(Senior) Product Designer (f/m/d) - Berlin, Germany

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (f/m/d)

Company: Hygraph

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: April 10, 2026

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Remote-first (with office in Berlin)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design process for a cutting-edge agentic content platform, defining both long-term vision and tactical execution.

• Drive innovation in B2B SaaS product design, focusing on complex digital experiences and API-first solutions within the headless CMS space.

• Integrate AI tools and methodologies, including LLMs and generative design, to accelerate the design lifecycle and enhance product capabilities.

• Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams to translate user needs and business objectives into compelling, production-grade UI/UX.

• Champion design excellence through rigorous reviews and a commitment to pushing boundaries while prioritizing rapid iteration and learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, emphasizing significant autonomy, strategic influence, and a deep understanding of the B2B SaaS landscape. The "f/m/d" designation indicates inclusivity for all genders. The "agentic content platform" vision suggests a focus on AI-driven content creation and management, requiring designers to think about intelligent workflows and user empowerment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Partner with Product Management and Engineering to define problem statements, conduct comprehensive user research, and shape the strategic roadmap for the product design function.

• Execute the full spectrum of product design, from initial concept exploration, wireframing, and user flow mapping to high-fidelity UI design and advanced prototyping.

• Make critical design decisions that advance Hygraph's vision for an agentic content platform, influencing both functional capabilities and visual aesthetics.

• Champion and uphold high standards of design excellence through regular design reviews with leadership, cross-functional teams, and the broader product organization.

• Leverage AI tools, including Large Language Models (LLMs) for research synthesis and generative design tools for rapid ideation and wireframing, to enhance design efficiency and explore novel solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution of Hygraph's design system and ensure consistency and scalability across the product.

• Collaborate with front-end engineers to ensure seamless implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and maintaining design integrity.

• Stay abreast of emerging design trends, technologies, and best practices, particularly those related to AI, headless CMS, and API-driven products, to inform design strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic ownership and hands-on execution, typical for a senior individual contributor role in a high-growth startup. The emphasis on AI tools and an "agentic content platform" indicates a forward-looking product strategy that requires designers to be technologically adept and innovative.

🎓 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 senior roles. A strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of dedicated experience in product design, with a significant focus on B2B SaaS products within high-growth startup environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise across the full design stack: UI design, UX design, advanced prototyping, and user research methodologies.

• Demonstrated ability to function as an individual contributor, taking full ownership and driving complex projects autonomously from conception to completion.

• Experience in defining and executing product strategy from a design perspective, balancing innovation with pragmatic delivery.

• High proficiency with industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, Axure).

• Solid understanding of front-end development principles and technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate effective collaboration with engineering teams.

• Experience in rapid iteration and shipping fast, iterative product updates in a startup context.

Preferred Skills:

• Specific experience designing for Headless CMS platforms or API-led products.

• Prior experience in designing features that incorporate AI/ML capabilities.

• Familiarity with GraphQL and its implications for content modeling and API design.

• Experience contributing to or managing design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years in B2B SaaS startups, coupled with a strong individual contributor track record, suggests this role is for an experienced designer capable of immediate impact and strategic contribution. The emphasis on AI tools and headless CMS indicates a need for candidates who are forward-thinking and adaptable to evolving technological landscapes.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 impactful B2B SaaS product design case studies.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, UI/UX), key decisions made, and measurable outcomes.

• Emphasis on demonstrating the ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user interfaces.

• Showcase a strong understanding of user-centered design principles and how they were applied to solve specific challenges.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to the design process, from discovery and research through to implementation and iteration.

• Provide evidence of conducting user research (e.g., interviews, surveys, usability testing) and synthesizing findings to inform design decisions.

• Showcase how you have used AI tools to accelerate various stages of the design lifecycle, from research synthesis to rapid prototyping.

• Illustrate your ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, particularly Product Managers and Engineers, throughout the design process.

• Detail your approach to design system management and ensuring design consistency across multiple product features or platforms.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior product design role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and a deep understanding of the B2B SaaS product development lifecycle, including the integration of modern technologies like AI.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Product Designer title, 5+ years of experience, location in Berlin, Germany, and the high-growth startup environment, a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Berlin, the estimated range is €70,000 - €95,000 per annum. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin and the demand for experienced SaaS designers.

Benefits:

• Learning Budget: Annual budget allocated for professional development, including training, workshops, conferences, and certifications relevant to design and technology.

• Remote-First Work Environment: Flexibility to work from anywhere, supported by a strong remote infrastructure and culture.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.

• Equity/Stock Options: Potential for stock options or equity in a high-growth startup.

• Team Events & Retreats: Opportunities for in-person connection and team building (virtual and in-person).

• Generous Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation days and public holidays.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours, typically around 40 hours per week. The remote-first nature offers flexibility in scheduling, allowing for asynchronous collaboration and work-life balance, while still requiring availability for key meetings and team interactions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on aggregated data from reputable job boards and salary comparison sites for Senior Product Designers in Berlin, Germany, with adjustments for the B2B SaaS and startup context. The benefits listed are common for tech startups and directly mentioned or implied by the company's description.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Software / Content Management Systems (CMS) / API-first Platforms. Hygraph operates within the rapidly evolving MarTech and Developer Tooling space, focusing on composable architectures and AI-powered content solutions. This industry demands continuous innovation and deep technical understanding.

Company Size: Hygraph is described as a dynamic startup, likely falling into the Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) category, with a growing global team. This size often means a fast-paced environment with opportunities for significant individual impact and direct collaboration with leadership.

Founded: Hygraph was founded to address the evolving needs of content management in a composable digital world. Its API-first, GraphQL-native approach positions it as a modern alternative to traditional CMSs, catering to developers and content strategists building complex, scalable digital experiences.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within the broader Product department, reporting to the Head of Product.

• Close collaboration is expected with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially Marketing/Creative teams.

• As a Senior Designer, you'll have a key role in mentoring junior designers (if any) and influencing design direction.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Utilizing user research, analytics, and A/B testing to inform design decisions and measure impact.

• Agile Development: Working in iterative cycles, prioritizing rapid development and continuous feedback.

• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the core of the design process, ensuring products are intuitive, efficient, and valuable.

• AI Integration: Actively exploring and implementing AI tools and features to enhance product capabilities and the user experience.

Company Website: https://hygraph.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on GraphQL-native, API-first, and headless CMS, coupled with its AI-powered content platform vision, signals a sophisticated and developer-centric product. The culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and values proactive problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is explicitly for a Senior Product Designer. It signifies a level of expertise where an individual contributor is expected to lead significant design initiatives, mentor others, influence product strategy, and operate with a high degree of autonomy. The scope extends beyond execution to include strategic input and process improvement.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will report to the Head of Product and work closely with the Creative Director, indicating a reporting line that values both product strategy and creative vision. This structure allows for mentorship and strategic alignment.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer will have a direct and substantial impact on Hygraph's product offering, user experience, and market competitiveness. By shaping the "agentic content platform," they will influence how businesses create, manage, and deliver content, directly contributing to customer acquisition, retention, and overall business growth. Their work will be crucial in differentiating Hygraph in a crowded CMS market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role as the team expands, taking on more people management and strategic leadership responsibilities.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design, headless CMS architecture, or specific areas of B2B SaaS product development.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop a strong understanding of product management and engineering, potentially leading to broader product strategy roles.

• Industry Influence: Contribute to the evolving landscape of AI-powered content platforms and speak at industry events or contribute to publications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" designation implies a clear path for career progression, either into management or deeper specialization. The company's growth trajectory suggests ample opportunities to shape the product and the design function itself.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hygraph operates on a "remote-first" model, meaning that remote work is the primary mode of operation. However, they maintain an office presence in Berlin, Germany, which can be utilized for collaboration, team meetings, or as a co-working space for those in the vicinity. This offers a hybrid flexibility.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. The exact location of the office is not specified but is available to employees in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Flexibility: The remote-first approach allows for personalized work environments, promoting work-life balance and reducing commute times.

• Collaborative Tools: Expect a robust stack of digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Miro, Figma) to facilitate seamless communication and co-creation across distributed teams.

• In-Office Collaboration: The Berlin office provides an option for face-to-face interaction, fostering team cohesion and enabling focused work sessions.

• Technology: Access to modern design software and hardware necessary for high-quality product design work.

Work Schedule: While full-time (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, the remote-first nature provides flexibility in structuring the workday. Core hours for team synchronization and key meetings are likely established, but individual work can often be scheduled around personal needs, provided deadlines and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote-first" policy with a physical office in Berlin provides the best of both worlds – flexibility for remote employees and a hub for in-person collaboration for those who prefer or need it. This setup is attractive to many tech professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Intro Call with People Team: An initial screening to assess cultural fit, basic qualifications, and understand candidate motivations. Prepare to discuss your career aspirations and why Hygraph.

• Interview with Hiring Manager: A deeper dive into your experience, design philosophy, and technical skills. Be ready to discuss specific B2B SaaS projects and your approach to problem-solving.

• Live Session/Case Study with Team: This is a critical stage where you'll likely present a portfolio piece or tackle a design challenge related to Hygraph's product. Focus on your process, rationale, and how you'd address specific design problems.

• Call with C-Level Executive: An opportunity to discuss strategic alignment, company vision, and your potential impact at a high level. Demonstrate your understanding of business goals and how design contributes to them.

• Team Fit Call and Reference Check: Final assessment of cultural alignment and verification of your professional background.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest B2B SaaS product design case studies that best represent your skills and experience relevant to Hygraph's needs (AI, headless CMS, API-first).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, the decisions you made, and the impact/results. Quantify outcomes where possible.

• Highlight AI Integration: If you have experience using AI tools in your design process, make this a prominent feature. Explain how AI helped accelerate your work or lead to innovative solutions.

• Showcase Process: Detail your research methods, wireframing, prototyping, and UI design stages. Explain the rationale behind your design choices.

• Be Prepared to Defend: Understand your work deeply and be ready to answer detailed questions about your decisions and trade-offs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Hygraph's Product: Research Hygraph, its core product (headless CMS, GraphQL-native, API-first), and its target audience. Familiarize yourself with the concept of an "agentic content platform."

• Anticipate Design Challenges: Expect challenges related to complex data structures, API integration workflows, and user interfaces for technical users.

• Practice AI Integration: Think about how AI could be applied to enhance user experience within a CMS context.

• Structure Your Presentation: Be concise, clear, and professional. Focus on your thought process and problem-solving approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is multi-stage, typical for senior roles, and heavily emphasizes practical application through case studies and live sessions. A strong, well-prepared portfolio is non-negotiable.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator), InVision, Axure.

• User Research: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback, or internal survey/interview platforms.

• Collaboration: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace/Microsoft 365.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or Pendo for tracking user behavior and feature adoption.

• Data Visualization: Potentially Tableau, Looker, or built-in dashboards for reporting on user metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Likely Salesforce, HubSpot, or similar for managing customer relationships, though this is more relevant to Sales/Marketing Ops.

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello for workflow management and task tracking.

• Design Systems Tools: Storybook, Zeroheight, or similar for managing design component libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product designers. Familiarity with AI tools like LLMs for research summaries and generative tools for rapid ideation is a specific requirement for this role. Understanding front-end implementation is also crucial for effective collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A drive to explore and implement new technologies, especially AI, to push the boundaries of content platforms.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of users, particularly developers and content creators.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, knowledge sharing, and a willingness to work together across teams to achieve common goals.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for one's work, driving projects to completion, and being accountable for outcomes.

• Efficiency & Iteration: A focus on delivering value quickly through iterative development and continuous improvement, embracing the fast-paced startup environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration with Product Management and Engineering is essential, with designers acting as a bridge between user needs and technical implementation.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback during design reviews and throughout the development process to refine products.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging team members to share insights, best practices, and learnings, particularly regarding new technologies like AI and evolving design methodologies.

• Empowerment: Team members are empowered to make decisions and take initiative within their areas of expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's emphasis on being "remote-first," "globally distributed," and working with "transparency, accountability, and ownership" suggests a culture that values autonomy, trust, and asynchronous