Senior Product Designer - Aero

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Aero

Company: Reaktor

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations (Design Strategy)

Date Posted: April 23, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (8+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design of digital product experiences, from initial strategy and user insight to final pixel execution.

• Drive impactful design solutions for industry-leading airlines by blending strategic thinking with user-centered design principles.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, strategists, and product owners, to co-create holistic digital products.

• Translate complex business objectives and user needs into intuitive, elegant, and effective design solutions that deliver tangible business value.

• Present creative directions and design rationale persuasively to clients and internal stakeholders, ensuring buy-in and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on Product Design, its emphasis on strategy, client-facing work, and driving business outcomes through design places it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operations ecosystem, particularly concerning the strategic alignment of design with business goals. The "Aero" designation implies a focus on the airline industry, requiring an understanding of its unique operational and customer experience challenges.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic design process for digital product experiences across various touchpoints, from initial concept development to final pixel-perfect execution.

• Conceptualize, prototype, and iterate on new features and user flows, utilizing user insights and business objectives to validate and refine design directions.

• Develop and maintain strong visual design systems, including typography, color palettes, component libraries, and motion design principles, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.

• Drive compelling storytelling and articulate design rationale to effectively sell creative ideas and strategic design decisions to clients and internal teams.

• Facilitate and participate in collaborative workshops, design sprints, and brainstorming sessions to uncover user insights, define product vision, and shape strategic briefs.

• Balance high-level design leadership and strategic vision with hands-on, detailed execution and pixel-level refinement.

• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, including software developers, strategists, content creators, and product managers, fostering a holistic approach to product development.

• Proactively identify and address design challenges, navigate ambiguity, and shape project briefs from initial stages to successful completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution, typical for senior roles in client-facing design consultancies. The focus on "selling creative work" and "driving real-world outcomes" underscores the business-oriented nature of the role, akin to how GTM operations focuses on revenue generation and market success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, but a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent experience and expertise is expected.

Experience: 8+ years of comprehensive experience in digital product design, with a proven track record in fast-paced, client-facing, or consultancy environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead the design of digital product experiences from strategy through to execution.

• Strong conceptual and strategic thinking, with the capacity to connect business goals with impactful design decisions.

• Excellent storytelling and presentation skills, with the confidence to persuasively articulate and sell design solutions.

• Impeccable visual design taste and a sharp eye for detail in layout, typography, and UI systems.

• Robust interaction design skills, with a clear understanding of user flow logic, responsive behavior, and intuitive navigation patterns.

• Fluency in modern design and prototyping tools, such as Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite.

• Experience working effectively within interdisciplinary teams, including developers, strategists, and copywriters.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, define project scope, and shape concepts from scratch.

• High degree of curiosity, humility, and a continuous drive for learning and professional evolution.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the airline industry or a related complex sector.

• Familiarity with motion design tools and principles.

• Experience with prototyping or animation tools beyond standard design software.

• Fluent Dutch language skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 8+ years of experience and the emphasis on client-facing work and strategic selling indicate a senior-level role. The "preferred" airline industry experience suggests a specialization within Reaktor's client portfolio, where understanding sector-specific user journeys and operational constraints is advantageous.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 significant digital product design projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership from strategy to final execution.

• Each project should clearly articulate the initial business challenge or user problem, the strategic approach taken, the design process, and the final outcome.

• Highlight projects that involve complex user flows, intricate UI systems, and impactful visual design.

• Include case studies that detail the collaborative process with cross-functional teams (developers, strategists, product owners).

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio piece, provide clear documentation of the design process, including:

  • Discovery and Research: How user insights and business requirements were gathered and synthesized.

  • Conceptualization & Ideation: Methods used for brainstorming, wireframing, and user flow mapping.

  • Prototyping & Validation: How interactive prototypes were created and tested with users or stakeholders.

  • Visual Design & UI Systems: Examples of how visual elements, typography, and component libraries were developed and applied.

  • Collaboration & Handoff: Documentation of how designs were communicated and handed off to development teams.

  • Impact & Iteration: Evidence of how the design contributed to business goals or user satisfaction, and any subsequent iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior design role with a focus on client-facing work and strategic impact, a portfolio is paramount. It serves as tangible evidence of problem-solving capabilities, design craft, and the ability to translate strategy into executable design. The emphasis is on demonstrating not just the final output, but the rigorous process and strategic thinking behind it.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers with 8+ years of experience in Amsterdam, Netherlands, the estimated salary range is €70,000 - €95,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Amsterdam, the demand for specialized design talent, and Reaktor's standing as a premium technology and design consultancy.

Benefits:

• Impactful work with autonomy: Influence on approach, technologies, and methodologies in collaboration with clients and teams.

• Strong community support: Access to a network of experienced and considerate colleagues dedicated to mutual success.

• Sustainable work-life balance: Support for daily life, including benefits like free moving day, Reaktor car share, and sick child care services.

• Professional growth: Opportunities through internal training courses, community events, and dedicated time for discussing industry topics.

• Advanced learning: Access to extended academy-like studies, such as Cloud Academy.

• Extensive hobby clubs: Participation in over 300 supported hobby clubs for social and personal development.

Working Hours:

A standard full-time work week is expected, likely around 40 hours. Reaktor emphasizes a sustainable work-life balance, suggesting flexibility in how these hours are managed, provided project deadlines and client needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior-level design professionals in a major European tech hub like Amsterdam. Reaktor's emphasis on work-life balance and extensive benefits suggests a strong commitment to employee well-being, which is a significant draw for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Design, and Digital Transformation Consulting. Reaktor operates at the intersection of technology development, design, and strategic consulting, helping ambitious organizations achieve digital leadership.

Company Size: Reaktor is an established global community with a significant presence, likely employing several hundred to over a thousand professionals across its various offices. This size offers the resources and stability of a larger firm while aiming to maintain a close-knit, community-focused culture.

Founded: Reaktor was founded in 2000. With over two decades of experience, the company has a deep understanding of evolving technological landscapes and digital transformation strategies.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The design team is likely structured with senior designers leading projects, supported by mid-level and junior designers, as well as specialists in UX research, UI design, and motion graphics.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: Designers typically report to Design Leads or Directors, who in turn may report to Practice Leads or Country Managers. Collaboration is key, with designers working closely with project managers, strategists, and developers.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Cross-functional collaboration is a cornerstone of Reaktor's methodology. Designers work integrally within client teams and internal project teams, fostering a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Reaktor emphasizes a data-driven approach, using insights from user research, business analytics, and market trends to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Operations Process 2: Workflow planning and optimization are central, with teams collectively choosing methodologies and technologies best suited for each project, promoting agility and efficiency.

• Operations Process 3: Automation and efficiency are pursued through thoughtful design and development practices, aiming to create scalable and maintainable digital solutions.

Company Website: https://www.reaktor.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Reaktor's long history and global reach suggest a mature consulting practice. The "community" aspect implies a culture that values collaboration, learning, and mutual support. The "Aero" designation points to a specific practice area, likely focusing on clients in the aviation sector, requiring designers to understand the operational complexities and passenger experience within this industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a high level of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility. Senior designers are expected to lead complex projects, mentor junior team members, and contribute to the overall design strategy and practice development within Reaktor.

Reporting Structure: Senior Product Designers typically report to Design Leads, Practice Leads, or Directors of Design, depending on the project and office structure. They work closely with project managers, strategists, and client stakeholders, often acting as the primary design point of contact.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, directly influencing client satisfaction, product success, and ultimately, revenue. By translating strategic goals into compelling user experiences, Senior Product Designers help clients achieve key business objectives, such as increased customer engagement, improved operational efficiency, or enhanced brand perception.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to specialize further in areas like design systems, interaction design for complex platforms, or strategic design consulting. Mentorship programs and internal training facilitate skill enhancement.

• Leadership Development: Progression towards Lead Designer, Design Director, or Practice Lead roles, involving greater strategic oversight, team management, and client relationship responsibilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Potential to gain deeper knowledge in areas like technology strategy, AI integration, or specific industry domains (e.g., aviation), broadening professional capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The senior designation implies a path towards leadership, either through managing teams or becoming a highly specialized individual contributor. Reaktor's focus on continuous learning and diverse projects offers a rich environment for career progression within the design and technology consulting space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Reaktor's Amsterdam office is likely a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and community. It would include areas for focused work, team collaboration, client meetings, and social interaction.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Specific details about the office location within Amsterdam would need to be confirmed, but it would likely be in a well-connected area accessible by public transport.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace Aspect 1: The environment is designed for high collaboration, encouraging spontaneous interactions and structured workshops with colleagues and clients.

• Workspace Aspect 2: Access to cutting-edge design tools, high-performance workstations, and potentially specialized hardware for prototyping or user testing.

• Workspace Aspect 3: Opportunities for regular interaction with a diverse group of professionals—developers, strategists, other designers, and client teams—facilitating knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour week is implied, Reaktor's emphasis on sustainable work-life balance suggests flexibility. This might involve hybrid arrangements where specific days are in the office for collaboration and the remainder can be remote, or flexible start/end times, all within the framework of meeting project deliverables and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on collaboration and a supportive community suggests a work environment that balances intensive project work with opportunities for personal well-being and professional development, fitting for a senior role in a consultancy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process Step 1: Initial screening call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in Reaktor and the "Aero" practice. Portfolio review is often initiated at this stage.

• Process Step 2: Technical interview with a Design Lead or Senior Designer. This typically involves a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, your design process, strategic thinking, and problem-solving approaches. Expect case study discussions.

• Process Step 3: A collaborative design exercise or workshop simulation, either live or as a take-home assignment, to evaluate your practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration style.

• Process Step 4: Final interviews with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, Country Manager) to discuss your long-term career aspirations, strategic vision, and overall fit with Reaktor's values and client-facing requirements.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio Tip 1: Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best represent your senior-level capabilities, strategic thinking, and ability to drive business outcomes, especially those relevant to complex industries.

• Portfolio Tip 2: Structure each case study with a clear narrative: problem statement, your role and responsibilities, design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions made and their rationale, and quantifiable results or impact.

• Portfolio Tip 3: Be prepared to discuss your design rationale, trade-offs made, and how you collaborated with different stakeholders. Emphasize how your designs aligned with business goals and user needs.

• Portfolio Tip 4: Tailor your portfolio presentation to Reaktor's focus on consulting and client-facing work. Highlight instances where you successfully "sold" creative ideas or navigated client feedback to achieve successful outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge Preparation 1: Be ready for a design challenge that might involve solving a complex problem within a limited timeframe, similar to a mini-project or a collaborative design session.

• Challenge Preparation 2: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. For take-home challenges, focus on a structured presentation that clearly outlines your approach, key decisions, and outcomes.

• Challenge Preparation 3: Demonstrate how you would incorporate strategic thinking, user empathy, and business objectives into your design solutions. Be prepared to defend your design choices with strong reasoning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design craft but also strategic thinking, client management skills, and collaborative ability, reflecting the consultancy nature of Reaktor's business. A strong portfolio that showcases impact and process is crucial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, given its industry prevalence. Proficiency in creating and managing design systems within Figma is essential.

• Adobe Creative Suite: Including Photoshop and Illustrator for asset creation, image manipulation, and potentially more specialized graphic design tasks.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's built-in capabilities, familiarity with tools like Principle, After Effects, or similar for more advanced motion design and interactive prototyping.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the designer's core tools, but an understanding of how CRM systems and marketing automation tools influence user journeys and customer touchpoints can provide valuable context for designing integrated experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and Adobe Creative Suite reflects standard industry tools for product designers. The mention of prototyping and motion tools indicates that Reaktor values polished, interactive, and visually engaging design outputs.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: A commitment to using insights from user research, analytics, and business metrics to guide design strategies and validate solutions.

• Craftsmanship & Excellence: A dedication to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of design skills and methodologies.

• Collaboration & Community: Fostering a supportive environment where knowledge is shared, feedback is constructive, and team members help each other succeed.

• Client Focus & Impact: A drive to deliver tangible business value and successful outcomes for clients through strategic and effective design solutions.

• Curiosity & Learning: An inherent desire to explore new technologies, design trends, and industry challenges, promoting continuous professional growth.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to be active participants within multidisciplinary teams, working seamlessly with developers, strategists, and product owners to achieve shared goals.

• Open Feedback Culture: A culture that encourages open and honest feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and improve team processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Regular opportunities for sharing learnings, best practices, and insights through internal meetups, design critiques, and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Reaktor's values emphasize a blend of technical excellence, strategic thinking, strong interpersonal skills, and a client-centric approach, typical of successful design consultancies. The "community" aspect suggests a culture that prioritizes people and mutual support.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Client Ambiguity: Clients often present complex, ill-defined problems. The challenge is to bring clarity, shape the brief, and guide them towards effective design solutions.

• Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution: Maintaining a clear strategic direction while ensuring pixel-perfect execution and addressing technical constraints requires careful management.

• Cross-Industry Adaptability: The "Aero" designation implies working with airline clients, which have unique operational complexities and user expectations. Adapting design thinking to this specific domain presents a learning challenge.

• Staying Ahead of Design & Tech Trends: The rapid evolution of digital technologies and design methodologies requires continuous learning and adaptation to remain at the forefront.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Access to Reaktor's internal training programs, workshops, and opportunities to learn from a diverse pool of experts in technology and design.

• Industry Exposure: Working on diverse projects for leading companies, including those in the airline sector, provides invaluable industry-specific knowledge and experience.

• Leadership Mentorship: Opportunities to be mentored by experienced Design Leads and Directors, as well as to mentor junior designers, developing leadership competencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to senior roles in consulting, requiring adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and continuous learning. Reaktor's commitment to professional development provides a strong framework for addressing these challenges and fostering growth.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to sell a creative design concept that faced significant client resistance. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on storytelling, rationale, and negotiation skills.)

• "How do you balance the needs of a business with the needs of the user, especially when they conflict?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and user advocacy.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you specifically about Reaktor and our 'Aero' practice?" (Research Reaktor's work in aviation and tailor your answer.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within cross-functional teams, particularly with developers and strategists?" (Emphasize teamwork, communication, and a holistic approach.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation Strategy 1: Structure your portfolio walkthrough with a clear narrative for each project: problem, your role, process, solution, and impact. Use visuals effectively to illustrate your points.

• Presentation Strategy 2: Be prepared to discuss the 'why' behind your design decisions, not just the 'what.' Quantify impact where possible using metrics or client testimonials.

• Presentation Strategy 3: Engage with interviewers by asking clarifying questions about their challenges or offering insights based on their feedback. Show your ability to think on your feet and adapt.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, communication prowess, and a client-centric mindset, aligning with Reaktor's consultancy model.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of digital product design experience, focusing on client-facing roles, strategic contributions, and quantifiable achievements. Tailor keywords to match the job description (e.g., "digital product design," "strategy," "client-facing," "prototyping," "Figma").

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that showcases 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects. Each project should detail the problem, your process, your role, and the outcomes, emphasizing strategic thinking and business impact.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and client collaboration skills. Prepare specific examples for common interview questions related to problem-solving, stakeholder management, and design rationale.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Reaktor's work, particularly their projects in the airline industry ("Aero" practice), and understand their community-focused culture and consulting methodology.

⚠️ 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.