Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer
Company: Passes
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI
Date Posted: 2025-09-29
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design lifecycle for Passes' creator commerce platform, from initial user research and ideation through to final implementation and ongoing iteration.
• Craft intuitive, engaging, and visually compelling user experiences for both mobile and web applications, focusing on empowering creators.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Marketing teams to translate complex concepts into user-friendly, high-quality designs that align with business objectives.
• Develop and maintain robust design systems and style guides to ensure brand consistency and design excellence across all Passes products and platforms.
• Conduct rigorous usability testing and user research to gather actionable insights, driving continuous improvement and innovation in product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a Senior Product Designer focused on creator economy platforms, emphasizing the "zero-to-one" product development aspect and the need for strong collaboration within a fast-paced startup environment. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles within a technical product context.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire design process, from conducting user research and defining problem statements to generating wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.
• Design and iterate on user interfaces for mobile and web applications, ensuring they are intuitive, visually appealing, and aligned with the Passes brand identity and user needs.
• Collaborate effectively with product managers to define product strategy and roadmaps, and with engineers to ensure seamless design implementation and adherence to specifications.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems, style guides, and component libraries that promote consistency, scalability, and efficiency across the product suite.
• Plan and execute usability testing sessions, analyze feedback, and iterate on designs to optimize user flows, enhance engagement, and achieve product goals.
• Partner with the Head of Product Design to align design strategies with overarching business objectives and market opportunities within the creator economy.
• Present design concepts, user flows, and final solutions to stakeholders, clearly articulating design decisions and incorporating feedback to refine the product vision.
• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, tools, and best practices in UX/UI design, particularly those relevant to fintech, creator platforms, and e-commerce, to drive product innovation.
• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the organization, fostering a design-thinking mindset across all departments.
• Ensure a consistently high level of design quality and attention to detail in all deliverables, from pixel-perfect mockups to comprehensive user flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a "zero-to-one" design ownership, indicating a need for a proactive individual who can build foundational design elements and processes. The emphasis on design systems and consistency suggests a focus on scalability and maintainability, crucial for a growing tech platform.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Graphic Design, or a closely related field.
Experience: 5-8+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a demonstrable track record of successfully launching and iterating on digital products.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in user-centered design principles and methodologies for creating intuitive and engaging digital experiences.
• Proven ability to lead the full design process, from concept and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and final design execution.
• Strong proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, including Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant platforms.
• Deep understanding of UI design best practices for both mobile (iOS/Android) and web applications, ensuring accessibility and visual appeal.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions, present complex ideas clearly, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling successful stakeholder management, feedback incorporation, and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a methodical approach to identifying user needs and translating them into effective design solutions.
• Experience in building and maintaining design systems, style guides, and component libraries to ensure product consistency and design scalability.
• Proven ability to conduct usability testing, gather user feedback, and iterate designs based on data and user insights.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working on technical products, complex systems, or platforms within the fintech or creator economy sectors.
• Familiarity with front-end development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to foster better collaboration with engineering teams and understand technical constraints.
• Prior experience with early-stage startups or leading "zero-to-one" product development initiatives.
• Knowledge of user research methodologies and experience translating research findings into actionable design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The preferred skills emphasize a background in technical products and early-stage ventures, suggesting the company values candidates who can navigate ambiguity and contribute to foundational product development. Familiarity with front-end development is noted as a plus, indicating a desire for designers who can bridge the gap between design and implementation.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-8 years of professional product design experience, with a strong emphasis on UX/UI design for mobile and web applications.
• Detailed case studies demonstrating the end-to-end design process for at least 2-3 significant projects, including problem definition, user research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and final outcomes.
• Evidence of designing and launching "zero-to-one" products or significant new features from conception to completion.
• Examples of contributions to or creation of design systems, style guides, or component libraries, illustrating their impact on product consistency and team efficiency.
• Demonstrations of usability testing methodologies employed, including insights gained and how they informed design iterations and improvements.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase a clear understanding of a structured design process, from initial discovery and user needs assessment through to iterative development and final delivery.
• Illustrate how you have used design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch) to create wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that effectively communicate design intent.
• Provide examples of how design decisions were informed by user data, analytics, and qualitative feedback, highlighting your analytical approach to design.
• Demonstrate experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing) and how you managed feedback and integrated diverse perspectives into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are geared towards demonstrating hands-on experience with the full design lifecycle, particularly in building new products and establishing design consistency through systems. Emphasis is placed on process documentation and collaborative execution, reflecting the company's need for designers who can operate independently while integrating into a team.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Los Angeles, CA, with 5-8+ years of experience, a competitive salary range of $120,000 - $160,000 per year is estimated. This range accounts for the cost of living in Los Angeles and the seniority of the role.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary and Equity Package: Aligns with market standards for senior technical roles, offering both immediate compensation and long-term incentives.
• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Robust medical coverage to support employee well-being.
• 401(k) Plan with Company Matching: A retirement savings plan designed to help employees build financial security for the future.
• Unlimited PTO: Flexible paid time off policy, encouraging work-life balance and personal well-being.
• Industry-Leading In-Office Perks: Access to amenities and benefits that enhance the on-site work experience and foster a positive workplace culture.
• Professional Development Opportunities and Continuous Learning Support: Resources and encouragement for skill enhancement, career growth, and staying current with industry trends.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and collaborate effectively across time zones if necessary for remote or hybrid teams. Given this is an on-site role, specific office hours will apply.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in Los Angeles, CA, considering the experience level and industry. The benefits package is comprehensive, typical for a well-funded startup aiming to attract top talent in the tech sector. The "Unlimited PTO" is a common perk in startups that emphasizes trust and autonomy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on the rapidly evolving Creator Economy, FinTech, and E-commerce platforms. Passes operates at the intersection of these sectors, providing tools for creators to monetize their content and audience. Company Size: As a startup, Passes is likely in a growth phase, aiming to scale its operations and product offerings. This implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly provided, the company's focus on innovation within the creator economy suggests a modern, forward-thinking approach to business and technology.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates under a Head of Product Design, with senior designers collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers expected to work closely with marketing, business development, and potentially customer success teams.
• The structure is likely agile and iterative, focusing on rapid development cycles and continuous feedback loops.

Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design and data-driven decision-making is expected, influencing product development and iteration.
• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to be adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and feedback.
• Collaboration is key, with regular design critiques, sprint reviews, and cross-functional syncs to ensure alignment and shared understanding.

Company Website: https://passes.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is expected to be fast-paced and innovative, typical of a startup in the creator economy space. The emphasis on user-centered design and cross-functional collaboration indicates a team-oriented environment where designers play a pivotal role in product strategy and execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a high level of autonomy and responsibility. It signifies a mid-to-senior career stage where individuals are expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers (if applicable), and significantly influence product direction. The "zero-to-one" aspect suggests a role that requires foundational building and strategic input, crucial for a growing company.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report directly to the Head of Product Design. This close reporting line allows for direct mentorship, strategic alignment, and efficient feedback loops. Collaboration will extend to Product Managers and Engineering teams, forming core product development pods.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct and substantial impact on the success of Passes by shaping the user experience of its creator commerce platform. By creating intuitive and engaging tools, the designer will directly influence creator adoption, retention, revenue generation, and overall brand perception. Their work will be critical in differentiating Passes in a competitive market and driving user satisfaction and business growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role as the company scales, potentially managing a team and setting design strategy for larger product areas.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI design, such as complex systems, fintech interfaces, or mobile-first design, by taking on increasingly challenging projects.
• Strategic Influence: Contribute to product strategy and roadmap development, influencing the direction of new features and platform evolution based on design insights and user needs.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, share best practices, and contribute to the growth of the design function within the company.
• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the creator economy and creator monetization platforms, a rapidly expanding and influential market.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth analysis highlights a clear path for career advancement within a growing startup, emphasizing leadership, specialization, and strategic impact. The role offers significant opportunities for professional development and influence within a cutting-edge industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting explicitly states "(Not Remote)" and mentions "Industry-leading in-office perks," indicating a strong preference for an on-site work environment. This suggests a culture that values in-person collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and a cohesive team dynamic.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Hollywood, CA, a vibrant area within Los Angeles known for its creative industries. This location likely offers access to a rich talent pool and a stimulating environment.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and other team members.
• Access to modern design tools and technology is expected, supporting efficient workflow and high-quality output.
• The environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, characteristic of a startup, encouraging innovation and quick problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is typical, the startup environment may require flexibility to meet project deadlines and business needs. The on-site nature implies adherence to office hours and active participation in team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an on-site work environment in Hollywood, CA, suggests a company culture that prioritizes in-person collaboration and team cohesion. This is common for startups aiming to build strong internal relationships and foster a dynamic, creative atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter or hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and company.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing key projects, design process, and problem-solving approaches. This may be followed by a take-home or live design challenge to evaluate practical design skills and strategic thinking.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate into the team.
• Hiring Manager/Head of Product Design Interview: A final interview to discuss strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall fit with the team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your UX/UI expertise, particularly those involving "zero-to-one" product development or complex system design.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, your design process, the challenges faced, the solutions you implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your journey.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your user-centered approach, research methodologies, iterative process, and how you incorporated feedback. Showcase wireframes, prototypes, and final UI designs.
• Showcase Design Systems: If you've worked on or created design systems, present examples of how they ensured consistency and efficiency.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user engagement, reduced task completion time).
• Tailor to Passes: Research Passes' platform and target audience (creators). Highlight projects that demonstrate an understanding of creator monetization, audience engagement, or complex platform design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully read and understand the requirements of any design challenge. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Time Management: Allocate your time effectively between research, ideation, design, and presentation.
• Focus on Process: Even if you can't complete a fully polished design, demonstrate your thought process, problem-solving approach, and rationale behind your decisions.
• Present Clearly: Be prepared to articulate your design choices and justify them based on user needs and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess a candidate's design skills, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate within a startup environment. The emphasis on portfolio presentation and design challenges requires candidates to be prepared to demonstrate their process and impact with concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, given its industry prevalence.
• Sketch: Proficiency may be required if the company has existing design assets or a legacy design system built in Sketch.
• Adobe Creative Suite: Useful for image editing, illustration, and potentially motion graphics (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision, Principle, or ProtoPie could be beneficial for more advanced or interactive prototypes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics / Mixpanel / Amplitude: Understanding how to interpret user behavior data from these platforms is crucial for informing design decisions and measuring impact.
• Hotjar / FullStory: Tools for understanding user session recordings and heatmaps can provide valuable qualitative insights into user interactions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct design tool, an understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms might interact with the user interface can be advantageous for designing integrated experiences.
• Jira / Asana / Trello: Project management tools are essential for tracking design tasks, sprints, and collaborating with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and other standard design tools is paramount. The role also benefits from an understanding of analytics tools to inform design decisions and a familiarity with project management software for effective team collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of creators, ensuring that every design decision prioritizes user value and satisfaction.
• Innovation & Agility: A forward-thinking mindset that embraces new ideas, challenges the status quo, and adapts quickly to market changes and user feedback.
• Collaboration & Transparency: A culture of open communication, mutual respect, and cross-functional teamwork, where ideas are shared freely, and everyone contributes to collective success.
• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes, driving projects to completion, and demonstrating a commitment to achieving business goals through thoughtful design.
• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished, and well-crafted designs that reflect attention to detail and a passion for the craft.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Pods: Designers will work closely within agile product teams, fostering tight collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers from ideation through to launch.
• Design Critiques: Regular participation in design reviews to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Engaging with Marketing, Sales, and other departments to ensure a cohesive brand experience and gather diverse perspectives on product strategy.
• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings to elevate the entire team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a user-centric, innovative, and collaborative approach. Designers are expected to take ownership, deliver high-quality work, and actively contribute to the team's success through strong partnerships across departments.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The creator economy is dynamic; staying ahead of trends and adapting designs to meet creators' evolving needs will be a continuous challenge.
• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse creator needs and complex business objectives into cohesive and intuitive product designs.
• "Zero-to-One" Product Development: Building foundational design elements and processes for new products requires navigating ambiguity and establishing best practices from scratch.
• Scalability and Consistency: Ensuring that designs remain scalable and consistent as the platform grows and new features are introduced, while maintaining a high level of quality.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Maintaining alignment and clear communication with Product, Engineering, and Marketing teams, especially in a fast-paced startup environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Creator Economy: Gain specialized knowledge and expertise in the unique challenges and opportunities within the creator monetization space.
• Advanced Design System Development: Contribute to or lead the expansion and refinement of the company's design system, enhancing scalability and efficiency.
• Product Strategy Influence: Grow into a role where you can significantly influence product strategy and roadmap decisions based on design insights.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Develop leadership skills through leading design initiatives and potentially mentoring junior team members.
• Industry Conferences and Training: Opportunities to attend relevant design conferences, workshops, and training programs to stay current with industry best practices and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of a senior role in a growing tech startup, focusing on adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration. The growth opportunities are designed to foster long-term career development and specialization within a high-impact industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for designing a new feature from concept to launch for a product you've never worked on before, focusing on how you'd tackle a 'zero-to-one' challenge." (Preparation: Emphasize your research, ideation, prototyping, and iterative design methodologies. Highlight how you'd handle ambiguity and validate assumptions.)
• "How do you balance the needs of diverse user groups (e.g., different types of creators) with the overarching business objectives of a platform like Passes?" (Preparation: Discuss user segmentation, prioritization frameworks, and how you use data and user feedback to make trade-offs.)
• "Walk us through a time you had to advocate for a design decision that was met with resistance from stakeholders. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Prepare a specific STAR method example showcasing your communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about the creator economy and Passes' mission?" (Preparation: Research Passes' platform, its competitors, and the broader creator economy landscape. Articulate your genuine interest and how your skills align.)
• "How do you envision collaborating with product managers and engineers on a daily basis in a startup environment?" (Preparation: Discuss your preferred collaboration styles, your understanding of agile workflows, and how you ensure clear communication and alignment.)
• "How do you measure the success of your designs, and what metrics are most important to you?" (Preparation: Discuss key UX metrics (e.g., task completion rates, user satisfaction, engagement) and how they tie into business outcomes. Be ready to discuss specific examples.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Clearly articulate the problem your project aimed to solve and the user needs it addressed.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to guide your narrative. Explain your design decisions at each stage.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. If exact metrics aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how you would measure it post-launch.
• Highlight Your Role: Be clear about your specific contributions, especially in team projects.
• Emphasize Process: Demonstrate a structured, user-centered design process, including research, ideation, iteration, and testing.
• Address Challenges: Be open about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design process, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a startup. Candidates should be ready to showcase their portfolio with a clear narrative and quantifiable results, tailoring their responses to the specific context of Passes and the creator economy.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that align with Passes' focus on creator monetization, complex platforms, and "zero-to-one" product development. Highlight your UX/UI expertise and process.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5-8+ years of product design experience, specific achievements in UX/UI, proficiency in relevant design tools (Figma, Sketch), and experience with design systems and user research. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, articulating your design process, and demonstrating the impact of your work with data. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Passes, its mission, its target audience (creators), and its competitive landscape. Understand the company's culture and values to articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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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