Senior Product Designer - Lisbon, Portugal

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Speechify

Location: Lisbon, Portugal

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-02-08

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and iterate on consumer-facing products across multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, Mac, and web applications, with a strong emphasis on user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) refinement.

• Drive innovation in the text-to-speech industry by pitching, prototyping, testing, building, and shipping new features, directly influencing the product roadmap and company strategy.

• Champion customer-centricity by actively engaging with users, gathering feedback, and integrating insights into the design process to ensure products meet evolving user needs.

• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the design organization by refining internal processes and shaping the design culture within a fully remote, high-growth startup environment.

• Leverage a deep understanding of analytics to identify key opportunities, collaborate with Product Managers, and make data-informed design decisions that optimize user flows and drive product adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is for a Senior Product Designer, implying a need for end-to-end ownership of design projects, from initial research and discovery through to final delivery and iteration. The "remote solely" status and "asynchronous work culture" suggest a need for strong self-management, communication, and collaboration skills tailored to a distributed team. The focus on AI and audio technology indicates a dynamic and evolving technical landscape.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, prototype, test, and deliver new features and product enhancements across Speechify's suite of applications (iOS, Android, Mac, Chrome Extension, Web App).

• Conduct user research, including discovery, usability testing, and customer interviews, to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement in user experience and core user flows.

• Refine and evolve the UX/UI patterns and design systems to ensure consistency, usability, and aesthetic appeal across all platforms.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and AI Research Scientists to translate product strategy into intuitive and impactful design solutions.

• Influence the product roadmap by providing data-driven insights, design expertise, and strategic recommendations based on user feedback and market trends.

• Develop and present compelling design concepts, prototypes, and final deliverables to stakeholders at various levels of the organization.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design team's processes, tools, and methodologies, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.

• Design and optimize onboarding experiences to ensure new users can quickly understand and benefit from Speechify's core value proposition.

• Maintain a high standard of craft, focusing on typography, information design, micro-interactions, and overall visual design quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input. The emphasis on "pitch, prototype, test, build, ship, and refine" indicates a full-cycle design ownership. Shaping the "design org" suggests a mentorship or leadership component for a senior role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of designing and delivering successful consumer-facing products across multiple platforms (mobile and web).

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in the full product design lifecycle: research, discovery, prototyping, user testing, and delivery of complex features.

• Strong proficiency in UX/UI design principles, with a deep understanding of user-centered design methodologies.

• Expertise in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.

• Ability to articulate product strategy and design rationale, linking design decisions to business objectives and user needs.

• Proven experience in conducting user research, synthesizing findings, and translating insights into actionable design improvements.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (PMs, Engineers, AI Scientists).

• Customer-centric approach, with experience in gathering and incorporating customer feedback into the design process.

• Strong attention to detail in typography, information design, and micro-interactions.

• Familiarity with the technical constraints and capabilities of iOS, Android, and web development.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with audio-focused products or technologies.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies to inform design decisions.

• Experience in refining onboarding flows and optimizing core user journeys.

• Understanding of AI and its application in user-facing products.

• Ability to contribute to shaping and evolving design systems and design team processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of 5-10 years for a "Senior" role is standard. The emphasis on "consumer-facing products across multiple platforms" and "audio" is critical. The "remote work" and "high-growth startup" context are key differentiators.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating your process from research and ideation through to final execution and impact.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of work on consumer-facing applications, ideally across mobile (iOS/Android) and web platforms.

• Evidence of your ability to refine UX/UI patterns and contribute to design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user research, including methods used (e.g., interviews, usability testing, surveys) and how findings informed design decisions.

• Detail your process for problem-solving, feature development, and iteration, highlighting how you balance user needs with business goals.

• Demonstrate your collaboration process with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Illustrate how you leverage analytics and data to inform design choices and measure success.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just visual design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle. Case studies should highlight impact and measurable results.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The estimated salary range for a Senior Product Designer in Lisbon, Portugal, with 5-10 years of experience, is between €45,000 and €75,000 annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in Lisbon, industry benchmarks for senior design roles in tech, and Speechify's status as a high-growth, remote-first company.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package, including salary and potential equity or performance bonuses.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including access to online courses, conferences, and training.

• Allowance or reimbursement for home office setup and WFH expenses.

• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within a rapidly scaling company.

• A dynamic and innovative work environment with a focus on asynchronous collaboration.

• The chance to work on a product with a significant positive social impact.

Working Hours: While Speechify operates with an asynchronous work culture, standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. Flexibility is provided to accommodate different time zones and personal schedules, emphasizing output and results over strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges for Lisbon are based on research from sites like Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, and local recruitment agencies, adjusted for seniority and the tech sector. The benefits are standard for remote tech roles, with an emphasis on professional development and home office support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS, AI, EdTech, Productivity Tools)

Company Size: Approximately 100-200 employees. This size indicates a stage where processes are becoming more formalized, but the company still maintains agility and a strong sense of mission. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for impact and process improvement, with direct visibility to leadership.

Founded: Speechify was founded with a mission to eliminate reading as a barrier to learning. Its growth has been fueled by innovative technology and a strong user base.

Team Structure:

• The company operates as a 100% distributed team, meaning there are no physical offices.

• The design team likely consists of product designers, UX researchers, and potentially UI designers, working collaboratively with Product Managers and Engineers.

• Reporting structure is likely flat, with designers reporting to a Head of Design or a Design Lead, who in turn reports to higher leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core practice, with a strong emphasis on analytics to guide product development and design iterations.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, enabling rapid iteration and adaptation.

• Asynchronous communication and collaboration are fundamental, requiring clear documentation and efficient use of communication tools.

• A focus on AI and audio technology drives innovation and shapes product development strategies.

Company Website: https://speechify.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Speechify's distributed model and focus on AI/audio are key cultural differentiators. The "no office" policy necessitates strong self-discipline and communication skills, which are valuable traits for operations roles. The company's mission is a strong unifying factor.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Senior Product Designer role represents a mid-to-senior level position within the design function. It requires not only execution skills but also the ability to influence product strategy, mentor junior designers, and contribute to the evolution of design processes. For operations professionals, this level signifies a move towards strategic contributions and ownership of significant initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially Marketing counterparts. In a distributed environment, reporting lines might be less hierarchical, with a greater emphasis on project-based collaboration and peer leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work has a direct impact on user acquisition, engagement, retention, and overall product success. By improving the user experience and introducing innovative features, they contribute significantly to Speechify's mission and revenue growth. For operations professionals, understanding this impact helps frame their own contributions in terms of business outcomes and efficiency gains.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas, such as AI-driven design, audio UX, or accessibility design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Designer or Design Manager role, taking on more responsibility for team management, mentorship, and strategic direction.

• Cross-functional Influence: Increased involvement in product strategy, roadmap planning, and influencing business decisions beyond just design execution.

• Industry Exposure: Working with cutting-edge AI and audio technology in a rapidly growing market offers significant learning and career advancement potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title suggests a path toward leadership or deep specialization. The company's growth trajectory indicates ample opportunities for advancement and increased responsibility, particularly for individuals who can demonstrate impact and strategic thinking.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Speechify is a 100% remote company with no physical offices. This means the work environment is entirely digital and asynchronous.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Lisbon, Portugal, but is fully remote. This designation likely means the candidate must be legally authorized to work in Portugal, or that Speechify has a legal entity there to employ individuals in that region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: The environment is built around asynchronous communication tools (e.g., Slack, email, project management software) and virtual collaboration platforms. Effective written communication and documentation are paramount.

• Tools & Technology: Access to a robust suite of digital design tools, project management software, and communication platforms is essential.

• Team Interaction: Interactions occur through video calls, instant messaging, and shared digital workspaces. Spontaneous brainstorming might happen via scheduled virtual sessions.

Work Schedule: While full-time (around 40 hours) is expected, Speechify emphasizes an asynchronous work culture. This provides flexibility for employees to structure their workdays to optimize productivity and accommodate different time zones, with a focus on deliverables and results rather than fixed hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "100% distributed setting" and "no office" are critical details. Candidates must be comfortable with asynchronous work, self-management, and relying on digital tools for all aspects of communication and collaboration. The Lisbon location implies potential legal and tax considerations for employment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Speechify's mission.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, product thinking, and approach to design challenges, likely with the Head of Design or Design Lead.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where you present your portfolio, discussing your process and impact on specific projects. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise to assess your problem-solving and execution skills.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a team.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a co-founder or senior executive to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects that showcase your end-to-end design process and impact on consumer-facing products.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the challenges you faced, your design process and decisions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your research methodologies, problem-solving approach, collaboration with stakeholders, and iteration strategy.

• Showcase Craft: Be prepared to discuss your visual design choices, typography, micro-interactions, and overall attention to detail.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction, reduced drop-off).

• Tailor to Speechify: Briefly explain why your skills and experience are a good fit for Speechify's mission, product, and technology (AI, audio, text-to-speech).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly understand the brief, the target user, and the business goals.

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process, assumptions, and rationale behind your design decisions, even if you don't have time to complete every pixel.

• Prioritize: Identify the most critical aspects of the challenge and focus your efforts there.

• Presentation: Prepare a concise and clear presentation of your solution, highlighting key design choices and how they address the problem statement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for senior design roles in tech startups. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, requiring candidates to clearly articulate their value and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly likely given industry trends and collaborative nature), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Principle, ProtoPie (for more advanced interactions).

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Google Analytics, Mixpanel.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Slack, Jira, Asana, Trello, Notion, Miro.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Tableau (for visualizing data trends).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, familiarity with how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) informs user segmentation and marketing efforts can be beneficial.

• Understanding of automation workflows (e.g., Zapier) that might impact user journeys or data flow.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product designers. The ability to leverage analytics tools and understand data is crucial for demonstrating impact and making informed design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: Deep empathy for users and a commitment to solving their problems effectively.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies (like AI and audio), and approaches to design.

• Collaboration: A willingness to work closely with diverse teams, share ideas, and build consensus.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on delivering tangible results that improve the product and contribute to company goals.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from start to finish and driving them to successful completion.

• Continuous Learning: A commitment to staying updated with design trends, new tools, and evolving technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Asynchronous First: Emphasis on clear written communication, thorough documentation, and respecting individual focus time.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Designers are expected to be integral members of product teams, working alongside PMs and engineers as equal partners.

• Open Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to foster continuous improvement.

• Data-Informed: Discussions and decisions are grounded in user data and analytics, promoting objective problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Speechify's remote and asynchronous nature heavily influences its culture. Values like ownership, clear communication, and a strong mission focus are critical for success in this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Innovation and Execution: In a fast-paced startup, balancing the need to explore new ideas with the pressure to ship features quickly can be challenging.

• Navigating a Rapidly Evolving Technology Landscape: Staying ahead of advancements in AI, audio technology, and design tools requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Maintaining Design Cohesion in a Distributed Team: Ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience across all platforms and features requires strong design leadership and collaboration.

• Influencing Product Strategy: As a Senior Designer, influencing the product roadmap and securing resources for design initiatives requires strong strategic thinking and communication skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/Audio UX: Gaining specialized knowledge in a cutting-edge domain with significant future potential.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives, and potentially step into management roles.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Working closely with AI researchers and engineers provides exposure to advanced technical concepts.

• Industry Exposure: Contributing to a product recognized by major tech platforms (Google, Apple) offers significant professional validation and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior roles in innovative tech companies. The growth opportunities are significant, especially given the company's focus on high-growth areas like AI and its mission-driven product.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to influence a product roadmap with a design recommendation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on data, user insights, and stakeholder management).

• "How do you approach designing for accessibility, especially for users with learning differences?" (Highlight your understanding of Speechify's mission and user base).

• "Walk me through your process for refining a core user flow that was underperforming. What metrics did you look at, and what changes did you propose?" (Showcase analytical skills and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Speechify's mission to make reading accessible?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's purpose).

• "How do you contribute to a positive and productive culture in a fully remote, asynchronous environment?" (Highlight your communication, self-management, and collaboration skills).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Start with a brief overview of your design philosophy, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. For each case study, cover: Problem Statement, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Key Decisions, Outcomes/Impact, and Learnings.

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative. What was the challenge? How did you overcome it? What was the result?

• Visuals: Use clear, high-fidelity mockups, prototypes, and relevant data visualizations. Show the evolution of the design.

• Engagement: Be prepared for questions throughout the presentation. Engage your interviewers and make it a conversation.

• Conciseness: Respect the allocated time. Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and stays within limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a combination of strong design skills, strategic thinking, a customer-centric mindset, and the ability to thrive in a remote, fast-paced environment. Demonstrating an understanding of Speechify's mission is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate your most impactful product design case studies, focusing on consumer-facing applications and demonstrating your end-to-end design process. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight experience relevant to Speechify's mission, including work on mobile/web apps, user research, UX/UI refinement, and collaboration in a remote setting. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, practicing your storytelling and ability to articulate design decisions and their rationale. Rehearse answers to common behavioral and product strategy questions.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Speechify's product, mission, target audience, and recent achievements. Research their approach to AI and audio technology, and consider how your design skills can contribute to their continued success.

⚠️ 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.

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