Lead Product Designer

Jobgether
Full-timeβ€’Austria

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Jobgether (on behalf of a partner company)

Location: Austria

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design Leadership / GTM Operations (Design Enablement)

Date Posted: 2026-06-04

Experience Level: 5-10 years

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

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead the comprehensive product design vision and execution for engaging, consumer-facing mobile and web experiences, impacting millions of users.

  • Drive user-centered design strategies with a specialized focus on gamification, loyalty systems, and user motivation mechanics to enhance engagement and retention.

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of senior product designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.

  • Remain hands-on in the design process, creating intuitive wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs that translate complex insights into actionable solutions.

  • Own and evolve the design system to ensure consistency and scalability across iOS, Android, and web platforms, while integrating AI tools into design workflows.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the role is Lead Product Designer, its emphasis on user motivation, gamification, and driving business outcomes like engagement and retention positions it closely to GTM Operations functions that focus on customer lifecycle management and experience optimization. The integration of AI tools into design workflows also aligns with modern operations efficiency principles.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Define and lead the end-to-end product design vision and strategy across mobile and web platforms, from initial concept through to successful launch, ensuring a cohesive and high-quality user experience.

  • Manage, mentor, and foster the professional growth of a team of senior product designers, cultivating an environment of collaboration, innovation, and design excellence.

  • Champion user-centered design principles and methodologies to directly influence key business metrics such as user engagement, retention rates, and overall product adoption.

  • Develop and iterate on detailed wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs that effectively enhance user discovery, build loyalty, and drive motivation.

  • Establish, maintain, and evolve a robust design system to guarantee consistency, scalability, and efficiency across all product touchpoints (iOS, Android, Web).

  • Collaborate closely and effectively with Product Managers, Engineering teams, and other key stakeholders to ensure the delivery of integrated and impactful product solutions.

  • Translate qualitative user research findings, quantitative analytics data, and business requirements into clear, actionable, and innovative design strategies.

  • Proactively identify and implement opportunities to integrate AI tools and automation into design processes, enhancing both the speed and quality of design output.

  • Define, implement, and continuously refine scalable design processes and team workflows to optimize collaboration and operational efficiency.

  • Stay abreast of emerging trends and best practices in mobile gaming, engagement design, loyalty ecosystems, and consumer technology to drive product innovation and competitive advantage.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of leadership, hands-on design, and strategic input, typical for a senior design role. The emphasis on gamification, loyalty, and user motivation indicates a focus on customer lifecycle optimization, which can be seen as a component of GTM operations. The mention of AI integration and process improvement points towards operational efficiency.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational background in Design (e.g., Graphic Design, Interaction Design, HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is generally expected for this level of leadership. A portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and expertise will be highly valued.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in product design leadership, with a significant focus on mobile-first or consumer-facing digital products. Proven track record of scaling design teams, processes, and design systems within fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.

Required Skills:

  • Product Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead and mentor design teams, set design vision, and drive strategic design initiatives.

  • Gamification & Engagement Design: Deep expertise in designing for user motivation, engagement loops, and loyalty programs.

  • User-Centered Design (UCD): Strong understanding and application of UCD principles to create intuitive and effective user experiences.

  • Cross-Platform Design: Expertise in designing for iOS, Android, and Web, understanding platform-specific conventions and best practices.

  • Design Systems: Experience in creating, maintaining, and scaling comprehensive design systems for consistency and efficiency.

  • Figma Proficiency: Expert-level command of Figma for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration.

  • Prototyping & Wireframing: Skilled in creating detailed wireframes and interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts effectively.

  • User Research & Analytics Interpretation: Ability to translate user research findings and data analytics into actionable design decisions.

  • Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with Product, Engineering, and business stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in entertainment, gaming, or highly engaging consumer platforms.

  • Familiarity with loyalty/rewards systems, mobile gaming ecosystems, or advertising-driven products.

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

  • Understanding of A/B testing methodologies and data-driven optimization in design.

  • Experience with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize deep domain knowledge in engagement and motivation, which is crucial for optimizing customer journeys and retention. The mention of AI integration and scaling design systems directly relates to operational efficiency and process optimization within a design context.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrated Leadership: Showcase examples of leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and influencing product strategy.

  • Impactful User Experiences: Present case studies detailing end-to-end design processes for consumer-facing mobile products, highlighting significant user engagement or business impact.

  • Gamification/Loyalty Design: Include specific projects that illustrate expertise in designing for user motivation, rewards, or loyalty programs.

  • Design System Contribution: Provide examples of contributions to or ownership of design systems, demonstrating an understanding of consistency and scalability.

  • Tool Proficiency: Clearly indicate proficiency with Figma and other relevant design and prototyping tools through project examples.

Process Documentation:

  • Workflow Optimization: Detail how you have improved design team workflows, collaboration processes, or design system implementation for greater efficiency.

  • User Research Integration: Showcase how user research and data analytics were integrated into your design process to drive informed decisions and measurable outcomes.

  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Illustrate your ability to work effectively with Product and Engineering teams, demonstrating clear communication and process alignment.

  • AI/Automation Application: If applicable, present examples of how AI or automation tools were leveraged to enhance design speed, quality, or user experience.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for design leadership roles. For this specific position, showcasing projects that demonstrate gamification, user motivation, and design system management is key. Evidence of process improvement and AI integration will highlight operational efficiency and forward-thinking design practices.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Austria, and considering the remote-friendly nature with potential hybrid options, the estimated annual salary range is €75,000 - €100,000. This estimate accounts for the high-impact nature of influencing products used by millions and the leadership responsibilities.

Benefits:

  • Flexible Working Hours: Allows for better work-life integration and personal schedule management.

  • Remote-Friendly Setup: Provides flexibility in work location, with hybrid options available.

  • Annual Learning & Development Budget: Dedicated funds to support continuous skill enhancement, certifications, and professional growth.

  • Personal Coaching & Wellbeing Support: Programs designed to support mental and professional development.

  • 25 Paid Vacation Days: Generous time off to ensure work-life balance.

  • Monthly Allowances: Includes internet and transportation stipends to support remote work and commuting needs.

  • Equipment Choice: Option to select either a MacBook or Windows laptop to suit individual preferences.

  • Relocation & Visa Support: Assistance provided for candidates requiring relocation and visa sponsorship.

  • Modern Office Environment: Access to a collaborative and international office space in Berlin (where applicable).

  • Large-Scale Product Exposure: Opportunity to impact products used by millions of users globally.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to manage their schedules effectively. A standard full-time commitment is expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate different time zones and personal needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on available data for similar roles in Austria and the specified experience level. Benefits are comprehensive, emphasizing professional development, well-being, and flexibility, which are attractive to experienced operations and design professionals seeking work-life balance and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates within the consumer technology sector, with a strong focus on creating highly engaging digital experiences. This often involves elements of entertainment, gaming, or loyalty programs designed to capture and retain user attention.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of a "small but senior design team" and impacting "millions of users" suggests a well-established company, likely mid-to-large size, with significant reach and resources. This implies a structured yet agile environment.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the emphasis on innovation, experimentation, and scaling suggests a company that has evolved and adapted to market demands, likely founded post-2000 to be at the forefront of digital consumer products.

Team Structure:

  • The design team is described as "small but senior," indicating a highly experienced and specialized group.

  • This team likely reports into a Head of Design or VP of Product, with the Lead Product Designer overseeing a direct team of senior designers.

  • Collaboration is expected to be cross-functional, involving close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Data Analytics, and potentially Marketing teams to ensure cohesive product development. Methodology:

  • Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating user research, analytics, and business insights into design decisions.

  • Continuous Experimentation: The environment is described as innovation-driven, centered around continuous experimentation and improvement, likely employing A/B testing and iterative design cycles.

  • Agile & Lean Practices: The fast-paced nature suggests adoption of agile methodologies for rapid development and iterative feedback loops.

  • Scalable Processes: Focus on establishing and improving scalable design processes and workflows for efficiency.

Company Website: https://jobgether.com/ (Note: Jobgether is the platform posting this role on behalf of a partner company.)

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The context suggests a dynamic, consumer-focused tech company that values data-driven decision-making and iterative improvement. The "small but senior" design team implies a high bar for talent and a collaborative environment where experienced individuals can make a significant impact.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant leadership opportunity within the design function, positioned at a senior/lead level. It requires strategic thinking, team management, and hands-on design expertise. The scope includes influencing product direction and shaping the design culture, with a clear impact on user acquisition, engagement, and retention metrics.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will likely report to a Director of Product, VP of Design, or Chief Product Officer. They will manage a team of senior product designers and collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is directly tied to optimizing the customer journey through engaging design. By focusing on gamification, loyalty, and user motivation, this position plays a crucial role in driving key GTM metrics such as user acquisition cost (CAC), customer lifetime value (CLTV), churn rates, and overall user satisfaction. The integration of AI also points to operational efficiency gains within the design and product development lifecycle.

Growth Opportunities:

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

  • Strategic Product Influence: Opportunity to shape the long-term product roadmap and business strategy based on design insights and user behavior.

  • Specialization in Engagement Design: Deepen expertise in gamification, loyalty programs, and behavioral economics, becoming a subject matter expert.

  • Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop skills in leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing decision-making across departments.

  • Mentorship & Team Building: Gain extensive experience in building and developing high-performing design teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for career progression in design leadership, with opportunities to move into broader product strategy or management roles. The focus on engagement and retention directly contributes to GTM success, providing visibility and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work environment. While remote work is supported, there is access to a modern, collaborative office space in Berlin where applicable, suggesting a blend of flexibility and in-person interaction opportunities.

Office Location(s): The primary role is based in Austria, with a potential hybrid office option in Berlin. Specific office locations within Austria are not detailed but would likely be in major tech hubs.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Design Space: The Berlin office (if utilized) provides a modern, collaborative environment conducive to design thinking and team interaction.

  • Technology & Tools: Access to up-to-date design software (Figma) and hardware (choice of MacBook or Windows) is provided.

  • Cross-Functional Proximity: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration ensure opportunities to interact closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other key team members, fostering a cohesive product development culture.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing for autonomy in managing the workday. A standard full-time commitment is expected, around 40 hours per week, with the expectation that team members are available for critical meetings and collaborative sessions.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model offers a balance of remote flexibility and in-person collaboration, appealing to professionals who value autonomy but also seek team connection. The emphasis on a modern, collaborative environment is typical for tech companies focused on innovation.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: AI-powered matching by Jobgether to assess core requirements, followed by a review by the hiring company.

  • Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will present their portfolio, focusing on relevant projects demonstrating leadership, gamification/loyalty design, and cross-platform experience. Be prepared to discuss your design process, decision-making rationale, and impact.

  • Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise may be given to assess problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to translate requirements into tangible design solutions. This could involve a specific product feature or user flow.

  • Team & Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit.

  • Final Round: Likely with senior leadership (e.g., CPO, VP of Design) to discuss strategic vision, leadership approach, and overall alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate for Relevance: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your leadership, experience with gamification/loyalty, mobile-first design, and impact on user engagement.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process (including research and iteration), the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes (metrics).

  • Highlight Leadership: Emphasize instances where you mentored designers, influenced strategy, or improved team processes.

  • Showcase Figma Mastery: Demonstrate advanced Figma skills through complex prototypes, component libraries, or design system examples.

  • Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs and their contribution to business objectives.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: If a case study is provided, thoroughly analyze the target audience, business goals, and any constraints.

  • Focus on Process: Demonstrate a clear, user-centered design process, even if time is limited. Outline your steps for problem-solving.

  • Consider Gamification: Think about how gamification or loyalty mechanics could be applied to solve the challenge, aligning with the role's specialization.

  • Present Clearly: Structure your presentation logically, focusing on your rationale and solution. Be ready to defend your design choices.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process will likely involve a rigorous evaluation of both design skills and leadership capabilities. Preparing a portfolio that directly addresses the role's emphasis on gamification and user motivation, alongside evidence of process improvement, will be crucial.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expert-level proficiency is mandatory for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.

  • Prototyping Tools: Experience with Figma's prototyping capabilities is essential; other tools like Principle or ProtoPie might be beneficial.

  • Design System Management: Tools or methodologies for creating and maintaining scalable design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar to interpret user behavior data and inform design decisions.

  • Data Visualization: Ability to understand and utilize dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Looker) to extract insights.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation platforms can be beneficial.

  • Project Management Tools: Proficiency in tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with engineering teams.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a core requirement. Familiarity with analytics platforms is crucial for a data-driven design role focused on user engagement and optimization. Experience with project management tools indicates an understanding of operational workflows and team collaboration.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

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

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights from user research and analytics to guide design strategy and validate solutions.

  • Innovation & Experimentation: Embracing a culture of continuous learning, testing new ideas, and iterating on product features to drive improvement.

  • Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across Product, Engineering, and other teams to achieve shared goals.

  • Excellence & Polish: A dedication to high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and delivering polished, impactful user experiences.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with Product Managers to define requirements and strategies, and with Engineers to ensure feasible and high-quality implementation.

  • Feedback Culture: Openness to constructive criticism and a proactive approach to seeking and providing feedback to improve designs and processes.

  • Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, design patterns, and learnings within the design team and across departments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user focus, data-informed strategies, and collaborative execution, which are hallmarks of effective operations and product development teams. The focus on excellence and iteration aligns with continuous improvement principles.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Leadership and Hands-on Design: Effectively managing a senior team while remaining actively involved in the design process requires strong time management and prioritization skills.

  • Driving Innovation at Scale: Continuously pushing innovative design solutions for a product used by millions, while maintaining consistency and performance.

  • Integrating AI Seamlessly: Successfully incorporating new AI tools into existing workflows without disrupting team productivity or compromising design quality.

  • Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent vision and execution across diverse teams with potentially competing priorities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to hone skills in team building, strategic planning, and cross-functional influence.

  • Specialization in Behavioral Design: Deep dive into gamification, behavioral economics, and user psychology to become a leading expert.

  • Exposure to AI in Design: Gain practical experience and insights into the evolving landscape of AI-assisted design tools and workflows.

  • Industry Conferences & Training: Utilize the annual learning budget for relevant workshops, conferences, or certifications to stay ahead of industry trends.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges that are common in scaling tech companies, particularly around balancing leadership with execution and integrating new technologies. These challenges also serve as significant growth opportunities for experienced professionals.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe your approach to defining a product design vision for a consumer-facing mobile app with a focus on gamification and loyalty." (Prepare to discuss your strategic framework, user research integration, and alignment with business goals.)

  • "How would you mentor and develop a team of senior designers while also contributing hands-on to key design projects?" (Focus on leadership style, delegation, feedback mechanisms, and time management strategies.)

  • "Walk us through a complex design challenge you faced involving user motivation or engagement. How did you approach it, what was your process, and what were the results?" (Use a STAR method approach, highlighting your role, problem-solving, and quantifiable outcomes.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about working for a company that impacts millions of users with engaging digital experiences?" (Express enthusiasm for scale, user impact, and the specific industry focus.)

  • "How do you ensure design consistency and quality across multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web) and maintain a design system?" (Discuss your experience with design systems, documentation, and collaboration with engineering.)

  • "How do you leverage user data and analytics to inform your design decisions?" (Provide examples of how data has guided your design process and led to measurable improvements.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), the final solution, and the impact (quantified results).

  • Highlight Leadership & Process: Emphasize instances of team leadership, process improvement, and how you integrated user research and data.

  • Showcase Gamification Expertise: Dedicate specific attention to projects demonstrating your understanding and application of gamification, loyalty, and user motivation principles.

  • Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, tool usage (especially Figma), and collaboration methods.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, deep expertise in engagement design, and a structured, data-informed approach. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of process will be key differentiators.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided Jobgether link.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to prominently feature your experience in leading design teams, designing for user engagement, gamification, loyalty systems, and cross-platform mobile experiences. Highlight your expertise with Figma.

  • Highlight Leadership & Impact: Clearly articulate your leadership achievements and the measurable impact of your design work on user acquisition, engagement, and retention metrics. Use quantifiable data wherever possible.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to walk through your portfolio with a clear, concise story for each project, focusing on your process, rationale, and the outcomes achieved. Practice articulating your design strategy and leadership approach.

  • Research the Partner Company: While Jobgether facilitates the application, understand the partner company's market, products, and user base to tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions to provide a comprehensive overview. All details, including specific company information and benefits, should be verified directly with the hiring organization or through Jobgether's process 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 be an expert in Figma and possess deep knowledge of engagement design and user motivation principles.