Lead Product Designer — Innovation & IA H/F

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer — Innovation & IA H/F

Company: NEXTON

Location: Paris, France

Job Type: Temps complet (Full-time)

Category: Product Design & Innovation Operations

Date Posted: November 4, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years (Senior/Lead)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead high-impact product design initiatives, with a specific focus on innovation and the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), driving measurable ROI.

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design lifecycle for major strategic projects, encompassing UX Research, UX/UI design, advanced prototyping, and user testing to ensure product-market fit and user adoption.

• Cultivate and enforce high standards of design quality and methodological rigor within the NEXTON Factory's design practice, ensuring consistency and excellence across all deliverables.

• Drive Design x AI initiatives from concept ideation and prototyping to Proof of Concepts (POCs) and industrialization, collaborating closely with Tech teams to bring innovative AI-powered solutions to life.

• Act as a senior referral and operational right-hand to the Head of Design, contributing to strategic decision-making, team dynamics, and the overall quality of design output.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a senior leadership opportunity within the "NEXTON Factory" division, focusing on innovation and AI. The emphasis on "ROI," "strategic projects," and "pre-sales" indicates a strong business acumen requirement, typical of senior operations-oriented design roles that bridge creative execution with business objectives. The "IA H/F" designation implies the role is open to all genders and specifically targets expertise in Artificial Intelligence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and champion a product vision focused on Return on Investment (ROI), clearly articulating value propositions, effort/impact trade-offs, and success metrics from the initial project scoping phase.

• Execute comprehensive product design processes for critical strategic projects, including User Experience (UX) Research, User Interface (UI) Design, advanced prototyping, user testing, and technical handoffs to development teams.

• Oversee and maintain the quality and excellence of design deliverables, ensuring adherence to the pole's established methodological standards and best practices.

• Lead and execute Design x AI initiatives, which include framing challenges, prototyping innovative concepts, developing Proofs of Concept (POCs), and overseeing their industrialization with technical teams.

• Conduct active monitoring and research on emerging trends in AI, DesignOps, and new design practices, translating these insights into actionable experiments and tangible innovations.

• Foster the skill development of the design team members through active mentorship, pair-design sessions, and regular design reviews, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Support the Head of Design in strategic decision-making, particularly concerning overall design quality, team performance, and collective team dynamics.

• Participate in pre-sales activities, including qualifying client needs, structuring methodological proposals, estimating design effort, and presenting design solutions in client meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution (end-to-end design, AI experimentation) and leadership (mentoring, quality control, strategic support). The inclusion of "Pre-sales" and "ROI" suggests that this role requires not only strong design skills but also the ability to translate design efforts into tangible business outcomes and articulate their value to clients, a critical aspect of operations-focused roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrated experience in Product Design, UX/UI, and AI applications are paramount. A background in design, human-computer interaction, computer science, or a related field would be beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years in Product Design, with proven experience in a Lead or Senior Product Designer capacity, demonstrating progression and ownership of complex design initiatives.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in Product Design, with a strong track record in Lead or Senior Product Designer roles.

• Proficient mastery of the entire Product Design value chain: User Research, ideation workshops, Information Architecture, UX/UI design, and Design Systems.

• Demonstrated expertise and strong affinity for the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in product design and innovation.

• Excellent command of industry-standard design tools, including Figma, advanced prototyping tools, and AI solutions specifically applied to design workflows.

• Strong business acumen, a keen sense of ROI, and effective leadership qualities.

• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and team cohesion skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with DesignOps principles and implementation.

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

• Proven ability to conduct user research and translate findings into actionable design strategies.

• Experience in front-end development concepts or working closely with development teams to ensure seamless handoffs and implementation.

• Portfolio showcasing successful innovation projects, particularly those involving AI or complex problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "7 years of experience minimum" with "confirmed experience on a Lead or Senior Product Designer role" clearly indicates a senior-level position. The emphasis on "ROI," "business vision," and "pre-sales" points towards an operations-minded designer who understands how design contributes to business objectives, rather than purely aesthetic execution. Expertise in AI is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end Product Design projects, demonstrating mastery of UX Research, Information Architecture, UX/UI Design, and Prototyping.

• Specific case studies highlighting strategic product innovation, particularly those involving the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on user experience and business value.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (e.g., Tech, Product Management) and effective technical handoffs, including detailed documentation or examples.

• Demonstrations of how design decisions were driven by business objectives, ROI considerations, and user needs, supported by metrics or qualitative feedback.

• Examples of contributions to or development of Design Systems, illustrating an understanding of scalability, consistency, and efficiency in design operations. Process Documentation:

• Ability to clearly document and articulate design processes, from initial research and ideation to final delivery and iteration, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness.

• Experience in framing challenges, developing Proofs of Concept (POCs), and outlining the industrialization path for AI-driven design solutions.

• Documentation of user testing methodologies and the process for incorporating feedback to refine designs and improve user outcomes.

• Examples of how design methodologies have been adapted or innovated upon to suit specific project needs, especially within AI and innovation contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role with an emphasis on innovation and AI, the portfolio should not only showcase design craft but also strategic thinking, process management, and business impact. The ability to articulate ROI and lead AI-specific design initiatives is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Lead Product Designer with 7+ years of experience in Paris, France, specializing in Innovation and AI, the estimated salary range is €65,000 - €90,000 annually. This range accounts for the senior level, specialized skills in AI, and the strategic nature of the role within a consulting/factory environment.

Benefits:

• Community & Development: Access to dynamic professional communities, regular Meet Ups for skill development, and comprehensive training programs for continuous learning and career advancement.

• Work-Life Balance & Well-being: Participation in sports and festive events to foster team cohesion and personal well-being.

• Mobility & Technology: A sustainable mobility package to support daily commuting and a latest-generation mobile phone for connectivity.

• Professional Growth: Opportunities to work on high-impact projects with major clients, gaining exposure to cutting-edge AI and digital innovation strategies.

• Mentorship: Direct mentorship from the Head of Design and opportunities to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in France. While on-site, there may be flexibility depending on project demands and team agreements, common in consulting environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on current market data for senior design roles in Paris, considering the specialization in AI and the consulting industry context. Benefits listed are directly from the job description and highlight the company's investment in employee development and well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation Consulting, IT Services & Consulting, Design & Innovation Services. NEXTON operates at the intersection of consulting, creative factory, and IT services, helping large accounts and pure players (SNCF, Orange, BNP Paribas) with their digital evolution and innovation strategies.

Company Size: Over 450 experts. This mid-to-large size indicates a stable organization with established processes but still agile enough to foster a dynamic and innovative environment. It implies opportunities for structured career growth and access to a diverse range of projects and colleagues.

Founded: 2011. Founded in 2011, NEXTON has over a decade of experience, suggesting a mature company with established methodologies, client relationships, and a strong market presence.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "NEXTON Factory," a specialized division focused on innovation and digital transformation.

• You will work closely with the Head of Design, acting as their "operational right-hand."

• The team comprises over 450 experts across digital, design, agility, product, and development, fostering a rich ecosystem of knowledge.

• Collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams, including Tech and Product Management, on client projects. Methodology:

• Emphasis on strategic design, delivering excellence, and advanced experimentation, particularly around AI.

• Commitment to structuring design practices and inspiring teams.

• Adoption of agile methodologies is implied given the ESN (Enterprise Service Network) and digital consulting context.

• Focus on ROI-driven product vision and defining clear success indicators.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "NEXTON Factory" context suggests a hub for cutting-edge projects, requiring a proactive and experimental mindset. The company's structure as a blend of consulting, factory, and ESN implies a client-facing role with a strong emphasis on delivering tangible solutions and innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, equivalent to a Lead or Principal Product Designer within an operations-focused design context. It demands strategic thinking, end-to-end project ownership, team mentorship, and direct contribution to business objectives and client acquisition (pre-sales). The focus on "Innovation & IA" positions it at the forefront of digital evolution.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Product Designer will report directly to the Head of Design, acting as their key operational partner. This indicates a high level of trust and significant responsibility within the design department.

Operations Impact: The role is pivotal in maximizing the business value of projects by ensuring a strong ROI-driven product vision, facilitating the adoption of AI in design, and supporting pre-sales efforts. The designer's work directly influences client strategy, product success, and the company's ability to innovate and secure new business.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Advancement: Potential to grow into a Head of Design role or a similar senior leadership position, managing larger teams or specialized innovation units.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI for design, becoming a recognized authority in this cutting-edge field, potentially leading dedicated AI design initiatives.

• Consulting Acumen: Enhance strategic consulting skills, client relationship management, and business development capabilities through pre-sales involvement and high-profile client engagements.

• Mentorship & Training: Develop leadership and coaching skills by mentoring junior designers and contributing to the company's training programs and DesignOps initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path is clearly defined towards leadership and specialized expertise, leveraging the company's focus on innovation and AI. The "operations" aspect is evident in the emphasis on ROI, business strategy, and client-facing responsibilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in Paris. As part of a consulting firm and "Factory," the environment is likely dynamic, collaborative, and project-driven, with potential for client-site visits.

Office Location(s): Paris, France. This major European hub offers excellent connectivity and a vibrant professional ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The NEXTON Factory likely fosters a creative and collaborative atmosphere, encouraging interaction between designers, developers, product managers, and other experts.

• Innovation Focus: Expect access to modern design tools, potentially including AI-assisted design software and advanced prototyping technologies, supporting experimentation.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with design peers, the Head of Design, and cross-functional project teams is integral to the role, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with approximately 40 working hours per week. While on-site, the nature of consulting and innovation projects may sometimes require flexibility to meet deadlines or client needs, balanced by the company's commitment to employee well-being.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Paris suggests a traditional office-based or hybrid setup, common in consulting firms. The emphasis on collaboration and innovation points to a modern workspace designed to foster creativity and cross-functional synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly in Product Design, AI, and leadership.

• Technical Interview: Likely involves a deep dive into your design process, problem-solving methodologies, and specific examples of end-to-end product design execution, including AI applications. Expect discussions on UX Research, UI Design, Prototyping, and Design Systems.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present 1-2 key projects from your portfolio. Focus on strategic context, your role, design decisions, challenges, solutions, and most importantly, the impact (ROI, business value, user adoption). Be prepared to discuss your experience with AI and innovation.

• Leadership & Culture Fit Interview: Discussions with the Head of Design and potentially other senior team members to assess leadership potential, mentoring capabilities, business acumen, and cultural fit with NEXTON's values and collaborative approach.

• Pre-sales Simulation (Potential): Given the pre-sales responsibility, you might be asked to simulate a client pitch or discuss how you would approach qualifying client needs and structuring proposals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Strategic Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects around business objectives and user needs. Clearly articulate the problem, your strategic approach, your specific contributions, the design solutions, and the measurable outcomes (ROI, KPIs).

• AI & Innovation Focus: Highlight any projects where you applied AI or drove innovation. Detail the specific AI tools or methodologies used, the challenges encountered, and the resulting product enhancements or new concepts.

• Process Clarity: Showcase your end-to-end design process, including UX Research, Information Architecture, UI Design, Prototyping, User Testing, and technical handoffs. Demonstrate your ability to maintain methodological standards.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Include examples where you led design initiatives, mentored junior designers, or influenced design strategy.

• Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma, advanced prototyping tools, and any AI-specific design tools you have utilized.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study that might involve framing an innovative product concept, incorporating AI, or solving a complex user problem within a business context.

• Focus on articulating your thought process, strategic decision-making, and how you would measure success and ROI.

• Practice presenting your approach concisely and effectively, demonstrating leadership and collaborative potential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Lead role, especially in innovation and AI, will heavily weigh strategic thinking, business impact, and leadership. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating these capabilities, with a specific emphasis on AI integration and ROI.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Advanced proficiency is expected.

• Advanced Prototyping Tools: Such as InVision, ProtoPie, or similar, for creating high-fidelity, interactive prototypes to test complex user flows and concepts.

• AI Tools for Design: This is a key area. Proficiency with or understanding of generative AI platforms (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E for ideation, AI-powered UX research tools, AI assistants for design tasks) is highly relevant.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Typeform).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar for understanding user behavior and measuring product performance.

• BI Tools (Basic Understanding): Familiarity with how data is presented in dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to understand key performance indicators (KPIs) and ROI.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (Awareness): Understanding of how design impacts CRM data and user journeys within sales and marketing contexts, though direct CRM management may not be the focus.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, Trello for managing design tasks, sprints, and team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mention of "solutions d'IA appliquées au design" is critical. This role requires hands-on experience or a deep understanding of how AI can augment the design process, from ideation to execution and optimization.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A proactive mindset towards exploring new technologies (especially AI) and methodologies, embracing experimentation to drive forward-thinking solutions.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful design work that meets rigorous standards and client expectations.

• Business Acumen & ROI Focus: Prioritizing designs that deliver tangible business value and measurable returns, understanding the strategic implications of design decisions.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Fostering a supportive team environment where knowledge is shared, individuals are mentored, and collective growth is paramount.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing iterative processes and adapting quickly to evolving project requirements, client needs, and technological advancements.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Synergy: Working seamlessly with Tech, Product Management, and other stakeholders, ensuring alignment and efficient communication throughout the project lifecycle.

• Design-led Innovation: Proactively driving innovation initiatives and influencing product strategy through expert design thinking and AI application.

• Open Feedback Culture: Engaging in constructive design reviews and feedback sessions to continuously improve design quality and team capabilities.

• Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining a strong focus on client needs and business objectives, translating them into effective and innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value innovation, business impact, and collaborative growth, aligning well with a Lead Product Designer role focused on cutting-edge technologies like AI.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering AI in Design: Staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving field of AI for design, identifying practical applications, and overcoming technical or conceptual hurdles in implementation.

• Balancing Innovation with ROI: Ensuring that experimental and innovative design projects deliver clear business value and meet ROI expectations for clients.

• Leading and Mentoring: Effectively guiding and developing a team of designers, potentially with varying levels of experience and specialization, while managing multiple high-stakes projects.

• Client Integration: Successfully integrating advanced design concepts and AI solutions into established client systems and processes, requiring strong stakeholder management and change advocacy.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Specialization: Opportunities to become a recognized expert in AI-driven product design through hands-on project experience, research, and continuous learning.

• Strategic Leadership: Developing strategic consulting and business development skills through pre-sales involvement and high-level client engagements.

• DesignOps Maturity: Contributing to and potentially leading the advancement of DesignOps practices within NEXTON Factory to optimize design team efficiency and workflow.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Working with a diverse range of clients across various sectors, broadening experience and problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to a role focused on innovation and AI within a consulting framework, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and strong problem-solving skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a product design initiative focused on innovation. How did you measure its success and ROI?"

• "How would you approach integrating Generative AI into a product design workflow to enhance efficiency and creativity? Walk us through a potential POC."

• "Imagine a client needs to innovate their core product using AI. What would be your process for framing the problem, ideating solutions, and prototyping concepts?"

• "How do you balance the need for rapid experimentation in innovation with the delivery of high-quality, reliable design solutions?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about NEXTON's 'Factory' model and our focus on innovation and AI?"

• "How do you approach mentoring junior designers and fostering a collaborative design team environment?"

• "Describe your experience working in a consulting or agency environment, and how you adapt to diverse client needs and project scopes."

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in Product Design, AI, and DesignOps?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, clearly outline: 1. The Challenge/Business Problem, 2. Your Role & Strategy, 3. The Design Process & Solutions (highlighting AI/Innovation), 4. Key Decisions & Rationale, 5. Outcomes & Impact (ROI, KPIs, User Feedback).

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals, mockups, prototypes, and data visualizations to support your narrative.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects within a set time limit (e.g., 15-20 minutes per project), leaving ample time for Q&A.

• AI Emphasis: Clearly articulate how AI was used, the specific tools, and the benefits it brought. If AI wasn't directly used, explain why and how you'd consider it for future projects.

• Engagement: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, process, and the impact of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, a deep understanding of AI's role in design, and the ability to connect design work to tangible business outcomes.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight specific projects demonstrating leadership, innovation, AI application, end-to-end design process, and measurable business impact (ROI). Prioritize case studies relevant to strategic projects and client-facing scenarios.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 7+ years of experience, emphasizing lead/senior roles, specific achievements in Product Design, AI integration, and any pre-sales or client consultation experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership approach. Prepare detailed answers for behavioral and situational questions, focusing on your experience with AI and innovation. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and impact.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research NEXTON, its "Factory" model, its clients (SNCF, Orange, BNP Paribas), and its positioning in the digital transformation and innovation space. Understand their values and how your skills align with their mission.

⚠️ 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.

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