Senior Product Designer

The Design Project; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital product design studio seeks a Senior Product Designer in Southampton with a focus on leading design initiatives and facilitating client workshops. The role emphasizes creating user-centric digital products while collaborating closely with teams across the organization. A strong portfolio and proven experience in product design and leadership are essential. This position offers competitive benefits, including flexible working hours and a chance to work in an innovative environment.

Benefits

25 days of paid holiday

Sick pay package

Flexible working hours

Contributory Pension scheme

Professional development opportunities

Complimentary office refreshments

Regular team lunches

Private Medical Insurance

Central office location with free parking

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of commercial design experience in an agency.
• Strong portfolio showcasing product design from discovery to deployment.
• Experience leading design strategy and client workshops.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end digital product design process.
• Design user-centric digital products focusing on UX and UI.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Skills

End-to-end product design experience

Strong portfolio

UX principles and methodologies

Accessibility standards (WCAG)

Figma proficiency

Client workshop facilitation

Strong communication skills

Critical thinking

Project management

User testing

Education

Understanding of design principles

Tools

Figma

Prototyping tools

Job description

Job Title: Senior Product Designer
Company: Rareloop
Location: Southampton, England, United Kingdom
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: 2026-01-15T10:54:46.964
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: Hybrid (with flexibility for remote work)

• Lead the end-to-end digital product design process, from initial discovery and strategy through to final execution and delivery.
• Design and deliver user-centric, impactful digital products including websites, apps, and bespoke web software, focusing on both intuitive user experiences (UX) and aesthetically pleasing interfaces (UI).
• Drive client understanding of their core problems and collaboratively develop viable solutions through workshops, wireframes, diagrams, and interactive prototypes.
• Foster strong collaboration with project managers, developers, and cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery of complex digital projects.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design methodologies and best practices within the team, encompassing research, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and visual design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for leadership in design strategy and execution. The emphasis on "end-to-end design process" and "driving discovery" suggests a strategic component beyond just execution, requiring a candidate who can influence product direction and client strategy. The hybrid and flexible location model (Southampton or remote) is a key differentiator for attracting talent.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead digital product design initiatives, creating beautiful interfaces (UI) and intuitive user experiences (UX) for software and web projects.
• Facilitate and lead Discovery workshops with clients to uncover underlying business problems and collaboratively define user needs, translating these into actionable design solutions.
• Develop high-fidelity wireframes, detailed diagrams, and interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows to clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate closely with Project Managers, developers, and QA testers to ensure seamless design implementation, maintaining visual accuracy and design intent throughout the development lifecycle.
• Conduct user testing and gather feedback to iterate on designs, ensuring user-centricity and optimal usability across all digital products.
• Ensure adherence to accessibility standards (WCAG) throughout the design process, promoting inclusive design practices.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of design systems, ensuring consistency and efficiency in product development.
• Support the Marketing Manager by providing visual assets and design expertise for Rareloop's own marketing and brand initiatives.
• Maintain quality control over design outputs, ensuring they meet Rareloop's high standards and client expectations before and during development.
• Actively participate in design reviews and critiques, providing constructive feedback and sharing insights with the wider design and development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of individual contribution and team leadership. The emphasis on "leading Discovery workshops" and "Quality control" points to a senior role that not only designs but also guides clients and ensures the integrity of the final product. Collaboration with marketing is also a specific duty.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong understanding of design principles, user psychology, and digital product development is expected, often gained through formal education or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of commercial design experience, preferably within an agency or consultancy environment, with a proven track record of delivering complex digital products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in end-to-end product design, encompassing both UX and UI.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a comprehensive product design process, including discovery, wireframing, prototyping, user testing, and final visual design outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate client Discovery workshops.
• Expertise in core UX principles, interaction design, and user-centered design methodologies.
• Strong understanding of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their practical application in design.
• Proficient in creating wireframes, user flows, and interactive prototypes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to design quality and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred Skills:

• Deep expertise in Figma for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration.
• Experience in developing and utilizing design systems to ensure consistency and efficiency.
• Broader visual design skills, including branding and marketing collateral creation.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with AI and automation in product design contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a "strong portfolio showcasing product design process and outcomes" is paramount. The preference for "agency or consultancy experience" and "demonstrated ability to lead Discovery workshops" further defines the senior, client-facing nature of the role. Figma proficiency is specifically called out as a desirable, though not strictly required, skill.

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating a full product design lifecycle, from initial client brief and discovery to final deployed product.
• Case studies that clearly outline the problem statement, your role, the design process undertaken (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions made, and the measurable outcomes or impact of the design.
• Evidence of leading or significantly contributing to client workshops, including examples of outputs like user personas, journey maps, or feature prioritization frameworks.
• Showcase of UI design skills with examples of visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces, including high-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes.
• Demonstration of understanding and application of UX principles, interaction design patterns, and accessibility standards, with specific examples of how these were implemented.

Process Documentation:

• Ability to document and articulate the design process used for projects, including methodologies for research, ideation, prototyping, and user validation.
• Evidence of contributing to or establishing best practices for design processes within a team or organization.
• Examples of how design processes were adapted or tailored to fit specific project constraints or client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a showcase of final designs but a demonstration of the candidate's thought process, problem-solving skills, and ability to navigate the complexities of client projects. Emphasis is placed on the process and outcomes, not just the aesthetics.

Salary Range: Based on the Senior Product Designer title, 5+ years of experience, and location (Southampton, UK), the estimated annual salary range is £45,000 - £65,000. This range is competitive for experienced designers in the UK's digital agency sector, considering the hybrid and flexible work arrangements offered.

• 25 days of paid holiday per year.
• Sick pay package provided.
• Flexible working hours to promote work-life balance.
• Flexible working location (Southampton office or remote within the UK).
• A strong emphasis on work-life balance.
• Contributory Pension scheme available after 3 months of employment.
• Opportunities for professional development and skill growth within an expert team.
• Continuing Personal Development (CPD) support.
• Annual training budget to support learning and skill enhancement.
• Complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks at the office.
• Regular team lunches to celebrate successes.
• Group Life Assurance coverage.
• Private Medical Insurance (after successful completion of probation).
• Dental cover (after successful completion of probation).
• Optical cover (after successful completion of probation).
• Central Southampton office location with free parking.

Working Hours: Flexible working hours are offered, with a standard expectation of around 40 hours per week, allowing for adaptability around core business needs and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for Senior Product Designers in the UK, considering the specified experience level and location. The detailed benefits package, especially the combination of flexible work, professional development, and health benefits, is a significant draw.

Industry: Digital Product Studio; B Corp Certified; focused on designing and building websites, apps, and bespoke web software using human-centred design, automation, and AI.Company Size: Rareloop is an established SME, implying a dynamic, potentially fast-paced environment where individual contributions are highly visible and impactful.Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly stated, the description "well established" suggests a company with a solid history and proven track record in the digital product space.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely comprises individuals with diverse specializations within product design (UX, UI, research, visual design).
• Reporting structure is likely flat, characteristic of SMEs, fostering direct communication and empowerment.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, involving close work with Project Managers, Developers, and potentially Marketing.

Methodology:

• Emphasizes human-centered design principles.
• Leverages automation and AI to solve client problems, cut costs, and accelerate growth.
• Focuses on iterative design processes, including research, wireframing, prototyping, and user testing.
• Values collaboration and knowledge sharing within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The B Corp certification signifies a commitment to social and environmental responsibility, which can be a key cultural driver. The SME environment with a flat structure suggests a culture of autonomy, direct impact, and less bureaucracy, appealing to individuals who thrive in such settings.

Operations Career Level: This role is a "Senior Product Designer," indicating a position of significant responsibility and experience. It suggests a lead or principal individual contributor role, potentially with mentorship duties for more junior designers. The scope involves driving entire product design lifecycles and influencing client strategy.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, in an SME with a flat structure, a Senior Product Designer might report directly to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or a Director of Product/Technology. There's a strong emphasis on collaboration, so reporting lines are likely less rigid than in larger corporations.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts business growth and cost reduction for clients by designing effective digital products. For Rareloop, the Senior Product Designer's work contributes to client satisfaction, repeat business, and the company's reputation as an award-winning studio. The role also supports Rareloop's own marketing efforts.

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas like advanced UX research, design systems, AI-driven design tools, or specific industry verticals.
• Leadership Development: Potential to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives on larger projects, or even contribute to shaping the company's design strategy and processes.
• Career Progression: Advancement could lead to roles such as Lead Product Designer, Head of Design, or a specialized role focusing on UX Strategy or Design Operations. The company's commitment to CPD and training budgets supports this.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title implies a leadership trajectory. The company's focus on growth and development, coupled with an SME environment, suggests that individuals can carve out significant career paths based on their contributions and initiative.

Office Type: Rareloop operates a central Southampton office, described as having "free parking," and also offers remote work flexibility. This suggests a hybrid model where office-based work is available for collaboration and in-person meetings, while remote work is supported for focused individual tasks.

Office Location(s): Central Southampton, England, United Kingdom.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment likely fosters collaboration, with opportunities for direct interaction with project managers, developers, and marketing colleagues.
• Access to amenities like free coffee/tea and regular team lunches creates a positive and engaging workplace atmosphere.
• For remote workers, the company supports flexible working locations, emphasizing trust and autonomy.
• The "flat structure and empowered team" suggests an environment where ideas are welcomed and contributions are valued.

Work Schedule: Flexible working hours are a key benefit, allowing team members to structure their workdays to suit personal needs while ensuring around 40 hours of work per week and meeting project deadlines. This flexibility supports effective work-life balance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, with both a physical office in Southampton and remote options, caters to diverse working preferences. The emphasis on flexibility and work-life balance is a strong indicator of a modern, employee-centric work environment.

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit application, potentially including a cover letter that adds personality and explains interest, and a portfolio. AI-generated applications may be rejected.
• Portfolio Review: A critical stage where the design process, problem-solving skills, and outcomes demonstrated in the portfolio are assessed. Focus on case studies that show the "why" and "how" behind the designs.
• Discovery Workshop Simulation/Discussion: Candidates may be asked to discuss their approach to leading discovery workshops or even participate in a simulated exercise to assess their facilitation and problem-framing skills.
• Collaboration & Technical Assessment: Interviews focusing on collaboration style, communication with developers and PMs, and technical proficiency (especially in Figma).
• Values Alignment: Assessment of how well the candidate aligns with Rareloop's B Corp and human-centered design values.
• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role, the constraints, your process, the design decisions, and the measurable outcome. Use visuals (wireframes, prototypes, final designs) effectively.
• Highlight Process: Emphasize your methodology – how you approach research, ideation, user testing, and iteration. Demonstrate your ability to adapt your process.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, user satisfaction scores, reduced task completion times).
• Tailor to Rareloop: Research Rareloop's work and clients. Highlight projects that align with their industry focus (digital products, websites, apps) or demonstrate experience with similar challenges.
• Be Authentic: Avoid generic descriptions. Inject personality and passion, as encouraged in the application instructions.
• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical design challenge relevant to Rareloop's client base.
• Practice articulating your design process verbally and visually.
• Think about how you would handle client feedback, disagreements, or scope changes.
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewers about their processes, team dynamics, and company culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific instruction to avoid AI-generated applications suggests a strong desire for authentic, human-driven creativity and problem-solving. The portfolio review is explicitly highlighted as a key component, demanding a deep dive into the candidate's process and impact.

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a desirable skill with "deep Figma knowledge." This is likely the primary tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaborative design.
• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's built-in capabilities, experience with other dedicated prototyping tools might be beneficial.
• Diagramming & Wireframing Tools: Tools for creating user flows, site maps, and low-fidelity wireframes (e.g., Miro, Whimsical, Sketch, Adobe XD).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, experience with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Hotjar) and potentially user feedback platforms would be advantageous for understanding user behavior and validating design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core design role, but an understanding of how design integrates with CRM and marketing automation platforms could be a plus for clients using such systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is clearly the cornerstone of the design stack. While other tools are implied by the responsibilities (wireframing, prototyping), a deep proficiency in Figma is a significant advantage for this role.

Operations Values:

• Human-Centered Design: A core philosophy guiding all product development, ensuring solutions are built around user needs.
• Problem Solving: A passion for using technology and design to tackle real-world challenges for clients.
• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on teamwork, open communication, and shared ownership across departments.
• Continuous Improvement: A drive for constant learning, skill development, and refining processes.
• Impact & Growth: A focus on delivering tangible results for clients (cutting costs, accelerating growth) and fostering personal and professional development for team members.
• Sustainability & Responsibility: Evidenced by B Corp certification, suggesting a commitment to ethical business practices and positive societal impact.
• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with Project Managers and Developers are essential for successful project delivery.
• Client-Facing: A collaborative approach with clients, involving them in discovery workshops and design reviews.
• Empowered Team: A culture where team members are empowered to take ownership and contribute ideas, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.
• Constructive Feedback: An environment where design critiques and feedback are welcomed and used for improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "B Corp certified" status is a strong indicator of company values extending beyond profit, emphasizing social and environmental responsibility. This likely permeates the team culture, attracting individuals who value ethical and impactful work.

• Balancing Client Needs with User Experience: Effectively navigating client requests and business objectives while ensuring a genuinely user-centered and accessible design.
• Managing Diverse Projects: Juggling multiple projects with varying scopes, timelines, and client requirements in an SME environment.
• Staying Ahead of Technological Advancements: Keeping pace with evolving design tools, AI in design, and new digital product trends.
• Translating Complex Ideas: Clearly communicating intricate design concepts and user flows to diverse stakeholders, including those with limited technical backgrounds.
• Ensuring Design Consistency: Maintaining high standards of visual and UX consistency across a range of projects and clients, especially when working remotely.
• Specialized Training: Access to a yearly training budget for courses, workshops, or conferences focused on advanced design skills, new technologies, or specific industry domains.
• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by senior team members or to mentor junior designers, fostering leadership skills.
• Project Diversity: Exposure to a wide array of client projects and industries, providing broad learning experiences.
• Skill Evolution: Opportunities to contribute to and learn about cutting-edge areas like AI in design, automation, and advanced prototyping techniques.
• Process Improvement: Involvement in refining and evolving Rareloop's design methodologies, offering a chance to shape best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a senior role in a dynamic agency environment. The growth opportunities are explicitly supported by company investment in training and development, highlighting a commitment to employee progression.

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led a client through a complex discovery process. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on facilitation, problem-framing, and stakeholder management).
• "Walk us through a challenging product design project from your portfolio. What was the problem, your process, your specific contributions, and the measurable outcome?" (Prepare to deep-dive into your case study, emphasizing your thought process and impact).
• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated throughout your design process, not just as an afterthought?" (Demonstrate understanding of WCAG and practical implementation strategies).
• "Imagine a client wants a feature you believe is detrimental to the user experience. How would you handle this conversation?" (Focus on communication, negotiation, and advocating for the user).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Rareloop's B Corp status and human-centered design approach?" (Research Rareloop's values and connect them to your own).
• "How do you see your skills contributing to a flat, empowered team structure?" (Highlight your ability to work autonomously and collaborate effectively).
• "Describe your ideal work-life balance and how Rareloop's flexible policies align with that." (Show appreciation for the offered benefits and how they support your productivity).
• Structure is Key: Use a clear narrative for each case study: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Impact.
• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user journey maps) to illustrate your points.
• Be Concise: Focus on the most critical aspects of each project. Avoid overwhelming the interviewer with too much detail.
• Interactive Elements: If possible, prepare interactive prototypes or screen recordings to showcase the user flow and interactions.
• Prepare for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, challenges faced, and alternative approaches considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation advice emphasizes the need to demonstrate strategic thinking, strong communication, and a deep understanding of the design process, especially in client-facing scenarios. The "no AI" rule suggests interviewers will be looking for genuine insights and personal experience.

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Craft a compelling cover letter: Go beyond a generic summary. Explain your genuine interest in Rareloop, how your passion for human-centered design and problem-solving aligns with their B Corp values, and why this Senior Product Designer role is a strong fit for your career aspirations.
• Curate your portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end product design process, your ability to lead discovery, your Figma proficiency, and measurable outcomes. Ensure each case study clearly details the problem, your role, process, solutions, and impact.
• Optimize your CV: Highlight your 5+ years of commercial design experience, agency/consultancy background, and specific skills mentioned (UX/UI, wireframing, prototyping, Figma, accessibility, workshop facilitation). Quantify achievements when possible.
• Prepare for interview discussions: Practice articulating your portfolio projects, your approach to client collaboration, and your understanding of Rareloop's methodologies. Think about how you would contribute to a flat, empowered team and leverage flexible working.

⚠️ 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

Candidates should have at least 5 years of commercial design experience and a strong portfolio showcasing their design process. Expertise in UX principles and the ability to lead workshops are essential.

25 Days Holiday, Sick Pay Package, Flexible Working Hours, Flexible Working Location, Great Work/Life Balance, Contributory Pension, Opportunity to De…