Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Catalyst Consulting Group

Location: Chicago, IL (or North America for remote)

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX) / User Interface (UI)

Date Posted: October 1, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Remote OK (North America)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for complex enterprise-level web and mobile applications, ensuring seamless integration of user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints within Catalyst Consulting Group's technology services offerings.

• Drive the creation of intuitive user interfaces and robust systems by translating intricate requirements into logical information architecture, effective workflows, and engaging user experiences.

• Champion a user-centered design methodology through rigorous user research and usability testing, validating design decisions and iterating on product features to maximize constituent and internal user satisfaction.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive design systems and style guides to ensure brand consistency, scalability, and efficiency across Catalyst's diverse portfolio of digital products and technology solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the job title is "Product Designer," the description heavily emphasizes enterprise software, SaaS configuration, and government technology services, indicating a strong focus on B2B/B2G product design with complex workflows and user roles, rather than consumer-facing applications. The "Operations" angle for this role is derived from its critical function in shaping the user experience of the technology solutions Catalyst implements for its clients, directly impacting client adoption, efficiency, and satisfaction.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the product design lifecycle for web and mobile applications, meticulously incorporating business goals, detailed user needs, critical technical constraints, and established design standards to deliver impactful solutions.

• Actively collaborate with Product Managers and Software Developers to precisely define product requirements, and subsequently develop functional prototypes that effectively support diverse user roles, granular permissions, and intricate workflows.

• Structure application information and core functionality in a highly logical and intuitive manner, ensuring clarity for internal team collaboration and optimal usability for end-users across various public sector clients.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, and perform rigorous usability testing to validate design decisions, refine product direction, and guarantee a consistently positive and efficient user experience.

• Design and implement responsive interfaces that seamlessly adapt to a variety of devices and screen sizes, incorporating custom icons, illustrations, and adhering to established brand guidelines as required for each client engagement.

• Develop, manage, and evolve robust design systems and style guides to maintain design consistency, promote reusability, and ensure a unified brand identity across Catalyst's entire portfolio of digital products and technology services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep need for systems thinking and an understanding of complex enterprise environments, which are core tenets of effective operations design. The emphasis on "different user roles, permissions, and workflows" points to a need for designing for operational efficiency and security within client systems.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a proven track record of leading design initiatives for complex digital products and services.

Required Skills:

• A robust portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of product thinking, complex systems thinking, and user-centered design principles, with a focus on enterprise-level applications.

• Proven experience designing complex enterprise software and/or SaaS products, specifically applications involving diverse user roles, granular permissions, and multi-step workflows.

• Demonstrated systems thinking capabilities, with a clear understanding of how various components, workflows, and user interactions interrelate within a comprehensive application ecosystem.

• Experience successfully managing complex design problems from initial concept through to final implementation, collaborating effectively with developers and other cross-functional team members to validate designs and enhance system functionality.

• Expertise in industry-standard design tools such as Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD, with the ability to produce high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.

• Foundational understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and their practical implications and impact on design decisions and front-end development.

• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, with a demonstrated ability to clearly articulate design rationale, present findings, and influence decisions with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams.

• Strong ability to work independently, effectively prioritize competing tasks, and manage multiple concurrent projects with minimal supervision. Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience working within technology services firms or the government sector, understanding the unique challenges and requirements of these industries.

• Familiarity with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and best practices for inclusive design.

• Experience with user journey mapping and service design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "systems thinking" and "enterprise software" design experience is crucial for this role, indicating a need for a candidate who can understand and design for the operational intricacies of large organizations, particularly in the government sector. This goes beyond typical UI/UX roles and touches upon operational efficiency through design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of product design experience, with a strong emphasis on complex enterprise software and SaaS products.

• Detailed case studies that clearly demonstrate a deep understanding of product thinking, systems thinking, and user-centered design principles in practice.

• Examples of how you have translated complex problems and user needs into intuitive, enterprise-level solutions, highlighting your design process and decision-making.

• Specific projects that illustrate experience with diverse user roles, permissions, and intricate workflows within a single application.

• Projects that showcase the development and maintenance of design systems or style guides, emphasizing consistency and scalability across products. Process Documentation:

• Evidence of your design process, including user research methodologies, usability testing approaches, and how you iterate on designs based on feedback and data.

• Documentation of your approach to structuring application information and functionality for clarity and intuitive user navigation.

• Examples of how you collaborate with product managers and developers throughout the product development lifecycle, from requirement definition to final implementation.

• Demonstrations of your ability to design responsive interfaces and incorporate brand guidelines effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on enterprise and government technology, the portfolio must heavily emphasize process and systems thinking. Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just the visual design, but the strategic thinking behind how their designs support complex operational workflows, data management, and user permissions within a government or large enterprise context. The "systems thinking" requirement is a direct indicator of this.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $115,000 to $135,000 per year (USD).

Benefits:

• Ample time off, starting at 16 days annually, providing flexibility and work-life balance.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans, with 100% coverage for US-based employees.

• Company-provided computer (Mac or PC, based on employee preference) to ensure optimal productivity.

• Flexible, autonomic work schedule, allowing for greater control over daily working hours.

• Virtual and in-person social events designed to foster team connection and company culture.

• Training and certification reimbursement to support continuous professional development in design and technology.

• Opportunities for professional growth within a fast-growing company that promotes a "sky-is-the-limit" mindset.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with a flexible and autonomic schedule allowing for significant autonomy in managing work hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for a Product Designer with 5+ years of experience in a specialized field (enterprise/government tech). This range is competitive for senior-level design roles in major US metropolitan areas like Chicago, and likely aligns with national averages for remote positions requiring significant experience and specialized skills in complex systems design. The 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for US employees is a significant benefit, particularly within the consulting and technology services sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology Services & Government Technology Vendor. Catalyst Consulting Group operates within the intersection of technology consulting and the public sector, offering specialized IT solutions. This means a focus on delivering robust, reliable, and secure systems that meet the unique demands of government agencies and public sector entities.

Company Size: The provided information suggests a growing company, likely in the mid-size range (50-250 employees), actively expanding its North American footprint. This implies a dynamic environment with opportunities for impact, but also potentially a need for individuals who can adapt to evolving processes and structures.

Founded: Founded 35 years ago, Catalyst Consulting Group has a long-standing history in the government technology services sector. This longevity indicates stability, deep industry expertise, and established client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design function likely operates within a larger Product or Engineering department, collaborating closely with Product Managers, Developers, and potentially Business Analysts.

• The reporting structure for this role is not explicitly stated but is likely to be to a Head of Product, Director of Design, or a Senior Product Manager, depending on the team's specific organization.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone, with designers expected to work intimately with product management for requirements, development for feasibility, and potentially client stakeholders for user research and validation. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are crucial, with user research and usability testing forming the basis for design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization are central, as the role involves designing for complex processes within enterprise and government systems.

• Automation and efficiency practices are implied, as the company leverages various platforms to deliver "best of breed" systems that revolutionize client operations.

Company Website: https://catconsult.bamboohr.com/careers

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on government technology services is a key differentiator. This suggests a need for designers who understand the nuances of public sector procurement, data security, accessibility requirements, and long-term system maintenance, which often differ from typical commercial SaaS environments. The "one stop shop" mentality implies a broad scope of services, requiring designers to be adaptable and capable of understanding diverse technical stacks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is positioned as a senior individual contributor, focusing on leading design for complex digital products. It requires significant experience in product thinking, systems thinking, and user-centered design, indicating a role that requires strategic input and the ability to influence product direction and technical architecture.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly defined, this role likely reports to a design lead or product management lead, with close collaboration across development and client-facing teams. The "lead product design" aspect suggests a degree of autonomy and leadership within design projects.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the operational efficiency and effectiveness of Catalyst's clients. By creating intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for complex enterprise systems, the designer enables clients to better manage their internal processes, serve constituents more effectively, and leverage technology to achieve their mission-critical objectives. This role is pivotal in translating technical capabilities into tangible operational improvements for public sector organizations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in government technology design, accessibility standards, or specific platform configurations (e.g., Salesforce, AWS).

• Leadership: Transition into a Design Lead or Managerial role, overseeing design strategy and team development as the company grows.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of the full technology service lifecycle, including SaaS configuration, custom development, and integration architecture, to become a more holistic solutions designer.

• Client Engagement: Take on more direct client-facing roles, leading design workshops and presenting solutions to high-level stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "sky-is-the-limit mindset" mentioned in the benefits section implies a culture that supports ambitious career progression. For a Product Designer, this could translate into opportunities to shape the future of the company's product offerings and potentially move into strategic product leadership roles within the government technology services domain.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job posting mentions a headquarters in Chicago but also offers remote work across North America. This suggests a hybrid or remote-first approach, with potential for occasional in-person meetings or collaboration days at the Chicago office, depending on team structure and project needs.

Office Location(s): Headquarters in Chicago. Remote work is available for candidates located within North America.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on collaboration with product managers, developers, and stakeholders indicates a team-oriented workspace, whether in-person or virtual. Expect frequent communication and knowledge sharing.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD) and potentially project management/collaboration platforms (e.g., Jira, Confluence, Slack) is expected. The company's tech stack (Salesforce, AWS, Java, .NET, React Native, MuleSoft) provides context for the types of systems being designed for.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will likely involve virtual stand-ups, design critiques, client presentations, and cross-functional brainstorming sessions.

Work Schedule: Flexible, autonomic work schedule is offered, allowing employees significant control over their working hours, provided that core responsibilities are met and collaboration needs are accommodated. This flexibility is beneficial for managing complex design tasks that may require focused, uninterrupted time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-friendly nature for North America, coupled with a Chicago HQ, suggests a company that has embraced modern work arrangements. For a Product Designer, this means adapting to remote collaboration tools and potentially managing distributed teams or client interactions effectively. The "autonomic work schedule" is particularly relevant for design roles that often benefit from deep focus periods.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly focusing on enterprise/SaaS design and systems thinking.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio. Expect to discuss specific case studies, your design process, how you approached complex problems, your understanding of user needs, and your systems thinking. This may involve a practical design exercise or a presentation of your work.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Developers to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding (HTML/CSS/JS impact).

• Stakeholder/Leadership Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, cultural fit, and alignment with Catalyst's mission and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Clearly articulate how your designs account for complex user roles, permissions, and workflows. Use diagrams or flowcharts if helpful.

• Highlight Process: Detail your approach to user research, problem-solving, and iteration. Explain why you made certain design decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs (e.g., improved user satisfaction, increased efficiency, reduced errors).

• Tailor to Enterprise/Government: Emphasize projects with similar complexity or within related industries if available. Show an understanding of enterprise constraints and client-facing communication.

• Demonstrate Tool Proficiency: Be ready to discuss your use of Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD and how you leverage their features for efficient and effective design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Be prepared for a challenge that requires designing a solution for a complex government or enterprise problem, focusing on user workflows and system integration.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate your ability to think through the problem systematically, identify user needs, and propose a well-reasoned design solution, even with limited time.

• Articulate Rationale: Clearly explain your design choices, the assumptions you made, and how your solution addresses the core requirements and potential operational challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "systems thinking" and "enterprise-level solutions" in the portfolio and interview sections is critical. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their ability to design for complex, multi-faceted systems rather than just individual user interfaces. This involves understanding how different parts of a system interact and how design choices impact operational workflows.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Expertise in at least one of the following is mandatory: Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD. Proficiency in creating high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes is expected.

• Design Systems: Experience in developing, maintaining, or contributing to design systems and style guides for consistency and scalability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, an understanding of how design impacts user behavior and system usage will be crucial. Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) or how to collaborate with teams that use them to interpret user data is beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding of Business Processes: The company works with Salesforce, AWS, Java, .NET, React Native, and MuleSoft. While direct development isn't required, understanding how designs integrate with these platforms and impact CRM or automation workflows is key.

• Integration Platforms: Awareness of how integration platforms like MuleSoft function can be advantageous for designing seamless user experiences across disparate systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of Salesforce, AWS, Java, .NET, React Native, and MuleSoft indicates the technological landscape Catalyst operates within. A Product Designer here needs to be aware of these technologies and how their designs will interact with or be implemented on these platforms, especially concerning data flow, user permissions, and system integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Client-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting the unique needs of public sector clients, ensuring solutions deliver tangible value and improve operational outcomes.

• Innovation & Best Practices: A commitment to leveraging modern technology and design principles to create "best of breed" systems, revolutionizing how clients conduct interactions.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on diverse skill sets working collectively to deliver comprehensive solutions, requiring seamless integration between design, development, and consulting teams.

• Efficiency & Optimization: A drive to create systems that optimize internal and constituent-facing interactions, implying a value placed on streamlined processes and user experience efficiency.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely with product managers, developers, and potentially business analysts and client stakeholders. This requires strong communication and the ability to translate technical and business requirements into design.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Design decisions are validated through user research and usability testing, indicating a culture that values evidence-based approaches over subjective opinions.

• Knowledge Sharing: The diverse skill sets within the company suggest a culture where knowledge is shared, and team members learn from each other's expertise in areas like SaaS configuration, development, and integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to revolutionize how public sector clients conduct interactions points to a culture that values transformative solutions. For a Product Designer, this means being comfortable proposing innovative approaches while also respecting the operational realities and constraints of government entities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Workflows: Translating intricate government or enterprise operational processes into intuitive and efficient digital experiences. This requires deep empathy and analytical skills.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Navigating diverse requirements from product management, development teams, and public sector clients, ensuring a cohesive and effective design.

• Maintaining Consistency: Ensuring design consistency across a broad portfolio of digital products and services, especially when working with different technologies and client-specific branding.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in design tools, methodologies, and the underlying technologies (AWS, Salesforce, etc.) that Catalyst's clients utilize.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Design Training: Access to training in advanced UX/UI techniques, accessibility standards, and design system management.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about the specific operational challenges and technology needs of various government sectors.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or product leaders within the company, fostering career growth and skill development.

• Certification: Reimbursement for relevant certifications in design, user experience, or specific technologies Catalyst works with.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the need for a designer who is not just skilled in visual design but is also a strategic thinker, adept at problem-solving within complex operational environments. The growth opportunities are geared towards developing expertise within the niche of government technology services.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed a complex enterprise system with multiple user roles and permissions. How did you approach ensuring usability and security for each role?" (Focus on systems thinking, user segmentation, and process mapping.)

• "How do you approach user research and usability testing for government or public sector clients? What are some unique considerations compared to commercial clients?" (Highlight your understanding of diverse user bases and potential constraints.)

• "Walk us through your process for developing or maintaining a design system. What are the key components, and how do you ensure adoption and consistency across a product suite?" (Emphasize your experience with scalability and governance.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Catalyst Consulting Group's focus on government technology services?" (Show genuine interest in the sector and the company's mission.)

• "How do you handle feedback or disagreements from product managers or developers regarding your design decisions?" (Demonstrate strong communication and collaborative problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and inclusive for all users?" (Showcase awareness of accessibility standards and ethical design practices.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key projects, dedicating 1-2 slides per project to outline the problem, your role, your process, key design decisions, and the outcome/impact.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: For each case study, clearly explain the "why" behind your design choices. Use visuals to illustrate user flows, wireframes, and final UIs, but spend more time explaining your thought process.

• Highlight Systems Thinking: Explicitly point out how your designs address complex workflows, user roles, and system integrations. Diagrams or flowcharts can be very effective here.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics related to user satisfaction, task completion rates, or efficiency gains. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss the intended operational benefits.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decision-making, challenges faced, and how you adapted your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating a deep understanding of complex systems, user roles, and operational impact, which is paramount for this role. Candidates should be ready to articulate their strategic thinking and process, not just their visual design skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight specific projects that demonstrate your experience with complex enterprise software, SaaS products, and systems thinking. Prioritize case studies that showcase your ability to design for diverse user roles and intricate workflows.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience and highlights keywords such as "Product Design," "Systems Thinking," "User-Centered Design," "Enterprise Software," "SaaS," "Figma/Sketch/Adobe XD," and "HTML/CSS/JavaScript." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and how your work has positively impacted users and business operations. Prepare to present 1-2 key portfolio pieces that best represent your capabilities for this role.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Catalyst Consulting Group's services, particularly their work in government technology. Understand their mission, client base, and the types of challenges they help their clients solve, to better align your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ 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.