Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Dentsu (Merkle Brand)

Location: DGS India - Pune - Kharadi EON Free Zone, Maharashtra, India

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Category: Product Design & User Experience

Date Posted: April 29, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive creative, task-based problem-solving to craft engaging user experiences that empower users to bring brands to life.

• Spearhead the design vision from concept to finished product, working closely with development and business teams.

• Conduct rigorous usability testing to ensure optimal efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement for end-users.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate product specifications into intuitive and user-friendly software solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Lead Product Designer," implying significant ownership and strategic input. The description emphasizes a blend of creative problem-solving and user-centric design, with a strong focus on translating business requirements into tangible user experiences. The inclusion of "Merkle" as the brand suggests a focus on customer experience and marketing technology solutions within the Dentsu Aegis Network.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze product specifications to identify critical user touchpoints and interactions across various user journeys.

• Design and develop wireframes, user flows, and task flows that align with identified user needs and business objectives.

• Plan and execute remote and on-site usability testing sessions with real users to validate design hypotheses and gather actionable feedback.

• Collaborate effectively with a diverse team, including other designers, product managers, business analysts, and engineers, to ensure seamless product development.

• Create, iterate, and maintain core UX design deliverables, including user personas, journey maps, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Stay informed about competitor products, emerging industry trends, and best practices in product design and user experience.

• Contribute to the overall experience vision of projects, ensuring a cohesive and compelling brand narrative is embedded in the user journey.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive product design lifecycle, from initial understanding and conceptualization through to testing and iteration. The emphasis on collaboration and staying current with industry trends is crucial for a lead role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Lead Product Designer.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in product design, UX design, UI design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Deep understanding of product design principles and methodologies.

• UX Design: Expertise in user-centered design processes, from research to wireframing and prototyping.

• UI Design: Proficiency in creating visually appealing and functional user interfaces.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sensibility and ability to create cohesive visual systems.

• Wireframing & Task Flows: Ability to translate complex ideas into clear and concise visual representations of user paths.

• Usability Testing: Experience planning, conducting, and analyzing results from usability studies.

• User Research: Skills in conducting user interviews, surveys, and other research methods to gather insights.

• Prototyping: Proficiency with prototyping tools to create interactive user flows.

• Interaction Design: Understanding of how users interact with digital products and designing intuitive interactions.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams.

• Software Design: Experience designing for various software applications and platforms.

Preferred Skills:

• Design Systems: Experience creating or contributing to design systems.

• Agile Methodologies: Familiarity with Agile and Scrum development processes.

• Data Analysis: Ability to interpret user data and analytics to inform design decisions.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Experience mentoring junior designers or leading design efforts on complex projects.

• Brand Integration: Understanding of how to integrate brand identity into digital experiences seamlessly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills are comprehensive for a product design role, with a strong emphasis on the full UX/UI lifecycle and user-centric methodologies. The preferred skills suggest a move towards more strategic and leadership-oriented capabilities, common for a Lead position.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a range of product design projects, demonstrating expertise across UX, UI, and Visual Design.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.

• Demonstrations of how you have incorporated user research and usability testing into your design process.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to user research, including methodologies used and how insights were translated into design solutions.

• Detail your process for creating and iterating on wireframes and prototypes, including the tools and techniques employed.

• Illustrate your method for conducting and analyzing usability testing, highlighting how feedback informed design improvements.

• Provide examples of how you manage design feedback and iterate on designs based on stakeholder input and team collaboration.

• Demonstrate your understanding of integrating brand guidelines and design systems into your workflow.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for design roles. This section emphasizes showcasing not just the final output, but the strategic thinking, user-centric processes, and collaborative efforts that lead to successful product designs. For a Lead role, the portfolio should also convey leadership and strategic impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Lead Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Pune, India, the estimated annual salary range would typically be between ₹15,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 INR. This range can vary based on the specific scope of responsibilities, the complexity of projects, and the candidate's negotiation skills.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for the employee and potentially dependents.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement Savings: Contributions to provident funds or other retirement savings plans.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, workshops, conferences, and certifications in design and technology.

• Performance Bonuses: Potential for annual bonuses based on individual and company performance.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional well-being.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: While this role is on-site, Dentsu may offer some flexibility in work hours.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with potential for some flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on industry benchmarks for Lead Product Designer roles in major Indian tech hubs like Pune, considering the experience level and the company's global presence. Benefits are standard for full-time positions in multinational corporations, with a focus on well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Advertising & Marketing Services, Digital Transformation, Technology Consulting. Dentsu is a global leader in media and marketing services, with brands like Merkle focusing on customer experience transformation.

Company Size: Dentsu is a large, global organization with tens of thousands of employees worldwide. This specific role is within the DGS India operations, likely a significant hub for talent.

Founded: Dentsu was founded in 1906, and Merkle was founded in 1988, acquired by Dentsu Aegis Network in 2016. This history speaks to a company with established processes and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Product Designer will likely be part of a larger design or product team within Merkle's India operations.

• This team may include other UX/UI designers, product managers, researchers, and visual designers.

• The structure will likely involve close collaboration with engineering teams and business stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Dentsu and Merkle operate with a strong emphasis on data-driven insights and client-centric solutions.

• Design processes likely follow Agile methodologies, with iterative development cycles.

• There's a focus on innovation, leveraging technology to create impactful customer experiences.

• Collaboration and knowledge sharing are key to success in their complex, matrixed organization.

Company Website: https://www.dentsu.com/, https://www.merkle.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu's global scale and Merkle's specialization in CXM mean this role operates within a dynamic, client-facing environment. The culture likely balances creative freedom with rigorous execution and data-informed decision-making.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This "Lead Product Designer" role is a significant step beyond an individual contributor. It implies leadership responsibilities, strategic input into product direction, and potentially mentorship of junior team members. It's a mid-to-senior level position within the design hierarchy.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a senior design leader (e.g., Head of Design, Director of Product Design) and will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and Business Analysts. They may also guide and mentor junior designers.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is directly tied to the success of the digital products and experiences designed. By ensuring intuitive, effective, and engaging user experiences, the Lead Product Designer contributes to increased user adoption, customer satisfaction, conversion rates, and ultimately, revenue and brand loyalty for Dentsu's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to move into a Senior Lead, Design Manager, or Head of Design role, managing larger teams and strategic initiatives.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like UX research, interaction design, design systems, or accessibility.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Potential to transition into Product Management or other strategic roles within the organization.

• Global Exposure: As part of Dentsu, there may be opportunities to work on projects with international teams or clients.

• Continuous Learning: Access to Dentsu's learning platforms, industry events, and internal workshops to stay ahead of design trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: This lead role offers a clear path for career progression within design leadership, with opportunities to influence product strategy and mentor others. The global nature of Dentsu provides a broad canvas for impact and learning.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in the EON Free Zone in Kharadi, Pune, which is a modern business district. This suggests a professional, corporate office environment designed for collaboration and productivity.

Office Location(s): DGS India - Pune - Kharadi EON Free Zone, Maharashtra, India. This is a specific, dedicated office location.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout zones conducive to team discussions and brainstorming sessions.

• Technology Access: Employees will have access to the necessary hardware, software, and robust internet connectivity to perform their design and collaboration tasks.

• Team Interaction: The on-site nature facilitates direct interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong team dynamic and enabling spontaneous problem-solving.

• Professional Setting: A well-equipped office environment that supports focused work and client presentations.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard working hours likely falling within business hours in India (Asia/Kolkata timezone). While primarily on-site, there might be some flexibility regarding start and end times, subject to team and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Pune location in a recognized business zone indicates a professional and well-equipped workspace. The on-site requirement emphasizes the value placed on in-person collaboration for design and development processes.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and design experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you present your work, discuss your process, and articulate the impact of your designs. Be prepared to walk through 2-3 key projects in detail.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: This might involve a design challenge (e.g., a short design exercise, a case study review, or a whiteboard session) to evaluate your problem-solving skills and design thinking.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interviews: Discussions with potential team members and hiring managers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Dentsu's values.

• Final Interview: Often with a senior leader to discuss strategic fit and long-term potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose projects that best represent your skills and experience relevant to this Lead Product Designer role. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Process: Showcase your thought process, research methods, iteration cycles, and how you used data or user feedback to inform your design.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If applicable, include projects where you led design initiatives, mentored others, or influenced product strategy.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.

• Tailor to Dentsu/Merkle: Research Dentsu and Merkle's work and client base to tailor your presentation and highlight relevant experience.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the objectives, constraints, and deliverables.

• Think Aloud: During whiteboard or problem-solving sessions, articulate your thought process clearly. Explain your assumptions and rationale.

• Focus on User: Ground your solutions in user needs and business objectives.

• Iterate: Show flexibility and willingness to consider different approaches.

• Present Concisely: Be prepared to present your findings or solutions clearly and concisely within the allotted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a lead design role will be rigorous, with a significant emphasis on portfolio presentation and the ability to articulate strategic design thinking. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just design skills but also leadership potential and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Axure RP.

• User Research & Testing: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, Hotjar, Google Analytics.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, Slack, Microsoft Teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI (less common for designers, but useful for understanding data).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by designers, understanding CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation tools used by clients can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools like Figma or Sketch is essential. Experience with user research platforms and project management tools is also critical for effective collaboration and process management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the primary driver of design decisions.

• Collaboration: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Innovation: Continuously seeking new ideas and approaches to push creative boundaries and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Excellence: A dedication to high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and delivering impactful results for clients.

• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and insights to inform design choices and measure the effectiveness of solutions.

• Adaptability: Embracing change and quickly adapting to new technologies, methodologies, and client requirements.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Design is not siloed but is an integral part of product development teams, working alongside product managers and engineers.

• Agile & Iterative: A culture of continuous feedback, rapid iteration, and flexible adaptation to project needs.

• Transparent Communication: Open channels for sharing ideas, critiques, and updates to ensure alignment and collective problem-solving.

• Client Focus: A strong understanding that design efforts are ultimately aimed at delivering value and achieving objectives for Dentsu's clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dentsu and Merkle likely emphasize a culture that is both creative and results-oriented, with a strong focus on client success and collaborative innovation. Values such as user-centricity and data-driven decision-making are paramount in the CXM space.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively translating diverse user requirements and business objectives into a cohesive and achievable product design.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Navigating feedback and priorities from multiple stakeholders across different departments or client teams.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and adapting to new design tools, platforms, and emerging technologies that impact user experience.

• Driving Design Vision in a Large Organization: Championing design best practices and influencing product direction within a global, matrixed company structure.

• Measuring Design Impact: Quantifying the effectiveness of design solutions and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Access to training in specialized areas like advanced interaction design, UX research methodologies, or design system architecture.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on mentorship, team management, strategic planning, and stakeholder communication.

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend leading design and technology conferences (e.g., UX India, Adobe MAX, Nielsen Norman Group) to gain insights and network.

• Cross-functional Projects: Exposure to diverse projects and client challenges that broaden your understanding of the marketing and technology landscape.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal mentorship from senior leaders within Dentsu or Merkle to guide career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges reflect the complexities of a lead role in a large, global organization focused on client services. Growth opportunities are geared towards developing both design expertise and leadership capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs and business requirements. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach designing for a new product or feature with limited user data initially?" (Highlight your research, hypothesis generation, and iterative testing strategies.)

• "Walk us through your process for creating a design system. What are the key components and how do you ensure adoption?" (Demonstrate your understanding of scalability and consistency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Dentsu and specifically Merkle's work in customer experience transformation?" (Research their clients, case studies, and approach.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in product design and user experience?" (Mention specific publications, thought leaders, or events.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem statement, your specific role and responsibilities, the design process, key decision points, challenges overcome, and measurable results (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user engagement, reduced support tickets).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your points. Explain why you made certain design choices.

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, point out instances where you took initiative, led discussions, mentored junior designers, or influenced strategic direction.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, user research findings, or technical constraints.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it flows well, stays within the allocated time, and clearly communicates your value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design proficiency but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of user-centered design principles within a business context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dentsu careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to product design, UX/UI, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work with detailed case studies, and is easily accessible (e.g., via a personal website or PDF). Focus on projects demonstrating leadership and impact.

• Research Dentsu & Merkle: Understand their client base, recent campaigns, and their approach to customer experience. This will help you tailor your application and interview responses.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough and be ready to articulate your design process, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities.

⚠️ 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.