Product Designer Senior H/F
π Job Overview
Job Title: Product Designer Senior H/F Company: NEXTON Location: Lille, Hauts-de-France, France Job Type: Temps complet (Full-time) Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design Date Posted: 2026-05-11 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
- Lead and mentor a team of UX/UI designers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Drive user research initiatives, employing qualitative and quantitative methods to gain deep insights into user needs and behaviors.
- Define and execute the product design strategy in close partnership with product management and engineering teams.
- Oversee the entire design lifecycle from ideation and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and final UI design, ensuring a seamless user experience.
- Champion the development and implementation of a robust design system to ensure consistency and scalability across all digital products.
π Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a senior-level product design position with a significant leadership component, requiring not only strong individual design skills but also the ability to manage and guide a design team. The "H/F" designation indicates the role is open to all genders. The integration into a client's IT UX/UI design department suggests a focus on enterprise-level digital solutions.
π Primary Responsibilities
- Manage, mentor, and develop a team of UX/UI designers, providing guidance, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
- Conduct and supervise user research activities, including interviews, surveys, usability testing, and persona development, to inform design decisions.
- Collaborate with product managers and stakeholders to define product vision, strategy, and roadmaps, translating business objectives into user-centered design solutions.
- Design and deliver intuitive, engaging, and effective user interfaces and experiences across various digital platforms and applications.
- Develop detailed wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups using industry-standard design tools.
- Ensure the consistent application and evolution of the design system, creating and maintaining UI components, style guides, and documentation.
- Analyze user testing results and feedback to identify areas for improvement and iterate on designs to enhance user satisfaction and product performance.
- Present design concepts, strategies, and research findings to cross-functional teams and stakeholders, articulating design rationale and impact.
- Foster a culture of design excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement within the design team and across product development.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of leadership, strategic thinking, hands-on design execution, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "thinking user journeys before interfaces" points to a strong focus on holistic user experience rather than just visual aesthetics.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or a similar role within an industrial or digital product environment, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in managing and leading design teams, including mentoring, performance feedback, and team development.
- Expertise in conducting comprehensive user research methodologies (interviews, surveys, usability testing, persona creation).
- Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business requirements into user-centered design solutions.
- Proficiency in creating wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.
- Mastery of industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, and the Adobe Creative Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, XD).
- Deep understanding of design system principles, implementation, and maintenance.
- Experience working in Agile development environments and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a user-centric mindset, prioritizing the user journey and overall experience.
- Good command of English, both written and spoken, for effective communication in an international context.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with animation tools or principles for creating engaging user experiences.
- Familiarity with front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineers.
- Experience in a consulting or agency environment, working with diverse clients and project types.
- Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices (WCAG).
π Enhancement Note: The requirements clearly define a senior role demanding both extensive design experience and leadership capabilities. The specific mention of Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Suite, alongside Agile and user research, are critical keywords for operations professionals to highlight.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5 years of impactful product design work, demonstrating expertise across the full design lifecycle.
- Case studies that clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key challenges, and measurable outcomes or impact.
- Examples of leadership in design, such as mentoring junior designers, leading a design initiative, or contributing to design system development.
- Demonstrations of user research methodologies applied and how insights informed design decisions.
- Prototypes or live product examples that highlight exceptional UX/UI design principles and user-centric solutions.
Process Documentation:
- Detailed explanations of your design process, from initial concept and user research to wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final UI implementation.
- Evidence of how you have contributed to or managed the development and maintenance of design systems.
- Examples of how you have analyzed user feedback and test results to iterate and improve designs.
- Documentation of collaboration with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
π Enhancement Note: For a senior product design role, a robust portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase design execution but also strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to drive outcomes. The emphasis on process and system documentation is crucial for demonstrating a structured and professional approach.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: For a Senior Product Designer in Lille, France, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated salary range is typically between β¬50,000 and β¬70,000 gross per year. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design roles in major French cities, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized UX/UI talent.
Benefits:
- Dynamic Communities: Access to internal and external professional communities for knowledge sharing and networking.
- Meet Ups: Opportunities to attend and participate in industry-specific gatherings and events.
- Training Programs: Comprehensive training and development resources to enhance skills and career progression.
- Sports and Festive Events: Company-sponsored activities promoting employee well-being and team cohesion.
- Sustainable Mobility Allowance: Support for eco-friendly commuting options.
- Latest Generation Phone: Provision of a modern mobile device for professional use.
- CDI Contract: Permanent full-time employment contract offering stability.
Working Hours: The standard working hours are 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time position in France. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.
π Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior design roles in France. Benefits are detailed based on the provided information, tailored to highlight aspects attractive to operations and design professionals.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: NEXTON operates at the intersection of Consulting, Digital Innovation, and IT Services (ESN - Entreprise de Services du NumΓ©rique). They serve large accounts and pure players in sectors like Finance (BNP Paribas) and Telecommunications (Orange, SNCF), positioning themselves as a strategic partner for digital transformation and innovation. Operations professionals can expect a dynamic environment that values expertise, creativity, and a forward-thinking approach to technology and business challenges.
Company Size: With over 450 experts, NEXTON is a medium-sized enterprise. This size typically allows for a blend of structured processes and a more agile, less bureaucratic culture compared to very large corporations. For operations roles, this means potential for broader impact, direct interaction with leadership, and the opportunity to influence process development.
Founded: Founded in 2011, NEXTON has established a solid track record and a significant presence in the digital transformation landscape. This history suggests a company that has successfully navigated market changes and built a robust foundation, offering stability and a wealth of experience for its employees.
Team Structure:
- The Product Designer Senior will join the IT UX/UI design department of a client, leading a team of UX/UI designers. This implies a structure where design is a key component of IT strategy and execution.
- The role involves direct management of designers, indicating a hierarchical structure within the design function.
- Collaboration will extend to product teams, engineering, and potentially business stakeholders, reflecting a cross-functional matrix environment common in large client projects.
Methodology:
- Data Analysis and Insights: User research and testing data are central to informing design decisions, requiring analytical skills to interpret findings and translate them into actionable design strategies.
- Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves optimizing user journeys and experiences, which requires meticulous workflow mapping and design process optimization.
- Automation and Efficiency: While not a core operations role, the design team's work contributes to efficiency by creating intuitive interfaces that reduce user friction and support automated processes. Design systems also enhance efficiency by standardizing components and accelerating development.
Company Website: https://www.nexton.com/
π Enhancement Note: The company context is crucial for understanding the operational environment. NEXTON's positioning as a consultancy and digital factory means operations professionals will likely encounter diverse client needs and project types, requiring adaptability and a strong understanding of consulting methodologies.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, placing it at an advanced individual contributor or early management level within the design track. It requires a strong command of design principles, extensive practical experience, and the ability to lead and mentor others. For someone looking to grow in design leadership, this is a pivotal step.
Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to a higher-level design manager or director within the client's IT UX/UI department. They will, in turn, manage a team of UX/UI designers. This dual reporting and management responsibility is typical for senior positions aiming for leadership progression.
Operations Impact: The impact of this role is primarily on the user experience and usability of digital products. By ensuring intuitive interfaces and efficient user journeys, this role directly contributes to:
- Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Improved conversion rates and task completion success.
- Reduced support costs due to clearer user guidance.
- Enhanced brand perception and digital presence.
- Faster product development cycles through effective design systems and collaboration.
Growth Opportunities:
- Design Leadership: Transition into roles such as Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Head of UX/UI, with increased responsibility for team strategy, hiring, and department operations.
- Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like user research, design systems, accessibility, or product strategy.
- Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop stronger skills in product management, agile methodologies, or digital strategy through exposure to diverse projects and teams.
- Consulting Acumen: For those in a consultancy framework like NEXTON, there's an opportunity to hone client management, project scoping, and business development skills.
π Enhancement Note: The growth analysis focuses on the career trajectory opportunities within a senior design role, particularly emphasizing leadership and specialization, which are key considerations for ambitious operations and design professionals.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is on-site in Lille, France, within the client's IT UX/UI design department. This suggests a professional office environment focused on collaboration and project delivery. Expect a typical corporate setting for a large client (e.g., SNCF, Orange, BNP Paribas).
Office Location(s): Lille, Hauts-de-France, France. Lille is a major city in Northern France, known for its vibrant culture and strong business presence, particularly in digital and technology sectors.
Workspace Context:
- Collaborative Environment: The office will likely feature open-plan workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas designed to facilitate team collaboration, brainstorming, and client presentations.
- Operations Tools and Technology: The design team will have access to modern design software (Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite) and collaboration tools essential for their workflow. The IT department will likely provide robust technical infrastructure.
- Operations Team Interaction: Regular interaction with fellow designers, product managers, developers, and potentially other IT department members is expected, fostering a dynamic and integrated work environment.
Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. While the role is on-site, the company's culture, as suggested by the consultancy model, may offer some degree of flexibility within project constraints, but the primary expectation is presence at the client's office.
π Enhancement Note: The work environment description is tailored to an on-site role within a client's IT department, emphasizing collaboration and the tools necessary for design execution.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
- Initial Screening: A recruiter or HR representative will conduct an initial call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss your career trajectory and interest in the role.
- Technical Interview / Portfolio Review: This is a critical stage. You will likely present your portfolio to hiring managers and senior designers. Expect to walk through 2-3 key case studies, detailing your process, rationale, and impact. Be ready for in-depth questions about your design choices, problem-solving approach, and leadership experience.
- Design Challenge (Potential): Some companies may present a small design challenge or a take-home assignment to evaluate your practical skills and approach to a specific problem.
- Team/Stakeholder Interviews: You may meet with product managers, engineers, or other stakeholders to assess your collaboration style and ability to work within a cross-functional team.
- Final Interview: A final conversation, often with a senior leader, to confirm overall fit and discuss compensation and benefits.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 of your strongest, most relevant projects. Prioritize those that showcase leadership, complex problem-solving, and measurable impact.
- Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions and trade-offs, and the final outcomes or lessons learned. Quantify impact whenever possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced user errors).
- Highlight Leadership: Explicitly detail instances where you mentored designers, influenced strategy, or led design initiatives.
- Showcase Process: Detail your user research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and testing phases. Explain why you made certain choices.
- Design System Expertise: If applicable, dedicate a section or project to your experience with design systems, their creation, implementation, and benefits.
- Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allotted time. Be confident and passionate about your work.
Challenge Preparation:
- Understand the Brief: Thoroughly analyze any design challenge prompt, identifying key constraints, objectives, and target users.
- Define Scope: For take-home challenges, clearly define the scope of your solution given the time constraints. It's better to deliver a well-thought-out partial solution than a rushed, incomplete one.
- Focus on Process: Even if you can't complete everything, demonstrate your thought process, research approach, and design rationale.
- Presentation: Prepare a clear, concise presentation of your solution, including key design decisions and justifications.
π Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice specifically for a senior product designer applying for this role, focusing on portfolio content, presentation strategies, and interview preparation tailored to design leadership and client-facing roles.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
- Figma: Essential for collaborative design, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity UI design. Proficiency in advanced features like components, variants, auto layout, and collaboration features is expected.
- Sketch: Another industry-standard tool for UI design, often used for its plugin ecosystem and robust design capabilities. Familiarity with its features and workflows is a plus.
- Adobe Creative Suite: Includes Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for vector graphics, and potentially Adobe XD for prototyping and design collaboration. Proficiency in relevant applications is key.
Analytics & Reporting:
- User Analytics Platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude): While not directly managed by design, understanding how to interpret user behavior data from these tools is crucial for informing design decisions and measuring impact.
- Usability Testing Tools (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback): For conducting and analyzing remote or in-person usability tests.
- Survey Tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform): For gathering qualitative and quantitative feedback from users.
CRM & Automation:
- CRM Systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot): While not a primary design tool, understanding how user data is managed in CRMs can provide context for user journeys and feature prioritization, especially in B2B contexts.
- Project Management Tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello): Essential for managing design tasks, sprints, and collaboration within Agile teams.
- Design System Management Tools (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook): For documenting and maintaining design systems.
π Enhancement Note: The technology stack is crucial for operations roles. This section highlights the core design tools and related analytics/collaboration platforms, emphasizing proficiency and practical application.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
- User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs as the primary driver for all design decisions. This translates to empathy, thorough research, and a focus on delivering exceptional user experiences.
- Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with cross-functional teams (product management, engineering, marketing) to achieve shared goals. This involves open communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise and integrate feedback.
- Excellence & Innovation: A drive for high-quality design output, pushing creative boundaries, and adopting new methodologies and technologies to deliver innovative solutions.
- Process & Efficiency: Valuing structured design processes, the development and use of design systems, and methodologies that ensure consistency, scalability, and efficient product development.
- Continuous Improvement: A mindset of always learning, seeking feedback, and iterating on designs and processes to achieve better outcomes.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-Functional Integration: Actively participating in product discovery, sprint planning, and review meetings, acting as a bridge between user needs and technical feasibility.
- Process Review & Feedback: Encouraging a culture where design processes and outcomes are regularly reviewed, and constructive feedback is exchanged openly.
- Knowledge Sharing: Proactively sharing insights, best practices, and design resources within the team and across departments to foster collective growth and elevate design standards.
π Enhancement Note: The culture and values section is crafted to reflect a design-centric and collaborative environment, common in modern tech companies and consultancies like NEXTON, emphasizing aspects critical for team integration and operational success.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
- Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Navigating the inherent tension between delivering optimal user experiences and meeting business objectives, timelines, and technical constraints. Requires strong negotiation and strategic communication skills.
- Managing Design Team Dynamics: Effectively leading and motivating a team of designers with diverse personalities, skill sets, and career aspirations, ensuring cohesive output and individual growth.
- Adapting to Diverse Client Projects: In a consultancy model, adapting quickly to different client industries, brand guidelines, and project requirements, while maintaining design quality and consistency.
- Keeping Pace with Evolving Technologies: The rapid advancements in design tools, AI in design, and user expectations require continuous learning and adaptation to remain at the forefront of the field.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Operations Skill Advancement: Deepening expertise in user research, UX strategy, service design, and design system architecture.
- Industry Conference & Certification: Opportunities to attend leading design conferences (e.g., UX Aware, Interaction Week) and pursue relevant certifications to enhance professional credibility and knowledge.
- Operations Mentorship: Access to senior leaders and experienced designers for mentorship, guidance on career progression, and developing leadership capabilities.
- Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining exposure to product management, agile coaching, and business strategy through project involvement.
π Enhancement Note: This section addresses potential challenges and growth avenues, providing operations professionals with a realistic outlook on what to expect and how to leverage the role for career advancement.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
- "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder requirements with user needs. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your negotiation, prioritization, and user advocacy skills.)
- "How do you approach building or evolving a design system? What are the key components, and how do you ensure adoption?" (Demonstrate your understanding of scalability, consistency, and team collaboration.)
- "Walk us through a complex product design challenge you faced. What was your process, what alternatives did you consider, and what was the measurable impact of your solution?" (Prepare a detailed case study from your portfolio, highlighting your strategic thinking and problem-solving.)
Company & Culture Questions:
- "What attracts you to NEXTON and this specific role within our client's organization?" (Research NEXTON's values, recent projects, and the client's industry. Connect your aspirations to their mission.)
- "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team and with cross-functional partners?" (Provide examples of your leadership style, communication techniques, and experience working in Agile teams.)
- "How do you measure the success of your design work?" (Discuss key UX metrics, A/B testing, user feedback, and business impact related to your projects.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Structure Your Narrative: Begin with a brief overview of your career and design philosophy. For each case study, clearly state the project goal, your role, the problem, your solution, and the impact.
- Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals of your work (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, research artifacts). Explain the rationale behind your design choices, not just what you designed.
- Highlight Leadership: Specifically call out instances of mentorship, team leadership, or strategic influence within your projects.
- Quantify Results: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of your designs (e.g., increased conversion, reduced bounce rate, improved user satisfaction scores).
- Engage Your Audience: Make it interactive by asking clarifying questions and being prepared to discuss your work in detail. Anticipate questions about your process, decision-making, and challenges.
π Enhancement Note: This provides targeted interview preparation advice, focusing on strategy, company fit, and effective portfolio presentation for a senior design leadership role.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Product Designer Senior H/F position:
- Submit your application through the provided link on the SmartRecruiters platform.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume to highlight the required skills and experience, particularly your 5+ years in product design, leadership experience, proficiency with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Suite, and your experience with user research and Agile methodologies.
- Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases your best work with clear case studies explaining your process and impact, and specifically includes examples of leadership and design system contributions.
- Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling, explaining your design rationale, and quantifying results. Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and collaboration style.
- Research NEXTON and the Client: Understand NEXTON's consulting model and their work with large clients. Research the specific client industry (e.g., Finance, Telecom) to better tailor your responses and demonstrate your understanding of their business context.
β οΈ 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 at least 5 years of experience as a Product Designer with a strong product vision and management expertise. Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, Adobe Suite, and Agile methodologies is essential.