Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer
Company: Kettle
Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: May 07, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied 5-10 years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of innovative product experiences for major client accounts, focusing on both new feature development and enhancement of existing ones.
• Establish and maintain scalable UX/UI patterns and design systems across multiple platforms, including iOS native applications and websites.
• Drive specific workstreams within larger account initiatives, demonstrating ownership and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including other designers, product managers, and developers, to deliver user-centered solutions.
• Engage directly with senior-level clients to understand their business needs, present design solutions, and foster strong, collaborative relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Lead Product Designer, implying a significant level of autonomy and responsibility beyond individual contribution. The emphasis on "shepherding the product vision," "leading workstreams," and "partnering directly with clients" suggests a strategic and client-facing component, requiring strong leadership and communication skills in addition to design expertise. The mention of "design pod" suggests a team structure within a larger account.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and deliver creative product experiences from initial ideation through detailed design and development handoff.
• Produce a range of design deliverables, including high-fidelity prototypes, production-ready designs, detailed annotations, comprehensive design systems, and wireframes.
• Solve complex user experience challenges by creating beautiful, intuitive, and highly usable interfaces.
• Independently manage distinct workstreams within a design pod, with guidance from Design Directors, and contribute to the overall success of client accounts.
• Foster strong partnerships with product management, production, and development teams, ensuring seamless integration of design into the product lifecycle.
• Build and maintain robust client relationships by deeply understanding their business objectives, user needs, and market landscape.
• Adapt to diverse working methodologies, from data-driven optimization to exploratory, blue-sky concepting, and drive innovation through proactive ideation.
• Integrate AI tools and methodologies into the design process to enhance efficiency and explore novel design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and client management. The expectation to "adapt to different working styles and processes" indicates a need for flexibility and a broad understanding of design methodologies. The explicit mention of AI integration suggests this is a key differentiator and expected skill.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and experience in Product Design, Interaction Design, UX/UI, and related fields is paramount. Experience: 5-10 years of experience in interaction or product design, ideally within an agency setting or equivalent environment. Proven experience designing for iOS native applications and websites is critical.

Required Skills:

• Interaction Design: Ability to define user flows, interactions, and micro-interactions.
• Product Design: End-to-end product design lifecycle experience, from concept to launch.
• iOS Native Applications Design: Expertise in designing for the iOS ecosystem, adhering to platform conventions.
• UX/UI Patterns: Ability to establish and implement scalable design patterns across platforms.
• High-Fidelity Prototyping: Proficiency in creating interactive prototypes to communicate design intent.
• Design Systems: Experience building, contributing to, or working with enterprise-scale design systems.
• Wireframing: Skill in creating low-fidelity representations of user interfaces and flows.
• Agile Methodology: Experience working within agile product development/design frameworks.
• AI Integration in Design: Demonstrated experience using AI tools within the design process.
• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sensibilities and ability to create visually appealing interfaces.
• Client Relationship Management: Proven ability to build rapport and manage client expectations.
• Concepting: Skill in generating innovative ideas and translating them into design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Agency or Consultant Experience: Direct experience in client-facing roles.
• High-Complexity Categories: Experience designing for sectors like financial services, telco, or consumer tech.
• Leading Workstreams: Experience guiding projects and making decisions based on collective input.
• Clear Communication & Presentation: Ability to articulate design decisions to internal teams and senior clients.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with product management, development, and production teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "Lead" title and the scope of responsibilities. The emphasis on "high-complexity categories" and "enterprise-scale design systems" suggests a need for designers who can handle intricate problems and large-scale solutions. The explicit mention of AI integration is a key differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate end-to-end product design process for iOS native applications and websites.
• Showcase case studies that highlight complex problem-solving in challenging categories (e.g., financial services, telco, consumer tech).
• Include examples of creating and maintaining scalable UX/UI patterns and design systems.
• Present high-fidelity prototypes and production-ready designs, clearly articulating design decisions.
• Illustrate experience leading distinct workstreams or projects, detailing your role and impact.
• Showcase wireframes and concept explorations that led to final solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user-centered design, from research and ideation to testing and iteration.
• Explain how you integrate AI tools and methodologies into your design workflow for enhanced outcomes.
• Describe your experience working within agile development cycles and how design adapts to this process.
• Provide examples of how you have contributed to or managed enterprise-scale design systems.
• Illustrate your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, detailing communication and feedback loops.
• Showcase how you gather and incorporate client feedback to refine design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it will be the primary means to assess design skills, process, and problem-solving capabilities. The emphasis on "leading workstreams" and "client-facing embedded team" implies that case studies should reflect leadership and client interaction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $145,000 - $165,000 USD per year (base compensation). The final salary will be determined by factors such as skill set, experience level, and location.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Remote work setup support.
• Collaborative and creative work environment.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or equity (details not specified).

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. While a standard workweek is expected, the role may require flexibility depending on client needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a target for base compensation. The company's benefits package is assumed to be competitive for a fully remote, full-time role, including standard offerings like health insurance and PTO, with a particular emphasis on professional growth and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Design Services / Consulting. Kettle focuses on delivering innovative products and redefining best practices for its clients, operating within a creative and client-centric framework. Company Size: Not specified, but the mention of "one of our largest accounts" and "Directors" suggests a medium to large agency or consulting firm structure capable of handling significant client engagements. Founded: Not specified.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a "design pod" within a larger account, indicating a specialized team structure focused on specific client needs.
• This pod will likely include other designers, with support from Design Directors.
• Close collaboration with product management, production, and development teams is expected.
• The role involves direct client engagement, forming part of a "client-facing embedded team."

Methodology:

• Embraces a blend of methodologies, from data-driven optimization to "blue sky visioning," indicating adaptability and a comprehensive approach to design.
• Operates within agile product design and development models, requiring efficient iteration and collaboration.
• Focuses on establishing scalable UX/UI patterns and design systems for consistent and efficient product development.
• Incorporates AI into the design process, suggesting a forward-thinking and technology-leveraging approach.

Company Website: kettlebrand.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Kettle appears to operate as a design agency or consultancy that embeds its talent within client organizations. The culture likely values creativity, client success, collaboration, and adaptability to different project needs and client styles. The "largest accounts" phrasing suggests they work with significant clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Lead Product Designer. This level signifies a senior individual contributor role with leadership responsibilities for specific workstreams and a strong client-facing component. It requires strategic thinking, design ownership, and the ability to guide and influence others.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will work with the guidance of Design Directors and collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and other designers within their "design pod" and on the broader client account.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the success of client products by shaping user experiences, driving feature innovation, and ensuring design quality and consistency across platforms. This influence contributes to client satisfaction, user engagement, and ultimately, business objectives.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by owning workstreams, mentoring junior designers (implicitly), and contributing to strategic design decisions under Director guidance.
• Client Relationship Mastery: Deepen expertise in client management and strategic partnership, becoming a trusted advisor.
• Advanced Design Expertise: Gain exposure to diverse, high-complexity categories and enterprise-scale design systems, expanding technical and strategic design skills.
• AI in Design Specialization: Further develop expertise in leveraging AI for creative and efficient design solutions.
• Potential for Senior/Director Roles: Successful performance in a lead role can pave the way for opportunities in more senior design leadership positions within Kettle or on client accounts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" designation suggests a clear path for growth beyond individual contribution, focusing on leadership, client strategy, and advanced design practice within complex environments. The role is designed to develop expertise in managing significant client engagements and complex design challenges.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. This offers flexibility and the ability to work from any location. Office Location(s): Remote, with no specified geographic restrictions mentioned for candidates.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: While remote, the role emphasizes collaboration through digital tools and frequent communication with design pods, cross-functional teams, and clients.
• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools and collaboration platforms is expected to facilitate remote teamwork and efficient design processes.
• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with a distributed team of designers, product managers, and developers, requiring strong digital communication etiquette and proactive engagement.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour workweek, with an expectation of flexibility to meet client needs and project timelines. This means occasional adjustments to working hours might be necessary, especially when collaborating across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature of the role requires self-discipline and excellent communication skills. The emphasis on client-facing work means that availability and responsiveness during core business hours relevant to the client's location may be important, even if not explicitly stated.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with role requirements.
• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where candidates present their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate problem-solving, design process, leadership, and client collaboration. Expect to discuss your role, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes.
• Skills-Based Interviews: Discussions focusing on specific design methodologies, experience with AI in design, agile processes, and handling high-complexity projects.
• Client Scenario/Problem-Solving Exercise: Potentially a design challenge or case study discussion simulating a client's problem to assess your approach and strategic thinking.
• Cross-functional Team Interview: Meeting with potential colleagues from product management or development to assess collaboration style and cultural fit.
• Hiring Manager/Director Interview: Final discussion to evaluate leadership potential, strategic alignment, and overall fit for the role and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 strong case studies that best represent your experience in iOS native app and web design, high-complexity categories, and leadership.
• Showcase Process, Not Just Pixels: Detail your design thinking, user research, ideation, iteration, and the rationale behind your decisions. Explain why you made certain choices.
• Highlight Leadership & Client Work: Include examples where you led workstreams, influenced decisions, or managed client interactions. Quantify impact where possible.
• Demonstrate AI Integration: If possible, showcase how you've used AI tools to enhance your design process or outcomes.
• Present Clearly and Concisely: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows logically, stays within time limits, and effectively communicates your value. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions.
• Tailor to Kettle: Understand Kettle's focus on client success, creativity, and innovation. Align your portfolio narrative with these values.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with common design challenges in financial services, telco, or consumer tech.
• Practice articulating design strategy, user-centered problem-solving, and the trade-offs involved in design decisions.
• Be ready to discuss how you would approach building or integrating with an enterprise-scale design system.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with agile workflows and how to effectively collaborate with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on portfolio review. Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, decision-making, and impact, particularly in client-facing scenarios and complex project environments. The inclusion of AI in the design process is a key area to prepare for.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping Software: Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, or similar industry-standard tools for UI design, wireframing, and high-fidelity prototyping.
• Design Systems Tools: Experience with tools and methodologies for building, managing, and utilizing enterprise-scale design systems.
• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or similar for communication and remote team collaboration.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.
• Ability to interpret data to drive design optimization and A/B testing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, an understanding of how design integrates with product management and development workflows is essential.
• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) for agile workflow management.
• Familiarity with AI-powered design tools and plugins.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is a baseline requirement. The emphasis on enterprise-scale design systems and AI integration suggests a need for advanced technical understanding and a forward-looking approach to design tooling.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A drive to deliver great products and redefine best practices through novel solutions.
• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client business needs, building strong partnerships.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design execution, from concept to final deliverable.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and contribute to collective success.
• Adaptability: Openness to diverse working styles, methodologies, and project requirements.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to tackling complex design challenges and ideating solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Works closely with product management, development, and other designers, fostering a collaborative ecosystem for product creation.
• Client Partnership: Engages directly with clients, building trust and acting as a strategic design partner.
• Agile Workflow: Adapts to fast-paced agile environments, emphasizing iterative design and continuous feedback loops.
• Mentorship & Guidance: Implicitly, leads workstreams, suggesting an environment where knowledge sharing and guiding others is valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: Kettle's culture appears to be a blend of creative agency dynamism and consulting-like client partnership. The values emphasize delivering high-quality, innovative solutions while maintaining strong client relationships and fostering a collaborative team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Stakeholders: Balancing the needs and expectations of internal teams and senior clients on large accounts.
• Designing for High-Complexity Categories: Tackling intricate user problems in sectors like finance or telco requires deep research and strategic thinking.
• Establishing Scalable Patterns: Creating design systems and UI patterns that can be consistently applied across various platforms and products.
• Integrating AI Effectively: Seamlessly incorporating AI tools into the design workflow to enhance efficiency and creativity without compromising user experience.
• Remote Collaboration: Maintaining strong team cohesion and client relationships in a fully remote setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Developing skills in leading design initiatives, mentoring, and strategic client advisory.
• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in specific complex industries through client engagements.
• Design System Mastery: Gaining hands-on experience with enterprise-scale design systems and their implementation.
• AI in Design Advancement: Becoming a leader in leveraging AI for innovative design solutions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Enhanced understanding of product management, development, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle significant design challenges and grow professionally by expanding expertise in complex domains, design leadership, and emerging technologies like AI within a client-facing context.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a significant design workstream for a large client. What were the objectives, your approach, and the outcome?" (Focus on ownership, process, collaboration, and results.)
• "How do you approach establishing scalable UX/UI patterns and design systems for complex applications? Provide an example." (Highlight your understanding of consistency, maintainability, and enterprise-level thinking.)
• "Discuss your experience integrating AI into your design process. What tools have you used, and what benefits did it bring to your projects?" (Be ready with specific examples of AI-assisted ideation, content generation, or workflow optimization.)
• "How do you balance user needs with client business objectives when faced with conflicting priorities?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and negotiation skills.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Kettle focuses on redefining best practices and delivering great products. How does your design philosophy align with this mission?" (Research Kettle's website and values.)
• "Describe your experience working within agile development models. How do you ensure design quality and iteration speed?" (Emphasize flexibility, collaboration, and efficient feedback loops.)
• "What are your thoughts on designing for high-complexity categories like financial services or telco?" (Showcase your ability to research, understand, and design for intricate domains.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: Structure each case study with a clear beginning (problem/objective), middle (process/solutions), and end (outcome/impact).
• Visual Storytelling: Use visuals effectively to demonstrate your design process and final deliverables. Annotate key decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to showcase the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores).
• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate your role, responsibilities, and any leadership or decision-making contributions.
• Address AI Integration: Be prepared to discuss your AI usage within your presented case studies.
• Client Focus: Frame your work in terms of how it solved client problems and met business goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, client management, and proficiency in complex design challenges and emerging technologies like AI, all supported by compelling portfolio evidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Greenhouse portal link provided.
• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-5 case studies that directly align with the requirements: iOS native app/web design, high-complexity industries, design systems, and any AI integration. Tailor your portfolio narrative to highlight your leadership experience and client-facing contributions.
• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, specific skills in interaction and product design, and any experience with enterprise-scale design systems, agile methodologies, and AI in design. Use keywords from the job description.
• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Prepare specific examples of leading workstreams and collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Kettle, its client work, and its stated values. Understand their approach to design, innovation, and client partnerships to better articulate your fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.