Product Designer SR

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer SR

Company: Sofka

Location: Quito, Ecuador

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-25

Experience Level: Senior (4-6 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end design process for digital products, translating complex client needs and business objectives into intuitive and usable user experiences.

• Develop comprehensive design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and polished UI designs, ensuring alignment with technical constraints and business goals.

• Facilitate seamless design-to-development handoff and provide ongoing support to cross-functional product and technology teams to ensure accurate implementation of design vision.

• Execute lightweight, tactical user research to validate design hypotheses, gather user feedback, and inform iterative improvements throughout the product lifecycle.

• Champion design excellence and maintain consistency by documenting design decisions and reusable components according to established Center of Excellence (CoE) standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer with a strong emphasis on UX/UI and tactical research, operating within agile or digital transformation environments. The "Product Designer SR" title suggests a leadership or significant individual contributor role within a squad. The focus on handoff and collaboration with Product and Technology teams indicates a need for strong communication and process integration skills, aligning with revenue operations principles of driving efficiency and successful go-to-market strategies.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate intricate client requirements and strategic business objectives into actionable, user-centric digital product solutions.

• Create detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs that effectively communicate design intent and functionality.

• Manage the design handoff process, providing clear specifications and assets to development teams, and actively participate in implementation reviews to ensure design fidelity.

• Conduct rapid, iterative user research (light research) to validate design assumptions, identify user pain points, and gather data to inform design decisions.

• Develop and maintain design documentation, including style guides and component libraries, adhering to the organization's Center of Excellence (CoE) standards for consistency and scalability.

• Design and refine specific features and solutions within a dedicated squad or initiative, ensuring alignment with overall product strategy and user needs.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality digital products.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies within the team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic design thinking and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "tactical research" and "handoff" suggests a practical, results-oriented approach to design, crucial for revenue operations where speed and efficiency in product development directly impact market responsiveness and sales enablement.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Communication, Psychology, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 4 to 6 years of senior-level experience in digital product design, specifically within agile development environments or digital transformation initiatives. Prior experience in regulated industries such as banking or fintech is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in UX/UI design principles and best practices, with a proven ability to design hybrid experiences.

• Proficient in creating user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes using industry-standard design tools.

• Strong understanding of the design-to-development handoff process and collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience conducting tactical user research and synthesizing findings to inform design decisions.

• Ability to document design components and decisions according to established standards.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and working within cross-functional, agile teams.

• Advanced reading proficiency and intermediate conversational fluency in English. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in banking, fintech, or other regulated industries.

• Familiarity with design systems and component libraries.

• Experience with user journey mapping and service design.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

• Experience with A/B testing and data analysis to inform design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 4-6 years of experience positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The "ideal, not exclusionary" preference for banking/fintech experience suggests that exposure to complex regulatory environments and data security considerations is a strong plus, aligning with the meticulousness required in operations roles. The English proficiency requirement is crucial for international collaboration in global operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design projects.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process followed (including research, ideation, prototyping, and testing), and the final solution.

• Highlight your contributions to user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and UI designs.

• Include examples of how you translated business objectives and user needs into design solutions.

• Demonstrate experience with design-to-development handoff processes and collaboration with engineering teams. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design decisions, user flows, and component libraries.

• Showcase your understanding of maintaining design consistency and adherence to standards, referencing the organization's Center of Excellence (CoE) if applicable.

• Illustrate your approach to light research and hypothesis validation within the design process.

• Include any experience with user journey mapping or service design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should focus on demonstrating their ability to manage the full design lifecycle, from strategic problem-solving to detailed execution and collaborative handoff. Highlighting contributions to measurable business outcomes or user experience improvements will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Quito, Ecuador, with 4-6 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $28,000 - $45,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the senior level, specialized skills in UX/UI and research, and the cost of living in Quito.

Benefits:

• Continuous Learning Ecosystem: Access to multiple tools and resources through Sofka U for skill development and career advancement.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Personalized guidance and support to foster talent and professional growth.

• Well-being Programs: Initiatives like "Happy Kaizen" and "WeSofka" focused on physical and mental health.

• Collaborative Work Environment: A supportive and team-oriented culture that encourages knowledge sharing and mutual support.

• KaizenHub Program: A structured development program involving feedback, mentorship, and coaching.

Working Hours: Standard full-time work week, likely 40 hours, with potential for some flexibility depending on team needs and project deadlines. The on-site requirement suggests adherence to typical office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on general market data for senior design roles in Ecuador. Actual compensation may vary based on specific experience, qualifications, and negotiation. The benefits emphasize Sofka's commitment to employee development and well-being, which are attractive to professionals seeking long-term growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software Development / Consulting. Sofka positions itself as a technological ally focused on transforming lives through technology. They emphasize innovation, client trust, and continuous improvement.

Company Size: Sofka is a growing organization with a significant presence, indicated by their various programs and focus on employee development. While an exact size isn't provided, their structured approach to talent management suggests a medium to large enterprise.

Founded: Sofka's founding date is not explicitly stated in the provided information, but their emphasis on modern agile and digital transformation practices implies a forward-thinking organization.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer SR will be part of a "squad multifuncional," a common structure in agile environments, comprising individuals from various disciplines (e.g., Product Management, Engineering, QA, Design).

• This role operates within a "Centro de Excelencia (CoE)" framework, suggesting a centralized function for design standards, best practices, and knowledge sharing, which is vital for maintaining operational consistency.

• Collaboration is expected to be high, with direct interaction with product owners, developers, and potentially other designers or researchers. Methodology:

• Agile & Digital Transformation: The company operates within agile frameworks and is involved in digital transformation initiatives, requiring adaptability and a process-oriented mindset.

• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): A core philosophy is "Kaizen," emphasizing constant, incremental improvements in processes, products, and personal development.

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on research and feedback implies a data-informed approach to design decisions.

Company Website: https://oportunidades.sofka.com.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: Sofka's culture appears to be employee-centric, focusing on growth, well-being, and continuous learning. The "Kaizen" philosophy aligns with operational excellence and process optimization. The "multifuncional squad" and "CoE" structure are standard for efficient product development and design operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role. It implies a high degree of autonomy, the ability to mentor junior designers, and significant influence over product design decisions within their assigned squad. It’s a critical individual contributor role, bridging strategy and execution.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially a Product Manager within their squad, with dotted-line reporting or strong collaboration with the Center of Excellence (CoE) for design standards and best practices.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the usability and effectiveness of digital products, which in turn influences customer satisfaction, adoption rates, and potentially revenue generation. By ensuring seamless handoffs and effective collaboration with technology, the designer contributes to the efficiency and speed of product delivery, a key operational metric.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX research, UI design, interaction design, or design systems through Sofka's learning ecosystem.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and lead design initiatives within squads.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working across different product lines or initiatives within Sofka's digital transformation projects.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining design processes and contributing to the Center of Excellence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career path here focuses on deepening design expertise and potentially moving into leadership or specialized roles within design operations or product development. The emphasis on continuous learning and mentorship is a strong indicator of a supportive growth environment.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as "On-site" in Quito, Ecuador, suggesting a traditional office-based work environment. This implies a need for physical presence and engagement within the company's facilities.

Office Location(s): Quito, Ecuador. Specific office details are not provided, but it's assumed to be a professional workplace designed for collaboration and focused work.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely includes areas designed for team collaboration, meetings, and brainstorming sessions, essential for squad work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard office equipment and the necessary software licenses for design and communication tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for face-to-face interaction with colleagues, fostering stronger team cohesion and informal knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time office hours, likely Monday to Friday, with the expectation of availability during core business hours for team synchronization and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is a key differentiator. It suggests a company that values in-person collaboration, team building, and the direct exchange of ideas, which can be beneficial for complex design challenges and fostering a strong company culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on UX/UI principles, design process, problem-solving skills, and tactical research methodologies. Expect to walk through specific case studies from your portfolio.

• Case Study Presentation: A dedicated session where you present one or more detailed case studies, demonstrating your approach to complex design challenges, your role in the process, and the outcomes.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: Conversation with potential team members (Product Managers, Engineers, other Designers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Sofka's culture and values (e.g., Kaizen, continuous learning).

• Final Interview: Potentially with a Design Lead or Hiring Manager to discuss the role in depth, career aspirations, and final offer details.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Effectively: Select case studies that best represent your senior-level experience, highlighting your end-to-end process and impact.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the "why" – the problem, the business context, and the user needs.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (flows, wireframes, prototypes, final UI) to illustrate your design decisions and process.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Highlight Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams, especially during handoff and implementation phases.

• Address the CoE: If you have experience with design systems or component documentation, be prepared to discuss it.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss how you approach ambiguity and translate vague requirements into concrete design solutions.

• Prepare to articulate your understanding of agile methodologies and how you adapt design processes within them.

• Practice explaining your design decisions clearly and concisely, anticipating questions about trade-offs and alternatives.

• Research Sofka's mission and values, particularly "Kaizen," and be prepared to discuss how you embody continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio presentation and case studies is standard for design roles. Candidates should prepare to go deep into their process, rationale, and collaborative efforts, showcasing how they drive tangible outcomes within product development cycles.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, or InVision for wireframing, prototyping, and UI design. Figma is increasingly becoming a preferred tool for collaborative design and handoff.

• User Research: Familiarity with tools for conducting tactical research, potentially including user interview platforms, survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Typeform), and basic analytics platforms.

• Collaboration & Documentation: Tools like Jira, Confluence, Slack, and Microsoft Teams for project management, communication, and documentation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to understand user behavior and inform design iterations.

• Ability to interpret data and translate insights into design improvements. CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, an understanding of how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation platforms could be beneficial, especially in understanding business objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: Specific tool requirements aren't listed, but proficiency in modern design and collaboration tools is a given for a Senior Product Designer. The mention of CoE suggests potential use of internal design systems and documentation tools.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): A fundamental value driving a mindset of constant learning, adaptation, and incremental enhancement of processes, products, and personal skills.

• Collaboration & Connection: Emphasis on working closely within multifunctional squads and fostering a supportive, connected team environment.

• Well-being: Prioritizing employee physical and mental health through dedicated programs.

• Trust & Reliability: Aiming to be the "most reliable technological ally," implying a focus on delivering quality and meeting commitments.

• Innovation: A drive to transform lives through technology, suggesting a culture that encourages creative problem-solving.

Collaboration Style:

• Squad-Based: Working within a cross-functional team, requiring strong communication and integration with product managers, engineers, and QA.

• Transparent: Open to feedback and sharing of knowledge, aligning with the Kaizen philosophy.

• Process-Oriented: Adherence to established design processes and documentation standards (CoE).

• Proactive: Expected to actively contribute ideas, identify opportunities for improvement, and engage in problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Kaizen" is central to Sofka's culture and directly relates to operational efficiency and continuous process improvement. This is a key cultural aspect for operations professionals to understand and align with.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing User Needs with Business/Technical Constraints: Effectively translating user-centric designs into viable solutions within project timelines and technical limitations.

• Navigating Digital Transformation: Adapting to evolving project scopes and organizational changes inherent in digital transformation initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent understanding and execution of design vision across diverse teams (Product, Engineering, Marketing, etc.).

• Remote vs. On-site Dynamics: Adapting to an on-site environment after potentially working remotely, or vice-versa, and managing team dynamics effectively.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Sofka U Ecosystem: Access to a comprehensive learning platform for acquiring new skills or deepening existing ones in UX/UI, research, and related fields.

• Mentorship Programs: Benefit from guidance from experienced professionals within Sofka.

• Industry Trends: Opportunities to stay abreast of the latest in product design, UX research, and agile methodologies through internal knowledge sharing and potential external training.

• Design System Contribution: Potential to contribute to or help build/maintain design systems, a valuable skill for operations and design professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for senior design roles in dynamic tech environments. The growth opportunities are strongly tied to Sofka's internal learning infrastructure, emphasizing continuous skill enhancement and career progression within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting priorities between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your decision-making process, negotiation skills, and ability to find common ground.)

• "Walk me through your process for conducting tactical user research. How do you identify hypotheses, design research, and synthesize findings to inform your design decisions?" (Be prepared to provide specific examples and tools used.)

• "How do you ensure a smooth and effective handoff of designs to development teams? What documentation and communication strategies do you employ?" (Highlight your collaboration with engineers and understanding of their needs.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What does 'Kaizen' mean to you, and how have you applied principles of continuous improvement in your previous roles?" (Connect your experiences to Sofka's core value.)

• "Describe your experience working in a multifunctional squad. What role do you typically play, and how do you ensure effective collaboration with product managers and engineers?" (Showcase your team player attitude and understanding of agile structures.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in UX/UI design and product development?" (Demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Outcome.

• Visuals: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, final UI mockups) to illustrate your work.

• Narrative: Focus on the "why" behind your decisions and the impact of your work. Quantify results where possible.

• Interactivity: If presenting a digital portfolio, ensure prototypes are functional and easy to navigate.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time; prepare to present the most critical aspects of each case study efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also a strong understanding of process, collaboration, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement, aligning with operational excellence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer SR position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Sofka Opportunities portal.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight your 4-6 years of senior experience in digital product design, agile environments, and specific skills like UX/UI, wireframing, prototyping, and tactical research. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 strong case studies that showcase your end-to-end design process, your role in multifunctional squads, and any experience in regulated industries. Ensure it clearly demonstrates your ability to translate business needs into user-friendly designs and your handoff process.

• Prepare for case study presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, focusing on the problem, your process, your contributions, and the outcomes. Be ready to discuss your design rationale and collaboration strategies.

• Research Sofka: Understand their mission ("Transforming lives by being the most reliable technological ally"), their Kaizen philosophy, and their focus on continuous learning and well-being. Be prepared to articulate how your values and work style align with theirs.

⚠️ 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.