Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer
Company: Valtech
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
Job Type: Temporary Freelancer Role
Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)
Date Posted: August 18, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5+ years)
Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the discovery phase for a strategic client project, defining a new product's vision from inception.
• Drive UX strategy and translate business objectives and user needs into actionable design deliverables, including user flows, wireframes, and prototypes in Figma.
• Collaborate closely with Product Owners and Lead Designers in an Agile environment to co-create product requirements and ensure user-centered design principles are applied throughout the product lifecycle.
• Facilitate workshops and stakeholder interviews to gather insights, communicate design decisions effectively, and support development teams with clear handoff documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is explicitly stated as a temporary freelancer assignment until the end of October 2025, emphasizing a project-based contribution rather than a permanent position. The focus on "discovery stage" and "zero-to-one products" highlights a critical, foundational phase of product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead discovery workshops and stakeholder interviews to elicit product vision, user requirements, and key business objectives.
• Translate initial insights, business discussions, and user needs into comprehensive UX deliverables, including user flows, wireframes, and both low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes using Figma.
• Define and take ownership of the UX strategy for new client products, ensuring a strong alignment between strategic business goals, user expectations, and technical feasibility.
• Partner with Product Owners and other key stakeholders to collaboratively define product requirements within an Agile and iterative development framework.
• Clearly and persuasively communicate design decisions, rationale, and user insights to diverse stakeholders, including business leaders, product managers, and engineering teams.
• Provide essential support to the development team through detailed handoff documentation and interaction specifications to ensure accurate implementation of designs.
• Conduct rapid validation cycles through user feedback sessions and usability testing to quickly iterate and refine designs based on empirical data.
• Act as a strong advocate for a user-centered design philosophy across all stages of the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a leadership role in the design process, particularly during the crucial early stages of product development. The emphasis on "leading discovery," "defining UX strategy," and "advocating for user-centered approach" suggests a need for proactive ownership and influence.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of UX principles, design thinking, and product development processes is essential. Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in User Experience (UX) Design, with a significant focus on web and/or mobile platforms.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of dedicated experience in User Experience (UX) Design for web and/or mobile applications.
• Proven track record of leading UX strategy development and defining user flows for early-stage or "zero-to-one" product initiatives.
• Demonstrated expertise in UX research methodologies, including the ability to independently plan and conduct user interviews, usability testing, and synthesize findings into actionable design improvements.
• Advanced proficiency in Figma, encompassing component-based design systems, interactive prototyping, and collaborative design workflows.
• Strong facilitation skills, with proven experience in leading discovery workshops, stakeholder interviews, and collaborative sketching sessions.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in ambiguous environments and self-direct work in fast-paced, evolving project settings.
• Solid understanding and practical application of Agile methodologies and modern product development processes.
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities, with a talent for effectively bridging the gap between design, business objectives, and technical considerations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a consulting environment, providing strategic design solutions to external clients.
• Familiarity with various user research tools beyond Figma, such as Miro for collaboration or usability testing platforms.
• Experience in A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and experience designing inclusive user interfaces.
• A portfolio that showcases end-to-end product design, from initial concept to final implementation, with a clear emphasis on process and impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must have qualifications" section strongly implies a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously and lead the design function for a new product. The emphasis on "leading UX strategy," "zero-to-one products," and "comfort with ambiguity" points to a senior-level designer capable of shaping direction with minimal oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase case studies demonstrating leadership in UX strategy for new product development, particularly "zero-to-one" initiatives.
• Highlight your process for conducting user research, including stakeholder interviews and usability testing, and how these insights informed design decisions.
• Provide examples of your work in Figma, demonstrating proficiency in creating user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and component-based design systems.
• Include evidence of your facilitation skills, such as outputs from workshops or collaborative design sessions.
• Quantify the impact of your design work, ideally with metrics related to user satisfaction, engagement, or successful product launches.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your design process from problem definition through to solution delivery, emphasizing iterative design and validation.
• Demonstrate how you integrate user feedback and business requirements into your design workflow.
• Explain your approach to collaborating with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Owners, Developers) and facilitating effective communication of design concepts.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly detailed in the original posting, a Senior Product Designer role, especially one leading discovery for a new product, necessitates a portfolio that demonstrates end-to-end process ownership, strategic thinking, and tangible outcomes. The emphasis on Figma and research skills further supports the need for detailed process documentation within the portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As this is a temporary freelancer role, compensation is typically negotiated based on experience and project scope. For a Senior Product Designer with 5+ years of experience in Sofia, Bulgaria, a competitive freelance rate would likely range from €35-€60 per hour or a project-based fee equivalent to €5,500 - €9,000 per month, depending on the intensity of work and specific client budget. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for freelance design professionals in Western/Central Europe, adjusted for the Sofia market's cost of living and talent pool.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Remote and hybrid work options are available, contributing to a better work-life balance.
• Paid Time Off: 25 vacation days are provided.
• Transportation & Wellness: Co-subsidized transportation and Multisport cards are offered.
• Health: Premium health insurance provides access to top healthcare services.
• Professional Development: A dedicated training policy supports participation in technical and skills-related events, courses, and certifications.
• Career Growth: A personal career development roadmap is guided by performance evaluations.
• Well-being: A self-care program includes psychological consultations for individuals and teams.
• Work Environment: Access to a cozy office space designed for comfort and productivity.
• Team Engagement: Opportunities to participate in exciting team events and company gatherings.

Working Hours: The role implies standard full-time engagement, estimated at 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through remote/hybrid arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for freelance work in the specified location. Specific benefits listed are those provided by Valtech to its employees; as a freelancer, the candidate may not receive all of these directly, but the company's overall compensation philosophy is indicated. The "temporary freelancer role" aspect is key to understanding the benefit structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation, Experience Innovation, Technology Consulting. Valtech positions itself as a partner for brands looking to innovate and transform their customer experiences through digital solutions. Company Size: Valtech is a global company with a significant presence across multiple continents. While the exact number of employees in the Sofia office isn't specified, the company as a whole employs thousands, indicating a large, well-resourced organization with established processes but also potentially a dynamic, project-driven environment. Founded: Valtech was founded in 1997, giving it a long history and deep experience in the digital landscape. This longevity suggests stability and a mature understanding of market trends.

Team Structure:

• The immediate project team will consist of the Senior Product Designer, a Product Owner, and a Lead Designer. This small, focused unit is typical for the discovery phase of a project.
• Beyond this core team, the Senior Product Designer will likely interact with broader Valtech teams (e.g., project managers, other designers, developers, account managers) and client stakeholders.
• The reporting structure for a freelancer might differ from a full-time employee, likely reporting to a project lead or manager within Valtech.

Methodology:

• Valtech emphasizes "experience innovation," suggesting a focus on user-centricity, creativity, and leveraging technology to solve business problems.
• The mention of "Agile methodologies" and "discovery stage" indicates a lean, iterative approach to product development, prioritizing rapid learning and adaptation.
• Data, AI, creativity, and technology are highlighted as key intersections where Valtech operates, pointing to a data-informed and technologically advanced approach to design and transformation.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Valtech's positioning as an "experience innovation company" is crucial. It implies a culture that values creativity, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of user needs to drive business transformation. The global nature and history suggest a robust framework for operations and project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Senior level within the design discipline. It requires significant experience (5+ years) and the ability to lead, strategize, and operate with a high degree of autonomy, particularly in the foundational stages of product development.

Reporting Structure: As a Senior Product Designer on this project, you will likely report to a Lead Designer or a Project Manager within Valtech. You will also collaborate closely with a Product Owner and various client stakeholders, requiring strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder management skills.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's primary impact is on shaping the initial product vision, user experience, and strategic direction of a new client product. Success in this role directly influences the product's market fit, user adoption, and ultimately, the client's business objectives. The work done in the discovery phase lays the groundwork for future product success and brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in early-stage product discovery, UX strategy, and workshop facilitation.
• Industry Exposure: Gain significant experience working with a large, high-impact client, potentially across various industries depending on Valtech's client portfolio.
• Portfolio Enhancement: Build a strong case study around a "zero-to-one" product, showcasing end-to-end design leadership.
• Freelancer Network: For freelancers, opportunities may arise for extended contracts or future projects with Valtech, or it can serve as a valuable reference for other high-profile engagements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role, though temporary, offers a significant opportunity for a designer to influence a product from its inception. The "senior" designation, coupled with leading discovery, implies a strategic impact beyond typical design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Valtech likely maintains modern office spaces designed for collaboration and productivity, offering both dedicated workstations and areas for meetings and brainstorming. Given the hybrid option, the office serves as a hub for collaborative work sessions and team interactions. Office Location(s): The primary location is Sofia, Bulgaria. Valtech has a global presence, which may facilitate cross-office collaboration or access to international projects.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is expected to be dynamic and project-focused, especially given the temporary nature of the role and the "discovery stage" context.
• Collaboration is a key aspect, with opportunities to work closely with a core team (Product Owner, Lead Designer) and engage with client teams.
• Access to Valtech's internal resources, design systems (if applicable), and potentially a supportive community of designers within the company are probable.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time (estimated 40 hours/week), the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in balancing on-site and remote work. The fast-paced nature of discovery projects may require adaptability and responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a blended approach, leveraging the benefits of in-office collaboration for key design sprints or meetings while allowing remote work for focused individual tasks.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Review: Initial screening of applications by the Talent Acquisition team to assess alignment with core qualifications and experience.
• Initial Screening Call: A brief call with a recruiter to discuss your background, interest in the role, and confirm essential requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Interview: This is likely the core interview stage. You will be asked to present your portfolio, focusing on relevant case studies that demonstrate your experience in UX strategy, discovery, user research, and Figma proficiency. Expect questions about your design process, problem-solving approach, and collaboration style.
• Team/Stakeholder Interview: You may meet with the Product Owner, Lead Designer, or even client representatives to assess cultural fit, communication skills, and how you would integrate into their existing workflow.
• Final Decision: Based on the assessment of your skills, experience, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Relevance: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature case studies demonstrating your experience with early-stage product development, UX strategy, and user research. Highlight "zero-to-one" projects or significant redesigns where you played a leading role.
• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each case study. Use visuals (sketches, wireframes, prototypes, user journey maps) to illustrate your thinking, decision-making, and iterations.
• Highlight Figma Proficiency: Ensure your Figma skills are evident, perhaps through interactive prototypes or examples of component libraries you've built.
• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success and impact of your design work.
• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that explain the problem, your approach, the challenges faced, and the ultimate outcome.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: Be prepared for a potential design exercise or a deep dive into a past project that simulates the discovery phase. This might involve analyzing a problem statement, outlining research steps, or sketching initial concepts.
• Facilitation Skills: Think about how you would approach a discovery workshop with a new client, including how you'd set objectives, engage stakeholders, and capture insights.
• Ambiguity Management: Be ready to discuss how you handle uncertainty and incomplete information in project initiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "discovery stage" and "zero-to-one" product means the interview process will likely scrutinize your ability to define direction, handle ambiguity, and build a foundation for a new product, rather than just executing on existing specifications.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly stated as a required tool. Proficiency in its advanced features for component-based design, prototyping, and collaborative workflows is essential.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with other prototyping tools might be beneficial, though Figma is the primary requirement.
• User Research Tools: Familiarity with tools for user interviews, usability testing, and survey creation (e.g., UserTesting.com, SurveyMonkey, Maze) is implied by the "strong UX research skills" requirement.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Miro or Mural are commonly used for remote workshops and collaborative design sessions and would be highly relevant.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this design role, an understanding of how to interpret analytics data (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) to inform design decisions is often a plus for senior designers.

CRM & Automation:

• Generally not directly used by product designers, but understanding how CRM data might inform user personas or customer journey mapping could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the standout tool requirement. The role also implies a need for proficiency in a range of UX research and collaboration tools, common in modern design workflows.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Share, Care, and Dare: These are Valtech's stated core values. For a designer, this translates to:
  • Share: Actively sharing knowledge, design insights, and feedback within the team and with stakeholders.
  • Care: Showing empathy for users, colleagues, and the client's business needs; taking ownership of the user experience.
  • Dare: Challenging assumptions, proposing innovative solutions, and being comfortable with ambiguity and driving change.
• Experience Innovation: A strong focus on creating meaningful and impactful user experiences is paramount.
• Creativity, Diversity, and Autonomy: Valtech fosters an environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and individuals have the freedom to explore creative solutions.
• Data-Driven Approach: The emphasis on data, AI, and technology suggests an approach that balances creativity with analytical insights.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role requires close collaboration with Product Owners and Lead Designers, necessitating seamless integration and open communication.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including client representatives, is crucial for aligning on product vision and design decisions.
• Agile & Iterative: The team operates within Agile methodologies, implying a collaborative, iterative, and feedback-driven work style.

📝 Enhancement Note: Valtech's emphasis on "Share, Care, Dare" and "Experience Innovation" suggests a culture that is collaborative, user-focused, and encourages bold, creative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Handling Ambiguity: As this is a discovery phase for a new product, dealing with undefined requirements and evolving project scope will be a primary challenge. The ability to self-direct and create structure from ambiguity is key.
• Defining a New Product: The challenge of shaping a product from its very inception, ensuring it meets both user needs and business goals, requires strong strategic thinking and vision.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively managing the expectations and input from various stakeholders (client, internal teams) to arrive at a cohesive design direction.
• Temporary Role Management: Navigating a temporary freelancer role requires quick adaptation, efficient contribution, and clear communication to ensure maximum impact within the defined timeframe.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Gaining hands-on experience in leading the strategic direction of a new product from the ground up.
• Client-Facing Experience: Enhancing skills in client interaction, presentation, and consultation within a large agency environment.
• Agile Discovery Methodologies: Deepening understanding and practical application of Agile principles in the context of product discovery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the inherent ambiguity of early-stage product development. The growth opportunity lies in the strategic impact and leadership experience gained from shaping a product's foundation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for leading UX discovery for a new product. How do you define user needs and business objectives when starting from scratch?" (Focus on workshop facilitation, stakeholder interviews, and research planning).
• "How do you approach creating a UX strategy for a 'zero-to-one' product? What are the key elements you consider?" (Highlight your framework for vision setting, user flows, and core features).
• "Walk me through a complex UX problem you solved using Figma. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Demonstrate advanced Figma skills, problem-solving, and iterative design).
• "How do you handle ambiguity and incomplete information during the early stages of a project?" (Showcase your self-direction, proactive approach to gathering information, and ability to create structure).
• "How do you collaborate with Product Owners and development teams in an Agile environment to ensure design alignment and effective handoffs?" (Emphasize communication, feedback loops, and documentation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Valtech and this specific role as a temporary Senior Product Designer?" (Connect your skills and aspirations to Valtech's "experience innovation" mission and the project's nature).
• "How do you embody Valtech's values of Share, Care, and Dare in your design work?" (Provide specific examples for each value).
• "How do you ensure a user-centered approach remains central, even when faced with business constraints or tight deadlines?" (Illustrate your advocacy and methods for user validation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: Present 2-3 key case studies that best showcase your experience in product discovery, UX strategy, and Figma. Start with the problem, detail your process and contributions, and conclude with the outcomes/impact.
• Visual Storytelling: Use your Figma prototypes and mockups effectively to guide the interviewer through your design decisions. Explain why you made certain choices.
• Highlight Collaboration: Show how you worked with others, perhaps by including quotes from team members or stakeholders, or by illustrating collaborative workshop outputs.
• Address Ambiguity: For early-stage projects, be transparent about the unknowns and how you navigated them.
• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Practice your presentation to ensure it's impactful and within the allocated timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily focus on your ability to lead strategically, handle ambiguity, and demonstrate deep expertise in the early phases of product design, with a strong emphasis on your Figma and research capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position with Valtech:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Prepare your Portfolio: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight projects demonstrating UX strategy, product discovery, user research, and advanced Figma skills. Focus on "zero-to-one" or early-stage product development case studies.
• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience in UX design, emphasizing leadership in strategy and research, and proficiency with required tools like Figma. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clear storytelling, process explanation, and demonstrating how you handle ambiguity and collaborate effectively. Be ready to discuss your approach to Valtech's core values.
• Research Valtech: Familiarize yourself with Valtech's services, client work, and company culture, particularly their "experience innovation" positioning and values. Understand the significance of the "discovery stage" for new products.

⚠️ 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.