Senior Service Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Service Designer

Company: Circle K

Location: Support Office Oslo, Oslo, Norway

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Design & User Experience Operations (GTM/Product Focus)

Date Posted: May 20, 2026

Experience Level: Senior (5-10 years implied)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the design and innovation of user experiences for Circle K's burgeoning eMobility business, focusing on electric vehicle charging.

• Conduct in-depth user research to define target customer segments and uncover unmet needs within the electric vehicle market.

• Drive ideation and prototyping initiatives, translating research findings into tangible, user-centered design solutions for both desktop and mobile platforms.

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement to ensure seamless implementation of designed experiences across global teams.

• Contribute to the strategic vision of Circle K's eMobility unit, influencing roadmaps and advocating for experience improvements based on data-driven insights.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Senior Service Designer," the responsibilities and required skills, particularly around user research, journey mapping, ideation, and prototyping for a new business unit, align closely with a highly strategic UX/Product Design role within a Go-To-Market (GTM) or Product Operations context. This role is critical for defining the customer experience of a new, high-growth business.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead user research activities, including customer segmentation, needs analysis, and persona development for the eMobility target audience.

• Design and facilitate user journey mapping workshops to visualize customer interactions and identify pain points and opportunities within the EV charging ecosystem.

• Conceive and develop innovative design solutions, from initial concept to interactive prototypes, addressing identified user problems and business objectives.

• Conduct usability testing and gather feedback on prototypes, iterating designs based on user insights and expert reviews.

• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, marketing, and other stakeholders to ensure design alignment with business goals and technical feasibility.

• Translate complex user problems into clear, actionable design recommendations and present them effectively to diverse audiences.

• Champion user-centered design principles and best practices throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the eMobility user experience vision and strategy.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with global stakeholders, fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Document research findings, design decisions, and implementation guidelines for effective knowledge transfer and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of research, strategic design, and cross-functional collaboration, indicating a senior-level role where the individual is expected to lead initiatives and influence direction, rather than just execute tasks. The mention of "corporate startup" suggests a dynamic environment requiring adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Higher education in Design, Interaction Design, UI/UX Design, Psychology, Service Design, or a related field. A strong design research portfolio demonstrating relevant experience is considered equivalent.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in Service Design, UX Design, or a closely related design research role. Experience within the eMobility or automotive sector is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in design research methodologies (e.g., user interviews, surveys, contextual inquiry, ethnography).

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data into actionable insights and user-centered design strategies.

• Strong proficiency in user journey mapping, persona development, and service blueprinting.

• Advanced skills in Figma for prototyping, wireframing, and collaborative design.

• Experience facilitating ideation workshops and collaborative problem-solving sessions.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Norwegian, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts clearly.

• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders across global teams.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and capable of working independently while also being a strong collaborator.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience synthesizing large volumes of user interview transcripts and data.

• Familiarity with Dovetail for research repository management.

• Experience working in a scale-up environment within a large global corporation.

• Knowledge of the electric vehicle market and charging infrastructure in Norway.

• Experience with design sprints and agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for both English and Norwegian, coupled with the preference for local EV experience, strongly suggests that this role will involve direct interaction with the Norwegian market and stakeholders. The portfolio requirement is emphasized as a key differentiator, indicating that practical application of skills is highly valued.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant design projects, with a strong emphasis on the eMobility/EV sector or similar complex service design challenges.

• Each project should clearly articulate the problem statement, research methodologies employed, key insights derived, design process, iterative refinements, and measurable outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrations of user journey mapping, service blueprinting, and interactive prototyping (Figma preferred) are critical.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented research findings, design decisions, and implementation plans for complex service design initiatives.

• Case studies illustrating your ability to translate user insights into tangible design solutions and influence product roadmaps.

• Documentation of workshop facilitation, including agendas, participant engagement strategies, and synthesized outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "design research and storytelling" in the portfolio requirement, alongside specific mention of Figma and Dovetail, indicates a need for candidates to demonstrate not only their design capabilities but also their ability to communicate insights and their process effectively to stakeholders. The "corporate startup" context implies a need for structured yet agile documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the senior experience level (5-10 years implied), location in Oslo, Norway, and the competitive nature of the eMobility sector, the estimated annual salary range for a Senior Service Designer is approximately 700,000 - 950,000 NOK. This range is competitive for specialized design roles in Norway.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package tailored to individual experience and track record.

• Comprehensive pension and insurance schemes.

• 5 additional vacation days per year, in addition to standard holiday allowances.

• Opportunity to work with the latest design tools including Slack, Teams, Figma, FigJam, and Dovetail.

• Membership in a dynamic design team focused on innovation and problem-solving.

• Exposure to a scale-up organization within a large global company, offering unique career growth potential.

• Access to fresh and centrally located offices with excellent lunch facilities in Oslo.

Working Hours: Standard full-time, likely around 37.5-40 hours per week, typical for Norway. While on-site, there may be flexibility for occasional remote work or adjusted hours depending on project needs and team agreements, but the primary expectation is on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research of senior UX/Service Designer roles in Oslo, Norway, considering the industry (automotive/tech/energy) and the company's global presence. The benefits listed are directly from the job description and are presented to highlight the value proposition for operations and design professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Retail (Convenience and Fuel), with a significant strategic pivot into Electric Vehicle Charging (eMobility). This positions Circle K at the intersection of traditional retail and emerging green technology.

Company Size: Large Global Corporation (approx. 100,000 employees worldwide), operating over 12,000 sites. This provides stability and resources, while the eMobility unit functions as a "corporate startup" suggesting agility and innovation within a structured framework.

Founded: Circle K has a long history, with its current iteration formed through various mergers and acquisitions, establishing it as a significant player in the global retail landscape. The eMobility unit is a more recent strategic initiative.

Team Structure:

• The eMobility unit operates as a dedicated business unit, likely with a lean, agile structure akin to a startup, fostering rapid development.

• The Design team within eMobility is composed of specialists in Service Design, User Experience (UX), and User Interface (UI) design.

• This role reports to the Senior Product Design Manager, indicating a clear leadership structure within the design function.

Methodology:

• User-centered design principles are foundational, driving research, ideation, and prototyping.

• Agile methodologies are likely employed, given the "scale-up" and "corporate startup" nature, facilitating iterative development and quick feedback loops.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing insights from user research and performance metrics, is expected.

• A strong emphasis on collaboration and cross-functional alignment to ensure successful product launches and implementations.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The "corporate startup" framing is crucial. It implies a culture that values innovation, speed, and ownership, similar to a startup, but with the backing and resources of a large, established corporation. This duality is significant for understanding the work environment and potential career trajectory.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Service Designer. This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level, with significant autonomy and influence over design strategy and execution within the eMobility unit. It requires leadership in research, ideation, and design thinking.

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Product Design Manager, who likely oversees the entire design function for eMobility. This provides a clear line of mentorship and strategic direction.

Operations Impact: The Service Designer's work directly impacts the customer experience of Circle K's eMobility services, which is a critical growth area for the company. By designing seamless and desirable charging experiences, this role will contribute to customer acquisition, retention, and ultimately, the company's transition to renewable energy and sustainable business models.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in eMobility service design, becoming a go-to expert within Circle K for this critical sector.

• Leadership: Potential pathway to lead design initiatives, manage junior designers, or move into a Design Lead or Product Design Manager role as the eMobility unit scales.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Opportunities to move into Product Management or GTM Strategy roles, leveraging a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics.

• Industry Exposure: Gain valuable experience in a rapidly evolving industry (EV charging) within a global enterprise, enhancing marketability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are framed around both deepening specialized skills within eMobility and leveraging that expertise for broader leadership or strategic roles within Circle K's expanding sustainable energy portfolio. The "scale-up" environment suggests rapid potential for advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Primarily an on-site role at Circle K's Support Office in Oslo. This suggests a professional office setting designed for collaboration and focused work.

Office Location(s): Support Office Oslo, Norway. This location is central and likely offers good accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative design environment with a dedicated team of Service, UX, and UI designers.

• Access to modern collaboration tools (Slack, Teams, Figma, FigJam, Dovetail) facilitating seamless communication and design workflows.

• The atmosphere is described as a "corporate startup," implying a dynamic, innovative, and potentially fast-paced work environment within the structured framework of a large company.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with product managers, engineers, and other key stakeholders involved in the eMobility business.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time. While specific hours are not detailed, typical Norwegian work culture often balances productivity with work-life integration. The on-site requirement suggests a structured workday, though flexibility may be available based on project demands and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fresh and centrally located offices with excellent lunch" suggests a commitment to employee well-being and a positive on-site experience, which is important for an on-site role. The blend of corporate structure and startup agility will shape the daily work experience.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for alignment with core requirements, particularly research skills and Figma proficiency.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with Svenn-Petter Mæhle (Senior Product Design Manager) to assess experience, design philosophy, and cultural fit. Expect questions about past projects and problem-solving approaches.

• Portfolio Presentation & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present a case study from their portfolio, demonstrating their research process, design thinking, and ability to articulate impact. A practical design exercise or workshop simulation may also be included to assess real-time problem-solving and collaboration skills.

• Cross-Functional/Team Interview: Meetings with peers (other designers) and key stakeholders (e.g., Product Managers, Engineering leads) to evaluate collaboration style, communication, and ability to integrate into the team.

• Final Round: Potentially a discussion with a more senior leader to confirm strategic alignment and overall suitability.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to tell a compelling story for each project. Clearly define the problem, your role, the process (emphasizing research and ideation), your specific contributions, and the outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight Operations Relevance: For each project, emphasize how your design decisions were informed by user needs and business objectives, and how they contributed to efficiency, user adoption, or satisfaction – key metrics in operations.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Include interactive prototypes and clear visual examples of your Figma work. Be prepared to walk through your Figma files during the interview.

• Emphasize Collaboration: If possible, showcase projects where you collaborated effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, illustrating your ability to navigate organizational dynamics.

• Norwegian Context: If you have experience relevant to the Norwegian market or EV sector, make sure it's prominently featured.

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Simulation: Be prepared to demonstrate how you would approach user research for a new eMobility feature or service. Think about potential user segments, research questions, and methodologies.

• Ideation & Prototyping: Practice rapid ideation techniques and be ready to sketch or quickly prototype a solution based on a given problem statement.

• Storytelling: Craft concise and impactful narratives for your case studies. Practice presenting complex information clearly and engagingly, focusing on the "why" behind your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on a "corporate startup" and the specific tools mentioned (Figma, Dovetail), the interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing on practical application, research depth, and collaborative capability. The portfolio is paramount and should be tailored to showcase these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaborative design sessions. Proficiency is a must, with a willingness to transition rapidly if not already expert.

• FigJam: Used for collaborative ideation, workshops, and brainstorming sessions.

• Dovetail: Utilized for managing research repositories, synthesizing user interview data, and organizing insights. Experience with this tool is a significant plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned, experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) for understanding user behavior and tracking feature adoption would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly within the scope of this design role, but an understanding of how design impacts CRM (Customer Relationship Management) processes and marketing automation workflows would be advantageous for a holistic GTM perspective.

• Awareness of how customer data collected through various touchpoints informs service design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, FigJam, and Dovetail indicates these are core tools for the design team. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these platforms, particularly how they leverage them for research synthesis and collaborative design.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of the EV driver.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, technologies, and solutions in the rapidly evolving eMobility space.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork and cross-functional partnerships to achieve ambitious goals.

• Impact & Efficiency: A focus on delivering tangible results that improve the customer experience and contribute to Circle K's strategic transition to renewable energy.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a dynamic "corporate startup" environment, embracing change and iterating quickly.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, working closely with a dedicated design team (service, UX, UI) and cross-functional partners in product, engineering, and marketing.

• Emphasis on open communication, constructive feedback, and shared ownership of design outcomes.

• Facilitative approach to workshops and ideation sessions, empowering diverse perspectives.

• Building trust and strong working relationships with stakeholders across global teams is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "corporate startup" culture implies a balance between the structured processes of a large company and the innovative, agile mindset of a startup. Team values will likely reflect a blend of professional execution and a pioneering spirit for the new eMobility venture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering a New Business: Designing experiences for a nascent eMobility business within a large, established company requires navigating ambiguity, defining new processes, and influencing stakeholders who may be accustomed to traditional retail models.

• Rapidly Evolving Market: The EV charging landscape is dynamic. Staying ahead of technological advancements, competitor offerings, and evolving customer expectations will be an ongoing challenge.

• Global Scalability: Designing solutions that can be effectively implemented and adapted across diverse global markets while maintaining a consistent, high-quality user experience.

• Balancing Innovation with Corporate Constraints: Fostering creative solutions within the operational framework and brand guidelines of a large corporation.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into eMobility: Become an expert in the complexities of EV charging, battery technology, and sustainable energy solutions.

• Cross-Disciplinary Skill Development: Opportunities to learn from UX/UI designers and product managers, expanding your skillset in adjacent design and product disciplines.

• Global Strategy Exposure: Gain insights into Circle K's international operations and strategic decision-making for new business ventures.

• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers or lead specific design initiatives as the eMobility team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the inherent complexities of building a new business unit in a rapidly changing industry, highlighting the need for strategic thinking and adaptability. Growth opportunities focus on specialization and leadership within this emerging sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used design research to identify a significant user problem in a complex service environment. How did you validate your findings and what was the impact?" (Focus on methodology, synthesis, and outcome).

• "How would you approach designing a user journey for a first-time EV driver looking to charge their car at a Circle K station? What key touchpoints and potential pain points would you consider?" (Demonstrate understanding of user journey mapping and problem identification).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Circle K's eMobility initiative and your potential role in it?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's vision).

• "How do you stay updated on trends in service design, UX, and the EV industry?" (Demonstrate continuous learning and industry awareness).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select High-Impact Projects: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in research, ideation, prototyping, and impact, ideally with relevance to complex services or new ventures.

• Narrative is Key: Structure your presentation as a story. Clearly articulate the problem, your unique contribution, the process, and the tangible results or learnings.

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your Figma files or prototypes to illustrate your design thinking and problem-solving approach in action.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., increased user satisfaction, reduced task completion time, improved adoption rates).

• Be Ready for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and how you collaborated with others.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on showcasing a deep understanding of service design principles, strong research capabilities, effective collaboration, and a strategic mindset geared towards innovation within a corporate structure. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Service Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link, ensuring all required fields are completed accurately.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best demonstrate your design research, user journey mapping, ideation, and prototyping skills, with a particular focus on complex services or new business initiatives. Ensure each project clearly articulates the problem, your role, process, and outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to service design, UX research, Figma proficiency, facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, the "why" behind your design decisions, and quantifiable impact. Be ready to discuss your Figma work and research synthesis methods.

• Research Circle K eMobility: Understand the company's strategic goals for its eMobility unit and the broader context of its transition to renewable energy. This will help you articulate your motivations and align your experience with their vision.

⚠️ 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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