Senior Product Designer - Core Products

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Core Products
Company: FranConnect, LLC
Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)
Date Posted: January 22, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (3-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design user experiences for complex, data-rich B2B SaaS products, focusing on core functionalities.
• Translate product requirements into intuitive and efficient UX solutions through close collaboration with Product Managers.
• Drive product consistency and enhance the user journey by applying and contributing to shared design patterns and a robust design system.
• Leverage product analytics and customer feedback to inform design decisions and iterate on product features.
• Effectively communicate design rationale and present work to product leadership and external customers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the experience requirement of 3-5 years aligns more with a mid-level to early senior role in the product design field. The emphasis on "Core Products" suggests a focus on foundational features critical to the B2B SaaS platform's success.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype user interfaces and interaction flows for complex, data-intensive B2B SaaS applications, with a particular focus on core product features that drive user adoption and retention.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to deeply understand business requirements, user needs, and technical constraints, translating these into clear, actionable design specifications and user stories.
• Champion design consistency and usability across the entire product suite by advocating for and applying established design patterns and contributing to the evolution of the company's design system.
• Conduct user research using tools like Pendo for product analytics, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and synthesize customer feedback to identify pain points and opportunities for design improvement.
• Work iteratively with cross-functional teams, including Engineering (both domestic and offshore partners in India), to ensure the successful implementation of high-fidelity designs, providing clear design documentation and support throughout the development lifecycle.
• Present design concepts, user flows, and final designs to internal stakeholders, including product leadership, and potentially external customers, articulating the rationale and impact of design decisions.
• Proactively identify areas for design improvement within existing core product functionalities, proposing solutions that enhance user efficiency, satisfaction, and overall product value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Contribute to improving consistency across products by applying shared patterns and standards" and "Support the evolution of the design system" indicates a role that is not just about executing designs but also about actively participating in the strategic development and maintenance of the company's design language.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for product design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be strongly considered.
Experience: Minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong preference for experience within the Business-to-Business (B2B) Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry. Proven experience in designing complex workflows or software focused on operational efficiency is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• B2B SaaS Product Design: Demonstrated experience designing user interfaces and workflows for complex, data-rich enterprise software.
• UX Fundamentals & Problem-Solving: A strong portfolio showcasing a solid understanding of UX principles, user-centered design methodologies, and the ability to effectively solve complex user problems.
• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers and Engineers.
• Design System Contribution: Experience working with or contributing to design systems, understanding the importance of consistency and scalability in design.
• Research & Analytics: Proficiency in using product analytics tools (e.g., Pendo) and customer feedback to inform design decisions and drive iterative improvements.
• Independent Work Ethic: Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, taking initiative and managing tasks effectively while seeking and incorporating guidance and feedback from senior team members.

Preferred Skills:

• Offshore Team Collaboration: Prior experience working effectively with distributed or offshore engineering teams, particularly those in India, is a significant advantage.
• Workflow Design Expertise: Specific experience in designing intricate operational workflows, demonstrating an understanding of business process optimization.
• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar.
• Agile/Scrum Methodologies: Familiarity with agile development processes and experience working within a Scrum framework.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for experience with "complex workflows or operations-focused software" is a key differentiator for this role, suggesting that the ideal candidate will understand how to design for business processes and efficiency rather than just consumer-facing applications.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies on Complex Workflows: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your process for designing complex workflows within B2B SaaS products. These should highlight user research, problem identification, ideation, iterative design, and final solutions.
• Demonstration of Design System Contribution: Include examples of how you've applied or contributed to a design system, illustrating your understanding of component-based design, pattern libraries, and maintaining visual/interaction consistency.
• Data-Driven Design Examples: Present instances where you used product analytics (e.g., Pendo data) or customer feedback to inform significant design decisions and measure the impact of your solutions.
• B2B SaaS Focus: Prioritize projects that clearly demonstrate your experience and understanding of the nuances of designing for enterprise software, business users, and operational efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centered Design Process: Clearly articulate your end-to-end user-centered design process, from discovery and research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and implementation support.
• Workflow Optimization: Detail your approach to analyzing existing processes, identifying bottlenecks, and designing streamlined workflows that improve user efficiency and task completion rates.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate how you collaborate with Product Managers, Engineers (including offshore teams), and other stakeholders throughout the design lifecycle, emphasizing communication and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on "Core Products" and "complex workflows," a portfolio that highlights the candidate's ability to tackle intricate problems, manage user journeys across multiple steps, and contribute to a scalable design system will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the location (Herndon, Virginia), experience level (3-5 years), and the nature of a B2B SaaS Senior Product Designer role, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $95,000 and $130,000 annually. This is a general estimate and actual compensation may vary based on candidate qualifications, interview performance, and specific market conditions.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401k).
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or stock options, depending on company policy.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on employee growth.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be around 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position. While the role is on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and business needs. Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, especially when collaborating with offshore teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area with 3-5 years of experience in B2B SaaS. Factors like specific skill sets, portfolio strength, and the company's compensation philosophy can influence the final offer.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: FranConnect operates in the Enterprise Software sector, specifically focusing on solutions for the franchise and multi-location business industry. This market is characterized by a need for robust, scalable, and efficient operational tools.
Company Size: FranConnect is a growing enterprise software provider, indicated by its use of "leading enterprise software provider" and serving "over 1,500 brands." While not explicitly stated, this suggests a mid-to-large-sized company with established processes and a significant market presence. The mention of global offices (Australia, India, Colombia, Canada) further indicates a substantial operational footprint.
Founded: Founded over 25 years ago, FranConnect has a long history and deep expertise in its niche market. This longevity suggests stability, a proven business model, and a well-established product suite.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of designers with varying levels of experience, reporting up to a Design Lead or Head of Product.
• This Senior Product Designer will collaborate closely with Product Managers, UX Researchers (if applicable), and Engineering teams, including a significant number of offshore engineers based in India.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers working hand-in-hand with Product Management to define requirements and with Engineering to ensure feasibility and quality of implementation.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: The company emphasizes using product analytics (like Pendo) and customer feedback to guide product development and design iterations, aligning with modern SaaS best practices.
• Agile Development: Working with engineering teams, especially offshore partners, implies an agile or iterative development methodology where design is integrated throughout the development sprints.
• Design System Focus: The emphasis on a design system suggests a commitment to scalable, consistent, and efficient design and development processes.

Company Website: www.franconnect.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and focus on enterprise software for franchising indicate a need for designers who understand complex business processes and can deliver reliable, scalable solutions for a sophisticated client base.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Product Designer," suggesting a mid-to-senior career stage. Candidates are expected to work relatively independently, contribute strategically to design system evolution, and present work to leadership and customers. It's a role for individuals who can take ownership of design initiatives within core product areas.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Lead Designer, or Head of Product. They will work in close partnership with Product Managers responsible for the core product areas and collaborate daily with development teams, including offshore engineering partners.
Operations Impact: The core products designed by this role directly impact the efficiency, profitability, and growth of FranConnect's clients (franchise and multi-location businesses). Effective design in these areas can lead to increased user adoption, improved operational workflows for clients, higher customer satisfaction, and ultimately, increased revenue and retention for FranConnect.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, taking on more strategic direction and team mentorship.
• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing complex B2B SaaS workflows, data visualization, or specific areas of the franchise industry.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop strong partnerships with Product Management and Engineering, potentially leading to roles with broader product strategy responsibilities.
• Mentorship: As a senior member, there's an opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth of the design team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within product design, moving towards leadership and strategic influence, particularly within the specialized B2B SaaS and franchise tech space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: FranConnect has a physical office presence, as indicated by the "On-site" remote status and the specific address provided. This suggests a traditional office environment where in-person collaboration is encouraged.
Office Location(s): The primary office is located at 13865 Sunrise Valley Drive, Herndon, Virginia, 20171. This location is in a well-established business corridor, likely offering good accessibility and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes collaborative workspaces designed for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional work, essential for designers working closely with Product and Engineering.
• Design Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma, etc.), prototyping tools, and potentially user research platforms will be provided. The company utilizes Pendo for product analytics.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct, face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong team dynamic and facilitating quick problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: The role is on-site in Herndon, VA, with a standard 40-hour work week. While the core hours are expected, there may be some flexibility. The need to collaborate with offshore teams in India suggests that occasional communication outside of standard US Eastern Time business hours might be necessary.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for fostering team cohesion, spontaneous collaboration, and a strong company culture through in-person interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Screening: Initial review of resumes and portfolios for alignment with the 3-5 years of B2B SaaS experience and demonstrated UX fundamentals.
• Portfolio Presentation/Screening Call: A call with a hiring manager or senior designer to walk through selected portfolio pieces, focusing on problem-solving, design process, and impact. Expect to discuss your approach to complex workflows and B2B SaaS challenges.
• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: A take-home design exercise or an in-office/virtual design challenge focused on a specific problem relevant to FranConnect's core products. This will assess your ability to apply design thinking, create intuitive solutions, and articulate your rationale.
• Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, fellow Designers, and Engineering leads to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit. Expect questions about working with offshore teams and navigating ambiguity.
• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Product, VP of Engineering) to discuss strategic fit, career aspirations, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Relevance: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your experience with complex B2B SaaS workflows, data-rich interfaces, and your problem-solving process. Tailor your selection to highlight experience with core product functionalities.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the constraints, your design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), the solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact. Use visuals effectively.
• Highlight Collaboration: Demonstrate how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders. Show examples of how you incorporated feedback.
• Showcase Design System Thinking: If possible, include examples of how you've applied or contributed to a design system, emphasizing consistency and efficiency.
• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs you made, how you handled ambiguity, and your experience with offshore teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research FranConnect's products and the franchise industry to gain context for any design challenge.
• Focus on Process: For a design challenge, emphasize your thought process, user empathy, and iterative approach, not just the final visual output.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and persuasively, as this will be a key factor in the assessment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "complex workflows" and "data-rich B2B SaaS products" means your portfolio should clearly articulate your ability to manage multi-step processes and present complex information in an understandable and actionable way.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe XD.
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom.
• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar agile project management tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Pendo (explicitly mentioned).
• General Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude (potential, depending on broader product analytics strategy).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding CRM concepts (like Salesforce) and workflow automation principles is beneficial given the B2B SaaS context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles. Familiarity with Pendo for analytics is a specific advantage for this position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Continuous Learning: FranConnect emphasizes innovation and continuous learning, suggesting an environment where employees are encouraged to explore new ideas and develop their skills.
• Transparency: The company values transparency, implying open communication channels and clear sharing of information regarding goals, progress, and challenges.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on collaboration is evident, with designers expected to work closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams, including offshore partners.
• Customer Focus: As a provider of enterprise software, a deep understanding of customer needs and a commitment to delivering value to franchise and multi-location businesses are paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is integrated throughout the product development lifecycle, working in tandem with Product Management to define requirements and with Engineering to ensure successful implementation.
• Iterative Feedback Loops: Expect regular feedback sessions, design reviews, and sprint planning meetings where design contributions are discussed and refined.
• Global Teamwork: Experience working effectively with geographically distributed teams, respecting different time zones and communication styles, is crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of established enterprise practices (due to its longevity and industry) with a forward-looking approach focused on innovation, data, and employee growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: The primary challenge will be designing intuitive and efficient user experiences for complex, data-rich B2B SaaS products that serve sophisticated business users.
• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively balancing the needs of various stakeholders—Product Management, Engineering, Sales, Marketing, and end-users—while maintaining design integrity.
• Working with Offshore Teams: Successfully collaborating with and managing design handoffs to offshore engineering teams, ensuring clarity and minimizing misinterpretations.
• Navigating Ambiguity: Adapting to evolving requirements and business priorities within a dynamic B2B SaaS environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening B2B SaaS Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the franchise and multi-location business sectors, enhancing your ability to design for specific industry needs.
• Advanced Design System Skills: Contributing to and potentially leading the expansion of a robust design system, mastering principles of scalability and consistency.
• Cross-Functional Acumen: Developing a stronger understanding of product strategy, business operations, and software development lifecycles through close collaboration.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and take on more ownership and leadership within design projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in complex B2B environments, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex workflow for a B2B SaaS product. What were the challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on your process, user research, and problem-solving.)
• "How do you ensure consistency in design across multiple products or features, especially when working with a design system?" (Highlight your understanding of design systems and patterns.)
• "How have you used product analytics or customer feedback to inform your design decisions?" (Be ready to provide specific examples and metrics.)
• "Describe your experience working with offshore engineering teams. What strategies do you use to ensure successful collaboration and implementation?" (Emphasize communication, documentation, and proactive problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about FranConnect and the franchise technology space?" (Research FranConnect's mission, values, and impact on the industry.)
• "How do you handle ambiguity and changing priorities in a product development cycle?" (Showcase your adaptability and problem-solving approach.)
• "Describe a situation where you had to present your design work to senior leadership or customers. How did you prepare and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your communication and persuasion skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcome (quantifiable if possible). Aim for clarity and conciseness.
• Visual Storytelling: Use mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and user flows to visually guide your audience through your design journey.
• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions, the trade-offs you considered, and how your solutions addressed the core problem.
• Showcase Collaboration: Briefly mention how you collaborated with Product Managers and Engineers, and how you incorporated feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be ready to discuss your process in detail, especially regarding how you handle complexity, leverage data, and collaborate with distributed teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio through the FranConnect careers portal.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 case studies demonstrating your experience with complex B2B SaaS workflows, data-rich interfaces, and problem-solving within an enterprise software context. Prioritize examples that highlight your design process and impact.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of B2B SaaS product design experience, skills in UX fundamentals, design system contribution, and experience with product analytics. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and rationale for your portfolio projects. Prepare to discuss your experience with offshore teams and how you handle ambiguity.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research FranConnect, its products, its target market (franchising), and its company culture. Understand their mission and values to better align your application and interview responses.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with FranConnect, LLC through their official application process before making application decisions.