VP of Design

Location(s): London, Amsterdam, or Madrid (with flexibility)Reports to: Chief Product OfficerVisa Sponsorship: Location dependantAbout the RoleWe’re looking for an exceptional VP of Design to lead and elevate the Product Design function at a high-growth, consumer technology company.This is a transformational leadership role: you’ll set the vision for design across all digital products, raise the craft and ambition of the team, and ensure customer experiences are world-class, innovative, and impactful. You’ll partner closely with Product, Engineering, Research, Data, and Commercial stakeholders to deliver customer-centric, differentiated product experiences.The design team is evolving from a support function into a strategic, embedded organisation, this is your opportunity to shape that shift and leave a lasting mark on the business and industry.What You’ll DoStrategic LeadershipDefine and communicate a bold, inspiring vision for Product Design across a complex consumer product ecosystem.Position design as a core strategic partner to Product and Engineering.Champion customer-centred thinking in product strategy, prioritisation, and execution.Team Leadership & OperationsBuild, lead, and mentor a high-performing, globally distributed design organisation.Establish scalable processes, standards, and practices that drive consistency, quality, and operational excellence.Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and proactive contribution.Craft & InnovationElevate design quality across interaction, UX, UI, motion, and systems.Lead reimaginings of core journeys and product surfaces to unlock step-change improvements.Promote strong first-principles thinking, challenging convention and driving creative innovation.Introduce modern design tools and workflows to improve efficiency and impact.Collaboration & InfluenceAct as a trusted partner to senior leaders in Product, Technology, and Commercial teams.Influence strategy through the lens of exceptional customer experience.Align design goals with business objectives and compliance or regulatory needs.What You Bring15+ years of experience in product design, including 7+ years in senior leadership roles.A track record of scaling and transforming design teams in fast-paced, product-led environments.Demonstrated excellence in UX, interaction, and systems design, with a strong product portfolio.Experience in consumer-facing, complex, or regulated digital products (e.g. fintech, gaming, media, or marketplaces).Strong collaboration skills: able to influence and align cross-functional teams in dynamic organisations.Resilient, high-agency leadership style; thrives in fast-moving, founder-led companies.Experience leading distributed teams and designing for diverse international markets.Why This RoleOpportunity to lead a high-impact, high-visibility function during a pivotal growth phase.A chance to redefine an entire category and shape how millions of customers experience a complex digital product.Competitive compensation, benefits, and relocation/visa support where applicable.

Created: 2025-08-03