Senior Product Designer - Hanover, Germany

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Speechify Location: Hanover, Germany Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: November 4, 2025 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for Speechify's innovative text-to-speech products, from initial concept and research to final delivery and iteration.
• Shape the user experience and interface design across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome Extension, and Web App, ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user journey.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and AI Research Scientists to influence the product roadmap and translate strategic objectives into impactful design solutions.
• Champion a customer-centric approach, leveraging user research, analytics, and direct customer feedback to inform design decisions and identify key opportunities for improvement.
• Contribute to the evolution of Speechify's design organization by refining design processes, sharing best practices, and mentoring other team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior Product Designer, implying a need for demonstrated leadership in design strategy, execution, and cross-functional influence, particularly within a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment. The focus on "pitch, prototype, test, build, ship, and refine" suggests a hands-on role that requires ownership from ideation to launch.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and prototype new features and improvements for consumer-facing products, ensuring alignment with user needs and business objectives.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to gather insights and validate design decisions, translating findings into actionable design recommendations.
• Develop and refine UX/UI patterns, user flows, and onboarding experiences to enhance user engagement, retention, and overall product satisfaction across all Speechify platforms.
• Advocate for user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle, effectively communicating design rationale and trade-offs to stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes, tools, and team methodologies, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the design organization.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in UX/UI design, audio technology, and AI, applying this knowledge to elevate Speechify's product offerings and user experience.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs, providing necessary specifications and support throughout the development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product thinking and hands-on design execution. The emphasis on influencing the product roadmap and refining design processes suggests this role is critical in shaping both the product's direction and the design team's capabilities.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable experience in product design are paramount. A background in HCI, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a proven track record of delivering successful consumer-facing products across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web).

Required Skills:

• Comprehensive experience in the full product design lifecycle: research, discovery, prototyping, user testing, and delivery.
• Strong product thinking capabilities, including the ability to understand strategy, articulate the "what" and "why" behind design decisions, and work with Product Managers on key opportunities.
• Proven customer-centricity, with experience in conducting customer interviews and integrating feedback into the design process.
• Excellent collaboration and negotiation skills, with the ability to work effectively with opinionated Product Managers, Engineers, and executives.
• High proficiency in core design craft: typography, information design, micro-interactions, and visual design principles.
• Articulate and clear communication skills, capable of explaining complex ideas at various levels of detail, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated understanding of technical feasibility and design constraints within iOS, Android, and browser environments.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment with a focus on asynchronous work and remote collaboration.

Preferred Skills:

• Curiosity and understanding of audio technology and its application in product design.
• Experience with analytics tools to drive data-informed design decisions.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and their impact on user experience.
• Experience in designing for accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for users with learning differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5-10 years of experience suggests the need for a candidate who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor junior designers, and contribute strategically to the design team's growth. The emphasis on "craft" and "product thinking" indicates a need for both aesthetic sensibility and strategic insight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects that demonstrate your process from research and ideation through to detailed UI and final delivery.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and the impact of your work, ideally with quantifiable results.
• Highlight projects executed for consumer-facing products across mobile (iOS/Android) and web platforms.
• Demonstrate experience with prototyping tools and the iterative refinement of user flows and UI patterns.
• Provide examples of how you've used customer feedback and analytics to inform and iterate on designs.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your approach to user research, including methodologies used and how insights were translated into design solutions.
• Detail your process for prototyping and user testing, including the tools and techniques employed.
• Explain your methods for collaborating with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers) throughout the design and development lifecycle.
• Showcase experience in refining and improving existing user flows, onboarding experiences, or core product features.

📝 Enhancement Note: A robust portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, explaining their thought process, design rationale, and the impact of their contributions. The emphasis on "consumer-facing products" and "multiple platforms" means the portfolio should reflect experience in these areas.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and location in Hanover, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €65,000 - €90,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in Germany, considering the cost of living and the demand for specialized skills in tech startups.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.
• Opportunity to shape a company and product that changes lives, particularly for individuals with learning differences.
• Autonomy and a focus on fostering creativity and drive.
• A dynamic work environment within a rapidly evolving tech domain (AI and audio).
• Support for an exceptional asynchronous work culture.
• Potential for significant impact in a revolutionary industry.
• Welcoming atmosphere and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Working Hours: While a standard full-time role (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, Speechify emphasizes an exceptional asynchronous work culture. This suggests flexibility in how and when work is completed, prioritizing output and effective communication over rigid schedules, which is common in 100% distributed settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is a guideline for a Senior Product Designer in Hanover, Germany. Actual compensation will depend on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation. The emphasis on asynchronous work suggests a focus on results and autonomy rather than strict adherence to traditional working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (Software, AI, EdTech, Accessibility) Company Size: Approximately 200 employees globally. Speechify operates as a 100% distributed company with no physical offices. Founded: Speechify was founded with a mission to make reading accessible to everyone, leveraging technology to overcome reading barriers.

Team Structure:

• Operates as a 100% distributed team, meaning all employees work remotely from various global locations.
• The design team is integrated within a broader product and engineering organization, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Frontend/Backend Engineers, and AI Research Scientists.
• The company culture values innovation, intuition, drive, and autonomy, fostering an environment where contributions directly shape the company and its products.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, with an emphasis on leveraging analytics and customer feedback to guide product development and design iterations.
• Agile and iterative approach to product development, encouraging rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement of features.
• Focus on asynchronous communication and collaboration, leveraging tools and practices that support effective remote teamwork.
• Commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, with a core mission to support individuals with learning differences.

Company Website: speechify.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The 100% distributed nature of Speechify is a key cultural characteristic. This implies a need for strong self-discipline, excellent communication skills (especially written), and comfort with asynchronous collaboration tools and methodologies. The company's mission around accessibility is likely a strong driver of its culture and product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a significant level of experience and expertise, where the individual is expected to lead design initiatives, mentor others, and have a substantial impact on product strategy and user experience. They are likely to be seen as a subject matter expert in product design within the organization.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Product Designer typically reports to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or potentially a VP of Product in a company of this size and structure. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is directly tied to the success and adoption of Speechify's products. By crafting intuitive, engaging, and accessible user experiences, they contribute significantly to user retention, feature adoption, and ultimately, the company's mission and revenue growth from its user base. Their work directly influences how millions of users interact with information and learning materials.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to move into a Design Lead or Managerial role as the design team scales.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven UX, accessibility design, or cross-platform design strategies.
• Product Strategy Influence: Play a key role in shaping the future product roadmap and design vision for Speechify.
• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design organization.
• Industry Impact: Contribute to a product with a profound social impact, working at the forefront of AI and assistive technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the company's growth stage suggest ample opportunities for career advancement. Candidates should look for roles that offer increased responsibility, strategic input, and the chance to build out design functions or processes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Speechify operates as a 100% distributed company, meaning there is no central office. Employees work from their own home offices or chosen remote workspaces.

Office Location(s): Globally distributed. While the job is listed for Hanover, Germany, this likely indicates a focus for talent acquisition in that region for a remote role, rather than a physical office location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being distributed, the company fosters collaboration through various digital tools and asynchronous communication practices. Expect to work closely with globally dispersed teams.
• Tools & Technology: Access to the necessary digital tools and software for design, communication, and project management is expected. The company likely invests in a robust remote work technology stack.
• Team Interaction: Interaction will primarily occur through video calls, chat platforms, and collaborative design tools. The emphasis on asynchronous work means communication needs to be clear, concise, and well-documented.

Work Schedule: Flexible, with an emphasis on asynchronous work. While core hours for collaboration might exist, the company culture supports autonomy in managing one's schedule to achieve objectives, aligning with the needs of a distributed team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote and asynchronous nature of the work is a defining characteristic. Candidates must be comfortable with this setup, possess strong self-management skills, and be adept at communicating effectively across different time zones and digital platforms.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and portfolio by the recruitment team.
• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager to assess your experience, product thinking, and alignment with the role and company mission.
• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into your portfolio, potentially involving a presentation of selected case studies. This may include a practical design exercise or a discussion of how you would approach a specific problem relevant to Speechify’s products.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.
• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end process and consumer-facing product experience.
• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process, key decisions made, trade-offs considered, and the measurable impact achieved.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research methodologies, how you incorporated user feedback, and your iterative design approach.
• Demonstrate Craft: Showcase strong UI design, typography, and interaction design skills.
• Platform Awareness: Ensure your portfolio reflects experience designing for mobile (iOS/Android) and web platforms.
• Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design choices, challenges faced, and how you collaborate with teams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Speechify: Research Speechify's mission, products, target audience, and competitive landscape. Pay attention to their focus on accessibility and learning differences.
• Analyze User Flows: Consider potential improvements to onboarding, core reading features, or accessibility aspects of Speechify's applications.
• Practice Articulation: Be ready to clearly explain your design process, rationale, and potential solutions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Focus on Impact: Frame your solutions around user needs and potential business impact.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component. Candidates should prepare to present their work with confidence and clarity, demonstrating not just their design skills but also their strategic thinking and collaborative abilities. The "Senior" designation means expect to discuss leadership and strategic influence.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given industry standards and collaborative remote work), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator).
• User Research & Testing: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or internal tools).
• Collaboration & Project Management: Slack, Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, or similar platforms for communication and workflow management in a distributed environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to track user behavior, feature adoption, and conversion rates.
• Data Visualization: Tools may be used by the team to present insights, though direct use by the designer might vary.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) might inform user segmentation or product features could be beneficial.
• Automation tools might be relevant for workflow optimization within design processes or understanding how automated features impact UX.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles, especially in remote settings. Familiarity with analytics platforms is crucial for a data-informed design approach. The specific stack will depend on Speechify's current tooling, but core design and collaboration software are essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the mission of making reading an accessible, barrier-free experience for everyone, especially those with learning differences.
• Innovation & Drive: A culture that encourages new ideas, pushing boundaries, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Customer-Centricity: Deep empathy for users and a dedication to understanding and meeting their needs.
• Autonomy & Focus: Trust in individuals to manage their work effectively, encouraging deep focus and creative output.
• Collaboration: While distributed, there's a strong emphasis on working together effectively through digital means.
• Inclusivity & Diversity: A commitment to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Asynchronous First: Communication and collaboration are primarily handled asynchronously, requiring clear, concise written communication and well-documented decisions.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, and AI Research to ensure a unified product vision and execution.
• Feedback Loops: An open culture for providing and receiving constructive feedback on designs and processes.
• Remote Cohesion: Efforts to foster team connection and a shared sense of purpose despite physical distance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their personal values and collaboration style align with Speechify's mission and its distributed, asynchronous work model. Demonstrating empathy for users with learning differences will be particularly important.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling a Distributed Team: As a high-growth startup, scaling design processes and team collaboration effectively in a 100% remote environment presents ongoing challenges.
• Balancing Innovation with Execution: The need to continuously innovate while also delivering high-quality, reliable features on tight timelines.
• Designing for Diverse Needs: Catering to a broad user base with varying needs, including those with significant learning differences, requires deep empathy and robust accessibility considerations.
• Cross-Platform Consistency: Maintaining a cohesive and intuitive user experience across multiple distinct platforms (iOS, Android, Web, Extension) can be complex.
• Asynchronous Communication Nuances: Ensuring clear understanding and alignment across teams operating in different time zones and relying heavily on written communication.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Working with AI and audio technology in a rapidly evolving domain offers significant learning opportunities.
• Product Strategy: Gaining exposure to high-level product strategy and roadmap influence in a fast-growing company.
• Accessibility Expertise: Deepening knowledge and practical application of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.
• Remote Work Best Practices: Honing skills in asynchronous communication, self-management, and remote team collaboration.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and potentially mentor junior team members as the company grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should view challenges as opportunities to demonstrate problem-solving skills and adaptability. Highlighting how they would approach these challenges, drawing on their experience, will be key.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new onboarding flow for users who have never used a text-to-speech product before, considering accessibility needs?"
• "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap based on user research. What was your process and outcome?"
• "Imagine we want to introduce a new AI-powered summarization feature for long documents. How would you begin designing this for our mobile app, considering user comprehension and trust?"
• "How do you balance the need for design consistency across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web) with platform-specific best practices?"
• "What are your strategies for ensuring accessibility is integrated into the design process from the outset, rather than being an afterthought?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Speechify's mission to help people with reading barriers?"
• "How do you thrive in a fully remote and asynchronous work environment? What are your strategies for effective remote collaboration?"
• "Describe your experience working with product managers and engineers. How do you handle disagreements or differing opinions?"
• "How do you measure the success of your design work? What key metrics do you focus on?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution, and the impact. Use a chronological flow that mirrors your design process.
• Visuals: Ensure high-quality mockups, wireframes, prototypes, and any relevant user research artifacts are presented clearly.
• Storytelling: Weave a compelling narrative around each project, highlighting your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and user empathy.
• Metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "increased conversion by X%", "reduced user error rate by Y%").
• Interaction: Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, challenges, and trade-offs. Practice explaining your work concisely and engagingly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss your process in detail, not just the final output. The company values product thinking and customer-centricity, so be ready to demonstrate how you apply these principles. For a Senior role, expect questions that probe your strategic thinking and leadership potential.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Greenhouse link.
• Craft a compelling resume: Highlight your experience with consumer-facing products, cross-platform design (iOS, Android, Web), and specific achievements relevant to user experience and product strategy. Use keywords from the job description.
• Curate a strong portfolio: Select 3-4 of your best end-to-end design projects that showcase your process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your expertise in UX/UI design, research, prototyping, and collaboration, with a focus on mobile and web applications.
• Write a tailored cover letter/application statement: Clearly articulate your interest in Speechify's mission, your relevant experience, and why you are a strong fit for a remote, asynchronous, senior-level design role. Address your understanding of accessibility and learning differences.
• Prepare for the interview process: Familiarize yourself with Speechify's products and mission. Be ready to walk through your portfolio, discuss your design process, and answer strategic and behavioral questions, particularly those related to remote collaboration and customer-centricity.

⚠️ 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.