Head of Product Design

Head of Product Design

Full-Time 120000 - 180000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Go Premium
Zest Search

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product design for AI-powered software, shaping user experiences and driving innovation.
  • Company: Exciting Series B AI startup in London with a dynamic team and strong growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and the chance to build a design team.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-growing company while leading design initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head of Product Design or Lead Designer with strong product thinking.
  • Other info: Opportunity to grow a design culture and lead a talented team.

The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.

We’re partnering with a high-growth Series B AI company building AI-powered productivity software, now scaling decisively into SaaS and enterprise. The business has added $20M+ ARR in the last 12 months, is ~70+ people, and is backed by top-tier global investors.

This role has real ownership across problem definition, solution design and execution, working directly with founders and engineering.

What you’ll do:

  • Own the end-to-end design for core workflows, rolling up your sleeves early to ship meaningful improvements.
  • Set clear design standards and direction within the first 3–6 months.
  • Lead discovery and product definition in partnership with founders and engineers.
  • Shape the product roadmap and broader product experience as the company scales.
  • Hire at least one additional designer and start building the design culture (4 designers by end of 2026).

What they’re looking for:

  • Currently operating as a Head of Product Design or Principal/Lead Product Designer.
  • Strong product thinking with experience owning complex products end-to-end.
  • Background in product-led startups or high-quality scaleups.
  • Happy being hands-on first, then transitioning into leadership.
  • AI experience a plus.

£150k-£170k base + equity

Head of Product Design employer: Zest Search

Join a dynamic AI startup in London that is not only at the forefront of innovation but also offers an exceptional work culture focused on collaboration and creativity. With competitive compensation, equity options, and a clear path for professional growth, you will have the opportunity to shape the design team and influence product direction from day one. This role promises meaningful engagement with founders and engineers, ensuring your contributions are valued as the company scales rapidly.
Zest Search

Contact Detail:

Zest Search Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Product Design

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the AI and product design space. Attend industry meetups or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! When you land that interview, make sure to bring your A-game with a well-curated portfolio that highlights your best work. Tailor it to showcase projects that align with the company’s vision and needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for hands-on challenges! Since this role is all about being hands-on initially, brush up on your design skills and be ready to tackle real-world problems during the interview process. Show them you can roll up your sleeves and get things done.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of exciting opportunities, and applying directly through us gives you a better chance to stand out. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Design

Product Design
End-to-End Design
Design Standards
Discovery and Product Definition
Product Roadmap Development
Team Building
Leadership Skills
Hands-on Experience
AI Experience
Collaboration with Founders
Problem Definition
Solution Design
Experience in Product-Led Startups
Scaling Design Culture

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Hands-On Experience: Make sure to highlight your hands-on design experience in your application. We want to see how you've rolled up your sleeves and tackled complex products from start to finish, just like you'll be doing with us!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match our job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, especially in product-led startups.

Demonstrate Leadership Potential: Even though this role starts hands-on, we’re looking for someone who can grow into a leadership position. Share examples of how you’ve led teams or projects in the past, and how you envision building a design culture with us.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Search

✨Show Your Hands-On Experience

Since the role requires you to be hands-on initially, make sure to highlight your previous experiences where you directly contributed to product design. Share specific examples of projects where you took ownership and delivered results, as this will demonstrate your capability to roll up your sleeves and get things done.

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Research the AI startup thoroughly before the interview. Understand their product offerings, target market, and recent achievements. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

✨Prepare for Design Challenges

Be ready to discuss your design process and how you approach problem-solving. You might be asked to tackle a design challenge during the interview, so think about how you would define problems, ideate solutions, and iterate based on feedback. Practising this beforehand can give you a real edge.

✨Talk About Team Building

Since you'll be responsible for building a design team, share your thoughts on what makes a great design culture. Discuss your experience in hiring and mentoring designers, and how you envision fostering collaboration and creativity within the team as it grows.

Head of Product Design
Zest Search
Go Premium

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>