Senior Product Designer (FTC)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (FTC)

Company: Collinson

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / User Experience (UX)

Date Posted: 2026-06-01T12:12:25

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end product design process for digital experiences across mobile and web platforms, focusing on human-centered design principles and commercial effectiveness.

• Drive product discovery, UX research, and data analysis to inform design decisions and enhance customer experiences within the travel and loyalty ecosystem.

• Contribute significantly to the development and evolution of a scalable design system, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and cross-platform usability.

• Mentor junior designers, foster a collaborative design culture, and effectively communicate design rationale to influence product direction at all stakeholder levels, including C-suite executives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for a proven track record in leading design initiatives, mentoring others, and influencing strategic product decisions. The FTC (Fixed-Term Contract) designation suggests a project-based or temporary engagement, which may influence the scope and duration of responsibilities. The focus on "travel and loyalty ecosystem" and "Priority Pass" provides critical context for the industry and specific product areas.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead customer-centric product design initiatives from early research and discovery through to high-fidelity execution for both web and mobile applications.

• Apply design thinking methodologies and UX research techniques to uncover user insights, validate design decisions, and iteratively improve the quality of customer experiences.

• Champion a collaborative and iterative design process, working closely with cross-functional teams including Product Managers, Engineers, Data Analysts, and Researchers within an Agile framework.

• Develop and iterate on prototypes rapidly, establishing user validation loops to refine solutions efficiently and effectively.

• Contribute to the definition, documentation, and evolution of the global design system, ensuring scalable UI components and design patterns are consistently applied across products and teams.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, actively contributing to the design culture through constructive feedback, design critiques, and advocating for best practice improvements.

• Collaborate with and present to executive-level stakeholders, clearly articulating design rationale, user needs, and influencing strategic product direction.

• Measure and analyze the impact of design solutions using both qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate business value and identify areas for further optimization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on approach to design leadership, requiring the candidate to not only execute design work but also to guide strategy, mentor peers, and influence senior leadership. The mention of "rapidly prototyping and running your own user validation loops" highlights the need for autonomy and efficiency in the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), or a related field is implied by the experience requirements.

Experience: 5–7+ years of dedicated experience in Product/UX Design, with a significant portion preferably within consumer-facing digital products, loyalty programs, or the travel technology sector.

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to lead end-to-end product design for complex web and mobile applications, demonstrated through a strong portfolio of case studies.

• Expertise in user research methodologies, product discovery techniques, and data analysis to inform design strategy and decision-making.

• High proficiency in Figma, including advanced skills in prototyping, creating and managing design system libraries, and executing developer handoff workflows.

• Deep understanding and practical application of accessibility standards, particularly WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), and a commitment to inclusive design principles.

• Demonstrated experience in contributing to, scaling, and maintaining design systems across large and diverse product ecosystems.

• Strong ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams in Agile development environments, working closely with Product, Engineering, and Data functions.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to articulate design rationale, influence stakeholders, and gain alignment with C-suite executives.

• Systematic thinking approach, capable of understanding and contributing to the development of interconnected design patterns and UI components. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with collaborative tools such as Miro for ideation and workshops.

• Experience with project management and product roadmap tools like Jira and Aha!.

• Experience working across multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and responsive web design.

• Previous exposure to loyalty-driven environments or the travel industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma, design systems, and WCAG indicates a need for a designer who is well-versed in modern design tooling and best practices for scalable, accessible product development. The preference for experience in consumer-facing or loyalty-driven environments directly aligns with Collinson's business.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design case studies for both mobile and web platforms, detailing the design process from problem definition to final solution.

• Clear demonstration of how user research and data analysis informed design decisions, with specific examples of insights gathered and applied.

• Evidence of contribution to or creation of design systems, including examples of reusable components, design patterns, and their application across products.

• Articulation of the design process, highlighting iterative improvements, user validation loops, and problem-solving strategies employed.

• Examples of collaboration with cross-functional teams and how design recommendations were communicated and implemented. Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly document the design thinking framework utilized.

• Workflow examples illustrating the process from initial concept through to high-fidelity prototypes and developer handoff.

• Metrics and user feedback presented to demonstrate the impact and success of design solutions, including usability improvements and user satisfaction data.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it will be used to assess not only design craft but also strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration skills. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific contributions and the impact of their work in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the Senior Product Designer title, 5-7+ years of experience, and location in Cape Town, South Africa, the estimated salary range would be R700,000 - R1,000,000 per annum. This range reflects industry standards for senior design roles in major South African tech hubs, considering the FTC nature of the contract.

Benefits:

• Fixed-term contract employment with potential for extension or conversion.

• Opportunity to work with leading global brands like Priority Pass, Mastercard, American Express, and major airlines.

• Exposure to innovative projects within the travel tech, fintech, and loyalty sectors.

• Contribution to shaping the digital experiences of millions of global travelers.

• Part of a supportive, global design community with opportunities for professional development.

• Potential for participation in company-wide initiatives and a focus on "doing good beyond profit."

• Access to a dynamic and fast-growing international company environment.

Working Hours: The role specifies a full-time employment type, typically equating to approximately 40 hours per week. While a standard work week is expected, the hybrid nature of the role may offer some flexibility in scheduling, contingent on team needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on current market data for senior UX/Product Designers in Cape Town, South Africa, factoring in the experience level and the specific industry. The FTC status may influence the benefits package compared to permanent roles, with a focus on project impact and learning opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Loyalty Services, Fintech, Insurance. Collinson operates at the intersection of these sectors, providing a unique ecosystem of loyalty programs and airport experiences.

Company Size: Over 2,200 global colleagues. This indicates a large, established organization with a significant global footprint, offering opportunities for diverse project involvement and cross-cultural collaboration.

Founded: The company has a history of innovation since its inception, launching market-leading programs like Priority Pass and Columbus Direct. This suggests a culture that values forward-thinking and continuous improvement.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a matrix structure, collaborating closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data Analytics, and Research teams.

• Senior designers are expected to mentor junior team members and contribute to the overall design practice and culture.

• Reporting lines will likely involve a Design Lead or Head of Product/Design, with direct interaction with Product Managers for specific initiatives.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a core expectation, with designers embedded within product teams to drive user-centric outcomes. Methodology:

• A strong emphasis on human-centered design, user research, and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring iterative design processes, rapid prototyping, and close collaboration with development teams.

• Design system thinking and contribution are integral to ensuring consistency and scalability across a broad product portfolio.

• A focus on measuring design impact through qualitative and quantitative data to demonstrate ROI and drive continuous improvement.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Collinson's culture appears to be a blend of innovation, customer-centricity, and global collaboration. The company's mission and values ("Take Action, Do the right thing, One team, Be insight led") provide a framework for understanding expected behaviors and decision-making processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Product Designer. This level implies significant autonomy, ownership of complex design challenges, leadership in mentoring and guiding others, and the ability to influence product strategy and senior stakeholders. It sits above mid-level designers and below design managers or directors.

Reporting Structure: You will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or Product Management Lead. You will also work very closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, forming part of cross-functional product teams.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of millions of global travelers, influencing engagement with loyalty programs, airport experiences, and travel-related services. Successful design outcomes contribute directly to customer satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, revenue growth for Collinson's various offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunities to lead design for significant new features or product areas within Collinson's ecosystem.

• Professional development through mentorship from senior design leaders and exposure to diverse projects and technologies.

• Potential to deepen expertise in specialized areas such as loyalty program design, travel tech, or accessibility.

• Advancement to Lead Product Designer roles, or potential pathways into Product Management or Design Leadership roles, depending on individual career trajectory and company opportunities.

• Contribute to the strategic direction of Collinson's digital product portfolio and design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and emphasis on influencing stakeholders and mentoring junior designers suggest clear pathways for career growth within Collinson, either through increased design leadership or a transition into related product roles. The FTC nature may mean growth is focused on project-specific impact and skill development rather than long-term hierarchical progression within this specific contract.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the benefits of in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Cape Town, South Africa, specifically at 1 Oxbow Crescent, Cape Town, 7441. This location is likely a hub for design and product teams.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment where designers work closely with product managers, engineers, and researchers to bring ideas to life.

• Access to a range of design and collaboration tools (Figma, Miro, Jira, Aha!) to facilitate efficient workflows and communication.

• Opportunities for informal and formal knowledge sharing sessions, design critiques, and team meetings to foster a strong design culture.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work at home and collaborative sessions, workshops, and team building when in the office.

Work Schedule: Full-time employment (approximately 40 hours per week). The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in how and where work is performed, but core working hours and team collaboration needs will dictate specific schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key characteristic. Candidates should expect to be in the Cape Town office for a portion of the week, likely for collaborative sessions, team meetings, and key project milestones.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your CV and portfolio to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: You will likely be asked to present a selection of your most relevant case studies, detailing your process, problem-solving approach, and impact. This is a critical stage to showcase your end-to-end design capabilities.

• Technical/Skills Interview: This may involve a practical design exercise or a deeper dive into your proficiency with tools like Figma, design systems, and accessibility standards.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: You will meet with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively within an Agile team.

• Stakeholder Interview: An interview with senior leadership (e.g., Head of Design, VP of Product) to evaluate strategic thinking, influence, and cultural fit.

• Final Offer: Based on the collective feedback from all interview stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your skills in mobile and web design, end-to-end product development, and ideally, experience relevant to Collinson's industry.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role and process, the challenges faced, the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify your achievements wherever possible (e.g., "Increased conversion by X%", "Reduced task completion time by Y%", "Improved user satisfaction by Z%").

• Showcase Process: Detail your research methods, ideation techniques, prototyping skills, and how you incorporated user feedback and data.

• Demonstrate System Thinking: If you have contributed to or built design systems, clearly explain your role and the benefits of your contributions.

• Accessibility Focus: Highlight how you ensure inclusivity and accessibility in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge, which could involve solving a specific UX problem, critiquing an existing design, or outlining a design approach for a new feature.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, especially under time constraints.

• Focus on demonstrating your problem-solving methodology, not just the final solution.

• Understand Collinson's business (Priority Pass, loyalty programs, travel experiences) to frame your responses within their context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also strategic thinking, collaboration, and communication abilities, particularly with senior stakeholders. A strong, well-documented portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, collaboration, and design system management. High proficiency is required.

• Miro: Likely used for collaborative ideation, user journey mapping, wireframing, and workshops.

• Jira: Commonly used for project management, task tracking, and Agile workflow management within development teams.

• Aha!: A product roadmap and strategy tool, potentially used for planning and aligning design initiatives with business objectives.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Proficiency in interpreting data from analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) to understand user behavior and measure design impact.

• Experience with A/B testing and using insights to drive design iterations.

• Ability to use reporting dashboards to visualize key user metrics and performance indicators. CRM & Automation:

• While not a core requirement for product design, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms can provide context for customer engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement, highlighting its central role in the design workflow. Familiarity with other tools in the product development lifecycle (Jira, Aha!, Miro) is expected for effective cross-functional collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Take Action: Demonstrating initiative, proactively identifying design opportunities, and driving projects forward without constant oversight.

• Do the right thing: Prioritizing user needs, ethical design practices, accessibility, and inclusive design principles in all work.

• One team: Fostering a collaborative spirit, working effectively with cross-functional colleagues, and sharing knowledge openly.

• Be insight led: Basing design decisions on user research, data analysis, and a deep understanding of customer needs and business objectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working in close partnership with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Data Analysts.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and iterative design processes within Agile teams.

• Designers are expected to influence product strategy and contribute to cross-functional decision-making.

• A culture that values continuous learning and improvement, encouraging experimentation and sharing best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values provide a clear framework for understanding expected behaviors and how decisions are made at Collinson. A candidate's ability to embody these values will be a key factor in cultural fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing user needs with commercial objectives and technical constraints within a fast-paced, global organization.

• Driving design consistency and evolution across a diverse portfolio of products and platforms.

• Effectively communicating complex design rationale and influencing senior stakeholders to gain buy-in for strategic design initiatives.

• Adapting to evolving user expectations and technological advancements in the travel and loyalty sectors.

• Contributing to and scaling a design system while ensuring it remains flexible and user-centric. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen expertise in user experience design for high-volume consumer-facing applications.

• Gaining in-depth knowledge of the travel tech, loyalty, and fintech industries.

• Opportunities to lead significant design projects and mentor junior designers, enhancing leadership skills.

• Exposure to a global design community and best practices, with potential for professional workshops or conferences.

• Developing strategic influence and stakeholder management skills through regular interaction with senior leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges within a dynamic industry and contributing to impactful global products.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led an end-to-end product design process for a complex feature. What was your approach, what challenges did you face, and what were the outcomes?" (Assesses end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and impact measurement.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business goals and technical limitations in your design process? Can you provide an example?" (Evaluates strategic thinking and practical application of design principles.)

• "Walk us through your experience with design systems. How have you contributed to or scaled one, and how do you ensure consistency across a product ecosystem?" (Tests understanding of scalable design and system thinking.)

• "How do you approach user research and data analysis to inform your design decisions? Give an example of an insight that significantly changed your design direction." (Probes research methodology and data-driven decision-making.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Collinson and the travel/loyalty industry specifically?" (Assesses genuine interest and research into the company.)

• "How do you embody our company values, such as 'Take Action' and 'Be insight led', in your daily work as a designer?" (Evaluates cultural fit and alignment with company ethos.)

• "Describe your experience mentoring junior designers or contributing to design culture within a team." (Assesses leadership potential and collaborative spirit.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation around 3-4 key case studies, clearly outlining the problem, your role, process, solutions, and measurable impact.

• Use visuals effectively to showcase your design craft and user flows.

• Be prepared to discuss your design decisions in detail and defend your rationale.

• Practice your presentation to ensure it is concise, engaging, and fits within the allocated time.

• Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your contributions, challenges, and the outcomes of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skills but also strategic thinking, leadership potential, and a strong understanding of user-centered and data-driven methodologies, all within the context of Collinson's business.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Collinson Group Talent website.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-4 of your strongest end-to-end product design case studies that highlight your expertise in mobile and web design, user research, and design system contributions. Ensure each case study clearly articulates the problem, your process, your solutions, and the measurable impact.

• Tailor your CV: Highlight experience directly relevant to consumer-facing digital products, loyalty programs, and the travel industry. Emphasize your proficiency in Figma, design systems, WCAG compliance, and cross-functional collaboration within Agile environments.

• Prepare for case study presentation: Practice walking through your chosen case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, demonstrating your problem-solving approach, and articulating the business value of your design decisions. Be ready to discuss your specific contributions and the outcomes in detail.

• Research Collinson: Familiarize yourself with Collinson's brands (e.g., Priority Pass), mission, and company values to articulate your interest and cultural fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.