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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate design strategies for product and brand at Proton.
- Company: Join a mission-driven company focused on privacy and user freedom.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work options, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of design while working with top-tier talent globally.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in design leadership and a passion for user-centric solutions.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default. Proton was founded in 2014 by scientists from CERN on a simple truth: privacy is a fundamental human right. Since then, we've built the world's largest encrypted email service (Proton Mail) and expanded into Proton VPN, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar — tools used by millions globally to protect their freedom, fight censorship, and keep their data safe. In some situations, Proton has literally helped save lives. We are profitable, independent (no VC control), and selectively hire from the top ~1% of applicants. Our 700+ team members across 50+ countries come from leading organizations and elite academic backgrounds. We move fast, keep hierarchy light, and prioritize impact over optics. If you want to do meaningful work with exceptionally high-caliber people, this is it.
The Role
As VP Design, you will own and lead the design function across both Product Design (user experience, interface, service design) and Brand / Marketing Design (visual identity, campaign creative, brand experience). You’ll partner closely with the CEO, VP Marketing and Heads of Product, helping shape strategy, drive design excellence, and ensure that design becomes a core differentiator for Proton. You will build, mentor and scale a high-performing, multi-disciplinary design organisation, embedding design thinking across the company.
What you will do:
- Define and execute the strategic vision for design at Proton, bridging product and brand to deliver a unified and differentiated experience globally.
- Lead, develop and grow a world-class design organisation: recruiting designers and researchers, structuring teams across product and brand, setting performance metrics, fostering a culture of creativity, craft and user-centricity.
- Partner with the CEO, VP Marketing and Heads of Product.
Head of Design employer: Proton
Contact Detail:
Proton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Design
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Proton or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your work! Create a portfolio that highlights your best design projects. Make sure it reflects your unique style and approach, as this is your chance to shine and demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by understanding Proton's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their focus on privacy and user-centricity. This will show you're genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Design
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Privacy: When writing your application, let us know why privacy matters to you. Share your thoughts on how design can enhance user privacy and make it a core part of the experience. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about our mission!
Tailor Your Portfolio: Make sure your portfolio reflects the kind of work we do at Proton. Highlight projects that showcase your skills in both product and brand design. We want to see how you can bridge the gap between user experience and visual identity!
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get to the point quickly. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your experience and vision.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Proton
✨Know Your Design Philosophy
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your design philosophy and how it aligns with Proton's mission of privacy and user-centricity. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've implemented this in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Design, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your experience in building high-performing teams and fostering a creative culture. Think about how you can inspire others to embrace design thinking.
✨Understand Proton's Products
Familiarise yourself with Proton's suite of products like Proton Mail, VPN, and Drive. Be prepared to discuss how you would enhance their design and user experience. Showing that you understand their tools will impress the interviewers and show your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be partnering closely with the CEO and other executives, think about strategic design initiatives you could propose. Prepare to discuss how you would bridge product and brand design to create a unified experience, and be ready to back up your ideas with data or case studies.