Principal Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Product Designer

Company: Divisions Maintenance Group (DMG)

Location: Cincinnati, OH or Seattle, WA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: August 13, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years (Principal Level)

Remote Status: On-site (Requires in-office presence)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is a senior individual contributor position focused on shaping the strategic direction of product design within a specific product pillar.

• The Principal Product Designer will own the end-to-end design process for complex product areas, from initial problem framing and user research through high-fidelity execution and post-launch iteration.

• A key aspect of this role involves elevating the design craft and contributing to the evolution and scalability of DMG's Design System.

• This position requires a strong ability to integrate emerging technologies, specifically AI, into design workflows and product features, as well as mentor and develop other designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal level, indicating a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and expected contribution to the overall design practice and product vision. The emphasis on "0-to-1" work and setting strategy suggests a need for proactive, innovative thinking and the ability to build foundational design frameworks. The inclusion of AI integration highlights a forward-looking approach to product development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and articulate design strategy for a designated product pillar, collaborating closely with senior product and engineering leadership to translate business objectives and user needs into a multi-quarter product vision.

• Lead the complete product design lifecycle for diverse user groups, including retailers, service providers, technicians, and internal sales teams, ensuring user-centric solutions that drive business value.

• Craft compelling narratives to communicate design vision, rationale, and impact to cross-functional partners and executive leadership, fostering alignment and buy-in.

• Establish and maintain high standards for design quality across the team, contributing to the expansion and refinement of DMG's comprehensive Design System.

• Champion the adoption and application of AI within design processes, including using AI tools to enhance personal workflow, developing AI-powered tools for team efficiency, and designing intuitive AI-native features for users.

• Provide mentorship and guidance to fellow designers, coaching them on design craft, process, and best practices, thereby multiplying the team's overall capability and impact.

• Execute other assigned duties as directed by management, ensuring alignment with departmental and company-wide goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a leadership role within the design function, emphasizing strategic thinking, end-to-end ownership, and mentorship. The explicit mention of integrating AI into practice and products points to a need for candidates with experience or a strong aptitude for exploring and implementing cutting-edge technologies within design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for a Principal-level role, though equivalent practical experience can often substitute.

Experience: Significant product design experience within product-led organizations, demonstrating clear growth in responsibility and strategic impact. Proven experience leading "0-to-1" product initiatives and managing design for multiple user segments is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end product development from problem framing and research to high-fidelity execution and post-launch iteration.

• Demonstrated ability to shape design strategy in partnership with Product Management and Engineering, not just execute defined strategies.

• Proven track record of leading and delivering on "0-to-1" product areas or pillars with measurable impact across diverse user types.

• Exceptional proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.

• Familiarity with front-end development technologies, specifically HTML, CSS, and JavaScript/React, to facilitate effective collaboration with engineering teams.

• Strong cross-functional influence and collaboration skills, with a history of successfully driving alignment across teams.

• Demonstrated experience in mentoring junior and mid-level designers, with tangible evidence of positively impacting their professional growth.

• Ability to navigate and bring structure to ambiguous situations independently.

• Resilience and ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced work environment.

• Willingness and ability to meet in-person requirements for team and business needs. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools and methodologies in design practice.

• Deep understanding and hands-on experience with Design Systems, including contributions to their evolution and scalability.

• Experience in B2B or enterprise software design, particularly within industries like facility maintenance, logistics, or related service sectors.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and the ability to translate insights into actionable design solutions.

• Experience working in a "Great Place to Work" certified environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of advanced design craft, strategic leadership, technical familiarity, and strong interpersonal skills. The explicit mention of Figma and familiarity with HTML/CSS/React indicates a hands-on approach and the need for designers who can work closely with development. The emphasis on "0-to-1" ownership and strategic influence differentiates this from a typical senior designer role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design ownership, clearly illustrating the journey from initial problem definition, user research, and ideation through to high-fidelity design, prototyping, and post-launch iteration.

• Demonstrate significant contributions to at least one "0-to-1" product area or pillar, highlighting the strategic thinking and execution involved.

• Include case studies that articulate how design strategy was shaped and implemented in collaboration with Product Management and Engineering.

• Showcase examples of evolving or contributing to a Design System, detailing the impact on consistency, scalability, and efficiency.

• Present evidence of cross-functional influence and successful collaboration with engineering and other stakeholders. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how complex problems were framed and translated into design solutions, demonstrating a structured approach to ambiguity.

• Case studies that detail the methodology used for user research and how insights were integrated into the design process.

• Documentation or examples of how AI was leveraged to enhance personal design workflows or contributed to the development of AI-powered features.

• Demonstrate the ability to mentor designers, potentially through examples of coaching or guidance provided on craft and process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, serving as the primary evidence of strategic thinking, end-to-end ownership, and leadership capabilities. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating impact, collaborative processes, and the ability to drive innovation, particularly with emerging technologies like AI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Principal title, extensive experience required, and the competitive nature of design roles in tech hubs like Cincinnati and Seattle, an estimated salary range would be between $150,000 - $220,000 annually. This is a broad estimate and can vary based on specific experience, the candidate's negotiation skills, and the exact compensation structure within DMG.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage available from day one of employment.

• A competitive 401K retirement savings plan with an immediate 100% vesting and a dollar-for-dollar match up to 4% of salary.

• Generous paid leave policies, including Primary and Secondary Caregiver leave.

• An Employee Assistance Program designed to support employees with various personal and professional challenges.

• Paid time off specifically allocated for volunteering activities, encouraging community engagement.

• Opportunity to work within a "Certified Great Place to Work" environment.

Working Hours: The role is designated as "Salary Exempt" with standard working hours typically around 40 per week. However, given the Principal level and the fast-paced environment, flexibility and the ability to work beyond standard hours as needed to meet project deadlines and business demands are expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on Principal Product Designer roles in major US cities like Cincinnati and Seattle, factoring in the company's industry and the experience level. The benefits package is comprehensive and competitive, aligning with DMG's "Certified Great Place to Work" status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Divisions Maintenance Group (DMG) operates in the Facility Maintenance Services industry, serving retail chains and distribution/fulfillment centers. They are leveraging technology to revolutionize this sector, aiming for "Uninterrupted Peace of Mind" for their clients.

Company Size: DMG is a significant player in its industry, with a company size that likely falls into the "501-1000" or "1001-5000" employee range, indicating a structured organization with established processes but still retaining an entrepreneurial spirit.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated in the provided text, DMG's emphasis on technology and brand promise suggests a company that has evolved to embrace digital transformation. Their status as a "Certified Great Place to Work" points to a culture that values employee well-being and engagement.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is part of the broader Product & Engineering department, indicating strong cross-functional collaboration is intended.

• The Principal Product Designer reports to the Director of Product Design, suggesting a clear hierarchy within the design function.

• Collaboration is expected with senior Product Management and Engineering leadership, highlighting a matrixed approach to product development where design strategy is co-created. Methodology:

• DMG emphasizes a technology-driven approach to facility maintenance, suggesting that data analysis and process optimization are core to their operations.

• The Design team's mission to "improve the way the world works" implies a focus on user-centric design, workflow efficiency, and innovation.

• The explicit mention of AI integration points to a commitment to adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance products and internal processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: DMG is positioning itself as a tech-forward company within a traditional industry. The design team is integral to this transformation, working on "world-class products" that are revolutionizing the sector. The culture is described as having an entrepreneurial spirit, rewarding self-starters, and fostering learning and growth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at the "Principal" level, signifying a senior individual contributor position with significant strategic responsibilities. It's a step beyond Senior Product Designer, requiring leadership in setting design vision, influencing product strategy, and mentoring others. This level often serves as a stepping stone to management roles or principal/architect-level individual contributor paths.

Reporting Structure: The Principal Product Designer reports directly to the Director of Product Design. This implies regular interaction with design leadership, providing opportunities for strategic alignment and receiving guidance on career development. Collaboration with Product and Engineering leadership is also a key aspect of the role.

Operations Impact: The Principal Product Designer is expected to have a substantial impact on DMG's product strategy and execution. By setting the design vision for a product pillar, owning key experiences end-to-end, and driving adoption of new technologies like AI, this role directly influences the user experience, product adoption, and ultimately, the company's ability to deliver on its brand promise of "Uninterrupted Peace of Mind." Their work will shape how DMG's diverse users interact with critical business tools.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role, overseeing a team and shaping the overall design practice at DMG.

• Strategic Influence: Deepen influence on product strategy and company-wide technology adoption, potentially becoming a key voice in product innovation.

• AI Specialization: Develop expertise in designing AI-powered products and workflows, becoming a go-to specialist in this rapidly evolving field.

• Mentorship & Coaching: Hone leadership and coaching skills by investing in the growth of other designers, contributing to a stronger design organization.

• Industry Impact: Play a pivotal role in transforming a traditional industry (facility maintenance) through innovative technology and design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Principal role offers significant opportunities for strategic impact and professional growth, particularly for individuals interested in leading design initiatives, specializing in AI, and driving transformation within a company. The reporting structure provides direct access to leadership for mentorship and career advancement discussions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position requires an on-site presence in either Cincinnati, OH or Seattle, WA. This suggests a hybrid or traditional office-based work environment where in-person collaboration is valued.

Office Location(s): The role can be based in either Cincinnati, Ohio, or Seattle, Washington. These are distinct geographical locations, implying DMG has established offices in both regions to support its operations and talent acquisition.

Workspace Context:

• The work environment is described as fast-paced, requiring the ability to manage stress effectively.

• Collaboration is a key theme, with expectations to work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other designers.

• DMG promotes an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging self-starters and providing a "Certified Great Place to Work" environment, suggesting a culture that values innovation, employee development, and a positive workplace atmosphere.

• Access to modern design tools like Figma and familiarity with web technologies are expected, indicating a tech-enabled workspace.

Work Schedule: As a "Salary Exempt" position, the standard work week is approximately 40 hours. However, the fast-paced nature and the need to meet business objectives may require flexibility and occasional work beyond standard hours. The on-site requirement means designers will be expected to be present in the office during core working hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in either Cincinnati or Seattle is a key factor for candidates. The environment is dynamic and collaborative, with a culture that supports innovation and employee growth, as evidenced by their "Certified Great Place to Work" status.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the Principal Product Designer requirements, focusing on strategic thinking, end-to-end ownership, and experience with complex product challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a curated selection of their work, focusing on case studies that demonstrate strategic impact, problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and mentorship. Expect in-depth questions about design decisions, process, and outcomes.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Management and Engineering leaders to assess collaboration style, strategic alignment, and technical understanding.

• Design Leadership Interview: A discussion with the Director of Product Design to evaluate design philosophy, leadership potential, mentorship capabilities, and fit with the team's evolving practice.

• Final Round: Potentially an interview with senior leadership to discuss overall vision and strategic contribution.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Strategy & Impact: Clearly articulate the business problem, user needs, and how your design strategy addressed them. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., increased user engagement, improved efficiency, revenue growth).

• Showcase "0-to-1" Work: Highlight projects where you led initiatives from conception to launch, demonstrating your ability to navigate ambiguity and build from the ground up.

• Detail Your Process: Explain your design process clearly for each case study, including research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping, user testing, and iteration.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders.

• Highlight Mentorship: Include examples or discuss your approach to mentoring designers, showcasing your ability to elevate the team's craft.

• Address AI Integration: If applicable, showcase any experience or thought leadership in using AI for design or designing AI-powered features.

• Prepare for Storytelling: Be ready to tell a compelling story about your projects, emphasizing your role, the challenges, and the solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges or case studies that require you to think strategically about a product problem relevant to DMG's industry (e.g., improving technician efficiency, enhancing retailer dashboards, streamlining internal sales processes).

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, even when working under time constraints.

• Be ready to discuss how you would approach a new product initiative or a design system expansion in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on the portfolio to demonstrate strategic capabilities, end-to-end ownership, and mentorship. Candidates should prepare to discuss their process, impact, and collaborative approach in detail. The emphasis on AI suggests that understanding and articulating its role in design will be beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly listed as a required proficiency. Candidates should be experts in using Figma for wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity UI design, and collaborative design workflows.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools for advanced or specific prototyping needs might be beneficial.

• Design System Management Tools: Experience with tools or platforms used for managing, documenting, and distributing design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure the impact of design decisions.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with tools that facilitate A/B testing of design variations to optimize user flows and conversion rates.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards and reports to inform design strategy.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce): While not directly a design tool, understanding how products integrate with or impact CRM systems used by sales teams (like internal sales teams at DMG) can be advantageous.

• Workflow Automation Tools: Awareness of how design outputs integrate into broader workflow automation processes within product development.

• AI Tools: Proficiency or familiarity with AI tools for design ideation, content generation, mock-up creation, or workflow acceleration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Familiarity with web development technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript/React) is crucial for effective collaboration. The mention of AI tools suggests a desire for candidates who are forward-thinking and capable of integrating emerging technologies into their design practice.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Transformation: A core value likely revolves around using technology and design to revolutionize the facility maintenance industry and improve how people work.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and serving the needs of diverse users (retailers, service providers, technicians, sales teams) to deliver "Uninterrupted Peace of Mind."

• Quality & Craftsmanship: Setting a high standard for design quality and contributing to a scalable, robust Design System.

• Collaboration & Partnership: Working closely with Product and Engineering leadership to co-create strategy and drive product success.

• Growth & Development: An environment that encourages learning, mentorship, and career advancement, as evidenced by being a "Certified Great Place to Work."

• Efficiency & Automation: Leveraging tools, including AI, to streamline workflows and enhance productivity.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product Management and Engineering teams, where design strategy is a shared responsibility.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior designers to mentor and uplift junior team members, fostering a collective growth mindset.

• Data-Informed Decisions: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's tech-forward approach implies that design decisions will likely be informed by data and user feedback.

• Proactive Communication: Given the fast-paced environment and the need to drive through ambiguity, proactive communication and stakeholder management will be key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at DMG appears to blend entrepreneurial drive with a structured approach to employee well-being and development. For a Principal Product Designer, success will hinge on their ability to influence strategy, collaborate effectively across disciplines, and foster a culture of high-quality design and continuous learning.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity in a Transforming Industry: DMG operates in facility maintenance, a sector ripe for technological disruption. The Principal Designer will need to define solutions for complex, often analog, processes and translate them into intuitive digital experiences.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Hands-On Execution: The role requires setting high-level strategy while remaining deeply involved in the day-to-day design work, demanding strong time management and prioritization skills.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Designing meaningful and user-friendly AI features requires understanding both technical capabilities and user needs, which can be a complex balancing act.

• Scaling Design Systems: As the product suite grows, maintaining and expanding a comprehensive Design System to support diverse user needs and new features will be an ongoing challenge.

• Mentoring and Elevating the Team: Effectively coaching and multiplying the impact of other designers requires strong leadership and communication skills, especially in a growing team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Gain deep practical experience designing and implementing AI-powered product features and workflows.

• Strategic Product Development: Influence the long-term product roadmap and technology strategy of a company transforming a traditional industry.

• Design Leadership Development: Hone leadership and mentorship skills within a supportive "Certified Great Place to Work" environment, with direct reporting to a Director of Design.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Strengthen skills in influencing Product and Engineering leadership and driving consensus on critical design decisions.

• Industry Transformation: Contribute to significant innovation in the facility maintenance sector, creating impactful digital solutions for a broad user base.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant opportunities for growth by tackling complex challenges in a dynamic industry and leading the integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, all within a supportive and growth-oriented company culture.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you set the design strategy for a product pillar. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study focusing on strategic vision, problem framing, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you approach designing '0-to-1' products or features? Walk us through an example where you built something from scratch." (Focus on your ability to navigate ambiguity, conduct research, and iterate towards a viable solution.)

• "How do you integrate AI into your design practice or product design? Can you share an example of designing an AI-native feature or using AI tools to enhance your workflow?" (Be ready to discuss your understanding of AI's potential in design and provide concrete examples.)

• "How do you influence Product and Engineering leadership to adopt your design vision, especially when there are competing priorities?" (Prepare examples of persuasive communication, data-driven arguments, and collaborative negotiation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DMG and our mission to revolutionize facility maintenance?" (Research DMG's business model, clients, and recent news. Connect your skills to their industry transformation.)

• "How would you contribute to our 'Certified Great Place to Work' culture and mentor other designers?" (Discuss your mentorship philosophy and how you foster positive team dynamics.)

• "How do you ensure your design decisions are aligned with business goals while advocating for the user?" (Demonstrate your understanding of balancing user needs with business objectives.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Impactful Case Studies: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your strategic thinking, end-to-end ownership, "0-to-1" experience, AI integration (if applicable), and mentorship capabilities.

• Structure for Clarity: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, challenges, solutions, and quantifiable outcomes.

• Emphasize Your Strategic Contribution: Clearly articulate how you shaped the strategy, not just executed it.

• Showcase Mentorship: If possible, include an example of how you mentored a designer or contributed to the team's growth.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, rationale, and the impact of your work. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic leadership, hands-on design expertise, collaboration skills, and a forward-thinking approach, particularly concerning AI. The portfolio presentation is the cornerstone of the interview process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided jobvite.com link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strategic design leadership, end-to-end product ownership, "0-to-1" initiatives, and any experience with AI integration or design system development.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience level (10+ years), strategic contributions, and specific achievements in product design, emphasizing your Principal-level capabilities and mentorship experience.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on strategic rationale, process, impact, and your approach to collaboration and mentorship. Prepare answers to strategic, behavioral, and company-specific questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Divisions Maintenance Group, understanding their industry, business goals, technology focus (especially AI), and company culture to articulate your interest and fit effectively.

⚠️ 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.