Senior Director - Product Design

About the role

Freshworks is on the lookout for a visionary leader in design to shape the future of our enterprise product offerings. This role involves steering our design team towards simplifying intricate workflows while seamlessly incorporating AI into our development processes. As a key figure in our organization, you will play a crucial role in defining how design can drive innovation and enhance user experience.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and implement a comprehensive design strategy that aligns with the overarching goals of product and engineering teams.
• Lead and nurture a talented team of design managers and senior contributors, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Manage the complete design process, ensuring high-quality outcomes from initial research stages through to final product delivery.
• Collaborate closely with product management to direct design initiatives that enhance revenue generation and improve customer retention rates.
• Work alongside the design systems lead to ensure that our visual and functional frameworks effectively support ongoing product innovation.
• Incorporate AI-driven tools into the design workflow to boost productivity and enhance the quality of deliverables.
• Communicate design strategies and performance metrics to executive leadership, showcasing the impact of design on business objectives.
• Utilize data analytics and user research to validate design concepts and assess their effectiveness in meeting user needs.
• Champion user-centered design principles, ensuring that all products are intuitive and accessible to our diverse user base.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to keep our design practices at the forefront of innovation.
• Foster relationships with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and collaboration across all stages of product development.
• Advocate for the importance of design within the organization, influencing stakeholders and driving a design-led culture.

Requirements

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on enterprise solutions.
• At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role, managing teams of design managers and senior individual contributors.
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related discipline.
• A proven track record of designing complex, data-intensive enterprise SaaS products that meet user needs and business goals.
• Experience in implementing AI tools and methodologies within a design context, demonstrating scalability and effectiveness.
• A robust portfolio that showcases expertise in systems thinking, intricate workflow design, and effective data visualization techniques.
• Strong technical skills that enable the translation of complex domains into user-friendly interfaces.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and strategies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A passion for mentoring and developing talent within the design team, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with agile methodologies and experience working in fast-paced, iterative environments.
• Experience in conducting user testing and usability studies to inform design decisions.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices in design.
• Previous experience in a startup environment, demonstrating adaptability and innovative thinking.
• Understanding of front-end development principles and how they relate to design execution.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in enterprise SaaS design principles and practices.
• Expertise in AI-enhanced design operations and methodologies.
• Strong capabilities in data visualization and interpretation.
• Familiarity with design systems and their application in product development.
• Experience in user research methodologies and analytics tools.
• Excellent executive communication skills, with the ability to influence and inspire stakeholders at all levels.

Practical notes

Freshworks is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates. Our aim is to create a work environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.