Principal Product Designer — Consumer Mobile & Commerce

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Product Designer — Consumer Mobile & Commerce

Company: Vilgain s.r.o.

Location: Prague, Czechia

Job Type: Contractor

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: August 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (with potential for full remote within Czechia)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design vision and execution for Vilgain's primary customer-facing digital interfaces, with a strong emphasis on the mobile application.

• Drive the enhancement of the e-commerce platform to ensure a seamless and engaging customer purchasing journey.

• Foster design consistency and adherence to the company's design system across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaborate directly with executive leadership (CEO) and Head of Product CX to shape product strategy and design direction.

• Translate user research findings into actionable design improvements that enhance user experience and drive business outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Principal Product Designer," the responsibilities and collaboration structure suggest a significant influence on product strategy and user experience, extending beyond traditional design execution. The focus on "consumer mobile & commerce" indicates a critical role in direct-to-consumer (DTC) operations and customer engagement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end UI/UX design process for the Vilgain mobile app, from initial wireframing and prototyping to high-fidelity visual design and detailed specifications.

• Strategically contribute to the e-shop's design, focusing on optimizing user flows, enhancing the overall shopping experience, and ensuring brand consistency.

• Champion and maintain the shared design system and component library, ensuring its effective use across both mobile and web platforms to promote consistency and efficiency.

• Partner closely with the Head of Product CX and CEO to define product roadmaps, articulate design rationale, and make informed design decisions aligned with business objectives.

• Act as a key liaison between design and development teams, providing clear design assets and collaborating with frontend and mobile engineers to ensure accurate and high-quality implementation of designs.

• Proactively engage in user research activities, including user interviews, usability testing, and data analysis, to gather insights and inform design iterations for continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a senior-level role with significant ownership. The emphasis on "primary customer interface" and "mobile app" indicates a critical growth area for Vilgain, requiring a designer capable of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Collaboration with CEO and Head of Product CX suggests a high level of influence and direct impact on business strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mentioned, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and a deep understanding of design principles is paramount.

Experience: 5-10 years of professional UI/UX design experience, with a proven track record in commercial projects.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UI and UX design principles, evidenced by a robust portfolio showcasing craft and outcome-driven thinking.

• Proven experience designing for e-commerce platforms, with a deep understanding of the online purchasing journey and conversion optimization.

• Significant experience in mobile app design for iOS and/or Android, including a strong grasp of platform-specific conventions and best practices.

• High proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, design system management, and creating detailed visual designs.

• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS to facilitate effective collaboration with development teams and ensure design feasibility.

• Exceptional attention to detail in both user flow logic and visual execution. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in developing and maintaining design systems and component libraries.

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

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Understanding of broader product strategy and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "must-have" qualifications for e-commerce and mobile app design are critical. The expectation of a portfolio demonstrating "outcome thinking" suggests that candidates should be prepared to articulate the business impact of their design decisions, not just the aesthetic or functional aspects. A basic understanding of HTML/CSS is a key indicator of the need for practical collaboration with engineers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-10 years of professional UI/UX design experience, with a clear emphasis on commercial projects.

• Specific case studies demonstrating expertise in designing for e-commerce platforms, detailing user journeys, conversion strategies, and implemented improvements.

• Detailed examples of mobile application design projects for iOS and/or Android, highlighting platform conventions, user flows, and visual design execution.

• Evidence of proficiency in Figma, including examples of wireframes, interactive prototypes, and contributions to component libraries or design systems.

• Projects that illustrate a strong understanding of design system principles and their application to ensure visual and functional consistency. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly outline the design process followed, from initial problem definition and user research to ideation, prototyping, testing, and final implementation.

• Demonstrate the ability to translate user research findings and data analytics into concrete design solutions.

• Showcase the creation and maintenance of design systems or component libraries, detailing the structure, components, and their impact on design consistency and development efficiency.

• Evidence of collaboration with product managers, developers, and stakeholders, illustrating communication and problem-solving approaches throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. Candidates must prepare detailed case studies that not only showcase design skills but also highlight their strategic thinking, understanding of e-commerce and mobile UX, and ability to deliver measurable business outcomes. The emphasis on "outcome thinking" means demonstrating how designs led to improved metrics or achieved business goals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Principal Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Prague, Czechia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €60,000 - €90,000 annually, depending on specific experience, negotiation, and the contractor's tax structure. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in Western European tech hubs, adjusted for the Prague cost of living and the contractor employment type.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Monthly credits for Vilgain products.

• Employee discounts on Vilgain products.

• Flexible working hours.

• Hybrid working setup, offering autonomy and work-life balance.

Working Hours: The role is advertised as 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours supporting autonomy and work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a contractor role, the "compensation" is likely a fixed hourly or daily rate, which should be negotiated to reflect the total annual value. The provided salary range is an estimate for a full-time equivalent and should be used as a benchmark for contractor rate negotiation. The emphasis on "flexible working hours" and "hybrid setup" indicates a focus on results and autonomy, common in contractor roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage (specifically, minimally processed, high-quality food products). Vilgain operates within the rapidly growing health and wellness sector, leveraging e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models.

Company Size: 500+ employees, indicating a scaling organization with established processes but still agile enough for rapid product iteration.

Founded: Information not specified, but the company's rapid growth suggests a relatively young and dynamic organization.

Team Structure:

• The design function appears to be integrated within a product team, working closely with the Head of Product CX and CEO.

• Collaboration is described as "close" and "tight," suggesting a lean, highly communicative team structure.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving product management, design, and engineering (frontend and mobile developers). Methodology:

• Focus on rapid iteration and shipping designs quickly to real users.

• Emphasis on data-driven decision-making, incorporating user research findings.

• Commitment to a "no-nonsense" and transparent environment focused on outcomes.

• Strong adherence to company values: leading by example, striving for excellence, creating outstanding products, and caring for customers and the team.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Vilgain positions itself as a mission-driven company focused on changing perceptions of food. The culture emphasizes agility, autonomy, and direct impact, which are attractive to senior, experienced professionals. The "no-nonsense" approach suggests a preference for direct communication and efficient processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Product Designer. This level signifies a senior individual contributor role with significant ownership and influence over a core product area. It implies leadership in design thinking, strategic contribution, and mentorship potential, even if not directly managing a team.

Reporting Structure: Direct collaboration with the Head of Product CX and CEO. This elevated reporting line indicates the strategic importance of the role and direct access to executive decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and substantial impact on customer acquisition, engagement, retention, and overall brand experience through the primary digital interfaces (mobile app and e-shop). Success in this role will directly influence revenue growth and customer loyalty by optimizing the core customer journey.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to shape the design strategy and user experience of a rapidly growing consumer brand's core digital products.

• Potential to influence product direction and business strategy through direct collaboration with executive leadership.

• Develop expertise in designing for both mobile-first and e-commerce platforms within a fast-paced DTC environment.

• Gain experience in building and scaling design systems for a growing product suite.

• Potential for increased responsibility and leadership within the product and design function as the company scales.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique opportunity for a senior designer to have a profound impact on a company's primary customer touchpoints. The direct access to leadership and the focus on a critical growth area (mobile app and e-commerce) provide a strong platform for career advancement and professional development, particularly for those interested in product strategy and leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid setup. This suggests a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team connection.

Office Location(s): Prague, Czechia. This is the primary hub, with the role open to remote work within Czechia.

Workspace Context:

• The environment fosters close collaboration and direct communication, essential for rapid iteration and problem-solving.

• Access to necessary design tools (Figma) and a focus on efficient workflows.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product leadership and engineering teams.

• A fast-paced, results-oriented atmosphere where designs are implemented quickly.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing individuals to manage their schedules effectively while ensuring project deadlines and collaborative needs are met. This is typical for contractor roles and reflects a trust in the individual to manage their time and output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature and flexible hours suggest a modern work environment that prioritizes autonomy and work-life balance. For a contractor role, this setup is ideal for individuals who can self-manage and deliver high-quality work independently.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess core qualifications, experience in e-commerce and mobile design, and Figma proficiency.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on key case studies relevant to mobile and e-commerce. Expect to discuss design rationale, user research, problem-solving approaches, and the impact of their designs.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: A practical exercise, potentially involving a design prompt related to the Vilgain app or e-shop, to evaluate problem-solving skills, design thinking, and Figma proficiency under time constraints.

• Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with the Head of Product CX, CEO, and potentially key developers to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and strategic thinking. Expect questions about how you approach product strategy and user needs.

• Final Offer: Based on overall assessment of skills, experience, portfolio, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that directly align with e-commerce and mobile app design. Prioritize projects where you can clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcomes.

• Showcase Process: Clearly document your design process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, iteration, and collaboration with developers. Use visuals to illustrate each stage.

• Highlight Outcomes: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved user engagement, reduced friction). If exact metrics aren't available, articulate the intended business impact and user benefits.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through your Figma files, showcasing your use of components, design systems, and prototyping features.

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative – the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the result.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Vilgain: Research Vilgain's brand, products, target audience, and current digital presence (website, app if available).

• E-commerce & Mobile Best Practices: Refresh your knowledge of current trends and best practices in mobile app UX/UI and e-commerce design.

• Problem-Solving Framework: Be ready to articulate your approach to solving design problems, focusing on user-centricity and business objectives.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when explaining complex concepts or trade-offs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess both design craft and strategic product thinking. Candidates should prepare to not only present their work but also discuss their thought process, business acumen, and ability to collaborate effectively within a fast-paced environment. The portfolio review is critical, so selecting and presenting relevant case studies effectively is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all design work, including wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and design system management. Proficiency is a must-have.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed, a Principal Product Designer should be comfortable working with data and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions and measure impact. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts the customer journey within CRM and marketing automation contexts is beneficial. Other Potential Tools:

• Prototyping tools beyond Figma (e.g., InVision, Principle) might be a plus but Figma is the core requirement.

• User research platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Jira, Confluence) for team communication and project management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the cornerstone of this role's toolset. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency. While specific analytics tools aren't listed as requirements, an operations-minded designer will leverage data to drive their decisions, so familiarity with common analytics platforms is highly advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Leading by Example: Demonstrating high standards in design work, collaboration, and professional conduct.

• Striving for Excellence: A commitment to delivering high-quality, polished designs and continuously seeking improvement.

• Creating Outstanding Products: A focus on building user-centric products that meet both user needs and business goals.

• Taking Care of Customers and Team: Emphasizing empathy in design and fostering a supportive, collaborative team environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Close Collaboration: Working hand-in-hand with product management, CEO, and development teams.

• Hands-on and Gets Things Done: A pragmatic, action-oriented approach to design and execution.

• Transparent and No-Nonsense: Direct communication, clear expectations, and efficient decision-making processes.

• Outcome-Focused: Prioritizing results and impact over process for its own sake.

📝 Enhancement Note: Vilgain's values are deeply embedded in their operational culture. For a designer, this means not only executing tasks but embodying these principles in their daily work, from how they approach problem-solving to how they interact with colleagues and contribute to the product's success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Mobile App and E-shop Design: Ensuring a cohesive and consistent user experience across two distinct, yet connected, digital platforms.

• Rapid Iteration Environment: Adapting to a fast-paced development cycle where designs need to be produced and implemented quickly, requiring efficient workflows and decision-making.

• Translating Vision into Execution: Effectively communicating a principal-level design vision to development teams and ensuring accurate implementation while maintaining design integrity.

• Driving User Research Impact: Proactively initiating and effectively utilizing user research to inform design decisions in a potentially resource-constrained, fast-moving environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Product Influence: Opportunity to significantly impact product strategy and roadmap through direct collaboration with executive leadership.

• DTC E-commerce & Mobile Expertise: Deepening expertise in designing for high-growth consumer mobile applications and e-commerce platforms.

• Design System Leadership: Potentially taking a lead role in evolving and scaling the company's design system.

• Fast-Paced Growth Environment: Gaining experience in a rapidly scaling company, understanding the challenges and opportunities of growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of senior design roles in dynamic tech companies. The growth opportunities are significant, offering a chance to shape a key part of a growing brand's digital presence and gain invaluable experience in a high-impact role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing priorities between user needs and business goals. How did you resolve it?" (Focus on your decision-making process and outcome.)

• "How do you approach designing for both a mobile app and an e-commerce website simultaneously to ensure a consistent brand experience?" (Highlight your understanding of design systems and cross-platform strategy.)

• "Walk us through your process for translating user research findings into actionable design improvements for a consumer-facing product." (Emphasize your research methodology and impact articulation.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Vilgain and our mission? How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our values?" (Research Vilgain thoroughly and connect your approach to their stated values.)

• "How do you handle feedback on your designs, especially from non-designers or stakeholders with different perspectives?" (Demonstrate your collaborative and receptive approach.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to advocate for a design decision that was initially met with resistance." (Showcase your communication and persuasion skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and contributions, your design process, key decisions made, challenges faced, and the final outcome (with metrics if possible).

• Emphasize Figma Use: Be ready to demonstrate your Figma skills live, showing how you structure files, use components, and build interactive prototypes.

• Focus on E-commerce & Mobile: Ensure your presented work directly addresses the core requirements of mobile app and e-commerce design.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, present data or metrics that demonstrate the success of your designs. If not, clearly articulate the intended business value and user benefits.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss not just what you designed, but why you designed it that way, and what the impact was. The interviewers will be looking for strategic thinking, strong problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles within a commercial context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Vilgain careers portal.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest case studies that specifically highlight your e-commerce and mobile app design experience. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, your role, your process, and the measurable outcomes.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to emphasize your years of experience, proficiency in Figma, and specific achievements in UI/UX design for mobile and e-commerce. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a focus on clarity, conciseness, and impact. Be ready to articulate your design rationale and answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.

• Research Vilgain: Thoroughly understand Vilgain's brand, mission, product offerings, and target audience. Familiarize yourself with their current digital presence to better tailor your responses and portfolio examples.

⚠️ 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.