Staff Product Designer, Time Tools

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer, Time Tools Company: Gusto, Inc. Location: Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Toronto, Ontario, CAN - Remote Job Type: Full-Time Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Support Date Posted: 2025-09-29T07:00:20 Experience Level: Staff (8+ years) Remote Status: Hybrid / Remote Options Available

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design for critical Time Tools initiatives, focusing on user experience for small businesses and their employees.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Data teams to define product strategy and translate customer needs into scalable, intuitive workflows.
• Champion and evolve Gusto's Design System, ensuring platform cohesion and high standards for accessibility, performance, and inclusivity across web, mobile, and kiosk experiences.
• Provide design leadership, mentorship, and thoughtful critique to peers, elevating the overall craft quality and impact of the design team.
• Focus on complex system design and compliance-heavy workflows, particularly within SaaS, HR, and productivity tools, with potential for AI-driven experience integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the primary focus is Product Design, the "Time Tools" area directly supports core GTM operations by enabling businesses to manage employee time, scheduling, and payroll syncing. This role requires a strong understanding of how design impacts operational efficiency and compliance for small businesses, making it relevant to GTM Operations professionals seeking product-adjacent roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex customer insights, particularly from small business owners and hourly workers, into intuitive, scalable, and user-friendly workflows for time tracking, scheduling, attendance management, and compliance.
• Design and refine multi-surface user experiences (web, mobile, kiosk) that effectively address the distinct needs of both managers and employees within a business context.
• Partner proactively with Product Management, Engineering, and Data Science to define problem spaces, establish clear priorities, and ensure the delivery of tangible customer value and business impact.
• Act as a steward and contributor to Gusto's Design System, advocating for its adoption and evolving it through practical contributions that enhance platform cohesion and consistency.
• Strategically balance long-term product vision with near-term execution demands, adeptly navigating ambiguity and adjusting scope dynamically as customer needs and business priorities evolve.
• Offer thoughtful design critique, constructive feedback, and mentorship to fellow designers and cross-functional partners, contributing to the overall elevation of craft quality and design thinking across the team.
• Ensure all designed experiences meet high standards for accessibility, performance, and inclusivity, aligning with Gusto's commitment to serving a diverse customer base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic product thinking and detailed execution, common in senior design roles that support operational functions. The emphasis on compliance and multi-surface design points to a need for robust process thinking and an understanding of operational constraints.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience are paramount. Candidates with degrees in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or related fields may possess foundational knowledge relevant to complex system design.

Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end product solutions.
• Experience designing complex systems, compliance-heavy workflows, or SaaS products, especially within HR, payroll, or productivity tools is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in fast-growing environments, balancing early-stage product adoption with the demands of long-term system design and scalability.

Required Skills:

• Product Acumen: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with Product Management and Engineering to shape priorities, define clear roadmaps, and translate strategic objectives into actionable design plans.
• Craft Excellence: A compelling portfolio showcasing accessible, performant, and thoughtfully designed end-to-end product experiences across web and mobile platforms.
• Customer Empathy: Demonstrated skill in uncovering, synthesizing, and translating customer needs—particularly for small businesses and hourly workers—into actionable and impactful design insights.
• Collaboration & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to align diverse cross-functional partners and drive clarity and consensus in complex problem spaces.
• System Thinking: Ability to design for complex systems, understanding interdependencies and ensuring consistency across various product surfaces and user journeys.
• Design System Contribution: Experience working with and contributing to established design systems, ensuring brand consistency and efficient development.

Preferred Skills:

• AI-Driven Experiences: Familiarity with designing AI-powered features, including AI agents, conversational UI, or LLM-powered workflows.
• SaaS/HR Tech Expertise: Deep understanding of the nuances of designing for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, particularly within the Human Resources or payroll technology sector.
• Compliance Design: Experience designing workflows that navigate complex regulatory requirements and labor laws.
• Mentorship: Ability and willingness to provide thoughtful critique, guidance, and mentorship to junior designers and peers.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Experience leading design initiatives within a cross-functional team structure, influencing product direction and fostering strong partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" level designation implies a need for strategic thinking, mentorship capabilities, and significant autonomy. The requirements emphasize not just design execution but also the ability to influence product strategy and collaborate effectively across departments, which is crucial for roles supporting GTM operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: A minimum of 2-3 in-depth case studies demonstrating your process from problem definition and user research through to final design and post-launch iteration. These should highlight your role, challenges, and impact.
• Problem Framing: Evidence of how you define and frame complex problems, showing your ability to break down ambiguous challenges into actionable design tasks.
• User Research & Synthesis: Examples of how you uncover and synthesize customer needs, especially for specific user segments like small business owners and hourly workers, and how these insights informed your design decisions.
• Systemic Design: Demonstrations of designing for complex systems, showcasing scalability, consistency, and adherence to design principles across multiple product surfaces (web, mobile, kiosk).
• Accessibility & Performance: Clear articulation and visual evidence of how accessibility and performance were considered and integrated into your design solutions.
• Design System Contribution: Examples of how you've worked with or contributed to design systems, showcasing your understanding of reusable components and platform consistency.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your design process, emphasizing iterative development, user feedback loops, and collaboration with PM, Engineering, and Data.
• Detail how you translate customer insights and data into design solutions, illustrating your analytical approach.
• Present how you manage design projects, balance multiple priorities, and navigate ambiguity to deliver timely results.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Staff-level Product Designer, the portfolio is critical. It should not only showcase visual design skills but also strategic thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and the ability to drive product outcomes. For this role, demonstrating understanding of operational impact (e.g., compliance, efficiency) through design is key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Denver, CO & Most Remote Locations: $146,000 - $183,000 per year
• San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; New York, NY: $177,000 - $222,000 per year

Explanation of Range: The salary ranges are determined by multiple factors, including candidate experience and expertise, the specific location's cost of living and market rates, and Gusto's internal compensation philosophy. The broader range accounts for variations across these U.S. locations and remote work status.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Financial Wellness: 401(k) plan with company match, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Time Off: Generous paid time off policies, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, skill enhancement, and career growth.
• Equity: Potential for stock options or grants as part of the total compensation package.
• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave for primary and secondary caregivers.
• Life & Disability Insurance: Company-paid life insurance and short-term/long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for personal and work-related challenges.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid roles require approximately 2-3 days per week in the designated office (Denver, San Francisco, New York), with flexibility for remote work on other days. Remote-first roles require a reliable internet connection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to location, reflecting Gusto's acknowledgment of varying cost-of-living and market demands. The inclusion of benefits like 401(k) match, parental leave, and professional development are standard for competitive tech roles and appeal to operations professionals seeking stability and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS, HR Tech, Fintech) Company Size: 1,000 - 5,000 employees (as implied by scale and offerings) Founded: 2011

Company Description: Gusto is a modern, online people platform designed to support small businesses by simplifying payroll, benefits administration, HR, and team management. Their mission is to create a world where work empowers a better life.

Design at Gusto Culture:

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The Design team is a diverse group (Design, Research, Writing, Ops, Front-end Dev) that works closely with Product, Engineering, Data, and Marketing. There's a strong emphasis on breaking down traditional "swim lanes."
• Mission-Driven: A deep commitment to empowering small businesses and their employees is central to all work.
• Craft & Empathy: Passionate advocacy for thoughtful, crafted, and inclusive user experiences.
• Impact Focus: Designing solutions that make difficult tasks possible and even delightful for users.

Team Structure (Time Tools):

• Core Product Team: This role is part of the Time Tools team, which is a key area of growth within Gusto's offerings.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Operates within a typical tech product team structure, closely partnering with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists.
• Design Leadership: As a Staff Designer, you will provide leadership and mentorship within the broader Product Design organization, contributing to design system evolution and craft quality.

Methodology:

• Data-Informed Design: Leveraging customer insights and data to drive design decisions and product strategy.
• Iterative Development: Employing agile methodologies to build, test, and refine product features.
• Systems Thinking: Designing for scalability, consistency, and integration within a broader platform ecosystem.
• User-Centricity: Maintaining a strong focus on the needs and experiences of small business owners and their employees.

Company Website: https://gusto.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Gusto's culture emphasizes collaboration and mission-driven work, which is attractive to operations professionals who value impact and teamwork. The "Time Tools" team's focus on core business operations (time, payroll, compliance) directly aligns with the operational efficiency goals of small businesses.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Staff Product Designer

• This role represents a senior individual contributor position within the product design function. Staff Designers are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, take ownership of significant product areas, and influence product strategy.
• In the context of operations, this role contributes by ensuring the tools supporting core business functions (like time management and payroll) are highly efficient, compliant, and user-friendly, thereby reducing operational overhead for Gusto's customers.

Reporting Structure:

• While the exact reporting line isn't specified, Staff Product Designers typically report to a Design Manager, Director of Product Design, or Head of Design.
• They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within the Time Tools product area, forming a core triad for product development.

Operations Impact:

• The Time Tools product area directly impacts the operational efficiency and compliance of over 400,000 small businesses.
• By designing intuitive and robust solutions for time tracking, scheduling, and attendance, this role helps Gusto customers reduce manual work, minimize errors, ensure legal compliance, and manage labor costs more effectively.
• This contributes significantly to Gusto's value proposition as a platform that empowers small businesses to thrive by simplifying complex operational tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into Principal or Director-level design roles, leading larger product areas or teams.
• Specialization: Deeper expertise in areas like HR tech, AI-driven design, or complex system architecture.
• Cross-Functional Influence: Expanding influence across multiple product lines or strategic initiatives within Gusto.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Developing leadership skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the growth of the design practice.
• Industry Impact: Contributing to the evolution of HR technology and the operational capabilities of small businesses nationwide.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Staff" level designation suggests a significant opportunity for impact and growth, particularly for individuals who can bridge the gap between user experience and operational efficiency. This role offers a chance to shape critical business tools that directly affect a company's bottom line and compliance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2-3 days/week in office) for Denver, San Francisco, New York; Remote-first for other approved locations. Office Location(s): Denver, CO; San Francisco, CA; New York, NY. (Note: Remote options are available, with specific requirements for internet connectivity).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: Offices are designed to foster collaboration, with designated areas for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and focused work.
• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools, collaboration platforms, and Gusto's internal technology stack.
• Cross-Functional Interaction: Frequent opportunities to interact with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, Researchers, and fellow Designers, promoting a dynamic and integrated work environment.
• Remote Work Support: For remote employees, Gusto emphasizes the need for a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection, acknowledging the importance of connectivity for operational continuity.

Work Schedule:

• Standard business hours, typically 40 hours per week.
• Hybrid employees are expected to be in the office for a portion of the week, facilitating in-person collaboration. Remote employees have more flexibility in structuring their day, provided they maintain productivity and connectivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model reflects a modern approach to work, balancing in-person collaboration benefits with the flexibility of remote work. For operations-minded individuals, this structure suggests a focus on efficient collaboration and output, regardless of physical location.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, alignment with the role, and cultural fit.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: Deeper dive into experience, design philosophy, and approach to problem-solving. Discussion of Gusto's mission and values.
3. Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A critical stage where candidates present their portfolio, walking through 1-2 key case studies. This is often combined with a design exercise or a more in-depth discussion of a specific problem area. Expect questions on process, decision-making, and impact.
4. Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with peers from Product, Engineering, and potentially other Designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate into the team.
5. Final Round/Executive Interview: May involve a senior leader to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall fit with Gusto's culture and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Storytelling: Structure your case studies as compelling narratives. Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process undertaken, the challenges faced, your design decisions (and rationale), and the measurable outcomes or impact.
• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible. How did your design improve user efficiency, reduce errors, increase adoption, or contribute to business goals? For this role, highlight impact on operational efficiency and compliance.
• Process Transparency: Be ready to discuss your design process in detail, including how you incorporated user research, data, and cross-functional feedback. Show your iterative thinking.
• Company Alignment: Research Gusto's mission, values, and recent product developments. Be prepared to explain how your work and approach align with their goals, particularly in serving small businesses.
• Accessibility & Inclusivity: Explicitly discuss how you ensured your designs were accessible and inclusive for diverse users.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Practice breaking down ambiguous problems into smaller, manageable components.
• Strategic Thinking: Be ready to discuss high-level product strategy, competitive landscapes, and how design contributes to business objectives.
• Collaboration Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with PM, Engineering, and other stakeholders, especially in resolving disagreements or driving consensus.
• Design System Application: Understand how to leverage and contribute to design systems for efficiency and consistency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Staff Designer is rigorous and aims to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio and clear articulation of process and impact are essential for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential for wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototyping.
• Prototyping Tools (e.g., ProtoPie, Principle): May be used for more advanced animations or interactions beyond Figma's capabilities.

Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira/Confluence: For tracking project progress, documenting requirements, and managing workflows with Engineering and Product teams.
• Slack: For real-time communication and team collaboration.
• Notion: Likely used for design team documentation, knowledge sharing, and potentially design system guidelines.

User Research & Analytics:

• UserTesting.com / Lookback / Maze: Tools for remote usability testing and user feedback collection.
• Google Analytics / Amplitude / Mixpanel: Platforms for tracking user behavior, product analytics, and measuring the impact of design changes.
• Qualitative Research Tools: Methods and tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and synthesizing findings.

Design System Management:

• Storybook (or similar): Often used in conjunction with front-end development to document and manage UI components.
• Internal Design System Documentation: Likely hosted on Notion or a similar platform.

Emerging Technologies:

• AI/ML Tools: Familiarity with tools or platforms related to AI-driven design, conversational UI, or LLM integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gusto's tech stack is typical for a modern, fast-paced tech company. Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. An understanding of how design tools integrate with engineering workflows (Jira, etc.) and analytics platforms is crucial for demonstrating impact and driving data-informed design decisions, which is highly valued in operations-adjacent roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values (as reflected in Gusto's broader values):

• Empower Small Businesses: A core value driving the creation of efficient, user-friendly tools that simplify complex business operations.
• Be the Customer: Deep empathy for the challenges faced by small business owners and their employees, informing design decisions.
• Build the Future: A forward-looking approach, embracing innovation (like AI) to enhance product capabilities and user experiences.
• Be Inclusive: Commitment to creating accessible and equitable experiences for all users and fostering a diverse workplace.
• Own it: Taking responsibility for the end-to-end success of product initiatives, from concept to launch and iteration.
• Be Transparent: Open communication and collaboration within teams and across departments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Highly collaborative, working in close partnership with PM, Engineering, and Data. Emphasis on shared ownership and breaking down silos.
• Constructive Critique: An environment where thoughtful feedback and critique are welcomed to elevate craft and product quality.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, learnings, and design expertise across the team.
• Outcome-Oriented: Focus on delivering measurable impact and value to users and the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values align well with the principles of effective operations: customer focus, efficiency, forward-thinking, inclusivity, ownership, and transparency. These are qualities that enable smooth collaboration and successful execution of operational improvements.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Time Management: Designing for the diverse needs of hourly workers, remote employees, flexible schedules, and varying labor laws presents significant complexity.
• Balancing User Needs: Juggling the distinct requirements of small business owners (management, compliance, cost control) and employees (ease of use, accurate pay, scheduling clarity).
• Scaling Design Systems: Evolving and maintaining a robust design system that supports rapid iteration and platform growth across multiple product surfaces.
• AI Integration: Navigating the challenges of integrating novel AI features effectively and ethically into existing workflows, ensuring user trust and tangible value.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across Product, Engineering, and Data, especially when dealing with complex operational requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert in HR tech, payroll, time management, and compliance within the small business context.
• Advanced Design Skills: Honing skills in complex system design, AI-driven UX, accessibility, and performance optimization.
• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead strategic initiatives, and influence product direction.
• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of trends in HR technology, AI, and the evolving needs of small businesses.
• Cross-Functional Understanding: Gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of product management, engineering development cycles, and data analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges inherent in this role are directly tied to optimizing business operations for small companies. Successfully navigating these challenges offers substantial growth in both design expertise and operational understanding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing a new time-tracking feature for remote and field employees that ensures both accuracy and ease of use, while also addressing potential compliance issues?" (Focus on process, user segmentation, and risk mitigation).
• "Describe a time you had to influence cross-functional partners (PM, Eng) to adopt a design direction they were initially hesitant about. What was your strategy, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and data-driven persuasion).
• "If faced with ambiguity regarding customer needs for a new scheduling feature, what steps would you take to gain clarity and define a viable solution?" (Focus on research methodologies, hypothesis testing, and iterative design).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in Gusto's mission to empower small businesses?" (Research Gusto's values and tailor your answer).
• "How do you see your role as a Staff Designer contributing to the overall culture and craft quality of the Design team at Gusto?" (Discuss mentorship, collaboration, and design advocacy).
• "Describe a situation where you had to balance competing priorities or stakeholder demands. How did you manage it, and what was the impact on the project?" (Focus on prioritization, communication, and results).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Prioritize Impact: Select case studies that best demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems and deliver measurable results, especially those related to operational efficiency or compliance.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, flow diagrams) to illustrate your process and solutions.
• Explain Your 'Why': For every design decision, be ready to articulate the rationale behind it, referencing user insights, business goals, or technical constraints.
• Address the "Staff" Level: Highlight instances where you took initiative, led projects, mentored others, or influenced strategic direction.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, trade-offs made, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing for this role requires not only showcasing design skills but also demonstrating strategic thinking, operational awareness, and strong collaborative leadership, befitting a Staff-level position.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through Gusto's career portal via the provided URL.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 2-3 case studies that best highlight your experience with complex systems, end-to-end product design, user empathy (especially for business users/employees), and measurable impact on efficiency or compliance.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 8+ years of product design experience, specific achievements in areas relevant to Time Tools (scheduling, time tracking, compliance, SaaS), and any experience with AI-driven design or complex workflow optimization. Use keywords like "Product Design," "User Experience," "SaaS," "HR Tech," "Compliance," "Design Systems," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss potential challenges and solutions related to the Time Tools product area.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Gusto's mission, values, products, and recent news. Understand their target market (small businesses) and how the Time Tools features support their operational needs.

⚠️ 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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