UX Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Designer
Company: B-Stock
Location: Hybrid (HQ - San Mateo, CA)
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design & User Experience
Date Posted: 2025-10-11
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: Remote OK (Hybrid)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive user research initiatives and experience design for B-Stock's B2B platform, impacting thousands of users daily.
• Translate complex business problems and user needs into intuitive, user-centered design solutions.
• Collaborate with product managers, engineers, and stakeholders to define product requirements and enhance user experience.
• Leverage emerging AI-powered design and research tools to optimize workflows and research capabilities.
• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to inform product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level UX Designer, requiring a solid foundation in user research and design principles, with an emphasis on proactive contribution to product development and process improvement within a B2B SaaS environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and analyze user research studies, including interviews, surveys, usability tests, and competitive analysis, to gather actionable insights.
• Develop detailed user personas, user journey maps, and information architecture to identify pain points and opportunities for enhanced user experience.
• Design wireframes, user flows, and low to mid-fidelity prototypes that effectively communicate user experience concepts and facilitate stakeholder validation.
• Conduct rigorous usability testing to validate design concepts, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of design changes.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative user data, research findings, and usability metrics to inform data-driven design decisions and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Act as a user advocate, effectively communicating user needs and research findings to product managers, engineers, and other cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering to translate user insights into clear, actionable product requirements and design specifications.
• Explore and integrate emerging AI design and research tools to streamline research processes, enhance data analysis, and improve overall efficiency.
• Document and present research findings, user personas, and design recommendations to stakeholders and leadership, fostering a shared understanding of user needs.
• Stay abreast of the latest UX research methodologies, user testing best practices, and emerging research technologies to continuously improve the team's capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to user research and design, with a clear expectation for the candidate to lead initiatives, analyze data, and influence product direction within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BA/BS/MS degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Human Factors, User Interface Design, Computer Science, Cognitive Science, Cognitive Psychology, or a related field.
Experience: 2+ years of demonstrated UX design experience, with a significant focus on user research and user-centered design, preferably within B2B, SaaS, or e-commerce product environments.

Required Skills:

• User Research Methodologies: Proficiency in planning and conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing, card sorting, and user journey mapping.
• Design & Prototyping Tools: Working knowledge of industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, InVision, Balsamiq, or Adobe XD for wireframing and prototyping.
• Information Architecture: Strong understanding of organizing and structuring content to create intuitive navigation and user flows.
• Data Analysis: Ability to analyze qualitative and quantitative data to extract actionable insights and inform design decisions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills for presenting research findings, facilitating workshops, and articulating user needs.
• User-Centered Design Principles: Deep understanding of UX principles, design thinking methodologies, and human-computer interaction fundamentals.
• End User Interaction: Strong ability to engage with and elicit insights from end-users through various research methods.
• Adaptability: Capacity to manage multiple research initiatives concurrently and adapt methodologies to diverse user types and business contexts.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with B2B software, complex enterprise workflows, or e-commerce platforms.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis and quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with agile research methodologies and continuous user feedback loops.
• Experience working in startup environments or fast-paced product teams.
• Understanding of behavioral psychology and cognitive science principles.
• Experience moderating remote user research sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a blend of practical design skills and deep research expertise. The emphasis on B2B/SaaS experience and adaptability suggests a need for a candidate who can quickly grasp complex business contexts and contribute to evolving product lines.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A strong portfolio is mandatory, showcasing your UX research process, user-centered design approach, and research-driven design decisions.
• Demonstrate how your research led to tangible, measurable outcomes and product improvements.
• Include case studies that detail your problem-solving methodology, research techniques employed, and the impact of your designs.
• Highlight your ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user experiences.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of user journey mapping, information architecture diagrams, and user flow documentation.
• Include artifacts that demonstrate your approach to usability testing, from test plan creation to analysis and reporting.
• Provide examples of how you have analyzed qualitative and quantitative data to generate actionable insights and guide design iterations.
• Demonstrate experience with wireframing and prototyping tools, with clear explanations of design choices and their rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is critical, serving as the primary means to assess a candidate's practical application of UX research and design principles. Candidates should prepare to walk through their thought process, research methods, and the measurable impact of their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $140,000 per annum.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation packages including bonus and stock options.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Matching 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy.
• Telecommuting and remote-work options to support work-life balance.
• Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Regular team off-sites, social events, and extracurricular activities to foster team cohesion.
• Unlimited snacks and drinks provided for in-office days.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility for remote work and asynchronous collaboration, aligning with operational needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a mid-level UX Designer role in the San Mateo, California area, reflecting the specified experience level and the hybrid work arrangement. The benefits package is robust, indicating a commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: B2B Re-commerce Platform (Technology, E-commerce, Circular Economy).
Company Size: B-Stock operates as a mid-sized company, likely between 50-250 employees, fostering a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful. This size typically allows for agility and direct access to leadership while maintaining established processes.
Founded: Founded by eBay veterans, B-Stock has a strong foundation in e-commerce and a mission to power resale and the circular economy. This history suggests a culture that values innovation, efficiency, and a deep understanding of online marketplaces.

Team Structure:

• The UX Designer will be part of a cross-functional product team, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing specialists.
• Reporting structure likely leads to a Head of Product, Director of Product Design, or a similar senior product role, emphasizing collaboration and shared ownership.
• Collaboration is expected to be high, with a focus on shared goals and iterative development cycles.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: B-Stock emphasizes using data and user insights to drive product decisions and improve operational efficiency.
• Agile Development: A lean and agile approach is likely employed, enabling rapid iteration and response to market and user feedback.
• Customer Centricity: A core value is building trust and providing value to both buyers and sellers, indicating a strong focus on understanding and meeting customer needs.

Company Website: http://www.bstock.com/careers/

📝 Enhancement Note: B-Stock's mission in the circular economy and its foundation by e-commerce veterans point to a culture that is both innovative and practical, with a strong emphasis on data, efficiency, and customer trust. The company size suggests opportunities for significant individual impact and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Mid-Level UX Designer, requiring 2-5 years of experience. It signifies a position where individuals are expected to contribute independently to research and design tasks, mentor junior team members, and take ownership of specific product areas. The focus is on executing user-centered designs and research that directly impact product strategy and user satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The UX Designer will likely report to a Product Design Manager or Director of Product. This structure provides mentorship and guidance while allowing for significant autonomy in daily tasks and project execution. Collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering leads will be crucial for understanding business objectives and technical constraints.

Operations Impact: The UX Designer's impact is directly tied to enhancing the usability and effectiveness of B-Stock's re-commerce platform. By conducting thorough user research and designing intuitive interfaces, the role directly influences user adoption, satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, transaction volume and revenue generated through the platform. A strong UX contributes to operational efficiency by reducing support inquiries and improving user task completion rates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunities to specialize in specific areas of UX, such as advanced user research techniques, information architecture, or interaction design for complex B2B workflows.
• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Senior UX Designer role, leading larger projects, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to UX strategy.
• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a deeper understanding of product management, engineering processes, and business strategy through close collaboration, enhancing overall product development acumen.
• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in the growing re-commerce and circular economy sectors, positioning oneself for future opportunities in these dynamic markets.
• Tool Proficiency: Expand expertise with emerging AI-driven design and research tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory for a UX Designer at B-Stock appears to be focused on deepening expertise within UX, expanding into product strategy, and potentially moving into leadership roles, all within the context of a growing and impactful industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, with an emphasis on the HQ in San Mateo, CA. This suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. The San Mateo HQ likely offers a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, California, USA. This location offers access to a vibrant tech ecosystem in the Bay Area, with potential for networking and industry engagement. The hybrid nature means employees are expected to be present at the HQ on certain days, facilitating in-person collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teams suggest a workspace that encourages interaction, brainstorming, and shared problem-solving.
• Tools & Technology: Access to standard UX design and research tools, likely including Figma, and potentially specialized platforms for user testing and data analysis. The role also encourages exploring emerging AI tools.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for regular interaction with design peers, product managers, and engineers, both in person and remotely, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the hybrid and remote-friendly nature suggests flexibility. This allows operations professionals to manage their time effectively, balancing deep work periods with collaborative sessions and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in San Mateo offers a balance, providing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, which is advantageous for roles requiring focused design work and team interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager (likely a Product Design Lead or Manager) focusing on experience, approach to UX research, and problem-solving skills.
• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, detailing their process, research insights, and design decisions. This may be accompanied by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboarding exercise focused on a specific UX problem.
• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, or other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication, and understanding of product development lifecycles.
• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the research methodologies used, your design process, key decisions, and the measurable outcomes/impact.
• Highlight Research Process: Emphasize how you conducted user research, synthesized findings, and used those insights to drive design solutions. Show, don't just tell, your research expertise.
• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Clearly articulate the challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Showcase your analytical thinking and ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction scores).
• Tailor to B-Stock: Research B-Stock's platform and target audience. Frame your experience and portfolio examples to show how you can address their specific challenges and contribute to their mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: Carefully analyze any design challenge prompt, asking clarifying questions to ensure you fully grasp the user needs and business objectives.
• Outline Your Approach: Before diving into solutions, articulate your planned research and design process. This demonstrates your strategic thinking.
• Focus on User-Centricity: Ensure all proposed solutions are grounded in user needs and supported by research principles.
• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your thought process, design rationale, and any assumptions made.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both technical UX skills and the ability to collaborate effectively within a product team. A strong, well-documented portfolio is paramount for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary expectation), Sketch, InVision, Balsamiq, Adobe XD. Proficiency in at least one, with Figma being highly preferred, is essential for creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• User Research Platforms: Experience with tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserBrain, Lookback, SurveyMonkey, Typeform).
• Collaboration Tools: Familiarity with tools like Slack, Jira, Confluence, and Google Workspace for team communication, project management, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis Tools: Ability to work with and interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior.
• Dashboarding Tools: Familiarity with creating or interpreting dashboards in tools like Tableau or Looker for visualizing user data and research insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data flows through CRM systems or how design impacts CRM-related workflows (e.g., lead generation, customer support) can be beneficial.
• Awareness of automation principles in design workflows or research processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a key technical requirement. The role also benefits from familiarity with user research platforms and an understanding of how UX design impacts broader business systems like CRM and analytics. The encouragement to explore AI tools suggests an openness to adopting new technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Make Each Dollar Count: A focus on efficiency and resourcefulness, ensuring that design efforts deliver maximum value and impact for the business and its users. This translates to thoughtful resource allocation in research and design.
• Take Our Work Seriously, Not Ourselves: A culture that values dedication and high-quality output but maintains a lighthearted and approachable atmosphere, encouraging open communication and collaboration.
• Do The Hard Things Today That Will Pay Off Tomorrow: A willingness to tackle complex challenges and invest in long-term solutions that yield significant future benefits, aligning with strategic product development.
• Use Trust As The Best Measure Of Success: Building and maintaining trust with users and stakeholders through transparent research, ethical design practices, and reliable delivery of user-centric solutions.
• Find Strength In Numbers: Leveraging collective intelligence, data, and diverse perspectives to improve processes, develop new solutions, and delight customers. This emphasizes collaboration and data-informed decision-making.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product Management and Engineering, requiring clear communication of user needs and design rationale to ensure alignment on product goals.
• Iterative Feedback Loops: A culture that embraces feedback, encouraging continuous improvement through iterative design and research cycles with input from various teams.
• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing research findings, design techniques, and best practices across teams to foster a learning environment and elevate the collective UX capability.

📝 Enhancement Note: B-Stock's values are deeply integrated into its operational philosophy, promoting a results-oriented yet supportive environment. The emphasis on trust, data, and tackling difficult problems is crucial for a UX Designer to thrive and make a significant impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively advocating for user needs while aligning with business objectives and technical constraints in a fast-paced B2B environment.
• Researching Complex B2B Workflows: Understanding and designing for intricate business processes and diverse user roles within enterprise software.
• Measuring UX Impact: Developing robust methods to quantify the impact of UX research and design decisions on key business metrics.
• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with new UX methodologies, tools, and the integration of AI in design and research processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced UX Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, potentially including experimental design.
• Industry Conferences & Certifications: Support for attending relevant UX conferences (e.g., Rosenfeld Media events, UXPA) and pursuing certifications to enhance professional development.
• Mentorship: Access to experienced product leaders and designers for guidance on career growth, skill development, and navigating complex projects.
• Exposure to AI in Design: Hands-on experience exploring and leveraging AI-powered tools for research synthesis, persona generation, and design ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a UX Designer in a growing tech company, particularly in the B2B SaaS space. The company's commitment to learning and development, especially in emerging areas like AI, offers significant opportunities for professional growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs or stakeholder requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your research validation and negotiation skills).
• "Walk me through a complex user research project from start to finish. What were the key challenges, your methodologies, and the actionable insights you derived?" (Emphasize your process and ability to synthesize data).
• "How do you approach designing for a B2B platform with diverse user roles and complex workflows? Provide an example." (Showcase your understanding of enterprise UX and information architecture).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about B-Stock's mission in the re-commerce and circular economy space?" (Research the company's mission and values).
• "How do you see your UX research and design skills contributing to our company values, such as 'Make Each Dollar Count' or 'Do The Hard Things Today'?" (Connect your approach to their stated values).
• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid or remote team environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Highlight your adaptability and communication strategies).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative, highlighting the problem, your journey through research and design, and the resolution or impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Visually present your artifacts (wireframes, user flows, research summaries) and explain your rationale behind them.
• Quantify Your Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the business or user outcomes achieved, using metrics wherever possible.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific research methods, design choices, and how you handled challenges within your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong command of the UX process, the ability to derive actionable insights from research, and an understanding of how design contributes to business objectives within a collaborative, values-driven organization.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Designer position:

• Submit your application through the B-Stock careers portal linked above.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your UX research process, from problem definition to solution validation, with a focus on measurable outcomes. Tailor your case studies to highlight experience relevant to B2B or e-commerce platforms if possible.
• Resume Optimization: Highlight keywords from the job description such as "User Research," "Information Architecture," "Figma," "B2B," "SaaS," and "Data Analysis." Quantify your achievements with specific metrics where available.
• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, research methodologies, and how you've translated user insights into impactful design solutions. Be ready to discuss how you embody B-Stock's core values.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research B-Stock's platform, mission, and recent news to demonstrate genuine interest and an understanding of their business context.

⚠️ 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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