Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: The Very Group

Location: Liverpool, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-04-13

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design of intuitive, accessible, and impactful customer experiences across digital products, from discovery through to delivery.

• Drive the evolution of the company's design system by contributing thoughtful patterns and promoting reuse.

• Mentor associate designers, role-modeling best practices in accessibility, collaboration, and strategic product thinking.

• Translate product strategy into clear design opportunities, influencing roadmap decisions and priorities in collaboration with Product Managers.

• Champion inclusive design behaviors and accessibility principles, ensuring diverse user perspectives are represented.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for significant experience in end-to-end product design, leadership, and strategic contribution within a digital retail environment. The emphasis on mentoring and design system evolution suggests a desire for a candidate who can influence and elevate the design practice within the organization.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, accessible, and inclusive design solutions for native mobile (iOS/Android) and responsive web platforms, adhering to platform-specific conventions and mobile-first principles.

• Apply a user-centered approach, leveraging data and user insights to inform rapid iteration cycles and validate design decisions early through lean UX methodologies.

• Contribute to and evolve the design system by identifying and implementing reusable patterns, ensuring consistency and efficiency across digital products.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and UX Researchers throughout the product development lifecycle, from initial discovery and journey mapping to prototyping, testing, and final UI delivery.

• Actively participate in and lead design workshops, reviews, and team rituals, clearly communicating design intent and rationale to diverse audiences, including developers and stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of hands-on design execution and strategic influence. Emphasis on "delivering polished UI design," "evolving our design system," and "mentoring associate designers" indicates a senior-level expectation for both craft and leadership. The explicit mention of "WCAG 2.2 AA standards" and "inclusive design behaviours" underscores a commitment to accessibility and user equity.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio and demonstrable expertise in UX, interaction, and visual design are paramount, implying a foundational understanding typically gained through formal design education or extensive practical experience.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of experience designing digital products within cross-functional, agile teams is required. This includes proven experience in end-to-end product design, from discovery and user research to final delivery and iteration.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product design, encompassing discovery, journey mapping, prototyping, user testing, and polished UI design.

• Expertise in designing for both native mobile applications (iOS/Android) and responsive web platforms, with a strong understanding of platform conventions and mobile-first design principles.

• Deep knowledge of accessibility standards, specifically WCAG 2.2 AA, and the ability to advocate for and implement inclusive design practices.

• Proficiency in modern product design tools, with a strong emphasis on Figma for design, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Experience working with and contributing to design systems at scale, understanding pattern libraries and their application.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a digital retail environment.

• Familiarity with A/B testing and performance marketing principles as they relate to user experience.

• Knowledge of SEO considerations within product design.

• Experience mentoring or coaching junior designers.

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and working within agile product teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level of 5-10 years combined with the requirement for "end-to-end product design" and "mentoring" strongly suggests a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on Figma and WCAG 2.2 AA are critical technical and compliance requirements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design capabilities, showcasing the entire design process from initial problem definition and user research through to final UI delivery and post-launch iteration.

• Case studies that clearly articulate the "why" behind design decisions, linking user needs to business impact and measurable outcomes.

• Examples of designing for both native mobile (iOS/Android) and responsive web platforms, highlighting an understanding of platform-specific conventions and constraints.

• Demonstrations of contributions to or experience with design systems, showing how patterns were leveraged, extended, or created to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Process Documentation:

• Portfolio pieces should illustrate the application of lean UX principles, including early validation and rapid iteration based on user feedback and data.

• Examples of how user data and insights were used to inform design decisions and iterate on existing features or develop new ones.

• Documentation of collaboration with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Engineers, UX Researchers), showcasing how these partnerships contributed to successful product outcomes.

• Artifacts such as journey maps, user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for an "end-to-end product design" portfolio, coupled with the Senior title, implies a need to see not just final designs but the strategic thinking, research, and iterative processes that led to them. The focus on business impact and measurable outcomes is crucial for a senior-level role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the UK (specifically Liverpool, considering the hybrid model), with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between £60,000 - £85,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the seniority of the role, the company's medium-to-large size within the digital retail sector, and the cost of living in the North West of England.

Benefits:

• Flexible, hybrid working model allowing for a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• A £1,000 flexible benefits allowance, which can be allocated towards various personal needs and preferences.

• Generous holiday entitlement of 30 days, plus bank holidays, providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Access to Udemy learning, supporting continuous professional development and skill enhancement.

• Bonus potential, linked to both individual performance and overall business performance.

• Significant employee discount on products purchased through Very.co.uk.

• Matched pension contributions up to 6%, supporting long-term financial planning.

• Additional benefits are available and can be explored on the company's career site.

Working Hours: The role is full-time, with an expected standard working week of approximately 40 hours. While core hours may apply, the hybrid model and company culture suggest a degree of flexibility in daily schedules to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Senior Product Designer in the UK with the specified experience level and location. The provided benefits are comprehensive and align with competitive offerings for mid-to-senior level tech roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The Very Group operates within the digital retail sector, specifically as a leading online retailer in the UK. This context implies a fast-paced, customer-centric environment where digital innovation and user experience are critical differentiators. The company's purpose, "helping families get more out of life," suggests a mission-driven culture focused on customer value.

Company Size: The Very Group is a significant player in the UK retail market, suggesting a large organization with established processes, a substantial customer base, and likely a dedicated digital product development team. This scale allows for opportunities to impact millions of users and contribute to large-scale design system initiatives.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided in the raw data, The Very Group has a long history in retail, evolving into a prominent digital retailer. This heritage may inform a culture that balances established practices with a forward-thinking, digital-first approach.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises various specializations, including Product Designers, UX Researchers, and potentially UI Specialists, working within or alongside agile product squads.

• Reporting structures will likely involve a Design Lead or Head of Design, with Senior Product Designers acting as key contributors and mentors within their respective squads or workstreams.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is emphasized, with designers expected to use user insights and performance metrics to iterate and inform their work.

• Lean UX principles are embedded, promoting rapid prototyping, early validation, and quick iteration cycles to ensure designs meet user needs and business goals efficiently.

• Design system contributions are integral, fostering a collaborative approach to creating and maintaining a scalable library of UI components and patterns.

• Agile methodologies are the norm, requiring designers to integrate seamlessly into sprint cycles and participate actively in team rituals and ceremonies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a "digital retailer" is key. This means the product design role is directly tied to commercial outcomes and customer acquisition/retention. The emphasis on "helping families get more out of life" suggests a positive, customer-centric mission.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Product Designer, signifying a level of expertise and experience beyond mid-level. Senior designers are expected to lead design initiatives, mentor junior team members, contribute strategically to product roadmaps, and influence design best practices. They are key players in translating business objectives into user-centric design solutions and often take ownership of significant product areas or features.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a similar senior design management position. Within their day-to-day work, they will be embedded within cross-functional product squads, reporting functionally to the squad's objectives while receiving guidance and mentorship from design leadership.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is measured through the success of the digital products they design. This includes driving user engagement, improving conversion rates, increasing customer satisfaction, and contributing to overall business revenue through intuitive, accessible, and effective user experiences. Their work directly influences how millions of customers interact with the Very brand online.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Progression: Opportunity to advance into Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design roles, taking on greater responsibility for team management, strategy, and design vision.

• Specialization: Potential to specialize further in areas like UX research leadership, design systems architecture, or product strategy within design.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through Udemy access, participation in design critiques, and exposure to complex product challenges, fostering growth in areas like advanced prototyping, accessibility best practices, and strategic product thinking.

• Cross-Tribe Initiatives: Involvement in larger, cross-functional projects that offer exposure to different parts of the business and broader strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title is a strong indicator of expected leadership and strategic contribution. The growth opportunities highlight a potential career path within a large, established digital retail organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that prioritizes flexibility while also valuing face-to-face collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Liverpool, England. The hybrid model implies that employees will be expected to work from this location for a portion of their week, with specific days likely determined by team needs and company policy.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, supporting the "open and collaborative" work style mentioned.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma and other relevant software, will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product teams, engineers, researchers, and other stakeholders will be frequent, facilitating a cohesive and integrated product development process.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing work hours, balancing personal commitments with project deadlines and team collaboration needs. This flexibility supports continuous work on design tasks and data analysis within project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect, suggesting a modern approach to work-life balance. The Liverpool location is specific, and candidates should expect to be based there for a portion of their work week.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Stage 1: Initial Video Call (30-45 minutes): A screening call with the hiring team to discuss your background, skills, and relevant experience. This is an opportunity for both parties to assess initial fit and for you to ask questions about the role and company.

• Stage 2: Formal Onsite Task Interview (1 hour): This stage involves a practical exercise or task, followed by competency-based and technical questions. This is where you'll demonstrate your design process, problem-solving skills, and ability to apply design principles to specific challenges. While described as "onsite," the company's hybrid model might allow for remote alternatives if necessary, though in-person is the default.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• End-to-End Storytelling: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that clearly illustrate your full design process. For each project, detail the problem, your role, the constraints, your process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the solutions, and the outcomes (quantified impact where possible).

• Highlight Seniority: Showcase projects where you took a leading role, mentored others, or significantly influenced product strategy or design system development.

• Accessibility Focus: Explicitly demonstrate how you've incorporated accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) into your designs.

• Tool Proficiency: Mention and ideally showcase work done in Figma, and any other relevant tools used.

• Platform Diversity: Include examples of both mobile (iOS/Android) and responsive web design to demonstrate versatility.

• Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your contributions and the impact of your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research The Very Group, their digital products, and their mission. Consider their customer base and the competitive landscape of online retail.

• Design Thinking: Be prepared to articulate your design thinking process and how you approach problem-solving. Practice breaking down a design challenge into smaller, manageable steps.

• Competency Questions: Prepare examples for common behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time you disagreed with a stakeholder," "How do you handle feedback?"). Align your answers with the company's values and the role's responsibilities.

• Technical Questions: Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma, design systems, mobile-first design, and accessibility standards.

• Onsite Task: If a specific task is given beforehand, allocate sufficient time to work on it. If it's a live exercise, think about how you would approach it under time pressure, focusing on your process and rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process clearly outlines two stages, with the second stage being a practical assessment. The portfolio review tips are tailored to the "Senior Product Designer" title and the explicit requirements mentioned in the job description.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly listed as a required tool for design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential, and candidates should be ready to demonstrate their expertise.

• Modern Product Design Tools: This implies a familiarity with a suite of tools commonly used in UX/UI design, which may include prototyping software (e.g., ProtoPie, InVision), user testing platforms, and potentially collaboration tools beyond Figma.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned as required for this design role. The focus is on the user-facing product design tools and the processes they enable. However, understanding how designs integrate into broader customer journey management may be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the standout required tool. The emphasis on data and user insight implies a need for designers to be comfortable interpreting and acting upon data, even if they aren't the primary users of analytics platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A strong focus on "helping families get more out of life" and ensuring "all voices are represented in design thinking" underscores a deep commitment to understanding and serving the customer.

• Inclusivity and Accessibility: Championing "inclusive design behaviours and accessibility principles" (WCAG 2.2 AA) is a core value, aiming to create products that are usable by everyone.

• Collaboration and Openness: The culture encourages "open and collaborative" work, with an emphasis on teamwork and shared delivery goals across disciplines.

• Continuous Learning and Growth: Employees are encouraged to "keep learning and take your career wherever you want it to go," supported by resources like Udemy and a culture of seeking feedback.

• High Performance and Ambition: The company seeks "high-performing, ambitious" individuals who "make the most of every opportunity."

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly within agile product teams, fostering strong partnerships with engineers, product managers, and researchers to ensure quality and alignment.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture of "giving and receiving feedback in a constructive, respectful way" is promoted, essential for iterative design and personal growth.

• Community Contribution: Active participation in the design community, including design critiques and rituals, is encouraged to foster shared learning and elevate craft standards.

• Psychological Safety: Support for "team wellbeing and a psychologically safe team culture" is a priority, ensuring an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing ideas and taking risks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values are strongly aligned with modern, progressive workplace expectations, emphasizing customer focus, inclusivity, and collaborative growth. The mention of "psychologically safe team culture" is a positive indicator for potential applicants.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed, Quality, and Constraints: The role requires making "considered trade-offs to balance speed, quality, and constraints," a common challenge in fast-paced digital environments. This involves strategic decision-making under pressure.

• Designing for Scale: Contributing to and evolving a design system at scale for a large digital retailer presents the challenge of ensuring consistency, usability, and maintainability across a wide range of products and user journeys.

• Influencing Diverse Stakeholders: Clearly communicating design intent and advocating for user needs to various audiences, from developers to senior stakeholders, requires strong persuasive and diplomatic skills.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Standards: Staying current with the latest design trends, accessibility standards (WCAG), and platform conventions for both iOS and Android, while also considering web responsiveness, demands continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like complex prototyping, advanced accessibility implementation, and contribution to scalable design systems.

• Industry Exposure: Access to Udemy learning platforms provides a structured way to acquire new skills or deepen existing knowledge in design, technology, or related fields.

• Mentorship and Leadership: As a Senior Designer, there's an opportunity to mentor junior designers, which is a significant growth area for developing leadership and coaching capabilities.

• Strategic Impact: The role offers the chance to influence product strategy and roadmap decisions, providing exposure to higher-level business objectives and their translation into design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges outlined are typical for senior roles in large tech companies. The growth opportunities are well-defined, focusing on both individual skill enhancement and leadership development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from initial concept or problem statement to a fully designed and delivered feature for both mobile and web platforms." (Focus on your end-to-end process, collaboration, and iteration.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical constraints when designing? Provide an example." (Highlight your problem-solving and trade-off decision-making.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about The Very Group and our mission to help families get more out of life?" (Research their purpose and values.)

• "How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional team, particularly with engineers and product managers?" (Align your answer with their emphasis on collaboration and agile ways of working.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), the final solution, and the measurable impact.

• Highlight Seniority: Emphasize projects where you led initiatives, mentored others, or significantly influenced the product direction or design system.

• Showcase Tool Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your use of Figma and other relevant tools, and how they facilitated your workflow.

• Accessibility as a Standard: Integrate discussions of accessibility into your project narratives naturally, explaining how it was a consideration from the outset.

• Conciseness and Engagement: Present your work clearly and concisely, focusing on the most impactful aspects. Be ready to dive deeper into specific areas based on interviewer interest.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview questions are designed to probe for experience in end-to-end design, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a strong understanding of accessibility. The portfolio presentation strategy emphasizes storytelling and demonstrating senior-level contributions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Workable.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to specifically highlight 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, mobile and web experience, design system contributions, and accessibility expertise. Tailor your case study descriptions to emphasize your role, the problem solved, your process, and the impact achieved.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5-10 years of experience in digital product design, emphasizing key skills like Figma, UX/UI, accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA), and experience in cross-functional, agile teams. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and collaboration style. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to discuss your experience with the tools and methodologies mentioned in the job description. Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on clear storytelling and highlighting your senior-level contributions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research The Very Group's mission ("helping families get more out of life"), their digital products, and their stated values, particularly around inclusivity and customer focus. Understand their position in the digital retail market.

⚠️ 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.

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