Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: SpotOn: Product Location: Austin, Texas Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / UX/UI Date Posted: 2025-11-03 Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years) Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid options may be available based on team integration and company policy)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for complex features and platforms, ensuring user-centricity and alignment with business objectives.
• Champion design excellence by applying advanced user-centered design principles, interaction design, visual design, and systems thinking to create intuitive and scalable solutions.
• Actively contribute to the evolution of SpotOn's design strategy, mentoring junior designers, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high craft.
• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and research to translate user needs and business goals into impactful product experiences across web and mobile interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly for a "Senior Product Designer," indicating a need for demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor. The "Remote OK" status suggests flexibility, but strong collaboration and communication skills will be critical for remote success in a hybrid environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute comprehensive design solutions, spanning user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity UIs, and interactive prototypes for both web and mobile applications, addressing identified user needs and strategic company goals.
• Apply a systems thinking approach to ensure design consistency, scalability, and maintainability across SpotOn's diverse product portfolio and feature sets.
• Leverage user research findings, data analytics, and user feedback to inform design decisions, iteratively refine existing solutions, and proactively identify new design opportunities.
• Facilitate and lead cross-functional workshops, design critiques, and collaborative sessions to foster alignment, drive innovation, and push the boundaries of product design.
• Articulate and communicate design rationale clearly to stakeholders, demonstrating how proposed designs contribute to measurable business outcomes and enhance user satisfaction.
• Provide constructive and actionable feedback to peers and junior designers, fostering a collaborative environment that elevates the overall quality and polish of design work.
• Champion and actively contribute to the maintenance and evolution of SpotOn's design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design execution across all products.
• Plan, conduct, and synthesize user research initiatives, translating insights into actionable recommendations that directly influence product strategy and design direction.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers through feedback, collaborative pairing sessions, and the sharing of industry best practices to foster their professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a senior-level contribution including strategy, mentoring, and driving complex features. The inclusion of "systems thinking," "design systems," and "user research" points to a structured and data-informed design process crucial for a growing tech company.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Relevant higher-education degree in Product Design, UX, UI, Interaction Design, or a related field, OR a comparable professional certificate from an accredited boot camp.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of delivering impactful digital products and prototypes within cross-functional teams.
• Demonstrated success in applying user-centered design principles, interaction design, visual design, and systems thinking to solve complex product challenges.
• Experience in planning, executing, and synthesizing user research to inform design decisions and improve user experiences.
• Proven ability to mentor and elevate the craft of other designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design team.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of industry-standard design tools such as Figma, FigJam, Miro, and Notion.
• Proficiency in collaboration platforms like Slack and Jira for seamless team integration and project management.
• Deep understanding of user-centered design principles, interaction design, visual design, and systems thinking.
• Strong aesthetic UI capabilities and proven experience working with and evolving comprehensive design systems.
• Demonstrated success in designing digital products and prototypes within cross-functional teams.
• Thorough understanding of WCAG AA Accessibility Compliance standards and their application in design.
• Skilled in user research methodologies, including planning, conducting, and synthesizing insights to drive design improvements.
• Experience in defining personas, behavioral archetypes, and journey maps to build a holistic understanding of the end-to-end user experience.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts and influence cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with AI-powered tools or automation within the design process, enhancing efficiency and innovation.
• Ability to effectively prioritize tasks and execute work in a timely and organized manner.
• Demonstrated ability to handle complexity, adapt quickly to changing requirements, and maintain clarity in design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to or working knowledge of HTML/CSS.
• Interest and/or direct experience in the hospitality industry, restaurant tech, or small-to-medium business (SMB) services.
• Skills in motion design and illustration to enhance user engagement and product aesthetics.
• Familiarity with information architecture, content strategy, and UX writing principles.
• Experience working within a service design framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level aligns with "Senior" status. The emphasis on specific tools (Figma, Slack, Jira) and methodologies (WCAG AA, Systems Thinking, User Research, Design Systems) are critical keywords for operations and product roles. The "Nice to Have" section provides valuable context for candidates looking to tailor their application to SpotOn's industry focus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A professional portfolio that clearly demonstrates your design process, from initial problem definition through to final solution.
• Showcase your design thinking methodology, highlighting how you approach complex problems and user needs.
• Exhibit aesthetic excellence in UI design, with a focus on usability, clarity, and visual appeal.
• Provide concrete examples of problem-solving skills, detailing the challenges faced and the solutions implemented.
• Include case studies that illustrate your application of systems thinking and contribution to design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of your design workflow, including user research synthesis, ideation, prototyping, and iteration phases.
• Examples of how you have collaborated with engineers and product managers to bring designs to life, ensuring technical feasibility and alignment with product goals.
• Demonstrate your approach to measuring the impact of design decisions, using data and user feedback to validate and refine solutions.
• Showcase how you have contributed to or leveraged design systems to ensure consistency and scalability across multiple products or features.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for a Senior Product Designer role. The emphasis on "process," "systems thinking," and "measuring impact" aligns with operations and GTM expectations for demonstrable results and repeatable methodologies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Austin, Texas, with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $120,000 - $170,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Austin, the seniority of the role, and the tech industry compensation trends.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.
• 401k plan with a company match to support long-term financial planning.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) offering equity and participation in company growth.
• Generous Paid Vacation, 10 Company Holidays, and Sick Time for work-life balance.
• Volunteer Time Off to encourage community engagement.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to foster community, inclusion, and professional development.
• Monthly stipends for cell phone and internet to support remote work.
• Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year for professional development and continued learning.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be offered to accommodate remote work and individual productivity needs, with an emphasis on delivering results and meeting project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Product Designer in a major tech hub like Austin, factoring in the specified experience level. The benefits are directly pulled from the provided text, with added context for operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software, SaaS), Food & Beverage, Hospitality, Financial Services (Point-of-Sale Systems). Company Size: SpotOn is a rapidly growing technology company, indicated by its multiple awards and employee recognition, suggesting a dynamic environment with a significant number of employees (likely hundreds to over a thousand). Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the company's awards and rapid growth suggest a relatively established but innovative presence in the market. The "Great Places to Work" and "Built In's Best Workplaces" accolades highlight a culture that values its employees and fosters a positive work environment.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is part of a larger Product organization, working in close collaboration with Product Management and Engineering.
• As a senior member, you will likely report to a Design Lead or Director of Product Design, with a clear reporting structure within the product development hierarchy.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, involving constant interaction with researchers, product managers, engineers, and potentially marketing and sales teams to ensure cohesive product development.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on leveraging user research and data analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Systems Thinking & Design Systems: A commitment to creating scalable, consistent, and maintainable design solutions through robust design systems.
• Agile Development: Implied through close collaboration with engineering and product management, suggesting iterative design and development cycles.
• User-Centricity: A foundational principle, ensuring that user needs are at the forefront of all design efforts.

Company Website: https://www.spoton.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description and awards paint a picture of a mission-driven, employee-focused tech company operating in the competitive hospitality and restaurant tech space. The emphasis on "real humans who actually give a sh*t" suggests a culture of genuine care and a strong sense of purpose.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Senior to Senior level within the Product Design function. It requires not only strong individual contribution skills but also the ability to influence design strategy, mentor junior team members, and take ownership of complex design challenges. The scope extends beyond individual feature design to contributing to the overall design system and product ecosystem.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Director of Product Design, with direct collaboration across Product Management and Engineering teams. This structure allows for both focused execution and broader strategic input.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the success of SpotOn's products by enhancing user experience, driving adoption, and contributing to the overall usability and effectiveness of their technology solutions. This, in turn, influences customer satisfaction, retention, and the company's ability to compete in the market, ultimately impacting revenue through customer acquisition and loyalty.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Track: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing a team, defining design strategy, and managing larger initiatives within the product portfolio.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas such as user research, design operations, accessibility, or specialized product domains within SpotOn's offerings.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Potential to move into Product Management or other product-focused roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development.
• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge in the restaurant tech and hospitality industry, becoming a subject matter expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and explicit mention of mentoring junior designers point to a clear growth path towards leadership. The emphasis on "impact" and "strategy" suggests that performance in this role is measured by more than just design output, but also by influence and team development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is "Remote OK," SpotOn has offices and is recognized as a "Great Place to Work" and "Best Workplace," indicating a positive and potentially hybrid office environment. The company culture suggests a collaborative and supportive atmosphere.

Office Location(s): The primary listed location is Austin, Texas. However, the "Remote OK" status implies that candidates in other locations may be considered, though proximity to an office or established remote team practices would be beneficial.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace that encourages open communication and teamwork, whether remote or in-office. The emphasis on workshops and critiques highlights a culture of shared learning and collective problem-solving.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (Figma, Miro, Slack, Jira) will be readily available to facilitate efficient workflow and communication.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design, product, and engineering teams through stand-ups, design reviews, and project-specific meetings, fostering a strong sense of team cohesion.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with an expected 40-hour work week. While core hours may exist for collaboration, flexibility is likely provided, especially for remote employees, to manage work effectively and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The focus will be on output and meeting project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Remote OK" status combined with the company's positive workplace awards suggests a balanced approach to remote and in-office work, prioritizing employee well-being and productivity.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation: An in-depth session where you will walk through selected case studies from your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your contributions, challenges, and learnings.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be asked to complete a take-home design exercise or participate in a live design critique/workshop to assess your practical skills, design thinking, and collaboration abilities.
• Team Interviews: Meetings with fellow designers, product managers, and engineers to evaluate your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager or design lead to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your skills relevant to this role (UX, UI, interaction design, systems thinking, research).
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role and responsibilities, the process you followed, your key decisions and rationale, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your design thinking, research methodologies, and how you iterate based on feedback and data. Show, don't just tell.
• Showcase Systems Thinking: Include examples of how you've worked with or contributed to design systems, ensuring consistency and scalability.
• Demonstrate Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Tailor to SpotOn: If possible, include a project that demonstrates an understanding of the hospitality or restaurant tech industry, or showcase how you've tackled complex B2B or SaaS challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Prompt: Carefully read and understand any design challenge or exercise provided. Ask clarifying questions if needed.
• Embrace Constraints: Recognize that you'll be working within time and information constraints. Focus on demonstrating your approach and decision-making process.
• Communicate Your Thinking: Articulate your assumptions, thought process, and design rationale clearly, especially if presenting your work.
• Prioritize User Needs: Ensure your solutions are grounded in user needs and business objectives.
• Be Open to Feedback: During critiques or interviews, be receptive to feedback and demonstrate an ability to incorporate constructive criticism.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for a senior design role, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and case study presentation, which aligns with the "process and systems portfolio requirements."

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration, expected to be used extensively for creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes.
• FigJam: Likely used for brainstorming, ideation, user flow mapping, and collaborative workshops, complementing Figma's design capabilities.
• Miro: A versatile digital whiteboard for collaborative ideation, journey mapping, affinity diagramming, and workshop facilitation, crucial for remote collaboration.
• Notion: Potentially used for project documentation, design system guidelines, research synthesis, and team knowledge sharing.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.
• Experience with data visualization tools or dashboards to interpret user data and present findings.

CRM & Automation:

• While not primary design tools, understanding how design integrates with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and automation platforms (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot for user onboarding flows) can be beneficial.
• Slack: Essential for real-time communication, team updates, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Jira: The standard for project management, issue tracking, and workflow management within agile development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Figma, FigJam, Miro, and Notion indicates a modern, collaborative design environment. Understanding how design tools interface with project management (Jira) and communication (Slack) is key for seamless workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A strong focus on delivering tangible results that benefit independent restaurant operators and contribute to SpotOn's success.
• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, particularly independent restaurant owners and their staff.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working together across disciplines to achieve common goals, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Innovation & Agility: A culture that encourages fast-paced execution, continuous learning, and adaptation to evolving market needs.
• Heart & Hustle: A blend of passion for the mission and a tenacious, results-oriented approach to work.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, actively participating in all stages of the product development lifecycle.
• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive criticism and open dialogue through design critiques and regular feedback sessions to continuously improve work.
• Knowledge Sharing: A willingness to share best practices, insights, and learnings across the team to elevate collective expertise and drive efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values ("heart and hustle," "real humans who actually give a sh*t") suggest a culture that is both mission-oriented and people-focused. This translates to a collaborative environment where empathy and dedication are highly valued.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: As SpotOn grows, maintaining and evolving a comprehensive design system across multiple products to ensure consistency and efficiency will be an ongoing challenge.
• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively navigating the trade-offs between ideal user experiences, technical feasibility, and business objectives in a fast-paced environment.
• Designing for Diverse User Segments: Creating solutions that cater to the varied needs and technical proficiencies of different types of restaurant operators and SMBs.
• Remote Collaboration: Ensuring seamless communication, alignment, and creative synergy within a distributed or hybrid team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in areas like advanced prototyping, animation, accessibility, or user research methodologies.
• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of the hospitality and restaurant technology sector, becoming a subject matter expert.
• Leadership Development: Mentoring junior designers, leading design initiatives, and potentially moving into management roles.
• Exposure to AI/Automation: Working with AI-powered design tools and exploring automation opportunities within the design process to enhance efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a growing tech company with a complex product suite. The growth opportunities are clearly linked to the senior level of the role and the company's expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product design challenge you faced and how you approached it. What was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study from your portfolio that highlights your process, decision-making, and impact).
• "How do you balance the needs of different stakeholders (users, business, engineering) when making design decisions?" (Focus on your communication, negotiation, and compromise strategies).
• "How do you ensure design consistency and scalability across multiple products or features?" (Discuss your experience with design systems, style guides, and systems thinking).
• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research and how you translate those insights into design solutions." (Be ready to share specific research methodologies and examples of how research informed your work).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about SpotOn and our mission to support independent restaurants?" (Research SpotOn's products, market position, and company values. Connect your passion to their mission).
• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers?" (Prepare examples of how you've given feedback, shared knowledge, and supported the growth of others).
• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment. How do you contribute to positive team dynamics?" (Highlight your communication style, openness to feedback, and proactivity in team settings).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), key decisions, challenges, and outcomes/impact.
• Highlight Your 'Why': Articulate the rationale behind your design choices. Why did you choose this particular solution? What user needs or business goals does it address?
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (screenshots, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points effectively.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).
• Be Conversational and Engaging: Present with confidence and enthusiasm. Be prepared to answer questions and engage in a discussion about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation focuses on demonstrating senior-level thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the design process, all crucial for a role that involves strategy and mentorship.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.
• Curate and Refine Your Portfolio: Select 3-4 of your most impactful projects that showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and senior-level contributions. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your role, process, decisions, and measurable outcomes.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience directly relevant to the job description, emphasizing skills in UX, UI, interaction design, user research, design systems, and mentoring. Use keywords identified in the job description (e.g., Figma, WCAG AA, Systems Thinking).
• Prepare for Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on clear communication, strong rationale, and demonstrating your impact. Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and leadership approach.
• Research SpotOn: Understand their products, their mission to support independent restaurants, and their company culture. Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers.

⚠️ 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.