Senior Product Designer - Ljubljana, Slovenia

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer Company: Speechify Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI) Date Posted: January 19, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 Years Remote Status: Fully Remote (with expectation to be based in Ljubljana, Slovenia)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from ideation and prototyping to final delivery and iterative refinement of consumer-facing features.
• Elevate the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) patterns across Speechify's mobile applications (iOS and Android), ensuring a cohesive and intuitive user journey.
• Lead the redesign and optimization of critical user flows, including onboarding and core product interactions, to enhance user engagement and retention.
• Play a pivotal role in shaping the product roadmap by leveraging data analytics, user research, and strategic product thinking to identify and prioritize key opportunities.
• Contribute to the evolution of the design organization by refining internal processes and best practices within a high-growth, remote-first startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Senior Product Designer," the emphasis on influencing the product roadmap, refining UX/UI patterns, and shaping the design org suggests a role that bridges design leadership with hands-on execution, common in scaling tech companies. The location specificity ("Ljubljana, Slovenia") for a remote role is unusual and may indicate a need for local legal/tax compliance, or a desire to build a local hub, despite the distributed nature of the company.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, prototype, test, and ship new features for Speechify's suite of text-to-speech products, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and user needs.
• Conduct in-depth user research, including customer interviews and usability testing, to gather actionable insights that inform design decisions and product strategy.
• Develop and maintain high-fidelity designs, wireframes, and interactive prototypes for iOS, Android, and web platforms, adhering to best practices in typography, information design, and micro-interactions.
• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and AI Research Scientists to translate complex requirements into elegant and functional design solutions.
• Analyze product performance metrics and user engagement data to identify areas for improvement and iterate on existing features for maximum impact.
• Champion a customer-centric design philosophy, ensuring that user feedback is integrated effectively throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design process, including workflow optimization, documentation, and the adoption of new design methodologies.
• Influence the strategic direction of the product by providing design perspectives on the roadmap, feature prioritization, and market opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product thinking and hands-on design execution, which is typical for senior roles in fast-paced startups. The emphasis on "pitch, prototype, test, build, ship, and refine" indicates a full-cycle design ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is generally expected for a Senior Product Designer role.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, with a strong focus on consumer-facing digital products across multiple platforms (mobile, web). Demonstrated experience in a high-growth startup environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in end-to-end product design, encompassing research, discovery, prototyping, and the successful delivery of consumer-facing products.
• Strong product thinking skills, with the ability to articulate strategy and understand the "what" and "why" behind design decisions, not just the "how."
• Expertise in user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, and the ability to translate findings into design solutions.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).
• Deep understanding of UX/UI design principles, including information architecture, interaction design, visual design, typography, and accessibility standards.
• Experience in refining and optimizing user flows, particularly onboarding sequences and core user journeys.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and stakeholders, in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate design rationale and present ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with common technical constraints and capabilities of iOS, Android, and web development platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with audio technology or text-to-speech products.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) for product performance analysis.
• Experience in shaping and influencing product roadmaps.
• A portfolio showcasing a strong understanding of craft, including typography, information design, and micro-interactions.
• Experience working in a fully distributed or asynchronous work environment.
• Curiosity and understanding of AI applications in product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The 5-10 year experience range positions this role as a senior individual contributor with the potential for leadership. The preference for "consumer-facing products across multiple platforms" and experience in "high-growth startups" are key indicators of the desired candidate profile.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a diverse range of projects demonstrating end-to-end product design ownership, from initial problem definition to final shipped product.
• Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the impact of your solutions (quantifiable metrics preferred).
• Present examples of user research, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design, highlighting your design craft and attention to detail.
• Demonstrate experience in refining user flows, particularly onboarding, and core user journeys, showcasing how you improved usability and engagement.
• Provide evidence of cross-functional collaboration and how you worked with PMs and engineers to bring designs to life.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research, including methods for gathering customer feedback and synthesizing insights.
• Illustrate your prototyping process, from low-fidelity sketches to interactive high-fidelity prototypes.
• Explain your methodology for iterating on designs based on user testing, analytics, and stakeholder input.
• Provide examples of how you have contributed to refining design processes or workflows within a team.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for a Senior Product Designer. The requirements emphasize showcasing the entire design lifecycle and demonstrating the impact of design decisions, particularly on user engagement and product metrics.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Senior Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in a high-growth tech company, and considering the Ljubljana, Slovenia location with potential for international remote work, the estimated annual gross salary range is €55,000 - €85,000. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skills, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and certifications.
• A dynamic and innovative work environment with a focus on asynchronous communication.
• The opportunity to work on a product with a significant positive impact, especially for individuals with learning differences.
• A collaborative and supportive remote team culture.

Working Hours: Speechify operates on a 40-hour work week, emphasizing flexibility and asynchronous collaboration. While core working hours may be expected for critical meetings and team syncs, the role allows for significant autonomy in managing one's schedule to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on general market data for senior design roles in European tech hubs and the company's stage. Benefits are inferred from typical offerings in fast-growing tech startups. The emphasis on "asynchronous work culture" suggests a flexible approach to daily working hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Speechify operates at the intersection of technology, education, and accessibility, leveraging AI and audio technology to enhance reading comprehension and accessibility. Their primary focus is on text-to-speech solutions. Company Size: Speechify is a high-growth startup with approximately 200 employees globally. This size indicates a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: Speechify was founded with a mission to eliminate reading as a barrier to learning. While the exact founding year isn't provided, its growth and recognition (e.g., Google Chrome Extension of the Year, Apple Design Award) suggest a company that has achieved significant traction and product-market fit.

Team Structure:

• The design team is part of a larger, globally distributed workforce of engineers, AI researchers, and product professionals.
• It's a remote-first organization with no physical offices, emphasizing asynchronous communication and collaboration tools.
• Senior designers are expected to work closely with Product Managers and engineers, influencing product strategy and execution.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, with an emphasis on analytics and user feedback to guide product development.
• Innovation is key, particularly in leveraging AI and audio technology to create cutting-edge text-to-speech solutions.
• A strong focus on inclusivity and accessibility, aiming to serve users with learning differences like dyslexia and ADD.

Company Website: [Speechify Website - based on domain_derived: speechify.com]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is characterized by its mission-driven approach, focus on innovation in AI and audio tech, and a commitment to inclusivity. The remote-first, asynchronous work model is a defining cultural element.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a Senior Product Designer, implying a high level of autonomy, expertise, and the ability to lead design initiatives. It sits above a mid-level designer and below a Design Lead or Head of Design. Responsibilities extend beyond execution to include strategic input and process refinement.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Senior Product Designer typically reports to a Design Manager, Head of Design, or a Product Lead, depending on the specific organizational structure. They will work collaboratively with Product Managers and engineering teams.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts user acquisition, engagement, retention, and overall user satisfaction through improved product experiences. Their designs contribute to Speechify's mission of making reading accessible, which has a profound societal impact and drives business growth. By influencing the product roadmap and refining user flows, they directly contribute to key business metrics like conversion rates and feature adoption.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer role, mentoring junior designers, or taking on more strategic product vision responsibilities.
• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, audio UX, or accessibility, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.
• Cross-functional Advancement: Develop stronger product management or strategic skills through close collaboration with PMs and leadership.
• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance the design team's processes, tools, and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a Senior Product Designer in a company like Speechify typically involves moving towards leadership, deeper specialization, or broader product strategy influence. The remote, high-growth nature of Speechify offers ample opportunities for rapid development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Speechify operates as a 100% distributed, remote-first company. There are no physical offices, meaning the "work environment" is the candidate's chosen remote workspace.

Office Location(s): The company has employees globally, operating asynchronously. While the role is posted for Ljubljana, Slovenia, this likely refers to the employee's registered location for tax/legal purposes within a remote framework, rather than a company office.

Workspace Context:

• Collaboration: Heavily reliant on digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Figma) for communication and design work. Emphasis on asynchronous communication to accommodate global time zones.
• Technology: Access to and proficiency with a robust digital toolset for design, communication, and project management.
• Interaction: Regular interaction with Product Managers, engineers, and fellow designers through virtual meetings and digital collaboration platforms.

Work Schedule: The company emphasizes an exceptional asynchronous work culture. While a 40-hour work week is standard, employees have significant flexibility in structuring their day to optimize focus and productivity, provided they can meet project deadlines and participate in essential virtual meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote, asynchronous nature of Speechify's work environment is a key characteristic. Candidates must be comfortable and effective working independently and collaborating digitally across time zones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application & Portfolio Review: Initial screening will focus on your resume and, critically, your portfolio. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work on consumer-facing products.
• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or design lead to assess your experience, product thinking, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. Expect in-depth questions about your portfolio case studies.
• Design Challenge/Exercise: You may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a case study from your portfolio in detail, focusing on your approach to a specific problem, user research, and design rationale.
• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and/or Engineers to evaluate your collaboration skills, communication style, and ability to work effectively within a remote, cross-functional team.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with higher-level leadership to assess strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-4 projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact on consumer products. Highlight mobile (iOS/Android) and web experiences.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the constraints, your process, key decisions, and the outcomes (quantify impact where possible). Use visuals effectively.
• Demonstrate Craft: Showcase your attention to detail in typography, information hierarchy, interaction design, and micro-interactions.
• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with PMs and engineers, and how you incorporated feedback.
• Address Speechify's Mission: If possible, subtly weave in how your past work or passion aligns with Speechify's mission of accessibility and education.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the brief and ask clarifying questions.
• Outline Your Process: Be prepared to articulate your design process, from initial research and ideation to iteration and final recommendations.
• Focus on Rationale: Clearly explain the "why" behind your design choices, referencing user needs, business goals, and design principles.
• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your work, ensuring it's concise, engaging, and within any time limits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on portfolio and case studies is paramount. Candidates should prepare to deep-dive into their past projects and articulate their design rationale and impact thoroughly.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given industry trends and collaborative nature), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), InVision or similar prototyping tools.
• User Research & Feedback: Tools for conducting user interviews, usability testing, and gathering feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).
• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Notion or similar for documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar platforms for tracking user behavior, feature adoption, and engagement metrics.
• Data Visualization: Tools that integrate with analytics platforms to create dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Looker Studio).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) might inform user segmentation or how automation workflows (e.g., Zapier) impact user journeys could be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design and collaboration tools is essential. Experience with product analytics platforms is a strong plus for a Senior Product Designer focused on data-driven decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to the mission of making reading accessible and empowering users, particularly those with learning differences.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Encouraging exploration of new technologies, especially AI and audio, to push product boundaries.
• Customer-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design and product decisions.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where ideas are shared, feedback is constructive, and teams work together effectively, especially in a remote setting.
• Impact & Ownership: Valuing individuals who take ownership of their work and are driven to achieve tangible results.

Collaboration Style:

• Asynchronous First: Prioritizing communication methods that do not require real-time presence, allowing for flexibility across time zones.
• Cross-functional Partnership: Working closely and respectfully with Product Managers, engineers, AI researchers, and other stakeholders to achieve shared goals.
• Feedback-Oriented: Encouraging a culture of constructive feedback and continuous improvement, both for products and processes.
• Remote-First Mindset: Embracing digital tools and communication strategies that facilitate seamless collaboration in a distributed environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align with a mission-oriented, innovative, and collaborative culture, adapted for a remote-first, asynchronous work model.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating a Fast-Paced Startup: Adapting to rapid changes, shifting priorities, and the need for quick iteration common in high-growth environments.
• Remote Collaboration Complexity: Ensuring effective communication, alignment, and team cohesion within a fully distributed and asynchronous team structure.
• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Developing novel features while ensuring they are robust, scalable, and maintainable across multiple platforms.
• Defining and Measuring Impact: Clearly articulating the impact of design decisions, especially in a product that serves diverse user needs and learning styles.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI & Audio Tech: Opportunities to become an expert in the rapidly evolving fields of AI-driven design and advanced audio technologies.
• Product Strategy Influence: Gaining hands-on experience in shaping product roadmaps and influencing business strategy.
• Remote Leadership Skills: Developing expertise in leading and collaborating within remote, asynchronous teams.
• Accessibility Design Expertise: Becoming a leader in inclusive design practices, particularly for users with learning differences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a senior role in a growing tech startup, with a unique emphasis on remote work and cutting-edge technology. Growth opportunities are strong for those seeking to deepen technical expertise or move into leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you influenced a product roadmap. What was your approach and what was the outcome?" (Preparation: Think of projects where your design insights led to strategic shifts or feature prioritization.)
• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints? Provide an example." (Preparation: Prepare a case study that showcases this balancing act, highlighting your decision-making process.)
• "Walk us through a challenging UX/UI problem you solved in a previous role. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Preparation: Select a strong portfolio case study and be ready to present it in detail, focusing on your problem-solving methodology.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Speechify's mission and our approach to text-to-speech technology?" (Preparation: Research Speechify's mission, products, and recent news. Connect it to your personal values or career aspirations.)
• "How do you approach collaboration in a remote, asynchronous environment?" (Preparation: Discuss your preferred communication tools and strategies for staying aligned and productive with a distributed team.)
• "How do you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your design process?" (Preparation: Share specific examples of how you've incorporated accessibility principles and considered diverse user needs, especially those with learning differences.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear story arc: Problem -> Your Role -> Process & Solutions -> Outcome & Impact.
• Focus on "Why": Emphasize the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them to user needs and business objectives.
• Quantify Impact: Use metrics (e.g., engagement increase, conversion rate improvement, task completion time reduction) to demonstrate the success of your designs.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and challenges encountered.
• Highlight Craft: Showcase your attention to detail in UI elements, typography, and micro-interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating your design process, demonstrating strategic thinking, and showcasing your ability to collaborate effectively within a remote, mission-driven environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with consumer-facing products, mobile (iOS/Android) and web design, and end-to-end product development. Emphasize case studies that showcase problem-solving, user research, and measurable impact.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key skills relevant to product design (UX/UI, research, prototyping), and achievements in high-growth environments. Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, your contributions to product strategy, and how you handle collaboration in remote settings. Be ready to walk through your portfolio case studies concisely and effectively.
• Research Speechify: Understand Speechify's mission, target audience (especially users with learning differences), technology (AI, text-to-speech), and recent achievements. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company and the role.

⚠️ 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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