Senior Product Designer, Restaurant Platform

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer, Restaurant Platform

Company: OpenTable

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-05-26T10:19:50

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and enhance core user experiences for OpenTable's Restaurant Platform, focusing on B2B stakeholders including restaurant partners and internal teams.

• Drive end-to-end product design processes, from user research and ideation to high-fidelity prototyping and implementation, ensuring solutions meet both user needs and critical business objectives.

• Champion a systems-thinking approach to tackle complex workflows, integrations, and API functionalities, ensuring scalability and user-centricity across the platform.

• Collaborate deeply with cross-functional teams, including Product Management, Engineering, and Research, to deliver practical, high-quality, and innovative design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is for a Senior Product Designer focused on the B2B aspect of OpenTable's platform, specifically the Restaurant Platform. The emphasis is on designing for restaurant partners and internal users, implying a need for expertise in complex workflows, B2B SaaS design, and potentially integrations/APIs.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design the core user experiences for restaurant partners and internal teams, encompassing onboarding, reporting dashboards, security features, and API integrations.

• Lead and facilitate user research initiatives, including planning, conducting interviews with restaurant owners/staff, and synthesizing findings into actionable design recommendations and strategic direction.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers to define product requirements, iterate on design concepts, and ensure seamless execution of design solutions.

• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of restaurant operations and business needs to inform design decisions and advocate for user pain points.

• Champion product concepts that balance customer needs with critical business goals, ensuring designs are practical, scalable, and high-quality.

• Utilize Figma and other prototyping tools to create wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups for design validation and stakeholder communication.

• Incorporate AI into design workflows to enhance efficiency and improve design outcomes, staying abreast of emerging design technologies and methodologies.

• Negotiate, prioritize, and break down design work into measurable outcomes, effectively advocating for the user throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Lead and facilitate workshops with cross-functional partners to drive alignment, gather insights, and co-create design solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a senior-level role requiring leadership in user research, cross-functional collaboration, and end-to-end design ownership, particularly for complex B2B workflows and platform integrations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is often preferred for senior roles in this domain. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on B2B experiences or solving for highly complex workflows.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end product design, from concept to launch.

• Proven experience designing for B2B experiences or complex workflow-driven applications.

• Exceptional portfolio showcasing a breadth of product design work, with a focus on problem-solving and user-centric solutions.

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

• Strong visual and interaction design skills, with a keen eye for detail and usability.

• Proficiency in leading and facilitating user research initiatives, including planning, participant recruitment, interviewing, and synthesis.

• Experience leading and facilitating workshops with cross-functional partners.

• Systems thinking capabilities to understand and design for interconnected components and complex integrations.

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

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

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience with integrations and APIs.

• Familiarity with AI applications to improve design processes and outcomes.

• Experience in the hospitality technology or SaaS industry.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical experience and a strong portfolio, particularly for B2B and complex workflows. The inclusion of AI in workflows and API experience as preferred skills highlights the evolving nature of product design and OpenTable's technical landscape.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of product design experience, with a clear focus on B2B applications or complex workflow solutions.

• Showcase end-to-end design projects, illustrating your process from problem definition and user research to ideation, prototyping, and final design output.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to tackle complex design challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions in each project, especially in collaborative environments.

• Present examples of user research methodologies employed and how insights translated into design decisions.

• Provide evidence of systems thinking, particularly in designing for interconnected features, integrations, or APIs.

• Include examples of workshop facilitation and cross-functional collaboration.

• Demonstrate proficiency with design tools like Figma, showcasing your interaction and visual design skills.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should detail the design process followed, including problem framing, user research methods, ideation techniques, iteration cycles, and final design solutions.

• Clearly outline the business goals and user needs addressed by each project.

• Quantify impact where possible, illustrating improvements in user engagement, efficiency, or other relevant metrics.

• Showcase the ability to break down complex problems into manageable design steps and articulate trade-offs considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are critical for this role, demanding evidence of complex B2B design, robust research capabilities, and a structured approach to problem-solving. Demonstrating systems thinking and AI integration will be advantageous.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $165,000 - $205,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year, offering significant location flexibility.

• Comprehensive mental health and well-being support, including company-paid therapy sessions (SpringHealth) and a Headspace subscription.

• Unique benefit of an annual company-wide week off, allowing the entire team to recharge without work backlog.

• Generous paid parental leave.

• Paid vacation time, including 5 weeks of paid vacation and additional time off for your birthday.

• Paid volunteer time to support community initiatives.

• Focus on career growth with "Development Dollars," leadership development programs, and access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings.

• Travel Discounts.

• Employee Resource Groups to foster community and belonging.

• Private health & dental insurance.

• Income protection and life assurance for financial security.

• Employee Assistance Program offering 24/7 GP access and free legal advice.

• Pension plan contributions.

• Discounted gym membership.

• Bike2Work scheme for sustainable commuting.

• Season ticket loan for public transportation.

• Social events and regular happy hours to foster team camaraderie.

• Free lunch provided 2 days per week.

• Eligibility for an annual bonus and equity grant.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for global collaboration and urgent matters outside conventional business hours, as per local laws and regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Senior Product Designer role in New York City. The benefits package is extensive, with a strong emphasis on employee well-being, work-life balance, and professional development, which are attractive perks for operations and design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Hospitality Technology / SaaS. OpenTable operates within the dynamic intersection of the restaurant industry and technology, providing critical software solutions for restaurants to manage reservations, operations, and customer engagement.

Company Size: OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), a large, publicly traded company. OpenTable itself likely operates as a significant division with a substantial number of employees, fostering a global team environment.

Founded: OpenTable was founded in 1998, bringing over 25 years of industry experience and leadership in online restaurant reservations and management.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is integrated within a larger product development organization, likely comprising multiple design pods or squads, each focused on specific platform areas.

• Designers collaborate closely with dedicated Product Managers and Engineering teams, forming cross-functional units focused on delivering specific product features or improvements.

Methodology:

• OpenTable emphasizes a user-centric design approach, driven by research and data to understand the needs of both diners and restaurant partners.

• The company values collaboration, encouraging cross-functional teams to work together to solve complex problems.

• Design processes likely involve agile methodologies, with iterative development and continuous feedback loops.

• There's an explicit mention of incorporating AI into workflows, indicating a forward-thinking approach to design processes and tools.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: OpenTable's culture is rooted in hospitality, extending to its internal employee experience. The company's long history provides a stable foundation, while its integration into Booking Holdings suggests access to resources and a global perspective. The focus on cross-functional collaboration and user-centric design is standard for leading tech companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as a Senior Product Designer. This level signifies a high degree of autonomy, responsibility for complex projects, and the ability to mentor junior designers. Senior designers are expected to lead design strategy for their product areas, influence product roadmaps, and contribute to the overall design vision.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead, working within a product team that includes Product Managers and Engineers. This structure facilitates close collaboration and direct impact on product development.

Operations Impact: This role has a significant impact on the operational efficiency and success of restaurant partners by designing intuitive and powerful tools. It also influences the internal operations of OpenTable by streamlining partner management, reporting, and API integrations, directly contributing to platform scalability and partner satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in B2B SaaS design, complex enterprise workflows, or specific areas like restaurant operations technology.

• Leadership: Potential to move into a Lead Product Designer role, managing a design team or a larger product area, or transition into management roles within product or design.

• Skill Development: Access to "Development Dollars," leadership training, and extensive e-learning resources supports continuous learning in design craft, strategy, and emerging technologies like AI.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Working across diverse product teams and with various stakeholders provides broad exposure to different facets of the business.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Senior Product Designer title implies a significant level of responsibility and influence. The growth opportunities are well-defined, offering clear paths for both individual contribution advancement and leadership development within the design and product organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: OpenTable offers a hybrid work environment. While specific office details are not provided, the company emphasizes a global and dynamic work environment, suggesting modern office spaces designed for collaboration when employees are on-site.

Office Location(s): The primary location listed is New York, NY. However, the "Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year" benefit suggests flexibility for employees based in other approved locations as well.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model encourages a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative team sessions (in-office or virtual).

• Teams are accustomed to working with remote colleagues, indicating a strong reliance on digital collaboration tools and effective communication practices.

• The presence of AI in design workflows suggests access to modern design technology and a culture that embraces innovation.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week is the baseline, but the company acknowledges the need for flexibility to accommodate global teams and urgent operational needs across different time zones. This means occasional communication or availability outside traditional hours may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid setup and "work from anywhere" benefit are key features, appealing to professionals seeking flexibility. The acknowledgement of global operations implies a mature remote collaboration culture.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review your resume and portfolio for a preliminary fit based on experience and design craft.

• Portfolio Presentation: Expect to present a curated selection of your work, focusing on 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your senior-level capabilities in B2B design, complex workflows, user research, and problem-solving. Be prepared to walk through your design process, rationale, and outcomes.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be given a design challenge or asked to present a deeper dive into a specific case study, focusing on your strategic thinking, problem-solving approach, and ability to articulate design decisions clearly.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers will assess your collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to work effectively within a team.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or design lead will focus on leadership potential, cultural fit, strategic alignment, and overall suitability for the senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best highlight your experience with complex B2B workflows, user research, and end-to-end design ownership. Prioritize quality over quantity.

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

• Highlight B2B & Complexity: Emphasize your experience designing for business users and intricate processes. Showcase how you navigated complex requirements, integrations, or APIs.

• Demonstrate Research & Strategy: Clearly explain your user research methods and how insights informed your design decisions. Show your strategic thinking and how you balanced user needs with business goals.

• Include AI & Systems Thinking: If possible, showcase how you've used AI in your design process or demonstrate your ability to think systemically about interconnected product features.

• Clear Call to Action/Rationale: For each design decision, be ready to explain the "why" – your rationale based on user data, business objectives, or design principles.

• Password Protection: Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and provide a clear password if required.

Challenge Preparation:

• Anticipate challenges that involve designing for complex B2B scenarios, improving existing workflows, or tackling integration-related design problems.

• Practice articulating your design process and rationale concisely. Be prepared to discuss trade-offs and justify your decisions.

• Understand OpenTable's business and its restaurant partners to frame your solutions within their context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to thoroughly assess senior-level design competencies, with a strong emphasis on portfolio quality, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities relevant to B2B product development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: This is explicitly mentioned as an area of expertise. It will be used for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design sessions.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, experience with other prototyping tools (e.g., InVision, Principle, Adobe XD) may be beneficial for specific use cases or legacy workflows.

• Design Systems Tools: Familiarity with managing and contributing to design systems (e.g., Storybook, Zeroheight) is often expected for senior designers to ensure consistency and scalability.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Web Analytics Tools: Experience with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to understand user behavior and track the impact of design changes.

• Data Visualization Tools: Familiarity with tools that allow for quick data analysis and reporting, even if not directly used by design, helps in understanding performance metrics.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct requirement for design, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce) integrate with platforms and impact user workflows can be advantageous for B2B design.

• API Concepts: Understanding API functionalities is a plus, as the role involves designing for integrations and partner tools that leverage APIs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is a core technical requirement. The mention of APIs and the B2B context suggests an understanding of how design interfaces with technical integrations and data flows is highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Hospitality: A core value that extends to how employees treat each other and their partners. This translates to empathy, helpfulness, and a focus on creating positive experiences.

• User-Centricity: Deep understanding of diner and restaurant partner needs is paramount, driving design and product decisions.

• Collaboration: OpenTable fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional teams work together to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Willingness to embrace new technologies (like AI), adapt to market changes, and continuously improve processes and products.

• Impact & Ownership: Taking pride in the tangible