Senior Product Designer (w/m/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (w/m/d)

Company: HERO Software GmbH

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: March 27, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid option with potential office presence in Berlin)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead user-centered product design initiatives from initial concept through to final implementation within a fast-paced SaaS environment.

• Drive product discovery and research to identify user needs and business opportunities, translating insights into elegant and effective design solutions.

• Champion data-driven design principles, leveraging analytics and user testing to measure the impact and success of design iterations.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system, while also exploring and integrating emerging design trends and AI tools.

• Collaborate closely within cross-functional "Product Trio" teams, including Product Management and Engineering, to ensure cohesive product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "w/m/d" designation (weiblich/männlich/divers) indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion in hiring, common in German job postings. While the role is remote-friendly, the mention of Berlin as the primary location and potential office-based benefits (like massages) suggests a hybrid model might be preferred or that Berlin-based employees receive specific local perks. The start date of May 1, 2026, is a key detail for planning.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough user discovery and opportunity research, focusing on identifying pain points and unmet needs within the craftsmanship digitalization sector.

• Integrate qualitative and quantitative data from sources like Dovetail and Mixpanel to inform design decisions and iterate on product features.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes and conduct rigorous user testing sessions to validate design concepts and gather actionable feedback.

• Own the end-to-end product design process, from initial sketches and wireframes to detailed UI designs and interaction specifications.

• Actively contribute to the advancement of the company's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to best practices across all product interfaces.

• Partner strategically with Product Management for roadmap planning and prioritization, and with Engineering for seamless implementation of designs.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, methodologies (e.g., ShapeUp, Continuous Discovery), and AI-powered design tools, proposing their adoption where beneficial.

• Collaborate with Research, Analytics, and Brand teams to ensure a holistic and user-centric product development approach.

• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall skill development and knowledge sharing within the product design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Digitalisierung im Handwerk" (digitalization in craftsmanship) indicates a specific industry focus. The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic contribution (roadmap, prioritization) and tactical execution (sketching, prototyping, testing), reflecting a senior-level role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating mastery of product design principles and a relevant educational background (e.g., Design, HCI, Computer Science) is highly valued.

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of professional experience in Product Design, with a significant portion ideally gained within SaaS companies or dynamic startup environments. Experience with mobile application design is also a strong plus.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in end-to-end Product Design, including UX research, user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Demonstrated proficiency with Figma for design creation, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Strong understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.

• Experience in data-driven design, including the ability to interpret analytics and user feedback to guide design decisions.

• Familiarity with user testing methodologies and the ability to design and conduct tests effectively.

• Experience in developing and maintaining Design Systems.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with methodologies such as ShapeUp, Scrum, or Agile development frameworks.

• Familiarity with Continuous Discovery practices.

• Proficiency with user research tools like Dovetail.

• Experience with product analytics platforms such as Mixpanel.

• Exposure to or experience with AI tools relevant to design and product development.

• Experience designing for mobile applications.

• Understanding of metrics like CSAT, CES, Conversion Rate, and Customer Lifetime Value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "Senior" title and the breadth of responsibilities. The specific mention of SaaS and startup experience suggests the company values candidates who understand rapid iteration and evolving product landscapes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 distinct product design projects that demonstrate the full design lifecycle.

• Projects should highlight problem definition, user research findings, design iterations, prototyping, user testing results, and final UI solutions.

• Clear articulation of your specific role and contributions within each project, especially in team-based scenarios.

• Demonstration of your ability to translate complex business requirements into user-friendly and effective design solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail your approach to user research, including methods used and insights gained.

• Showcase your prototyping process, from low-fidelity sketches to interactive, high-fidelity prototypes.

• Document your user testing approach, including test planning, execution, and how feedback influenced design decisions.

• Illustrate your contribution to or development of Design Systems, including examples of components and style guides.

• Include examples of how you’ve leveraged data (e.g., analytics, A/B test results) to inform and validate design choices.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to showcase not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a data-informed approach. The emphasis on "real impact" and "measurable results" suggests a need for quantifiable outcomes in project descriptions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Berlin, Germany, with 5-10 years of experience in SaaS/startup environments, the estimated annual salary range is €65,000 - €85,000. This range accounts for the senior level, the specific tech focus, and the cost of living in Berlin.

Benefits:

• Flexibility & Mobility:

  • Time-flexible and location-independent mobile work.
  • Subsidized Deutschlandticket (€29/month) for public transport.
  • 30 vacation days per year, including Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
  • Additional days off for recovery and disconnection.
  • A dedicated Volunteering Day for social projects.

• Health & Well-being:

  • Jobrad leasing program for cycling.
  • Access to sports facilities via Hansefit or EGYM Wellpass.
  • Full access to mental health support through partner Bloom.
  • Supplementary company health insurance provided by Allianz.
  • Monthly professional shoulder and neck massages (for those in or visiting the Hannover office, or potentially available remotely/in Berlin).

• Career & Development:

  • Annual training budget of €800 for courses, books, or coaching.
  • Regular feedback and development discussions to support career goals.
  • A clear internal career progression plan (HERO-Career-Plan).

• Team Spirit:

  • Regular company parties (Summer, Christmas) and team events.

  • Annual co-workations with the HERO team in EU destinations. Working Hours: The role is full-time, typically around 40 hours per week, with an emphasis on flexible working hours to accommodate mobile work and personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are exceptionally comprehensive, reflecting a strong focus on employee well-being and development. The salary estimate is derived from general German tech market data for similar roles and locations, adjusted for the specified experience level and industry. The massage benefit might be specific to an office location and requires clarification for remote employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software, specifically focused on Digitalization within the Craftsmanship (Handwerk) sector. This niche suggests a company that understands the unique challenges and opportunities of modernizing traditional industries through technology.

Company Size: HERO Software GmbH is likely a growing mid-sized company, given the comprehensive benefits and structured career plans, but not yet a large enterprise. This size typically offers a balance between established processes and the agility of a startup.

Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but the mention of "gestaltest Du die Zukunft der Digitalisierung im Handwerk mit!" suggests a company that is actively innovating and potentially has a few years of established operations and product development.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely composed of designers with varying specializations, including UX, UI, and potentially Research.

• The role reports into a "Head of Product Design" (Max is mentioned as a contact), indicating a clear leadership structure within the design function.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core principle, utilizing analytics tools for insights.

• Agile methodologies like Scrum are likely employed for iterative development.

• Continuous Discovery practices suggest a proactive approach to understanding user needs and market trends.

• Emphasis on Design Systems points to a commitment to scalable and consistent product development.

Company Website: https://www.hero-software.de/ (Inferred from domain and company description)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on the "Handwerk" sector is a key differentiator. This implies a need for designers who can bridge the gap between complex technology solutions and the practical needs of tradespeople, likely requiring a user-friendly, intuitive, and robust design approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Product Designer," indicating a seasoned professional expected to lead design efforts, mentor others, and contribute strategically to product direction. It's a crucial individual contributor role with significant influence.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to the Head of Product Design (Max). They will also work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads within their assigned Product Trio, and collaborate with other departments like Research, Analytics, and Brand.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is direct and significant. Their work influences user adoption, satisfaction (CSAT, CES), conversion rates, and ultimately, customer lifetime value. By creating intuitive and effective digital solutions for the craftsmanship sector, they drive business growth and solidify HERO Software's market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, design systems, accessibility, or mobile UX.

• Leadership: Transition into a Lead Product Designer role, managing a team, or a Product Manager role, focusing more on strategy and roadmap.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Develop a deeper understanding of business strategy, engineering constraints, and market dynamics through close collaboration.

• Skill Development: Utilize the annual training budget for courses in advanced design tools, methodologies, AI in design, or leadership training.

• Mentorship: Gain experience mentoring junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The clear mention of a "HERO-Career-Plan" suggests a structured approach to internal mobility and promotions, offering a defined path for growth beyond the Senior Designer role.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: While the role is remote-friendly, the mention of an "Hannoveraner Office" and specific benefits like massages suggests a physical office presence exists. The primary location is Berlin, which may have co-working spaces or a dedicated HERO office. The environment is likely a mix of remote collaboration and potential in-person meetups or team events.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany is the primary stated location. Hannover is also mentioned in relation to specific benefits. Remote work is supported within Germany.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative: Expect a highly collaborative environment, working within Product Trios and engaging with various departments. Tools like Figma facilitate real-time collaboration.

• Tech-Enabled: Access to modern design and analytics tools (Figma, Dovetail, Mixpanel) is standard. The company also encourages the adoption of AI tools.

• Flexible: The emphasis on flexible and location-independent work means the workspace is adaptable to individual needs, supported by company-provided tools and potentially a remote work stipend or equipment.

Work Schedule: Full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexible working hours. This allows for autonomy in structuring the workday, provided core collaboration times and deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The flexibility offered, combined with the specific benefits like the Deutschlandticket, suggests the company aims to support employees regardless of their primary work location within Germany, while encouraging connection and collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application & Portfolio Review: Submit your CV, cover letter, and a strong portfolio. The hiring team (Martine, Max) will review your application, focusing on design quality, experience, and alignment with requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with Max (Head of Product Design) and potentially other senior designers. This stage will delve into your design philosophy, experience with specific tools and methodologies, and your approach to problem-solving. Be prepared to walk through key projects in your portfolio and discuss your role and impact.

• Product Trio/Cross-functional Interview: An interview with members of a Product Trio (e.g., Product Manager, Engineering Lead) to assess your collaboration skills, understanding of product development processes, and ability to articulate design decisions in a cross-functional context.

• "Culture Fit" / Values Interview: A conversation focused on assessing alignment with HERO Software's values, work ethic, and team dynamics. This might involve behavioral questions.

• Offer: Successful candidates will receive a formal offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with SaaS, mobile apps, data-driven design, and problem-solving in a relevant industry.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., "improved conversion rate by X%", "reduced user errors by Y%").

• Showcase Tools: Explicitly mention your proficiency with Figma and any experience with Dovetail, Mixpanel, or AI tools.

• Design System Examples: If you have experience with Design Systems, dedicate a section to showcase your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach user research and translate findings into design.

• Prepare to explain your process for creating prototypes and conducting user tests.

• Think about how you would approach a design challenge related to the craftsmanship industry.

• Practice articulating your design decisions and their rationale, especially in the context of business goals and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes both technical design skills (portfolio) and soft skills (collaboration, communication, culture fit). Candidates should prepare to "sell" their impact and process, not just their final designs.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Mastery is expected.

• Dovetail: Preferred for user research synthesis and insights management. Experience is a plus.

• Mixpanel: Preferred for product analytics and understanding user behavior. Experience is a plus.

• AI Tools: The company is keen on integrating AI tools into the design process. Familiarity with any AI-powered design assistants or tools is advantageous.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Access to product analytics data likely through platforms like Mixpanel or similar.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts CRM data and customer journeys is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation principles can be helpful in understanding product functionality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Dovetail, and Mixpanel indicates the core tools used. The emphasis on AI tools suggests an environment that embraces innovation and efficiency through technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users in the craftsmanship sector.

• Data-Driven Approach: Decisions are informed by data, analytics, and user feedback, rather than solely by intuition.

• Quality & Impact: Striving for excellence in design that delivers measurable business results and customer satisfaction.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working effectively across departments to achieve common product goals.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing new trends, technologies (like AI), and methodologies to constantly enhance processes and outcomes.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design decisions and their impact on the product and business.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Product Teams: Working closely within Product Trios (Product, Engineering, Design) in a highly collaborative, iterative manner.

• Open Communication: Encouraging open feedback loops and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Actively engaging with Research, Analytics, and Brand to ensure a holistic product vision.

• Mentorship: A culture that supports knowledge transfer and skill development, particularly from senior to junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company seems to foster a culture of innovation, data-informed decision-making, and strong collaborative partnerships, all aimed at delivering high-quality, impactful digital solutions for their specific industry niche.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Industry Gaps: Designing sophisticated digital products that are intuitive and accessible for users in the traditional craftsmanship sector, who may have varying levels of tech-savviness.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: Integrating new design trends and AI tools while ensuring the core product remains stable, reliable, and meets long-term business objectives.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent communication and shared understanding across Product, Engineering, and Design, especially in a remote/hybrid setting.

• Measuring Impact: Clearly attributing design's contribution to business metrics like CSAT, CES, and CLV, and effectively communicating this impact.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Utilizing the €800 annual budget for courses in advanced Figma techniques, UX research methodologies, or specialized design areas.

• Emerging Technologies: Exploring and experimenting with AI tools for design ideation, prototyping, and workflow optimization.

• Product Strategy: Gaining deeper insights into product roadmap planning, prioritization, and business strategy through close work with Product Management.

• Leadership Skills: Developing mentorship capabilities and potentially moving towards lead or management roles through defined career paths.

• Industry Exposure: Attending relevant conferences or workshops (potentially funded by the training budget) to stay updated on design trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for growth. The company actively supports employees in tackling these by providing resources and a collaborative environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used data (analytics, user research) to significantly change a design direction. What was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, the data used, and measurable impact).

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with business goals and technical constraints in a SaaS environment?" (Highlight your strategic thinking and collaborative approach).

• "Walk us through your process for developing and maintaining a design system. What are the key principles you follow?" (Demonstrate your understanding of scalability and consistency).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about designing for the craftsmanship industry?" (Show your research and genuine interest).

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially in a remote or hybrid setting?" (Focus on communication, knowledge sharing, and support).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, following the design process (Problem -> Research -> Ideation -> Design -> Testing -> Outcome).

• Be Your Own Case Study: Treat your portfolio presentation as a design project itself. Define the "goal" (showcasing your skills), the "audience" (hiring team), and the "deliverable" (a compelling overview).

• Quantify Impact: Emphasize metrics and business outcomes. If exact numbers aren't available, discuss the intended impact and how it would be measured.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Briefly show how you use Figma, and mention any insights gained from Dovetail or Mixpanel.

• Explain Your "Why": For every design decision, be ready to explain the reasoning behind it, linking it back to user needs or business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that align with the job description's emphasis on data, user-centricity, SaaS/startup experience, and the unique industry focus. Practicing the portfolio walk-through is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable. Ensure your CV and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to this role.

• Portfolio Customization: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your experience in SaaS, user-centered design, data-driven decision-making, and ideally, any experience with mobile apps or complex software. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design," "User-centered," "Data-driven," "Figma," "SaaS," "Startup," "Design Systems," and any relevant methodologies (Scrum, Continuous Discovery). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, key project details, and how you handle collaboration and feedback. Be ready to discuss your interest in the craftsmanship industry and HERO Software's mission. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with HERO Software's website, mission, and any available information on their Kununu profile or social media (Instagram, LinkedIn). Understand their target market and product focus.

⚠️ 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.