Senior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Xelix

Location: London, UK

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-09-07

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design for complex and ambiguous problems, from initial framing to final delivery.

• Contribute significantly to product strategy and roadmap development, identifying opportunities and risks.

• Mentor mid-level and junior designers, fostering growth and setting high standards for craft and process.

• Act as a strategic design partner to product and engineering leadership, influencing decisions beyond execution.

• Embrace and integrate modern development practices, including AI-assisted design and development methods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role emphasizes a senior-level individual contributor with leadership potential, focusing on strategic impact and mentorship rather than just execution. The integration of AI in design and development workflows is a key differentiator for this role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete design lifecycle for high-complexity or ambiguous product challenges, ensuring user-centric solutions.

• Set and uphold standards for usability, accessibility (WCAG), and visual consistency across the platform.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams on implementation, balancing user experience with technical constraints.

• Lead user research and usability testing initiatives, from planning and execution to synthesizing actionable insights.

• Contribute to the evolution and ownership of specific areas within the design system, ensuring scalability and consistency.

• Facilitate workshops and drive alignment among cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities effectively.

• Identify and articulate problems worth solving, proactively spotting gaps, risks, and opportunities in the product.

• Mentor junior designers through structured feedback, guidance, and fostering their professional development.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the design team's processes, critique formats, and hiring practices.

• Champion the responsible use of AI in design and development workflows to enhance efficiency and innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a proactive and strategic approach, requiring the candidate to not only execute design tasks but also to influence product direction, mentor others, and contribute to team-level improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for senior roles. Exceptional candidates with a strong portfolio and relevant experience may be considered without a formal degree.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in product design, with a proven track record of shipping complex, high-quality products end-to-end. Demonstrated experience in independently driving projects from ambiguous problems to successful solutions is crucial.

Required Skills:

• End-to-end product design ownership for complex/ambiguous problems.

• Proficiency in modern design tools, particularly Figma, including component-level and systems thinking.

• Strong grasp of responsive design principles and accessibility standards (WCAG).

• Experience planning and leading user research and usability testing sessions.

• Ability to mentor mid-level and junior designers, providing structured feedback.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, capable of engaging with peers and leadership.

• High comfort level with ambiguity and the ability to bring structure to ill-defined problems.

• Sound judgment and self-direction, knowing when to escalate and when to make decisions.

• Familiarity with front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and their impact on design implementation. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with or strong interest in AI-assisted design and development tools.

• Experience contributing to the architecture and evolution of design systems.

• Understanding of finance and accounting basics.

• Experience in fast-paced environments (scale-up, start-up, or agency).

• Experience contributing to team process improvements, hiring, or career development frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of strong execution skills, strategic thinking, leadership potential, and adaptability to new technologies like AI. The "big plus points" indicate areas where candidates can differentiate themselves.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 significant product design projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership.

• Highlight projects that involved high complexity or ambiguity, detailing how you navigated these challenges.

• Include case studies that detail your process, problem framing, user research, design solutions, and the impact of your work.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of systems-level thinking, including the use and contribution to design systems.

• Present clear examples of usability testing, research synthesis, and how user insights informed design decisions.

• Showcase your proficiency with modern design tools, such as Figma, and any AI-assisted tools you may have utilized. Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to problem framing and defining project scope, especially in ambiguous situations.

• Explain your methodologies for conducting user research, usability testing, and synthesizing findings into actionable design directions.

• Illustrate your collaboration process with engineering and product management, including how you handle trade-offs and ensure successful implementation.

• Document your contributions to design systems, including how you extend, evolve, or maintain them.

• Provide examples of how you have mentored or supported the growth of other designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should serve as a comprehensive demonstration of the candidate's ability to handle complex problems, lead design initiatives, and contribute strategically, with a clear emphasis on process and impact.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £65,000 to £80,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• 27 days of annual leave per year, with an option to roll over 3 days.

• Hybrid working model, with 1-2 days per week expected in the dog-friendly Hoxton office.

• On-site gym facilities.

• Comprehensive private medical and dental cover through Vitality.

• Enhanced parental leave pay.

• £1,000 personal annual budget for learning and development.

• Regular team socials and activities.

• Annual team retreat.

• Commitment to carbon neutrality and ambitious carbon reduction goals.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday, totaling approximately 40 hours per week, with a hybrid working arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer in London. The benefits package is comprehensive and aligns with a growing tech company, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Xelix operates in the FinTech sector, specifically focusing on AI solutions for financial controls and Accounts Payable automation. This means the company is at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and critical business functions.

Company Size: Xelix is a fast-paced scale-up with over 100 employees. This size indicates a dynamic environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful, but also where processes are maturing rapidly.

Founded: Founded with a mission to automate and strengthen financial controls using AI, Xelix has experienced significant growth, including a Series B funding round in June 2025. This trajectory suggests a company focused on innovation, scalability, and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely integrated within a Product and Engineering department. While the exact size isn't specified, the Senior Product Designer role implies there are other designers (mid-level, junior) and a clear reporting structure likely to a Head of Design or Product Lead.

• Cross-functional collaboration is heavily emphasized, with close partnerships expected between Design, Product Management, and Engineering leadership.

• The culture fosters ownership, speed, and impact, with a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making and AI-powered solutions are core to Xelix's offering, suggesting these principles are applied internally.

• The company values rapid iteration, learning from mistakes, and celebrating milestones, indicative of an agile and growth-oriented mindset.

• Emphasis on modern development practices and pushing boundaries, suggesting an openness to new technologies and methodologies.

Company Website: https://careers.xelix.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Xelix presents itself as a high-growth, innovative FinTech scale-up. The culture is described as fast-paced, ownership-driven, and focused on employee development, which is a significant factor for candidates seeking impact and career progression.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Product Designer role, positioning the individual as an experienced practitioner capable of independent work, complex problem-solving, and strategic contribution. It sits above mid-level and junior designers, requiring a higher degree of autonomy and leadership potential.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or a Product Manager/Director. They will work closely with Product and Engineering leadership, acting as a key partner in strategic discussions.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, influencing the user experience of Xelix's AI-powered financial control solutions. By driving product strategy and design execution, the Senior Product Designer directly contributes to the usability, adoption, and effectiveness of the platform, which in turn impacts customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and market competitiveness.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Lead Designer or Head of Design role, managing a team and shaping the overall design vision and strategy.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-assisted design, financial technology, or specific areas of product strategy.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Expand influence beyond design into broader product strategy, roadmap planning, and company-wide initiatives.

• Mentorship Development: Hone leadership and coaching skills by actively mentoring other designers, contributing to their career progression.

• Process Innovation: Lead initiatives to improve design processes, tooling, and team collaboration frameworks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for career advancement within design leadership and strategic product development, particularly within the FinTech and AI space. The emphasis on mentorship and process improvement provides opportunities for developing broader leadership capabilities.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Xelix offers a hybrid working model, combining remote work with 1-2 days per week in their physical office located in Shoreditch, London. The office is described as "dog-friendly."

Office Location(s): Shoreditch Exchange, London, E2 8JF, UK. This is a vibrant and well-connected area in East London, known for its tech and creative industries.

Workspace Context:

• Hybrid Flexibility: The hybrid model allows for focused work at home and collaborative/social engagement at the office.

• Collaborative Environment: The office provides a space for team interaction, workshops, and face-to-face collaboration with product and engineering teams.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design tools (Figma) and likely other collaboration and communication platforms essential for a tech-focused company. The company also mentions using AI note-takers like Metaview during interviews, suggesting an embrace of technology to enhance productivity and focus.

Work Schedule: Standard working hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. While the hybrid model offers flexibility, the core hours are defined, allowing for structured work and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment caters to modern work preferences, balancing autonomy with structured team interaction. The Shoreditch location is a desirable spot within London's tech hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Introductory Call: A brief Teams conversation with a Talent Partner to assess initial fit and discuss the role.

2. Hiring Manager Interview: A 30-45 minute Teams meeting to delve deeper into your experience, skills, and alignment with team needs.

3. Technical Task or Presentation: A role-specific exercise designed to showcase your design skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to handle ambiguity. This may involve a design challenge or a presentation of past work.

4. Final On-site Interview: An in-person meeting at the London office with senior leadership and co-founders to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Impact: Clearly articulate the business impact and user outcomes of your projects. Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time).

• Showcase Process: Detail your thought process, research methodology, and how you navigated challenges. Highlight your ability to handle ambiguity and drive clarity.

• Demonstrate Seniority: Emphasize projects where you took ownership, led initiatives, mentored others, or influenced strategy.

• Highlight AI Integration: If applicable, showcase any experience or thoughtful considerations regarding AI in design or product development.

• Visual Clarity & Storytelling: Ensure your portfolio is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and tells a compelling story about your contributions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Xelix: Research Xelix's product, target market (Accounts Payable, financial controls), and their AI focus. Understand the pain points they aim to solve.

• Prepare Case Studies: Have 2-3 detailed case studies ready to present, focusing on complex problems, your process, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your role and contributions in depth.

• Anticipate Ambiguity: Practice framing ambiguous problems and outlining steps to bring clarity and structure.

• AI & Design: Be ready to discuss your perspective on AI's role in design workflows and product development.

• Mentorship: Prepare examples of how you've mentored or supported junior colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess candidates progressively, from initial screening to deep evaluation by leadership. The emphasis on a technical task/presentation and an on-site interview indicates a thorough vetting process. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate strategic thinking and leadership alongside core design skills.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency with its advanced features, including component libraries, auto layout, and collaboration tools, is expected.

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: While not specific tools are named, candidates are expected to be comfortable evaluating or using AI tools that can assist in design workflows, such as generative design, AI-powered prototyping, or content generation.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools might be beneficial, especially for complex interactions or user testing scenarios.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for understanding user behavior and product usage data is valuable.

• A/B Testing Tools: Experience with tools that facilitate experimentation and data-driven iteration.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design impacts user onboarding and retention within a CRM context can be beneficial.

• Project Management Tools: Proficiency with tools like Jira, Asana, or Trello for managing design tasks and collaborating with engineering.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides) for communication and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core tools revolve around design execution (Figma) and strategic thinking. The mention of AI-assisted tools suggests Xelix is forward-thinking and expects its designers to be too. Understanding how design data informs business decisions is also key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership & Impact: A core value at Xelix, encouraging individuals to take full responsibility for their work and strive for meaningful contributions.

• Speed & Agility: The company operates in a fast-paced scale-up environment, valuing quick decision-making and the ability to adapt rapidly.

• Personal & Professional Growth: Xelix prioritizes employee development, offering opportunities for learning, skill enhancement, and career advancement.

• Collaboration & Fun: Despite the high expectations, there's an emphasis on keeping things enjoyable and celebrating successes together, fostering a positive team dynamic.

• Innovation: A commitment to using AI and redefining financial controls suggests a culture that embraces cutting-edge technology and challenges the status quo.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Design is positioned as a trusted partner to Product and Engineering leadership, working collaboratively rather than in silos.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are expected to be evidence-based, leveraging user research and analytics to guide product development.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture of critique is encouraged, with designers expected to provide and receive feedback constructively to raise craft standards.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Facilitating workshops and driving alignment across diverse teams is a key aspect of the collaboration style.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Xelix is a blend of high performance and supportive growth. Candidates who thrive in dynamic environments, value collaboration, and are eager to contribute to innovative solutions will find this appealing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Handling complex, ill-defined problems and translating them into clear design solutions requires strong problem-framing skills.

• Balancing Craft and Speed: In a fast-paced scale-up, maintaining high design quality while meeting aggressive timelines can be a constant challenge.

• Influencing Strategy: Shifting from an execution-focused role to one that significantly influences product strategy requires strong communication and persuasive skills.

• Integrating AI: Proactively exploring and integrating AI tools into design workflows requires continuous learning and adaptation.

• Mentorship Demands: Effectively mentoring junior designers while managing one's own complex projects requires strong time management and leadership capabilities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design: Opportunity to become a leader in applying AI tools to product design and workflows within the FinTech space.

• Product Strategy: Gain hands-on experience in shaping product roadmaps and contributing to business strategy.

• Design Leadership: Develop skills in team management, process improvement, and mentoring through direct experience and opportunities.

• FinTech Domain Expertise: Deepen understanding of financial controls, Accounts Payable, and the broader FinTech landscape.

• Professional Development Budget: Utilize the £1,000 annual budget for courses, conferences, books, or other resources to enhance skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a senior role in a growing tech company, offering significant opportunities for professional development and leadership growth. The company's focus on AI and FinTech provides a unique learning environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took ownership of a highly ambiguous product problem. How did you bring clarity, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on problem framing, research, iteration, and impact).

• "How do you approach balancing user needs with technical constraints when collaborating with engineering teams? Provide an example." (Highlight your partnership skills and pragmatic problem-solving).

• "Imagine you've identified a significant gap or opportunity in our product that isn't on the current roadmap. How would you advocate for it and influence the product strategy?" (Demonstrate strategic thinking and communication). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Xelix's mission and our focus on AI in financial controls?" (Research the company's products and market position).

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of product design, and how would you integrate it into your workflow here?" (Showcase forward-thinking and adaptability).

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers. What's your approach to helping them grow and improve their craft?" (Prepare specific examples of mentorship). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), the solutions, and the results/impact.

• Quantify your impact: Use metrics where possible to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction, efficiency gains, conversion rates).

• Highlight your senior contributions: Emphasize strategic thinking, leadership, mentorship, and how you drove projects independently.

• Be ready for deep dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your decisions, trade-offs, and alternative approaches considered.

• Showcase your process, not just the final output: Explain why you made certain decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership, and a deep understanding of the design process, particularly in complex and ambiguous scenarios. Highlighting experience with AI and a proactive approach to problem-solving will be key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Xelix careers page.

• Tailor your resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly relevant to senior product design, end-to-end ownership, AI integration, user research, and design systems. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that showcase your ability to handle complex, ambiguous problems and demonstrate end-to-end ownership. Ensure clear documentation of your process, research, and outcomes.

• Prepare for the interview process: Research Xelix's products, company culture, and recent news. Practice articulating your design process, strategic thinking, and leadership experience, especially regarding mentorship and AI.

• Consider AI tools for preparation: You are welcome to use AI for research and preparation, but ensure your responses during live interviews are your own. Be ready to discuss your perspective on AI in design.

⚠️ 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.