Product Designer II, Operator Panel

SpotHero
Full-time•$96k-120k/year (USD)•Chicago, United States

šŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II, Operator Panel

Company: SpotHero

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: 2026-06-03T19:12:15

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (1 day per week in office)

šŸš€ Role Summary

  • Drive the design of core garage-facing products, focusing on empowering garage operators to optimize their business operations through intuitive design solutions.

  • Translate complex business and user needs into holistic design experiences across responsive web, iOS, and Android platforms.

  • Utilize a user-centered design process, informed by qualitative and quantitative research, to formulate and test hypotheses for product improvements.

  • Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to define UX/UI requirements and ensure a consistent, high-quality user experience.

  • Contribute to the evolution of the company's design system and champion best practices in user research, A/B testing, and iterative development.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the "Operator Panel" aspect of SpotHero's product suite, indicating a B2B focus on empowering parking garage operators. The "Product Designer II" title suggests a mid-level individual contributor role requiring autonomy and the ability to drive design initiatives. The role blends user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) responsibilities with a strong emphasis on business value creation and measurable success.

šŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design user-centered solutions for the garage operator platform, addressing key areas such as rate setting, inventory optimization, and parking information management.

  • Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

  • Conduct and analyze user research, including usability studies and field interviews, to gather actionable insights and inform design decisions.

  • Formulate hypotheses for growth experiments and A/B tests, and design solutions to validate these hypotheses and drive business value.

  • Define and document UX/UI requirements in collaboration with product management and engineering teams, ensuring alignment across different channels and products.

  • Contribute to and maintain the SpotHero design system, ensuring consistency and scalability of design elements.

  • Present design rationale, research findings, and proposed solutions clearly and persuasively to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

  • Embrace iterative development cycles, incorporating feedback from user testing and data analytics to refine designs.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive approach to design, emphasizing not just creation but also research, validation, and collaboration. The focus on "growth experiments" and "A/B tests" indicates a data-driven design culture where outcomes are measured against business impact.

šŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: 3-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a significant focus on B2B products.

Required Skills:

  • Demonstrated proficiency in the entire design process, from research and ideation to high-fidelity design and usability testing.

  • Strong understanding of information architecture, usability principles, and heuristic evaluation.

  • Expertise in user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.

  • Deep knowledge of responsive web design principles and best practices for iOS and Android platforms.

  • Proficiency in design and prototyping tools, with a strong preference for Figma.

  • Ability to effectively communicate design concepts, rationale, and findings through presentations and documentation.

  • Experience creating user flows, design documentation, prototypes, and high-fidelity mocks.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with A/B testing platforms (e.g., Optimizely) and product analytics software (e.g., Mixpanel).

  • Familiarity with issue and project tracking software (e.g., Jira).

  • Experience contributing to or maintaining design systems.

  • Understanding of UI constructs and their application in digital products.

  • Passion for creating simple, enjoyable user experiences.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirement for B2B product design experience is crucial, distinguishing this role from consumer-focused design. The emphasis on measurable success and scientific intent in design suggests a need for candidates who can connect their design work to tangible business outcomes.

šŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Showcase a strong understanding of your design process, including how you approach problem-solving, user research, ideation, and iteration.

  • Demonstrate experience in designing for B2B products or complex platforms where business objectives and user needs must be balanced.

  • Include case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design solutions implemented, and the measurable impact or outcomes achieved.

  • Highlight your ability to conduct and leverage user research and A/B testing to inform design decisions and drive improvements.

Process Documentation:

  • Evidence of creating detailed user flows, wireframes, and prototypes to communicate design intent.

  • Documentation of processes for gathering user feedback and conducting usability studies.

  • Examples of how you have collaborated with product managers and engineers to define requirements and implement designs.

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

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role. It should not only display visual design skills but also a robust understanding of the design process, user research, and the ability to connect design work to business objectives, particularly in a B2B context.

šŸ’µ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $96,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on skillset and experience.

Bonus Potential: Discretionary bonus opportunities are available.

Benefits:

  • Generous portion of Medical Premiums covered by the company.

  • 50% coverage for Dental and Vision Premiums.

  • Company-sponsored Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.

  • 401(k) plan with immediate vesting and a company match.

  • Comprehensive leave policies designed to support work-life balance.

  • Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

  • Grubhub weekly lunch stipend for in-office days.

  • Udemy License and a Personal Learning Budget for professional and personal growth.

  • Annual parking stipend.

  • Wellness program with ongoing events, initiatives, resources, and perks.

  • Access to Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and allyship learning resources.

  • Opportunities for professional development through programs like Discovery Days, Gearing up for Aspiring Leaders, and a Mentorship Program.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, with emphasis on work-life balance and flexible PTO.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level Product Designer in Chicago. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on professional development and well-being, aligning with SpotHero's culture of supporting employees. The inclusion of a parking stipend is a relevant perk given the company's industry.

šŸŽÆ Team & Company Context

šŸ¢ Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on the Parking and Mobility sector. SpotHero is a leader in the B2C and B2B parking marketplace, leveraging technology to connect drivers with parking solutions and help operators optimize their businesses.

Company Size: SpotHero is a growing company, indicated by its recognition as a "Best Midsize Place to Work" by BuiltIn. This suggests a dynamic environment with room for impact, but also established processes and a defined organizational structure.

Founded: SpotHero was founded with a mission to modernize the parking industry. This history implies a culture of innovation and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving within a traditional sector.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Design team is part of a larger Product and Engineering organization.

  • This role involves close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineers, indicating a cross-functional, agile team structure.

Methodology:

  • SpotHero emphasizes a user-centered design approach, informed by both qualitative and quantitative data.

  • Iterative development and A/B testing are key methods for validating design solutions and driving growth.

  • The company fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Company Website: https://spothero.com/

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: SpotHero's culture appears to be a blend of a fast-paced, innovative tech startup and a more established, employee-focused organization. The emphasis on "Respect Fellow Drivers" and inclusivity suggests a people-centric approach to both their product and their internal operations.

šŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Product Designer II," indicating a mid-level position. It requires independent contribution, ownership of design projects, and the ability to influence product direction through user-centered design principles and data-driven insights.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, this role likely reports to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, working within a product team that includes a Product Manager and Engineering counterparts.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer plays a critical role in enhancing the "Operator Panel," directly impacting the efficiency and profitability of garage operators who use SpotHero's platform. Success in this role contributes to SpotHero's B2B growth and strengthens its overall market position by providing valuable tools to its partners.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in B2B product design, user research methodologies, and data-driven experimentation through hands-on project work and company-provided learning resources (Udemy, Personal Learning Budget).

  • Leadership Potential: As a Product Designer II, there's a path to senior-level design roles by demonstrating leadership in design thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and measurable impact.

  • Industry Exposure: Gaining experience in the growing parking and mobility technology sector, a niche but expanding market.

  • Cross-functional Learning: Exposure to product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "II" in the title suggests a progression from a junior role, with expectations of greater autonomy and project ownership. Growth opportunities are likely tied to demonstrating strategic design thinking and delivering tangible business results.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring one day per week in the Chicago office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed for team interaction, brainstorming, and in-person meetings.

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL. Specific office details are not provided but are implied to be a functional workspace for employees.

Workspace Context:

  • The office environment is described as "casual yet highly productive," fostering collaboration and innovation.

  • Designers will have access to necessary tools and technology, including Figma, and will work within an agile development process.

  • Opportunities for interaction with other designers, product managers, and engineers are inherent in the hybrid model and collaborative culture.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with a focus on work-life balance and flexible PTO, suggesting that while productivity is key, employee well-being and personal time are highly valued.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid model indicates a company that values both the flexibility of remote work and the benefits of in-person collaboration. The "1 day per week in office" requirement is common for hybrid roles, allowing for focused team days.

šŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Application Review: Screening of resumes and portfolios for relevant experience, skills, and alignment with SpotHero's B2B product design focus.

  • Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, walking through key case studies that demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Be prepared to discuss your specific contributions, design decisions, and the outcomes.

  • Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical exercise may be given to assess design thinking, problem-solving skills, and proficiency with design tools (e.g., Figma). This could involve solving a specific design problem related to the Operator Panel.

  • Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, communication, and cultural fit.

  • Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) for a final evaluation of strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your thought process for each project. Why did you make certain design decisions? What research informed your choices?

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, showcase the measurable impact of your designs (e.g., increased conversion rates, improved efficiency, reduced errors). Use metrics to demonstrate the business value you created.

  • B2B Emphasis: Highlight projects that demonstrate experience with B2B products or complex user workflows, emphasizing how you balanced business goals with user needs.

  • Showcase Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio reflects high-quality UI design and a good understanding of Figma's capabilities.

  • Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives that highlight challenges, your approach, and successful outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Familiarize yourself with the SpotHero Operator Panel product and its users (garage operators).

  • Practice articulating your design decisions clearly and concisely, especially when under time pressure.

  • Be ready to discuss how you would approach a given design challenge, outlining your steps from understanding the problem to proposing solutions.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the portfolio and process is significant. Candidates should prepare to deep-dive into their past work, demonstrating not just aesthetic skills but also strategic thinking and a data-driven approach to design.

šŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Design Documentation Software: Figma (preferred). Candidates must be highly proficient in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, high-fidelity mockups, and potentially design system management.

  • A/B Testing Platform: Optimizely (preferred). Familiarity with setting up, running, and analyzing A/B tests to validate design hypotheses.

  • Product Analytics Software: Mixpanel (preferred). Experience using product analytics tools to understand user behavior, track key metrics, and identify areas for design improvement.

  • Issue and Project Tracking Software: Jira (preferred). Experience working within agile development workflows using Jira for task management, bug tracking, and project planning.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • Proficiency in interpreting data from analytics platforms to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

  • While not explicitly listed as primary tools for this role, a general understanding of CRM systems and workflow automation may be beneficial for understanding the broader business context of B2B products.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a non-negotiable requirement. Experience with Optimizely and Mixpanel will be a significant advantage, indicating a candidate's ability to contribute to a data-driven design culture and drive measurable outcomes.

šŸ‘„ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centered Design: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both end-users (drivers) and business users (garage operators).

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights from user research, analytics, and A/B testing to guide design and product strategy.

  • Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers, product managers, and engineers work together seamlessly.

  • Iterative Improvement: Embracing an agile mindset, continuously refining products based on feedback and data.

  • Impact & Business Value: Designing solutions that not only solve user problems but also create tangible business value for SpotHero and its partners.

  • Inclusivity & Allyship: Promoting a respectful and inclusive workplace through various initiatives and a commitment to diversity.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be embedded within product teams, working closely with PMs and Engineers daily.

  • Open Communication: Encouraging the sharing of ideas, feedback, and learnings through presentations, documentation, and informal discussions.

  • Iterative Feedback Loops: Regularly seeking and providing feedback on designs throughout the development process.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: SpotHero's commitment to "Respect Fellow Drivers" and inclusivity extends to its internal culture. Expect a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teamwork is essential for success.

⚔ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing B2B and B2C Needs: Designing for garage operators (B2B) while understanding the overarching SpotHero brand and user experience that caters to drivers (B2C).

  • Complexity of Operator Needs: Understanding the diverse operational challenges and technical proficiencies of various garage operators to create universally effective solutions.

  • Data Interpretation: Effectively translating user research and product analytics into actionable design improvements, especially when dealing with complex datasets.

  • Navigating Unknowns: As a growing company in a dynamic industry, designers may face evolving requirements and ambiguous problem spaces, requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in UX/UI design, user research, and data-driven experimentation through direct project involvement.

  • Industry Expertise: Developing a deep understanding of the parking and mobility technology landscape.

  • Professional Growth: Access to learning resources like Udemy, Personal Learning Budgets, and mentorship programs to foster career advancement.

  • Leadership Development: Potential to grow into senior design roles by demonstrating ownership, strategic impact, and mentorship capabilities.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to tackle complex B2B design challenges within a growing tech company. The emphasis on continuous learning and measurable impact provides a solid foundation for career progression.

šŸ’” Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a time you designed a B2B product. What were the key challenges, and how did you address them?" (Focus on process, user needs, and business objectives)

  • "How do you approach user research for a product that serves business operators? What methodologies would you use for the Operator Panel?" (Highlight your research toolkit and understanding of B2B users)

  • "Walk me through a project where you used A/B testing or user data to drive design decisions. What was the outcome?" (Demonstrate your data-driven approach and ability to measure impact)

Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about SpotHero and the parking industry?" (Research SpotHero's mission, recent news, and market position)

  • "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment?" (Provide examples of your teamwork and communication style)

  • "How do you handle constructive criticism or differing opinions on design?" (Demonstrate adaptability and openness to feedback)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define: The Problem, Your Role, The Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing), The Solution, and The Outcome (with metrics).

  • Highlight Your Thinking: Don't just show final screens; explain why you made certain decisions. This is crucial for demonstrating your strategic design process.

  • Showcase Figma Skills: Be ready to discuss your use of Figma, including any advanced features, component libraries, or prototyping techniques.

  • Practice Your Narrative: Rehearse your presentation to ensure a smooth flow and clear articulation of your contributions and learnings. Be prepared for follow-up questions on any aspect of your work.

šŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interviews will likely focus on assessing your ability to think strategically about B2B product design, your proficiency with design tools and methodologies, and your collaborative approach within a cross-functional team. Be prepared to defend your design decisions with data and a clear understanding of user needs.

šŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on SpotHero's careers page.

  • Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features B2B product design case studies. Tailor your presentation to highlight projects that demonstrate your understanding of operator needs, process optimization, and measurable business impact through design.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with user research, Figma, responsive web design, and iOS/Android best practices. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, using keywords from the job description such as "B2B product design," "user-centered design," "A/B testing," and "Figma."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your design process and the outcomes of your work. Prepare to answer questions about your experience with B2B products, user research methodologies, and data-driven design.

  • Company Research: Thoroughly research SpotHero, its mission, its market position, and its company culture. Understand the "Operator Panel" and the needs of garage operators to demonstrate your genuine interest and fit.

āš ļø 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.


Application Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of professional experience designing B2B products with a strong portfolio. Must be proficient in Figma and have a deep understanding of responsive web, iOS, and Android design best practices.