Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer
Company: Tako
Location: São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Job Type: Full-time
Category: Product Design / Operations Technology
Date Posted: May 08, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design of intuitive and visually compelling B2B solutions for complex HR processes, leveraging a deep understanding of user needs and business objectives.
• Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle, from initial discovery and user research to technical specification, implementation, and post-launch performance analysis.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, and leadership teams to prioritize features, define product strategy, and ensure seamless execution of designs.
• Champion a user-centered design philosophy, translating intricate domain knowledge into simple, accessible, and impactful user experiences within a fast-paced, high-autonomy environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a company focused on "People Operations" technology, suggesting a strong emphasis on how design directly impacts operational efficiency and user workflows within HR and administrative functions. The "deterministic applications" and "AI agents" mentioned in the company description indicate a forward-thinking approach to automation that designers will need to understand and integrate into their solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the exploration, definition, design, and technical specification of new features for Tako's suite of applications.
• Rapidly acquire expertise in complex domains, including HR, payroll, and administrative processes, by conducting technical research, client conversations, and expert interviews.
• Produce detailed technical specifications (handoff documents) for development teams, actively participating in implementation and release cycles, and adapting scope based on learnings.
• Maintain close proximity to users and the operations team to gather insights, identify pain points, and understand evolving needs.
• Develop a profound understanding of the Brazilian Department of Personal (DP) landscape, existing processes, and regulatory constraints.
• Create long-term product visions that can be decomposed into sequential, high-value deliverables, optimizing for both user impact and development effort.
• Continuously enhance the existing product's UX and UI, focusing on simplification, consistency, and exploring best practices through market benchmarking and peer critique.
• Structure and interpret qualitative and quantitative user research to inform design decisions and validate hypotheses.
• Actively contribute to strategic discussions, structural decisions, and new feature definition, always prioritizing user experience and product evolution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for designers who can operate with significant autonomy and strategic input, moving beyond pure UI/UX execution to contribute to product strategy and domain expertise. The emphasis on "simplifying scope" and "breaking down into multiple deliveries" points to a need for pragmatic design that balances innovation with feasibility in an agile setting.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application of design principles is expected.
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in product design, with a proven track record of working in agile environments and collaborating closely with development teams through the implementation process. Demonstrated ability to manage one's own work in a high-autonomy setting.

Required Skills:

• Refined UX and UI design skills with a strong portfolio showcasing problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in agile methodologies and working collaboratively with development teams during implementation.
• Ability to manage the entire lifecycle of a new feature or improvement, from discovery to results tracking.
• Clear, logical reasoning and effective communication of learnings and hypotheses behind design proposals.
• Strong focus on simplifying user experiences and making them more intuitive.
• Analytical thinking capabilities, with the ability to interpret metrics and results to derive hypotheses and conclusions.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience designing for large-scale Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms.
• Experience designing for mobile applications.
• Experience conducting and interpreting qualitative and quantitative user research.
• Familiarity with benchmarking and exploring best practices in B2B product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of "2-5 years" suggests the company is looking for individuals who have moved beyond junior roles and can independently drive design initiatives, but may not yet be senior or lead designers. The preference for SaaS and mobile experience is critical given the nature of Tako's platform.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 end-to-end product design case studies demonstrating ownership from discovery to post-launch analysis.
• Clearly articulate the problem statement, user research methodologies, design process, key decisions, and measurable outcomes for each case study.
• Highlight your ability to translate complex requirements (especially in regulated or technical domains like HR/payroll) into intuitive user interfaces and workflows.
• Include examples of how you've collaborated with engineering and operations teams, detailing your handoff process and involvement during implementation.
• Demonstrate proficiency in creating wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and technical specifications.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail your approach to user research, including methods used (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and how insights informed design.
• Illustrate your process for defining technical specifications and ensuring a smooth handoff to development teams.
• Showcase examples of how you've iterated on designs based on user feedback, performance metrics, and operational insights.
• Document your approach to creating long-term product visions and breaking them down into actionable, sequenced deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on end-to-end ownership and collaboration with operations, a portfolio that clearly demonstrates a structured design process, problem-solving acumen, and measurable impact will be paramount. The ability to articulate the "why" behind design choices and showcase an understanding of operational constraints is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years experience) in São Paulo, Brazil, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between R$ 90,000 to R$ 150,000 (Brazilian Real). This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for design roles in major Brazilian tech hubs, considering the company's funding and ambition.

Benefits:

• Contract Type: PJ (Pessoa Jurídica - Independent Contractor) with 13th salary and paid vacations.
• Equity: Participation in Tako's Stock Options program, offering potential long-term financial upside.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive SulAmérica health plan with 100% coverage for the employee and dependents, including access to top-tier São Paulo hospitals (Einstein, Sírio Libanês, Vila Nova Star, etc.).
• Benefit Card: Swile benefit card pre-loaded with R$ 1,800 annually, usable for various expenses.
• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave, supporting work-life balance during significant life events.

Working Hours: Full-time employment. The company description emphasizes an on-site, collaborative environment in São Paulo, suggesting standard office hours (e.g., 9 AM to 6 PM, or similar) with an expectation of presence in the office. The mention of "autonomy" may imply some flexibility within these core hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PJ contract structure is common in Brazilian tech for contractors and often implies a higher gross salary than a CLT (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho) contract, but with different tax and benefit implications. The stock options are a significant component for a startup backed by prominent investors. The R$1,800 Swile card is a substantial monthly benefit. Salary research for São Paulo indicates this range is competitive for experienced product designers in the tech sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: HR Technology (HR Tech) / Business Operations Software. Tako operates in the critical sector of HR and People Operations technology, aiming to streamline complex Brazilian bureaucratic processes using AI and deterministic applications. This positions them at the intersection of software development, AI, and enterprise operations. Company Size: Seed/Series A funded startup, likely ranging from 50-150 employees. This size implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact. Founded: Founded by individuals with a successful track record, supported by significant funding (over R$160M raised in Seed and Series A rounds) and high-profile investors like Ribbit Capital and a16z. This indicates a strong vision, ambitious growth plans, and a focus on building a robust, scalable product.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely works within cross-functional squads, closely integrated with engineering and product management.
• Designers collaborate directly with operations teams to understand user pain points and the intricacies of Brazilian HR/payroll bureaucracy.
• The leadership team, including founders with successful exits, is actively involved in strategic discussions and product direction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Emphasis on using data, user research, and AI to inform product decisions and drive innovation.
• User-Centricity: A core belief in redefining B2B tools through a user-centered approach, ensuring simplicity and intuitiveness.
• Agile Execution: Working in agile teams with high autonomy allows for rapid iteration, continuous improvement, and efficient delivery of features.
• Operational Efficiency Focus: The company's mission to combat bureaucracy means design solutions are evaluated not just on user satisfaction but also on their ability to improve operational efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Tako is positioned as a disruptive force in the Brazilian HR Tech market, tackling a deeply ingrained problem. The company culture is likely a blend of startup agility, big-tech talent, and a mission-driven approach to solving complex operational challenges. The on-site work model reinforces a collaborative and results-oriented ethos.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-level Product Designer. This role offers the opportunity to transition from a purely execution-focused position to one that significantly influences product strategy and user experience within the specialized domain of HR operations. It's an ideal stage for designers looking to deepen their expertise in B2B SaaS and operational problem-solving. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Design Lead, or a Product Manager, working within cross-functional product teams. Close collaboration with engineering leads and operations stakeholders is expected. Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of HR departments across Brazil. By simplifying complex bureaucratic processes, the design will free up operational teams to focus on strategic initiatives, reduce errors, and improve overall business productivity. The success of Tako's mission is intrinsically linked to the quality and usability of its product, making the designer's role highly impactful.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in Brazilian HR, payroll, and administrative operations, becoming a go-to expert in this niche.
• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute to long-term product vision, feature prioritization, and strategic roadmap development, moving towards a more strategic design role.
• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers, lead specific product areas, or transition into a Design Lead position.
• Skill Expansion: Gain experience with cutting-edge technologies like AI agents and deterministic applications, enhancing your technical design toolkit.
• Career Progression: Potential to advance to Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or even Head of Design roles within a rapidly scaling startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant growth opportunity for a Product Designer interested in the operational side of business and the specific challenges of the Brazilian market. The company's focus on innovation and its ambitious funding suggest a high potential for career advancement and skill development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Tako operates with a fully on-site model, requiring employees to work from their office in Itaim Bibi, São Paulo. This suggests a traditional office environment designed to foster collaboration and rapid decision-making. Office Location(s): The office is located in Itaim Bibi, a prominent business district in São Paulo, known for its accessibility and corporate presence. This location offers a professional and well-connected working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site requirement points to a workspace that encourages direct interaction, spontaneous discussions, and team cohesion, crucial for agile product development.
• Operations Tools and Technology: While not explicitly detailed, expect standard design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite) and collaboration tools. The company's mission implies a focus on building and utilizing efficient internal operational systems.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct, in-person collaboration with engineers, product managers, operations specialists, and leadership, facilitating quick feedback loops and shared understanding.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site in São Paulo. While specific daily hours aren't detailed, standard professional hours (e.g., 9 AM - 6 PM) are typical, with the company's emphasis on autonomy potentially allowing for some flexibility within that framework. The focus is on delivering results and being present for team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "on-site" work arrangement is a key differentiator. For operations-focused roles, this often signifies a commitment to in-person collaboration, faster problem-solving, and a unified team culture. Itaim Bibi is a prime business location, suggesting a professional and well-resourced office space.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Tako's mission.
• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific case studies. This may be followed by a design exercise or a detailed discussion of a hypothetical design problem relevant to Tako's domain.
• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with engineering, product, and operations team members to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and alignment with the company's values.
• Final Interview: Likely with a founder or senior leader to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and cultural fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process & Impact: Don't just show final screens. Detail your thought process, the problems you solved, the research conducted, and the measurable impact of your designs.
• Highlight Operational Understanding: For Tako, emphasize case studies where you've tackled complex B2B challenges, understood operational workflows, and designed for efficiency and simplification.
• Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with engineering, product, and other stakeholders. Demonstrate your handoff process and how you supported implementation.
• Tailor to Tako: Research Tako's product and mission. If possible, frame your case studies to show how your skills align with their specific needs in HR Tech and bureaucratic process simplification.
• Be Ready for Domain Questions: Expect to discuss your understanding of HR, payroll, or similar complex operational domains, and how you approach learning them.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Tako's Problem: Deeply research Tako's mission to combat Brazilian bureaucracy with AI and deterministic applications in HR/People Ops.
• Practice Articulating Design Decisions: Be prepared to clearly explain the rationale behind your design choices, especially how they simplify complex workflows and benefit users.
• Think Operationally: Consider how your designs will impact operational efficiency, data accuracy, and compliance within a Brazilian context.
• Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready about Tako's product roadmap, design team structure, collaboration processes, and the biggest operational challenges they aim to solve.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "operations" and "complex processes" suggests that the design challenges and portfolio reviews will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to translate intricate business logic into user-friendly interfaces and workflows, with a strong focus on efficiency and problem-solving.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Likely Figma (industry standard for collaborative UI/UX design and prototyping), Sketch, or Adobe XD. Candidates should be proficient in at least one, with Figma being a strong asset.
• Collaboration & Handoff: Tools like Zeplin, InVision, or Figma's built-in handoff features for communicating designs to developers.
• Project Management: Tools such as Jira, Asana, or Trello for tracking design tasks and progress within agile sprints.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Behavior Analytics: Platforms like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Pendo to track user interactions, feature adoption, and identify areas for improvement.
• Data Visualization: Experience with tools that can help translate data into actionable insights, potentially integrated into dashboards or reporting tools.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how design integrates with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and automation platforms used by sales and operations teams can be beneficial for B2B SaaS design.
• Familiarity with the underlying principles of "deterministic applications" and "AI agents" as mentioned in the company description, even if not directly using them, is important for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern collaborative design tools like Figma is essential. The mention of "deterministic applications" and "AI agents" suggests a forward-thinking tech stack where designers might need to integrate with or design for AI-driven features, requiring an understanding of data flows and system logic.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: High degree of autonomy and responsibility for one's work, driving initiatives from start to finish.
• Excellence: Commitment to high standards in both technical execution and product quality, aiming for best-in-class solutions.
• Creativity: Encouraging innovative thinking to solve complex operational problems and redefine user experiences.
• Simplicity: A core value to distill complexity into intuitive and user-friendly solutions, especially in the context of Brazilian bureaucracy.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing research, metrics, and user feedback to guide product development and design choices.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work intimately with engineering, product management, and operations teams, fostering a holistic approach to product development.
• Open Communication: A culture that values constructive feedback, open discussion, and sharing of diverse perspectives to achieve optimal solutions.
• Agile & Iterative: Embracing flexibility, continuous learning, and iterative improvements based on real-world performance and user input.
• Mission-Oriented: United by a shared goal to modernize Brazilian businesses and combat bureaucracy through technology and innovative design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tako's values emphasize a proactive, results-oriented culture common in successful startups. The blend of "big tech talent" with "startup autonomy" suggests a high-performance environment that values both individual contribution and collaborative synergy.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Bureaucratic Complexity: Translating the intricate and often convoluted Brazilian HR and payroll regulations into simple, compliant, and user-friendly digital experiences.
• Balancing Innovation with Pragmatism: Designing for advanced concepts like AI agents and deterministic applications while ensuring immediate user value and feasibility within development constraints.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Effectively communicating design vision and technical specifications across diverse teams (engineering, operations, leadership) to ensure shared understanding and buy-in.
• Rapid Scaling Environment: Adapting design processes and solutions to a rapidly growing company and evolving product roadmap, requiring agility and efficient workflows.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Mastery: Becoming an expert in the unique challenges and opportunities of the Brazilian HR Tech and B2B SaaS market.
• AI & Deterministic Application Design: Gaining hands-on experience designing for cutting-edge technologies that automate complex processes.
• Product Strategy and Vision: Opportunities to contribute to high-level product strategy, roadmap planning, and long-term vision setting.
• Mentorship and Leadership: Potential to grow into leadership roles, mentor junior designers, and shape the design function within a growing company.
• Exposure to Top Investors: Working closely with a team backed by leading venture capital firms, offering insights into high-growth startup operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the domain complexity and the need to marry cutting-edge technology with practical, user-centric solutions for a critical business function. The growth opportunities are substantial for a designer eager to make a significant impact in a dynamic startup environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a highly regulated or complex operational domain. How did you approach understanding the constraints and translating them into a user-friendly solution?" (Focus on your process, research, and ability to simplify complexity).
• "How do you balance a long-term product vision with the need for quick, iterative deliveries in an agile environment? Provide an example of how you've managed this." (Demonstrate strategic thinking and pragmatic execution).
• "Walk us through a challenging design handoff you experienced. What were the key communication points, and how did you ensure successful implementation by the development team?" (Highlight collaboration and technical specification skills).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Tako's mission to combat Brazilian bureaucracy with technology? How do you see design playing a role in this?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's purpose and your alignment with it).
• "Given our on-site work model, how do you contribute to a collaborative and productive team environment?" (Discuss your work style and how you engage with colleagues).
• "How do you approach learning about new domains or complex business processes, particularly those outside your immediate expertise?" (Demonstrate your curiosity and learning agility, relevant to the HR/payroll domain).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Begin with the "why" – the problem and your core hypothesis. Clearly articulate the user and business goals.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively. For each case study, present user flows, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, explaining your design decisions at each stage.
• Quantify Results: Where possible, present metrics demonstrating the impact of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, reduced error rates, improved task completion time).
• Highlight Collaboration: Explicitly mention how you partnered with engineering, product, and operations. Detail your handoff process and any post-launch support provided.
• Address Operational Context: For Tako, emphasize how your designs address specific operational needs, improve efficiency, and simplify complex workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a structured design process, problem-solving skills within complex B2B/operational contexts, and a collaborative, user-centric mindset. Be ready to discuss your experience with SaaS, agile development, and your approach to understanding intricate business domains.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your ability to tackle complex B2B challenges, simplify operational processes, and drive measurable outcomes. Tailor your presentation to highlight your experience with SaaS and user-centered design.
• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your years of experience, key design skills (UX/UI, research, Prototyping), experience with agile teams, and any relevant SaaS or mobile design background. Use keywords from the job description.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with engineering and operations teams.
• Research Tako: Understand their mission, product, target market (Brazilian HR/People Ops), and the problem they are solving. Prepare thoughtful questions about their product roadmap, design challenges, and company 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.

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