Senior Product Designer (Part-time 80% / 32 hrs)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (Part-time 80% / 32 hrs)

Company: Forteil GmbH - bonify

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-time (Part-time 80% / 32 hrs)

Category: Product Design / FinTech Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-24

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (6-8 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for a defined area within bonify's FinTech platform, focusing on both mobile and web applications.

• Translate complex financial and credit-related information into intuitive, trustworthy, and valuable user experiences for millions of users.

• Drive product strategy and execution through a strong research mindset, conducting qualitative and quantitative user research, particularly with German-speaking users.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists to define success metrics, ensure feasibility, and deliver high-quality, scalable solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution and maintenance of bonify's design system, promoting consistency and efficiency across product development.

• Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to enhance design workflows, from research and exploration to prototyping and documentation, while ensuring ethical AI implementation for user-facing features.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is explicitly "Product Designer," its focus on FinTech, data-intensive environments, and the need to simplify complex financial information positions it within a broader "FinTech Operations" context. The emphasis on research, data, and cross-functional collaboration aligns with key operations principles. The requirement for German language skills is critical for user research and market-specific product localization. The part-time nature (80%) is a significant factor for candidates to consider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the design process for a specific product domain, from problem definition and user research through to final UI/UX delivery.

• Plan, execute, and analyze user research initiatives, including customer interviews and usability testing, with a specific focus on German-speaking user segments.

• Synthesize research findings and behavioral data into actionable product design decisions and clear user stories.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, interaction models, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes using Figma to visualize and validate design concepts.

• Partner with Engineering teams to ensure design feasibility, technical scalability, and adherence to quality standards during implementation.

• Collaborate with Product Management and Data teams to define key performance indicators (KPIs) and measure the impact of design initiatives on user engagement and business outcomes.

• Actively contribute to the development, maintenance, and adoption of bonify's design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency in design patterns.

• Integrate AI tools into daily design workflows to accelerate research synthesis, ideation, prototyping, and documentation processes.

• Contribute to the design of AI-powered customer experiences, prioritizing user trust, clarity, and control in AI interactions.

• Mentor and provide constructive feedback to less experienced designers, fostering a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-stack design ownership, including research, strategy, execution, and collaboration, which is typical for senior roles in dynamic FinTech environments. The explicit mention of AI integration and AI-powered experiences highlights a forward-thinking approach to product development. The need to simplify complex financial data is a core challenge requiring strong analytical and communication skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for this level of experience and responsibility.

Experience: Approximately 6–8 years of progressive experience in product design, with a demonstrated track record of working on digital consumer products. Experience within FinTech, banking, financial services, or other regulated/data-intensive environments is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• End-to-End Product Design: Proven ability to manage the entire design lifecycle from ideation to delivery for both mobile and web applications.

• Figma Proficiency: Advanced skills in Figma for UI design, interaction design, and rapid prototyping.

• User Research Expertise: Hands-on experience in planning, conducting, and synthesizing qualitative user research, including customer interviews and usability testing.

• Interaction Design & Prototyping: Deep understanding of interaction design principles and proficiency in creating interactive prototypes.

• Simplifying Complexity: Demonstrated ability to translate complex, data-heavy, or sensitive topics into clear, user-friendly experiences.

• Product Thinking: Strong analytical skills to connect design decisions with customer needs and business objectives.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Experience working effectively within agile, cross-functional teams comprising Product, Engineering, and Data professionals.

• Independent Ownership: Confidence in taking ownership of ambiguous problems and driving them to successful resolution with minimal supervision.

• German Language Proficiency: C1 level or above, essential for conducting user research and engaging with the German market.

• AI Tool Integration: Practical experience utilizing AI tools within a design workflow (e.g., for exploration, synthesis, prototyping, documentation).

• Collaborative & Constructive Style: A positive, team-oriented approach with a focus on kind and constructive communication.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in FinTech, banking, financial services, or other regulated/data-intensive environments.

• Familiarity with building and contributing to design systems.

• Experience with data analysis and translating behavioral data into design insights.

• Understanding of AI ethics and best practices in user-facing AI applications.

• Mentorship or leadership experience within a design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement (6-8 years) positions this as a senior role, demanding strategic thinking and independent execution. The German language requirement is non-negotiable and crucial for the user research aspect. The emphasis on AI tool usage is a forward-looking requirement that reflects industry trends.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Case Studies showcasing End-to-End Design: Detailed case studies demonstrating ownership of product design from initial problem framing through research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and final implementation for both mobile and web platforms.

• Demonstration of Research & Synthesis: Specific examples of how user research (interviews, usability tests) informed design decisions, including clear articulation of user needs and pain points identified.

• Prototyping & Interaction Design: Prototypes showcasing complex interactions and user flows, ideally with clear explanations of design rationale.

• Simplification of Complex Data: Examples of how abstract or data-intensive concepts (e.g., financial data, credit scores) were translated into simple, actionable user interfaces.

• Collaboration & Impact: Evidence of successful collaboration with Product, Engineering, and Data teams, and a clear articulation of the impact of design work on user engagement or business metrics.

• AI Tool Application: Specific examples or case studies detailing how AI tools were practically applied to enhance design workflows, efficiency, or outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Showcase experience in mapping out user journeys, designing efficient workflows, and optimizing existing processes through design interventions.

• System Implementation Standards: Examples of how designs were translated into specifications for engineering, ensuring high-quality implementation and scalability.

• Measurement & Performance Analysis: Demonstrate an understanding of how to define success metrics for design initiatives and analyze post-launch performance data to iterate and improve.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Product Designer role, a portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase visual design but also the strategic thinking, research methodology, and cross-functional collaboration that underpins successful product development, especially in a regulated industry like FinTech. The inclusion of AI tool application in the portfolio is a key differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on research for Senior Product Designer roles in Berlin, Germany, with 6-8 years of experience, and considering the 80% (32 hours/week) work arrangement, the estimated annual gross salary range would be approximately €60,000 - €75,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for specialized design roles in a major European tech hub, adjusted for part-time employment.

Benefits:

• Personal Development Budget: A dedicated budget for professional growth, including coaching, training programs, workshops, and conferences relevant to design and FinTech.

• Generous Vacation Allowance: 30 vacation days per year, providing ample opportunity for rest and rejuvenation.

• Public Transportation Subsidy: Subsidies for the BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe), making commuting easier and more affordable.

• UrbanSportsClub Membership: Access to a wide range of sports and fitness facilities through a subsidized UrbanSportsClub membership.

• 1:1 Language Classes: Opportunity for personalized German and English language instruction to further enhance communication skills.

• Startup Environment: Dynamic and flexible work culture characteristic of a growing FinTech company.

• Ownership & Impact: The chance to take significant ownership of product areas and make a tangible impact from day one.

Working Hours: 32 hours per week, typically structured as 80% of a standard full-time week. While specific daily schedules may vary, flexibility is often present in startup environments, but core collaboration hours will likely be expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is an educated guess for a Senior Product Designer in Berlin working 32 hours a week. It reflects the experience level, location, and the part-time nature of the role. The benefits are clearly outlined and are attractive, especially the personal development budget and language classes, which are highly relevant for an international team.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: FinTech, specializing in credit scoring and financial management. Bonify operates within a highly regulated and data-intensive sector, requiring a strong focus on security, compliance, and user trust.

Company Size: Bonify is part of Forteil GmbH, indicating it's a significant player in the German FinTech market. The presence of "bonify" as a distinct brand suggests a focused operational unit within a larger structure. Typical FinTech startups of this nature can range from 50-250 employees, fostering a dynamic yet structured environment.

Founded: While the founding date of Forteil GmbH isn't explicitly stated, bonify has been a prominent name in the German FinTech space for several years, indicating a mature startup with established processes and a growing user base.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely consists of several designers, with this role being a Senior position.

• Designers typically work in cross-functional squads or pods, embedded with Product Managers, Engineers (Frontend & Backend), and Data Analysts/Scientists.

• Reporting is likely to a Head of Design, Design Lead, or Head of Product, depending on the organizational structure.

• Collaboration is expected across all departments, including Marketing, Legal, and Customer Support, to ensure a holistic product experience. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Decisions are heavily influenced by user data, A/B testing results, and behavioral analytics.

• Agile & Lean Methodologies: Embracing iterative development, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• User-Centric Design: A strong emphasis on understanding user needs through research and designing solutions that directly address them.

• AI Integration: Proactive exploration and implementation of AI across product features and internal workflows.

Company Website: https://www.bonify.de

📝 Enhancement Note: Bonify's position as a leading FinTech platform in Germany implies a professional, data-driven, and user-focused culture. The combination of a startup environment with the demands of a regulated industry suggests a balance between innovation and meticulous execution. The part-time nature of this role might indicate a need for specialized expertise without requiring full-time commitment, or a flexible approach to work-life balance.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior Product Designer," indicating a level where individuals are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, lead design initiatives for significant product areas, and contribute to strategic discussions. It's a role that bridges individual contribution with team-level influence and mentorship.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their assigned product squad, fostering a collaborative, matrixed reporting environment.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer plays a crucial role in shaping the user experience of bonify's core products, directly impacting user acquisition, retention, engagement, and overall customer satisfaction. By simplifying complex financial information and building trust, they contribute significantly to the company's mission and its ability to generate revenue through user adoption and premium services. The integration of AI and focus on user value beyond the credit score are key strategic drivers.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer, Design Manager, or Head of Design role, overseeing design strategy and team development.

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas like FinTech UX, AI-driven design, complex data visualization, or user research methodologies.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Potential to move into Product Management or related GTM (Go-To-Market) roles by leveraging a strong understanding of user needs, business goals, and product strategy.

• Mentorship & Skill Development: Formal and informal opportunities to mentor junior designers and continuously develop new skills through the company's learning resources and the dynamic nature of FinTech.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title and the emphasis on end-to-end ownership and strategic contribution clearly define the career trajectory. For operations professionals, understanding how design impacts GTM strategies and customer lifecycle management is key. The growth paths highlight the potential for career progression within a FinTech product organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Bonify operates in a modern office environment in Berlin, typical of a tech startup. This likely includes open-plan workspaces designed to foster collaboration, alongside dedicated meeting rooms and quiet zones for focused work.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This location is a hub for technology and FinTech, offering a vibrant ecosystem and access to talent. Specific office address details would be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office design and company culture encourage interaction and teamwork, essential for the cross-functional nature of product development.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), prototyping tools, research platforms, and potentially internal tools for AI integration and data analysis.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for informal and formal interactions with colleagues from Product, Engineering, Data, and other departments, facilitating knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: While the role is part-time (32 hours/week), the expectation is for consistent engagement and availability during core business hours in Berlin (CET). Flexibility might be offered, but adherence to team meeting schedules and project deadlines is paramount. The on-site requirement means a regular presence in the Berlin office is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin is a key factor. The description suggests a typical tech startup office environment that balances collaboration with focus, equipped with the necessary tools for modern product design.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with an HR representative or recruiter to assess basic qualifications, alignment with the role, and interest in bonify.

• Hiring Manager/Design Lead Interview: A discussion focusing on experience, approach to design challenges, and understanding of the FinTech space. This might include behavioral questions.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing specific case studies that demonstrate their skills in research, problem-solving, and execution. A practical design exercise or take-home challenge may be assigned to assess design thinking, problem-solving abilities, and Figma proficiency.

• Cross-functional Team Interview: An interview with members of the Product, Engineering, or Data teams to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional setting.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to discuss strategic fit, cultural alignment, and overall suitability for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 strong case studies that best represent your end-to-end design process, research capabilities, and ability to simplify complex information, especially within data-intensive or regulated environments.

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the decisions you made (and why), and the measurable outcomes or impact achieved. Quantify results where possible.

• Highlight Research & Problem-Solving: Emphasize your user research methodology, how you synthesized findings, and how that directly informed your design solutions.

• Showcase AI Integration: If possible, include a case study or specific example demonstrating how you've leveraged AI tools in your design workflow or contributed to AI-powered features.

• Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design rationale, trade-offs, collaboration experiences, and how you handle feedback and ambiguity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the business context and user needs presented.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your problem-solving process, including research, ideation, and solution design.

• Focus on Process & Rationale: Demonstrate your thinking process, not just the final deliverable. Explain your assumptions and justifications.

• Time Management: Be mindful of any time constraints and prioritize key aspects of the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is standard for senior design roles, with a strong emphasis on portfolio demonstration and practical application of skills. The portfolio review tips are tailored to highlight the specific requirements of this role, such as handling complex data and using AI tools.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Advanced proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: Likely within Figma, but potentially others like ProtoPie for more complex interactions.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for user interviews, usability testing (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze, Lookback) and survey creation (e.g., Typeform, SurveyMonkey).

• AI Tools: A range of AI-powered tools for research synthesis, content generation, ideation, code assistance, or design automation. Examples could include ChatGPT, Midjourney (for inspiration), or specialized design AI plugins.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Tools: e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics for tracking user behavior and product performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: e.g., Tableau, Looker, or internal dashboards for understanding and communicating data insights.

• A/B Testing Platforms: e.g., Optimizely, VWO for testing design variations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct design tool, familiarity with CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation platforms can be beneficial for understanding the broader user journey and GTM context.

• Project Management Tools: e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello for managing tasks and workflows within cross-functional teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section highlights the critical tools for a product designer in a tech company. Figma is paramount. The inclusion of AI tools is a specific requirement for this role, and familiarity with analytics and collaboration tools is expected for effective cross-functional work.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, ensuring that financial information is accessible and empowering.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from data to guide product development and strategic choices.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Fostering an open environment where teams work together effectively, share knowledge, and provide constructive feedback.

• Innovation & Agility: Embracing new technologies (like AI) and adapting quickly to market changes and user feedback.

• Trust & Responsibility: Upholding high standards of security, privacy, and ethical conduct, especially in the FinTech sector.

• Efficiency & Quality: Striving for streamlined processes and high-quality deliverables in all aspects of design and development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are integral members of product squads, working daily with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists.

• Feedback-Rich Environment: An emphasis on giving and receiving constructive feedback to elevate design quality and foster continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new tools, and learnings across the design team and wider organization.

• Proactive Communication: Open and regular communication to ensure alignment on goals, challenges, and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize a blend of user focus, data intelligence, collaborative spirit, and a drive for innovation, all critical for success in a FinTech environment. The collaboration style highlights the integrated nature of design within agile product teams.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Simplifying Complex Financial Data: Continuously finding innovative ways to make credit scoring and financial management understandable and actionable for a diverse user base.

• Balancing User Needs with Regulatory Requirements: Designing user-friendly experiences within a strictly regulated FinTech landscape.

• Integrating AI Ethically & Effectively: Leveraging AI to enhance user value without compromising trust, clarity, or user control.

• Managing Ambiguity: Navigating evolving product roadmaps and market dynamics with a high degree of autonomy.

• Part-Time Role Management: Effectively managing workload and communication to ensure seamless integration and impact within a 32-hour work week.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to explore and master cutting-edge design methodologies, including AI-assisted design.

• FinTech Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of financial services, credit scoring, and regulatory environments.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Growing influence on product strategy and roadmap planning through demonstrated impact and insights.

• Mentorship: Receiving guidance from experienced design leaders and contributing to the development of junior team members.

• Industry Events: Access to the personal development budget for attending relevant conferences, workshops, and training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the FinTech domain and the nature of the role, particularly the complexity of financial data and AI integration. The growth opportunities are well-defined and aligned with career progression in product design.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex data-heavy topic for users. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on research, ideation, and impact.)

• "How do you approach user research, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like personal finance? How do you ensure participants feel comfortable?" (Highlight your research methodology and empathy.)

• "How have you used AI tools in your design workflow? Can you give a specific example of how it improved efficiency or outcome?" (Be ready to demonstrate practical AI application.)

• "Imagine bonify wants to introduce a new AI-powered feature to help users budget better. How would you approach the design of this feature, considering trust and user control?" (Showcase your product thinking and AI design considerations.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about bonify and the FinTech industry, specifically credit scoring and financial management?" (Research bonify's mission, values, and recent news.)

• "How do you see the role of AI evolving in product design and for users in the FinTech space?" (Show your forward-thinking perspective.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and Data Scientists." (Emphasize your cross-functional approach.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each case study as a narrative, highlighting the problem, your journey, the challenges, your decisions, and the positive impact.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your presentation is clean, visually appealing, and easy to follow. Use mockups and prototypes effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your design solutions.

• Explain Your "Why": Be prepared to articulate the rationale behind every significant design decision.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation, not a monologue. Encourage questions and be ready to discuss your work in detail.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions are designed to probe the candidate's experience with complex data, user research, AI tools, and cross-functional collaboration—all crucial for this role. The portfolio presentation advice focuses on demonstrating strategic thinking and measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided application link on join.com and submit your resume and any requested introductory information.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature 3-4 case studies that best align with the job description's emphasis on end-to-end design, complex data simplification, user research, and AI tool integration.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 6-8 years of product design experience, specific skills in Figma, user research, and experience in data-intensive or regulated environments. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare for Case Study Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on clear storytelling, explaining your design rationale, and demonstrating the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI integration.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research bonify, its mission, its products, and its position in the FinTech market. Understand their approach to user data and financial management.

⚠️ 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.