Senior Product Designer, Restaurant Platform

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer, Restaurant Platform

Company: OpenTable

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / User Experience

Date Posted: May 19, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (In office 2 days per week)

🚀 Role Summary

• Design critical user experiences for OpenTable's restaurant partners and internal teams, focusing on onboarding, reporting, security, and API integrations.

• Drive end-to-end product design initiatives, from user research and concept development to high-fidelity prototyping and implementation.

• Champion user-centric design principles, balancing the needs of restaurant owners and staff with robust business objectives.

• Foster a collaborative design environment, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and fellow Designers to deliver scalable and impactful solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the B2B platform powering OpenTable's restaurant partners, requiring a deep understanding of complex workflows and enterprise-level user experiences, distinct from consumer-facing product design. The emphasis on APIs and integrations suggests a need for a designer comfortable with technical systems and their user implications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on core features for the Restaurant Platform, including onboarding flows, reporting dashboards, security protocols, and partner-facing tools.

• Plan, conduct, and synthesize user research with restaurant owners, staff, and internal stakeholders to identify pain points and uncover opportunities for design innovation.

• Translate research findings and business requirements into intuitive, evidence-based design solutions, creating wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Lead and facilitate cross-functional workshops to align on design strategy, gather feedback, and drive consensus on complex design challenges.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure the successful implementation of designs, providing clear specifications and design support throughout the development lifecycle.

• Advocate for the user throughout the product development process, negotiating priorities and breaking down design work into measurable outcomes.

• Integrate AI tools and methodologies into the design process to enhance efficiency, speed up outcomes, and explore innovative solutions.

• Contribute to the evolution of OpenTable's design system and best practices, ensuring consistency and scalability across the platform.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibility of "designing core experiences" for B2B users, including APIs and partner tools, indicates a need for a designer with a strong systems-thinking mindset and comfort with technical concepts. The role requires not just creating interfaces but understanding the underlying business logic and technical constraints of a platform serving businesses.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design (e.g., Graphic Design, Interaction Design, UX Design), Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is highly recommended for this level of role.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in product design, with a significant portion dedicated to B2B environments or complex workflow design.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in end-to-end product design, from concept to launch, with a strong portfolio.

• Demonstrated experience designing for B2B platforms or solving highly complex, multi-step workflows.

• Proficiency in user research methodologies, including planning, facilitation, synthesis, and translating findings into actionable design.

• Strong systems thinking capabilities, enabling the design of interconnected features and scalable solutions.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma and other industry-standard prototyping and design tools.

• Excellent visual and interaction design skills, with a keen eye for detail and user experience best practices.

• Experience leading and facilitating workshops with cross-functional partners (Product, Engineering, Research, etc.).

• Ability to manage time effectively, self-direct work, and meet agreed-upon deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders.

• Experience working effectively within remote or hybrid team structures.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience designing for integrations and APIs.

• Familiarity with the hospitality or restaurant technology industry.

• Experience contributing to or leading the development of design systems.

• Understanding of agile development methodologies.

• Experience with data analysis and using metrics to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5 years of professional experience" and emphasis on leading research and workshops suggest this role is for a designer ready to take ownership and drive initiatives, not just execute tasks. The preference for B2B or complex workflow experience is a critical differentiator for candidates.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant product design projects, with at least one project demonstrating experience with B2B platforms or complex, multi-stage workflows.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, highlighting end-to-end design ownership.

• Demonstrate a systematic approach to problem-solving, including your research process, ideation, design iterations, and final solutions.

• Include examples of user research conducted, synthesis of findings, and how these insights directly influenced design decisions.

• Present wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to illustrate your design capabilities.

• If applicable, include examples of API integrations or technical system design challenges you've addressed.

Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline the design process followed for each case study, emphasizing stages like discovery, definition, ideation, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

• Detail how you gathered requirements, conducted user research, and synthesized information to inform your design direction.

• Explain your approach to user testing and how feedback was incorporated to refine the design.

• Describe how you collaborated with cross-functional teams (Product Managers, Engineers) throughout the design lifecycle.

• Illustrate how you measured the success or impact of your designs, ideally with quantifiable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the B2B focus and complex workflows, the portfolio should strongly emphasize strategic thinking, problem decomposition, and the ability to navigate technical constraints. A project demonstrating experience with APIs or integrations would be a significant advantage. The inclusion of AI in workflows is a new, but important, element to highlight.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in London with 5+ years of experience, particularly in B2B SaaS or complex platforms, the estimated salary range is approximately £65,000 - £90,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the hybrid work model, the specific industry (hospitality tech), and the responsibilities outlined.

Benefits:

• Work Flexibility: Option to work remotely for up to 20 days per year, providing flexibility for personal needs or travel.

• Generous Time Off: Paid parental leave, ample vacation, and dedicated time off for your birthday.

• Comprehensive Health: Private health and dental insurance coverage.

• Mental Health & Well-being Focus:

  • Company-paid therapy sessions via SpringHealth.
  • Company-paid subscription to Headspace for mindfulness and meditation.
  • Annual company-wide week off for complete team recharge.

• Community & Growth:

  • Paid volunteer time to give back to the community.
  • Dedicated "Development Dollars" for professional growth.
  • Access to leadership development programs.
  • Extensive library of thousands of on-demand e-learning courses.

• Commuting & Travel:

  • Travel Discounts.
  • Bike2Work scheme.
  • Season ticket loan for public transportation.

• Support & Inclusion:

  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for community building.
  • Income protection and life assurance for peace of mind.
  • Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 GP access and free legal advice.

• Financial: Pension plan contributions.

• Lifestyle: Discounted gym membership, social events, and Thursday happy hours.

• On-site Perks: Free lunch provided two days per week when in the office.

Working Hours: While the role is full-time (typically 40 hours per week), OpenTable acknowledges that global operations may require occasional communication outside of standard business hours to collaborate with international colleagues, respond to urgent restaurant partner needs, or address critical issues. Flexibility will be provided, consistent with local laws and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on London market rates for a Senior Product Designer with the specified experience and B2B focus. The extensive benefits package highlights OpenTable's commitment to employee well-being, professional development, and work-life balance, which are attractive factors for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Hospitality Technology and SaaS. OpenTable operates within the dynamic intersection of food service and digital platforms, aiming to enhance restaurant operations and diner experiences. This industry requires adaptability to technological advancements and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the restaurant sector.

Company Size: OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, Inc., a large, established global travel technology company. While OpenTable itself operates as a significant entity, its integration within a larger corporation suggests access to extensive resources and a structured corporate environment, while potentially maintaining a degree of autonomy for its product teams.

Founded: OpenTable was founded in 1998, bringing over 25 years of experience to the restaurant technology market. This longevity signifies stability, a deep understanding of the industry, and a proven track record of innovation and adaptation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within broader Product or Engineering departments.

• This Senior Designer will collaborate closely with Product Managers, other Product Designers, UX Researchers, and Software Engineers.

• The structure is likely agile and cross-functional, emphasizing iterative development and close collaboration between design, product, and engineering.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research, analytics, and evidence-based decision-making to inform design solutions.

• User-Centricity: A core philosophy of understanding and prioritizing the needs of both diners and restaurant partners.

• Iterative Development: Employing agile methodologies to continuously refine and improve product features based on feedback and performance data.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encouraging cross-functional teamwork to tackle complex challenges and ensure holistic product development.

• Systems Thinking: Designing with an awareness of how different components of the platform interact and how changes can impact the broader ecosystem.

Company Website: https://www.opentable.com/ and https://www.opentable.design/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history in the hospitality tech space provides a strong foundation for understanding user needs. The emphasis on collaboration and data-driven design aligns with typical expectations for senior roles in modern tech companies. The integration with Booking Holdings suggests a robust, potentially global, operational framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires a significant degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead design initiatives. Professionals at this level are expected to mentor junior designers, influence product strategy, and manage complex design challenges independently.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Lead Product Designer, or Head of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their specific product area (Restaurant Platform).

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's impact is critical to the success of OpenTable's restaurant partners. By designing intuitive and efficient tools for onboarding, operations, reporting, and partner management, they directly influence:

• Restaurant partner satisfaction and retention.

• The efficiency and profitability of restaurant businesses using OpenTable.

• The seamless integration of restaurants into the OpenTable ecosystem.

• The overall scalability and effectiveness of the Restaurant Platform.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to advance into Lead Product Designer or Design Manager roles, overseeing teams and influencing design strategy across multiple product areas.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in B2B design, complex systems, API design, or user research within the hospitality tech domain.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or related roles by leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and business strategy.

• Mentorship: Guide and mentor junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

• Continuous Learning: Access to "Development Dollars," extensive e-learning resources, and leadership development programs to continuously enhance skills and knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies expectations of leadership, mentorship, and strategic contribution beyond individual design execution. The growth paths are typical for experienced designers in tech, emphasizing progression within design, product, or management tracks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in London and operates under a hybrid model, requiring 2 days per week in the office, specifically Wednesdays and Thursdays. This suggests a modern office environment designed for collaboration, with meeting rooms, co-working spaces, and amenities to support in-person teamwork.

Office Location(s): Specific office location(s) in London are not detailed but are expected to be accessible via public transport, aligning with typical urban office environments.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model is designed to foster in-person collaboration, team building, and spontaneous problem-solving on designated office days.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design and prototyping tools (Figma), collaboration platforms (Slack, Zoom), and potentially internal OpenTable systems.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with colleagues from various departments, fostering a holistic understanding of the business and product development process.

• Global Mindset: The role acknowledges working with a global team, implying a need for asynchronous communication skills and an understanding of different time zones.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. However, the company notes that occasional communication outside regular hours may be necessary due to the global nature of the business and the need to support restaurant partners across different time zones and urgent issues. This flexibility is balanced with adherence to local labor laws.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key characteristic, indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The acknowledgment of global operations implies that communication tools and practices will support asynchronous work.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application, focusing on your resume and portfolio.

• Portfolio Review & Initial Call: A more in-depth review of your portfolio, followed by a call to discuss your experience, design philosophy, and suitability for the role. This stage often includes initial behavioral and situational questions.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio or complete a take-home design exercise. This will be evaluated on your problem-solving approach, design process, user advocacy, and ability to articulate your rationale.

• Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other Designers. These sessions will assess your collaboration skills, technical understanding, and how you integrate into the team.

• Hiring Manager/Senior Leadership Interview: A final interview to discuss strategic fit, leadership potential, and overall alignment with OpenTable's culture and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your B2B/complex workflow experience, systems thinking, and end-to-end design capabilities.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the impact of your work. Use visuals effectively to support your narrative.

• Highlight Research & Synthesis: Emphasize how user research informed your design decisions. Show your process of synthesizing findings and translating them into actionable design solutions.

• Demonstrate Technical Aptitude: If you have projects involving APIs, integrations, or complex technical systems, showcase them. Explain how you approached designing for these constraints.

• Showcase AI Integration: If you've used AI in your design workflows, be prepared to discuss how it improved your process or outcomes.

• Clarity & Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is easy to navigate and your explanations are clear and to the point. Provide password access if necessary.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly understand the business goals and user needs presented.

• Structure Your Approach: Outline your process, including research, ideation, design exploration, and validation steps.

• Focus on Process: Hiring managers are looking for how you think and solve problems, not just a polished final UI.

• User Advocacy: Demonstrate how you would champion the user's needs throughout the process.

• Stakeholder Management: Be prepared to discuss how you would gather feedback and align with stakeholders.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, think about how you would measure the success of your proposed solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "password to your portfolio" and a "PDF or link" suggests a formal submission process. The inclusion of AI in workflows as a requirement means candidates should be prepared to discuss this explicitly in their portfolio and interviews.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as an area of expertise. This will be the primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma covers prototyping, familiarity with other tools like InVision, Axure, or Adobe XD might be beneficial for specific use cases or historical projects.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting remote interviews, usability testing, and surveys (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, SurveyMonkey).

• Collaboration & Communication: Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides), Confluence.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with how to interpret data from platforms like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel would be advantageous for understanding user behavior and informing design decisions.

• Data Visualization Tools: Experience with tools for creating dashboards or reports to present findings (e.g., Tableau, Looker Studio, or even advanced Figma features).

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: Understanding of how CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) function and how design impacts CRM workflows might be relevant, especially for internal tools or partner management.

• API Design Concepts: While not a direct tool, a strong conceptual understanding of APIs and how they facilitate integrations is crucial for designing partner tools and platform integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the key tool to highlight. Proficiency in user research platforms and general collaboration tools is also essential. Understanding how design integrates with analytics and CRM systems demonstrates a holistic approach to product development.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hospitality: A core value extending beyond customer service to how teams treat each other and work together. This implies a supportive, empathetic, and collaborative environment.

• User Focus: Deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of both diners and restaurant partners, driving design decisions based on user insights.

• Innovation: Encouraging new ideas and embracing technological advancements, such as AI, to improve products and processes.

• Collaboration: Working effectively across teams and disciplines to achieve shared goals, valuing diverse perspectives.

• Impact: Driving meaningful improvements that contribute to the success of restaurants and the OpenTable platform, measured through quantifiable outcomes.

• Curiosity & Learning: A culture that encourages asking questions, seeking feedback, and continuously developing skills.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is deeply integrated with Product Management and Engineering, with regular touchpoints and shared ownership of product success.

• Feedback-Driven: An open culture where constructive feedback is welcomed and actively sought from peers and stakeholders to refine designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of insights, best practices, and lessons learned across design and product teams.

• Data-Informed Discussions: Using data and research findings as a foundation for design discussions and decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hospitality" value is central to OpenTable's identity and likely permeates how teams interact. The emphasis on user focus, collaboration, and innovation aligns with modern tech company values, with a specific application to the B2B restaurant platform context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complexity: The Restaurant Platform involves intricate workflows for restaurant operations, reporting, and partner management, requiring a sophisticated approach to user experience design.

• Balancing Stakeholder Needs: Effectively balancing the diverse needs of restaurant owners, staff, internal teams, and OpenTable's business objectives.

• Technical Constraints & Integrations: Designing solutions that are feasible within technical limitations and can integrate seamlessly with existing systems and APIs.

• Driving AI Adoption: Successfully integrating AI tools into the design workflow and potentially designing AI-powered features for users, requiring adaptation and learning.

• Hybrid Team Dynamics: Maintaining strong collaboration and cohesion within a hybrid work environment across different time zones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to master complex B2B design, systems architecture, and potentially AI-driven design tools.

• Industry Expertise: Deepening knowledge of the restaurant technology landscape and the specific challenges faced by businesses in this sector.

• Leadership Skills: Developing mentorship, facilitation, and strategic influence capabilities through hands-on experience and dedicated programs.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gaining a deeper understanding of product management, engineering, and business strategy through close collaboration.

• Formal Training: Access to "Development Dollars" and a vast library of e-learning resources for targeted skill enhancement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges stem from the complexity of the B2B platform and the evolving technological landscape (AI). The growth opportunities are geared towards developing leadership and specialized expertise within a stable, established company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, multi-step workflow. What was your process, and how did you ensure usability?" (Focus on process, user research, and problem decomposition.)

• "How do you balance the needs of different user groups (e.g., restaurant owners vs. staff) and business goals when making design decisions?" (Highlight negotiation skills, user advocacy, and strategic thinking.)

• "Tell me about a project where you incorporated AI into your design process. What tools did you use, and what was the impact?" (Be prepared to discuss specific AI applications in design workflow.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about OpenTable and the Restaurant Platform specifically?" (Research OpenTable's mission, recent news, and the challenges in the hospitality tech industry.)

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid team environment?" (Discuss your strategies for effective collaboration and communication.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, follow a clear problem-solution-impact structure.

• Emphasize Your Role: Clearly define your contributions, especially if you worked in a team.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mocks, prototypes) to illustrate your design thinking and solutions.

• Explain Your "Why": Articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, linking them back to user research and business goals.

• Discuss Trade-offs: Be prepared to talk about design compromises you had to make and why.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• AI Integration: Explicitly walk through any instances where AI was used in your workflow and the benefits derived.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of B2B design principles, complex system thinking, and practical application of user research. The specific mention of AI integration means candidates must be ready to discuss their experience with it.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job board.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio clearly highlights at least one B2B or complex workflow design project. Tailor your case study descriptions to emphasize your end-to-end ownership, research methodology, and problem-solving approach.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to prominently feature your 5+ years of product design experience, specific mentions of B2B design, complex workflows, user research leadership, and proficiency in Figma. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your chosen portfolio case studies, focusing on articulating your process, design rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss AI integration in your workflows.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with OpenTable's mission, values, and the challenges within the hospitality technology sector. Understand their hybrid work model and commitment to employee well-being.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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