Senior Product Designer (Zürich)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Rivia

Location: Zürich, Switzerland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: January 23, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead product design initiatives from concept through execution, focusing on transforming complex data workflows into intuitive user experiences for a B2B SaaS platform.

• Drive the development and maintenance of a scalable design system to ensure platform consistency and efficiency.

• Collaborate directly with customers and cross-functional teams (Sales, Customer Engagement, Engineering) to validate designs and align product development with user needs and business objectives.

• Leverage cutting-edge AI tools to enhance the design process and build innovative, AI-driven features.

• Contribute to a fast-paced startup environment, taking ownership of strategic design decisions and influencing the company's design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Product Designer," the responsibilities and company context (startup, AI-driven analytics for biopharma) suggest a strong focus on UX/UI for complex data visualization and B2B SaaS. The role requires a blend of strategic design thinking, hands-on execution, and technical understanding, particularly concerning data-heavy applications and AI integration. The "Senior" aspect implies leadership in design processes and potentially mentoring junior designers as the company grows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design lifecycle, encompassing user research, strategy definition, wireframing, high-fidelity visual design, prototyping, and ongoing iteration based on user feedback.

• Design intuitive and effective interfaces for complex, data-intensive B2B SaaS environments, with a specific focus on AI-Driven Analytics and Data Infrastructure for biopharma clinical trials.

• Develop, document, and maintain a comprehensive and scalable design system to ensure visual and functional consistency across the Rivia platform.

• Act as a primary user advocate by engaging directly with customers to understand their challenges, translate deep clinical insights into user-centered product experiences, and validate design hypotheses.

• Foster strong, collaborative partnerships with Sales, Customer Engagement, and Engineering teams to ensure seamless implementation of designs and alignment with user needs and overarching business objectives.

• Conduct continuous validation of design solutions through close collaboration with customers during the development process, gathering critical feedback to ensure the delivery of impactful and relevant solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-stack design role within a specialized B2B SaaS context. The "Complex Data Visualization" and "User Advocacy" points highlight the need for deep understanding of the biopharma domain and user pain points, going beyond standard UI/UX tasks. The mention of "Continuous Validation" points to an agile design process heavily reliant on customer feedback loops.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and a deep understanding of design principles, user-centered design methodologies, and information architecture is essential.

Experience: 5+ years of professional experience in Product Design, UX Design, or UI Design roles, with a significant portion focused on professional-grade SaaS software development.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience designing and delivering high-quality, professional-grade SaaS software products.

• Demonstrated expertise in the full product design lifecycle, from user research and ideation to high-fidelity design and execution.

• Proficiency in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles and best practices.

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Strong understanding of user advocacy and the ability to translate complex user needs into intuitive product features.

• Excellent collaboration skills for effective cross-functional partnership with engineering, product management, sales, and customer engagement teams.

• Ability to conduct continuous validation and iterate on designs based on customer feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex, data-heavy B2B platforms or analytical dashboards.

• Technical literacy, with a strong understanding of how designs translate into code, and ideally, familiarity with React and TypeScript front-end development.

• Experience leveraging AI tools to accelerate design processes and build AI-driven features.

• A strategic and analytical mindset, with a proven ability to solve complex problems pragmatically.

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, own outcomes, and thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Experience in the biopharma or clinical trials industry, understanding the specific data challenges and workflows.

• Pragmatic approach to design, understanding the balance between ideal solutions and shipping value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The distinction between required and preferred skills is crucial. The core requirement is SaaS design experience, but the preferred skills strongly indicate the ideal candidate will have experience with data visualization, AI, and a technical understanding of the front-end stack (React/TypeScript). This points towards a role that bridges design and development more closely than a typical senior designer role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5+ years of professional product design work, with a strong emphasis on B2B SaaS applications.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating ownership of design initiatives from conception through launch, highlighting problem definition, user research, design process, and final outcomes.

• Examples of complex data visualization or data-heavy dashboard designs, illustrating the ability to simplify intricate information for user understanding.

• Evidence of experience in developing or contributing to design systems, showcasing components, guidelines, and their impact on consistency and efficiency.

• Demonstrations of user advocacy, including research methodologies, user interview summaries, and how insights directly influenced design decisions.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly demonstrate a robust understanding of user-centered design processes, including user research methodologies (interviews, surveys, usability testing), information architecture, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

• Evidence of iterative design practices and the ability to incorporate feedback from customers and stakeholders to refine solutions.

• Examples of how AI tools were integrated into the design workflow to enhance efficiency or create innovative features.

• Clear articulation of how design decisions contributed to measurable business outcomes or user value, demonstrating a focus on impact and ROI.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role in a startup emphasizing data and AI, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just visual appeal and demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving for complex data, and the ability to work within a technical stack. The emphasis on customer proximity and validation means the portfolio should ideally show how designs were tested and iterated upon with real users.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Zürich, Switzerland, the estimated annual salary range is CHF 120,000 - CHF 160,000. This range accounts for the senior level, specialized skills (SaaS, data visualization, AI), and the high cost of living and competitive market in Zürich.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.

• Stock options or equity in a rapidly growing, well-funded startup.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to AI tools and design conferences.

• Generous paid time off and holidays.

• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.

• A dynamic and collaborative work environment with direct impact on product and company trajectory.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered to accommodate project needs and individual work styles common in startup environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior product designers in major European tech hubs like Zürich, considering the company's funding status and growth phase. Benefits are typical for well-funded startups aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI-Driven Analytics, Data Infrastructure for Biopharma Clinical Trials)

Company Size: Early-stage startup, post-Series A funding (€3M round led by Speedinvest), likely with a team size of 20-50 employees. This means a dynamic, fast-paced environment where every individual's contribution is highly visible and impactful.

Founded: Rivia was founded approximately 2 years prior to the job posting date. This indicates a company that has moved beyond the initial idea phase, validated its product-market fit, and is now in a growth and scaling phase.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely small, potentially consisting of just this Senior Product Designer initially, with the potential to grow.

• This role will report to a Head of Product or CTO, given the startup environment.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile development and a customer-centric approach.

• Data-driven decision-making, leveraging AI for insights and product enhancement.

• Continuous learning and experimentation are core to the company's approach, especially given its focus on AI and innovation.

• Pragmatism is valued, balancing ideal solutions with the need to ship value quickly in a startup context.

Company Website: http://rivia.ch

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is shaped by its startup nature, its specific industry (biopharma tech), and its focus on AI. Expect a high-energy, collaborative, and results-oriented environment where innovation and adaptability are key. The "People First" and "Take Initiative" values are strong indicators of the desired work ethic.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a "Senior" individual contributor role, with significant autonomy and strategic influence. It sits at the cusp of direct contribution and potential team leadership. For a product designer, "Senior" typically means leading complex projects, mentoring junior team members (if any), and contributing significantly to product strategy and design systems.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report directly to the Head of Product or CTO. This close proximity to leadership provides opportunities for direct influence on product strategy and design direction.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work will directly impact Rivia's ability to deliver intuitive and effective solutions to biopharma clients, which is critical for retaining customers, acquiring new ones, and ultimately driving revenue. Designing complex data workflows that are easy to use will be a key differentiator.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership: As Rivia grows, this role has the potential to evolve into a Design Lead or Head of Design position, building and managing a design team.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, data visualization for specialized industries (biopharma), and advanced SaaS UX.

• Product Strategy: Contribute more broadly to product strategy, roadmap planning, and defining new feature areas based on customer insights and market trends.

• Technical Skill Development: Opportunity to work closely with React/TypeScript developers, potentially contributing to front-end implementation and gaining deeper technical understanding.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path is strongly tied to the company's success and expansion. The "Senior" title combined with a startup environment suggests a high degree of responsibility and potential for rapid advancement into leadership roles or specialized expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site in Zürich, suggesting a modern office environment designed for collaboration. As a funded startup, the office will likely be equipped with the necessary tools and infrastructure to support innovation and teamwork.

Office Location(s): Zürich, Switzerland. This is a major European hub for technology and innovation, offering a high quality of life and access to a skilled talent pool.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative and open workspace environment is expected, fostering interaction between design, engineering, and product teams.

• Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma) and potentially AI-assisted design/prototyping tools.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with customers, both remotely and possibly on-site, to gather feedback and conduct validation.

• A culture that encourages experimentation and learning, with a focus on tackling complex challenges in the biopharma analytics space.

Work Schedule: While full-time (around 40 hours/week) is standard, the startup culture may offer some flexibility in achieving work-life balance, provided project deadlines and team collaborations are met effectively. The emphasis on outcomes over strict hours is typical.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Zürich implies a need for candidates to be based in or willing to relocate to the area, and a desire for close-knit team collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with HR or a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest.

• Portfolio Review & Discussion: A deep dive into your portfolio with the hiring manager (likely Head of Product or CTO). Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects, explaining your role, process, challenges, and outcomes, with a strong emphasis on B2B SaaS and data visualization.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise, potentially involving a short take-home assignment or an in-person/live problem-solving session. This might focus on designing a feature for a complex data scenario or improving an existing workflow.

• Technical & Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with engineers and potentially other team members to assess technical literacy, collaboration style, and understanding of the product domain.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership (e.g., CEO, CTO) to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and overall vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear case studies for each project. For each case study, include: Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), Solution, and Outcomes/Impact.

• Data Focus: Highlight projects involving complex data, dashboards, or analytical interfaces. Clearly articulate how you simplified these for end-users.

• Customer Centricity: Emphasize how you incorporated customer feedback and conducted validation throughout the design process.

• Technical Acumen: Be ready to discuss how your designs translate to code and your understanding of front-end technologies like React/TypeScript.

• AI Integration: If you have used AI tools in your design process, showcase it and explain the benefits.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful work efficiently.

Challenge Preparation:

• Domain Understanding: Research Rivia's industry (Biopharma, Clinical Trials) and their specific challenges. Understand the types of data they handle.

• Problem Solving: Practice breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. Think about user flows, information architecture, and UI patterns for data-intensive applications.

• AI Application: Consider how AI could be applied to improve design workflows or user experiences in this domain.

• Communication: Be prepared to articulate your thought process clearly and justify your design decisions, especially under time pressure.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a senior role in a startup is often rigorous, testing not only design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving, and cultural fit. The portfolio is the primary gatekeeper, so preparation here is key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• AI-Assisted Design/Prototyping Tools: Rivia is actively using AI in their workflow. Candidates are expected to be familiar with or eager to learn tools that leverage AI for design acceleration, ideation, or prototyping. Examples might include tools for AI-powered wireframing, automated design system generation, or smart component suggestions.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's native capabilities, other tools may be used for advanced prototyping and user testing.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Experience with how customer data is managed and how user feedback is collected and processed within CRM or customer engagement platforms will be helpful for user advocacy and validation efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI-assisted tools indicates the specific technical skills Rivia values. A candidate comfortable with these will have a significant advantage. Understanding the implications of design on analytics and customer data is also a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• People First: A strong emphasis on customer success and team well-being as drivers of overall company success. This means understanding user needs deeply and fostering a supportive team environment.

• Take Initiative: Proactive contribution, delivering high-quality results efficiently, and a "driver" mentality are highly valued. Designers are expected to identify opportunities and act on them.

• Be Open: Fostering an inclusive environment where open communication, constructive dissent, and diverse perspectives are encouraged. Designers should be comfortable sharing their work and receiving feedback.

• Learn Relentlessly: A commitment to continuous learning, experimentation, and innovation. Designers are expected to stay abreast of design trends, AI advancements, and industry best practices, and to experiment with new approaches.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with a focus on cross-functional partnerships between Design, Product, and Engineering.

• Open communication and a willingness to engage in constructive debate are encouraged to arrive at the best solutions.

• Designers are expected to work closely with customers to co-create and validate solutions, acting as a bridge between the user and the development team.

• A culture of sharing knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned to foster collective growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rivia's values are typical for ambitious, growth-stage startups. They emphasize proactivity, customer focus, openness, and continuous improvement. A candidate who embodies these values will likely integrate well into the team.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: Translating intricate clinical trial data and AI analytics into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for a demanding B2B clientele.

• Startup Pace & Ambiguity: Navigating the fast-paced, often ambiguous environment of a startup, requiring adaptability and the ability to make decisions with incomplete information.

• Balancing Pragmatism and Perfection: Finding the right balance between delivering value quickly (shipping) and striving for design excellence and technical feasibility, especially in a data-intensive domain.

• Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with rapid advancements in AI and effectively integrating new AI capabilities into the design process and product features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Becoming an expert in designing with and for AI-driven systems, a highly sought-after skill.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the biopharma and clinical trials industry, understanding its unique data challenges and regulatory landscape.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on leadership responsibilities, mentor junior designers, and shape the future design direction of the company.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Gaining broad exposure to product strategy, engineering challenges, and customer engagement in a high-growth tech environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to the role and the company's domain. The growth opportunities are significant for a motivated individual in a funded startup environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design an interface for highly complex, data-intensive information. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on data visualization, simplification, and user needs.)

• "How do you approach designing for a B2B SaaS product, and how does it differ from B2C? Give an example from your portfolio." (Highlight understanding of professional user needs, workflows, and ROI.)

• "Imagine Rivia wants to integrate a new AI feature to help users analyze trial data more efficiently. How would you approach designing this feature, from initial concept to validation?" (Demonstrate your AI fluency and design process for novel features.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Rivia? What excites you about our mission and the biopharma industry?" (Research Rivia's mission, funding, and target market; connect it to your passion.)

• "Describe your experience working in a startup environment. How do you handle ambiguity and shifting priorities?" (Highlight your adaptability, initiative, and resilience.)

• "How do you incorporate customer feedback into your design process?" (Emphasize your user advocacy and validation techniques.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio case studies as compelling narratives. Start with the problem, explain your journey to the solution, and conclude with the impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved task completion time, increased user satisfaction, conversion rate improvements).

• Process Clarity: Clearly articulate your design process, including research methods, ideation techniques, and validation steps. Show, don't just tell.

• Technical Context: Be prepared to discuss how your designs integrate with the front-end stack (React/TypeScript) and how you collaborate with engineers.

• AI Integration: If applicable, highlight projects where you've used AI tools and explain the value they brought.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of B2B SaaS, data visualization, AI integration, and the ability to thrive in a startup. The portfolio is your primary tool, so practicing its presentation is critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on jobs.gem.com.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your most relevant B2B SaaS and data visualization projects. Explicitly showcase case studies demonstrating your process for complex data challenges and user advocacy.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience in Product Design/UX/UI, emphasizing SaaS products, design systems, and any experience with AI or technical literacy (React/TypeScript). Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, quantifying impact, and articulating your design process. Prepare for questions related to B2B SaaS, data complexity, AI in design, and startup environments.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Rivia's mission, product, funding, and the biopharma analytics industry. Understand their values and be ready to articulate why you are a good fit.

⚠️ 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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