Lead Product Designer

About SmartNews

SmartNews is a global leader in redefining information and news discovery, committed to providing users with accurate, timely information and supporting quality journalism. We combine the power of our unique machine-learning technology with the expertise of our first-rate editorial team to bring news that matters to millions of users from our over 3,000 global publishing partners.

Founded in 2012 in Tokyo, Japan, SmartNews has offices in Tokyo, Palo Alto, New York, and Singapore.

Who you are

Design x Practice:

You are an IC generalist that has designed across a variety of experiences, product lifecycles, and emerging tech. Preferably, you have 7+ years in consumer products, with recent experience in consumer mobile apps. You should be able to self-direct and assess design opportunities in a lean, iterative learning environment.

Degree in Design or Related Fields (HCI, Photography, etc.), or Equal Experience

Design x Craft:

Demonstrate strong visual design craft that uplifts the product experience. Ability to explore broad, conceptual directions while applying best practice, standards, and tech stack understanding. Must be comfortable with rapid prototyping, iteration, motion, micro interactions, and ambiguity.

Design x Product:

Able to establish design principles, design breadth, and champion the user alongside business goals. Able to design for handoff with key flows, edge cases, interactions, etc. while also considering the product holistically.

What the job involves

We are looking for a talented designer that can lean into multiple areas of design for a new product under the SmartNews umbrella.

You will join a cross-cultural team and report to the SVP of Product, and will need to champion design collaboration 3 days a week in-office in our Palo Alto, California. You should be experienced workshopping concepts with everyone from C-Suite to engineers, and should be able to balance design directions informed by new findings, tech limitations or opportunities, and data analysis results.

The ideal designer stays relevant and informed on best practices, accessibility, visual trends, and emergent tech. Having an openness to broad exploration and an agile mindset will be key in providing a spectrum of design throughout a product cycle. Efficient handoff, discussion, and involvement with large/multiple engineering teams.

Nice to haves:

• Studio/Agency experience
• Brand or Graphic Design experience
• Experience working with international groups and distributed teams

What to expect

• Please provide a portfolio (and password, if required) detailing work you are most proud of. These should be case studies and demonstrate your role, your process, what informed your process, what happened, and outcomes.
• Preferably, we're interested in work that demonstrates your influence on a 0-1 product, ideally a mobile consumer app's end-to-end process (including inception to launch).
• If selected, you will have an intro call with a member of the design team (30min, format: phone call).
• Next, you will be invited to join us in our Palo Alto office for a panel presentation & discussion, as well as breakout interviews with cross-functional partners. Our recruitment team will provide the template and agenda ahead of this session.
• Lastly, there will be a final round interview with a member of C-suite.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation range: $175,000 ~ 235,000 base salary, plus bonus and equity
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Up to 100% medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
• A benefits plan with monthly allowances
• Complimentary lunch, snacks, and beverages in the office