Senior Product Designer, Sportsbook
š Job Overview
Job Title: Senior Product Designer, Sportsbook
Company: Kaizen Gaming
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: 2026-05-07
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid
š Role Summary
-
Drive the evolution and maintenance of a comprehensive design system for web and mobile applications within the Sportsbook product.
-
Lead the end-to-end design process for new features and product enhancements, from initial ideation through to high-fidelity prototyping and implementation.
-
Foster strong collaborative relationships with Product Owners, Engineers, Researchers, and Commercial Stakeholders to ensure cohesive and user-centric product experiences.
-
Contribute to and leverage user research findings to inform design decisions and validate solutions, ensuring a deep understanding of user needs and behaviors.
-
Architect and build reusable design components within the design system, ensuring product consistency, scalability, and efficient development handoff.
š Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for significant autonomy, project leadership, and the ability to mentor or guide less experienced designers. The focus on "Sportsbook" and "GameTech" suggests a fast-paced, transaction-intensive environment where performance, user engagement, and conversion optimization are critical design considerations.
š Primary Responsibilities
-
Lead the research, ideation, and conceptualization phases for new product features and improvements, with a strong emphasis on user-centered design principles.
-
Develop and maintain detailed user flows, wireframes, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes for both web and mobile platforms, ensuring alignment with business objectives and user needs.
-
Actively contribute to and champion the company's design system, creating new components, updating existing ones, and ensuring adherence to established guidelines for consistency and scalability.
-
Annotate design deliverables meticulously to provide clear specifications and intent to the development team, facilitating smooth and accurate implementation.
-
Collaborate closely with front-end engineers to ensure seamless integration of design components into code, fostering a strong designer-developer partnership.
-
Participate in and lead usability testing sessions, gathering user feedback to iterate and refine designs, thereby improving the overall user experience and product effectiveness.
-
Support product managers and commercial stakeholders by translating business requirements into intuitive and engaging user interfaces.
-
Engage in weekly design chapter meetings to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and continuously improve design processes and methodologies.
š Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on role in design execution, component building, and direct collaboration with engineering. The mention of "Norman Nielsen certification" suggests a commitment to rigorous UX principles and potentially opportunities for professional development in that area.
š Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in designing user interfaces and experiences for web and mobile applications.
Required Skills:
-
Proven expertise in industry-standard design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, ProtoPie, or similar.
-
Demonstrated technical experience in the creation, maintenance, and scaling of Design Systems, including the development of well-structured, reusable components.
-
Strong understanding of user-centered design principles, UX best practices, and user research methodologies.
-
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing the design process from concept through to successful completion.
-
Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working effectively within cross-functional teams (Product Owners, Developers, Product Managers, Researchers).
-
Proficiency in creating detailed design artifacts, including user flows, wireframes, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes.
Preferred Skills:
-
Prior experience designing for Sportsbook, Sports Betting, or other transaction-intensive industries (e.g., Fin-Tech).
-
Genuine interest in sports betting or related fields.
-
Basic knowledge and practical application of Usability Testing and A/B Testing principles.
-
A proactive, problem-solving mindset with a drive for innovation and challenging conventional approaches.
-
Meticulous attention to detail, combined with the ability to maintain a clear vision of the overall product strategy.
-
Aptitude for rapid learning and adaptation in a fast-paced environment.
š Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level indicated by AI suggests that candidates with extensive experience in design systems and complex product environments will be highly considered. The preferred skills highlight a desire for domain expertise and adaptability, which are crucial in the dynamic iGaming sector.
š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate end-to-end product design experience for web and/or mobile applications.
-
Highlight projects specifically involving the creation, contribution to, or significant utilization of a Design System, detailing component architecture and scalability considerations.
-
Include case studies that illustrate your problem-solving process, user research methods, design iterations, and final outcomes, emphasizing user-centric decision-making.
-
For each project, clearly articulate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions designed, and the impact of your design decisions, ideally with quantifiable results.
Process Documentation:
-
Projects should clearly outline the design process followed, including research, ideation, prototyping, user testing, and collaboration with engineering.
-
Showcase examples of how you have documented design specifications and component details for developer handoff, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
-
Include examples of how user feedback and research findings were integrated into design iterations to improve user experience and product performance.
-
Demonstrate an understanding of agile methodologies, such as sprint-based workflows, and how design integrates within these cycles.
š Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is essential for this role. Candidates should focus on showcasing their expertise in design systems and their ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces within a high-transaction environment. Demonstrating a structured approach to design and a collaborative spirit is key.
šµ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Given the Senior level, location (Lisbon, Portugal), and industry (iGaming/GameTech), a competitive salary range is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in major European tech hubs, a range of ā¬45,000 to ā¬70,000 per year is a reasonable estimate. This range can vary based on specific experience, skill set, and negotiation.
Benefits:
-
Hybrid Way of Working: Offers flexibility to balance office and remote work.
-
Onboarding Buddy: Provides support and guidance during the initial integration period.
-
Competitive Pay & Bonus Scheme: Reflects the company's commitment to rewarding performance and contribution.
-
Private Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the employee and their family.
-
Monthly Meal Allowance: A financial contribution towards daily expenses.
-
Developmental 360° Feedback Framework: Supports continuous professional growth and performance evaluation.
-
Unlimited Access to Udemy & Continuous Training: Provides extensive opportunities for skill development and learning.
-
High-End Hardware: Access to top-tier equipment (2.5K Monitor, i7 processor, SSD) to support productivity.
Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with standard full-time employment. The hybrid model suggests flexibility in structuring these hours.
š Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on aggregated data for Senior Product Designer roles in Lisbon, considering the tech and iGaming sectors. Salary ranges can fluctuate significantly, and candidates should research current market rates for similar roles in Portugal. The benefits package is robust, emphasizing employee well-being and professional development.
šÆ Team & Company Context
š¢ Company Culture
Industry: GameTech / iGaming (Sports Betting & Entertainment). Kaizen Gaming operates in a highly dynamic and competitive sector, driven by technology, user engagement, and data analytics. The company's focus on cutting-edge technology and customer experience is central to its operations.
Company Size: Over 2,700 employees, operating in 20 markets across 3 continents. This indicates a large, established, and globally recognized organization with significant resources and a complex operational structure.
Founded: The company's founding date is not explicitly stated, but its current scale suggests a well-established history of growth and market penetration.
Team Structure:
-
The Product Design team operates within a centralized model, serving various development teams. This structure allows for specialized expertise and consistent design standards across the organization.
-
Designers collaborate closely with Product Owners, Product Managers, Engineers, and Commercial Stakeholders, forming cross-functional teams for project delivery.
Methodology:
-
Design work is structured around two-week sprints, ensuring a defined workflow and documented process.
-
Emphasis is placed on user-oriented design, research, and iterative development.
-
The company invests in professional development, including access to training platforms and potentially certifications like Norman Nielsen.
Company Website: https://careers.kaizengaming.com/
š Enhancement Note: Kaizen Gaming's culture appears to be a blend of a fast-paced, high-performance tech environment with a strong emphasis on employee well-being and development, as evidenced by their certifications and benefits. The centralized design model suggests a strategic approach to design operations, aiming for efficiency and consistency.
š Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Senior Product Designer," signifying a level of expertise and responsibility beyond junior or mid-level positions. Senior designers are expected to lead projects, contribute significantly to design systems, and potentially mentor junior team members. They are key contributors to product strategy and execution.
Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, a Senior Product Designer typically reports to a Design Lead, Head of Product Design, or a Product Manager overseeing a specific product area. They work closely with development teams and product management.
Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the user experience of the Sportsbook product, influencing customer engagement, retention, and conversion rates. By contributing to a robust design system and user-centric design, this role supports the company's business objectives in a highly competitive market.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Design System Leadership: Opportunities to take ownership of specific areas within the design system, driving its architecture and future development.
-
Skill Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in areas like user research, interaction design, or animation, or to specialize further in transaction-heavy product design.
-
Mentorship & Leadership: As a senior member, opportunities to mentor junior designers and contribute to the overall growth and strategy of the design team.
-
Cross-Industry Experience: Gaining valuable experience in the iGaming sector, which can be transferable to other fast-paced, data-driven industries like FinTech.
-
Professional Development: Access to continuous training and potential for industry certifications, enhancing career progression.
š Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a career path that involves taking on more complex challenges, leading initiatives, and potentially moving towards a Lead or Principal Designer role, or into Product Management with a strong design foundation.
š Work Environment
Office Type: The company offers a "Hybrid Way of Working," indicating a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility. This suggests a modern work environment that values both in-person synergy and individual productivity.
Office Location(s): The primary location mentioned is Lisbon, Portugal. Kaizen Gaming has offices across multiple continents, but this specific role is based in Lisbon.
Workspace Context:
-
The Lisbon office likely provides a collaborative workspace designed to facilitate interaction among design, product, and engineering teams.
-
Employees will have access to high-end hardware and necessary tools to perform their design tasks effectively, supporting a productive work environment.
-
The hybrid model allows for a balance, enabling designers to leverage office resources for team collaboration and strategic discussions while working remotely for focused design tasks.
-
The company emphasizes a "one team" culture, suggesting an environment where collaboration and mutual support are encouraged.
Work Schedule: The standard full-time workweek is approximately 40 hours. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in daily scheduling, though adherence to sprint cycles and team meetings will define core working hours.
š Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, appealing to professionals seeking work-life balance. The focus on collaborative spaces within the office supports the company's team-oriented culture.
š Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and relevant experience, particularly in design systems and product design.
-
Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: An opportunity to present your work, focusing on key projects that showcase your design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with design systems. Be prepared to discuss your role, design decisions, and outcomes.
-
Technical/Design Challenge: Potentially a practical exercise or case study designed to evaluate your problem-solving abilities, design thinking, and approach to specific design challenges relevant to the Sportsbook product.
-
Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and cultural fit within the 'one team' environment.
-
Final Interview: A discussion with hiring leadership to confirm overall fit and suitability for the Senior Product Designer role.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Highlight Design System Expertise: Dedicate significant space to projects showcasing your work on design systems. Detail your contributions to component architecture, scalability, and consistency.
-
Showcase Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process (research, ideation, iteration), and how your solutions addressed the user and business needs.
-
Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the positive impact of your designs on user behavior, engagement, or business goals.
-
Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and that your role and contributions are clearly defined for each project.
-
Tool Proficiency: Visually demonstrate your proficiency with tools like Figma, Sketch, and ProtoPie through the quality and complexity of your prototypes and deliverables.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Research Kaizen Gaming's products (Betano) and the iGaming industry to understand the competitive landscape and user expectations.
-
Familiarize yourself with common design challenges in high-transaction platforms, focusing on usability, speed, and conversion optimization.
-
Be ready to articulate your design process and defend your design decisions, emphasizing how you would approach a problem, gather requirements, and collaborate with a team.
-
Prepare to discuss your experience with design systems and how you would maintain or evolve one in a fast-paced environment.
š Enhancement Note: The interview process likely emphasizes practical application of design skills, a strong understanding of design systems, and collaborative capabilities. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates process and impact is crucial for advancing.
š Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Figma: Expected to be the primary tool for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration, especially given its widespread use and design system capabilities.
-
Sketch: May also be used, particularly if there's legacy work or specific team preferences.
-
ProtoPie: Likely used for advanced prototyping, enabling complex interactions and animations to test user experience thoroughly.
-
Adobe Illustrator: For creating vector graphics, icons, and other visual assets as needed.
Analytics & Reporting:
- While not explicitly listed as a design tool, a Senior Product Designer will likely interact with data from analytics platforms to inform design decisions. This could include tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or similar product analytics software.
CRM & Automation:
Design System Management:
-
Tools and methodologies for managing design tokens, component libraries, and documentation within Figma or Sketch.
-
Version control and collaboration features within design platforms are essential.
š Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is paramount. The ability to leverage advanced prototyping tools and interpret data from analytics platforms will be highly valued for a Senior Product Designer, especially in a performance-driven industry like Sportsbook.
š„ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs through thoughtful design.
-
Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and cross-functional partnerships to achieve shared goals.
-
Innovation: Encouraging new ideas, challenging the ordinary, and driving creative solutions.
-
Efficiency & Scalability: A focus on creating robust, reusable design components and streamlined processes that support growth.
-
Data-Driven Decisions: Utilizing research, testing, and analytics to inform design choices and measure impact.
Collaboration Style:
-
Cross-functional Integration: Designers work seamlessly with Product Managers, Engineers, and Researchers, forming cohesive project teams.
-
Agile Methodology: Embracing iterative development cycles (two-week sprints) and maintaining flexibility in design workflows.
-
Knowledge Sharing: Actively participating in design chapter meetings to share insights, best practices, and foster collective learning.
-
Feedback Culture: Openness to receiving and giving constructive feedback to continuously improve designs and processes.
š Enhancement Note: The "Best Workplaces" recognition and "Great Place to Work" certifications suggest a positive and supportive work culture. The emphasis on "our one team" and collaborative working styles is a strong indicator of how the company operates.
ā” Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing Innovation with Consistency: Maintaining a cutting-edge user experience while ensuring consistency across a growing product suite through the design system.
-
Rapid Iteration in a Competitive Market: Adapting designs quickly to market demands and competitor actions in the fast-paced Sportsbook industry.
-
Technical Constraints: Collaborating effectively with engineering to navigate technical limitations and find optimal design solutions.
-
Data Interpretation: Translating complex user data and A/B test results into actionable design improvements.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
Advanced Design System Development: Opportunity to shape the future of Kaizen Gaming's design system, potentially leading its evolution.
-
Domain Expertise: Deepening knowledge in the Sportsbook/iGaming sector, understanding its unique user behaviors and business drivers.
-
UX Certifications: Pursuing formal certifications, such as the mentioned Norman Nielsen, to enhance professional credibility.
-
Cross-functional Skill Development: Gaining deeper insights into product management, engineering processes, and commercial strategies through close collaboration.
-
Mentorship Programs: Opportunities to both receive mentorship and provide guidance to junior designers, fostering leadership skills.
š Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic tech environment. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for those looking to specialize in design systems or gain deep expertise in the iGaming sector.
š” Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe a time you significantly contributed to or built a design system. What were the key components, and how did you ensure its scalability and adoption?" (Focus on process, component architecture, and collaboration with developers.)
-
"Walk me through a complex product design challenge you faced for a web or mobile application. How did you approach user research, ideation, prototyping, and iteration to arrive at the final solution?" (Emphasize your problem-solving methodology and user-centric approach.)
Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What interests you about Kaizen Gaming and our Sportsbook product specifically?" (Research their market position, recent news, and competitor landscape.)
-
"How do you see yourself contributing to our 'one team' culture and our hybrid working model?" (Discuss your collaborative style and how you foster positive team dynamics.)
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Structure: Begin with an overview of your role and the project's goals. Then, delve into the problem statement, your research and ideation process, key design decisions with rationale, and finally, the outcomes and impact.
-
Design System Focus: If showcasing a design system project, clearly articulate its architecture, your specific contributions (e.g., component creation, token management), and how it benefited development efficiency and product consistency.
-
Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, interactive prototypes (if possible), and clear annotations to illustrate your work. Show iterations and explain why certain design choices were made over others.
-
Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that highlight your problem-solving skills, design thinking, and ability to deliver impactful results. Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your process and decisions.
š Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating expertise in design systems, a strong user-centered design process, and the ability to collaborate effectively in a hybrid, agile environment. Quantifiable results and clear articulation of design rationale are key.
š Application Steps
To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:
-
Submit your application through the Kaizen Gaming careers portal using the provided link.
-
Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects showcasing your experience with design systems, user research, and end-to-end product design for web and mobile applications. Highlight your contributions to component architecture and reusable design elements.
-
Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of experience, highlighting specific achievements, proficiency in industry-standard design tools (Figma, Sketch, ProtoPie), and any relevant experience in iGaming, FinTech, or high-transaction industries. Use keywords such as "Design Systems," "UX/UI Design," "Prototyping," and "Cross-functional Collaboration."
-
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale behind your design decisions, and how you approach problem-solving. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to collaboration, leadership, and dealing with constraints. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful.
-
Company Research: Thoroughly research Kaizen Gaming, its products (especially Betano), its market position, and its company culture. Understand their "one team" philosophy and their commitment to being a Great Place to Work.
ā ļø 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.
Application Requirements
Requires at least 5 years of experience in web and mobile design with professional proficiency in industry-standard tools like Figma and Sketch. Candidates must have technical expertise in creating and maintaining scalable design systems and reusable components.