Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Careers at Tide

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: September 17, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and delivery of engaging digital experiences across mobile and web platforms within the Payment Services division, a critical growth area for Tide.

• Embed within cross-functional squads, owning the product design lifecycle from discovery through to iteration, ensuring user-centricity and business alignment.

• Leverage a deep understanding of user needs, gained through direct user research, analytics, and insights, to inform design decisions and drive product innovation.

• Contribute to the evolution of Tide's Design System, ensuring consistency, scalability, and a world-class member experience across all touchpoints.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers to translate complex financial needs into intuitive and impactful design solutions for SMEs.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Tide's Payment Services, a high-growth division focused on core banking functionalities for SMEs. The emphasis on "product-led growth" and "international expansion" indicates a strategic importance for this role in shaping Tide's global financial offerings. The hybrid work model, with offices designed as hubs for innovation, suggests a need for proactive collaboration and engagement within the Sofia technology center.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new features and product enhancements within Payment Services, from initial ideation and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and final implementation.

• Conduct comprehensive user research, including moderated sessions, to deeply understand SME member pain points, behaviors, and needs related to receiving, sending, and storing funds.

• Develop and iterate on user flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for both mobile and web applications, ensuring intuitive navigation and a seamless user journey.

• Partner with Product Managers and Engineers to define product requirements, estimate design effort, and ensure successful, high-quality product launches that meet performance and quality standards.

• Actively contribute to and advocate for the Tide Design System, ensuring design consistency, scalability, and adherence to accessibility best practices across all digital products.

• Analyze product usage data and member feedback to identify areas for improvement and inform future design iterations and strategic product decisions.

• Articulate design rationale and present compelling narratives to stakeholders, clearly communicating the ‘why’ behind design choices and their expected impact on member experience and business objectives.

• Collaborate with fellow designers to share insights, best practices, and contribute to the continuous improvement of Tide's design processes and methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong emphasis on owning the design process within a squad. The expectation to "run your own user research sessions" and "digging into usage analytics" points towards a hands-on role requiring a blend of qualitative and quantitative research skills. The mention of "tracking to OKRs" and "measuring how experience impacts our members" signifies a data-driven approach to design impact.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is typically expected for a Senior Product Designer.

Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of dedicated experience in product design or UX roles, with a proven track record of designing digital products for both web and mobile platforms.

Required Skills:

• Product Thinking & Strategy: Demonstrated ability to translate business goals and user needs into effective product strategies and design solutions.

• User Research: Experience planning and executing various user research methodologies, including moderated user interviews, usability testing, and persona development.

• Interaction Design: Proficient in designing intuitive user flows, navigation structures, and interactive elements that enhance user engagement.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create clean, modern, and visually appealing interfaces that align with brand guidelines.

• Prototyping: Expertise in creating low-to-high fidelity prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and test user flows.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced and demonstrable skill in using Figma for all aspects of the design process, from wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototyping.

• Design Systems: Solid understanding and practical experience in using, contributing to, and maintaining design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Accessibility Standards: Knowledge of WCAG guidelines and experience designing inclusive products that cater to users with diverse needs.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders in a fast-paced, agile environment.

• Storytelling & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and their rationale compellingly.

• Impact-Driven & Pragmatic: Ability to balance speed with quality, making pragmatic trade-offs to achieve business and user objectives.

• End-to-End Design Process: Understanding and experience across the full design lifecycle, from ideation and discovery to launch and post-launch iteration.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for fintech or financial services products.

• Familiarity with data analysis tools and techniques for understanding user behavior.

• Experience in an international, multi-market product environment.

• Knowledge of agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "measurable impact (results)" in the portfolio requirement suggests that candidates should be prepared to quantify the success of their designs using metrics relevant to the fintech industry, such as conversion rates, task completion times, or reduction in support queries.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio or case study demonstrating a clear design process from problem identification to solution implementation.

• Showcase of strong product thinking, user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and visual design skills.

• Evidence of designing for both web and mobile platforms.

• Clear articulation of the "why" behind design decisions, supported by user research insights and data.

• Demonstrable measurable impact and results achieved through design interventions, quantified with relevant metrics. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies should illustrate the entire design process:

  • Discovery & Research: How user needs were identified and validated (e.g., user interviews, surveys, analytics).
  • Ideation & Design: The evolution of concepts, wireframing, prototyping, and iterative design based on feedback.
  • Collaboration: How cross-functional teams (Product, Engineering) were involved and collaborated.
  • Implementation: The process of working with engineers to ensure design fidelity and technical feasibility.
  • Launch & Iteration: How the final product was measured post-launch, and any subsequent iterations based on performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on Payment Services and the fintech industry, the portfolio should ideally highlight projects that involve complex user flows, data security considerations, and regulatory compliance, showcasing the candidate's ability to navigate these challenges through design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The gross annual salary for this position ranges from €38,400 to €60,000, depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and demonstrated contributions.

Benefits:

• Time Off: Generous paid time off to ensure work-life balance.

• Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for new parents.

• Sabbatical: Opportunity for extended leave to recharge or pursue personal development.

• Health Insurance: Robust health insurance coverage for employees and potentially dependents.

• Mental Wellbeing: Programs and resources dedicated to supporting mental health.

• Volunteering & Development Days: Paid days off for volunteering or professional development activities.

• Learning & Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and skill enhancement.

• Work Outside the Office (WOO): Flexibility to work remotely or from alternative locations.

• Home Office Setup: Support or allowance for setting up an effective home workspace.

• Laptop Ownership: Provision of a company laptop for work purposes.

• Fully Covered Multi Sports Card: Access to a wide range of sports and fitness facilities.

• Monthly Food Vouchers: Stipend for food expenses.

• Snacks & Meals: Provision of snacks and meals at the office.

Working Hours: While not explicitly stated, the standard for a full-time role in tech and finance, especially in Europe, is typically around 40 hours per week. The hybrid model and "Work Outside the Office" benefit suggest flexibility within these hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided in EUR, aligning with the location in Bulgaria, which uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) but often references EUR for international comparisons and high-value transactions. The stated range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role in Sofia, considering the fintech industry and the company's growth phase. The extensive list of benefits emphasizes Tide's commitment to employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech / Banking / Financial Services for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Tide is a disruptor in the traditional banking sector, leveraging technology to offer streamlined, cost-effective financial solutions.

Company Size: Over 2,800 Tideans globally, with a significant presence in Sofia, Bulgaria, serving as a technology and member support center. This size indicates a dynamic, growing organization with established processes but still agile enough for individual impact.

Founded: Tide was founded with the mission to help SMEs save time and money. Its rapid growth to over 2 million members globally in a relatively short period highlights its successful market disruption and innovative approach.

Team Structure:

• Payment Services Division: The role is embedded within the Payment Services team, which focuses on all banking products enabling members to receive, send, and store funds. This is a core operational area of the business.

• Cross-functional Squads: Designers work within agile, cross-functional squads, typically comprising Product Managers, Engineers, QA, and other specialists. This structure fosters close collaboration and shared ownership.

• Design Practice: The Senior Product Designer will also be part of a broader Design practice, collaborating with other designers to share insights, contribute to the design system, and uphold design standards across Tide.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Tide emphasizes using data to inform decisions across all aspects of the business, including product development and design.

• Agile & Iterative Development: The product lifecycle involves continuous iteration, with a focus on launching quickly, gathering feedback, and making improvements.

• User-Centric Design: The core philosophy is to design with the SME member at the forefront, understanding their needs and pain points to create intuitive and valuable solutions.

• Design System Utilization: A key operational methodology is the consistent use and contribution to the Tide Design System to ensure efficiency, scalability, and brand consistency.

Company Website: https://www.tide.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's rapid growth and focus on SMEs in multiple international markets (UK, India, Germany, France) mean that the design solutions must be scalable, adaptable, and consider diverse user needs and regulatory environments. The Sofia hub's role in member support and technology development is crucial to this global operation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, indicating a level of expertise and autonomy. It requires not just execution but also strategic thinking, mentorship potential, and the ability to influence product direction. The "Senior" title suggests a move beyond individual contribution to also guiding junior members and contributing to design practice maturity.

Reporting Structure: The role is embedded within a cross-functional squad, reporting operationally to the squad lead (likely a Product Manager) for day-to-day product development. Within the broader Design practice, there will likely be a Design Lead or Head of Design to whom the Senior Product Designer may report for career development, mentorship, and alignment with design strategy.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on the Payment Services division, which is central to Tide's offering. By designing intuitive and efficient financial tools, the role directly influences:

• Member Acquisition & Retention: User-friendly onboarding and core banking features are critical for attracting and keeping SME customers.

• Operational Efficiency: Well-designed processes reduce the need for customer support and internal manual intervention, saving costs.

• Product Adoption & Usage: Engaging experiences encourage members to utilize the full suite of Tide's financial services.

• International Expansion: Designing adaptable and scalable solutions is key to successful global rollouts.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership & Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives within squads, and contribute to the growth of the overall design team.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in fintech product design, payments, or specific user segments within SMEs.

• Strategic Influence: Contribute to product strategy discussions and influence the roadmap based on design insights and user needs.

• Design System Evolution: Play a key role in shaping and expanding Tide's Design System, a valuable skill for future roles.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain deeper understanding of product management, engineering, and business operations within a rapidly growing fintech company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "major growth phase" and "significant investment in product development" for Payment Services suggest ample opportunities for career advancement and taking on more responsibility, potentially leading to Lead Designer or Product Design Manager roles in the future.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Tide operates a flexible workplace model that supports both in-person and remote work. Their offices are described as "hubs for innovation and team-building," suggesting a collaborative and energetic atmosphere designed to foster strong community and regular in-person gatherings. The Sofia office is a technology center, implying a focus on development and innovation.

Office Location(s): The role is based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Tide has offices in Central London, with member support and technology centers in Sofia, Bulgaria; technology centers in Serbia, Romania, Lithuania, and Hyderabad; and offices in Gurugram, New Delhi, Berlin, Paris, and Luxembourg.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The emphasis on offices as "hubs for innovation and team-building" points to an environment that encourages spontaneous interactions, brainstorming sessions, and knowledge sharing among team members.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to modern design tools (Figma is explicitly mentioned) and potentially other collaboration and project management software. The role involves working with engineers, so an understanding of development workflows is beneficial.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model means opportunities for both focused individual work and regular team interactions, whether in person or virtually. The encouragement of "regular in-person gatherings" in offices suggests a culture that values face-to-face connection.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, likely adhering to standard European working hours (e.g., 40 hours per week). The hybrid model and "Work Outside the Office" benefit offer flexibility in where and potentially when work is done, within reasonable team coordination needs. The focus on OKRs and measurable impact suggests work is outcome-oriented rather than strictly time-bound.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the work environment requires individuals to be proactive in collaboration and communication, whether in the office or remote. The "hub for innovation" concept implies a dynamic workspace that supports creativity and problem-solving.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a Senior Product Designer role at a tech company like Tide would likely include:

• Application & Screening: Initial review of CV and portfolio.

• Hiring Manager/Recruiter Call: To assess initial fit, understand motivations, and clarify role expectations.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or in-depth discussion of portfolio case studies, focusing on design thinking, process, and impact. This is often the most critical stage.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, VP Product).

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, and most importantly, the measurable results of your design solutions. Use data and metrics to support your claims.

• Showcase Process: Walk through your thinking step-by-step. Explain why you made certain decisions, the alternatives you considered, and how you iterated based on feedback or research.

• Highlight Collaboration: If possible, show how you worked with engineers and product managers. This demonstrates your ability to navigate complex team dynamics.

• Tailor to Tide: Research Tide's products, target audience (SMEs), and design aesthetic. Frame your case studies to show how your skills align with their specific needs, especially in fintech and payments.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use high-quality mockups and prototypes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate a Design Challenge: Be prepared for a take-home assignment or a live design exercise. This will likely involve solving a problem relevant to Tide's domain (e.g., improving a payment flow, designing a new feature for SME finances).

• Time Management: If it's a take-home task, manage your time effectively to deliver a polished, well-reasoned solution.

• Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your design process and solutions clearly and concisely, focusing on the strategic rationale and expected outcomes. Be ready to answer probing questions about your decisions.

• Figma Proficiency: Ensure you are comfortable and efficient with Figma for any design exercises.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Tide's emphasis on data and measurable impact, be prepared to discuss how you would define success metrics for a new feature or redesign you present from your portfolio.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly stated as a requirement, this will be the core tool for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency at an advanced level is expected.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, experience with other tools like InVision or Principle might be a plus for more complex interactions.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote moderated sessions (e.g., Zoom, Lookback, UserTesting.com) and potentially survey tools (e.g., Typeform, SurveyMonkey).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and product usage data.

• Data Visualization: Ability to interpret data from dashboards and reports to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding the CRM (likely Salesforce or similar for sales/marketing) and how user data flows can provide context. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira or Asana is also common for working with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role requires a designer who can not only create beautiful interfaces but also understand the data behind user interactions to drive product improvements. Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• One Team: Emphasizing collaboration, shared goals, and mutual support across all departments and individuals.

• Transparency: Open communication and sharing of information to foster trust and alignment.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Celebrating differences and ensuring everyone's voice is heard, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better products and a stronger culture.

• Data-Driven: Using data to inform decisions, measure impact, and drive continuous improvement.

• Efficiency & Agility: A focus on saving time and money for SMEs, which translates to an internal culture that values efficient processes and rapid iteration.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work closely and collaboratively with Product Managers and Engineers, acting as integral members of the squad.

• Feedback Loops: A culture that encourages constructive feedback, both giving and receiving, to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Active participation in design practice meetings, sharing insights, and contributing to collective learning.

• Outcome-Oriented: Focus on achieving defined objectives (OKRs) and delivering tangible value to members and the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's commitment to diversity and inclusion is highlighted, suggesting that candidates should be comfortable working in a multicultural environment and contributing to an inclusive team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: In a fast-paced fintech environment, there's constant pressure to deliver quickly. The challenge is to maintain high design standards and user experience quality while meeting aggressive timelines.

• Designing for Complexity: Payment services involve intricate financial logic, regulatory considerations, and security requirements. Simplifying these complex areas into intuitive user experiences is a significant design challenge.

• Internationalization: Designing products that work seamlessly across different markets, currencies, languages, and cultural nuances requires careful consideration and adaptability.

• Evolving Design System: Contributing to and maintaining a design system in a rapidly growing company means adapting it to new needs while ensuring its integrity and scalability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Fintech Specialization: Deepen expertise in the unique challenges and opportunities of designing for financial services, particularly for SMEs.

• Leadership Skills: Develop leadership capabilities through mentorship, leading design initiatives, and influencing product strategy.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Explore and implement cutting-edge design methodologies, tools, and research techniques.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunities to learn about international market expansion, regulatory compliance, and the broader fintech landscape.

• Continuous Skill Enhancement: Access to learning resources, training programs, and potentially conference attendance to stay current with design trends and technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "major growth phase" of the Payment Services division presents a unique opportunity to shape products and processes from the ground up, offering significant challenges but also immense potential for professional growth and impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance aggressive timelines with maintaining design quality. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on pragmatism, trade-offs, and communication.)

• "Walk me through a complex financial product or feature you designed. What were the key challenges, how did you simplify them, and what was the measurable impact?" (Demonstrate product thinking, process, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are inclusive and accessible for a diverse user base, especially considering potential regulatory requirements?" (Highlight understanding of accessibility standards and user empathy.)

• "How do you collaborate with engineers to ensure your designs are implemented accurately and efficiently? Describe a time you encountered technical constraints and how you adapted your design." (Showcase cross-functional collaboration and problem-solving.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Tide and the fintech industry, specifically our focus on SMEs?" (Research Tide's mission and products; connect personal motivations.)

• "How do you contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?" (Emphasize communication, proactivity, and support for colleagues.)

• "How do you approach using and contributing to a Design System? What are the benefits and potential drawbacks?" (Show understanding of design system principles and practical application.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Problem -> Your Role -> Process (Research, Ideation, Design, Testing) -> Solution -> Impact (Metrics) -> Learnings.

• Storytelling: Weave a compelling narrative around each case study. Explain the context, your personal involvement, and the journey of the design.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and diagrams. Avoid walls of text.

• Metrics: Quantify your impact wherever possible. Be prepared to discuss how you measured success and what the results were.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your decisions, trade-offs, and alternative approaches. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing for a specific Tide product or feature. This could involve a quick whiteboard exercise or a deeper dive into a hypothetical scenario based on your understanding of their services.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the official Tide careers portal via the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating product thinking, user-centric design, and measurable impact, particularly any experience in fintech, payments, or B2B/SME products.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 4+ years of relevant experience, technical skills (especially Figma), and achievements in product and UX design, using keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare to discuss your portfolio case studies in detail and potentially complete a design challenge.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Tide's mission, products (especially Payment Services), target audience (SMEs), and company culture. Understand their approach to design and technology.

⚠️ 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.