Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Wilhelmsen group

Location: Lysaker, Norway

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-06-09T00:00:00

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver intuitive digital products that support critical maritime operations and enhance the global customer journey for Wilhelmsen Ships Service.

• Conduct comprehensive user research to deeply understand the needs of onboard vessel crews and external customers, translating insights into actionable design solutions.

• Own the end-to-end design process, from initial concept and user flows to wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity interface design.

• Collaborate closely within autonomous, cross-functional teams, partnering with product managers and engineers to ensure successful product implementation and iteration.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of a robust design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all digital products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the Digital team of Wilhelmsen Ships Service, focusing on tangible product design for a global maritime industry. The emphasis is on end-to-end ownership and influencing product direction, indicating a mid-level to senior individual contributor role with significant autonomy and impact.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, to gather insights into onboard vessel workflows and customer interaction patterns.

• Develop detailed user personas, journey maps, and user flows to visualize and communicate user needs and system interactions.

• Create wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma (or similar tools) to effectively communicate design concepts and gather feedback.

• Design high-fidelity user interfaces that are intuitive, visually appealing, and aligned with brand guidelines and the company's design system.

• Collaborate with product managers to define product requirements and scope, ensuring design solutions meet business objectives and technical constraints.

• Partner with software engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing detailed specifications and ongoing support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Iterate on designs based on user feedback, analytics data, and A/B testing results to continuously improve user experience and product effectiveness.

• Contribute to the growth and refinement of the company's design system, including creating new components and updating existing ones.

• Actively participate in cross-functional team meetings, design reviews, and strategic planning sessions to influence product direction and design best practices.

• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UX/UI design, particularly within complex B2B and maritime sectors.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic input. The emphasis on "end-to-end through the design process" and "influence product direction" suggests a need for a proactive designer who can drive design initiatives and contribute beyond just visual execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in Product Design, UX Design, or UI Design roles.

• Proven track record of working end-to-end through the design process, from user research to final delivery of digital products. Required Skills:

• Strong proficiency in user experience (UX) research methodologies and user-centered design principles.

• Excellent interaction design skills, with the ability to create intuitive and efficient user flows and navigation patterns.

• Advanced visual design capabilities, including layout, typography, color theory, and a keen eye for aesthetics.

• Demonstrated experience in creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Proficiency with design and prototyping tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, including product managers and engineers.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.

• Ability to balance user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints in design solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for complex B2B products or enterprise-level software.

• Familiarity with and experience contributing to design systems.

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

• A genuine interest in or prior experience within the maritime or operational industries.

• Experience with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 3+ years of experience and proficiency in Figma, combined with the need to balance user needs, business goals, and technical constraints, points to a designer capable of independent work and strategic contribution within a product team. The "nice to have" skills suggest a preference for candidates who can hit the ground running with minimal ramp-up time in a specialized industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end design projects with a clear demonstration of your role and contribution.

• Examples of user research conducted, including methodologies used and key insights derived.

• Case studies detailing the design process from problem definition through to solution and outcomes.

• Prototypes and high-fidelity mockups illustrating interaction design and visual design skills.

• Evidence of how you have balanced user needs, business goals, and technical constraints in your designs.

• Documentation of how you have iterated on designs based on feedback and data. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in creating user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes.

• Showcase examples of how you have contributed to or utilized design systems for consistency and efficiency.

• Provide evidence of collaboration with product managers and engineers throughout the design and development lifecycle.

• Illustrate your approach to problem-solving for complex user challenges within a B2B or operational context.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "end-to-end delivery" and "balancing user needs, business goals, and technical constraints" means the portfolio should not just be a showcase of pretty interfaces but a narrative of problem-solving, user advocacy, and successful product development.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 3-5 years of experience in Norway, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between 550,000 NOK and 750,000 NOK annually. This range accounts for the cost of living in Norway, the specific industry (maritime/logistics), and the hybrid work arrangement.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and an attractive pension plan, ensuring financial security and long-term planning.

• Flexible working hours and location, offering a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance.

• Access to company cabins in both winter and summer locations, providing unique recreational opportunities.

• Membership in the employee sports organization (WIL), offering a wide range of activities like kayaking, squash, football, yoga, and social events.

• On-site amenities including a gym and indoor court, with regular football sessions.

• Perks such as a paid mobile subscription and comprehensive health insurance. Working Hours:

The role is full-time, with an expectation of approximately 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement includes flexible working hours, allowing for a degree of autonomy in managing the workday, provided core collaboration and project needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on publicly available data for similar roles in Norway, considering experience level and industry. The benefits package is substantial and highlights a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for professionals in this region.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Maritime Logistics & Services. Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS) operates within a critical global industry, providing essential products and services to vessels worldwide, enabling efficient and safe maritime operations. This context implies a need for robust, reliable, and often complex digital solutions that must perform under demanding conditions.

Company Size: Wilhelmsen Group is a large, established global company. While the specific size of the Digital team within WSS isn't detailed, the global nature of Wilhelmsen suggests a significant organizational structure with resources for innovation and digital transformation. This scale offers stability and opportunities for cross-departmental exposure.

Founded: Wilhelmsen was founded in 1839, indicating a long history and deep expertise in the maritime sector. This legacy suggests a company with a strong foundation, evolving to meet modern challenges through digital innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Digital team operates with an agile, cross-functional structure, comprising autonomous teams.

• Designers are typically dedicated to specific product teams, working closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

• This structure fosters ownership, rapid iteration, and direct impact on product development.

• Collaboration extends beyond immediate teams to cross-team initiatives and design system development. Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, emphasizing iterative development and continuous feedback.

• A strong focus on user-centered design, integrating research and data into the design process.

• Emphasis on collaboration and shared ownership within product teams.

• Continuous improvement and exploration of new technologies (e.g., AI, image recognition) to enhance efficiency and customer experience.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's deep roots in the maritime industry, combined with a forward-looking approach to digital solutions, create a unique environment for a Product Designer. The culture is described as collaborative and empowering, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and development, reflecting established Norwegian work values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years of experience). The responsibilities suggest a designer who can independently manage design projects from inception to delivery, influence product strategy, and contribute to design systems. This is a crucial individual contributor role with potential for growth into senior design positions or specialized areas within the digital product domain.

Reporting Structure: The designer will typically be the dedicated designer within their product team, reporting to a Product Manager or a Design Lead within the Digital team. This structure allows for close collaboration and direct impact on product roadmap execution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of maritime operations by designing intuitive onboard tools, and will significantly influence customer satisfaction and business growth through the design of customer-facing digital platforms. Their work will contribute to Wilhelmsen's digital transformation initiatives and competitive positioning in the maritime industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX/UI design, user research, and design systems, potentially specializing in areas like complex B2B product design or maritime technology.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success, opportunities may arise to take on lead design roles within product teams or mentor junior designers.

• Industry Exposure: Gain specialized knowledge and experience in the global maritime industry, a unique and impactful sector.

• Cross-functional Development: Further develop collaboration and communication skills by working closely with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• Innovation: Contribute to the exploration and implementation of new technologies like AI and image recognition in product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers substantial growth potential beyond just design execution. The opportunity to influence product strategy and work with cutting-edge technologies in a specialized industry provides a unique career path for a driven Product Designer.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is hybrid, meaning it combines remote work with in-office presence. The office in Lysaker, Norway, is described as having modern amenities, including a gym and indoor court, fostering a healthy and active work environment.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Lysaker, Norway (Strandv. 20). This location is well-situated, offering a professional setting conducive to collaboration and team engagement.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office space is designed to support collaboration, with opportunities for spontaneous interactions and planned team sessions. The hybrid model allows for focused remote work and in-person team building.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, along with other necessary software and hardware to support design workflows. The company's digital focus implies a modern tech stack.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities to interact with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers, fostering a supportive and knowledge-sharing environment. The presence of on-site sports facilities also encourages informal team bonding.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexible working hours. This flexibility allows designers to structure their day effectively, balancing deep work periods with collaborative sessions and personal commitments. The hybrid nature further enhances this flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Lysaker, coupled with excellent on-site facilities and flexible hours, indicates a company that prioritizes employee well-being and a balanced approach to work. This environment is conducive to focused design work and strong team cohesion.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV, motivational letter, and portfolio to assess qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An interview where you will present your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Expect questions about your role, decision-making, and how you've handled user needs vs. business constraints.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: A more in-depth discussion with the hiring manager and potentially key team members (Product Manager, Lead Engineer) to assess collaboration skills, cultural fit, and deeper technical understanding.

• Case Study/Design Exercise (Potential): You might be asked to complete a take-home design challenge or a live design exercise to evaluate your problem-solving skills and design approach in a simulated scenario.

• Final Interview: Potentially a discussion with a senior leader to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate end-to-end design experience, particularly those involving complex B2B products or operational challenges.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the user research conducted, the design process, key decisions, trade-offs made, and the final outcomes/impact. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your UX research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative design process. Show how you translated insights into solutions.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Ensure your prototypes and high-fidelity designs clearly demonstrate your skills in Figma.

• Address Constraints: Explicitly discuss how you balanced user needs, business goals, and technical limitations.

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design rationale, collaboration methods, and how you handle feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a case study, thoroughly research Wilhelmsen, its services, and the maritime industry to understand potential user needs and business objectives.

• Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, user research (even if hypothetical), ideation, and solution design.

• Communicate Clearly: Practice articulating your thought process, design decisions, and proposed solutions concisely and effectively.

• Time Management: If it's a timed exercise, allocate time wisely for each stage of the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily rely on your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design decisions in detail and demonstrate how you approach problem-solving in a user-centric and business-aware manner. Understanding Wilhelmsen's industry context will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity interface design. Proficiency is essential.

• UserResearch Tools: Experience with tools for surveys (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), user interviews, and usability testing platforms.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma is primary, familiarity with other prototyping tools can be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with web and app analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to understand user behavior and iterate on designs.

• Data Visualization Tools: Ability to interpret data presented in dashboards and reports to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts CRM interactions and customer journeys is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Experience with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement. The role also implies a need to leverage data analytics to inform design decisions, highlighting the importance of a data-informed design approach.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is understanding and prioritizing user needs, whether onboard vessels or for external customers, to deliver effective solutions.

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork within autonomous, cross-functional teams, fostering shared ownership and mutual support.

• Innovation: A forward-thinking approach that embraces new technologies and methodologies to solve complex challenges and improve services.

• Efficiency: A drive to create streamlined, intuitive digital products that enhance operational efficiency for both users and the business.

• Impact: A focus on delivering tangible results that contribute to the success of Wilhelmsen Ships Service and its customers.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly with product managers and engineers, ensuring alignment from concept to delivery.

• Open Communication: Encouragement of open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive critique within teams and during design reviews.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that promotes sharing best practices, learnings, and insights across design and development teams.

• Agile and Iterative: A collaborative approach that embraces agile principles, allowing for flexibility, rapid iteration, and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of established industry expertise and a modern, agile approach to digital product development. The emphasis on collaboration, user focus, and innovation aligns well with the dynamic nature of the maritime industry's digital transformation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Domain: Designing for the maritime industry involves understanding unique operational workflows, safety requirements, and diverse user groups (e.g., vessel crews with varying technical proficiencies).

• Global User Base: Catering to a diverse international user base with different cultural contexts and technical environments.

• Legacy Systems Integration: Potentially integrating new digital solutions with existing or legacy operational systems.

• Balancing Innovation with Reliability: The need to introduce new technologies and features while ensuring the absolute reliability and safety of critical operational tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Industry Knowledge: Deepen understanding of the maritime sector and its operational challenges, becoming an expert in designing for this niche.

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunity to hone skills in complex UX/UI, design systems, and potentially emerging technologies like AI-driven design assistance.

• Cross-functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by influencing product direction and mentoring junior designers.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Potential for participation in relevant design or maritime technology conferences and professional development courses.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals within the Digital team and Wilhelmsen Group for guidance and career development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to operating in a specialized, critical industry. However, these challenges also represent significant growth opportunities for a designer looking to make a substantial impact and gain unique expertise.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting user needs with business requirements. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making process and trade-offs.)

• "Walk us through a complex project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the impact of your design?" (Prepare a concise narrative with clear visuals.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for a product used by vessel crews who might have limited technical experience or be in high-pressure situations?" (Demonstrate user empathy and practical design considerations.)

• "What are your thoughts on contributing to and evolving a design system? How do you ensure consistency while allowing for flexibility?" (Showcase understanding of system design principles.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Wilhelmsen and the maritime industry?" (Research the company's mission, recent news, and the challenges in the maritime sector.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with product managers and engineers? Describe a successful collaboration and any challenges you've overcome." (Highlight your teamwork and communication style.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and technologies, and how do you decide which to adopt?" (Show your commitment to continuous learning and critical evaluation.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Research -> Solution -> Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, reduced errors, improved efficiency).

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use your prototypes and visuals to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Be Confident: Speak clearly about your contributions and design rationale. Be prepared to defend your decisions.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that align with B2B, operational tools, or complex user journeys.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss your design process in detail, showcase your problem-solving abilities with specific examples from your portfolio, and demonstrate a clear understanding of how design impacts business objectives and user needs.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Wilhelmsen career portal, ensuring you create a 'Candidate Home' account.

• Customize Your CV: Highlight experience relevant to UX/UI design, end-to-end product development, Figma proficiency, and any B2B or operational industry context. Use keywords from the job description.

• Craft a Compelling Motivational Letter: Clearly articulate why you are a strong fit for this specific role at Wilhelmsen Ships Service, referencing your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the maritime industry.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best end-to-end projects, and clearly demonstrates your skills in user research, interaction design, visual design, and prototyping using Figma. Be ready to present it.

• Research Wilhelmsen: Understand their services, their digital initiatives, and the challenges within the maritime industry. This will help you tailor your application and prepare for interviews.

⚠️ 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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