Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Wave Location: Remote (Canada, Ghana, Kenya, Spain, United States, and specific African operating markets) Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Enablement Date Posted: November 27, 2025 Experience Level: 8+ Years (AI suggests 10+) Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in shaping the user experience of Wave's mobile applications, directly contributing to our mission of making Africa the first cashless continent.
• The Senior Product Designer will be instrumental in bridging the gap between complex financial services and user needs, driving product strategy through user-centric design.
• You will collaborate extensively with cross-functional teams, including product management, user research, engineering, and data analysis, to deliver innovative and accessible financial solutions.
• This position offers a unique opportunity to impact millions of lives by simplifying financial transactions and empowering individuals and small businesses across Africa.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Product Designer," the emphasis on "bridging the gap between complex financial services and user needs," "driving product strategy," and "collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams" indicates a strong alignment with GTM Operations enablement. The role requires translating business goals and technical constraints into user-friendly interfaces, which is a core function of operations-focused design in a fast-growing fintech environment. The AI's suggestion of "10+" years of experience further underscores the seniority and strategic involvement expected.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new features and improvements on Wave's iOS and Android mobile applications, from concept ideation to final implementation.
• Develop high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and detailed user flows using Figma, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
• Collaborate with user researchers and product operations analysts to define user research plans, conduct user testing, and translate findings into actionable design improvements.
• Contribute to and maintain Wave’s comprehensive design system and component library, ensuring consistency and scalability across all product touchpoints.
• Engage directly with customers through various channels to deeply understand their financial challenges and translate these insights into effective, user-centered solutions.
• Articulate and defend design decisions clearly and persuasively during review sessions with product, engineering, and leadership teams.
• Create and iterate on visual and UX concepts, leveraging strong illustration and animation skills (e.g., After Effects, Lottie files) to enhance user engagement and clarity.
• Proactively identify and implement UX improvements, demonstrating a bias for action and a commitment to continuous product enhancement.
• Balance business objectives, user needs, and technical limitations, effectively communicating trade-offs and recommending optimal solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep involvement in product strategy and user acquisition/retention through design. The emphasis on "translating findings into actionable design improvements," "contributing to the design system," and "balancing business objectives, user needs, and technical limitations" are critical GTM operations enablement functions, ensuring the product effectively serves market needs and drives adoption.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and design thinking is expected. A degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred. Experience: A minimum of 8 years of end-to-end in-house product design experience, with a significant focus on consumer-facing mobile applications (iOS and Android).

Required Skills:

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Exceptional visual and interaction design skills, with a proven ability to simplify complex user flows and remove friction.
• High level of craft and meticulous attention to detail in all design outputs.
• Proficiency in creating high-quality designs, interactions, and prototypes using Figma.
• Strong illustration and animation skills, with experience in tools like After Effects or the ability to create Lottie-compatible animations.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver polished, high-quality designs rapidly and iteratively.
• A proactive "bias towards action" to identify and implement UX improvements without waiting for ideal conditions.
• Experience with both low-fidelity wireframing and high-fidelity prototyping.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale effectively.
• A strong capacity for complex interaction design and evaluating solution trade-offs.
• Deep curiosity for understanding customer behaviors, needs, and pain points.
• Proven ability to balance business goals, customer needs, and technical constraints, articulating a clear point of view.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in French (written and spoken) to support West African markets.
• Experience contributing to or managing design systems and component libraries.
• Familiarity with user research methodologies and translating research insights into design solutions.
• Experience in the fintech or financial services industry, particularly in emerging markets.
• Ability to anticipate and design for edge cases and complex scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "removing friction from flows," "delivering high-quality designs with speed and polish," and "balancing business goals, customer needs, and technical tradeoffs" are key indicators of a role deeply integrated with GTM strategy and operational efficiency. The AI's suggestion of "10+" years of experience implies a need for strategic thinking and leadership in design, beyond execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 8 years of end-to-end product design experience, with a strong emphasis on consumer-facing mobile applications.
• Demonstrate a track record of successfully designing and launching features that solve user problems and achieve business objectives.
• Include case studies that clearly outline the problem, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the impact of your work (quantifiable metrics are highly valued).
• Showcase expertise in Figma for creating high-fidelity designs, interactive prototypes, and detailed user flows.
• Highlight examples of contributions to design systems, illustrating an understanding of scalability and consistency.
• Present examples of strong illustration and animation skills, ideally demonstrating proficiency with After Effects or Lottie file creation.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio projects should clearly articulate the design process, from initial user research and problem definition through ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final implementation.
• Demonstrate how you gather and incorporate user feedback and research findings into iterative design improvements.
• Illustrate your approach to collaborating with product managers, engineers, and researchers, showcasing effective cross-functional workflow management.
• Provide evidence of how you balance business goals, user needs, and technical constraints in your design decision-making process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It serves as the primary tool to assess design thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to execute. The emphasis on "impact," "quantifiable metrics," and "balancing business goals" aligns with operations' need for measurable results and strategic alignment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Up to $216,900 USD per year (paid in local currency equivalent), plus a "generous equity package." Benefits:

• Subsidized health insurance for employees and dependents (varies by country).
• Retirement contributions (varies by country).
• 6 months of fully paid parental leave.
• Subsidized fertility assistance.
• Flexible vacation policy (most employees take 21-30 days per year, excluding statutory holidays).
• $10,000 annual charitable donation matching program.
• Annual travel stipend ($1200) to meet with coworkers.
• Company-covered travel to one operating country in Africa once per year, with encouragement for more frequent visits.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, the AI suggests 40 hours per week, typical for full-time roles. Given the remote and global nature, flexibility is implied.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role, especially considering the equity component. The benefits package is robust and emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being, which is attractive for retaining talent in specialized roles like operations-focused design. The inclusion of travel to operating markets suggests a hands-on approach to understanding user needs in context, vital for effective GTM operations.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Financial Technology (Fintech) / Mobile Payments Company Size: Wave is a rapidly growing company, indicated by its Series A funding and Y Combinator recognition. While exact numbers aren't provided, its scale suggests a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Founded: The company launched its mobile app in Senegal in 2017.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is growing and works closely with Product Management, User Research, Engineering, and Data Analysts.
• The role is part of a larger, globally distributed remote team across multiple countries in Africa and beyond.
• There is a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and autonomy, with designers owning their projects from start to finish.

Methodology:

• Wave employs a data-driven approach, utilizing data analysts to inform product decisions.
• User research and direct customer engagement are core to understanding needs and validating solutions.
• Designs are created and iterated upon rapidly, with a focus on removing friction and improving user experience.
• Contribution to and adherence to a design system ensures consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.wave.com/en/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: Wave's mission to make Africa the first cashless continent is a powerful cultural driver. The emphasis on autonomy, direct customer impact, and a data-driven, iterative approach to product development aligns perfectly with the operational efficiency and strategic execution expected in GTM roles.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, implying a high level of autonomy, strategic input, and the ability to mentor junior designers. The focus on end-to-end ownership and cross-functional leadership suggests a role that can serve as a stepping stone to Design Lead or Product Management positions within operations-focused product teams. Reporting Structure: The role involves working closely with product managers, user researchers, engineers, and data analysts. The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Product, with direct collaboration across various functional teams. Operations Impact: The product designer's work directly impacts user acquisition, retention, and transaction volume by making financial services accessible and easy to use. This role is critical for the operational success of Wave's services across its markets, as a user-friendly product drives adoption and reduces support overhead.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in mobile app design, user research, design systems, and potentially animation/illustration for complex interfaces. Gain exposure to fintech challenges in emerging markets.
• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for key features, and influence product strategy. Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Managerial role within product.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Develop a strong understanding of product management, engineering processes, and data analysis, enhancing overall GTM strategy comprehension.
• Global Impact: Contribute to a mission-driven company with a significant social and economic impact, offering a unique career path in a high-growth sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly for someone looking to blend design expertise with operational strategy. The ability to influence product direction and contribute to the success of a rapidly scaling fintech company in emerging markets provides a unique career trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. Candidates can be based in specific hiring countries (UK, Spain, Kenya, Ghana, Canada, USA - EST) or operating markets (Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso), or willing to relocate. Office Location(s): Remote, with designated hiring and operating countries. Travel is a component of the role, requiring visits to African operating countries.

Workspace Context:

• The remote nature fosters autonomy and flexibility, allowing designers to structure their work environment.
• Collaboration is conducted primarily through digital tools (Figma, communication platforms), requiring strong virtual communication skills.
• Access to a global team means diverse perspectives and opportunities for learning from colleagues worldwide.
• The requirement for travel to African markets provides direct exposure to the user base and operational realities, enriching the design process.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the remote and global nature of Wave suggests a degree of flexibility. However, coordination with teams across different time zones will be essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first approach, combined with required travel to operational markets, offers a unique blend of flexibility and immersive market understanding, crucial for designing effective financial tools for diverse user segments. This setup is highly conducive to a GTM operations mindset.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: The team will review your resume and cover letter, assessing alignment with the role's requirements and Wave's mission. A strong portfolio is critical at this stage.
• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Expect to present your portfolio, discussing 1-2 key projects in detail. Be prepared to walk through your design process, decision-making, problem-solving, and the impact of your work.
• Design Exercise/Challenge: A practical design challenge may be given to assess your skills in a scenario relevant to Wave's products, focusing on problem-solving and design thinking under constraints.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration, communication, and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, Design Lead) to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your experience with consumer mobile apps, end-to-end design processes, and understanding of user needs within complex domains.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration), key decisions and their rationale, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced friction, improved user satisfaction metrics).
• Showcase Process: Demonstrate your ability to work with tools like Figma, your understanding of design systems, and any animation/illustration skills.
• Address Trade-offs: Be ready to discuss the trade-offs you made between business goals, user needs, and technical constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Wave's mission, products, and target markets thoroughly.
• Focus on Process: For any design challenge, clearly articulate your approach, assumptions, and how you would gather information if more time were available.
• Prioritize: Demonstrate an ability to identify critical user needs and business objectives, and how to prioritize design solutions.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice explaining your design decisions and thought process concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a practical, results-oriented approach, common in operations-heavy product roles. A strong portfolio showcasing problem-solving and quantifiable impact is essential for demonstrating GTM operational effectiveness.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (explicitly mentioned)
• Animation: Adobe After Effects, Lottie files (or similar animation export capabilities)
• Collaboration: Tools for virtual communication and project management (e.g., Slack, Jira, Asana - assumed)

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience working with data analysts and understanding how to leverage data to inform design decisions.
• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude - assumed) to understand user behavior and track feature performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts user acquisition funnels and customer lifecycle management is beneficial. Experience with user feedback platforms and bug tracking systems (e.g., Jira) is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and animation tools is mandatory. An understanding of how design impacts user acquisition, retention, and overall GTM strategy, often informed by CRM data and analytics, is crucial for a Senior Product Designer in a fintech environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to Wave's mission of financial inclusion in Africa.
• User-Centricity: Placing customer needs and experiences at the forefront of all design decisions.
• Bias for Action & Iteration: A culture of moving fast, testing ideas, and continuously improving based on feedback and data.
• Autonomy & Ownership: Empowering individuals to take ownership of their projects and drive them forward from inception to completion.
• Collaboration: Working effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams across global locations.
• Excellence & Craft: Maintaining high standards for design quality, attention to detail, and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working closely with PMs, researchers, engineers, and data analysts.
• Emphasis on pairing and joint problem-solving.
• Openness to feedback and constructive critique in review sessions.
• Effective communication across different time zones and cultures is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on mission, user-centricity, bias for action, and strong collaboration directly supports the operational goals of acquiring and retaining users, and ensuring product-market fit. These values foster an environment where GTM strategies can be effectively executed through product design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Diverse Markets: Adapting designs to meet the unique needs, connectivity constraints, and literacy levels of diverse user bases across multiple African countries.
• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Introducing new features while ensuring the core transactional experience remains robust, secure, and highly reliable for financial services.
• Remote Collaboration at Scale: Maintaining effective communication and alignment across a globally distributed, remote team with varied time zones and cultural nuances.
• Rapid Growth & Evolving Needs: Keeping pace with Wave's rapid expansion and the evolving needs of its user base and business objectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Emerging Markets Fintech: Gain unparalleled experience in the unique challenges and opportunities of building financial products for underserved populations.
• Design System Mastery: Contribute to and evolve a critical design system that underpins a rapidly scaling product.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Broaden understanding of product management, business strategy, and operational execution from working closely with other departments.
• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are directly related to operational execution in a complex, high-growth environment. Overcoming these requires strong problem-solving, adaptability, and a keen understanding of user needs and business objectives, all vital for GTM operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to significantly simplify a complex user flow for a mobile application. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, user-centricity, and impact.)
• "How do you balance competing priorities when designing a feature, for example, user needs versus business goals versus technical limitations?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and trade-off analysis.)
• "Walk us through your process for incorporating user research findings into your design iterations. Can you provide an example?" (Highlight research-driven design and iterative improvement.)
• "How do you contribute to or leverage a design system in your work? What are the benefits and challenges?" (Showcase understanding of scalability and consistency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Wave's mission, and how do you see your design skills contributing to it?" (Connect your passion with the company's purpose.)
• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers, engineers, and researchers in a remote environment?" (Emphasize communication and teamwork skills.)
• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a design decision you believed in, even when faced with resistance." (Assess communication, persuasion, and conviction.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with a high-level overview of the project and your role, then dive into the problem, your process, key design decisions, and finally, the results and learnings.
• Visual Storytelling: Use clear, concise visuals (mockups, prototypes, user flows) to illustrate your points. Avoid overwhelming slides.
• Focus on 'Why': For every design decision, be able to explain the 'why' behind it, linking it back to user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.
• Quantify Outcomes: Present metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss qualitative impact and user feedback.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, technical constraints, and alternative solutions you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skill, but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and an understanding of how design drives business outcomes – all critical attributes for a role supporting GTM operations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Wave careers page.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest mobile design projects that highlight end-to-end process, user-centric problem-solving, and measurable impact. Ensure it's easily accessible (e.g., a personal website or dedicated portfolio platform).
• Tailor Your Resume & Cover Letter: Emphasize your 8+ years of experience in consumer mobile app design, your skills in Figma, user research collaboration, and your ability to balance user needs with business objectives. In your cover letter, clearly articulate your alignment with Wave's mission and your enthusiasm for fintech in emerging markets.
• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your chosen projects, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss trade-offs and challenges.
• Research Wave: Understand their mission, current products, target markets, and company values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.