Senior Product Designer - Strategic Discovery (x,f,m)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer - Strategic Discovery

Company: DKB Code Factory

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / GTM Strategy

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive strategic product discovery initiatives by translating vague ideas and complex customer problems into clear, actionable product directions.

• Lead the creation of high-fidelity prototypes, detailed product flows, and polished interfaces that embody a tangible product vision.

• Facilitate early-stage product development by framing ambiguous problems, setting hypotheses, and guiding teams from initial inquiry to a defined product path.

• Foster cross-functional alignment and collaborative innovation through the execution of workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions with Product, Research, Engineering, and Business stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly defined as a "discovery" role, not a delivery role, emphasizing a focus on the early stages of product development, concept validation, and strategic direction setting rather than ongoing feature implementation. The "x,f,m" in the title likely refers to "extra-functional," indicating a need for adaptability and breadth of responsibility across different product areas.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop high-fidelity prototypes, intricate product flows, and user interfaces that exhibit exceptional craft and attention to detail, ensuring a polished and realistic user experience.

• Transform abstract concepts and ambiguous input into bold, well-defined product ideas, demonstrating strong product thinking and a holistic approach to product design.

• Spearhead early discovery phases by effectively framing complex, undefined problems and establishing clear hypotheses to guide the product development lifecycle.

• Lead and facilitate workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions, ensuring active engagement and alignment among Product, Research, Engineering, and Business teams.

• Strategically partner with cross-functional teams to validate product concepts, gather insights, and refine product directions based on user feedback and market analysis.

• Champion a user-centered design approach throughout the discovery process, ensuring that user needs and pain points are central to all design decisions.

• Contribute to the overall product strategy by providing data-informed insights and design recommendations during the critical early stages of product ideation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design with high craft" and "turn ideas into bold concepts" suggests a need for a designer who can not only ideate but also execute designs at a high level of polish, even in the discovery phase. The explicit mention of leading "early discovery" and "facilitating alignment" highlights the strategic and collaborative nature of this role, requiring strong communication and leadership skills beyond pure design execution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong educational foundation in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, complemented by a robust portfolio, is expected.

Experience: 5-6+ years of dedicated experience in product design, with a proven track record in strategic discovery, concept development, and delivering high-quality design outcomes.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in creating high-fidelity prototypes, detailed product flows, and polished user interfaces.

• Proven ability to translate vague ideas and complex problems into clear, bold product concepts and strategic directions.

• Extensive experience in leading early-stage product discovery, including problem framing and hypothesis generation.

• Strong proficiency in facilitating workshops, design sprints, and co-creation sessions with cross-functional teams.

• Excellent product thinking capabilities, with the ability to design for the entire product lifecycle.

• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design choices and their strategic impact.

• High standards for design quality and a meticulous approach to visual design and user experience.

• Comfort and adaptability in environments with high levels of uncertainty and ambiguity.

• Fluency in English and German (C1+ proficiency). Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a "discovery team" or similar agile, cross-functional environment focused on early-stage product ideation.

• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative user research methodologies to inform design decisions.

• Experience with A/B testing and other experimentation frameworks to validate product concepts.

• A strong understanding of agile development methodologies and their application in product discovery.

• A proactive and self-driven approach to problem-solving and continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "discovery-led case studies" in the portfolio is a critical differentiator, indicating that candidates must showcase their ability to navigate ambiguity, frame problems, and drive product direction from inception, not just execute on defined requirements. The "high standards, low ego" and "comfortable with uncertainty" points suggest a need for a mature, collaborative, and adaptable individual.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of discovery-led case studies demonstrating a clear process from problem identification to a defined product direction.

• Examples showcasing the ability to transform vague input into tangible product concepts, including user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes.

• Evidence of leading or significantly contributing to workshops, design sprints, or co-creation sessions, highlighting collaborative outcomes.

• Demonstrations of strong product thinking and strategic rationale behind design decisions, particularly in early-stage product development.

• Visual examples of high-quality design craft, polish, and attention to detail in prototypes and interfaces. Process Documentation:

• Case studies that clearly articulate the problem-framing and hypothesis-testing methodologies employed.

• Documentation of how user research and feedback were integrated into the discovery and design process.

• Examples of how alignment was achieved across Product, Engineering, and Business stakeholders during the discovery phase.

• Evidence of iterative design processes and how concepts were refined based on learnings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, requiring candidates to explicitly demonstrate their strategic discovery process, not just a final design output. The emphasis is on the thinking, problem-framing, and collaborative facilitation that leads to a clear product direction.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in Berlin with 5-10 years of experience, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €70,000 - €95,000 annually. This estimate considers the specialized nature of strategic discovery, the requirement for strong product thinking, and the dual language proficiency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and skill-building workshops.

• Support for personal development and career growth within the organization.

• Robust community engagement with team spirit, regular team events, and collaborative activities.

• Access to modern tools and technologies essential for design and discovery work.

• Potential for flexible working arrangements within a hybrid model.

• Contribution to a company culture that values open communication, honest feedback, and shared success.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work schedule, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility inherent in a hybrid work environment. The role's focus on discovery may also involve periods of intensive collaboration or workshop facilitation requiring adaptable scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for Senior Product Designers in major German tech hubs like Berlin, factoring in the specified experience level and the demand for bilingual candidates. The provided benefits are derived from the company's description of its culture and general offerings for full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Financial Services (DKB Code Factory is the IT service provider for DKB AG, a major German direct bank). This context implies a blend of innovative tech development with the rigor and compliance requirements of the financial sector.

Company Size: DKB Code Factory is part of the larger DKB group, indicating a significant organizational structure with ample resources and potential for impact, while the "Code Factory" itself suggests a dedicated, agile unit focused on software development and innovation.

Founded: DKB Code Factory, as the IT arm, has roots tied to the founding of DKB AG (1996), implying a stable, established organization with a forward-looking approach to digital transformation.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a dedicated "discovery team," separate from delivery teams, focusing on the nascent stages of product development.

• This team likely operates with a high degree of autonomy, collaborating closely with Product Management, Research, and Engineering leadership.

• Reporting structure is likely to a Head of Design, Director of Product, or a similar senior leadership role overseeing product innovation. Methodology:

• Emphasis on agile methodologies, design thinking, and lean product development principles.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing customer insights and market analysis to guide discovery efforts.

• Collaborative approach, with frequent cross-functional workshops and design sprints to ensure shared understanding and buy-in.

• Iterative design and validation cycles to quickly test and refine product concepts.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding DKB Code Factory's role as the IT arm of a major bank is crucial. It suggests a dynamic environment that balances startup-like innovation with the stability and scale of a large financial institution. The "discovery team" structure indicates a strategic investment in upfront product strategy and concept validation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level position, signifying a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility. It requires a seasoned professional capable of leading complex discovery initiatives and mentoring junior team members. The role demands leadership in defining product direction at its earliest stages, impacting the strategic roadmap.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Director of Product, or a similar senior leader responsible for product innovation and strategy. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, UX Researchers, Engineering Leads, and Business Stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant, as it directly influences what products and features are prioritized and built. By leading strategic discovery, the designer helps de-risk product investments, ensures alignment with customer needs and business goals, and sets the foundation for successful product development and market adoption. This role is critical in shaping the future product portfolio.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in strategic product discovery, innovation methodologies, and complex problem-solving within the FinTech domain.

• Leadership: Potential to lead larger discovery initiatives, manage design teams, or transition into Product Management or Design Strategy roles.

• Skill Development: Opportunities to gain expertise in emerging technologies, advanced prototyping tools, and cross-functional leadership through company-sponsored training and project exposure.

• Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers and contribute to the growth of the design practice within DKB Code Factory.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with "Strategic Discovery" implies a role that is not just about executing designs but about shaping the product landscape. Growth opportunities likely involve increased strategic influence, leadership, and specialization within the FinTech product space.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is described as Hybrid, suggesting a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. DKB Code Factory likely offers modern office spaces designed for collaboration, innovation, and focused work.

Office Location(s): Berlin, Germany. This vibrant tech hub provides access to a rich ecosystem of talent, innovation, and networking opportunities. The specific office environment will likely be conducive to creative work, with amenities supporting team collaboration and individual focus.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be equipped with industry-standard design tools and technologies to support high-fidelity prototyping and collaborative sessions.

• Expect a dynamic and collaborative environment where open communication and knowledge sharing are encouraged, facilitating effective cross-functional teamwork.

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely while leveraging the office for crucial team interactions, workshops, and design sprints.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, with flexibility often associated with hybrid roles. The nature of discovery work might involve adapting schedules for workshops or critical project phases, emphasizing output and collaboration over strict hourly adherence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, combined with a Berlin location, suggests a modern work environment balancing flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, particularly for the intensive nature of discovery workshops and design sprints.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with the role's requirements, particularly the focus on discovery and strategic thinking.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A dedicated session where you present your discovery-led case studies, explaining your process, strategic decisions, and outcomes. Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem framing, hypothesis testing, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Skills-Based Interview: Discussions focusing on your product thinking, design craft, facilitation skills, and comfort with ambiguity. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges or problem-solving scenarios.

• Cross-Functional Panel: Interviews with potential colleagues from Product, Engineering, and Research to assess collaboration style, communication effectiveness, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to evaluate strategic alignment, leadership potential, and overall fit for the company culture and vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Discovery: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies that showcase your strategic discovery process, not just final UI designs. Emphasize how you tackled ambiguity and defined product direction.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (sketches, user flows, prototypes, workshop outputs) to illustrate your process and thinking.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, articulate the impact of your discovery work, even if it's related to de-risking future development or defining clear buildable hypotheses.

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies with a clear narrative: the problem, your approach, your process, the solutions, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Tailor to the Role: Explicitly address the "strategic discovery" aspect and the need for high craft and bold concepts.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Framing: Practice articulating how you would approach an ambiguous problem statement.

• Workshop Design: Be ready to discuss how you would structure a workshop to elicit ideas or align stakeholders.

• Prototyping Strategy: Discuss your approach to selecting the right fidelity and tools for prototyping during discovery.

• Cross-functional Communication: Prepare examples of how you have effectively communicated complex design ideas to non-designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes portfolio review, specifically for discovery-led work. Candidates must be prepared to articulate their strategic thinking and collaborative facilitation skills beyond just visual design execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable for collaborative design and high-fidelity prototyping), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Principle, ProtoPie (for advanced interactions if needed).

• Collaboration & Ideation: Miro, Mural (essential for remote/hybrid workshops and design sprints), Confluence, Jira (for understanding development workflows).

Analytics & Reporting: While not a primary focus for this discovery role, understanding how to interpret data from tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel will be beneficial for informing discovery hypotheses and validating concepts post-launch.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to this discovery role, but awareness of how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) and marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot) can inform user understanding may be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in collaborative design tools like Figma and digital whiteboarding tools like Miro/Mural is critical given the emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and workshop facilitation in a hybrid environment.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, challenge assumptions, and deeply understand user problems and market opportunities.

• Craftsmanship: A commitment to high-quality design execution, attention to detail, and creating polished, user-friendly experiences.

• Collaboration: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the collective intelligence of cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Impact: Focusing on delivering meaningful value by ensuring that the right products are built for the right users at the right time.

• Adaptability: Embracing uncertainty and quickly learning new domains and challenges with a flexible and resilient mindset.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative and cross-functional, working closely with Product Managers, Researchers, Engineers, and Business Stakeholders.

• Facilitative leadership in workshops and design sprints, ensuring all voices are heard and contributing to a shared understanding.

• Open to feedback and iterative refinement, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Emphasis on clear communication and transparent sharing of ideas and progress.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's internal framing of culture ("a_place_to_stay_yourself," "a_place_to_stay_curious," "a_place_to_stay_together") suggests a strong emphasis on authenticity, continuous learning, and community. These values directly support the requirements of a strategic discovery role.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Working with vague initial input and undefined problems requires strong analytical skills, comfort with uncertainty, and the ability to structure unstructured information.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Achieving consensus and buy-in from diverse stakeholders with potentially differing priorities can be challenging.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The need to move fast in discovery while maintaining high design craft and thoroughness requires strategic prioritization and efficient workflows.

• Defining "Done" for Discovery: Clearly articulating when a discovery phase is complete and a product direction is sufficiently validated for handoff to a delivery team.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• FinTech Specialization: Gain deep expertise in the financial technology sector, understanding its unique user needs, regulatory landscape, and technological challenges.

• Innovation Methodologies: Become a master of strategic discovery techniques, design thinking, and rapid prototyping for new product concepts.

• Leadership Skills: Develop skills in facilitating complex workshops, influencing stakeholders, and potentially leading discovery teams or initiatives.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Broaden understanding of product management, user research, and engineering processes through close collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is inherent in the role: defining direction from uncertainty. Growth is centered around deepening expertise in FinTech, innovation, and leadership within the product development lifecycle.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for framing an unclear problem or a vague idea into a concrete product direction. Can you walk me through a case study?" (Focus on your structured approach, hypothesis generation, and initial research).

• "How do you ensure alignment and buy-in from Product, Engineering, and Business stakeholders during the early discovery phase? Provide an example." (Highlight your facilitation, communication, and stakeholder management skills).

• "What role does prototyping play in strategic discovery, and how do you decide on the fidelity and scope of your prototypes?" (Discuss your rationale for choosing specific prototyping methods to test hypotheses efficiently). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about DKB Code Factory and our approach to product development, particularly our focus on strategic discovery?" (Research the company's mission, values, and recent product initiatives).

• "How do you approach working in a hybrid environment and collaborating with distributed teams?" (Discuss your strategies for effective communication and engagement).

• "Describe a time you had to challenge a weak idea or push for higher quality in a team setting. How did you handle it with a 'high standards, low ego' approach?" (Prepare an example demonstrating your assertiveness and collaborative spirit). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly outline the initial ambiguity, your discovery process, the key decisions made, the resulting product direction or concepts, and any outcomes or learnings.

• Emphasize Thinking: Dedicate significant time to explaining why you made certain choices, your strategic rationale, and how you navigated uncertainty.

• Showcase Collaboration: Highlight instances where you actively involved stakeholders or facilitated cross-functional alignment.

• Demonstrate Craft: Briefly showcase the high-fidelity output and design polish, but ensure it's framed within the context of the discovery process.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design decisions, research findings, and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on articulating a clear, repeatable process for strategic discovery and demonstrating strong product thinking and collaborative facilitation, backed by compelling portfolio examples.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features 2-3 robust case studies that specifically highlight your strategic discovery process, problem framing, hypothesis testing, and ability to turn vague ideas into clear product directions. Tailor the presentation to emphasize your role in early-stage product development.

• Optimize Your Resume: Update your resume to clearly articulate your 5-6+ years of experience in product design, focusing on achievements related to discovery, concept development, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords like "strategic discovery," "product thinking," "prototyping," and "facilitation."

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely and engagingly, focusing on your strategic thinking, process, and collaborative approach. Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your decision-making.

• Research DKB Code Factory: Understand the company's mission, its role within DKB AG, and its commitment to innovation and culture. Prepare thoughtful questions about their product strategy and the discovery team's objectives.

⚠️ 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.