Senior Freelance Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Freelance Product Designer (Outside of IR35)

Company: Beyond Sports

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: CONTRACTOR

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-07

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (UK-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end UI and UX execution for major client initiatives across web and native mobile platforms (iOS and Android).

• Architect complex user journeys, facilitate design workshops, and set component-driven design system standards in Figma.

• Drive design quality, technical feasibility, and seamless developer handoff within fast-moving engineering squads.

• Act as a key creative lead, mentoring midweight designers and presenting executive-level design rationales to client stakeholders.

• Own project workstreams from discovery through design implementation, ensuring scalable UI architectures and seamless UX workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Freelance Product Designer," the description emphasizes a significant leadership and ownership component, suggesting a role that requires not just execution but also strategic direction and mentorship within project teams. The "Outside of IR35" status indicates a need for a contractor who can manage their own tax affairs. The remote status is specified as "TELECOMMUTE" with a UK country requirement, implying a need for the contractor to be based within the UK for potential occasional in-person collaboration or tax/legal reasons.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of end-to-end UI and UX execution for major client initiatives on web and native mobile apps (iOS and Android).

• Architect complex user journeys and facilitate design workshops to define high-stakes fan engagement features.

• Set component-driven design system standards in Figma, ensuring scalability and consistency across platforms.

• Present executive-level design rationales and rationale for design decisions to client stakeholders and leadership.

• Mentor midweight designers within your squad, fostering design quality and best practices.

• Serve as a key creative lead within delivery teams, driving design quality and technical feasibility.

• Ensure seamless developer handoff and collaborate closely with engineering for QA implementation.

• Drive strong, proactive collaboration across creative, product, engineering, and data teams.

• Manage personal deliverables and prioritize high-impact work within active sprint cycles.

• Champion continuous design quality and offer constructive feedback to elevate the wider design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a senior-level role focused on strategic design leadership, system thinking, and cross-functional collaboration, rather than just individual contribution. The emphasis on "end-to-end execution" and "ownership" highlights the need for autonomy and accountability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Not explicitly stated, but a strong portfolio demonstrating required skills is paramount.

Experience: Minimum 5+ years of commercial product design experience (agency, high-growth tech, or digital sports media).

Required Skills:

• Advanced mastery of Figma, including advanced prototyping, tokenized component libraries, and design system governance.

• Deep expertise in user-centered design methodologies, information architecture, and responsive design frameworks.

• Proven experience working directly with engineering squads to guide successful design handoff and QA implementation.

• Exceptional project management, time management, and visual/verbal presentation skills.

• Ability to communicate complex design strategies clearly to leadership, development teams, and external partners.

• Confidence in leading client discussions and articulating design decisions.

• Experience in producing scalable UI architectures and seamless UX workflows.

• Ability to take full end-to-end ownership of project workstreams from discovery through design implementation.

• Comfort in leading design initiatives and collaborating in an English-speaking environment. Preferred Skills:

• Deep domain knowledge of world sports, live match platforms, sports betting, or real-time data visualization.

• Experience designing for rich media platforms, 3D/interactive graphics, or streaming interfaces.

• Familiarity with design tokens, CSS/component frameworks, or native mobile HIG (Human Interface Guidelines) and Material Design guidelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize advanced Figma skills and a strong understanding of design systems, which are critical for scalable product design. The preference for sports domain knowledge indicates a strategic advantage for candidates familiar with the company's niche.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A standout portfolio demonstrating complex end-to-end product design, scalable systems, and polished UI/UX for iOS, Android, and responsive web.

• Case studies showcasing the ability to architect complex user journeys and design system implementation.

• Examples of successful design handoff and collaboration with engineering teams.

• Evidence of leading design initiatives and presenting design rationales to stakeholders.

• Demonstrations of advanced prototyping capabilities within Figma. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed, design decisions made, and the outcomes/impact.

• Highlight your approach to user-centered design, information architecture, and responsive design frameworks.

• Detail your experience with design system governance and component library development.

• Showcase your collaboration process with engineering and QA teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is a critical component for this role, requiring demonstration of advanced Figma skills, end-to-end project ownership, and strong collaboration with engineering. Candidates should prepare to walk through their process and design rationale in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Daily Rate: Please specify in your application.

Benefits:

• Contract duration of 9 months.

• Opportunity to work on high-visibility product features used by millions of global sports fans daily.

• High creative ownership with the ability to set visual and structural standards.

• Variety of product platforms including web, iOS, Android, and emerging immersive sports tech.

• Partnership with senior product leaders, specialized engineers, and domain experts.

• Dynamic, fast-moving environment with continuous delivery culture.

• Outside of IR35 contract, offering flexibility for tax management.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours per week), with flexibility as expected for a freelance contract.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a freelance contract position, compensation is based on a daily rate. Candidates are expected to specify their desired rate. The benefits listed are contract-specific advantages and project-related opportunities rather than traditional employee benefits. The "Outside of IR35" status is a key benefit for contractors managing their own tax affairs.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sports Technology, Digital Media, Real-time Data Visualization, AI-driven Storytelling.

Company Size: Estimated 50-200 employees (based on LinkedIn data for Beyond Sports, though this specific role is freelance).

Founded: 2017 (Based on publicly available information for Beyond Sports).

Team Structure:

• The Senior Product Designer will work within cross-functional delivery squads, likely comprising Product Managers, Engineers (front-end, back-end, mobile), and potentially other designers.

• Collaboration with Lead Designers and senior product leadership is expected.

• The role operates on a freelance basis, meaning integration into the permanent team structure may be less formal but collaboration is key. Methodology:

• Fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative.

• Continuous delivery culture with ambitious project milestones.

• Focus on building cutting-edge product experiences.

• Data-driven storytelling and real-time sports data utilization.

Company Website: https://www.beyondsports.nl/

📝 Enhancement Note: Beyond Sports operates in a niche intersection of sports, technology, and media. The culture is described as fast-paced and innovative, typical of a growth-stage tech company. The freelance nature means the designer will integrate into existing project teams rather than forming a new department.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Individual Contributor / Design Lead within project teams.

Reporting Structure: Will likely report to a Lead Designer or Head of Product Design on a project basis, while working closely with Product Managers within their assigned squad.

Operations Impact: Direct impact on how millions of sports fans interact with live match data and interactive media. The role influences fan engagement, brand perception, and the overall user experience of major sports organizations' digital platforms.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to gain extensive experience with high-profile clients like NFL, NHL, FIFA, and Disney.

• Exposure to cutting-edge sports technology, 3D graphics, and AI applications.

• Potential for extended contract duration or future freelance opportunities based on performance.

• Skill development in complex system design, design system governance, and client stakeholder management.

• Mentorship opportunities for midweight designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a contract role, the seniority and scope offer significant professional development. The opportunity to work with major sports entities and advanced technologies provides a strong resume builder and potential for future high-impact projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote (UK-based).

Office Location(s): While remote, the requirement for UK residency suggests potential for hybrid work if Beyond Sports has any physical presence or for specific client meetings, though the primary mode is remote.

Workspace Context:

• Highly collaborative environment conducted primarily through digital communication tools.

• Access to and utilization of advanced design and collaboration software.

• Close interaction with cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering, Data) within agile sprint cycles.

• Emphasis on asynchronous communication and efficient digital workflows.

Work Schedule: Flexible, but aligned with UK working hours to facilitate collaboration with teams and clients. Expectation of ~40 hours per week for a full-time freelance engagement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote nature requires strong self-discipline and excellent digital communication skills. The "Outside of IR35" status and UK residency requirement are key environmental factors for contractors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where the candidate presents their portfolio, focusing on complex end-to-end product design, system design, and UX strategy. Expect questions about design decisions, process, and impact.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Potentially a small design exercise or case study discussion to evaluate problem-solving skills, Figma proficiency, and approach to specific design challenges relevant to sports tech.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: Meeting with Product Managers and/or Engineers to assess collaboration style, communication, and ability to work within agile squads.

• Final Discussion: May involve discussing contract terms, rate, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating complex end-to-end product design, scalable systems, and polished UI/UX for iOS, Android, and responsive web.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed, key design decisions with rationale, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Highlight your advanced Figma skills, including design system implementation, tokenized components, and complex prototyping.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience with design handoff and collaboration with engineering teams.

• Showcase your ability to lead client discussions and present design rationales effectively. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your approach to user-centered design, information architecture, and responsive design.

• Prepare examples of how you've managed project deliverables, prioritized work, and collaborated within agile sprint cycles.

• If a design challenge is given, focus on demonstrating your process, problem-solving, and ability to articulate your solutions clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities. Preparing detailed case studies that highlight impact and process is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Advanced mastery required for UI design, prototyping, design systems, component libraries, and design governance.

• Prototyping Tools: Advanced prototyping within Figma or other relevant tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions would be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design role, but understanding how design integrates with product management and development workflows is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the central tool for this role. Proficiency extends beyond basic usage to advanced features like design systems, tokenization, and complex prototyping. Familiarity with how design outputs integrate into development pipelines is essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation: Building things that haven't existed before in sports entertainment.

• Collaboration: Moving fast and working closely with cross-functional teams.

• Ownership: Taking full end-to-end ownership of project workstreams.

• Craftsmanship: High-level design craft, producing scalable UI architectures and seamless UX workflows.

• Impact: Driving significant impact on how millions of fans experience sports.

• Continuous Improvement: Championing design quality and offering constructive feedback.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive and cross-functional collaboration across creative, product, engineering, and data teams.

• Working within agile sprint cycles, requiring clear communication and efficient handoffs.

• Leading design discussions and aligning multi-disciplinary teams.

• Sharing knowledge and providing constructive feedback to elevate the team's output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values innovation, collaboration, and a high standard of craft. The ideal candidate will be proactive, communicative, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for complex product systems in a rapidly evolving sports tech landscape.

• Balancing high-stakes client expectations with fast-moving development cycles.

• Ensuring seamless integration of design with real-time data, 3D graphics, and AI.

• Maintaining design consistency and quality across multiple platforms (web, iOS, Android).

• Effectively translating complex sports data and fan engagement concepts into intuitive user experiences. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep dive into the sports technology sector, understanding fan engagement dynamics.

• Gain expertise in designing for real-time data visualization and interactive media.

• Enhance skills in advanced Figma capabilities, design system governance, and tokenization.

• Develop strong client management and executive presentation skills.

• Experience working with globally recognized sports organizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents challenges related to the niche industry and advanced technology integration, offering significant learning opportunities in specialized areas of product design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex product system you've designed and your approach to managing its scalability and consistency."

• "Walk us through a project where you led end-to-end UI/UX execution from discovery to implementation, highlighting your key decisions and challenges."

• "How do you approach architecting user journeys for fan engagement features, especially in a live sports context?"

• "Tell us about a time you had to present complex design rationales to executive stakeholders or clients. How did you ensure alignment?"

• "How do you collaborate with engineering teams to ensure successful design handoff and QA implementation?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Beyond Sports and our work in the sports technology space?"

• "How do you contribute to a fast-moving, collaborative, and innovative team environment?"

• "Describe your experience working within agile sprint cycles and managing multiple project deliverables."

• "How do you provide constructive feedback to elevate the work of other designers or team members?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solutions -> Outcomes.

• For each project, emphasize the complexity, your strategic thinking, and the impact of your design decisions.

• Be prepared to deep-dive into your Figma workflow, design system implementation, and prototyping techniques.

• Clearly articulate your collaboration process with product managers and engineers.

• Be ready to answer detailed questions about your design choices and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach with specific examples from their portfolio. Understanding the nuances of sports technology and fan engagement will be beneficial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Freelance Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight your 5+ years of commercial product design experience, focusing on complex systems, mobile design (iOS/Android), and responsive web projects.

• Curate your Portfolio: Ensure it prominently features end-to-end product design case studies, advanced Figma proficiency, design system implementation, and successful engineering collaborations. Prepare to present it in detail.

• Specify Your Day Rate: Clearly state your expected daily rate in your application.

• Research Beyond Sports: Understand their work with major sports partners (NFL, NHL, FIFA, Disney) and their focus on real-time data, 3D graphics, and AI.

⚠️ 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.