Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Symphony

Location: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design Operations / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the comprehensive end-to-end product design lifecycle, from initial ideation through to successful implementation and iteration.

• Develop, maintain, and champion robust design systems and component libraries to ensure product consistency, scalability, and reusability across diverse software projects.

• Craft intuitive and engaging user interfaces, high-fidelity prototypes, and dynamic interactive experiences that significantly enhance overall usability and user satisfaction.

• Conduct rigorous user research, usability testing, and data analysis to validate design hypotheses, uncover critical user needs, and inform strategic design decisions.

• Champion user-centered design principles, advocate for accessibility best practices, and ensure alignment between design solutions and business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the responsibilities and requirements indicate a strong focus on design operations, including the development and maintenance of design systems and collaboration with engineering and product teams for seamless handoffs. This suggests a role that bridges traditional product design with operational efficiency in the design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the full spectrum of the design process for significant software initiatives, encompassing user journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and visual design.

• Establish and evolve comprehensive design systems, including style guides, component libraries, and usage guidelines, to ensure brand consistency and streamline design workflows.

• Create compelling, high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes for both desktop and mobile applications, effectively communicating design intent and user flows.

• Execute in-depth user research methodologies, including user interviews, surveys, and contextual inquiries, to gather actionable insights into user behaviors and pain points.

• Conduct and analyze usability testing sessions to identify friction points and opportunities for design optimization, translating findings into concrete design improvements.

• Facilitate design thinking workshops and client collaboration sessions to align stakeholders on product vision, strategy, and execution priorities.

• Mentor and provide constructive feedback to junior and mid-level designers, fostering their professional growth and elevating the overall quality of design output.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers to translate product requirements and business goals into effective and user-centric design solutions.

• Partner with Engineering teams to ensure accurate and efficient implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and supporting the development process.

• Proactively identify and integrate emerging design trends, tools, and AI technologies to enhance design workflows, improve efficiency, and elevate design outcomes.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the design team by promoting experimentation, knowledge sharing, and the adoption of innovative design practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "end-to-end design process," "design systems," and "mentoring junior designers" suggests this role requires a senior-level individual with strong operational acumen in design execution and team leadership. The mention of AI technologies also points to a forward-thinking approach to design operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 6+ years of demonstrated success in product design, with a proven track record of delivering high-quality user experiences for software products.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, InVision, and Miro.

• Extensive experience in developing and managing comprehensive design systems and component libraries.

• Proven ability to conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Strong command of UX, visual, and modern interactive design best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to create intuitive user interfaces and high-fidelity prototypes for desktop and mobile platforms.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts and solutions clearly to diverse stakeholders.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to design decision-making.

• Experience facilitating workshops and collaborative sessions with clients, product managers, and engineers.

• Fluency in English, both written and spoken, for effective communication in an international team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI technologies and their application in design workflows.

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

• Experience in mentoring junior designers and fostering team growth.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG) and experience designing for inclusive experiences.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and experience working within cross-functional product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "6+ years of demonstrated success" and the breadth of responsibilities, including mentoring, indicate a Senior Product Designer role. The emphasis on design systems and cross-functional collaboration suggests a need for strong operational thinking beyond pure creative design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 6 years of product design experience, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end project ownership.

• Detailed case studies demonstrating a deep understanding of user research, problem definition, design strategy, and iterative design processes.

• Examples of successfully developed and maintained design systems, including style guides, component libraries, and their impact on product consistency and scalability.

• Prototypes and final UI designs for both desktop and mobile applications, highlighting intuitive user interfaces and seamless user flows.

• Evidence of collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, engineering) and stakeholders, showcasing effective communication and problem-solving. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how user research and usability testing findings were translated into actionable design improvements.

• Demonstrate the process of creating and maintaining design systems, including documentation and governance strategies.

• Illustrate the workflow for design-to-development handoffs, ensuring clear communication and efficient implementation.

• Provide examples of how you've advocated for and implemented user-centered design principles and accessibility best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is explicitly requested, and the emphasis on design systems, end-to-end process, and cross-functional collaboration suggests portfolio pieces should highlight not just visual design but also strategic thinking, process management, and operational impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (5-10 years), location in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, or North Macedonia, and the scope of responsibilities, an estimated annual salary range for a Senior Product Designer would typically fall between €35,000 - €60,000. This estimate is derived from industry benchmarks for design roles in Southeastern Europe, considering cost of living and market demand for experienced designers.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays.

• Access to a global network of talented professionals and diverse projects.

• Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and stock options.

• Reimbursement for home office setup and equipment.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, approximately 40 hours per week. While the role is hybrid, flexibility in daily scheduling may be available to accommodate cross-time zone collaboration and personal needs, with clear communication maintained regarding availability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is not specified, so an estimated range has been provided based on typical market rates for a Senior Product Designer in the specified regions. The benefits listed are standard for international tech companies and are tailored to attract experienced design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software Development & Design Services. Symphony operates as a global design and development software company, serving a wide array of clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies across sectors like financial services, banking, retail, technology, healthcare, and the VC/PE ecosystem.

Company Size: 800+ technologists. This indicates a large, established company with a significant global footprint, offering opportunities for structured career paths and exposure to complex, large-scale projects.

Founded: 19 years ago (as of the listing date in 2026). This long history suggests stability, a wealth of experience, and a mature organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating with dedicated product and engineering teams for each client project.

• Reporting lines may vary, but a Senior Product Designer would likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, with direct influence on junior team members.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core tenet, with designers working closely with product managers, engineers, QA testers, and directly with client stakeholders. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: User research, usability testing, and analytics are central to validating design decisions and ensuring business value alignment.

• Agile Development: While not explicitly stated, the nature of software product development for diverse clients suggests adoption of agile methodologies for iterative progress and flexibility.

• Design System Centricity: A strong emphasis is placed on building and maintaining scalable design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency across projects.

Company Website: symphony.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description highlights a global reach and a diverse client portfolio, suggesting that the design team must be adaptable and skilled in navigating various industry needs and client expectations. The "800+ technologists" implies a robust operational infrastructure.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, requiring over 6 years of experience. It implies a significant level of autonomy, responsibility for driving design strategy, and the ability to mentor others. The role is crucial in operationalizing design processes and ensuring high-quality, consistent output.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior Product Designer typically reports to a Design Manager, Director of Design, or a lead product role. They would also be expected to guide and mentor junior designers within their project teams.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is critical for Symphony's success. By creating intuitive and effective user experiences, they directly contribute to client satisfaction, product adoption, revenue generation, and reduction in development rework due to design flaws. Their role in maintaining design systems ensures efficiency and scalability across the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to lead design initiatives, manage project streams, and potentially transition into a Design Lead or Managerial role.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like UX strategy, design systems architecture, accessibility design, or AI-driven design tools.

• Client-Facing Expertise: Develop advanced skills in client communication, workshop facilitation, and strategic product consultation.

• Mentorship: Formalize mentorship of junior designers, contributing to team growth and personal leadership development.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to product management, engineering best practices, and business strategy through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is clearly defined as senior, with significant growth potential beyond individual contribution, focusing on leadership, strategic impact, and operational excellence within the design function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. Symphony has engineering offices in Southeast Europe and Latin America, business development offices in the US and Western Europe, and a remote hub. This indicates a blended work environment where employees can leverage office resources and collaborate in person, while also benefiting from the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The primary locations mentioned for this role are Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia. These locations house engineering talent for the company.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hubs: Office spaces are likely designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, whiteboarding areas, and communal workspaces to support design workshops and team interactions.

• Technology Focused: Access to modern design tools, high-performance workstations, and reliable internet connectivity is essential for design operations.

• International Team Interaction: The role involves daily interaction with a globally distributed team, requiring proficiency in English and comfort with virtual collaboration tools.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid nature allows for a mix of in-office and remote days, providing flexibility. However, the need for cross-time zone collaboration with international teams may necessitate occasional adjustments to working hours to ensure effective communication and project continuity. Expect to be available for key meetings and collaborative sessions during core business hours, which may vary depending on project team composition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and global team structure suggest a dynamic work environment that balances in-person collaboration with remote flexibility, requiring strong self-management and communication skills.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the Talent Acquisition team to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you'll present your portfolio, detailing your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Expect deep dives into your experience with design systems, user research, and cross-functional collaboration. This may include technical questions related to UX/UI principles and design tools.

• Stakeholder/Team Interview: An interview with design leads, product managers, and potentially engineers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and cultural fit within Symphony's international teams.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic thinking and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with design systems.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed (research, ideation, iteration), the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight Design Systems: Dedicate specific sections or projects to showcase your experience in building, maintaining, or contributing to design systems. Explain the benefits and challenges.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you've worked with product managers, engineers, and clients, demonstrating your communication and teamwork skills.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion times, increased user satisfaction scores).

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study, either as a take-home assignment or an in-interview exercise.

• Focus on demonstrating your process, not just the final output. Show how you would approach a given problem, considering user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if presenting to a mixed audience of designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Familiarize yourself with Symphony's existing products and their design aesthetic to tailor your approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is expected to be rigorous, with a strong emphasis on portfolio review and demonstrating practical application of design principles and operational processes. Candidates should be prepared to articulate their entire design journey and its impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (primary expectation), Sketch, InVision (for prototyping and collaboration).

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, Mural (for workshops, brainstorming, user journey mapping).

• Design System Management: Tools and methodologies for creating, documenting, and maintaining component libraries and style guides.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude to understand user behavior and product performance.

• Usability Testing Platforms: Tools for remote usability testing and heat mapping (e.g., UserTesting.com, Hotjar).

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can aid in understanding the broader business context and user journeys.

• Project Management Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello for tracking design tasks and progress within agile workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is highly likely to be the core requirement. The emphasis on design systems implies a need for organization and documentation capabilities beyond just the design software itself.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Continuous Learning & Improvement: A strong drive for personal growth, staying updated with design trends, tools, and methodologies, and actively seeking ways to enhance processes.

• Business Acumen: The ability to understand and analyze the business context, logic, and objectives behind design responsibilities, ensuring design solutions contribute to overall business success.

• Collaboration & Cooperation: A preference for working harmoniously within pleasant, cooperative, and international team environments, valuing teamwork and mutual support.

• Proactive Enthusiasm: A high level of energy and initiative in approaching work, seeking opportunities to contribute and innovate.

Collaboration Style:

• International Teamwork: Comfortable and effective working in diverse, global teams, utilizing English as the primary language for communication.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Works seamlessly with product, engineering, and business stakeholders, fostering open communication and shared understanding.

• Constructive Feedback Culture: Open to giving and receiving feedback to drive continuous improvement in design quality and team performance.

• User-Centric Advocacy: Consistently represents the user's perspective in discussions, ensuring their needs are prioritized while balancing business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes proactivity, continuous learning, business understanding, and strong collaborative skills within an international context. This suggests a team that is both high-performing and supportive.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Client Needs with Design Best Practices: Navigating diverse client requirements and expectations while upholding high standards for user experience, usability, and accessibility.

• Managing Design Systems at Scale: Ensuring design systems remain robust, up-to-date, and consistently adopted across multiple projects and evolving product lines.

• Cross-Time Zone Collaboration: Effectively communicating and collaborating with team members distributed across different time zones, requiring careful planning and asynchronous communication strategies.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying abreast of and strategically incorporating new design tools, AI advancements, and methodologies into existing workflows to maintain a competitive edge.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design System Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in design system architecture, governance, and implementation strategies.

• AI in Design Workshops: Access to training on leveraging AI tools for design generation, analysis, and workflow optimization.

• Leadership and Mentorship Programs: Formal programs designed to develop leadership skills and provide experience in mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant design conferences (e.g., UXPA, AIGA) and obtaining certifications in specialized areas.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around operationalizing design at scale, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and adapting to technological advancements, all of which offer significant learning and growth potential.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to advocate for a user-centered design decision that conflicted with a stakeholder's preference. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process for gathering data, presenting arguments, and reaching a resolution.)

• "How do you approach building and maintaining a design system? What are the key components, and how do you ensure its adoption across a team?" (Prepare to discuss your methodology, documentation practices, and strategies for collaboration.)

• "Walk us through a complex product design project from your portfolio. What was the initial problem, your design process, the challenges you faced, and the ultimate impact of your solution?" (Be ready to articulate your entire design journey, highlighting problem-solving and strategic thinking.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Symphony's work and our client portfolio? How do you see your skills contributing to our mission?" (Research Symphony's recent projects and client success stories.)

• "How do you approach continuous learning and staying updated with design trends and technologies, particularly AI?" (Share specific examples of how you actively pursue professional development.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment and how you contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture, especially in an international setting." (Emphasize your proactive, cooperative, and English-speaking communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, typically by project. Use a clear narrative: Problem > Your Role > Process > Solution > Impact.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate how you think and solve problems, not just what you designed. Explain your rationale behind key decisions.

• Highlight Design Systems: If you have specific projects related to design systems, dedicate time to showcase them. Explain their structure, benefits, and your contribution.

• Quantify Outcomes: Whenever possible, back up your claims with data and metrics to demonstrate the real-world impact of your designs.

• Engage Your Audience: Be prepared to answer questions thoughtfully and engage in a discussion about your work. Practice your timing to ensure you cover your key points effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also operational thinking, strategic alignment, and the ability to thrive in a global, collaborative environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your detailed resume and a link to your online portfolio through the provided application portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects that showcase your end-to-end design process, experience with design systems, user research methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration. Tailor your case studies to highlight achievements relevant to Symphony's client work and their emphasis on operational efficiency in design.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 6+ years of experience, highlighting key skills such as Figma, Sketch, InVision, Miro, design systems, user research, and stakeholder management. Quantify achievements and responsibilities where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio with a focus on your problem-solving process, design rationale, and measurable impact. Prepare to discuss your experience with international teams and your understanding of business context.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Symphony's company history, client portfolio, and stated values. Understand their approach to design and development services, and consider how your contributions can enhance their operational excellence and client success.

⚠️ 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.

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