Product Designer & User Researcher H/F - Lille

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer & User Researcher H/F

Company: Smile Group (UX-Republic)

Location: Lille, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & User Research

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in driving product success by bridging user needs with business objectives through a comprehensive UX and UI design process.

• The position requires a deep understanding of both qualitative user research methodologies and quantitative data analysis to inform product iterations.

• A key aspect involves leading strategy and exploration phases, encompassing research planning, participant recruitment, and conducting in-depth interviews.

• The role also demands strong skills in visual design and prototyping, translating user insights into high-fidelity interactive products.

• Collaboration with Product Managers and development teams to ensure product feasibility and alignment with KPIs is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job description focuses heavily on Product Design and User Research, indicating a role within a product development or digital transformation consultancy. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and execute comprehensive user research plans, including methodologies like in-depth interviews, focus groups, surveys, and ethnographic studies.

• Analyze and synthesize research data to create impactful deliverables such as Personas, Experience Maps, and User Journeys.

• Develop high-fidelity visual designs and interactive prototypes that align with product strategy and user needs.

• Design and conduct usability testing sessions (guerrilla, moderated, unmoderated) and analyze friction points.

• Leverage UX analytics tools (e.g., Hotjar, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions and recommend precise iteration strategies.

• Challenge and prioritize product backlogs based on user and business value, identifying key opportunities for feature development.

• Facilitate collaborative workshops for ideation, card sorting, and tree testing, synthesizing insights for stakeholders.

• Foster strong, synergistic relationships with development teams and Product Managers to ensure quality delivery and technical feasibility.

• Champion a 360° product thinking approach, embracing rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

• Drive product vision and prioritization, ensuring alignment with business KPIs and user satisfaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle product design role, emphasizing both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The mention of "challenging the backlog" and "prioritizing functionalities" points towards a senior or lead capacity within product design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX Design, or a closely related field. Experience in an agency setting is preferred but not mandatory.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in end-to-end Product Design (UX and UI).

• Proficient in qualitative user research methodologies (interviews, focus groups, ethnography).

• Skilled in quantitative data analysis and UX analytics tools (e.g., Hotjar, Mixpanel).

• Strong visual design and high-fidelity prototyping capabilities.

• Experience with usability testing protocols and analysis.

• Excellent facilitation skills for collaborative workshops and co-design sessions.

• Ability to define product strategy, challenge backlogs, and prioritize features.

• Deep understanding of Agile methodologies and iterative development cycles.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with Product Managers and development teams.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in digital transformation consulting.

• Familiarity with information architecture principles and user journey mapping.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.

• Experience with A/B testing and conversion rate optimization.

• Proficiency in various design and prototyping tools beyond the core requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "minimum 5 years" suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The preference for agency experience indicates a need for adaptability and client-facing skills. The emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative skills suggests a "data-informed" or "data-driven" design approach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating your role and impact.

• Case studies that detail your process from initial research and strategy through to final UI design and testing.

• Examples of user research methodologies applied, including participant recruitment, interview guides, and analysis of findings.

• Prototypes demonstrating user flows, interaction design, and visual design execution across different fidelity levels.

• Evidence of how you've used data (qualitative and quantitative) to inform design decisions and iterate on products. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to research, analysis, and design, with clear documentation of key phases.

• Showcase your ability to create and articulate user Personas, Experience Maps, and User Journeys.

• Provide examples of how you have facilitated workshops and synthesized outcomes.

• Include examples of usability testing protocols and reports, highlighting identified issues and proposed solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on the full design lifecycle, a portfolio is critical. It should not only display aesthetic skills but also a robust, analytical, and user-centric design process. Demonstrating impact through metrics or user feedback is highly recommended.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer & User Researcher with 5+ years of experience in Lille, France, the estimated gross annual salary typically ranges from €45,000 to €65,000. This can vary based on specific experience, the complexity of projects, and the candidate's negotiation skills.

Benefits:

• Company mutual health insurance.

• Public transport subsidy (50% covered).

• Minimum of 9 RTT (Réduction du Temps de Travail - compensatory leave days) per year.

• Vacation bonus.

• Meal vouchers (€10 value, 50% covered).

Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, common in France for full-time employment, with provisions for RTT to manage overtime and maintain work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on French market rates for experienced design professionals in a major city like Lille, considering the hybrid work model and the specific benefits offered. RTT is a standard benefit in France for employees working more than the legal 35-hour week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Consulting, Digital Transformation. UX-Republic, as part of Smile Group, operates at the intersection of technology consulting and digital experience design.

Company Size: Smile Group is a significant player in digital transformation in Europe, employing over 1,700 people across multiple countries. UX-Republic itself retains an agile, human-centric culture, benefiting from the resources and reach of a larger group.

Founded: UX-Republic was founded in 2011 and integrated into Smile Group in 2021. This integration provides stability and growth opportunities while maintaining a specialized focus on UX and product design.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be a key member of a "Squad," a cross-functional, agile team focused on specific product development or digital transformation initiatives.

• This role implies close collaboration with Product Managers, developers, and potentially other designers or researchers.

• The team structure emphasizes autonomy, continuous improvement, and a shared responsibility for product success. Methodology:

• The team operates within an Agile framework, focusing on iterative development, rapid feedback loops, and continuous improvement.

• A "data-informed" approach is central, integrating both qualitative user insights and quantitative analytics into the design process.

• Emphasis is placed on co-creation, collaborative workshops, and strong stakeholder communication.

Company Website: https://jobs.smile.eu

📝 Enhancement Note: UX-Republic is positioned as a specialized UX/Product Design consultancy within the broader Smile Group. This dual identity suggests a culture that values both deep expertise and the broader opportunities of a larger organization. The "Squad" model is common in agile product development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Product Designer and User Researcher, likely operating at a mid-to-senior level. It involves leading design processes, strategic input, and significant autonomy. It's a hands-on role with leadership potential within product teams.

Reporting Structure: The candidate will report to a design lead or manager within UX-Republic and will work closely with Product Managers on client projects. The "Squad" structure implies a collaborative reporting line where team members contribute to shared goals.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on product success by ensuring user-centricity, driving product strategy, and aligning design with business KPIs. The designer's work will influence user adoption, satisfaction, and ultimately, business performance for clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of UX/UI, user research, or product strategy.

• Leadership: Progress to Senior Product Designer, Lead UX/Product Designer roles, or management positions within UX-Republic.

• Skill Development: Access to training, workshops, and opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects across various industries.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience working with different client types and evolving digital transformation challenges.

• Consulting Acumen: Develop stronger client management, presentation, and strategic advisory skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized design consultancy. The integration with Smile Group likely provides additional avenues for broader career development in digital transformation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration. UX-Republic is part of Smile Group, suggesting modern office spaces designed for collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Lille, France (7 Bd Louis XIV, 59800). The hybrid nature means employees are expected to be present in the office for certain days or for specific collaborative needs.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is likely to be collaborative and dynamic, fostering teamwork among designers, developers, and product managers.

• Access to necessary design tools, prototyping software, and collaboration platforms is expected.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions or client meetings in the office.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured schedule, while the hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in managing personal and professional time. RTT days further contribute to work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key aspect, requiring individuals to be comfortable with both remote and in-office work. The Lille location is central for many French clients.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Contact: A phone call to discuss career aspirations, align expectations, and provide an overview of the role and company.

• First Meeting: An in-person or video interview to get acquainted, delve into professional background, and assess cultural fit.

• Technical Interview: A discussion with a UX-Republic expert to evaluate specific design and research skills, problem-solving abilities, and alignment with their methodologies. This may involve a portfolio review.

• Final Steps: Potential further discussions to finalize terms and confirm the fit for the team and client projects.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Process: Clearly articulate your design thinking, research methodologies, and problem-solving approach for each project.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, include metrics, user feedback, or business outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Illustrate how you've worked with stakeholders, developers, and Product Managers.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with the requirements of Product Design and User Research, showcasing both UX and UI skills.

• Prepare to Discuss: Be ready to walk through your portfolio, explain your decisions, and answer questions about your challenges and learnings.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a design challenge, from initial problem definition to solution proposal.

• Consider how you would integrate user research and data analysis into your approach.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a client or team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. A strong portfolio that clearly demonstrates process, impact, and collaboration is crucial for this role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) are common.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, Axure RP, Adobe XD.

• User Research Tools: Tools for remote usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com), session recording and heatmapping (e.g., Hotjar, FullStory), survey platforms (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform).

• Collaboration Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• UX Analytics: Hotjar, Mixpanel, Google Analytics (for understanding user behavior on digital products).

• Data Visualization: Tools may vary, but the ability to interpret and present data is key.

CRM & Automation: While not a primary focus for this role, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding the broader business context of product development. Integration tools might be relevant for understanding how design impacts connected systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The prompt mentions Hotjar and Mixpanel specifically, indicating these are key tools for leveraging quantitative data in the design process. Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools is a given.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Placing the end-user at the heart of all design decisions and product development.

• Continuous Improvement: Embracing an iterative approach to design and development, always seeking ways to enhance the user experience and product performance.

• Collaboration: Working synergistically with cross-functional teams (Product, Development) and stakeholders to achieve shared goals.

• Data-Informed Decision Making: Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data to guide strategy, validate hypotheses, and measure impact.

• Excellence & Quality: Striving for high-quality design outcomes and delivering exceptional service to clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Working in fast-paced sprints, with frequent feedback and adaptation.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Managers and developers to ensure alignment between design, business goals, and technical feasibility.

• Transparent Communication: Openly sharing insights, challenges, and progress with team members and stakeholders.

• Facilitative Leadership: Guiding discussions and workshops to extract valuable insights and drive consensus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a modern, agile, and user-focused approach to product design, typical of leading consultancies and tech companies. The integration of data into the design process is a significant cultural pillar.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Effectively navigating the inherent tension between creating the best possible user experience and meeting client business objectives and technical constraints.

• Managing Stakeholder Expectations: Communicating design rationale and research findings to diverse stakeholders with varying levels of understanding of UX principles.

• Adapting to Diverse Client Projects: Quickly understanding new industries, user groups, and business contexts for each client engagement.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Tools and Methodologies: Continuously learning and adapting to new design software, research techniques, and industry best practices.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Training: Access to internal and external training programs focused on advanced UX/UI techniques, user research methods, and product strategy.

• Industry Events: Opportunities to attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay abreast of the latest trends in design and technology.

• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced designers and consultants within UX-Republic and Smile Group.

• Cross-Industry Exposure: Working on a variety of projects allows for broad learning across different business sectors.

• Leadership Development: Potential pathways to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and contribute to strategic decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents significant growth opportunities due to the diverse project landscape and the structured approach to learning and development within UX-Republic and Smile Group.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business constraints. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making process, negotiation skills, and ability to find optimal solutions.)

• "How would you approach researching a completely new product area for a client with limited existing data?" (Demonstrate your research planning, methodology selection, and ability to gather insights from scratch.)

• "Walk us through a complex user journey you've mapped. What were the key pain points, and how did your design address them?" (Showcase your analytical skills and ability to translate user flows into design solutions.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to UX-Republic and Smile Group specifically?" (Research their values, recent projects, and company culture.)

• "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in UX/UI design and user research?" (Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.)

• "Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to a positive and productive collaboration." (Align your answer with their emphasis on teamwork and Agile methodologies.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions, and the impact/outcomes.

• Highlight Your Process: Emphasize the why behind your decisions, especially how user research and data informed your design choices.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about specific design choices, research findings, or challenges you faced.

• Showcase Versatility: Present a range of projects that demonstrate your skills across different platforms, industries, and design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating a strong, user-centered design process, demonstrating analytical thinking, and showcasing effective collaboration and communication skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer & User Researcher position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies that highlight your end-to-end product design process, user research methodologies, and data-informed decision-making. Tailor the presentation to emphasize projects relevant to digital transformation and client-facing work.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5+ years of experience, detailing your responsibilities and achievements in UX/UI design, user research, and product strategy. Use keywords such as "Product Design," "User Research," "UX/UI," "Agile," "Hotjar," "Mixpanel," and "Prototyping."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with collaborative workshops and cross-functional team interaction. Rehearse your portfolio presentation.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with UX-Republic's mission, values, and recent projects, as well as Smile Group's broader offerings. Understand their approach to digital transformation and user experience consulting.

⚠️ 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.