Product Strategist (ex-Product Designer)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Strategist (ex-Product Designer)

Company: Skello

Location: Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Strategy / Product Management

Date Posted: 2026-08-10T12:08:43

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation and growth by taking ownership of a key functional scope within Skello's flagship HR platform.

• Leverage deep user understanding through qualitative research (interviews) and quantitative analysis (data insights) to identify and address user pain points.

• Collaborate intensively with Design and Engineering teams to conceptualize, define, and deliver impactful, user-centric product solutions.

• Manage the end-to-end product delivery lifecycle, including sprint planning, execution, quality assurance, and comprehensive documentation.

• Continuously monitor product performance via key usage and impact KPIs, iterating and optimizing features for sustained value.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Product Strategist (ex-Product Designer)," indicating a strong emphasis on leveraging design thinking and user empathy to inform strategic product decisions. The "ex-Product Designer" aspect suggests that candidates with a background in user experience (UX) research, wireframing, prototyping, and user-centered design principles will be highly valued, alongside core product management responsibilities. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and a deep understanding of the product development lifecycle within a SaaS environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth user interviews, analyze product usage data, and perform exploratory research to gain a profound understanding of field team needs and challenges.

• Partner closely with UX/UI Designers and Software Engineers to define simple, impactful solutions, consistently prioritizing user-centricity in all product decisions.

• Lead and meticulously manage the product delivery phase, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, progress tracking, development oversight, quality assurance (QA), and creating essential user documentation.

• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to user engagement and business impact, proposing concrete adjustments and iterations to enhance the product continuously.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Customer Experience, Sales, Marketing, and Operations to ensure successful feature launches and sustained impact post-production.

• Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of Skello's product development tools, processes, and overall product culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a highly collaborative and iterative approach to product development. The emphasis on "piloting the delivery phase with clarity" and "following usage and impact KPIs" points to a need for strong project management skills and a data-driven mindset. The requirement to "contribute to the continuous improvement of our tools, process, and product culture" suggests an environment that values proactive problem-solving and team contribution beyond core task execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Design, Business, or a related discipline is typically expected for mid-level product roles.

Experience: 3 to 5 years of experience in Product Design within a tech or SaaS environment is required. Prior experience in Product Management is a significant advantage.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to leverage data to inform and validate product decisions.

• Proven experience in Product Design within a technology or SaaS company.

• Solid understanding of product development lifecycle, including discovery, delivery, UX principles, and business impact.

• Proficiency in working with data, understanding key performance indicators (KPIs), conducting analyses, and validating hypotheses.

• Excellent ability to influence and align stakeholders, make decisive recommendations, and drive project momentum.

• Demonstrated self-starter mentality, autonomy, teamwork, and a high degree of professionalism and rigor. Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of the constraints and specific use cases of field-based professions (e.g., retail, restaurant, service industries) in areas like planning and HR operations.

• Experience with Agile methodologies (Scrum, Kanban) and sprint management.

• Familiarity with user research methodologies and tools.

• Experience with SaaS product strategy and roadmap development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "ex-Product Designer" framing is critical. Candidates should be prepared to showcase a portfolio demonstrating their UX/UI design skills, user research capabilities, and how they translated user needs into tangible product features. While Product Management experience is a plus, the core requirement is a strong foundation in design principles applied to product strategy and execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 impactful product design projects, demonstrating a clear progression from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Each project within the portfolio should clearly articulate the user problem, the discovery process undertaken (user research, data analysis), the design solutions proposed (wireframes, mockups, prototypes), and the measurable impact on users and business objectives.

• Demonstrate proficiency in using design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) and a clear understanding of how these tools facilitate the product development lifecycle.

• Highlight examples where data analysis and user feedback were critical in shaping product iterations and improving key metrics. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of how you have documented product requirements, user stories, and feature specifications for engineering teams.

• Provide evidence of experience in creating and maintaining product documentation for releases, including release notes and user guides.

• Illustrate your approach to QA processes, including test case development and defect tracking, ensuring product quality and stability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "ex-Product Designer" focus, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just visual design and demonstrate strategic thinking, user empathy, and the ability to translate insights into actionable product plans. The emphasis on "impactful" projects suggests a need for quantifiable results and a clear articulation of the business value delivered.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Product Strategist with 3-5 years of experience in Paris, France, the estimated salary range is €55,000 - €75,000 per year. This estimate considers the company's stage (400+ employees, significant user base), the role's strategic importance, and the cost of living in Paris.

Benefits:

• Restaurant Tickets (Swile): Skello covers 55% of your daily meal costs, providing significant support for daily expenses.

• Collective Sports Classes: Weekly group fitness sessions on Monday evenings, promoting employee well-being and team bonding.

• Paid Time Off (RTT): 8 additional days off per year (10 for sales/BDR roles) to compensate for overtime, offering a good work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Onboarding: A structured and thorough onboarding program starting from your first week to ensure a smooth integration.

• CSE Happy Pal Subscription: A monthly subsidy of €20 for sports and cultural activities, encouraging personal development and leisure.

• Inclusive Parental Leave: Extended parental leave options and a birth bonus of €175 via Sidecare, supporting new parents.

• Health Insurance for Children: Free health coverage for children, demonstrating a commitment to family well-being.

• Remote Work Policy: A flexible policy adapted to each team's rhythm, allowing for a hybrid work arrangement.

• Central Offices: Modern and accessible offices located in dynamic city centers (Paris and Lille), facilitating easy commutes.

Working Hours: Skello operates on a standard full-time basis, likely around 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work policy that allows for flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on general market data for Paris and the specified experience level. Actual compensation will be determined by the hiring manager based on the candidate's specific qualifications and interview performance. The benefits package is robust and reflects a strong commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which is a significant draw for operations and product professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Skello operates within the Human Resources Technology (HR Tech) and SaaS sectors, specifically focusing on workforce management solutions for field-based teams. The company is addressing a significant market gap by providing digital tools to a workforce segment that has historically been underserved by technology.

Company Size: With over 400 employees, Skello is a mid-to-large-sized tech company, indicating a well-established structure with room for growth and impact. This size typically allows for dedicated teams and specialized roles, while still maintaining a dynamic and agile environment.

Founded: Founded with a mission to revolutionize HR for field teams, Skello has grown significantly, serving 25,000 companies and 600,000 employees daily. This growth trajectory suggests a strong market fit and a product that delivers tangible value.

Team Structure:

• The Product team is described as being at the core of Skello's growth and innovation, comprising experienced Product Strategists, Design System Designers, and AI Product Ops. This interdisciplinary structure fosters collaboration and diverse perspectives.

• The reporting structure places the Product Strategist under the Head of Product and potentially VP Product, with direct interaction with the CEO for final vision alignment.

• Collaboration is highly cross-functional, involving close partnerships with Design, Engineering, Customer Experience, Sales, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure product success from conception to market adoption. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: A strong emphasis is placed on using data (KPIs, usage analytics) to understand user behavior, validate hypotheses, and drive product decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves managing the entire product delivery workflow, from user research and ideation through to sprint execution and post-launch iteration, with a focus on efficiency and impact.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: Skello's core offering is an HR solution that optimizes and automates key tasks for field teams. This principle likely extends to the internal product development processes, aiming for streamlined workflows and efficient delivery.

Company Website: https://skello.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: Skello's focus on field teams is a key differentiator. Understanding the unique operational challenges and workflows of industries like retail, hospitality, and services will be crucial for a Product Strategist in this role. The company's culture, summarized by the "SHIFT" values, emphasizes continuous improvement, customer focus, and a collaborative spirit, which are vital for success in a fast-paced SaaS environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a mid-level, suitable for individuals with 3-5 years of experience, likely transitioning from a dedicated Product Design role into a more strategic product management capacity. It involves significant ownership of a functional area and requires a blend of strategic thinking, user empathy, and execution prowess.

Reporting Structure: The Product Strategist will report to the Head of Product and have direct interaction with the VP Product and CEO, indicating high visibility and direct influence on product strategy. This structure offers opportunities to learn from senior leadership and contribute to high-level decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role is designed to have a direct and measurable impact on Skello's core product, which in turn drives customer acquisition, retention, and overall business growth. By improving the user experience and functionality for field teams, the Product Strategist directly contributes to Skello's mission and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Leadership Path: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Strategist or Product Manager role, taking on larger product scopes or managing a team of Product Designers/Strategists.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in product strategy, user research, data analysis, and Agile methodologies through hands-on experience and potential training.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Exposure to various business functions (Sales, Marketing, CX) can open doors to broader career paths within the company or the broader HR Tech industry.

• Domain Expertise: Developing specialized knowledge in HR Tech and the operational challenges of field-based industries can position the candidate as a valuable expert.

📝 Enhancement Note: The transition from "Product Designer" to "Product Strategist" implies a career growth path that emphasizes strategic thinking, market analysis, and business acumen in addition to design and user experience skills. Candidates should highlight their ability to think beyond aesthetics and functionality to consider market viability, competitive landscape, and long-term product vision.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Skello offers a hybrid work environment, with central offices located in Paris and Lille. This setup combines the benefits of in-office collaboration and structure with the flexibility of remote work.

Office Location(s): The Paris office is located at 69 Rue Beaubourg, 75003 Paris, in a dynamic and easily accessible central area. This location is well-served by public transportation, making it convenient for commuters.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is designed to foster collaboration, innovation, and team cohesion, with shared spaces and resources.

• Access to modern tools and technology is implied, supporting efficient product development and collaboration.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product, design, and engineering teams are abundant, encouraging knowledge sharing and rapid problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard business hours (e.g., 9 AM to 6 PM) with flexibility afforded by the hybrid work policy. The emphasis on RTT days suggests an awareness of potential for extended work hours during critical delivery phases, balanced with compensatory time off.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how they thrive in such a setup, highlighting their ability to maintain productivity, collaborate effectively, and manage their time across both remote and in-office settings. The central Paris location is a significant perk for those who prefer urban accessibility and a vibrant working atmosphere.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Phone Screening (30 min): Initial conversation with Paul (Talent Acquisition Manager) to assess general fit, motivation, and basic qualifications. Prepare to discuss your career path and interest in Skello.

• First Business Interview (30 min, Video): Meeting with Bruno/Lucie (Head of Product) to dive deeper into your product experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of product development.

• Second Technical Interview (1 hour, In-Person): A more in-depth session with Bruno/Lucie and Ariane (VP Product) focusing on technical product skills, problem-solving abilities, and how you approach product challenges. This is where your portfolio will likely be a central discussion point.

• Vision Interview (Time unspecified, CEO): Final interview with Quitterie (CEO) to assess cultural fit, alignment with Skello's vision and values, and overall strategic potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio to clearly present 3-5 key projects. For each project, follow a narrative: Problem -> Discovery/Research -> Solution -> Impact/Results.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success of your designs and product strategies. This is crucial for a Product Strategist role.

• Highlight Design-to-Strategy Transition: Since you're coming from Product Design, explicitly show how you moved from understanding user needs through design to informing strategic product decisions.

• Showcase Collaboration: Include examples of how you worked with engineers, stakeholders, and other teams. Mention any challenges and how you overcame them.

• Tailor to Skello: Research Skello's product and target audience. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and approach align with their mission and user base.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical product strategy or problem-solving scenarios related to HR Tech or field-team operations.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially during the in-person technical and vision interviews.

• Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your analytical skills, ability to make data-informed decisions, and experience with product delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess candidates across multiple dimensions: initial fit, product acumen, technical/strategic skills, and cultural alignment. The in-person technical interview with the Head of Product and VP Product is a critical stage where your portfolio and problem-solving abilities will be thoroughly evaluated.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Product Management/Strategy: While not explicitly listed, expect to use tools for roadmap planning, user story creation, and backlog management. Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar project management platforms are standard.

• Design & Prototyping: Proficiency in tools like Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD is essential, given the "ex-Product Designer" background. These tools are key for user research, wireframing, and creating interactive prototypes.

• User Research: Tools for conducting user interviews, surveys, and usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Typeform, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration: Standard office suites (e.g., Google Workspace) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack) are expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Analysis: Expect to work with product analytics tools such as Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics to track user behavior, engagement, and feature adoption.

• BI Tools: Potentially using Business Intelligence tools for more in-depth reporting and dashboard creation, depending on Skello's internal stack.

• CRM: Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is beneficial, as close collaboration with Sales and Marketing is required.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Skello likely uses a CRM to manage customer relationships, sales pipelines, and marketing campaigns. Understanding how product strategy integrates with CRM data is valuable.

• Automation: While not specified, awareness of workflow automation principles within SaaS products and potentially marketing automation tools can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack emphasizes a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and collaborative design processes. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these types of tools and how they leverage them to drive product strategy and execution. A willingness to learn new tools and adapt to Skello's specific stack is also important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values: Skello's core values, summarized by "SHIFT," are integral to their operations and team culture:

• Set the bar higher every day: This implies a culture of continuous improvement, high performance, and a commitment to excellence in product delivery and user satisfaction. For operations professionals, this means a drive for efficiency, optimization, and pushing boundaries.

• Have each other’s back: This fosters a supportive and collaborative environment where team members rely on and help each other. In operations, this translates to strong teamwork, open communication, and a shared responsibility for success.

• Imagine tomorrow, start today: This value encourages proactivity, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset. Operations roles are expected to anticipate future needs and proactively implement solutions.

• Focus on customers first: This is paramount in a SaaS company. Operations must be aligned with customer needs, ensuring that processes, tools, and product features ultimately serve and delight the end-user.

• Take work seriously, not ourselves: This promotes a professional yet approachable atmosphere, valuing high standards of work while maintaining humility and a positive attitude.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional integration: The Product team works very closely with Design, Engineering, Customer Experience, Sales, Marketing, and Operations, indicating a highly integrated and collaborative approach.

• Process review and feedback: The emphasis on continuous improvement and a supportive culture ("Have each other's back") suggests a willingness to engage in constructive feedback and process refinement.

• Knowledge sharing: Working with experienced professionals in design, product, and AI suggests an environment ripe for knowledge exchange and mutual learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding and aligning with Skello's "SHIFT" values will be critical for cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to provide examples of how they have embodied these values in their previous roles, particularly in how they approach problem-solving, teamwork, and customer focus within an operational context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Excellence with Strategic Execution: As an ex-Product Designer, the challenge will be to effectively translate design insights into strategic product roadmaps and manage the delivery lifecycle while maintaining a focus on business impact.

• Data Interpretation and Actionability: While strong analytical skills are required, translating raw data into actionable product strategies and prioritizing initiatives can be complex, especially in a rapidly evolving market.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent alignment and communication across diverse teams (Sales, Marketing, CX, Engineering) for successful product launches requires strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills.

• Scaling a SaaS Product: Contributing to the growth of Skello's platform means navigating the complexities of scaling a SaaS product, including technical debt, feature prioritization, and evolving user needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in product strategy, user research methodologies, data analytics, and Agile product management through practical application and mentorship.

• Industry Exposure: Gain specialized knowledge in the HR Tech sector and the operational nuances of field-based industries, becoming an expert in a niche but growing market.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to take on increasing responsibility, lead product initiatives, and potentially mentor junior team members as the company grows.

• Continuous Learning: Skello's culture encourages learning and pushing boundaries, suggesting access to resources or support for professional development, conferences, or certifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in mid-level product roles within fast-growing tech companies. Candidates who can articulate how they have successfully navigated similar situations in the past will be well-positioned. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for significant career development within Skello.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used user research and data analysis to identify a significant product opportunity. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on linking discovery to strategy and impact)

• "How would you prioritize features for a new product initiative, given limited resources and competing stakeholder demands? Walk us through your framework." (Demonstrate strategic prioritization and stakeholder management)

• "Imagine a key metric for Skello (e.g., user retention, feature adoption) is declining. How would you investigate this issue, and what steps would you take to address it?" (Showcase problem-solving, data analysis, and iterative improvement) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why Skello? What about our mission and product resonates with you, especially given your background in Product Design?" (Research Skello's mission, values, and product thoroughly)

• "How do you embody the 'SHIFT' values in your work, particularly 'Set the bar higher' and 'Focus on customers first'?" (Provide specific examples of your behavior)

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment. How do you ensure effective collaboration and communication with your team?" (Highlight adaptability and communication strategies) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame your portfolio projects as compelling stories that highlight your problem-solving journey, not just a showcase of designs.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and most importantly, the measurable impact (e.g., X% increase in conversion, Y% reduction in support tickets, Z% improvement in user satisfaction).

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research methodologies, and the data that informed your strategy.

• Showcase Strategic Thinking: Explicitly connect your design work to broader business objectives and product strategy. Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did.

• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure it's concise, engaging, and within the allocated time. Be ready to answer questions confidently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a blend of strategic thinking, user empathy, data-driven decision-making, and cultural alignment. Your portfolio will be a critical tool, but your ability to articulate your thought process and connect your past experiences to Skello's specific challenges and opportunities will be equally important.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Strategist position at Skello:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Skello Teamtailor careers page.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your most impactful product design projects that best demonstrate your strategic thinking, user research skills, data analysis capabilities, and product delivery experience. Ensure each project clearly articulates the problem, your process, the solution, and quantifiable results.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 3-5 years of experience in Product Design within tech/SaaS, emphasizing skills in user research, data analysis, UX principles, and product management responsibilities. Use keywords from the job description such as "Product Strategy," "Product Design," "SaaS," "User Research," and "Data Analysis."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your career journey, your motivation for applying to Skello, and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements. Be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your ability to drive product impact.

• Research Skello: Thoroughly investigate Skello's product, target market (field teams in retail, hospitality, services), company mission, and "SHIFT" values. Understand their competitive landscape and how your contributions can drive their growth.

⚠️ 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.