Senior Product Designer
📍 Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Product Designer
Company: Spotnana
Location: New York City, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / GTM Operations (Design Focus)
Date Posted: June 06, 2026
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
-
Drive the design vision and execution for Spotnana's innovative travel platform, focusing on user-facing and partner experiences.
-
Develop exceptional user interfaces and conversational AI-powered experiences that simplify and enhance the travel planning and management process.
-
Champion best practices in product design, including user experience, interaction design, and visual design, while mentoring junior designers.
-
Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other stakeholders to deliver impactful, end-to-end design solutions.
-
Contribute to the evolution of Spotnana's design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and accessibility across all product touchpoints.
📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily focused on Product Design, its emphasis on shaping user experiences for a B2B/B2C travel platform and collaborating across Product and Engineering teams places it within the broader GTM (Go-To-Market) operational ecosystem. The ability to translate complex business needs into intuitive user journeys and impactful design solutions is critical for successful GTM strategy execution.
📈 Primary Responsibilities
-
Conceive and design sophisticated solutions for complex traveler-facing products and partner experiences, guiding them from initial concept through successful launch.
-
Produce high-fidelity user interfaces, interactive prototypes, and detailed design specifications to effectively communicate product ideas and user flows.
-
Foster strong partnerships with Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow Designers to collaboratively solve intricate user problems and deliver outstanding customer experiences.
-
Lead and manage design initiatives across multiple workstreams, adeptly balancing user needs, business objectives, and technical constraints to ensure optimal outcomes.
-
Mentor and influence other designers by actively participating in design critiques, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a collaborative design environment.
-
Actively explore and define innovative AI-powered and conversational product experiences, aiming to redefine how users plan and manage their travel journeys.
-
Contribute to the continuous improvement and expansion of the company's design system, ensuring its robustness, scalability, and adherence to accessibility standards.
📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and leadership, typical for a Senior role. The emphasis on AI and conversational experiences suggests a forward-thinking approach to product development, requiring designers to be adaptable and explore emerging technologies. Leading design initiatives across multiple workstreams implies a need for strong project management and prioritization skills within a design context.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for roles of this nature, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and user-centered methodologies.
Experience: 5-7+ years of professional product design experience, encompassing user experience (UX) design, interaction design, and visual design.
Required Skills:
-
Demonstrated expertise in product design, with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end design solutions from concept to launch.
-
A strong portfolio showcasing exceptional product thinking, sophisticated UI craft, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles.
-
Proficiency in Figma, including advanced features for design, collaboration, and prototyping.
-
Hands-on experience in creating and evolving comprehensive design systems for scalability and consistency.
-
Experience designing responsive web applications and ensuring adherence to accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG).
-
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and effectively mentor other designers.
-
Experience collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers in fast-paced, agile environments.
-
Enthusiasm for exploring and integrating AI-powered design tools and conversational user interfaces. Preferred Skills:
-
Experience within the travel industry, providing domain-specific insights into traveler and partner needs.
-
Familiarity with modern prototyping tools beyond Figma.
-
Experience with user research methodologies and integrating user feedback into the design process.
-
Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate better collaboration with engineering teams.
📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma and AI-powered design workflows suggests a focus on modern design tools and emerging technologies. The requirement for a strong portfolio is standard for design roles, but the emphasis on "product thinking" and "end-to-end execution" points towards a need for designers who can contribute strategically, not just aesthetically. The preference for travel industry experience is a bonus, indicating that domain knowledge will be valued.
📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design ownership.
-
Each case study must clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the measurable impact or outcome of the design solution.
-
Highlight examples of complex problem-solving, innovative UI solutions, and effective user experience design.
-
Include visual representations of user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.
-
Demonstrate experience with design systems, responsive design principles, and accessibility considerations within your projects. Process Documentation:
-
Provide evidence of your process for user research, ideation, prototyping, and user testing.
-
Illustrate how you translate user needs and business requirements into tangible design deliverables.
-
Showcase your approach to collaborating with product managers and engineers throughout the product development lifecycle.
-
Detail your experience in iterating on designs based on feedback, data, and performance metrics.
📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis should be on demonstrating not just design output but the strategic thinking, problem-solving methodologies, and collaborative processes that led to successful product outcomes. The inclusion of AI and conversational design examples would be highly beneficial.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $180,000 - $195,000 annually.
Benefits:
-
Equity in the form of stock options, providing partial ownership and a stake in the company's growth and success.
-
Pre-tax and ROTH 401(k) options through Fidelity, with up to a 4% company match to support retirement savings.
-
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans, with 100% employee premium coverage and 85% dependent coverage, effective from the hire date.
-
Life and disability insurance policies to provide financial security.
-
Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health, dependent care, and commuter expenses, allowing for tax-advantaged savings.
-
Generous paid time off: 20 vacation days annually, 10 company holidays, 4 company recharge/wellness days, and an end-of-year company shutdown.
-
Up to 26 weeks of paid Parental Leave for new parents.
-
Monthly stipend for cell phone and internet expenses.
-
Access to additional benefits including: RocketLawyer's online legal platform, International Airlines Travel Agent Network (IATAN) membership, Pet Insurance through Fetch, Financial Wellness programs via Origin and SoFi, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Mutual of Omaha, The Calm app subscription via Kaiser, and a pre-tax parking/transit program.
Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week, with flexibility often available depending on project needs and team collaboration.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer in a major metropolitan area like New York City, especially within the tech and travel sectors. The extensive benefits package reflects a company that invests heavily in employee well-being and long-term financial health, which is a significant draw for experienced professionals. The generous PTO and parental leave are also notable.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Technology, specifically focused on the Travel Tech sector, aiming to revolutionize how travel is booked and managed through a modern, unified platform.
Company Size: Spotnana is a growing tech company, likely in the scale-up phase, indicated by its focus on hiring senior talent and its comprehensive benefits package. This size often means a dynamic work environment with opportunities for significant impact.
Founded: Founded in 2019, Spotnana is a relatively young company, suggesting a fast-paced, innovative, and agile culture focused on rapid growth and disruption in the travel industry.
Team Structure:
-
The design team likely operates within a product pod structure, working closely with dedicated product managers and engineering teams.
-
As a Senior Designer, you would report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, with potential for indirect reporting to Product or Engineering leads for specific projects.
-
Cross-functional collaboration is key, involving close partnerships with Product Management, Engineering, Marketing, and potentially Sales teams to ensure product-market fit and successful Go-To-Market strategies. Methodology:
-
Design decisions are expected to be data-informed and user-centric, leveraging user research, analytics, and A/B testing where applicable.
-
Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to work iteratively and adapt to changing requirements.
-
A strong emphasis on building scalable and maintainable design systems to ensure product consistency and design efficiency.
-
Exploration of emerging technologies, particularly AI and conversational interfaces, to drive product innovation.
Company Website: www.spotnana.com
📝 Enhancement Note: The company's recent founding and focus on travel tech innovation suggest a culture that values agility, ambition, and technological advancement. The emphasis on AI and conversational experiences indicates a forward-thinking approach. For a Senior Product Designer, this means an opportunity to shape foundational design elements and influence product direction within a rapidly evolving space.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer represents an experienced individual contributor role. It signifies a level of expertise where one can lead design initiatives, mentor junior team members, and influence product strategy, moving beyond task execution to strategic problem-solving.
Reporting Structure: Typically, a Senior Product Designer reports to a Design Manager, Director of Design, or Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads on specific product initiatives.
Operations Impact: The design of Spotnana's platform directly impacts user acquisition, retention, and satisfaction, which are critical components of Go-To-Market success. By creating intuitive and engaging experiences, this role contributes to:
-
Revenue Growth: Seamless booking and management processes can lead to higher conversion rates and repeat business.
-
Customer Retention: A positive user experience fosters loyalty and reduces churn.
-
Brand Perception: High-quality design elevates the brand and differentiates Spotnana in a competitive market.
-
Operational Efficiency: Well-designed interfaces can reduce support inquiries and streamline user workflows.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Leadership Track: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design role, managing teams and setting design strategy.
-
Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like AI/conversational design, user research leadership, or design systems architecture.
-
Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or other product-focused roles leveraging design thinking and user empathy.
-
Industry Expertise: Become a recognized expert in travel technology design.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for advancement within design leadership or specialization. The impact on the business is significant, directly influencing user experience and, consequently, key business metrics that drive revenue and growth. The "operations" aspect here relates to the systematic way design contributes to the overall Go-To-Market success and operational efficiency of the product.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: The "TELECOMMUTE" location type combined with "New York City" suggests a hybrid or on-site model in a bustling urban environment, likely an office space designed for collaboration and innovation.
Office Location(s): New York City, USA. Specific office details would need to be confirmed, but it's expected to be in a central, accessible location within the city.
Workspace Context:
-
The workspace is likely modern and collaborative, fostering interaction between design, product, and engineering teams.
-
Access to the latest design tools and technology, including powerful workstations, large displays, and potentially VR/AR equipment if exploring immersive experiences.
-
Opportunities for informal and formal design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional workshops.
-
A dynamic environment where designers are encouraged to experiment and push creative boundaries, especially with AI integrations.
Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, with a degree of flexibility to accommodate project deadlines and team needs. The hybrid nature likely means some days in the office for collaborative work and some remote days for focused individual tasks.
📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment in a major tech hub like New York City offers the best of both worlds: in-person collaboration and the flexibility of remote work. For a Senior Product Designer, this allows for deep team engagement while maintaining focus for intricate design tasks. The emphasis on collaboration and technology is crucial for a company pushing the boundaries of travel tech.
📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Application Screening: Initial review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role requirements.
-
Hiring Manager/Recruiter Screen: A conversation to discuss background, motivation, and basic fit for the role and company culture.
-
Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A key stage where candidates present their portfolio to the design and product team, followed by a design exercise or case study discussion. This assesses product thinking, design process, and communication skills.
-
Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and ability to work effectively in a team.
-
Final Round: May include interviews with senior leadership to assess strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural alignment.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your approach, your specific contributions, the iterations, and the final outcome/impact.
-
Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals of your process, from early sketches and wireframes to high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.
-
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or data that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rate improvements, task completion times, user satisfaction scores).
-
Highlight Product Thinking: Emphasize how you considered business goals, user needs, and technical constraints.
-
Tailor to Spotnana: If possible, showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of complex platforms, user flows, or innovative technologies like AI.
-
Be Prepared to Discuss: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with others.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Research Spotnana's current product and understand their mission and target audience.
-
Practice articulating your design process concisely and effectively.
-
Prepare to discuss your experience with AI and conversational design, even if it's theoretical.
-
Be ready to discuss how you would approach a specific design problem relevant to travel booking or management.
📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should be prepared to deeply discuss their process, reasoning, and the impact of their work. The design challenge will likely focus on problem-solving and design execution within the travel domain, potentially incorporating AI elements.
🛠 Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Figma: The core tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.
-
Prototyping Tools: Expertise in Figma's prototyping capabilities is required; familiarity with other tools like InVision, Principle, or Framer might be beneficial.
-
Design Systems: Experience creating, maintaining, and utilizing design systems (e.g., using Figma libraries, Storybook).
Analytics & Reporting:
-
While not a direct design tool, understanding how to interpret data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform design decisions is highly valuable.
-
Familiarity with A/B testing platforms to evaluate design variations. CRM & Automation:
-
Not directly applicable to the designer's daily toolset, but understanding how design impacts user journeys within CRM or marketing automation contexts can be beneficial.
📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out, making it a non-negotiable skill. The emphasis on design systems indicates a need for structured, scalable design practices. A designer at this level should also be comfortable leveraging data to inform their work and understanding how their designs contribute to broader business metrics.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user problems through thoughtful design.
-
Innovation: Embracing new technologies and approaches, particularly AI, to redefine the travel experience.
-
Collaboration: Working effectively across teams (Product, Engineering) to achieve shared goals.
-
Excellence: Striving for high-quality craft in UI, UX, and overall product experience.
-
Impact: Focusing on delivering designs that drive meaningful business results and user satisfaction.
-
Growth Mindset: Continuously learning, adapting, and mentoring others.
Collaboration Style:
-
Highly collaborative, working in close partnership with Product Managers to define product strategy and with Engineers to ensure feasibility and pixel-perfect execution.
-
Open to constructive feedback through design critiques and iterative design processes.
-
Proactive in sharing design insights and advocating for user needs.
-
Emphasis on clear communication to align stakeholders on design direction and progress.
📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user advocacy, innovation, and a results-oriented approach, which are critical for a fast-growing tech company. The collaborative style is essential for a Senior Designer who needs to influence and guide product development.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing Innovation with Scalability: Designing cutting-edge AI and conversational experiences while ensuring they are scalable, maintainable, and integrated within a robust design system.
-
Navigating a Fast-Paced Environment: Adapting to rapid product iterations and evolving business priorities in a startup setting.
-
Influencing Across Teams: Effectively communicating design rationale and advocating for user needs to diverse stakeholders with varying priorities.
-
Defining Emerging Experiences: Shaping entirely new product paradigms (like AI-driven travel planning) where best practices are still being established.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
AI & Conversational Design: Deepen expertise in designing for emerging AI interfaces and conversational user experiences.
-
Design Leadership: Develop skills in mentoring, team management, and strategic design planning.
-
Product Strategy: Gain deeper insights into product management and business strategy through close collaboration.
-
Travel Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in the nuances of travel technology and user behavior.
-
Continuous Skill Enhancement: Opportunities to attend industry conferences, workshops, and pursue certifications.
📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic tech startup, particularly one focused on innovative technologies. The growth opportunities are significant, offering pathways for both technical specialization and leadership development.
💡 Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
Product Vision: "How would you approach designing the next generation of AI-powered travel planning tools for Spotnana?" (Focus on your process, user research, ethical considerations, and iterative approach.)
-
Design Process: "Walk us through a complex product you designed from concept to launch. What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Be prepared to detail your role, decisions, and impact.)
-
Problem Solving: "Imagine a user is struggling to find the best flight options for a complex multi-city trip. How would you diagnose the problem and design a solution?" (Demonstrate your analytical and UX design skills.)
-
Cross-functional Collaboration: "Describe a time you disagreed with a Product Manager or Engineer on a design decision. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.)
Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What excites you about Spotnana and the future of travel technology?" (Show your research and genuine interest.)
-
"How do you approach mentoring junior designers?" (Provide specific examples.)
-
"What are your thoughts on design systems and their importance in a growing company?"
-
"How do you stay updated on design trends, especially in areas like AI and conversational interfaces?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure: Organize your presentation logically: Introduction, Problem, Your Role, Process (Research, Ideation, Design), Solution (Visuals, Prototypes), Impact/Results, Learnings.
-
Narrative: Craft a compelling story for each case study. Explain the 'why' behind your decisions.
-
Visuals: Use clear, high-quality visuals. Ensure mockups and prototypes are easily understandable.
-
Interaction: Be prepared to demonstrate interactive elements of your prototypes.
-
Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, trade-offs, and collaboration. Be honest and thoughtful in your responses.
📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of the product development lifecycle. Emphasizing how design contributes to business objectives and user satisfaction will be key.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:
-
Submit your application through the provided application link on Gem.
-
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-5 of your strongest end-to-end design projects, emphasizing product thinking, UI craft, and measurable impact. Tailor the presentation to showcase relevant experience with complex platforms, AI, or conversational design if possible.
-
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5-7+ years of experience in product design, UX, interaction, and visual design. Use keywords from the job description such as "Figma," "Design Systems," "AI-Powered Design," and "End-to-end execution." Quantify achievements where possible.
-
Interview Preparation: Practice your portfolio presentation thoroughly, focusing on telling a compelling story for each project. Prepare to discuss your design process, collaboration strategies, and how you approach problem-solving, especially in the context of travel technology and AI.
-
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Spotnana's mission, product offerings, and recent news. Understand their target market and the challenges within the travel tech industry. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with their culture and values.
⚠️ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires 5-7+ years of product design experience with a strong portfolio showcasing UI craft and product thinking. Expertise in Figma and experience with design systems and accessible products are essential.