Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Raft Location: London, England, United Kingdom Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: 2025-10-27 Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5-10 years) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end product design process for a significant platform area, from initial user research and discovery through to high-fidelity UI and final handoff.
• Own a core product area, taking charge of redesigning it for a specific customer segment, emphasizing user-centric problem-solving and iterative refinement.
• Leverage direct access to end-users for authentic insights, translating real-world feedback into tangible product outcomes and impactful design solutions.
• Foster and contribute to a strong design culture by collaborating with fellow designers, sharing best practices, and mentoring others in the pursuit of craft and innovation.
• Drive clarity and efficiency in complex, data-dense B2B SaaS environments, advocating for users and simplifying intricate workflows to enhance daily productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes ownership and end-to-end responsibility, suggesting a need for a candidate comfortable with ambiguity and proactive problem-solving. The focus on B2B SaaS and complex workflows indicates a specialized skill set beyond general UI/UX.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the entire product design lifecycle, encompassing user research, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and the creation of high-fidelity user interface designs.
• Take full ownership of a designated product area, driving its redesign from concept through to implementation, with a direct impact on a specific customer segment.
• Utilize direct end-user access to conduct qualitative and quantitative research, transforming raw insights into actionable design strategies and validated solutions.
• Collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, Sales, and Customer Success, to ensure design alignment with business objectives and technical feasibility.
• Act as a primary user advocate, translating complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and efficient design solutions for data-intensive B2B SaaS platforms.
• Contribute to the evolution of Raft's design ethos by actively participating in design critiques, knowledge sharing sessions, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
• Simplify and bring order to intricate operational workflows within the logistics industry, ensuring that the platform enhances, rather than hinders, user productivity.
• Drive iteration and refinement cycles based on user feedback, performance metrics, and evolving product strategy, ensuring a high standard of design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic ownership, hands-on design execution, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of a senior-level role in a growing tech company. The emphasis on "0→1" product development suggests involvement in creating new features or redesigning core components from the ground up.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of product design principles and methodologies is paramount. A background in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a significant focus on B2B SaaS platforms. Experience leading end-to-end design projects from conception to launch is essential.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in designing data-dense, desktop B2B SaaS platforms, including those with complex workflows or enterprise-level users.
• Demonstrated ability to lead end-to-end product design processes, from initial user research and journey mapping to final UI, particularly in "0→1" product development scenarios.
• Strong capability in conducting user research, gathering insights, and translating them into effective wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs.
• Proficiency in simplifying complex problems and workflows, making them intuitive and user-friendly for enterprise users in a logistics context.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly to engineers, product managers, stakeholders, and external clients.
• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with a demonstrated ability to take initiative, navigate ambiguity, and own design outcomes independently.
• Experience working closely with engineering teams, ensuring seamless design handoff and implementation, and understanding technical constraints.
• A collaborative mindset, with a proven ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team environment and contribute positively to team culture.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the logistics, supply chain, or freight forwarding industries.
• Familiarity with AI tools and their application in product design and workflow automation.
• Experience mentoring junior designers or contributing to the development of design systems.
• A strong understanding of design thinking methodologies and agile development processes.
• Familiarity with various UX research methodologies, including usability testing, A/B testing, and customer interviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on B2B SaaS, complex workflows, and data-dense design points towards a need for a designer who can handle intricate systems and large volumes of information, rather than solely focusing on visual aesthetics. The "0→1" experience highlights the value placed on innovation and new product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase 2-3 robust case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design ownership, ideally with at least one involving "0→1" product development or significant redesign of a core area.
• Highlight projects that involve complex B2B SaaS platforms, data-dense interfaces, or intricate workflow simplification.
• Clearly articulate your role, process, and the specific challenges you addressed in each case study, focusing on user research, problem definition, ideation, iteration, and final solution.
• Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible, using metrics related to user efficiency, task completion rates, user satisfaction, or business outcomes.
• Present wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that demonstrate your design craft and problem-solving abilities.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you've approached user research, including methodologies used and how insights were gathered and applied.
• Documentation of your iterative design process, showing how feedback was incorporated to refine designs.
• Artifacts showcasing your ability to simplify complex workflows into clear and intuitive user journeys.
• Evidence of collaboration with engineering and product teams, illustrating your handoff process and problem-solving during implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for demonstrating hands-on experience with complex B2B SaaS, the full design lifecycle, and the ability to translate user needs into tangible, impactful solutions. Emphasis on "0→1" and complex workflows suggests a preference for candidates who can demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving beyond incremental improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in London with 5-10 years of experience, particularly in the B2B SaaS/Tech sector, a competitive salary range of £70,000 - £95,000 per annum is estimated. This range reflects the seniority of the role, the complexity of the product, and the high demand for skilled product designers in the London market.

Benefits:

• Private health insurance, including vision and dental coverage, ensuring comprehensive well-being support.
• Pension scheme, contributing to long-term financial security.
• Daily free breakfast and free team lunches on Tuesdays, fostering a collaborative and enjoyable office environment.
• Visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates, demonstrating a commitment to attracting global talent.
• Flexible hybrid working model, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• Opportunities to explore and integrate new AI tools and workflows into the design process.
• Supportive and diverse team environment with a strong international representation.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, with flexibility offered through the hybrid model. The company culture appears to value work-life balance, encouraging efficient work within a structured framework, likely around 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar roles in London, considering the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are directly listed from the job description, highlighting aspects important for attracting talent in the competitive tech market.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Raft operates within the Logistics and Supply Chain Technology sector, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to automate and optimize global supply chain operations. The company focuses on building intelligent platforms for freight forwarders and customs brokers.

Company Size: Raft is a growing startup, having recently secured Series B funding. This indicates a dynamic environment with a relatively small, agile team, offering significant opportunities for impact and direct contribution. The team size is approximately 9 people, with a diverse international representation.

Founded: While the exact founding date isn't specified, Raft has progressed to Series B funding, suggesting it has been operational for several years and has established a solid product-market fit. This maturity implies a structured approach to product development and operations, balanced with startup agility.

Team Structure:

• The product and design team is described as "close-knit" and based in London.
• The reporting structure likely involves the Senior Product Designer reporting to a Head of Product or Design Lead, with close collaboration across Product, Engineering, Sales, and Customer Success teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with direct interaction with internal stakeholders and external client teams crucial for success.

Methodology:

• Raft emphasizes a data-driven approach, using AI to improve supply chain operations. This likely translates to design decisions being informed by data, user analytics, and performance metrics.
• The design process is end-to-end, from discovery and research to UI and handoff, suggesting a structured yet flexible methodology that embraces iteration and user feedback.
• A strong focus on "craft" and "collaboration" indicates a commitment to high-quality design output and a team-oriented work environment.

Company Website: https://www.raft-game.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights a mission-driven startup in a critical industry (logistics), utilizing advanced technology (AI). The culture is described as collaborative, high-standards, and low-ego, with a strong emphasis on user impact and design craft.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Product Designer," indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant autonomy, leadership in design execution, and the ability to mentor others. The scope includes owning a major product area and influencing design culture.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product or a Design Lead. They will work very closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams, and also engage with Sales and Customer Success to gather insights and present solutions. This structure facilitates direct impact and visibility.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency and daily lives of users in the logistics industry. By improving complex workflows and data-dense platforms, the role contributes significantly to Raft's mission of automating and optimizing global supply chains. Design decisions have tangible business outcomes and user satisfaction improvements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Deepen expertise in designing for complex B2B SaaS, logistics, or AI-driven products. Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role as the team expands.
• Skill Development: Opportunities to explore and implement new AI tools in design workflows. Continuous learning through collaboration, feedback, and potential industry events/training.
• Strategic Influence: Influence product strategy and design direction by advocating for user needs and proposing innovative solutions. Contribute to scaling the design function and its processes within Raft.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential beyond individual contribution, with clear paths towards leadership and specialization within a cutting-edge tech company and industry. The emphasis on "0→1" and ownership suggests opportunities for significant professional development and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Raft operates a hybrid work model, with an office located near London Bridge. This suggests a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster team interaction, innovation, and focused work.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located near London Bridge, a well-connected and vibrant area in London, England, United Kingdom. This location offers excellent accessibility for employees and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to facilitate collaboration, with opportunities for in-person meetings, workshops, and informal discussions, such as walks by the river or around the Tate Modern.
• Access to modern design tools and technology is implied, supporting the creation of high-fidelity UIs and prototypes.
• The "close-knit" team structure and hybrid model encourage a balance of focused individual work and dynamic team interaction.

Work Schedule: A flexible hybrid working arrangement is in place. While specific days in the office might be expected (likely around 2 days per week based on typical hybrid models), the overall schedule allows for adaptability, supporting efficient execution of design tasks and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and office location near London Bridge suggest a modern, employee-focused work environment that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration. The company's culture encourages informal interaction and inspiration, which is a positive aspect for creative roles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Intro Chat with Recruiter: Initial screening to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and mutual interest. Be prepared to articulate your career trajectory and motivations for applying.
• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage where you'll present 1-2 in-depth case studies to members of the design team. Focus on your process, problem-solving, and the impact of your work.
• Take-home Design Challenge + Presentation: A practical assessment of your design thinking and problem-solving skills applied to a real-world scenario. This will be presented to the team, so prepare a clear narrative.
• Leadership Interview: A conversation with a C-level leader to discuss your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and alignment with the company's vision.
• Meet the Team (In-person): A final stage to assess culture fit, motivation, and career goals. This is an opportunity to ask in-depth questions about team dynamics and daily work.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly define the problem, your role, the constraints, your process, the solutions you explored, and the final outcome/impact.
• Process Clarity: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, iteration cycles, and how you collaborated with stakeholders. Show your thinking, not just the final polished screens.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Tailor to Raft: Emphasize projects that showcase experience with B2B SaaS, complex workflows, data-density, and ideally, any exposure to logistics or AI.
• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your chosen case studies within a given timeframe, focusing on the most impactful aspects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: Thoroughly analyze the design challenge and identify the core user needs and business objectives.
• Define Your Approach: Outline your proposed design process, including research, ideation, and iteration steps.
• Focus on Rationale: Be prepared to explain why you made certain design decisions, linking them back to user needs, business goals, and data.
• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your work clearly, confidently, and concisely. Be ready to answer questions about your approach and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The multi-stage interview process, including a take-home challenge and in-person meetings, indicates a thorough evaluation. The portfolio presentation and design challenge are critical, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is essential for wireframing, UI design, and prototyping. Figma is often favored for its collaborative features in hybrid environments.
• User Research & Analysis: Experience with tools for user interviews, usability testing, and data analysis. This could include platforms like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or general analytics tools.
• Project Management & Collaboration: Familiarity with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for task tracking, workflow management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Experience with tools like Google Analytics or Amplitude to understand user behavior, track feature adoption, and measure the impact of design changes.
• Data Visualization: Familiarity with tools that can help visualize data and user insights, potentially including Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced features within analytics platforms.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how design impacts CRM data management and workflow automation within a B2B SaaS context (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) can be beneficial for context.
• Awareness of how AI tools are being integrated into design workflows and product features will be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the specific tools aren't listed, the role implies a need for proficiency in modern design and collaboration suites, with a strong emphasis on tools that facilitate end-to-end product development and cross-functional communication. Experience with data analysis tools is increasingly important for product designers to measure impact.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craft & Quality: A deep commitment to design excellence, attention to detail, and delivering high-quality, polished work. This translates to a rigorous approach to design problem-solving and execution.
• Collaboration & Low Ego: A belief in working together, supporting teammates, and valuing collective success over individual accolades. This fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed and integrated.
• User Advocacy: A primary focus on understanding and representing the needs of the end-user, ensuring that product decisions are user-centric and lead to genuine improvements in their daily work.
• Impact & Purpose: A drive to create products that matter and have a tangible positive effect on users' lives and the efficiency of a critical industry (logistics).
• Innovation & Curiosity: An openness to exploring new technologies, such as AI, and finding creative solutions to complex problems, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in supply chain technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work closely with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the product development lifecycle, ensuring alignment and shared understanding.
• Open Feedback Culture: Encourages constructive critique and open discussion within the design team and with other departments to refine ideas and solutions.
• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share learnings, best practices, and insights across the team, contributing to collective growth and a more robust design process.
• Proactive Engagement: Team members are encouraged to take initiative, ask questions, and actively participate in discussions to shape product direction and design outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of high professional standards ("craft") with a supportive, team-oriented approach ("low ego"). This suggests an environment where designers are empowered to do their best work while being part of a cohesive unit focused on a shared mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Navigating and simplifying the intricate, data-dense workflows inherent in the logistics industry presents a significant design challenge.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively mediating between the needs of end-users, internal stakeholders (Product, Sales, CS), and business objectives requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
• "0→1" Product Development: Taking a product area from concept to launch involves significant ambiguity, requiring strong problem definition and strategic thinking without pre-existing specifications.
• Rapid Iteration: In a fast-moving startup environment with direct user access, the pace of iteration and feedback can be high, requiring adaptability and efficient design cycles.
• Shaping Design Culture: As a senior member, contributing to and evolving the design culture requires proactive engagement, mentorship, and setting high standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Industry Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in logistics technology, AI applications in supply chains, and B2B SaaS design for complex enterprise users.
• Product Leadership Growth: Develop skills in product strategy, user research leadership, and influencing product roadmaps, with potential for career advancement into leadership roles.
• Technology Exploration: Opportunities to work with and integrate emerging AI tools and technologies into the design process, staying at the forefront of innovation.
• Mentorship & Skill Enhancement: Learn from experienced colleagues, participate in design critiques, and potentially engage in external training or conferences to further develop design craft and strategic thinking.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior roles in innovative tech startups, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in specialized areas like AI and complex B2B SaaS design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe a time you led the end-to-end design for a complex B2B SaaS feature or product. What was your process, what challenges did you face, and what was the outcome?" Focus on your problem-solving, user research, iteration, and impact.
• Collaboration & Management: "How do you typically collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers? Describe a situation where you had to navigate conflicting requirements or technical constraints. How did you ensure user needs were represented?" Highlight your communication and negotiation skills.
• Problem Solving: "Walk us through a challenging workflow you've simplified. What made it complex, and how did you break it down to create an intuitive user experience?" Emphasize your analytical skills and ability to distill complexity.

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Operations: "What interests you about Raft's mission in the logistics industry and our use of AI? How do you see design contributing to our goals?" Show your understanding of the company's vision and your alignment with it.
• Team Dynamics: "What's your ideal team environment? How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative design culture?" Discuss your preferred working style and how you foster teamwork.
• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your designs? Can you provide an example of how you've used data to iterate on a product?" Be ready to discuss metrics and ROI.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation like a story: introduce the problem and context, detail your role and process, present your solutions, and conclude with the impact and learnings.
• Visuals & Artifacts: Use clear, high-quality visuals of your work (wireframes, mockups, prototypes). Ensure they are easy to understand and support your narrative.
• Focus on Rationale: For each design decision, explain the "why" – what user needs or business goals it addresses, and what alternatives you considered.
• Engage Your Audience: Be interactive. Ask questions, encourage feedback, and be prepared to discuss your work in detail. Show your passion and expertise.
• Time Management: Practice your presentation to ensure it fits within the allotted time, focusing on the most critical aspects of your case studies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of the end-to-end design process, strong problem-solving skills for complex B2B environments, and the ability to collaborate effectively. The portfolio presentation and design challenge are key opportunities to showcase these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best highlight your experience with B2B SaaS, complex workflows, and end-to-end product design ownership. Tailor your presentation to emphasize Raft's mission and the role's specific responsibilities.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in product design, specifically mentioning B2B SaaS, complex systems, user research, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Interview Preparation: Rehearse your answers to common product design interview questions, focusing on strategy, collaboration, and problem-solving. Practice your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Raft's mission, product, and recent funding. Understand the logistics industry and the role of AI within it. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewers about the company, team, and role.

⚠️ 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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