Lead Product Designer

Jobgether
Full-timePortugal

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Jobgether (on behalf of a partner company)

Location: Portugal

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design Leadership

Date Posted: June 04, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK (with hybrid office option in Berlin)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Lead the end-to-end product design vision for engaging, consumer-facing mobile and web experiences, with a strong focus on gamification and loyalty systems.

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a small but senior design team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

  • Drive user-centered design decisions that directly impact user engagement, retention, and key business outcomes.

  • Remain hands-on in crafting world-class product experiences, translating user research, analytics, and business insights into intuitive design solutions.

  • Own and maintain the design system, ensuring consistency across iOS, Android, and web platforms, while identifying opportunities for AI integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is posted by Jobgether, an AI-powered matching platform. This means candidates should expect an objective, data-driven initial screening process. The emphasis on gamification, loyalty, and user motivation mechanics suggests a focus on retention and engagement strategies, common in consumer-facing apps, especially those in gaming or similar high-engagement sectors. The hybrid office mention for Berlin implies that while remote is okay, there might be opportunities or expectations for occasional in-person collaboration if near that location.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and execute the overarching product design strategy across mobile (iOS, Android) and web platforms, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience from concept through launch.

  • Lead, mentor, and empower a team of senior product designers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation, skill development, and high-quality output.

  • Champion user-centered design principles, translating complex user needs, behavioral psychology, and data insights into intuitive and impactful product features.

  • Develop and iterate on wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that enhance user discovery, loyalty, and motivation mechanics.

  • Strategize, create, and maintain a robust design system to ensure visual and interactive consistency across all product touchpoints.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Analytics, and other key stakeholders to align design efforts with business objectives and technical feasibility.

  • Conduct and leverage user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and identify areas for optimization and innovation.

  • Explore and integrate AI tools and automation within design workflows to enhance efficiency, quality, and the creative process.

  • Establish and refine scalable design processes and team workflows, promoting best practices in collaboration, feedback, and design execution.

  • Stay abreast of emerging trends in mobile gaming, engagement design, loyalty programs, and consumer motivation to drive product innovation and competitive advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The focus on "gamification, loyalty systems, and user motivation mechanics" is crucial and suggests the company operates in a space where user retention and long-term engagement are paramount. The mention of AI integration points towards a forward-thinking company that embraces new technologies to improve design processes and outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is often preferred for advanced design roles. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in product design leadership roles, with a significant portion focused on mobile-first or consumer-facing digital products. Proven track record of scaling design teams and processes in fast-paced, innovative environments.

Required Skills:

  • 5+ years of experience leading product design teams in mobile-first or consumer-facing digital products.

  • Strong background in entertainment, gaming, loyalty, or highly engaging consumer platforms.

  • Proven experience scaling design teams, processes, and design systems in fast-paced environments.

  • Strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality mobile product design and impactful user experiences.

  • Deep expertise in gamification, engagement design, and user motivation principles.

  • Expert-level proficiency in Figma and modern design tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).

  • Strong understanding of cross-platform design principles for iOS, Android, and web.

  • Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills across technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Strong ability to translate complex user needs and data insights into clear, actionable design solutions.

  • Passion for detail, usability, and delivering polished, high-quality user experiences. Preferred Skills:

  • Experience integrating or experimenting with AI-driven tools in design workflows.

  • Experience in loyalty/rewards systems, mobile gaming ecosystems, or advertising-driven products.

  • Familiarity with user research methodologies and usability testing frameworks.

  • Understanding of agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as tangible proof of design capabilities and leadership. The emphasis on "entertainment, gaming, loyalty, or highly engaging consumer platforms" suggests a specific industry focus for the partner company, requiring candidates to highlight relevant experience. The "nice to have" for AI integration indicates a progressive approach to design technology.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase end-to-end product design ownership, from initial concept and user research to final high-fidelity designs and successful product launches.

  • Include case studies detailing your experience in leading design teams, managing design systems, and scaling design processes in fast-paced environments.

  • Demonstrate expertise in gamification, user motivation mechanics, and creating engaging consumer-facing mobile experiences (iOS and Android).

  • Highlight your proficiency with Figma and other modern design tools, illustrating how you leverage them for complex design challenges.

  • Present examples of how you've translated user insights, data, and business requirements into effective design solutions that drove measurable outcomes. Process Documentation:

  • Present examples of established design processes, workflows, and collaboration models you've implemented or improved within previous teams.

  • Illustrate how you've maintained and evolved design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web).

  • Detail your approach to integrating user research, data analytics, and A/B testing into the design lifecycle for continuous improvement.

  • Showcase any experience or understanding of integrating AI tools or automation into design workflows to enhance productivity and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase individual work but also demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to build and scale design functions. Emphasis on process and systems is key, reflecting the "Lead" aspect of the title and the need to manage team output and design infrastructure.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Considering the Lead Product Designer title, 5-10 years of experience, and the location in Portugal, a competitive salary range is estimated between €50,000 - €75,000 annually. This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in Western Europe, adjusted for Portugal's cost of living and market rates, and factoring in the potential for remote work offering flexibility.

Benefits:

  • Flexible working hours, accommodating various personal schedules and optimizing work-life balance.

  • Remote-friendly setup, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere.

  • Annual learning and development budget, supporting continuous skill enhancement and career growth through courses, conferences, or certifications.

  • Personal coaching and wellbeing support programs to foster holistic employee health and development.

  • 25 paid vacation days (location dependent), providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

  • Monthly internet allowance to ensure reliable connectivity for remote work.

  • Monthly transportation allowance (location dependent), contributing to commuting costs.

  • Choice of MacBook or Windows equipment, allowing personal preference for work tools.

  • Relocation and visa support where applicable, facilitating international candidates.

  • Opportunity to work in a modern, collaborative, and international environment.

  • Exposure to large-scale consumer products with millions of users, offering significant impact.

  • Hybrid access to a modern office environment in Berlin (where applicable), providing an option for in-office collaboration.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours are offered, with an expectation of a standard full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week), allowing for adjustments to accommodate personal needs and time zone differences for remote collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Lead Product Designers in Portugal, considering the provided experience level and the nature of a full-time, potentially remote role. The benefits provided are comprehensive, with specific allowances and support for remote work and professional development, which are attractive to senior-level talent. The mention of location dependency for vacation and allowances suggests potential variations based on the candidate's primary work location.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates in a highly engaging consumer-facing digital space, likely involving elements of entertainment, gaming, or loyalty programs, given the job description's emphasis on gamification and user motivation. This industry is characterized by rapid innovation, data-driven decision-making, and a strong focus on user acquisition and retention.

Company Size: While the exact size of the partner company isn't specified, the mention of a "small but senior design team" and the need to scale processes suggests a growing organization that has likely moved beyond startup phase but is still agile and expanding its operational footprint.

Founded: The founding date is not provided. However, the company's focus on modern design practices, AI integration, and scaling implies a relatively contemporary establishment or a company that has undergone significant modernization.

Team Structure:

  • The design team is described as "small but senior," indicating a highly experienced and skilled group of individual contributors.

  • The Lead Product Designer will report to a higher-level design or product executive, overseeing the day-to-day activities and strategic direction of the design function.

  • Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineering teams (likely front-end and mobile developers), and Analytics specialists to ensure cohesive product development. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Decisions are heavily influenced by user research, analytics, and A/B testing results to optimize engagement and retention.

  • Agile Development: The fast-paced, innovation-driven environment suggests an agile or iterative approach to product development, with continuous experimentation and improvement cycles.

  • User-Centricity: A core tenet is understanding and addressing user needs, motivations, and behaviors to create compelling experiences.

  • Design System Management: Emphasis on creating and maintaining a scalable design system for consistency and efficiency across platforms.

Company Website: [Company Website URL - Not provided in input, would typically be found if available]

📝 Enhancement Note: The "partner company" aspect means direct information about them is limited. However, by analyzing the role's requirements and responsibilities, we can infer a culture that values innovation, data-backed decisions, user engagement, and efficient, scalable processes. The mention of Jobgether's AI matching process also suggests the partner company embraces technology to streamline hiring.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership role, positioned as a "Lead Product Designer." It signifies a transition from individual contribution to team management and strategic design direction. The role requires not only exceptional design craft but also the ability to mentor, guide, and scale a design function within a dynamic organization. The scope includes shaping the overall product vision and user experience for millions of users.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director of Product, VP of Product, or Chief Product Officer. They will directly manage a team of senior product designers, acting as their primary mentor and advocate. Cross-functional collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering Leads will be a daily occurrence.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on the company's success. By shaping engaging, high-performing user experiences, the Lead Product Designer influences critical metrics such as user acquisition, engagement, retention, and ultimately, revenue. Their work in gamification and loyalty directly contributes to building a strong, habitual user base.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Head of Design or Design Director role, overseeing larger design teams and broader product portfolios.

  • Strategic Influence: Opportunity to significantly influence product strategy and company direction through design leadership.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like gamification, AI in design, or scaling design systems for large user bases.

  • Mentorship & Team Building: Develop strong leadership and people management skills by nurturing a high-performing design team.

  • Cross-functional Exposure: Gain valuable experience working across various departments and understanding the broader business context of product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression from a senior individual contributor to a design leader. The focus on scaling and process improvement indicates opportunities to build and shape the design function, providing significant growth potential beyond individual design tasks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role offers a "remote-friendly setup" with the option for "hybrid access to a modern office environment in Berlin (where applicable)." This suggests a flexible work model that prioritizes employee autonomy while providing a collaborative space for those who can or prefer to utilize it. The emphasis on a "modern, collaborative, and international environment" points to a dynamic and forward-thinking workplace.

Office Location(s): While the primary work location is Portugal, the mention of a hybrid office in Berlin (Germany) suggests a potential hub or a location where some team members or leadership might be based, offering an option for in-person interaction if geographically feasible.

Workspace Context:

  • Remote Flexibility: Candidates can expect a work environment that fully supports remote collaboration, equipped with the necessary tools and communication channels.

  • Collaborative Tools: Expect a reliance on digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Miro, Figma) to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork across distances.

  • Design-Centric Technology: Access to high-quality design software (Figma) and hardware (MacBook or Windows options) is provided to ensure designers have the best tools for their craft.

  • International Exposure: The international nature of the company and team suggests opportunities to work with diverse perspectives and on global products.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are an integral part of the offering, allowing individuals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring alignment with team collaboration needs and project deadlines. This flexibility is crucial for a globally distributed or remote team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first or hybrid approach, combined with flexible hours, is a significant draw for talent seeking work-life integration. The availability of a Berlin office, even if optional, indicates a potential physical anchor for the company's operations and team activities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening (AI-Powered): Applications are first processed through Jobgether's AI matching system, which objectively assesses candidates against core requirements.

  • Hiring Team Review: Shortlisted candidates are then presented to the partner company's internal hiring team for further evaluation.

  • Design Challenge/Portfolio Presentation: Expect a practical design challenge or a detailed portfolio review session. This will likely involve presenting your approach to a specific problem, discussing your design process, and demonstrating how you've driven impact with previous projects, particularly those involving gamification or engagement.

  • Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other senior designers to assess technical skills, collaborative abilities, and cultural fit.

  • Leadership Interview: A final interview with senior leadership to discuss strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and long-term impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Leadership & Process: Focus on case studies that showcase your experience leading design teams, scaling processes, and managing design systems. Quantify your impact wherever possible.

  • Showcase Gamification & Engagement: Emphasize projects where you've applied gamification, loyalty mechanics, or user motivation strategies. Explain the design rationale and outcomes.

  • Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, explaining your workflow, component usage, and how you maintain design system integrity.

  • Tell a Story: Structure your portfolio presentations to tell a compelling story about the problem, your process, the solutions, and the measurable results. Clearly articulate your role and contributions.

  • Address Scale: Since the role involves "millions of users," explain how your design approach scales and maintains quality under high demand.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Business Context: Research the partner company's industry (gaming, loyalty, consumer engagement) and potential business objectives.

  • Focus on Engagement Mechanics: Prepare to discuss how you would design for user motivation, retention, and habit formation.

  • Process & Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would establish and improve design processes, and how you collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver effectively.

  • AI Integration: Consider how AI could be applied to enhance the design process or the user experience within the company's domain.

📝 Enhancement Note: The AI-driven initial screening is a key differentiator for Jobgether applications. Candidates should ensure their resumes and portfolios are optimized for keyword matching related to product design, leadership, gamification, and Figma. The interview process will likely delve deep into practical application and strategic thinking.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expert-level proficiency is a mandatory requirement for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management.

  • Modern Design Tools: Proficiency with other industry-standard tools such as Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), or similar is beneficial.

  • Prototyping Tools: Experience with interactive prototyping capabilities within Figma or dedicated tools like InVision, ProtoPie, etc.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar for understanding user behavior and product performance.

  • A/B Testing Tools: Experience with platforms that facilitate experimentation and data-driven iteration.

  • Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret and present data insights, potentially using tools like Tableau, Looker, or built-in dashboards.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not directly a design tool, awareness of how design integrates with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be advantageous for understanding the broader customer journey.

  • AI Tools: Experience or a strong interest in integrating AI-driven tools for design assistance, pattern recognition, or workflow automation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as an expert-level requirement, making it a critical skill to highlight. The emphasis on analytics and A/B testing underscores the data-driven nature of the role, requiring designers to be comfortable interpreting and acting on performance metrics. The mention of AI tools suggests a forward-thinking approach to design technology.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the end-user, ensuring that design decisions prioritize user needs and create exceptional experiences.

  • Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to high-quality design output, paying close attention to detail, usability, and polish in all product interfaces.

  • Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is constructive, and teamwork across disciplines is paramount.

  • Innovation & Experimentation: Encouraging a culture that embraces new ideas, technological advancements (like AI), and continuous experimentation to drive product evolution.

  • Data-Informed Decision Making: Valuing insights from user research and analytics to guide design choices and measure their impact effectively.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Partnership: Working seamlessly with Product Managers to define product strategy and roadmaps, and with Engineers to ensure designs are implemented accurately and efficiently.

  • Iterative Feedback Loops: Engaging in regular design critiques and feedback sessions with peers and stakeholders to refine concepts and solutions.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in sharing design best practices, insights, and learnings within the team and across the organization.

  • Agile & Adaptive: Embracing agile methodologies and adapting quickly to changing priorities and project requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user focus, quality, collaboration, and forward-thinking innovation. This is typical of companies in fast-paced tech sectors that rely on strong product-market fit and continuous improvement. The "international environment" suggests an appreciation for diverse perspectives in collaboration.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Leadership & Hands-on Work: Effectively managing a senior design team while remaining deeply involved in the creative and execution aspects of design.

  • Scaling Design Systems & Processes: Ensuring design systems and workflows remain robust, efficient, and scalable as the company and its user base grow.

  • Integrating AI Seamlessly: Identifying and implementing AI tools in design workflows in a way that genuinely enhances productivity and creativity, rather than just being a trend.

  • Driving Engagement in Competitive Markets: Continuously innovating to keep users engaged in potentially crowded or competitive consumer markets, especially with gamification and loyalty mechanics.

  • Cross-Platform Consistency: Maintaining a high level of design consistency and user experience across iOS, Android, and web platforms, each with unique constraints and patterns.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership Workshops: Opportunities to attend or participate in training focused on people management, team building, and strategic design leadership.

  • Industry Conferences & Events: Access to relevant design and technology conferences (e.g., UX, product design, gaming tech) to stay current with trends.

  • Mentorship Programs: Potential for mentorship from senior leaders within the company or through external networks.

  • Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like behavioral economics, advanced gamification techniques, AI in UX, or complex design system architecture.

  • Exposure to Large-Scale Products: Gaining invaluable experience by working on products that impact millions of users, offering a unique learning curve in scalability and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a leadership role in a growing tech company. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with career progression in design leadership, focusing on both people management and strategic development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you led a design team through a significant product redesign or feature launch. What was your approach to managing the team and ensuring quality?" (Focus on leadership, process, and outcome.)

  • "How would you approach designing a new gamification feature to increase user retention for a mobile app with millions of users?" (Prepare to discuss user motivation, mechanics, and testing.)

  • "Walk me through your process for developing and maintaining a design system. How do you ensure its adoption and evolution across multiple platforms?" (Highlight system architecture, collaboration, and governance.)

  • "How have you leveraged user research and data analytics to inform your design decisions? Provide a specific example." (Emphasize data interpretation and impact.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about our company's focus on gamification and user motivation?" (Research the company's products and industry.)

  • "How do you foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within a design team?" (Relate to your leadership style and past experiences.)

  • "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced, agile environment. How do you adapt to changing priorities?" (Showcase flexibility and efficiency.)

  • "What are your thoughts on integrating AI into design workflows? Where do you see the biggest opportunities?" (Demonstrate forward-thinking and technical curiosity.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process, key decisions, solutions, and measurable outcomes/impact.

  • Quantify Impact: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased engagement by X%, reduced churn by Y%, improved conversion rates).

  • Showcase Leadership & Process: Highlight instances where you led teams, managed stakeholders, and implemented scalable design processes or systems.

  • Interactive Walkthrough: Be prepared to navigate your Figma files or prototypes, explaining your design choices and system logic in real-time.

  • Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects related to consumer-facing mobile apps, gamification, loyalty, and user engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, and a data-driven, user-centric approach relevant to the specific domain of gamification and user motivation.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

  • Submit your application through the Jobgether platform link provided.

  • Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume with keywords such as "Lead Product Designer," "UX/UI," "Figma," "Gamification," "Mobile Design," "Design Systems," "User Engagement," and "Team Leadership." Highlight quantifiable achievements and leadership responsibilities.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features high-impact case studies demonstrating your leadership in mobile-first product design, gamification strategies, and design system management. Focus on projects that showcase your ability to drive user engagement and retention.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, leadership philosophy, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss specific examples that align with the job description's requirements, especially regarding gamification and scaling design.

  • Research the Partner Company: While details are scarce, understand the industry they operate in (gaming, loyalty, consumer engagement) to better tailor your application and interview responses to their likely business objectives and user challenges.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires 5+ years of experience leading product design for consumer-facing mobile products, specifically within entertainment or gaming. Must have expert proficiency in Figma and a deep understanding of user motivation principles.