Product Design- og UX-lead for Polaris Media

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Design- og UX-lead for Polaris Media

Company: Polaris Media (via LHH Recruitment Solutions)

Location: Trondheim, Norway / Gothenburg, Sweden

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & User Experience Operations

Date Posted: June 09, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site (Trondheim or Gothenburg)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the strategic vision and operational execution for product design and user experience across Polaris Media's Nordic digital products.

• Drive the development and refinement of design principles, visual expression, and user journeys for content experiences used by hundreds of thousands daily.

• Manage and evolve the Figma-based design system to ensure consistency and efficiency in product development.

• Foster a collaborative and learning-oriented environment for a small, dedicated design and UX team.

• Blend strategic leadership with hands-on UI design, ensuring solutions meet accessibility standards and user needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within a newly formed Nordic product organization. The emphasis on "Product Design- og UX-lead" suggests a dual focus on both strategic direction-setting and active, hands-on design work, indicating a senior individual contributor with team leadership responsibilities rather than a pure people management role. The integration of AI and evolving user behavior highlights the forward-looking nature of this position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and communicate the strategic direction, principles, and standards for design and user experience across all existing and new digital products.

• Ensure consistently high design quality and evolve the visual identity of Polaris Media's digital platforms.

• Develop, maintain, and govern the comprehensive design system within Figma to support scalable product development.

• Actively participate in the design process, from initial user research and journey mapping to detailed UI design and user testing.

• Guarantee that all digital solutions comply with universal design (accessibility) requirements and relevant regulations.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Managers, Developers, and Editorial teams to align design efforts with business objectives and content strategy.

• Provide professional guidance and mentorship to a small design and UX team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.

• Report directly to the Chief Product Officer, contributing to high-level product strategy discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a blend of strategic leadership and tactical execution. The emphasis on "Sette retning" (setting direction) and "Videreutvikle" (further develop) indicates a strategic component, while "Være operativ i designarbeidet" (be operational in design work) and managing the Figma design system point to significant hands-on involvement. The collaborative aspect with editorial teams is crucial given the nature of Polaris Media's business.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Digital Media, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this seniority. Relevant certifications in UX or product design can also be beneficial.

Experience: Minimum of five years of progressive experience in product design, UX design, and digital product development.

Required Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in product design, UX, and digital product development.

• Proficiency across the entire design process: user research, user journey mapping, UI design, and testing.

• Strong ability to work with data-driven insights and translate them into concrete design decisions and measurable improvements.

• Demonstrated experience in taking ownership, fostering strong collaboration, and establishing effective processes.

• Proven ability to manage and evolve a design system, ideally within Figma.

• Deep understanding of universal design principles and accessibility standards.

• Excellent collaboration and communication skills for cross-functional teamwork.

• Curiosity and adaptability to new technologies, including AI, and their application in product improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the media or publishing industry.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

• Experience leading or mentoring small design teams.

• Fluency in both Norwegian and Swedish is advantageous for cross-border collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5+ years" experience requirement, combined with the leadership and strategic responsibilities, positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The explicit mention of Figma and the design system suggests a strong need for practical, tool-specific expertise. The emphasis on data-driven work and translating insights into measurable improvements is critical for operations roles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of professional product design and UX work.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the design process from problem identification through to solution implementation and impact.

• Demonstrations of expertise in user research methodologies, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design.

• Examples of how data and user insights were used to inform design decisions and drive measurable improvements (e.g., increased engagement, conversion rates, user satisfaction).

• Evidence of experience in developing, managing, or contributing to a design system, with specific examples of its application, preferably using Figma.

• Projects that highlight an understanding and application of universal design principles and accessibility standards. Process Documentation:

• Showcase experience in defining and documenting design processes, workflows, and best practices.

• Examples of how user feedback loops and iterative design cycles were integrated into product development.

• Documentation of how design principles and guidelines were established and communicated to cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a design leadership role, a portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on a "design system" and "Figma" means candidates must have tangible proof of their ability to scale design efforts. The requirement to demonstrate data-driven decision-making and measurable impact is typical for operations-focused roles, even in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (5+ years), leadership responsibilities, and the locations (Trondheim, Norway and Gothenburg, Sweden), a competitive salary range is estimated.

• Trondheim, Norway: Approximately 650,000 - 950,000 NOK annually.

• Gothenburg, Sweden: Approximately 600,000 - 900,000 SEK annually.

  These ranges are estimations and may vary based on specific qualifications, negotiation, and the company's compensation structure. Research for Oslo/Stockholm equivalents would be higher.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to shape and influence the digital presentation of journalism for a large audience across Norway and Sweden.

• A central and impactful role within a newly established, cross-border product organization.

• Work with cutting-edge technologies and evolving user behaviors, including AI.

• Access to skilled, engaged, and ambitious colleagues who value a positive work environment and collaboration.

• Opportunities for professional development and to contribute to significant product innovation.

• Potential for involvement in strategic product roadmap planning.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on team and project needs, though the role is primarily on-site.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary ranges are estimated based on industry benchmarks for senior Product Design/UX leads in Norway and Sweden. Cost of living and average salaries in Trondheim and Gothenburg were considered. The benefits listed are derived from the job description's "Hvorfor velge Polaris?" section and are contextualized for operations professionals.

TimaticTeam & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media and Publishing (Digital Content & Journalism). Polaris Media operates 78 media houses in Norway and Sweden, indicating a significant presence in regional and local news delivery. The company is actively investing in its digital future and consolidating product development.

Company Size: Polaris Media is a large media group, owning and operating numerous media houses. The newly established Nordic product organization will likely be a significant team within this larger entity, bringing together product managers, designers, developers, and editorial staff.

Founded: Polaris Media has a long history in media, though the specific founding date of the overarching group isn't provided, its presence through 78 media houses suggests a well-established organization evolving into a modern digital publisher.

Team Structure:

• The role leads a "mindre design- og UX-team" (small design and UX team), implying direct reporting and mentorship responsibilities for a few individuals.

• This team is part of a larger, newly formed "felles nordisk produktorganisasjon" (common Nordic product organization).

• Collaboration will be extensive with Product Leaders, Developers, and Editorial teams across Norway and Sweden.

• The role reports to the Chief Product Officer, indicating a senior position within the product hierarchy. Methodology:

• Emphasis on a "datadrevet og utforskende" (data-driven and exploratory) approach to design.

• Commitment to user-centric design, translating "innsikt" (insights) into actionable design choices.

• Focus on developing and maintaining a robust "designsystem" for consistency and efficiency.

• Embracing new technologies like AI to enhance user experiences and product development processes.

• A culture that values "godt arbeidsmiljø" (good work environment) and "å ha det gøy sammen" (having fun together) alongside high ambitions.

Company Website: https://www.polarismedia.no/ (Note: The LHH recruitment site is the application portal, but Polaris Media is the ultimate employer).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context emphasizes a transition towards a unified digital product organization, which is a key driver for this role. The "Nordic" aspect implies a need for cultural awareness and potentially managing design across different regional nuances, even within a standardized framework. The blend of traditional media with cutting-edge digital development (AI) is a significant aspect of their evolving operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Lead role, signifying a senior position with responsibilities for strategic direction, team guidance, and hands-on design execution. It sits above individual contributor designers but might not be a large team management role. It's a critical function in shaping the user experience of core digital products.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Chief Product Officer (CPO) of Polaris Media. This provides high visibility and direct access to executive-level product strategy and decision-making. The Lead will also guide a small team of designers.

Operations Impact: The Product Design- and UX-lead will have a direct and significant impact on how hundreds of thousands of users engage with Polaris Media's journalistic content daily. By enhancing user experience, the role contributes to user retention, engagement, and ultimately, the perceived value of the company's digital offerings, which supports revenue generation for the media houses.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced UX research methodologies, AI-driven design applications, and complex design system management.

• Leadership Development: Transition into a full people management role overseeing a larger product design function if the organization scales.

• Strategic Influence: Gain further influence on product strategy and roadmap planning within the broader Nordic product organization.

• Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in UX for media and digital publishing, potentially speaking at industry events.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Lead initiatives that bridge design, product, and editorial, fostering a more integrated GTM approach for new digital features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed to appeal to ambitious operations professionals. The move from a "lead" role to potentially broader management, coupled with strategic influence and industry recognition, offers a clear career progression path within a dynamic media organization. The impact on user engagement directly ties into business objectives, a key consideration for operations roles.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires an on-site presence in either Trondheim, Norway, or Gothenburg, Sweden. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for in-person teamwork and idea exchange.

Office Location(s):

• Trondheim, Norway: Ferjemannsveien 6 or Bassengbakken 4, 7042 Trondheim. These locations are central and accessible within Trondheim.

• Gothenburg, Sweden: Polhemsplatsen 3, 411 11 Gothenburg. This is a prime business location in Gothenburg.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on "tett samarbeid" (close collaboration) with product leaders, developers, and editorial teams indicates a dynamic, team-oriented workspace.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools, particularly Figma, is a given. The company's commitment to embracing new technology like AI suggests a modern tech stack and an openness to innovation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with a dedicated design/UX team, as well as broader cross-functional engagement within the Nordic product organization.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time working hours (likely 37.5-40 hours per week) with an on-site requirement. While not explicitly stated, a modern organization like Polaris Media may offer some flexibility, but core hours and collaborative needs will likely dictate a significant presence in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. For operations roles, this often signifies a need for direct collaboration, facilitated by physical proximity. The specific office addresses suggest established business premises in key Nordic cities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of CV and portfolio by LHH Recruitment Solutions or Polaris Media's HR/hiring team.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, showcasing key projects, design process, and quantifiable results. Expect to walk through specific case studies.

• Skills Assessment: Technical interviews focusing on UX/UI principles, design system management, Figma proficiency, and problem-solving related to media product challenges.

• Cultural Fit & Team Interaction: Interviews with the Chief Product Officer, potential team members, and cross-functional stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, lead developers) to assess collaboration style and alignment with Polaris Media's values.

• Strategic Discussion: Questions about setting design direction, managing design teams, and contributing to the new Nordic product organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate for Impact: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your skills in product design, UX, and leadership. Prioritize projects with clear business impact and measurable results.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, design, testing), your design decisions, and the outcome (quantified where possible).

• Highlight Design System Work: Showcase your experience with design systems, especially Figma. Explain how you built, maintained, or contributed to one, and its benefits.

• Demonstrate Data-Driven Approach: Explicitly show how user data, analytics, or A/B testing informed your design choices and led to improvements.

• Showcase UI Craftsmanship: Include high-fidelity mockups and prototypes that demonstrate your visual design skills and attention to detail.

• Address Accessibility: Include examples of how you've incorporated universal design principles.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study exercise that requires you to analyze a problem related to digital media consumption and propose a design solution.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely, focusing on user needs and business objectives.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach building consensus and collaboration within a new, cross-border product organization.

• Research Polaris Media's current digital products to understand their current state and identify potential areas for improvement from a UX perspective.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a lead role in a new organization will heavily rely on portfolio review and strategic thinking. Candidates must be ready to "show, don't just tell" their capabilities, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating process and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as the tool for the design system, indicating it's the primary platform for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• User Research Tools: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Google Forms, SurveyMonkey).

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has strong prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision or Adobe XD might be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with Agile tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Looker for analyzing user data and presenting insights.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data from CRM systems might inform product design and personalization would be an asset.

• Familiarity with marketing automation platforms could be helpful for understanding user journeys and communication strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma is critical. For operations-focused design roles, proficiency in the core design and collaboration tools is non-negotiable. Understanding analytics and data reporting tools is essential for demonstrating the impact of design decisions.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful design.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships across product, development, and editorial teams to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing data and insights to inform design choices and measure success.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing a mindset of iterative development and constant optimization of products and processes.

• Innovation & Curiosity: Proactively exploring new technologies (like AI) and methodologies to enhance user experiences and drive product evolution.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for design outcomes and driving initiatives to completion.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Actively working with product managers to define requirements, developers to ensure feasible implementation, and editorial teams to understand content needs.

• Open Communication: Encouraging transparency and constructive feedback within the design team and with cross-functional partners.

• Process-Oriented: Establishing clear workflows and collaboration protocols to ensure efficient and effective product development cycles.

• Empowerment & Learning: Creating an environment where team members feel empowered to contribute ideas and continuously learn from each other and from user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture described emphasizes a modern, collaborative, and results-oriented approach, which is typical for successful product organizations. The "Nordic" aspect might also imply a culture that values directness, efficiency, and work-life balance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a Unified Design Vision: Aligning design standards and user experience across diverse media products and potentially different regional user expectations within Norway and Sweden.

• Integrating AI into Design: Exploring and implementing AI-driven tools and features to enhance user experience without compromising journalistic integrity or user trust.

• Balancing Strategic Leadership with Hands-on Design: Effectively managing team guidance and strategic direction while remaining operationally involved in the day-to-day design work.

• Navigating a New Organizational Structure: Contributing to the successful integration and operationalization of the new Nordic product organization.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design: Opportunities to research and experiment with AI tools and their application in user research, content personalization, and design generation.

• Cross-Cultural Design: Gaining experience in designing for diverse audiences within Norway and Sweden, understanding cultural nuances in digital consumption.

• Leadership Growth: Developing skills in team leadership, strategic planning, and cross-functional influence within a growing product organization.

• Media Industry Trends: Deepening knowledge of the evolving digital media landscape, including new content formats and monetization strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed to highlight areas where a skilled operations professional can make a significant impact and demonstrate their problem-solving abilities. The growth opportunities are tied to current industry trends and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you establish design principles for a new, cross-border product organization in the media industry?" (Focus on process, stakeholder buy-in, and alignment with business goals).

• "Describe your experience in developing and managing a design system in Figma. What are the key benefits, and how do you ensure its adoption?" (Highlight practical application, scalability, and collaboration).

• "How do you approach translating user research and data insights into actionable UI designs, particularly for content-heavy platforms?" (Demonstrate your data-driven process and problem-solving skills).

• "Given the rise of AI, how do you see it impacting product design in the media sector, and how would you explore its integration responsibly?" (Show forward-thinking and ethical considerations). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Polaris Media's mission and the opportunity to shape digital journalism?" (Demonstrate research and genuine interest).

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers, developers, and editorial teams." (Highlight your team-player attributes and understanding of cross-functional dynamics).

• "How do you foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a design team?" (Show your leadership and team-building approach). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the measurable impact. Use a consistent framework.

• Focus on "Why": Be prepared to explain the rationale behind your design decisions at every step. Why this research method? Why this UI element? Why this solution?

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved engagement, conversion rates, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).

• Showcase Your Process: Emphasize your iterative approach, how you incorporated feedback, and how you managed trade-offs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your specific contributions, the tools you used, and challenges you overcame.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, practical application of design principles, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of the media industry's unique operational challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Design- og UX-lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the LHH Recruitment Solutions career portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating strong UX/UI skills, design system experience (especially Figma), and data-driven decision-making relevant to digital media.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience, leadership capabilities, and specific achievements in product design and UX, using keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your process, rationale, and the measurable impact of your work. Be ready to discuss strategic contributions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Polaris Media, its brands, its current digital products, and its stated mission to understand their operational context and how your skills can contribute to their goals.

⚠️ 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 (LHH Recruitment Solutions or Polaris Media) before making application decisions.