Staff Product Designer (Hybrid)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer (Hybrid) Company: Weedmaps Location: New York City, NY Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / User Experience Date Posted: 2025-12-22T18:53:31 Experience Level: 7+ Years (Staff Level) Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end mobile design strategy and execution for the Weedmaps app across iOS and Android platforms, focusing on cutting-edge interaction design and performance.
• Drive the modernization of the Weedmaps mobile experience by introducing next-generation mobile design paradigms and innovative interaction models.
• Translate complex product strategies into deeply engaging user experiences across discovery, browsing, ordering, personalization, and social connection features.
• Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Brand leadership to establish a cohesive design language and elevate overall visual and interaction standards.
• Leverage motion design, micro-interactions, and system-level design thinking to create a dynamic and intuitive mobile ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" designation in the job title, coupled with the 7+ years of experience and emphasis on leading initiatives, setting direction, and executive-level influence, strongly indicates a senior-level individual contributor role. This role is expected to drive significant design strategy and mentor other designers, rather than managing a team. The hybrid nature suggests a requirement for in-office presence in New York City for collaborative sessions and team synergy.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the complete mobile design lifecycle for native iOS and Android applications, from initial user insights and conceptualization through to final execution and post-launch analysis.
• Champion the adoption of advanced mobile interaction patterns, including gestural navigation, dynamic feed-based discovery surfaces, personalized content areas, and seamless transactional workflows.
• Develop and maintain a robust mobile design system, ensuring scalability, consistency, and craft excellence across all product touchpoints.
• Utilize sophisticated visual craft, motion design principles, and interaction design expertise to create intuitive, delightful, and emotionally resonant user experiences.
• Conduct deep dives into consumer psychology, trust design principles, and behavioral patterns specific to mobile commerce, marketplace, and social networking ecosystems to inform design decisions.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level designers, fostering a culture of creative excellence and elevating design quality across the entire product organization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Brand, and Marketing teams to ensure design initiatives are strategically aligned with business objectives and technical feasibility.
• Define and refine design standards for personalization algorithms, AI-assisted recommendations, and content-driven marketplace features to enhance user discovery and engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize leadership in design strategy, system thinking, and cross-functional influence, typical of a Staff Product Designer. The focus on "modernization," "next generation," and "forward-looking" interaction design suggests a mandate to innovate and push the boundaries of current design practices within the Weedmaps app.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience will be prioritized over formal education. A degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is beneficial.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of professional product design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to designing and shipping native mobile applications for both iOS and Android.
• Proven track record of successfully designing and launching large-scale, complex user experiences within marketplace, e-commerce, or social network product environments.
• Experience at companies like TikTok, DoorDash, Uber, UberEats, Instacart, Pinterest, or similar high-growth consumer tech platforms is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Mastery of modern mobile interaction patterns, including advanced gestural navigation, sophisticated feed-based discovery mechanisms, personalized content surfaces, and seamless transactional user flows.
• Exceptional visual craft, with a keen eye for aesthetics, typography, color theory, and layout that aligns with contemporary mobile design trends.
• Strong proficiency in interaction design, with the ability to design fluid animations, micro-interactions, and transitions that enhance usability and delight.
• Demonstrated ability to drive ambiguous initiatives, define clear design direction, and influence product strategy at an executive level.
• Deep understanding of consumer psychology, principles of trust design, and behavioral economics as they apply to mobile commerce and social platforms.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Experience building, refining, and expanding comprehensive mobile design systems to ensure scalability, consistency, and craft excellence.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing user-facing features for creator or influencer tools, engaging social feeds, or content discovery experiences that foster community and brand connection.
• Familiarity with the implementation and design implications of personalization algorithms, AI-driven recommendations, or dynamic content-driven marketplaces.
• A genuine passion for and curiosity about the evolving cannabis consumer landscape and how thoughtful design can contribute to normalizing and elevating the category.
• Experience with motion design tools and techniques to prototype and articulate dynamic user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "7+ years" requirement and the emphasis on "leading," "driving ambiguous initiatives," and "influencing executive level" clearly position this as a senior individual contributor role, often referred to as Staff, Principal, or Lead Designer. The specific company examples provided (TikTok, DoorDash, etc.) indicate the desired caliber of experience in fast-paced, user-centric consumer product environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 7 years of professional product design work, with a strong emphasis on native mobile applications (iOS and Android).
• Detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end design ownership, from problem definition and user research through to shipped product and measurable impact.
• Examples of designing complex experiences within marketplace, e-commerce, or social network products, highlighting your ability to blend utility, culture, and commerce.
• Visualizations of modern mobile interaction patterns, including gestural navigation, dynamic feeds, and seamless transactional flows.
• Demonstrations of your visual craft, motion design capabilities, and micro-interaction design skills.
• Evidence of your ability to build, refine, or contribute significantly to mobile design systems.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the design process followed, including user research methodologies, ideation techniques, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing phases.
• Document the rationale behind key design decisions, linking them to user needs, business objectives, and the principles of consumer psychology and trust design.
• Showcase how you collaborated with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the design process, highlighting your ability to navigate technical constraints and drive consensus.
• If applicable, include examples of how you used data and analytics to inform design iterations and measure the success of your solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level role, the portfolio must go beyond simply showcasing pretty interfaces. It needs to demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, leadership in design direction, and a deep understanding of complex systems and user behaviors, particularly in mobile commerce and social contexts. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions and the impact on business metrics is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The provided base pay range for this position is $145,668.00 - $181,679.00 per year.

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:
  • Physical Health (Medical, Dental & Vision) with 100% employer-paid premiums for employees.
  • Up to 80% coverage for dependents on health plans.
  • Up to $2,000 company Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution for High Deductible Health Plan participants.
• Retirement:
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with an employer match of up to 3.5% of employee contributions.
• Insurance:
  • Basic Life & Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, employer-paid at 1x salary up to $250,000.
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability Insurance.
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance.
  • Critical Illness Insurance.
  • Accident Insurance.
• Financial & Educational Support:
  • Student Loan Repayment program with a monthly company contribution.
  • 529 Education Savings plan with a monthly company contribution.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical, dependent care, transit, and parking expenses.
• Time Off & Leave:
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Paid sick leave.
  • Company holidays, including a year-end holiday shutdown.
  • Paid parental leave.
• Additional Perks:
  • Pet Insurance.
  • Identity Theft Protection.
  • Legal access to a network of attorneys.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are based on a 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected to meet project demands and collaborate effectively in a hybrid environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specific to the New York City, NY location. For a Staff Product Designer role with 7+ years of experience in a major tech hub like NYC, this range aligns with industry benchmarks. The extensive benefits package highlights a strong commitment to employee well-being and financial security.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology & Software Infrastructure for the Cannabis Industry. WM Technology (Weedmaps) operates at the intersection of technology, e-commerce, social networking, and the rapidly evolving legal cannabis market. Company Size: While not explicitly stated in the provided data, Weedmaps is a publicly traded company (Nasdaq: MAPS) with a significant global presence, indicating a medium to large enterprise size, likely with several hundred to over a thousand employees. Founded: 2008, giving Weedmaps over a decade of experience and a deep understanding of the cannabis industry and its regulatory landscape.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a broader Product organization, collaborating closely with Product Management and Engineering.
• As a Staff Designer, you will likely report to a Design Manager or Director of Product Design and will be expected to work autonomously while also mentoring other designers.
• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers regularly partnering with Product Managers, Engineers, Brand, Marketing, and Legal/Compliance teams.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on using data, analytics, and user research to inform design decisions and measure impact.
• Agile Development: Likely employs agile methodologies, requiring designers to be adaptable and iterative in their approach.
• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding consumer needs, behaviors, and the unique dynamics of the cannabis consumer landscape.
• Innovation & Experimentation: Encouragement to explore new design paradigms and push creative boundaries to redefine the user experience.

Company Website: https://www.weedmaps.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Weedmaps' position as a leader in the cannabis tech industry means designers will tackle unique challenges related to regulation, social equity, and consumer education, alongside standard product design problems. The company's mission-driven aspect, focusing on transparency, inclusion, and advocating for cannabis causes, suggests a culture that values purpose.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Product Designer (Senior Individual Contributor). This level signifies deep expertise, the ability to lead complex projects, influence strategy, and mentor others. It's a critical role focused on high-impact design contributions and setting the bar for design quality and innovation.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Staff Product Designer reports to a Design Lead, Design Manager, or Director of Product Design. They work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific product initiatives. The role emphasizes autonomy and influence rather than direct management.

Operations Impact: The Staff Product Designer's work directly shapes the user experience of millions, influencing how consumers discover, learn about, and engage with cannabis products and retailers. This impact translates to key business metrics such as user acquisition, engagement, conversion rates, customer retention, and ultimately, revenue for Weedmaps' retail and brand partners. Designing for social commerce and community engagement adds another layer of strategic impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Progression to Principal Product Designer, leading even more ambiguous and strategic initiatives, or moving into management roles (Design Manager, Director).
• Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific areas like e-commerce UX, social platform design, personalization systems, or design systems leadership.
• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or Strategy roles, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and product development.
• Skill Development: Continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and internal mentorship programs focused on emerging design trends, technologies, and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" title is a key indicator of the role's seniority and scope. It means the candidate is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, tackle the most complex design challenges, and act as a thought leader within the design organization and beyond.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. Specific days in the office will likely be determined by team needs and company policy, facilitating in-person design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and team building.

Office Location(s): New York City, NY. This specific location means candidates must be able to commute to an office within the city. The vibrant tech and design ecosystem of NYC provides ample opportunities for networking and industry engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office environment likely includes spaces designed for team collaboration, brainstorming, and design reviews, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.
• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software, hardware, and collaboration tools necessary for executing complex product design work.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with fellow designers, product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, promoting a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: While typically a 40-hour work week, the hybrid nature and the demands of a fast-paced tech environment may require flexibility. Effective time management is key to balancing remote work focus with scheduled in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in NYC suggests a mature company culture that values both focused individual work and the synergy of in-person collaboration. Candidates should be prepared for a structured approach to hybrid work, with clear expectations around in-office days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your resume and portfolio to assess your qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Expect a session where you present your portfolio, discussing key case studies, your design process, and the impact of your work. This may be combined with or followed by a design challenge, either take-home or live, focused on a relevant problem.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and design thinking.
• Executive/Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Prioritize Relevance: Showcase projects that best demonstrate your experience in native mobile design, e-commerce, marketplace, or social platforms. Highlight your most impactful work.
• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, your design solutions, and the measurable outcomes.
• Showcase Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping approach, and how you incorporated feedback. Visuals of wireframes, user flows, and iterations are valuable.
• Highlight Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion time).
• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure high visual fidelity and a clear presentation of your interaction design and motion design capabilities.
• Address Ambiguity: Be prepared to discuss how you approach ambiguous problems and define design direction.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly research Weedmaps, its current app, its competitors, and the cannabis industry.
• Focus on Process: Even if the final output is polished, emphasize your thought process, decision-making, and how you would validate your solutions (user testing, data analysis).
• Time Management: For live challenges, pace yourself effectively. It's better to show a well-reasoned approach to a partial solution than a rushed, incomplete one.
• Articulate Rationale: Be ready to explain the "why" behind every design choice, linking it back to user needs and business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "Staff" level role means interviewers will be looking for evidence of strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to influence product direction, not just execution skills. Portfolio presentations should reflect this senior perspective.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable as industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).
• Prototyping & Animation: Principle, ProtoPie, After Effects (for advanced motion design).
• Design Systems: Experience with creating, managing, or contributing to established design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.
• Ability to interpret data dashboards and reports to inform design iterations.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a prerequisite for modern product design roles. The ability to create high-fidelity prototypes and articulate motion design is crucial for this role, given the emphasis on "bringing our mobile ecosystem to life."

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A drive to push boundaries and redefine what's possible in mobile commerce and social experiences.
• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and a pursuit of best-in-class user experiences.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to share ideas and feedback across teams.
• Data-Informed Decision Making: Leveraging insights from user data and analytics to guide product development.
• Impact & Ownership: Taking initiative, driving projects to completion, and feeling accountable for the success of the product.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Works seamlessly with Product Managers to define strategy and requirements, and with Engineers to ensure feasible and high-quality implementation.
• Design Critiques: Engages actively in design reviews, providing and receiving constructive feedback to elevate the quality of work.
• Knowledge Sharing: Willingness to mentor junior designers and share best practices, fostering a learning environment.
• Iterative Improvement: Embraces feedback loops and iterative design processes to continuously refine user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission in the cannabis industry suggests values around social responsibility, transparency, and potentially advocacy, which may permeate the company culture and influence design decisions.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Defining the "Next Generation": Translating abstract concepts of "next-gen mobile design" and "social commerce" into tangible, user-friendly features for a diverse audience.
• Balancing Utility and Culture: Seamlessly integrating marketplace, e-commerce, and social interaction elements without compromising usability or brand identity.
• Navigating Industry Nuances: Designing within the regulatory framework of the cannabis industry, which can vary significantly by region and impact product features.
• Elevating Design Standards: Influencing and guiding a broader organization to adopt higher standards of visual and interaction design.
• Technical Constraints: Working within the realities of mobile platform capabilities and engineering resources to deliver innovative solutions.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Industry Trends: Staying ahead of the curve in mobile design, social commerce, personalization, and related AI technologies.
• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from and mentor other designers, honing leadership and communication skills.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gaining a deeper understanding of business strategy, product management, and engineering through close collaboration.
• Industry Events: Potential for attending design conferences and workshops to network and gain new insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are closely linked. Overcoming the challenges of innovating within a regulated and evolving industry will provide significant learning and development experiences.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the modernization of a significant mobile product experience. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your strategic vision, leadership, and impact).
• "How do you approach designing for platforms that blend e-commerce, discovery, and social interaction? Walk us through a relevant example." (Highlight your understanding of complex user flows and user psychology).
• "Imagine you need to introduce a new interaction paradigm to our existing user base. How would you approach this, considering user adoption and potential friction?" (Demonstrate your user-centricity and iterative design process).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Weedmaps' mission and the cannabis industry?" (Show genuine interest and research).
• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative design culture, especially in a hybrid environment?" (Emphasize your mentoring and communication skills).
• "How do you ensure your design decisions are informed by data and user insights, especially when dealing with ambiguous problems?" (Discuss your research and analytical approach).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a concise overview of your career and design philosophy. Then, dive into 2-3 deep case studies that best represent your Staff-level capabilities.
• Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and measurable business/user impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. Explain how your design decisions directly contributed to business objectives or improved user experience.
• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, technical constraints, trade-offs, and how you collaborated with other teams.
• Showcase Motion & Systems: If possible, demonstrate examples of your motion design skills and discuss your experience with design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level role, interviewers will probe deeply into your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss not just what you designed, but why and how it drove business value.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Weedmaps careers portal or the designated application link.
• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your strongest mobile design case studies, emphasizing marketplace, e-commerce, or social platform experiences. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your end-to-end design process, strategic thinking, and measurable impact.
• Resume Optimization: Align your resume with the job description, using keywords related to Staff Product Design, mobile UX, interaction design, design systems, and e-commerce/marketplace platforms. Quantify achievements and responsibilities to showcase your impact.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and case studies clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you approach ambiguous problems, mentor others, and collaborate cross-functionally. Research Weedmaps' current app and industry position thoroughly.
• Company Research: Understand Weedmaps' mission, values, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the cannabis technology sector. Be prepared to articulate why you are passionate about this industry and this specific 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.