Lead Product Designer, Partners

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Product Designer, Partners

Company: ClassPass (Playlist)

Location: United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (7+ years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design strategy and execution for the ClassPass Partners platform, focusing on business engagement and lifecycle management.

• Leverage behavioral insights and data synthesis to design intuitive, elegant SaaS products that remove friction and build trust.

• Drive product thinking by forming rigorous hypotheses, influencing cross-functional understanding, and identifying new opportunities for business partners.

• Mentor and elevate the design team's craft, standards, and pace through incisive feedback and modeling great critiques.

• Contribute to the evolution of design's role in AI and automation, viewing them as partners in enhancing creative output and customer value for business partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the "Partners squad," indicating a focus on the business-to-business (B2B) aspect of ClassPass, specifically the SaaS platform used by fitness and wellness businesses to manage their offerings and client interactions. The emphasis on "removing friction, building trust, and deepening engagement throughout the lifecycle" strongly suggests a focus on B2B user experience and partner retention strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and drive the design strategy and execution for key components of the ClassPass Partners platform, from initial vision to shipped product quality.

• Translate complex business objectives and user needs into thoughtful, intuitive, and effective product experiences for business partners.

• Conduct and lead discovery efforts, including user research, interviews, and data synthesis, to uncover actionable insights and identify new design opportunities.

• Develop and iterate on user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs for new features and improvements within the Partners SaaS ecosystem.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners in Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and Research to ensure alignment and successful product delivery.

• Provide design leadership and mentorship to junior designers, fostering a culture of design excellence, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement.

• Champion a systems-thinking approach to design, ensuring consistency, scalability, and maintainability across the Partners platform.

• Stay abreast of emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and proactively explore their potential to enhance creative output and deliver greater value to business partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "turn behavioral insights into thoughtful experiences" and "lead and contribute to discovery efforts" highlights the critical role of user research and data analysis in this position. The emphasis on "shaping vision, flows, and shipped quality" indicates a high degree of ownership and accountability for the design outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred for senior design roles.

Experience: 7+ years of professional product design experience, with a significant portion focused on designing complex SaaS products and workflows.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end product design, from concept to launch.

• A strong portfolio showcasing deep design craft, systems thinking, and proven impact on complex systems and workflows within a SaaS environment.

• Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive design vision within cross-functional teams.

• Proficient in user research methodologies, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and translating insights into actionable design recommendations.

• Strong product thinking capabilities, including hypothesis formation, influencing stakeholders, and identifying new opportunities.

• Experience with modern design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions to diverse audiences.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for B2B platforms or partner ecosystems.

• Familiarity with the fitness, wellness, or subscription-based service industries.

• An evolving perspective on the application of AI and automation in design and creative processes.

• Experience working in a fast-paced, growth-stage technology company.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies and cross-functional team dynamics.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio demonstrating "deep craft and end-to-end product thinking on complex systems and workflows" is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they've navigated ambiguity and driven significant design outcomes for intricate B2B SaaS products. The mention of "AI as a partner in creativity and efficiency" suggests a forward-thinking approach to design tools and methodologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design process for at least 2-3 complex SaaS projects, ideally within a B2B or partner-focused context.

• Clearly articulate the problem space, your role, the design challenges, your approach (research, ideation, iteration), and the final solution.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of systems thinking and how your designs contribute to a cohesive and scalable product ecosystem.

• Include examples of how you've translated business objectives and user insights into tangible product improvements.

• Highlight your ability to navigate ambiguity and lead design initiatives with minimal oversight.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodology for user research, including how you conduct interviews, synthesize findings, and integrate insights into the design process.

• Provide examples of your wireframing, prototyping, and user flow documentation, illustrating your ability to map out complex interactions.

• Showcase your approach to design critique and feedback, both giving and receiving, and how it elevates product quality.

• Illustrate your thought process for integrating new technologies like AI into your design workflow to enhance efficiency or user value.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Lead Product Designer role, the portfolio should not just be a collection of final visuals but a narrative of problem-solving. It needs to clearly demonstrate strategic thinking, a robust design process, and measurable impact, especially within complex B2B SaaS environments. The emphasis on "systems thinking" is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $210,000 USD per year. This range is for the United States and may vary based on specific location, candidate experience, and other factors.

Benefits:

• Performance Bonus: Opportunity to earn based on individual and company performance.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Likely includes health, dental, vision insurance, and potentially other wellness-related benefits aligning with the company's mission.

• Incentive Compensation Plans: May include stock options, equity, or other long-term incentive programs.

• Paid Time Off: Standard vacation, sick leave, and holiday policies.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued learning and skill enhancement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be a degree of flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines, common in design and product development roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is a strong indicator of the seniority and impact expected from this Lead Product Designer role. The inclusion of performance bonuses and incentive compensation plans suggests a performance-driven culture and an opportunity for significant total compensation beyond the base salary. The "Benefits Package" is expected to be robust, aligning with the company's focus on wellness and intentional living.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS, Health & Wellness, Fitness, Subscription Services)

Company Size: Playlist (parent company of ClassPass and Mindbody) is a significant player, likely employing several hundred to thousands of individuals globally, given the integration of multiple established brands. This provides a stable yet dynamic environment.

Founded: ClassPass was founded in 2013, and Mindbody has a longer history, founded in 2001. Playlist as a consolidated entity represents a mature stage with established processes but a drive for innovation.

Team Structure:

• The "Partners squad" is a cross-functional team focused on business-facing features and experiences.

• This squad likely includes Product Managers, Engineers (front-end, back-end), Researchers, and Designers.

• The Lead Product Designer will report to the Director of Design for ClassPass, indicating a clear design leadership structure.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is emphasized, utilizing both qualitative (user insights, interviews) and quantitative (performance metrics, usage data) analysis.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed for product development, enabling iterative design and rapid deployment.

• A strong focus on user-centric design principles, ensuring that solutions effectively address the needs of both end-users and business partners.

• Embracing new technologies, including AI, as tools to enhance creative output and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.classpass.com/ and https://www.mindbody.io/ for context on the brands under Playlist.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to connect people with "inspiring experiences in fitness, wellness, and beyond" and to "empower businesses" suggests a culture that values well-being, community, and B2B partnership. The integration of ClassPass and Mindbody under Playlist indicates a strategic consolidation aimed at broader market impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead Product Designer role, signifying a senior individual contributor position with leadership responsibilities. It sits above a standard Product Designer and below a Design Manager or Director. The role requires both deep craft and the ability to influence strategy and mentor others.

Reporting Structure: You will report directly to the Director of Design for ClassPass. This provides a clear line of sight to design leadership and strategic direction. You will also work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads within the Partners squad.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer will have a direct impact on the success of ClassPass's business partners. By improving the SaaS platform they use, this role influences partner acquisition, retention, operational efficiency, and ultimately, the revenue generated through the ClassPass ecosystem. The focus on removing friction and building trust directly contributes to the platform's value proposition for businesses.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to hone leadership skills by mentoring junior designers, leading design initiatives, and influencing product strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in B2B SaaS design, partner ecosystems, and the health/wellness tech industry.

• Strategic Influence: Grow in scope and impact by taking on more complex product areas and contributing to higher-level design strategy within ClassPass.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Enhance collaboration skills and understanding of product development lifecycle by working closely with Product, Engineering, and Research.

• Emerging Tech Exploration: Gain hands-on experience applying AI and automation in a product design context.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth from a senior individual contributor to a design leader, with opportunities to influence product direction and mentor emerging talent within a dynamic tech environment. The "Partners squad" focus provides a niche for specialized B2B SaaS design expertise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is listed as "On-site" for the United States. This likely means working from a ClassPass/Playlist office location, fostering in-person collaboration and team cohesion. The company may offer hybrid flexibility within that on-site context, but the primary designation is not fully remote.

Office Location(s): While the job is posted for "United States," specific office locations would need to be confirmed. Major tech hubs or employee concentration areas are common.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace designed for cross-functional collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous discussions and team syncs.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Slack, Jira) will be provided. The company's tech stack will support efficient workflow and communication.

• Team Interaction: Regular interaction with designers, product managers, engineers, and researchers, fostering a shared understanding and collective problem-solving approach.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles. While on-site, there may be some flexibility in start/end times, but core hours for team collaboration are usually expected. The nature of product design often involves periods of focused individual work alongside collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "On-site" requirement suggests the company values in-person collaboration, team building, and the spontaneous interactions that can spark innovation. Candidates should be prepared for a traditional office environment with potential for hybrid work arrangements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session with design leadership (e.g., Director of Design) to present your portfolio. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboard exercise focused on problem-solving relevant to the Partners platform.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Researchers from the Partners squad to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and product thinking.

• Leadership Interview: Final interview, potentially with a senior leader (VP level), to discuss strategic thinking, leadership potential, and overall alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best demonstrate your experience with complex SaaS systems, B2B contexts, and end-to-end product design. Highlight your process, not just the final output.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, and the measurable impact. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Explicitly discuss how your designs fit into the larger product ecosystem and contribute to scalability and consistency.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with cross-functional teams and incorporated their feedback.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, trade-offs you made, and how you've used data and research to inform your decisions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research ClassPass and the potential needs of its business partners. Think about common challenges faced by businesses using SaaS platforms for management and client engagement.

• Focus on Process: Even if the challenge is time-bound, demonstrate your thought process, problem-solving approach, and how you'd gather information if you had more time.

• Think Systemically: Consider how your proposed solutions would integrate with existing systems and impact various user groups.

• Be Prepared to Articulate: Clearly explain your design choices and the reasoning behind them, especially concerning efficiency and partner value.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Lead" title, expect interviewers to probe deeply into your strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and ability to mentor. The portfolio review is critical, and the design challenge will likely assess your practical problem-solving skills within a B2B SaaS context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello.

• Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Meet.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing user behavior and product performance (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, Looker).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design impacts customer lifecycle management and partner engagement within a CRM context is beneficial.

• Familiarity with how automation features can be designed to improve user experience and operational efficiency for business partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design tools like Figma is almost a given for this role. The ability to leverage analytics platforms to understand user behavior and product performance is also crucial for demonstrating the impact of design decisions. An understanding of how design interfaces with CRM and automation workflows will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both end-consumers and business partners.

• Data-Driven Improvement: Utilizing data and insights to inform design decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous optimization of the platform.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an environment where cross-functional teams work together openly, share feedback constructively, and build trust.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and methodologies to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver cutting-edge solutions.

• Intentional Living & Well-being: Reflecting the company's mission in its internal culture, valuing work-life balance and promoting overall well-being.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are integral members of product squads, working hand-in-hand with Product Managers and Engineers from ideation through launch and iteration.

• Design Critique Culture: Regular design reviews and critiques are held to provide constructive feedback, elevate design standards, and ensure alignment.

• Knowledge Sharing: An emphasis on sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across the design team and with broader stakeholder groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission around "intentional living" and "meaningful, real-world connections" likely translates into a culture that values its employees' well-being and encourages a balanced approach to work. The emphasis on "partners" suggests a strong B2B partnership ethos within the company culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing B2B & B2C Needs: Navigating the complexities of designing for business partners while ensuring the overall ClassPass ecosystem remains cohesive and user-friendly for consumers.

• Driving Adoption of New Features: Ensuring business partners understand, adopt, and benefit from new features and platform enhancements, especially those involving AI or automation.

• Managing Ambiguity: Leading design initiatives in evolving product areas with potentially undefined requirements, requiring strong product thinking and initiative.

• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously learning and integrating new design tools, methodologies, and emerging technologies like AI into the design workflow.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Formal Training: Access to internal workshops, external courses, and conferences focused on product design, UX research, and emerging technologies.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior design leadership and to mentor junior designers, solidifying knowledge and developing leadership skills.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining deep insights into the health, wellness, and fitness tech industries, as well as the dynamics of B2B SaaS platforms.

• Project Variety: Working on diverse projects within the Partners ecosystem, allowing for broad skill development and exposure to different product challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents a significant opportunity for growth by tackling complex design challenges within a thriving tech company. The focus on AI and automation offers a chance to be at the forefront of design innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led the design strategy for a complex SaaS product. What was your process, and what was the impact?" (Prepare a case study focusing on end-to-end ownership and strategic thinking.)

• "How do you approach translating business objectives into user-centric design solutions, especially for a B2B audience?" (Focus on your product thinking and ability to balance business needs with user experience.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of ClassPass and Playlist, how would you approach designing for our business partners?" (Show you've researched the company and understand the B2B context.)

• "How do you see AI and automation playing a role in the future of product design, particularly for SaaS platforms?" (Demonstrate your forward-thinking perspective and how you'd integrate these technologies.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process (research, ideation, iteration), key decisions and rationale, and measurable outcomes.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., increase in partner engagement, reduction in support tickets, improvement in workflow efficiency).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs, and alternative solutions you considered.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Explicitly discuss how your designs fit into the broader product architecture and user journey.

• Showcase Collaboration: Mention how you worked with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare detailed case studies that exemplify your ability to handle complex B2B SaaS design challenges, demonstrate strategic thinking, and lead design initiatives. Be ready to articulate your process and impact clearly and concisely.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Playlist careers page.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your end-to-end design process for complex SaaS products, ideally with a B2B focus. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes.

• Optimize your resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience, specific skills in SaaS design, systems thinking, user research, and leadership/mentorship. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare your design narrative: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your design rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and problem-solving.

• Research ClassPass and Playlist: Understand their mission, target audience (both consumers and businesses), and recent industry news. Consider the unique challenges and opportunities for designing their Partners platform.

⚠️ 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.