Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Clera

Location: Vienna, Austria

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead product design initiatives for an AI communications software company, focusing on enhancing customer experiences across multiple product lines.

• Drive brand ownership and provide strategic direction for the design team, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market needs.

• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering to deliver integrated solutions and support rapid iteration cycles.

• Develop and scale comprehensive design systems that span brand, website, and core product interfaces.

• Utilize customer insights and product analytics to inform design decisions and measure impact, fostering a data-driven design culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead Product Designer" with significant responsibilities in brand ownership and team direction, indicating a blend of individual contribution and leadership within the product development lifecycle. The emphasis on AI communications software and serving businesses across Europe suggests a need for understanding B2B SaaS user needs and market dynamics.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design process for product, brand, and the design team, while actively contributing as a hands-on designer.

• Conduct user research, including customer interviews with small-business users, to gather insights and validate design concepts.

• Develop and evolve the company's brand identity and visual language across all touchpoints.

• Partner with product and engineering teams to define and refine user experiences for three key product areas, facilitating quick decision-making and iterative feedback loops.

• Establish and enforce design standards, ensuring consistency and scalability of design systems across product offerings.

• Leverage product analytics and AI tools to evaluate design effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous optimization.

• Mentor and guide designers on the team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing design environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual role: hands-on design execution and team leadership. The requirement to "own design across product, brand, and the design team" indicates a strategic mandate beyond typical individual contributor roles. The focus on "small-business users" and "AI communications software" suggests a specific market segment and technology focus that applicants should be prepared to address.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of design principles, user-centered design, and visual communication is essential.

Experience: A minimum of five years of end-to-end product design experience is required, with a proven track record of owning design across multiple product areas.

Required Skills:

• At least five years of comprehensive end-to-end product design experience.

• Demonstrated ownership across multiple product areas, from concept to launch.

• Proficiency in Figma for UI design, wireframing, and prototyping.

• Expertise in conducting user interviews and qualitative user research methodologies.

• Experience in building and scaling design systems.

• Strong understanding of brand strategy and its application across digital products.

• Familiarity with product analytics tools and data-driven design decision-making.

• Native-level German language proficiency and professional fluency in English. Preferred Skills:

• Experience leading or managing a design team, or a clear aptitude for team leadership.

• Hands-on experience with modern AI tools such as Cursor, v0, or Claude for design acceleration.

• Experience with design for B2B SaaS or communication software.

• Familiarity with web design principles and front-end development concepts.

• A strong understanding of European business communication norms and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for native German and professional English is a critical qualification for this role, given the company's focus on serving businesses across Europe and its on-site presence in Vienna. The explicit mention of AI tools like Cursor, v0, and Claude suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tooling and a desire for candidates to be early adopters.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, detailing your role, process, and impact.

• Examples of complex user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Case studies demonstrating your ability to conduct user research, analyze customer insights, and translate findings into design solutions.

• Evidence of owning and scaling design systems, including style guides, component libraries, and their implementation across product and brand.

• Demonstrations of how you've used product analytics and AI tools to inform design decisions and iterate on user experiences.

• Examples of brand development or evolution, showcasing strategic thinking and visual design execution. Process Documentation:

• Detailed documentation of your design process, from problem definition and user research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• Clear articulation of how you collaborate with product managers and engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Methodologies for setting and maintaining design standards and ensuring design system consistency.

• Examples of how you've leveraged customer feedback and data to drive design iterations and improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead" nature of the role and the emphasis on owning multiple product areas and design systems, the portfolio should strongly emphasize strategic thinking, process ownership, and demonstrable impact. Candidates should be prepared to walk through case studies that highlight their ability to influence product direction and mentor other designers.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €80,000 to €150,000 annually. This range reflects the seniority of the Lead Product Designer role, the required experience, and the on-site location in Vienna, Austria. The exact salary will be determined by the candidate's qualifications, experience, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary within the stated range.

• Opportunity to shape the design culture and product direction of a growing AI communications company.

• Collaborative work environment with close partnerships with product and engineering teams.

• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and their application in business communication.

• Professional development opportunities, including potential for team growth and leadership expansion.

• Contribution to a product serving businesses across the European market.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expected 40 hours per week. While on-site, there may be flexibility in daily scheduling, allowing for efficient workflow management and collaboration with international teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is typical for a Lead Product Designer role in a major European capital like Vienna, especially for a company in a growth phase within the tech sector. The benefits emphasize the strategic impact and growth potential associated with the position. Visa sponsorship is explicitly not available, which is a crucial detail for non-EU candidates.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AI Communications Software. Clera operates in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on enhancing business communication tools. This sector is characterized by innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong emphasis on user experience to drive adoption and value.

Company Size: Growing. As a growing company, Clera likely offers a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact. This often means a more agile structure, fewer layers of management, and opportunities to contribute across various functions.

Founded: The company's founding date is not specified, but its focus on AI communications suggests it is likely a relatively modern or recently established entity, poised for significant growth.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely small but growing, with this Lead role being central to its development and direction.

• You will work closely with dedicated product management and engineering teams, fostering a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.

• Reporting lines will likely involve reporting to a Head of Product, CTO, or CEO, given the leadership scope. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, with product analytics and customer insights guiding design evolution.

• Agile methodologies are probable, supporting quick iteration cycles and frequent feedback.

• A strong emphasis on user-centered design principles, ensuring that customer needs are at the forefront of all product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI and growth implies a fast-paced, innovative culture. Candidates should be prepared for an environment that values experimentation, data, and close collaboration between design, product, and engineering. The "growing" company size suggests opportunities for shaping processes and culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Product Designer. This is a senior individual contributor role with significant leadership responsibilities. It sits at the intersection of individual design craft, strategic product thinking, brand stewardship, and team mentorship. The role is crucial for driving product vision and user experience excellence.

Reporting Structure: Typically, a Lead Product Designer would report to a Director of Product, Head of Product, or potentially the CTO or CEO in a smaller, growing organization. This position will collaborate daily with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is substantial. By leading product design, this individual will directly influence customer acquisition, retention, user satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue growth. Effective design and brand consistency are critical for market perception and competitive advantage in the AI communications space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Leadership: Opportunity to build and scale the design team, defining its structure, processes, and culture.

• Product Strategy: Influence the long-term product roadmap and strategic direction of Clera's AI communications offerings.

• Brand Development: Play a pivotal role in shaping and evolving the Clera brand identity across all touchpoints.

• Technical Expertise: Deepen knowledge in AI technologies and their application in user experience design.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop strong collaboration and influence skills across product, engineering, and business functions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth into a Head of Design or VP of Product role, especially as the company scales. The opportunity to build a design function from a more foundational stage is a significant draw for ambitious design leaders.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Vienna, Austria. This indicates a traditional office setup where in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct mentorship are prioritized.

Office Location(s): Vienna, Austria. This provides a central European hub for operations, potentially facilitating easier collaboration with European clients and partners.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative office environment designed to foster interaction between design, product, and engineering teams.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including specialized AI design tools, is expected.

• Opportunities for spontaneous brainstorming sessions and in-person feedback, crucial for rapid iteration.

• A professional setting conducive to focused work and deep thinking on complex design challenges.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (approx. 40 hours/week) are expected. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start and end times, allowing for work-life balance and efficient collaboration across different time zones if needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Vienna suggests a company that values in-person collaboration and team dynamics. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment where face-to-face interaction is a key component of the workflow.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess experience and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation: A deep dive into your portfolio, focusing on key projects, your design process, leadership experience, and how you've utilized data and AI tools. Be prepared to discuss your approach to brand ownership and design systems.

• Skills Assessment: Practical exercises or case studies, potentially involving Figma, user research scenarios, or problem-solving related to AI communications.

• Team & Leadership Interviews: Discussions with product managers, engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration style, leadership potential, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Conversation with senior leadership (e.g., CEO, Head of Product) to discuss strategic vision and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Leadership: Showcase projects where you took initiative, led design efforts, or mentored others, even if not in a formal management role.

• Process Over Polish: While polished visuals are important, focus on detailing your thought process, research methodologies, decision-making criteria, and problem-solving approach.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data where possible to demonstrate the impact of your design decisions on user behavior, business goals, or team efficiency.

• AI & Brand Focus: Explicitly include examples of how you've used AI tools to enhance your workflow and how you've approached brand strategy and design system implementation.

• German & English: Be prepared to discuss your language skills and how you've navigated multilingual design challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice articulating your design philosophy and leadership approach concisely.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with design systems, user research, and data analysis in the context of B2B SaaS.

• Familiarize yourself with current trends in AI and communications technology.

• Think about how you would approach building and scaling a design team and its processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely structured to thoroughly evaluate both design craft and leadership capabilities. Expect a strong emphasis on portfolio presentation, especially concerning your experience with design systems, AI tools, and brand ownership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Expect advanced usage for design systems and complex workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, proficiency with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, ProtoPie) may be beneficial for specific use cases.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting and analyzing user interviews and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Experience with platforms like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for tracking user behavior and evaluating design impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that help present data insights clearly (e.g., Tableau, Looker, or embedded analytics within other platforms).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) to influence customer journeys can be advantageous. AI & Design Acceleration Tools:

• Cursor: An AI-first code editor that can assist with design system implementation or understanding front-end code.

• v0: An AI tool for generating high-fidelity UI code snippets from design prompts.

• Claude: A large language model that can assist with research, content generation, and potentially design ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma and a strong understanding of product analytics are non-negotiable. The explicit mention of AI design tools indicates a desire for candidates who are proactive in adopting new technologies to enhance productivity and design quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of small-business users.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data and AI to guide product development and design decisions.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and close partnership between design, product, and engineering.

• Excellence & Ownership: A drive for high-quality design outcomes and taking responsibility for product success.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture of learning, iteration, and adapting to new technologies and user feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working hand-in-hand with product managers and engineers.

• Regular feedback loops and iterative design processes are expected.

• Emphasis on clear communication, documentation, and shared understanding of goals.

• Cross-functional alignment on brand and user experience is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values suggest a culture that is progressive, user-focused, and team-oriented. Candidates who thrive in environments that blend strategic thinking with hands-on execution and value data-informed decisions will likely find this role appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: Effectively building and maintaining robust design systems that cater to multiple product areas and evolving brand needs.

• Balancing Leadership and Craft: Managing team direction while remaining deeply involved in hands-on design work.

• AI Integration: Staying at the forefront of AI advancements and integrating them meaningfully into the design process and product features.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent design vision and execution across different product teams and stakeholders.

• Market Competition: Differentiating Clera's AI communications software in a competitive landscape through superior user experience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Tools: Becoming an expert user of emerging AI tools for design acceleration and innovation.

• Team Building: Developing leadership skills by shaping and growing the design team.

• Product Strategy: Gaining deeper insights into business strategy and product roadmapping in the AI/SaaS sector.

• European Market: Understanding the nuances of serving diverse European business markets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a lead role in a growing tech company, offering significant opportunities for professional development and impact. Candidates should view these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate their problem-solving and leadership abilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to owning product design, brand, and a design team simultaneously. How do you balance hands-on work with leadership responsibilities?"

• "Walk us through a complex product design project from your portfolio. How did you utilize customer insights and product analytics, and what was the measurable impact?"

• "How would you approach building and scaling a design system for an AI communications platform serving diverse European businesses?"

• "What are your thoughts on integrating AI tools like Cursor or v0 into a product design workflow? Can you provide examples?"

• "How do you ensure brand consistency across a growing product suite and collaborate with engineering to maintain it?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Clera and our mission in AI communications?"

• "How do you foster a collaborative and productive environment within a design team, especially when working closely with product and engineering?"

• "Describe a time you had to influence stakeholders to adopt a design recommendation. What was your strategy?"

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in AI, design, and the B2B SaaS market?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around key case studies that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, leadership, and impact.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (including research and iteration), the solutions you designed, and the outcomes achieved.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with design systems, brand strategy, and how you leverage data and AI tools.

• Practice your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Be ready for deep dives into specific design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare specific examples for each question, aligning your experience with Clera's focus on AI, B2B SaaS, and European markets. Emphasize your leadership potential and your ability to drive strategic design decisions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application, including your resume and a link to your comprehensive design portfolio, through the provided Ashby link.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that highlight your end-to-end product design ownership, design system experience, brand strategy contributions, and any use of AI design tools or analytics. Tailor the case studies to showcase leadership potential and impact.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your five+ years of product design experience, leadership capabilities, proficiency with Figma and user research, and your experience with design systems and AI tools. Use keywords relevant to product design leadership and B2B SaaS.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and strategic thinking. Prepare to walk through your portfolio with clarity and confidence, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions and their impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Clera, its AI communications software, target market (European businesses), and any available information on its company culture and values. Understand how your skills and experience align with their growth objectives.

⚠️ 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.