Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Clera

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

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

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (implied by "several years of experience" and ability to "guide more junior designers")

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design for entire product areas, from initial concept to final delivery, impacting millions of global students.

• Elevate UI and motion design standards, establishing a benchmark for exceptional user experiences within the EdTech platform.

• Architect and implement a scalable design system from the ground up, ensuring consistency and efficiency in product development.

• Pioneer AI-native design methodologies and workflows, leveraging AI as a multiplier for research, ideation, and product shipping.

• Collaborate directly with C-level executives and engineering teams to rapidly iterate and deploy user-centric product features.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly positioned for a Product Designer with a strong emphasis on UI/UX craft, design systems, and the innovative application of AI. The "Series A/B AI-powered EdTech platform" context suggests a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment where design directly influences user acquisition and engagement metrics. The requirement to "own complete product areas" indicates a high degree of autonomy and responsibility, typically seen in mid-to-senior level roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for designated product areas, translating user needs and business objectives into intuitive and engaging product experiences.

• Develop high-fidelity prototypes, wireframes, and detailed user interface designs, ensuring a seamless and delightful user journey.

• Craft and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, interaction specifications, and style guides, to support development.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights and inform design decisions, driving metric-driven improvements.

• Champion design best practices, providing constructive feedback and mentorship to foster a culture of design excellence within the product team.

• Collaborate closely with product managers to define product strategy and roadmap, ensuring design considerations are integrated from the outset.

• Partner with engineering teams to ensure accurate implementation of designs, addressing technical constraints and optimizing for performance.

• Contribute to the evolution of the company's design language and visual identity, ensuring brand consistency across all touchpoints.

• Explore and integrate emerging AI technologies to enhance product capabilities and user interactions, pushing the boundaries of AI-native design.

• Actively participate in design critiques and cross-functional team meetings, contributing to a collaborative and iterative product development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw description focuses on high-level ownership, these responsibilities break down the practical execution of a Product Designer role in a fast-paced EdTech environment. The emphasis on "shipping to millions of users" and "metric-driven improvements" highlights the GTM and revenue impact expected from design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is often preferred for mid-senior roles. Candidates are expected to demonstrate equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio.

Experience: Several years of professional product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping end-to-end product designs in consumer-facing applications, ideally in high-growth environments. The ability to guide and mentor junior designers is also a key requirement.

Required Skills:

• Product Design: Comprehensive understanding of the full product design lifecycle, from user research and ideation to prototyping, iteration, and final implementation.

• UI Excellence & Motion Design: Mastery in creating visually appealing, intuitive, and engaging user interfaces, with a strong sense of visual hierarchy, typography, and layout. Proficiency in incorporating motion design to enhance user experience and product polish.

• Design Systems: Proven experience in building, scaling, and maintaining design systems, including component libraries, style guides, and best practices for consistent UI application.

• AI-Native Design: Active and fluent use of AI tools across prototyping, research, and design workflows. Demonstrated ability to leverage AI as a multiplier for design efficiency and innovation.

• Systems Thinking: Ability to approach design challenges holistically, considering scalability, consistency, and the interconnectedness of product components.

• Craft Obsession: A meticulous attention to detail, with a commitment to pushing design quality to the highest standards.

• Bias for Action: A proactive approach, prioritizing rapid prototyping, experimentation, and iterative development over lengthy theoretical discussions.

• Builder Mentality: Hands-on approach, comfortable with direct contribution and potentially contributing to code (e.g., opening merge requests) or shipping side projects.

• Collaboration & Communication: Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team, communicate design decisions clearly, and foster a collaborative environment with no ego.

Preferred Skills:

• Consumer Mobile App Design: Background in designing for high-growth, high-engagement consumer mobile applications.

• AI-Assisted Product Features: Experience specifically designing features that leverage AI assistance or are AI-native in their core functionality.

• EdTech/Social Learning: Familiarity with the EdTech landscape, including products related to social learning, consumer education, or academic tools.

• User Research & Usability Testing: Experience conducting various forms of user research and usability testing to validate design concepts and identify areas for improvement.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency with industry-standard prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD).

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "portfolio quality matters more than years on the CV" and the specific mention of "AI tools" and "AI-native design" are critical. This signals a forward-thinking company that values practical application of modern design methodologies and tools over traditional tenure. The "builder mentality" and "opening a merge request" points suggest a culture that values contribution beyond pure design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Metric-Driven Impact: Showcase projects that clearly demonstrate how your design work directly influenced key metrics (e.g., user engagement, conversion rates, retention, task completion success). Quantify achievements with data whenever possible.

• End-to-End Ownership: Present case studies detailing your complete involvement in product areas, from initial problem definition and user research through to final shipped product and post-launch analysis.

• Design System Contribution: Highlight any experience in building, contributing to, or scaling design systems. Detail the challenges faced and the solutions implemented to ensure consistency and efficiency.

• AI Integration Examples: Include examples where you have actively used AI tools in your design process or designed AI-native product experiences. Explain the rationale and impact of these AI integrations.

• Craftsmanship & Detail: Ensure the portfolio itself is a testament to your design skills – clean layout, strong typography, and polished presentation.

Process Documentation:

• User-Centric Workflow: Document the process followed for at least one significant project, illustrating how user needs were identified, translated into design solutions, and validated.

• Design System Development: If applicable, detail the process for creating or contributing to a design system, including component creation, documentation, and governance.

• AI Workflow Integration: Showcase how AI tools were integrated into your design workflow, detailing the specific tools used and the impact on efficiency, ideation, or output quality.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Describe how you collaborated with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders throughout the design and development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The prompt explicitly states "A strong portfolio that demonstrates work which moved metrics and delighted users." This means candidates must be prepared to present tangible evidence of their impact, not just aesthetically pleasing mockups. The mention of "AI-native design" and "scaling quality" also implies a need to showcase how design processes are efficient and scalable.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location (Berlin, Germany), the Series A/B funding stage, and the mid-to-senior level of the role, a competitive salary range for a Product Designer in Berlin would typically fall between €60,000 - €85,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the company's funding status, and the sought-after skills in AI-native design and design systems.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: As outlined above, a strong compensation package reflecting experience and market rates.

• Stock Options: Potential for equity in a fast-growing Series A/B funded startup, aligning employee success with company growth.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance, potentially including mental health support and wellness programs.

• Professional Development: Budget for conferences, workshops, online courses, and other learning opportunities to stay at the forefront of design and AI.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample vacation days, public holidays, and potentially sick leave to ensure work-life balance.

• Modern Office Environment: Access to a well-equipped, on-site office in Berlin designed for collaboration and creativity.

• Team Events & Socials: Opportunities for team building and social activities to foster a strong company culture.

• Visa Sponsorship: Not available for this role; applicants must possess the legal right to work in Germany.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected in a fast-paced startup environment. The emphasis on "bias toward action" suggests a results-oriented culture where focused work is prioritized.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for Product Designers in Berlin at similar company stages. Specific benefits are inferred from typical startup offerings and the company's focus on growth and employee development. The explicit mention of no visa sponsorship is a critical detail for international applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: EdTech (Education Technology) with a strong focus on AI and consumer mobile applications. Clera operates in a rapidly evolving market driven by technological advancements and the increasing demand for personalized learning solutions.

Company Size: 51–200 employees. This indicates a mid-sized startup environment that is past the initial seed stage but still retains agility and a close-knit feel. Operations professionals can expect to have a significant impact and direct access to leadership.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the Series A/B funding suggests a company with established traction and product-market fit, likely founded within the last 3-7 years.

Team Structure:

• Product Team: Small and elite, comprising product managers, designers, and engineers. This structure allows for direct collaboration and rapid decision-making.

• Design Specialization: While this role is a Product Designer, the emphasis on UI excellence, motion design, and design systems suggests a dedicated focus on craft within the team.

• Leadership Access: Direct access to C-level leadership is a key feature, enabling designers to influence strategic product direction.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with engineering and product management, fostering a highly integrated product development process.

Methodology:

• AI-Native Product Development: A core philosophy centered around leveraging AI for both product features and the design process itself.

• Design Craft & Excellence: A strong emphasis on the quality and aesthetic appeal of the user interface and overall user experience.

• Rapid Iteration & Shipping: A culture that values speed, experimentation, and getting features into the hands of users quickly.

• Data-Driven Decisions: While not explicitly stated, the focus on metrics implies a data-informed approach to design and product development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company size and funding stage are crucial for understanding the operational environment. A 51-200 person company with Series A/B funding typically means established processes but still room for innovation and individual impact. The "elite product team" suggests a high bar for talent and performance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Senior Product Designer. It requires "several years of product design experience" and the ability to "guide more junior designers," indicating a level beyond entry-level or junior positions. The scope of owning "entire product areas end-to-end" further solidifies this mid-to-senior classification.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a senior Product Manager. Direct access to C-level leadership (CEO, CTO, CPO) is a significant aspect, offering visibility and influence.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is directly tied to user acquisition, engagement, and retention within Clera's EdTech platform. By creating compelling AI-native experiences and a robust design system, the designer will influence user satisfaction, growth metrics, and ultimately, the company's market position and revenue potential. Shipping features used by "tens of millions of students" underscores the scale of impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design Systems: Opportunity to lead the development and scaling of a critical design system, becoming a subject matter expert.

• AI Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-native design, a rapidly growing and in-demand field, positioning oneself as a pioneer.

• Product Ownership & Strategy: Grow into a more strategic role, influencing product vision and roadmap based on design insights and user advocacy.

• Mentorship & Team Growth: Develop leadership skills by guiding junior designers and contributing to the overall growth and maturity of the design function.

• Impact at Scale: Gain experience working on products with a massive global user base, understanding the complexities and rewards of designing for millions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around developing specialized skills (AI, Design Systems) and leadership capabilities within a high-impact, high-growth environment. This is crucial for ambitious operations professionals looking to advance their careers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Berlin, Germany. The company is committed to in-person collaboration, suggesting a focus on team synergy and spontaneous idea generation.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. Specific office details are not provided, but Berlin is a vibrant tech hub known for its creative atmosphere and strong startup ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The on-site requirement emphasizes a workspace designed for interaction, brainstorming, and direct feedback loops between design, product, and engineering.

• Modern Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software and potentially cutting-edge AI tools for design and prototyping.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent, informal interactions with colleagues, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.

• Focus on Craft: The environment likely supports deep work and attention to detail, essential for achieving the high standards of UI excellence and craft mentioned.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with an expectation of flexibility and a results-oriented approach, common in fast-paced startups. The emphasis on "bias toward action" and "shipping work that lands in the hands of millions within days" suggests a dynamic and responsive work culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin is a key factor for potential candidates. The description of the workspace implies an environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and a high degree of design focus, which is attractive for professionals who thrive in such settings.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Application Submission: Submit resume and a link to your portfolio via the Ashby application portal.

• Portfolio Review: Initial screening will heavily focus on your portfolio. Ensure it clearly articulates your design process, impact on metrics, and examples of AI integration or design system work.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager or a senior member of the product/design team to assess your experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Be prepared to walk through specific portfolio projects.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: Potentially a take-home assignment or an on-site/virtual workshop where you'll be asked to solve a design problem, demonstrate your process, and present your solution. Focus on AI-native thinking and design system considerations.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with engineering leads, product managers, or C-level executives to evaluate collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and overall alignment with the company's vision.

• Final Interview & Offer: A final discussion to confirm fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the solution, and the measurable impact (e.g., "Increased user sign-ups by 15%," "Reduced task completion time by 20%").

• Showcase AI Integration: Dedicate a section or specific projects to demonstrating how you've leveraged AI tools or designed AI-native experiences. Explain your thought process and the outcomes.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly outline your design process for each case study. Use visuals like user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate your journey.

• Highlight Design System Work: If you have experience with design systems, showcase your contributions, focusing on scalability, component design, and implementation.

• Craftsmanship is Key: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished, easy to navigate, and free of errors. This is your primary demonstration of design craft.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Thoroughly research Clera's existing platform, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Think AI-First: Approach any challenge with an AI-native mindset. How can AI augment the solution?

• Systems Approach: Consider how your proposed solution integrates with existing systems or could be scaled using design system principles.

• Metric-Oriented Solutions: Frame your solutions around potential impact on key user or business metrics.

• Concise Presentation: Practice presenting your process and solution clearly and concisely, focusing on key decisions and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "portfolio quality matters more than years on the CV" means candidates must curate their portfolio meticulously. The "AI-native design" and "design system from the ground up" aspects will likely be central to any case studies or challenges presented.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, given industry trends and collaborative nature), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• AI Design Tools: Tools for AI-assisted research (e.g., ChatGPT for initial ideation/summaries), AI-powered prototyping aids, or specialized AI design platforms. Proficiency with at least one AI tool for design tasks is essential.

• Design System Management: Tools for component libraries, style guides, and documentation (often integrated within Figma or standalone platforms like Zeroheight).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to track user behavior, feature adoption, and conversion funnels.

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for gathering user feedback and insights (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com).

• Data Visualization: Potentially tools like Tableau or Looker for understanding product performance data, though designers might primarily consume reports from dedicated analysts.

CRM & Automation:

• While less directly used by Product Designers, understanding how their designs integrate with CRM (e.g., Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms might be beneficial for context, especially regarding user onboarding and engagement flows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "active, fluent use of AI tools" is a critical requirement. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI tools they use for design, research, prototyping, or workflow enhancement. Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship: A deep commitment to design quality, detail, and aesthetic excellence. This is a core value that drives the team's output.

• AI as a Multiplier: Embracing AI not just as a feature but as a fundamental tool to enhance creativity, efficiency, and user experience.

• Bias for Action: A preference for doing, testing, and iterating over prolonged theoretical discussions. Speed and execution are highly valued.

• Builder Mentality: A proactive, hands-on approach where team members are encouraged to contribute directly and take ownership.

• Team-First & Directness: Open communication, ego-free collaboration, and a focus on collective success over individual recognition.

• Curiosity: A drive to constantly learn, explore new technologies (especially AI), and understand user needs deeply.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Agile: Collaboration is expected to be fast-paced, with frequent communication and feedback loops between design, product, and engineering.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are integral members of product teams, working closely with PMs and engineers from concept to launch.

• Design Critiques: Regular design reviews are likely part of the process, fostering a culture of constructive feedback and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly around AI and design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "craft," "AI," and "bias for action" paints a picture of a high-performance, innovative, and collaborative environment. Professionals who thrive on speed, quality, and cutting-edge technology will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering AI-Native Design: Navigating the evolving landscape of AI in design requires continuous learning and experimentation to identify effective workflows and user experiences.

• Scaling a Design System: Building a comprehensive and scalable design system from the ground up for a rapidly growing platform presents significant technical and organizational challenges.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: Maintaining a high bar for design excellence while operating in a fast-moving startup environment requires effective prioritization and efficient workflows.

• Designing for Global Scale: Catering to the diverse needs and cultural nuances of millions of students across 30+ countries requires thoughtful, inclusive design solutions.

• Onboarding New Designers: As the team grows, effectively onboarding and mentoring new designers to meet the high standards of craft and AI integration will be crucial.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Becoming a leader in AI-assisted design workflows and AI-native product experiences.

• Design System Architecture: Gaining deep expertise in designing and implementing robust, scalable design systems.

• Product Strategy Influence: Developing strategic thinking by working closely with C-level leadership on product direction.

• High-Impact Product Experience: Working on a product with global reach offers invaluable experience in designing for massive user bases.

• Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and develop leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the role's unique aspects: AI, design systems, and global scale. The growth opportunities focus on building specialized, in-demand skills and leadership potential within a thriving EdTech company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you owned a product area end-to-end. What was your process, and what was the impact on users or metrics?" (Focus on your process, decision-making, and quantifiable results.)

• "How do you approach building or scaling a design system? What are the key components, and how do you ensure adoption?" (Highlight your understanding of systems, scalability, and collaboration.)

• "Given our AI-powered platform, how would you leverage AI in your design process to improve efficiency or create novel user experiences?" (Demonstrate your fluency with AI tools and your ability to think "AI-native.")

• "Walk me through a project in your portfolio where your design significantly moved key metrics. What was the challenge, your solution, and the outcome?" (Be ready to deep-dive into one or two significant case studies.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Clera's mission and our position in the EdTech market?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with business objectives and contributes to growth?" (Connect design decisions to business impact and metrics.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers and engineers." (Emphasize your team-first attitude, directness, and iterative approach.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or push back on design decisions?" (Showcase your ability to receive feedback and advocate for design quality.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative – the problem, your approach, the challenges, your solutions, and the results.

• Visual Hierarchy: Ensure your presentation clearly highlights the most important aspects: user problems, your solutions, and the impact.

• Quantify Everything: For every project, have data points ready to illustrate success.

• AI & Systems Focus: Explicitly call out where AI was used or how design system principles were applied.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present key projects efficiently, respecting the interviewer's time. Have backup projects ready if needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should strongly emphasize the unique aspects of the role: AI integration, design systems, and quantifiable impact on metrics. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their "craft obsession" and "bias for action" through their portfolio and interview responses.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Ashby application link provided.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase end-to-end product design, metric-driven impact, AI integration, and/or design system contributions. Tailor your case study narrative to highlight these aspects.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key skills (Product Design, UI, AI tools, Design Systems), and any quantifiable achievements relevant to the role's responsibilities.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Walkthrough: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work for each selected portfolio project. Be ready to discuss how you would approach challenges specific to Clera's EdTech platform.

• Research Clera: Thoroughly understand Clera's product, mission, target audience, and recent developments. Be prepared to discuss why you are excited about this specific company and role, and how your skills align with their culture of craft, AI innovation, and speed.

⚠️ 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.