logic, customer insights, and business acumen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead conversations, explain reasoning, and influence stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams (product, engineering, research).
• A pragmatic and human-first approach to integrating AI into design workflows.
• Fluency in both Dutch and English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with interaction and motion design tools (e.g., Rive, After Effects, Lottie).
• Familiarity with digital sustainability standards, branding, and visual storytelling.
• Experience with low-code web development platforms like Webflow or Framer.
• Understanding of branding capabilities and marketing concepts.
• Experimentation with visual AI tooling (e.g., Midjourney, Weavy).
• Other creative pursuits (music, art, cooking, sports) that demonstrate a broader creative mindset.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years of relevant experience" combined with the breadth of responsibilities and expected leadership point to a Senior Product Designer role. The emphasis on "thriving in ambiguity" suggests a need for self-starters who can define problems as well as solve them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio or personal examples showcasing a strong passion for design, refined UI, cohesive visual direction, and thoughtful interaction design.
• Demonstration of ownership over end-to-end design processes, highlighting the ability to balance customer needs, technical constraints, and business goals.
• Examples of how design choices have been justified with logic, customer insights, and business understanding.
• Evidence of collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders, illustrating how design was embedded within product development workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase of workflow design and optimization from initial concept to final delivery, particularly focusing on creating "moments that stick."
• Examples of translating research and business goals into tangible design artifacts like journeys, wireframes, UI, and prototypes.
• Demonstration of how design standards (component thinking, MCPs, Typescales, accessibility, sustainability) were established and maintained.
• Case studies illustrating the facilitation of workshops, co-design sessions, and critiques to educate and align stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only display aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, process rigor, and the ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, especially concerning the company's MX™ philosophy.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Antwerp, Belgium, with 5+ years of experience, a competitive salary range would likely be between €60,000 to €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Antwerp, the demand for experienced design talent, and the company's positioning as a high-standards agency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Options for a mobility budget or company car.
• Smartphone budget and mobile subscription.
• Provision of a MacBook.
• Pension plan.
• Hospitalization insurance.
• Reimbursement for net expenses.
• Meal vouchers.
• 12 additional holidays.
• Shared rewards program.

Working Hours: The standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours, with flexibility expected around project deadlines and client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from publicly available data for similar roles in Belgium and the specific experience level requested. November Five's description suggests a premium employer, justifying a competitive range. The benefits package is substantial and should be a key selling point.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Digital Product Development, Design Agency/Consultancy. November Five operates at the intersection of strategy, design, and technology, building digital products for notable brands. Company Size: The provided data doesn't explicitly state company size, but the mention of "different backgrounds, one mindset" and "cross-functional collaboration" suggests a medium-sized, agile organization, likely between 50-200 employees based on common agency structures. Founded: Founded in 2013, November Five has established a strong reputation over a decade for its "maker" culture and commitment to high-quality craftsmanship.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises specialists in various design disciplines, working within multidisciplinary "squads" or project teams.
• Reporting structure is implied to be collaborative, with senior designers potentially reporting to a Head of Design or Creative Director, while working closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers embedded within teams to ensure holistic product development.

Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights from user research are foundational to design decisions.
• Workflow planning and optimization are driven by November Five's MX™ philosophy, emphasizing impactful moments and human drivers.
• Emphasis on craftsmanship, direct feedback, and continuous evolution of expertise within a fast-paced, "no-BS" environment.

Company Website: https://novemberfive.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: November Five presents itself as a high-caliber, results-oriented agency. The "maker" culture, direct feedback, and "no-BS" approach suggest an environment that values expertise, collaboration, and tangible impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, implying a high degree of autonomy, strategic input, and mentorship capability. The designer is expected to "own" processes, make critical decisions, and influence direction, moving beyond execution to strategic shaping. Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior Designer typically reports to a Design Lead, Creative Director, or Head of Product Design. They will work closely with, and potentially mentor, more junior designers, as well as collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineers, and Client Stakeholders. Operations Impact: The role's impact is direct and significant, influencing the user experience, emotional resonance, and ultimately the business success of products shipped for major brands. The designer is positioned as a driver of customer experience and business impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in specific areas like interaction design, motion design, or digital sustainability, or move towards leading design initiatives and mentoring junior talent.
• Client & Brand Impact: Opportunity to work on high-profile projects for well-known brands, building a strong portfolio and reputation.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through experimentation with new tools (AI, low-code), workshops, and exposure to diverse project challenges.
• Strategic Influence: Grow in influence to shape product strategy and November Five's design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential beyond individual contribution, with pathways into leadership, specialized craft, and strategic influence within a reputable agency.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company highlights its "stunning Antwerp HQ," suggesting a modern, well-equipped, and inspiring physical workspace designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Office Location(s): Antwerp, Belgium. The emphasis on the HQ suggests this is the primary location for on-site work. Workspace Context:

• The environment is described as high-standards, fast-paced, and "no-BS," fostering direct feedback and a focus on impactful work.
• Access to cutting-edge design and interaction tools is provided, including MacBooks and potentially specialized software licenses.
• Opportunities for deep collaboration with multidisciplinary teams (product, engineering, research) are central to the workflow.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected, with the understanding that project demands may require flexibility. The emphasis on "ship real products" and "no endless cycles" suggests a focus on efficient delivery within a structured, yet agile, framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description implies a vibrant, collaborative office environment in Antwerp, geared towards high-performance design work, with ample resources and opportunities for interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess core skills, experience, and alignment with November Five's design philosophy.
• Portfolio Deep Dive: A session focused on reviewing the candidate's portfolio, discussing specific projects, design rationale, process, and impact. Expect questions about how you've translated research into design and handled ambiguity.
• Skills & Collaboration Assessment: Potentially a workshop, design challenge, or collaborative exercise to evaluate problem-solving skills, design craft, and ability to work with others. This may involve co-creating or critiquing a design.
• Cultural Fit & Stakeholder Management: Discussions to assess alignment with November Five's values (maker mindset, direct feedback, no-BS) and ability to communicate and influence stakeholders (clients, internal teams).
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and final alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your end-to-end design process, visual craft, and strategic thinking.
• For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, iteration), key decisions, and the measurable impact or outcome.
• Highlight how you've applied design principles, addressed user needs, and met business objectives. Specifically, showcase examples that demonstrate your ability to create "moments that stick" and tap into deeper human drivers.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with Figma and any other relevant tools (Rive, After Effects, etc.).
• Demonstrate your understanding of and approach to accessibility, sustainability, and component-based design.
• If you have experience with AI in design, be ready to articulate your pragmatic, human-first approach.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a design challenge that tests your ability to handle ambiguity, structure a problem space, and ideate solutions quickly.
• Practice articulating your design thinking process clearly and concisely. Focus on structure, logic, and user-centered reasoning.
• Be ready to present your approach and potential solutions, and engage in a constructive critique session.
• Prepare to discuss how you would collaborate with product managers and engineers on your proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and the ability to articulate design strategy and process. Candidates should prepare to showcase not just visual skills but also critical thinking and collaborative capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping. Expect advanced usage and potentially a deep understanding of collaborative features and component systems.
• Prototyping & Interaction Tools: Rive, After Effects, Lottie, or similar for creating advanced animations, micro-interactions, and exploring new forms of interaction.
• Low-Code Platforms (Preferred): Webflow, Framer, for rapid prototyping and potentially development.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly listed for the designer, familiarity with how design impacts analytics and reporting tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) is beneficial for understanding user behavior and measuring design effectiveness. CRM & Automation: Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but understanding how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms could be an advantage for certain projects. AI Tooling: Experimentation with visual AI tools like Midjourney or Weavy is a plus, indicating an openness to new technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. The company actively encourages experimentation with advanced interaction tools and emerging technologies like AI and low-code platforms, indicating a forward-thinking design environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Making: A deep commitment to high-quality execution and the "maker" ethos.
• Directness & Honesty: "No-BS" culture with direct, constructive feedback.
• Collaboration & Expertise: Valuing diverse backgrounds and deep collaboration to evolve expertise.
• Impact & Delivery: Focus on shipping real products that have tangible impact, avoiding endless cycles.
• Human-Centricity: A pragmatic, human-first approach to technology and design, especially regarding AI.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Designers work closely within multidisciplinary product teams, fostering a collaborative and embedded approach.
• Open Critiques: Regular internal reviews and co-design sessions encourage shared ownership and iterative improvement.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Proactive communication and facilitation to ensure alignment and educate clients and internal teams on design choices.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment where expertise is shared and continuously evolved.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at November Five emphasizes high standards, direct communication, and a collaborative "maker" spirit. Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced, feedback-rich environment and value tangible impact will fit well.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Thriving in open-ended problem spaces and providing structure, clarity, and direction.
• Balancing Demands: Effectively balancing user needs, technical constraints, and business goals on complex projects.
• Driving Design Standards: Establishing and maintaining high design standards across diverse projects and teams.
• Integrating New Technologies: Pragmatically incorporating AI and other emerging tools into the design workflow without compromising core design principles.
• Client Education: Effectively communicating design rationale and value to diverse client stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tool Mastery: Deepening skills in Figma and exploring advanced interaction/motion design tools.
• Design Philosophy Expansion: Contributing to and evolving November Five's MX™ design philosophy.
• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining insights from product, engineering, and strategy through close collaboration.
• Industry Exposure: Working with prominent brands and tackling diverse product challenges.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and potentially grow into leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior-level roles in a leading agency, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a dynamic environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to bring clarity to an ambiguous design problem. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on structuring, research, and decision-making).
• "How do you ensure your design decisions are grounded in user insights and business goals, especially when faced with conflicting priorities?" (Highlight your process for balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical feasibility).
• "Walk us through a project where you significantly influenced a client or stakeholder through your design recommendations. What was your communication strategy?" (Prepare a case study demonstrating persuasive communication and stakeholder management).
• "How do you integrate AI tools into your design process? Provide an example of how you've used AI to enhance your work, and discuss its limitations." (Focus on pragmatic, human-centric application).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about November Five's Design Philosophy (MX™), and how would you apply it in your work?" (Research the philosophy and prepare examples).
• "How do you handle direct feedback, both giving and receiving, in a fast-paced team environment?" (Demonstrate openness to constructive criticism and your approach to providing feedback).
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you work with product managers, engineers, and researchers?" (Showcase your ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 3-4 key projects. For each, clearly outline the challenge, your role, the process, key decisions, and the impact.
• Emphasize the "why" behind your design choices, linking them to user needs, business goals, and November Five's MX™ philosophy.
• Be prepared to discuss your use of Figma and any advanced interaction/prototyping tools.
• Use visuals effectively, but be ready to dive deep into the process and rationale.
• Practice articulating your thoughts concisely and engagingly. Be ready for interactive elements, such as a design critique or a brief collaborative exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be highly interactive, with a strong emphasis on your portfolio, design process, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Prepare detailed examples and be ready to articulate your reasoning under pressure.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership, strong visual craft, strategic thinking, and experience with complex problem-solving. Showcase examples of creating impactful user moments and integrating user insights.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your 5+ years of relevant experience, emphasizing achievements and responsibilities related to product design leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder management. Use keywords like "UX," "UI," "prototyping," "Figma," "design systems," and "user research."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare case studies that align with the responsibilities and company values. Be ready to discuss your approach to ambiguity and your experience with AI in design.
• Company Research: Thoroughly review November Five's website, understand their Design Philosophy (MX™), and research their recent work and clients to demonstrate genuine interest and cultural alignment.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations/design industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with November Five before making application decisions, particularly regarding hybrid work arrangements and specific compensation details.