Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Rakuten Rewards

Location: San Francisco, CA, United States / New York, NY, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: 2026-06-25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end design strategy and execution for the Vertical Squad, focusing on innovative Cash Back earning experiences beyond traditional online shopping.

• Drive the design vision for product surfaces including gift card redemption, dining, and in-store shopping, translating complex operational requirements into seamless, rewarding member interactions.

• Champion a strong design culture within the squad and contribute to the broader design team's growth through critiques, mentorship, and sharing of learnings.

• Actively leverage and explore AI tools to enhance the design process, from research synthesis and ideation to rapid prototyping and creative amplification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior individual contributor with significant ownership and influence, requiring a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and leadership within a cross-functional team. The emphasis on "Vertical Squad" and expanding Cash Back earning contexts suggests a focus on Go-To-Market (GTM) operations and user acquisition/retention strategies through product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and own the end-to-end design experience for the Vertical Squad’s product portfolio, encompassing problem framing, user research, concept development, prototyping, and final UI/UX delivery.

• Develop and articulate a compelling design vision for new Cash Back earning channels, ensuring strategic alignment with Rakuten's core offerings and member value proposition.

• Lead the problem definition process for new initiatives, asking critical questions to scope work effectively and ensuring that solutions address core user needs and business objectives.

• Apply systems thinking to ensure new vertical experiences are cohesive with Rakuten’s existing design patterns and seamlessly integrate with the broader platform.

• Partner closely with embedded researchers or conduct user research independently to validate design concepts, identify user friction points, and de-risk development efforts.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Writers to define product requirements, prioritize features, and ensure successful implementation of design solutions.

• Contribute actively to the design team's culture by participating in design critiques, sharing best practices, and mentoring junior designers.

• Proactively explore and integrate AI tools into the design workflow for research synthesis, ideation, rapid prototyping, and other creative tasks to drive efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a high degree of autonomy and strategic input, typical of a Lead role. The mention of "operational complexity" and "translating into something that feels simple" is a key indicator of the type of challenges this role will address, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills alongside design craft.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Industrial Design, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience: 6+ years of professional design experience, with a significant portion involving the design and integration of complex systems.

Required Skills:

• End-to-end product design expertise, demonstrated through a strong portfolio.

• Proficient in design and prototyping tools, such as Figma and Claude Code.

• Strong visual and interaction design skills with a proven track record of elevating design quality.

• Ability to conduct user research and validate design directions.

• Excellent problem-framing and scoping capabilities.

• Proven experience in systems thinking and designing for interconnected platforms.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to contribute to design culture and team growth. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in e-commerce, marketplaces, or consumer-scale product design.

• Active and innovative use of AI tools within a design workflow, including AI coding tools for rapid prototyping.

• Experience influencing design quality and culture beyond an immediate team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "significant experience working with complex systems" and "systems thinking" is crucial. For a Lead role, this implies experience with platform design, API integrations, or intricate user flows that connect multiple product areas or external services, common in GTM and operations-focused product development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects, detailing the entire process from initial problem identification to final shipped product.

• Clearly evidence decision-making rationale, including user research insights, design iterations, and trade-offs considered.

• Demonstrate measurable outcomes and impact, quantifying the success of design solutions where possible (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, user engagement, task completion).

• Include examples of designing for complex systems, illustrating how you navigated intricate user flows, integrated with multiple components, or handled operational complexities.

• Highlight proficiency with key design and prototyping tools, such as Figma. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to problem framing and user research, explaining how you uncover user needs and business requirements before jumping into design.

• Showcase your methodology for developing design visions and strategies for new product areas.

• Illustrate your process for iterating on designs based on feedback, research, and experimentation.

• Provide examples of how you collaborate with engineering and product management to bring designs to life.

• Document your experience in leveraging AI tools within your design workflow, detailing specific use cases and benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead role, the portfolio should not just present finished work but also articulate the "why" and "how" behind the design decisions. This includes demonstrating strategic thinking, an understanding of business objectives, and the ability to measure impact – all critical for operations-aligned product roles.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: USD $132,082.50 - $226,820.00 annually

Benefits:

• Discretionary Bonus

• Health Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• 401k Matching

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Volunteer Time Off (VTO)

• Other employee benefits as the company implements.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is substantial, indicating a senior-level position requiring significant expertise and responsibility. The inclusion of a discretionary bonus and robust benefits package is standard for such roles in the tech industry, particularly at a company like Rakuten. The explicit mention of "other employee benefits as the company implements" suggests potential for future additions or evolving perks.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce, Digital Technology, Retail Services, FinTech (Cash Back platform). Rakuten operates globally, providing a wide range of online services.

Company Size: Rakuten International has over 4,000 employees worldwide, with Rakuten Group being a significantly larger entity. This indicates a well-established company with significant resources and market presence.

Founded: Rakuten Group was founded in 1997, with Rakuten Rewards (formerly Ebates) operating as a key part of its international strategy. This history suggests a company with a proven track record in innovation and market adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team operates within Rakuten Rewards, a division focused on member engagement and loyalty programs.

• This role is part of the "Vertical Squad," a dedicated cross-functional team comprising a Product Manager, Researcher, UX Writer, and Engineers, all working collaboratively on specific product areas.

• The Lead Product Designer reports to the Director of Product Design, indicating a clear reporting structure and a leadership role within the design discipline. Methodology:

• The design team emphasizes a data-driven approach, utilizing research to inform decisions and experimentation to measure impact.

• There's a strong focus on leveraging AI tools to enhance creativity and efficiency in the design process.

• The "Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika" (Rakuten Cycle) is a core methodology, promoting iterative development and learning.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's global presence and diverse service portfolio suggest opportunities for cross-functional collaboration with various business units. The emphasis on the "Rakuten Cycle" and AI integration highlights a forward-thinking and process-oriented culture. Understanding Rakuten's overall business model and its commitment to member value will be key for a candidate.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Lead" position, signifying a senior individual contributor role with significant responsibility and autonomy. It requires not only strong design craft but also the ability to set design direction, influence product strategy, and mentor others.

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Product Design. Works closely with a Product Manager, Researcher, UX Writer, and Engineers within the Vertical Squad, fostering a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer will directly influence how members engage with Rakuten beyond traditional e-commerce, impacting user acquisition, retention, and overall member value through the design of new Cash Back earning channels. This role is critical in translating business goals into user-centric product experiences that drive engagement and revenue.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to influence the design direction of multiple product surfaces and contribute to the overall design strategy of Rakuten Rewards.

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in e-commerce, consumer-scale products, and AI-assisted design workflows.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Gain experience working in a highly cross-functional environment, influencing product roadmaps and stakeholder decisions.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design team.

• Strategic Impact: Play a key role in expanding Rakuten's market reach and value proposition by designing innovative new member experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" title and reporting structure suggest a clear path for career progression, potentially towards a Design Manager role or a Principal/Staff Designer position focusing on broader strategic initiatives. The emphasis on "influencing design quality and culture beyond your immediate squad" points to opportunities for leadership and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," with potential for hybrid arrangements or specific office days to be clarified. The company has offices in San Francisco and New York, suggesting a presence in major tech hubs.

Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA / New York, NY. These locations offer access to vibrant tech ecosystems and collaborative opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role is embedded in a cross-functional "Vertical Squad," promoting close collaboration with product managers, researchers, writers, and engineers.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design and prototyping tools like Figma. The company encourages the free use of AI tools, suggesting a modern and tech-forward workspace.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with the immediate squad and broader design team for critiques, knowledge sharing, and cultural contributions.

Work Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week, with the expectation of on-site presence. Flexibility may be available depending on team norms and management discretion, but the primary designation is on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" designation is key. While many tech companies offer remote or hybrid options, this role's emphasis on close collaboration and embedded team structure points to a preference for in-person interaction, at least for a significant portion of the week. Candidates should clarify specific expectations regarding office days.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a review of resume and portfolio by a recruiter or hiring manager to assess qualifications and experience alignment.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Exercise: A common step for design roles. Candidates are typically asked to present a case study from their portfolio, discussing their process, decisions, and outcomes. A design challenge or exercise, potentially involving a relevant problem space for Rakuten, may also be part of this stage.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with the Product Manager, Researcher, UX Writer, and Engineers from the Vertical Squad to assess collaboration style, problem-solving approach, and technical understanding.

• Leadership Interview: An interview with the Director of Product Design or other senior design leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, vision setting, and cultural fit.

• Final Round: Potentially a final discussion with senior stakeholders to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around 2-3 strong case studies that demonstrate end-to-end product design.

• Narrative: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, your design decisions, and the measurable impact of your work.

• Process Focus: Emphasize your problem-solving methodology, research insights, and iterative design approach. Show your thinking, not just the final output.

• Systems Thinking: If applicable, include projects that showcase your ability to design for complex systems or integrate with existing platforms.

• AI Integration: If you have used AI tools, highlight these examples and explain the benefits they brought to your workflow or outcomes.

• Visuals: Ensure high-quality visuals, mockups, and prototypes that clearly communicate your design solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Rakuten: Research Rakuten's business model, products (especially Rakuten Rewards), target audience, and competitors. Understand their mission and values, particularly the "Five Principles for Success."

• GTM Context: Prepare for challenges that might involve expanding user acquisition channels, improving onboarding, or designing for new user segments beyond core e-commerce.

• Complex Systems: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for integrated experiences or technical constraints.

• AI Integration: Have thoughtful points on how AI can be used to enhance design processes or product features, aligning with the company's stated interest.

• Communication: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a diverse group of stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-Assisted Workflows" and "systems thinking" in the job description suggests that interview questions and design challenges will likely probe these areas. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and opinions on integrating AI into design and tackling complex, interconnected product ecosystems.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for design and prototyping, expected to be used extensively for UI design, wireframing, and interactive prototyping.

• Claude Code: Mentioned as a prototyping tool, likely indicating an interest in leveraging AI for code-based prototyping or faster iteration cycles.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as required tools for the designer, understanding and utilizing data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) will be crucial for validating designs and measuring impact.

• The role requires collaboration with researchers, who likely use various qualitative and quantitative research tools. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly specified for this role, but an understanding of how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation systems could be beneficial, especially regarding member engagement and retention.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "Claude Code" alongside Figma is noteworthy. It signals Rakuten's proactive approach to integrating AI into their product development processes, potentially for faster prototyping or generating design assets. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their familiarity or willingness to learn such tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Always improve, Always Advance (Kaizen): A commitment to continuous improvement in design processes, product quality, and user experience.

• Passionately Professional: Taking ownership and striving for excellence in design execution and strategic thinking.

• Hypothesize - Practice - Validate – Shikumika (Rakuten Cycle): Embracing an iterative, data-informed approach to problem-solving and innovation.

• Maximize Customer Satisfaction: Designing with a deep understanding of user needs and a focus on delivering exceptional, rewarding experiences.

• Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!: A focus on efficiency, agility, and timely delivery without compromising quality.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: The role is embedded in a squad, emphasizing close collaboration with Product, Engineering, Research, and UX Writing.

• Design Critiques: Active participation in design critiques to provide and receive constructive feedback, fostering a culture of shared learning and quality improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement to share learnings and best practices across the design team to elevate collective skill and output.

📝 Enhancement Note: Rakuten's "Five Principles for Success" are deeply embedded in their culture and should be a key consideration for candidates. Demonstrating alignment with these principles, particularly "Kaizen," "Rakuten Cycle," and "Speed," will be critical for cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for New Contexts: Translating the Rakuten Cash Back value proposition into diverse contexts like gift cards, dining, and in-store shopping requires innovative problem-solving and user empathy.

• Integrating Complex Systems: Ensuring seamless user experiences when dealing with third-party integrations and operational complexities demands strong systems thinking and attention to detail.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Delivering high-quality, impactful designs efficiently in a fast-paced environment, especially with the emphasis on "Speed!! Speed!! Speed!!".

• AI Integration: Effectively incorporating AI tools into the design workflow to enhance creativity and efficiency, while also navigating potential ethical considerations or new ways of working.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunity to shape the design direction and strategy for a portfolio of products, influencing business outcomes.

• E-commerce & Consumer Product Expertise: Deepen knowledge in designing for large-scale consumer platforms and loyalty programs.

• AI in Design: Gain hands-on experience and expertise in leveraging cutting-edge AI tools for design and prototyping.

• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Enhance skills in working effectively with diverse teams (product, engineering, research) to drive product innovation.

• Mentorship and Team Impact: Contribute to the growth and development of the broader design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Challenges" section highlights the need for adaptability and a proactive approach to learning. Candidates who can demonstrate resilience and a willingness to tackle ambiguity will be well-suited for this role. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a clear path for career advancement and skill development within a leading tech organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach defining the design strategy for a new Cash Back earning channel that integrates with a third-party service?" (Focus on problem framing, research, systems thinking, and alignment with Rakuten's principles).

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex system with significant operational constraints. How did you ensure a simple and rewarding user experience?" (Highlight your process, problem-solving, and ability to translate complexity).

• "How do you balance the need for rapid iteration and speed with the pursuit of high-quality design and user satisfaction?" (Connect to Rakuten's principles of Kaizen and Speed). Company & Culture Questions:

• "How do Rakuten's 'Five Principles for Success' resonate with your approach to design and collaboration?" (Be prepared to give specific examples for each principle).

• "How would you contribute to fostering a strong design culture within your squad and the broader design team?" (Discuss your experience with critiques, mentorship, and knowledge sharing).

• "What are your thoughts on leveraging AI tools in product design, and how do you see them impacting the future of design work?" (Align with Rakuten's stated interest in AI). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your case studies as narratives – introduce the problem, your role, the journey of discovery and iteration, the solution, and the impact.

• Process Visualization: Use flowcharts, diagrams, and sketches to illustrate your thought process and how you arrived at your final design.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics and data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, engagement, reduced errors).

• AI Showcase: If you have projects