Lead Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer

Company: Smartly

Location: Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-12T11:48:09

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive innovation and shape the future of Smartly's AI-powered advertising platform by leading the end-to-end product design process.

• Translate complex customer needs and emerging opportunities into intuitive, AI-native product experiences and strategic product direction.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and leadership to align teams on product vision and deliver exceptional user experiences.

• Mentor and coach junior designers, fostering a culture of growth and excellence within the design team.

• Conduct customer discovery and validation directly with industry-leading advertisers to ensure product-market fit and deliver early customer value.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as a Lead Product Designer, indicating a need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to guide both product direction and junior team members. The emphasis on "AI-native experiences" and "digital advertising" suggests a focus on cutting-edge technology within a specific industry vertical. The requirement for hybrid work with specific office days signals a structured but flexible work environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the entire product design lifecycle, from identifying high-impact opportunities and clarifying complex problem spaces to prototyping, delivering high-fidelity designs, and ensuring successful implementation with engineering teams.

• Conduct in-depth product discovery, including UX research, customer interviews, and validation sessions with key advertisers to deeply understand user needs and validate product hypotheses.

• Develop and maintain a robust design system to ensure rapid development cycles and consistent, high-quality output across the platform.

• Translate customer needs and research insights into clear mental models that guide users towards achieving their goals on the Smartly platform.

• Partner effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, other Designers, Researchers, and leadership to foster alignment on product vision, strategy, and shared outcomes.

• Design and iterate on intuitive, easy-to-learn product features that deliver immediate value to customers.

• Mentor and coach junior designers, providing guidance on design process, problem-solving, and career development.

• Contribute to defining the strategic product direction by identifying emerging opportunities and translating ambiguity into actionable plans.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on design execution, and team mentorship. The emphasis on "AI-native experiences" and "design system" suggests a need for expertise in modern design practices and scalable design solutions. The direct customer interaction component is key, underscoring the importance of user-centricity and validation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Lead Product Designer role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a demonstrated track record of leading design initiatives from concept to launch.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in leading the end-to-end product design process, from discovery and ideation to high-fidelity prototyping and implementation.

• Strong proficiency in UX research methodologies, including customer interviews, usability testing, and qualitative/quantitative data analysis.

• Advanced skills in creating high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.

• Demonstrated ability to translate complex problem spaces and customer needs into intuitive and user-friendly product experiences.

• Experience in mentoring and coaching junior designers, fostering their growth and development.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to partner effectively with cross-functional teams (Product Management, Engineering, Research, Leadership).

• Strategic thinking and the ability to identify and prioritize high-impact product opportunities.

• Experience working in fast-paced, agile environments. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the Marketing Tech (MarTech) or AdTech domains.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles and practices, or "vibe coding" experience.

• Experience in designing AI-native user experiences.

• Experience with maintaining and enhancing design systems for scalability and consistency.

• A strong portfolio showcasing a range of impactful design projects and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "vibe coding" and "front-end development" preferences suggest a company culture that values designers with a technical understanding, potentially bridging the gap between design and development more effectively. The strong emphasis on a portfolio indicates its critical importance in the evaluation process.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a strong track record of leading end-to-end product design initiatives.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the solutions you developed, and the measurable impact of your work (e.g., user adoption, efficiency gains, business outcomes).

• Examples showcasing your ability to distill complex customer needs and translate them into clear mental models and intuitive product experiences.

• Evidence of your experience in conducting product discovery, including UX research and customer validation.

• Demonstrations of your proficiency in prototyping and delivering high-fidelity designs.

• If applicable, examples of contributions to or management of design systems. Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly showcase your approach to defining and optimizing design processes.

• This includes how you approach problem definition, user research, ideation, iteration, testing, and collaboration with engineering.

• Highlight methods used for ensuring quality and consistency in design output, particularly through design systems or style guides.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing aesthetics; it must demonstrate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, leadership in the design process, and the ability to drive measurable business impact. The "AI-native" aspect suggests showcasing innovative solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Lead Product Designers in Helsinki, Finland, with 8+ years of experience in the Tech/AdTech sector, the estimated annual salary range is €70,000 - €95,000. This range can vary based on specific skills, interview performance, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Leadership Opportunities: Direct impact on product strategy and the chance to mentor other designers.

• Inclusive Culture: Access to a diverse and international team with a focus on respect and open feedback.

• Global Impact: Opportunity to work with leading global brands and influence significant ad spend.

• Wellbeing Focus: Generous healthcare packages, mental health services, paid holidays, and family leave.

• Total Rewards: Equity options, performance-based rewards, competitive compensation, and ample career development opportunities.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance office and remote work.

• Work Abroad Option: Ability to work from abroad for up to 30 days per year.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model offers flexibility, with an expectation to be in the Helsinki office at least three days per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for similar roles in Helsinki. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are particularly attractive for a senior-level role, emphasizing growth, well-being, and flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Advertising Technology (AdTech) and Marketing Technology (MarTech), with a strong focus on AI-powered solutions for digital advertising.

Company Size: Over 750 employees, indicating a well-established, growing organization with global reach. This size suggests a balance of structured processes and opportunities for individual impact.

Founded: Smartly was founded with a vision to transform ad experiences, and its growth to over 750 employees across numerous locations signifies a successful and dynamic company.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team operates within the broader product development function, working in close partnership with Product Management, Engineering, and Research.

• As a Lead Product Designer, you will likely report to a Head of Product Design or VP of Product, and will be responsible for mentoring and guiding other designers.

• The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, requiring close interaction with Product Managers and Engineers on a daily basis. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Smartly leverages data and AI to drive product innovation and deliver tangible business outcomes.

• Customer-Centric Approach: The team conducts extensive discovery and research directly with customers to validate problems and define product direction.

• Agile Development: The design process is integrated into rapid development cycles, supported by a robust design system.

• Focus on AI-Native Experiences: Emphasis on designing user experiences that harness the power of Artificial Intelligence.

Company Website: https://www.smartly.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and AdTech is a key differentiator. The size and global presence suggest a mature organization with sophisticated operations, while the emphasis on culture and individual growth points to a supportive environment for ambitious professionals.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Lead Product Designer, signifying a senior-level position with significant responsibility. It offers a pathway for cross-functional leadership and specialized growth within product design. The "Lead" title implies a blend of individual contribution and team guidance.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Director or VP of Design or Product. You will also be expected to collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads, and crucially, to mentor junior designers within the team.

Operations Impact: As a Lead Product Designer, your work will directly influence the user experience of Smartly's AI-powered advertising platform, impacting how 700+ global brands manage their digital advertising. Your strategic product direction and design execution will contribute significantly to customer acquisition, retention, and overall business growth by ensuring the platform is intuitive, powerful, and delivers tangible outcomes.

Growth Opportunities:

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by guiding product strategy and collaborating across departments.

• Mentorship & Team Building: Gain experience in developing and nurturing design talent.

• Specialization in AI/AdTech: Deepen expertise in cutting-edge AI applications within the dynamic AdTech industry.

• Strategic Product Influence: Play a key role in defining the future roadmap and user experience of a leading advertising platform.

• Career Advancement: Potential to move into Senior Lead, Group Lead, or Director-level design roles within Smartly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear trajectory for growth beyond individual contribution, emphasizing leadership, mentorship, and strategic influence within a high-growth technology sector. The "AI-native" aspect is a significant differentiator for career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires working from the Smartly office in Helsinki at least three days per week, indicating a hybrid work model that blends in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland. This location suggests a vibrant tech hub environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages in-person collaboration on at least two days a week, fostering teamwork and idea exchange within the design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Access to Tools & Technology: As part of a leading tech company, expect access to modern design software, collaboration tools, and potentially advanced hardware.

• Team Interaction: The office environment provides opportunities for spontaneous interactions, team meetings, workshops, and building strong working relationships with colleagues.

Work Schedule: While the core role is full-time, the hybrid nature and the option to work abroad for up to 30 days suggest a flexible approach to work-life balance, accommodating the need for focused individual work and collaborative in-office sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model with a minimum of three days in the Helsinki office is a key detail. This indicates a company that values in-person collaboration for certain activities while offering the flexibility of remote work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Recruiter Screen: An initial conversation to assess mutual fit, understand your background, and introduce you to Smartly's culture and values.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A deeper dive into your experience, design philosophy, and leadership potential. This stage will include a portfolio review, where you'll present your work and discuss your design process and impact.

• Research and Design Task: A take-home assignment designed to assess your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to apply your expertise to a relevant challenge. You will present this assignment to the team.

• Design Challenge: A more comprehensive, potentially live, design challenge to further evaluate your skills in a practical scenario.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your leadership, end-to-end design process, AI/MarTech experience (if applicable), and ability to drive impact.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (discovery, research, ideation, iteration, testing), the solutions you designed, and the measurable results.

• Highlight Leadership & Mentorship: Emphasize instances where you guided product direction, mentored junior designers, or influenced strategic decisions.

• Showcase AI/Complex Problem-Solving: If you have relevant experience, highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to design for complex systems or AI-driven features.

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design choices, how you handle ambiguity, your collaboration style, and how you measure success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Thoroughly research Smartly, its platform, its target audience (advertisers), and its industry (AdTech/MarTech).

• Focus on Process: For any design task or challenge, emphasize your thought process, research methods, and rationale behind your design decisions, rather than just the final visuals.

• Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and any design task responses clearly and concisely, ensuring you can articulate your points effectively within time limits.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would collaborate with Product Managers and Engineers throughout the design and development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage and rigorous, with a significant emphasis on portfolio demonstration and practical design challenges. Candidates should prepare to showcase not only their design skills but also their leadership, strategic thinking, and ability to collaborate effectively within a product team.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Principle, or similar industry-standard tools for high-fidelity design and interactive prototyping.

• Design Systems: Experience with creating, maintaining, or contributing to design systems is highly beneficial, likely using tools that support component-based design and documentation.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello, or similar tools for tracking design tasks, user stories, and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary design tool, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and data-driven insights is advantageous.

• Tools for data visualization and reporting might be used in conjunction with Product Managers and Data Analysts. CRM & Automation:

• While not directly managed by Product Designers, an understanding of CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms is helpful for context within the MarTech/AdTech space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma or Sketch as primary design tools is standard for modern product design roles. The mention of "design system" implies a need for proficiency in building and maintaining scalable design libraries. Familiarity with MarTech/AdTech specific tools or data platforms would be a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Growth Mindset: A strong appetite for learning, empowerment, and continuous improvement, both personally and for the product.

• Collaboration & Team Spirit: Energetic, team-spirited individuals who enjoy working closely with others to achieve shared goals.

• Impact & Empowerment: A desire to make a significant impact on the product and business, with opportunities for empowerment and autonomy.

• Data-Driven Innovation: Utilizing data and AI to inform design decisions and drive product innovation.

• Customer Focus: A deep commitment to understanding and serving customer needs through thoughtful design.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Active collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Leadership is fundamental to the role.

• Open Feedback Culture: Smartly fosters a culture built on trust, transparency, and open feedback, encouraging constructive dialogue.

• Shared Ownership: Working together to align teams around shared outcomes and product vision.

• Agile & Iterative: A collaborative approach that embraces iteration and continuous improvement based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be dynamic and people-focused, emphasizing growth, collaboration, and impact. The values align well with a senior design role that requires both individual initiative and strong teamwork.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for AI-Native Experiences: Developing intuitive and effective user experiences for complex AI-powered features requires innovative thinking and a deep understanding of user interaction with intelligent systems.

• Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Creating cutting-edge designs while ensuring they integrate seamlessly with an existing design system and maintain rapid development cycles.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Translating complex business needs and emerging market opportunities into clear product directions.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and alignment across multiple departments (Product, Engineering, Sales, Marketing) for design strategies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to hone management and mentorship skills, potentially leading design initiatives or teams.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge in the fast-evolving AdTech and MarTech sectors, particularly concerning AI applications.

• Strategic Product Influence: Gaining experience in shaping product roadmaps and long-term vision.

• Cross-functional Skill Building: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills with diverse stakeholders.

• Continuous Learning: Access to resources and a culture that encourages staying updated on design trends, AI advancements, and industry best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a lead role in a high-growth tech company, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the end-to-end design process for a complex product or feature. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your leadership, process, and impact).

• "How do you approach translating customer needs and research insights into actionable product direction and user experience designs, especially in ambiguous situations?" (Highlight your problem-solving and strategic thinking).

• "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where you significantly influenced the product's strategic direction or mentored junior designers. What was your specific contribution and the resulting impact?" (Emphasize leadership and mentorship). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Smartly's mission and the AdTech/MarTech industry?" (Show research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, and how do you ensure alignment on design decisions?" (Demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills).

• "How do you measure the success of your designs and ensure they deliver tangible business outcomes for customers?" (Focus on data-driven approaches and ROI). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of Smartly and the role, then detailing 2-3 key portfolio projects. For each project, cover: Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, and Impact.

• Highlight Leadership: Clearly articulate where you led the process, made strategic decisions, or mentored others.

• Showcase AI/Complexity: If possible, include a project that demonstrates your ability to design for complex systems or AI-driven features.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Engage: Be prepared for in-depth questions and discussions about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, a deep understanding of the design process, and the ability to collaborate effectively. Highlighting experience relevant to AI and AdTech will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Smartly careers portal linked via Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date and tailored to showcase projects demonstrating end-to-end design leadership, strategic thinking, and experience relevant to AI/AdTech. Select 2-3 impactful case studies that highlight your problem-solving methodology and measurable outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly highlight your 8+ years of product design experience, leadership responsibilities, mentorship achievements, and any MarTech/AdTech domain knowledge. Use keywords from the job description and focus on quantifiable achievements.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and portfolio projects concisely. Prepare answers to common behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Research Smartly's products and culture thoroughly.

• Company Research: Deeply understand Smartly's AI-powered platform, its target market (advertisers), and its position in the AdTech landscape. Familiarize yourself with their culture handbook and values to articulate your fit.

⚠️ 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.