Sr. Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr. Product Designer (Lead Product Designer, CBS Sports App)

Company: Paramount

Location: New York, NY

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: September 16, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for the CBS Sports App, driving design outcomes from concept to launch within an embedded, cross-functional squad.

• Actively participate in the product building process, trading real-time feedback with engineering and product management to shape the final user experience.

• Leverage AI tools for rapid visualization and interaction prototyping to accelerate design iteration and validation.

• Apply a strong sense of visual craft, motion design, and interactive principles to create high-impact, immersive experiences for sports fans.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is designated as "Sr. Product Designer" but the description clearly indicates a "Lead" capacity, emphasizing ownership and direction. The embedded team model suggests a highly collaborative and integrated design function, moving beyond traditional handoffs. The focus on AI tools and rapid prototyping highlights a forward-thinking design process.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the design direction and outcomes for a dedicated CBS Sports App product squad, from initial framing through final shipment.

• Proactively prototype and iterate on designs using AI-assisted tools to visualize ideas and test interactions efficiently.

• Drive the visual design of complex app systems, ensuring high-impact, immersive experiences that capture the intensity of game day and live sports.

• Integrate motion and interactivity into designs, ensuring they feel tactile, precise, and enhance the user's engagement with sports content.

• Collaborate closely and continuously with product managers and engineers, shaping the product through ongoing feedback and shared ownership during the build phase.

• Apply deep knowledge of native mobile design paradigms (iOS/Android) to leverage platform capabilities and elevate user experience.

• Utilize intuition, analytics, and direct fan feedback to make informed and rapid product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a hands-on "builder" culture where designers are expected to lead and contribute across the entire product development lifecycle, not just in the ideation phase. The emphasis on "owning the project" and "shaping the product in the build" indicates a high degree of autonomy and influence for the designer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating proficiency in design principles is paramount.

Experience: 6+ years of end-to-end product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping consumer-facing products.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in end-to-end product design, covering the full product lifecycle from concept to launch.

• A robust portfolio showcasing shipped consumer work on mobile applications (iOS/Android) or web platforms.

• Proven ability to move seamlessly between prototyping, production-level design, and interaction design without reliance on formal handoffs.

• Strong visual design skills, including refined typography, layout composition, and intuitive UI/UX design.

• Deep understanding of mobile design paradigms for both iOS and Android operating systems.

• Experience in creating designs that are tactile, precise, and dynamic through motion and interactivity.

• An "owner mindset" with the ability to leverage user research, analytics, and direct feedback for quick, informed decisions. Preferred Skills:

• A genuine passion for sports, sports betting, live events, or broadcast media.

• Experience utilizing AI-assisted design tools or workflows for prototyping and ideation (e.g., Cursor, Claude).

• Contributions to the development or maintenance of design systems.

• Familiarity with data analysis and performance metrics to inform design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio showcasing "shipped consumer work" is critical and will be a primary evaluation criterion. The preference for AI tool experience suggests the company is investing in cutting-edge design technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a minimum of 6 years of end-to-end product design experience.

• Showcase at least 2-3 significant projects with a clear focus on mobile app (iOS/Android) or responsive web consumer products.

• Projects should highlight your ability to lead design outcomes from initial concept through to shipped product, emphasizing ownership and impact.

• Include examples of your visual design craft, motion design, and interaction design capabilities.

• Demonstrate your process for integrating AI tools or rapid prototyping in your workflow. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate your design process for each portfolio piece, detailing how you moved from problem framing to solution.

• Illustrate how you collaborated with PMs and engineers, providing examples of real-time feedback and iterative building.

• Showcase how you utilized intuition, analytics, and user feedback to drive design decisions.

• If applicable, include examples of contributions to design systems or how you leveraged existing design system components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is expected to be the primary artifact for demonstrating the required skills and experience. Candidates should prepare to walk through their projects, emphasizing their ownership, process, and the impact of their design work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401(k) plan for retirement savings.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Disability benefits.

• Tuition assistance program for continued learning and development.

• Generous paid time off (PTO).

• Attractive compensation packages.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role. While the role is on-site, the dynamic nature of sports media may require flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is specified for New York and other specified high-cost-of-living areas. The benefits package is standard for a large media organization, with a notable addition of tuition assistance, aligning with growth opportunities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment (Sports Broadcasting, Digital Content, Broadcast Media). Paramount is a global media and entertainment company with a vast portfolio of iconic brands and content.

Company Size: Large enterprise (Paramount is a major global media conglomerate). This scale offers stability but also requires navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: Paramount has a long history, with its origins tracing back to 1912. The CBS Sports division itself has a significant legacy in sports broadcasting.

Team Structure:

• The Lead Product Designer will be embedded within a small, cross-functional CBS Sports App squad, operating with startup-like speed.

• This squad will likely consist of Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other specialized roles, fostering close collaboration.

• While part of a larger design organization, the embedded model suggests a high degree of autonomy and direct impact on the product. Methodology:

• Emphasis on a "builder culture" where designers are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly throughout the development lifecycle.

• Utilization of AI tools (Cursor, Claude) for rapid visualization, prototyping, and interaction testing to accelerate velocity.

• A data-informed approach, using intuition, analytics, and direct fan feedback to guide product decisions.

• Iterative design and development, with continuous feedback loops between design, product, and engineering.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Paramount's mission "to entertain the planet" and its vast content library are central to its identity. The CBS Sports App team aims to blend the agility of a startup with the resources of a major corporation, appealing to candidates who want significant impact within a stable organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior/Lead Product Designer position, requiring significant experience (6+ years) and a high degree of ownership. It signifies a transition into a leadership capacity within a specific product domain.

Reporting Structure: The designer will be embedded on a cross-functional squad, likely reporting to a Design Lead or Director for functional guidance, while working directly with a Product Manager and Engineering Lead for project delivery.

Operations Impact: The Lead Product Designer will have a direct and substantial impact on the user experience and engagement metrics of the CBS Sports App, which serves millions of fans. Their work will influence how users consume live sports, fantasy leagues, and sports journalism, directly contributing to the app's success and Paramount's digital content strategy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to lead design initiatives within the CBS Sports App squad, potentially mentoring junior designers over time.

• Skill Expansion: Deepen expertise in mobile design, AI-assisted design tools, and the specific domain of sports media and live event experiences.

• Career Progression: Potential to move into higher-level design leadership roles (e.g., Design Manager, Director of Product Design) within Paramount's broader digital product organization.

• Domain Specialization: Become a subject matter expert in sports fan engagement and digital sports consumption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth from a senior individual contributor to a design leader, especially within the dynamic sports media landscape. The emphasis on ownership and direct impact within a startup-like team structure is a significant draw for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. The role is based in New York, NY, implying a traditional office setting.

Office Location(s): New York, NY (specific office details not provided, but likely a corporate campus or office building).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative environment within a cross-functional squad, fostering continuous interaction with PMs and engineers.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including AI-assisted design platforms.

• The dynamic nature of sports media means a fast-paced and potentially high-energy work environment, especially during major sporting events.

• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events to foster community.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week. However, given the nature of live sports broadcasting and major events, there might be an expectation for occasional flexibility or availability during peak times.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for in-person collaboration and team synergy, common in product development environments. The "startup speed" within a large company implies a blend of structured processes and agile execution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational qualifications and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, walking through 2-3 key projects to demonstrate their design process, problem-solving skills, and impact. Emphasis will be on their ownership and ability to shape products.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: A practical exercise to assess design thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to apply design principles to a relevant scenario (e.g., improving a feature within the CBS Sports App).

• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration style, communication skills, and technical understanding.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: Final assessment of cultural fit, leadership potential, and alignment with the team's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Ownership: Clearly articulate your role and the extent of your ownership in each project. Use "I" statements for your contributions and "we" for team efforts.

• Showcase Process: Detail your design process, from problem identification and user research to ideation, prototyping, and iteration. Explain why you made certain decisions.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user engagement increases, conversion rates, task completion times).

• Emphasize Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with PMs and engineers, especially in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

• Demonstrate Craft: Ensure your visual design, motion, and interaction examples are polished and clearly communicate your aesthetic sensibility and technical skill.

• AI Tool Integration: If you have experience with AI-assisted design, highlight specific examples of how it accelerated your workflow or improved outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize yourself with the CBS Sports App: Understand its features, target audience, and competitive landscape.

• Prepare to discuss your approach to designing for live events, sports data, and fan engagement.

• Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, especially regarding visual craft, motion, and native mobile paradigms.

• Practice explaining complex design decisions concisely and persuasively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also the candidate's ability to operate autonomously, collaborate effectively, and drive product outcomes in a fast-paced environment. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Prototyping & Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop), and potentially other specialized prototyping tools.

• AI-Assisted Design: Cursor, Claude, or similar AI tools for rapid visualization, ideation, and interaction prototyping.

• Motion Design: Principle, After Effects, or similar tools for creating micro-interactions and animations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience with product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics) to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and tools.

CRM & Automation: While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data and interactions within the app feed into broader customer understanding is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design tools like Figma is expected. The specific mention of AI tools (Cursor, Claude) indicates a desire for candidates who are forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologies in the design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Passion for Content & Entertainment: A genuine enthusiasm for sports, media, and creating engaging experiences for a large audience.

• Builder Mentality: A proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and product development.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and honest feedback within the cross-functional team.

• Speed & Agility: Ability to move quickly, iterate rapidly, and adapt to changing priorities.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of sports fans.

• Visual Excellence: A dedication to high-quality, impactful visual and interactive design.

Collaboration Style:

• Embedded & Integrated: Working daily alongside product managers and engineers, fostering a deep understanding of technical constraints and product goals.

• Iterative & Feedback-Driven: Regularly sharing work, soliciting feedback, and incorporating it into designs.

• Solution-Oriented: Focusing on finding effective solutions to user problems and business objectives.

• Respectful Communication: Engaging in constructive dialogue and valuing diverse perspectives within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture emphasizes a blend of creative excellence and pragmatic execution. The "startup speed" within a large company means a dynamic, collaborative, and results-oriented environment where designers are integral to the entire product lifecycle.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Startup Speed with Corporate Scale: Navigating the processes and stakeholders of a large organization while maintaining the agility of a startup team.

• Designing for Diverse Sports Audiences: Catering to the varied interests and needs of fans across multiple sports, leagues, and content types (live, news, fantasy, betting).

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying ahead of emerging design tools, AI capabilities, and platform trends in mobile and digital media.

• High-Visibility Product: Delivering exceptional user experiences for a product used by millions of passionate sports fans.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Skills: Deepening expertise in motion design, complex interaction patterns, and native platform best practices.

• AI Design Integration: Becoming proficient in leveraging AI tools to enhance design productivity and innovation.

• Sports Media Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of the sports broadcasting industry, fan engagement strategies, and digital sports content.

• Leadership Experience: Developing skills in leading design efforts, influencing product strategy, and potentially mentoring others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an exciting opportunity to tackle complex design challenges in a high-impact industry, with ample scope for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you took full ownership of a product's design outcomes from concept to ship. What was your process, and what were the results?" (Focus on your end-to-end responsibility and impact.)

• "How do you leverage AI tools in your design workflow? Provide a specific example of how it helped you visualize ideas or test interactions faster." (Demonstrate your understanding and practical application of AI in design.)

• "Walk us through a complex mobile app design you created. How did you ensure it captured the intensity of live events and catered to diverse fan needs?" (Highlight your visual craft, motion, and understanding of the sports domain.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to trade honest, real-time feedback with engineers and PMs to shape a product during the build. What was the outcome?" (Showcase your collaborative and iterative approach.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about designing for CBS Sports and Paramount?" (Research Paramount's mission, CBS Sports' portfolio, and articulate your passion for sports media.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with a 'builder culture' that values speed and agility?" (Connect your working style to the team's ethos.)

• "How would you approach designing for a feature that needs to balance real-time updates with rich content, like fantasy sports integration or live scores?" (Showcase your problem-solving and strategic thinking.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, ideally by project. For each project:

  1. Problem: Clearly define the user problem or business goal.
  2. Your Role: Specify your contributions and ownership.
  3. Process: Detail your steps (research, ideation, prototyping, iteration, collaboration).
  4. Solution: Showcase the final designs, highlighting key features and UI/UX decisions.
  5. Impact: Quantify results or discuss lessons learned.

• Visuals: Ensure your slides are clean, visually appealing, and effectively showcase your designs and prototypes.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as compelling narratives that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and impact.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time, focusing on the most impactful aspects of your work. Prepare to dive deeper if asked.

• Q&A Readiness: Anticipate questions about your design choices, collaboration, and challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating ownership, process, collaboration, and a passion for sports media. Candidates must be ready to articulate their design decisions and their impact clearly and concisely, using their portfolio as a primary tool.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Paramount Careers portal using the provided link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight mobile app design experience, especially consumer-facing products. Emphasize projects demonstrating end-to-end ownership and shipped work. Include examples of visual craft, motion, and interaction design.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your 6+ years of relevant experience and uses keywords from the job description (e.g., "product design," "UI/UX," "prototyping," "mobile design," "AI-assisted design"). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, collaboration style, and how you drive product outcomes. Prepare to present your portfolio confidently and discuss your passion for sports and media.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Paramount's brands, the CBS Sports App's current offerings, and the broader sports media landscape. Understand the company's culture and values.

⚠️ 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.