Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Povio

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design (UX/UI)

Date Posted: May 11, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is centered on end-to-end product design, encompassing UX research, information architecture, UI design, and engineering handoff for web and mobile applications.

• The Product Designer will leverage advanced Figma capabilities and integrate AI tools to enhance design workflows, aiming for faster execution and modern design solutions.

• Strong emphasis on solo ownership, requiring the candidate to manage their own project lifecycle, communicate proactively, and deliver high-quality results with minimal supervision.

• This position demands exceptional English communication skills for direct client interaction and collaboration within international, cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is described as a "Product Designer" but the responsibilities and requirements clearly indicate a strong focus on both UX and UI, positioning it as a generalist product designer role. The "mid-level" designation is inferred from the 4+ years of experience requirement, aligning with typical industry benchmarks.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the complete product design lifecycle, from initial UX research and information architecture to the creation of high-fidelity UI designs and detailed engineering handoff specifications.

• Design visually compelling and intuitive user interfaces for a variety of digital products, including websites, complex dashboards, and mobile applications, with a keen eye for visual craft and aesthetic quality.

• Translate client visions and business requirements into seamless user experiences, taking full accountability for project outcomes from inception through to final delivery.

• Develop comprehensive design documentation, including wireframes, interactive prototypes, and pixel-perfect high-fidelity mockups, primarily utilizing Figma.

• Actively integrate and utilize AI tools within the design process to accelerate UX development, optimize workflows, and introduce innovative design methodologies.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product management, and quality assurance, to define project requirements and ensure the successful implementation of polished design solutions.

• Articulate and defend design decisions to both internal teams and international clients, ensuring clear understanding and alignment on project goals and design rationale.

• Contribute to the development, maintenance, and scaling of robust design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across multiple projects.

• Conduct thorough UX/UI audits of existing products, identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable recommendations for enhanced user experience and interface design.

• Stay abreast of the latest design trends, emerging technologies (particularly in AI), and best practices within the product design field, sharing knowledge and insights with the wider design team.

• Rapidly prototype, iterate on designs based on feedback, and contribute to fast-paced product development cycles, transforming conceptual ideas into tangible, user-centric product experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a comprehensive product design role that requires a blend of strategic thinking, hands-on execution, and client-facing communication. The emphasis on "solo ownership" and "end-to-end" process highlights the need for a self-starter with strong project management capabilities within the design function.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for roles requiring deep UX research and information architecture. Candidates with equivalent practical experience and a strong portfolio will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of dedicated experience in product design, with a proven track record of designing for web or mobile applications. This experience should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the full design process, from conception to delivery.

Required Skills:

• UX Design: Strong ability to conduct user research, define user flows, create information architecture, and develop user-centered design strategies.

• UI Design: Expertise in creating visually appealing, intuitive, and consistent user interfaces, with a keen sense for typography, color theory, layout, and visual hierarchy.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced mastery of Figma, including deep knowledge of features like autolayout, components, variants, and variables for efficient and scalable design creation.

• Prototyping: Skill in creating interactive prototypes at various fidelities to test concepts, gather feedback, and communicate design intent to stakeholders and developers.

• Design Systems: Experience in building, maintaining, and scaling design systems to ensure product consistency and streamline the design and development process.

• Information Architecture: Ability to structure and organize content logically and intuitively to enhance user navigation and comprehension.

• UX Research: Competency in employing various research methodologies to understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points.

• AI Design Tools: Practical, hands-on experience integrating AI tools into the design workflow, either for advanced prototyping, UI assistance, or other efficiency gains.

• Client Communication: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design decisions, present work, and build rapport with international clients.

• Engineering Handoff: Proficiency in preparing and delivering design assets and specifications to engineering teams for seamless implementation.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and working within sprint cycles.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and designing inclusive digital products.

• Experience with other design and prototyping tools beyond Figma.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate better collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4+ years of experience" requirement for a "Product Designer" role typically aligns with a mid-level or senior individual contributor position. The emphasis on "solo ownership" and "end-to-end" responsibility further reinforces this, suggesting a need for a candidate who can operate autonomously. The AI integration requirement is a significant differentiator for this role.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 4 years of product design work, with a strong emphasis on both UX strategy and UI execution for web and mobile applications.

• Demonstrations of the candidate's ability to independently manage the full design process, from initial client brief and user research to final design delivery.

• Clear case studies that articulate the problem statement, the design process undertaken, key decisions made, and the resulting impact or outcomes.

• Visual examples of high-fidelity UI designs that exhibit strong aesthetic sensibility, attention to detail, and adherence to design best practices.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail the methodology used for user research, information architecture, and wireframing, illustrating how user needs were identified and translated into design solutions.

• Showcase the iterative design process, including how feedback was gathered and incorporated, and how prototypes were used to validate design concepts.

• Provide examples of how design systems were utilized or contributed to, highlighting their role in ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Document the engineering handoff process, including the types of specifications provided and how collaboration with development teams was managed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio that "shows both UX thinking and UI quality" is critical. Candidates should prepare case studies that clearly delineate their problem-solving approach (UX) and their visual execution capabilities (UI), demonstrating how these two aspects are integrated.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer with 4+ years of experience in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the estimated annual salary range is between €40,000 and €60,000 gross. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the region, considering the cost of living and the competitive tech market. Factors such as specific expertise in AI design tools, advanced Figma skills, and a strong portfolio can influence placement within this range.

Benefits:

• Regular 1:1s: Consistent one-on-one meetings with a lead designer for structured feedback, career development discussions, and open communication.

• Design-Led Culture: An environment where design decisions are valued and respected, fostering a culture of craft and innovation.

• Skill Expansion: Opportunities to deepen expertise in UX, advance UI skills, and explore emerging areas like AI-driven design workflows.

• Hybrid Setup: A flexible work arrangement combining remote work with in-office collaboration at the Ljubljana office.

• Flexible Working Hours: The ability to set working hours that best suit productivity and work-life balance, within the context of team collaboration and client needs.

• Competitive Compensation: Salary that is benchmarked against experience and contribution, with potential for growth.

• Pet-Friendly Workplace: A welcoming environment that accommodates employees' pets.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are based on a 40-hour work week, with flexibility for scheduling to accommodate personal needs and optimal productivity, aligning with the hybrid work model.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on general market data for mid-level Product Designers in Slovenia. Specific compensation will depend on the candidate's full experience, portfolio strength, and interview performance. The benefits highlight a strong focus on professional development and work-life integration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Digital Product Development / Software Consulting. Povio operates at the intersection of technology and design, building digital products for a diverse range of clients, from startups to established global brands. This context means the operations and design teams must be adaptable, client-focused, and driven by innovation.

Company Size: Povio has a team of 15+ designers, with the broader company likely being larger, given its Y Combinator background and client roster. This "designer-led" culture within a growing tech company suggests a dynamic environment where design plays a pivotal role in product strategy and execution.

Founded: Povio has a history rooted in Y Combinator, indicating a startup mindset focused on rapid growth and innovation. The company's journey from its YC origins suggests a culture that values ambition, problem-solving, and building impactful products.

Team Structure:

• The design team consists of 15+ designers, implying a collaborative but potentially specialized structure where designers can focus on specific areas or projects.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or Head of Design, with individual designers reporting to them, facilitating mentorship and project allocation.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role emphasizes understanding user needs through research and data, using these insights to drive design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: Designers are expected to manage their own processes and contribute to efficient workflows, particularly through the use of Figma and AI tools.

• Automation and Efficiency: A core element is the use of AI to streamline design tasks and the maintenance of design systems to ensure efficiency and consistency.

Company Website: https://povio.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Povio's Y Combinator background and client list (Volkswagen, Serena Williams, Arnold Schwarzenegger) indicate a company that works on high-profile, impactful projects. This suggests a demanding but rewarding environment for designers who can handle complex challenges and client expectations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the mid-level of product design, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a "Product Designer" title with a broad scope, expecting a generalist who can independently manage the full design process. This level implies a move beyond junior design tasks to taking ownership of significant project components or smaller projects entirely.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a Design Lead or a senior member of the design team. This structure provides mentorship and guidance while allowing for significant autonomy in day-to-day project work. Collaboration will extend to engineering, product management, and directly with clients.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is direct and significant, influencing how millions of users experience technology. By shaping intuitive and visually engaging interfaces for high-profile clients, the designer contributes directly to product success, user satisfaction, and ultimately, the client's business objectives. This role is crucial for translating client vision into tangible, market-ready digital products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas of UX (e.g., advanced user research techniques, complex information architecture) or UI (e.g., motion design, advanced visual systems).

• AI Integration Specialization: A chance to become a leader in integrating AI tools into design workflows, a rapidly evolving and highly in-demand skill set.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success and ownership, there's potential to move into senior designer roles, lead design for larger projects, or even mentor junior designers.

• Cross-Functional Acumen: Gaining experience working with high-profile international clients and diverse engineering teams will enhance overall business and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "solo ownership" and the opportunity to "expand your skills" suggests that Povio invests in its designers' growth. Candidates should highlight their desire for continuous learning and their ability to take initiative in their career development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Povio offers a hybrid work setup, indicating a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration. This model aims to provide the benefits of both focused individual work and dynamic team interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Ljubljana, Slovenia. This provides a central hub for hybrid employees to connect, collaborate, and utilize office resources.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model encourages collaboration through planned in-office days and virtual communication tools, fostering a sense of team and shared purpose.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees will have access to industry-standard design tools such as Figma, as well as AI-powered design assistants. The company's focus on high-impact projects suggests a commitment to providing necessary technological resources.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with a team of 15+ passionate designers will foster knowledge sharing, design critiques, and a supportive community for problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are offered, allowing individuals to structure their workday around peak productivity times and personal commitments, while ensuring availability for team meetings and client interactions as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model combined with flexible hours suggests a modern, employee-centric work environment. Candidates should consider how they best thrive in such a setup and be prepared to discuss their approach to remote and in-office collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role requirements. Be prepared to showcase work that demonstrates both UX thinking and UI quality.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview where you'll walk through selected case studies from your portfolio. Focus on explaining your design process, the challenges you faced, your problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your Figma proficiency and AI tool integration.

• Skills Assessment/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or a take-home challenge designed to evaluate your design skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach specific design tasks relevant to Povio's work. This might involve UX research, wireframing, or UI design for a given scenario.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Discussions with members of the design team and potentially hiring managers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills (especially in English), team-first mindset, and how well you align with Povio's design-led culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best represent your end-to-end design capabilities, UX problem-solving, and UI craft.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, iteration, final design), the tools you used (especially Figma and AI), and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight AI Integration: Explicitly showcase how you've used AI tools to enhance your workflow, speed up processes, or achieve better results.

• Demonstrate Ownership: Emphasize projects where you took significant ownership, managed your process independently, and delivered results with minimal hand-holding.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your design aesthetic and attention to detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: If given a take-home challenge, thoroughly read and understand the requirements and constraints. Ask clarifying questions if needed.

• Process Over Perfection: Focus on demonstrating a sound design process, critical thinking, and clear communication, rather than solely on pixel-perfect final output for a timed challenge.

• Articulate Rationale: Be prepared to explain your decisions and justify your approach, especially regarding UX choices and UI design elements.

• Time Management: Practice completing design exercises within a given timeframe, as this is often a key assessment criterion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is likely to be rigorous, focusing on both technical design skills and the ability to work independently and communicate effectively with international clients. A strong, well-documented portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is the core design tool, with a requirement for high proficiency, including advanced features like autolayout, components, variants, and variables. Expect to use Figma for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and design system management.

• AI Design Tools: Practical experience with AI tools is essential. This could encompass AI-powered assistants for ideation, content generation, image enhancement, code generation snippets, or advanced prototyping features that leverage AI. Examples might include tools like Uizard, Galileo AI, or AI features within existing design software.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• The designer will likely interact with project management and communication tools such as Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack, and potentially CRM systems indirectly through client requirements or product context. Understanding how design integrates into these workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma proficiency is non-negotiable. The specific AI tools are not listed, suggesting that practical experience with any relevant AI design augmentation tools will be valued. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and experimentation with AI in their design process.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Impact-Driven: A focus on building digital products that create a positive impact and are used by millions, aligning with Povio's mission.

• Design Excellence: A commitment to high-quality craft, visual aesthetics, and intuitive user experiences, as evidenced by the "design-led culture."

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A "team-first mindset" where feedback is welcomed, and collective success is prioritized, even while emphasizing solo ownership.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing new technologies like AI and staying current with design trends to deliver modern, effective solutions.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and translating client visions into successful digital products, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work closely with engineers, product managers, and QA, necessitating clear communication and shared understanding of project goals.

• Process Review & Feedback: An environment that encourages open feedback loops, both for design critiques and for improving internal processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Designers are expected to share insights on trends and best practices, fostering a learning environment within the team.

• Agile & Iterative: A culture that supports rapid prototyping, iteration, and shipping fast, reflecting a dynamic product development approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize both individual contribution and team synergy. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they balance owning their work with contributing to a collaborative team environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Solo Ownership with Team Collaboration: Effectively managing individual project responsibilities while remaining an active and contributing team member.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Staying current with and effectively integrating new AI tools and methodologies into the design workflow as they emerge.

• Client Communication Complexity: Navigating diverse client expectations, feedback styles, and communication nuances in an international context.

• High-Impact Project Demands: Delivering exceptional design quality for high-profile clients under potentially tight deadlines, requiring strong time management and resilience.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specialized UX research methods, interaction design patterns, or advanced UI design principles.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Opportunities to attend relevant design conferences or pursue certifications to enhance skill sets and industry knowledge.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Develop leadership skills through project ownership, potential mentorship of junior designers, and contributing to design strategy discussions.

• AI Design Specialization: Become a go-to expert within the team for leveraging AI in design, a significant growth area in the industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in fast-paced, client-facing design roles. Highlighting how one approaches these challenges and leverages them for growth will be key for candidates.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a project where you had to own the entire design process independently. What was your approach, and what were the key outcomes?" - Prepare a detailed case study focusing on your autonomy, process management, and results.

• "How do you integrate AI tools into your design workflow? Can you provide specific examples of how AI has improved your efficiency or design quality?" - Be ready to discuss practical applications of AI in your design process, demonstrating your forward-thinking approach.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Povio's mission and the type of projects you work on?" - Research Povio's portfolio, client list, and Y Combinator background, and connect your interests to their impact.

• "How do you contribute to a design-led culture and collaborate effectively within a cross-functional team?" - Discuss your approach to teamwork, feedback, and integrating design into broader product development.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction to the project/problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, UX, UI), key decisions and rationale, final designs, and measurable outcomes/impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals. Show, don't just tell. Include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and final UI screens.

• Narrative: Weave a compelling story around each project. Explain the "why" behind your decisions.

• Figma & AI Focus: Explicitly mention and showcase your use of Figma features and any AI tools.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design skills but also the candidate's ability to operate autonomously, communicate effectively in English, and integrate modern tools like AI.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workable link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 4+ years of product design experience, emphasizing your end-to-end process ownership, Figma proficiency, and any experience with AI design tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases strong UX and UI examples, and includes case studies detailing your process, problem-solving, and outcomes. Specifically highlight projects demonstrating solo ownership and AI integration.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear communication, explaining your design rationale, and articulating the impact of your work. Practice answering potential interview questions.

• Research Povio: Familiarize yourself with Povio's website, client portfolio, and company mission to articulate your genuine interest and understanding of their work and culture.

⚠️ 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.