Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: CDL Software

Location: UK Hybrid (Greater London, England, United Kingdom)

Job Type: Permanent - Full Time

Category: Digital Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: April 30, 2026

Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office, 3 days remote)

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design initiatives, from initial discovery and user research through to iterative delivery and ongoing optimization.

• Contribute high-quality design solutions for critical features across CDL's InsurTech product suite, adapting designs to evolving priorities and market demands.

• Frame complex design problems by clearly defining user needs, establishing success criteria, and identifying key constraints and trade-offs.

• Leverage user-centered design principles, grounded in evidence, clear problem statements, and actionable insights, to craft intuitive and effective user experiences.

• Utilize AI-enabled tools to augment the design process, supporting discovery, synthesis, ideation, and delivery, reflecting CDL's commitment to innovative technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role explicitly mentions working within a "fully integrated, AI-enabled process" and using "AI tools to support discovery, synthesis, ideation, and delivery." This suggests a forward-thinking design team that embraces AI as a core component of their workflow, differentiating it from traditional product design roles. The emphasis on "customer-facing problems" and "complexity into experiences that feel clear, considered, and usable" highlights the practical impact expected from the designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the entire design lifecycle for assigned features and product areas, from initial concept through to post-launch analysis and iteration.

• Actively contribute to enhancing the design quality of high-priority features, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability as project priorities shift.

• Define and articulate design problems by conducting thorough user needs analysis, establishing measurable success criteria, and identifying project constraints and potential trade-offs.

• Apply robust user-centered design methodologies to develop thoughtful and evidence-based solutions that address defined problem statements and user requirements.

• Proactively explore a range of design ideas and approaches, discerning when to broaden exploration and when to narrow focus based on emerging insights and stakeholder feedback.

• Develop and iterate on wireframes, interactive prototypes, and other essential design artifacts to effectively communicate concepts, test assumptions, and facilitate informed decision-making across teams.

• Foster close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and other stakeholders to ensure the practical and sustainable implementation of design solutions.

• Integrate user research findings and usability testing results to validate design decisions and drive continuous improvement in user outcomes and product performance.

• Contribute to and maintain the CDL Design System, promoting consistency, quality, and efficiency across all product interfaces.

• Actively engage with and leverage AI-enabled tools throughout the design workflow, from initial research synthesis to final design delivery, to enhance productivity and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a comprehensive ownership of the design process, moving beyond just visual design to include discovery, research, and post-launch iteration. The specific mention of contributing to the "CDL Design System" indicates a need for a designer who understands component-based design and scalable UI solutions. The integration of AI tools is highlighted as a core operational requirement, not an optional add-on.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating practical application of design principles is paramount. Candidates with degrees in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or related fields will be considered.

Experience: 2-5 years of relevant experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of delivering user-centered digital products. Experience in ambiguous environments and working within Agile frameworks is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to work independently across an end-to-end design problem with appropriate support and collaboration.

• Comfort and proficiency in navigating ambiguity as problems and constraints evolve throughout the project lifecycle.

• Deep commitment to understanding user needs, with a demonstrated ability to ground design decisions in research, insight, and data.

• Excellent communication skills, with the capacity to clearly articulate design decisions and their connection to user and business outcomes.

• Strong foundational knowledge and practical experience in interaction design, user flows, and journey mapping.

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for understanding how AI is shaping digital experiences and user interactions.

• Demonstrated comfort and practical experience using AI-enabled tools as an integral part of the design and research workflow.

• A proactive and collaborative approach to working with product, engineering, and research partners, actively seeking and incorporating feedback.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience contributing to or maintaining a Design System.

• Familiarity with the InsurTech or broader FinTech industry.

• Experience with specific AI design tools (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E for ideation, AI-powered research synthesis tools).

• Experience conducting and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative user research.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize self-sufficiency and comfort with ambiguity, suggesting the designer will need to be proactive and resourceful. The explicit mention of AI tools necessitates practical experience or a strong willingness to learn and integrate them. The "2-5 years" experience level implies an intermediate designer who can operate with some autonomy but still benefits from mentorship.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating problem definition, user research, ideation, prototyping, and final design execution.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the user problem, the design process followed, the rationale behind key decisions, and the measurable impact of the design solution.

• Examples of wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups that illustrate design thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, engineering) and how design solutions were integrated into development cycles.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you've clearly defined design problems, outlining user needs, success criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.

• Include examples of how you've applied user-centered design principles, grounding solutions in research, insight, and data.

• Provide documentation of your iterative design process, including exploration of multiple ideas and approaches, and refinement based on feedback.

• Highlight instances where you've created and iterated on wireframes, prototypes, and other design artifacts to communicate ideas and support decision-making.

• Demonstrate how you've collaborated with product managers and engineers to bring ideas to life.

• Include examples of how research and usability testing were used to validate designs and improve outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily focused on demonstrating a comprehensive design process and the ability to articulate the "why" behind design decisions, not just the "what." The emphasis on measurable impact and collaboration with engineering is crucial for this role. The integration of AI tools should ideally be reflected in some of the case studies, showcasing how they were used to enhance efficiency or generate novel solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Working: 2 days per week in the office (Stockport, SK4 2HD), 3 days remote.

• Truly flexible working hours.

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Starting at 25 days, increasing by 1 day per year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Top Employer Recognition: Awarded for 10 consecutive years.

• Comprehensive Training and Development: Access to an excellent training and development platform.

• Career Progression: Clear career framework and opportunities for advancement.

• Health and Wellbeing: Robust health and wellbeing program.

• Virtual Activities: Engaging virtual activities, lunch and learns, coffee mornings, and meetups.

• Life and Health Assurance: Included for peace of mind.

• Electric Vehicle Scheme: Available for employees.

• Established Recognition Award System: For acknowledging contributions.

• Excellent Parental Benefits.

• Diversity and Inclusion Network: Fostering an inclusive environment.

• Pension Scheme: Competitive pension plan.

• Community Projects and Volunteer Days: Opportunities to give back.

• Refer a Friend Bonus: Rewarding employee referrals.

• On-site Campus Benefits: Free parking, subsidized restaurant, games room, shuttle bus, cycle to work scheme, shower/dry rooms, car wash, barber, yoga, boot camp, massage services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are assumed to be around 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is clearly defined. The benefits package is extensive, with a strong emphasis on employee wellbeing, development, and work-life balance, including the unique campus amenities. The hybrid model with a clear office day requirement is detailed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: InsurTech (Insurance Technology). CDL is a key player in the UK InsurTech market, powering a significant portion of price comparison insurance providers. This context implies a fast-paced, data-driven environment focused on innovation and efficiency within the insurance sector.

Company Size: Over 600 employees. This indicates a medium-to-large sized organization with established processes and a significant market presence, offering stability and opportunities for impact.

Founded: Founded with a legacy of innovation in the insurance technology space. The company's history suggests a strong foundation in delivering high-performance solutions.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to Jason Liang, Head of Digital. This suggests the Product Designer will be part of a dedicated Digital department, likely working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially UX Researchers.

• The team operates within a "creative, collaborative, and deeply Agile" culture, emphasizing teamwork and iterative development methodologies.

Methodology:

• Agile: The company emphasizes an Agile culture, meaning iterative development, flexibility, and continuous feedback loops are standard.

• AI-Enabled Process: A significant aspect of CDL's operational methodology involves integrating AI tools across the design and development lifecycle.

• User-Centricity: A core principle is designing for the user, grounding decisions in research and customer needs.

• Data-Driven: Decisions are informed by data and insights from user research and performance metrics.

Company Website: https://www.cdl.co.uk

📝 Enhancement Note: CDL's position as a leading InsurTech provider shapes the operational context. The emphasis on Agile and AI integration points to a modern, dynamic work environment. The collaboration model suggests a team that values input from all disciplines.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Intermediate Product Designer. This level typically involves taking ownership of significant design problems, contributing to features with moderate complexity, and working semi-autonomously. The role requires a solid understanding of design principles and the ability to apply them effectively with some guidance.

Reporting Structure: Reports to Jason Liang (Head of Digital). This indicates a reporting line within a digital or product innovation function, likely with direct exposure to leadership in that area.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the usability, clarity, and efficiency of customer-facing insurance platforms. By simplifying complex insurance processes and reducing friction, the designer contributes to customer satisfaction, conversion rates, and ultimately, CDL's market position and revenue generation through improved product adoption and retention. The role is central to translating business needs and user requirements into functional, engaging digital experiences.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in user-centered design, interaction design, and potentially advanced UX research techniques. Specialization in AI-driven design processes and tools.

• Design System Leadership: Potential to become a key contributor or lead for the CDL Design System, influencing design consistency and efficiency across the product suite.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Developing stronger collaboration and influencing skills with product and engineering teams, potentially leading design initiatives for larger projects.

• Career Progression: Clear career framework exists, allowing for advancement to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or potentially into product management or design leadership roles, with opportunities for increased scope and strategic input.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "clearly defined career framework" mentioned in the benefits section is a significant growth indicator. The role's intermediate level suggests a strong foundation for growth into more senior or specialized design positions within CDL. The integration of AI tools also presents a unique growth path for designers looking to stay ahead of industry trends.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid working model, with 2 mandatory days in the office per week at the Stockport campus (SK4 2HD). The office environment is described as "open plan modern offices" with "Quiet Spaces" available, suggesting a balance between collaborative and focused work settings.

Office Location(s): Stockport, SK4 2HD, United Kingdom. The campus offers extensive amenities including free parking and a shuttle bus to/from the station, enhancing accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setup and hybrid model encourage regular in-person collaboration with colleagues, fostering team cohesion and spontaneous idea exchange.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools and AI-enabled technologies is integral to the workflow.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and other designers within the Digital department. The campus also hosts regular social events and hackathons, promoting a strong sense of community.

Work Schedule: While the role is full-time, CDL offers "truly flexible working," indicating an emphasis on results and autonomy, allowing for adjustments to daily schedules as long as responsibilities are met and office days are observed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature with specific office days is a key aspect. The Stockport campus description suggests a well-equipped and amenity-rich environment designed to support both focused work and team collaboration, making it attractive for those who value a comprehensive workplace experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will likely present a selection of their work, discussing their process, decision-making, and impact. This is where the integration of AI tools and user-centered methodologies will be scrutinized. Preparation should focus on case studies that best showcase end-to-end ownership and problem-solving.

• Technical/Skills Assessment: Potential for a design exercise or case study, either take-home or live, to evaluate practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of interaction design and AI tools.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration style, communication, and cultural fit within the Agile and AI-integrated environment.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with Jason Liang (Head of Digital) to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the role and team.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, user-centricity, and ideally, the use of AI tools.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, key decisions (and why), challenges overcome, and the measurable outcomes. Focus on the "thinking" behind the design.

• Highlight AI Integration: If possible, showcase how AI tools were used to enhance research, ideation, or efficiency. Explain the specific benefits gained.

• Emphasize Collaboration: Discuss how you worked with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders. Use examples of conflict resolution or successful integration.

• Showcase Iteration: Demonstrate how you used feedback, research, and data to iterate on your designs.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design philosophy, how you handle ambiguity, and your approach to learning new tools and techniques.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Problem: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the brief and ask clarifying questions.

• Define Scope: Clearly outline the problem space, target users, and key objectives before diving into solutions.

• Justify Decisions: Be prepared to explain the rationale behind every design choice, linking it back to user needs and business goals.

• Consider AI: Think about how AI tools could potentially augment or inform your solution within the given constraints.

• Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively to deliver a well-reasoned solution within the allotted timeframe.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools in the interview process is a recurring theme. Candidates must be prepared to discuss their experience or aptitude for using these tools as part of their design workflow. The portfolio review is critical for demonstrating a comprehensive and iterative design process.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• AI-Enabled Design Tools: Specific tools will vary, but candidates should be aware of generative AI for ideation (e.g., Midjourney, DALL-E), AI for research synthesis, and AI-powered design assistance tools.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (common in Agile environments).

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude (for understanding user behavior post-launch).

• A/B Testing Tools: Optimizely, Google Optimize (for validating design changes with data).

CRM & Automation: While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms indirectly through user journeys can be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "AI-enabled process" and "AI tools" is the most critical aspect here. While specific tools are not listed, candidates should be prepared to discuss their familiarity with or ability to rapidly learn and integrate emerging AI design technologies. Figma is the de facto standard for collaborative design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A fundamental belief in designing for the user, prioritizing their needs and experiences above all else. This translates to a commitment to research, empathy, and validation.

• Agility & Adaptability: Embracing change, iterating quickly, and being comfortable with evolving priorities and requirements. This fosters a dynamic and responsive work environment.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing collective intelligence and working closely with product, engineering, and other departments to achieve shared goals. Open communication and mutual respect are key.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new technologies, methodologies, and ideas, particularly with the integration of AI, to push the boundaries of what's possible in InsurTech.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Using insights from research, analytics, and testing to inform design choices and measure impact, ensuring designs are effective and aligned with business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Working within cross-functional "squads" or teams where designers, product managers, and engineers work in close partnership throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Open Feedback Culture: Encouraging constructive feedback loops, where designers actively seek and provide input to improve both the product and team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and insights, particularly regarding new tools like AI and evolving design techniques.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of user advocacy, agile execution, technological innovation (especially AI), and strong teamwork. A candidate who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced, and forward-thinking environment will be a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: The role requires comfort working with evolving problem definitions and constraints, demanding strong problem-framing skills and the ability to define clarity where it doesn't initially exist.

• Integrating AI Effectively: Learning to leverage AI tools not just as novelties, but as integral components of a robust design process that genuinely enhances outcomes, requiring continuous learning and experimentation.

• Balancing Design Quality with Speed: Operating within an Agile framework while maintaining high standards for user experience and design craft, especially with rapidly changing priorities.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring design vision is understood and maintained across diverse stakeholder groups with potentially different priorities and technical perspectives.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in leveraging AI tools for product design, a highly sought-after skill.

• Advanced UX/UI Skills: Deepening expertise in interaction design, complex user flows, and potentially specialized areas like accessibility or inclusive design.

• Design System Ownership: Potential to take a lead role in the evolution and governance of CDL's Design System, impacting consistency and efficiency across multiple products.

• Industry Exposure: Working within the dynamic InsurTech sector provides exposure to unique business challenges and technological advancements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary growth opportunities stem from the company's focus on AI integration and its position in the fast-moving InsurTech market. Overcoming the challenge of ambiguity will be key to success.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex design problem you've faced where the requirements were ambiguous. How did you define the problem and arrive at a solution?" (Focus on your process for creating clarity, research methods, and iterative approach.)

• "How have you incorporated AI tools into your design workflow? Can you provide an example of how it improved your process or the final outcome?" (Be ready to discuss specific tools, benefits, and any challenges encountered.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about CDL and our work in the InsurTech space?" (Research CDL's products and market position. Connect your interest to their mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration or a challenge you overcame?" (Emphasize your teamwork and communication skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Aim for a narrative flow for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing) -> Solution -> Impact/Outcomes.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. Annotate them to explain key elements.

• Data & Metrics: Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "improved conversion by X%", "reduced task completion time by Y%").

• AI Integration: Clearly point out where and how AI tools were used and the specific benefits derived.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Practice your delivery to be clear and engaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily lean into demonstrating practical experience or strong conceptual understanding of AI in design, along with the ability to articulate a user-centered, iterative process. Quantifiable results are crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 relevant projects that best showcase your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and any experience with AI-enabled design tools. Clearly articulate your role and the impact of your work.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume emphasizes keywords such as "Product Design," "UX/UI," "User-Centered Design," "Agile," "Wireframing," "Prototyping," "Design Systems," and "AI Tools." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, decision rationale, and measurable outcomes. Prepare to discuss your experience with AI tools and how you approach ambiguous problems.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with CDL's products, their role in the InsurTech market, and their company culture, particularly their Agile and AI-driven approach.

⚠️ 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.