Manager, Product Design

The Manager, Product Design at StackAdapt is responsible for leading the design vision and quality across the organization’s advertising platform. This involves mentoring a team of product designers, collaborating with product management and engineering to formulate roadmaps, and shaping design directions that align with business goals. You will also be integral in continuously refining processes related to user journey thinking and improving team operations.

To excel as a Manager, Product Design at StackAdapt, candidates should possess a minimum of 3 years of experience in product design, a strong passion for mentorship, and the ability to lead a high-performing design team. Familiarity with core UX competencies such as usability testing, prototyping, and excellent communication skills are also essential to navigate both technical and non-technical discussions effectively.

At StackAdapt, the culture is welcoming and inclusive. We strive to create an environment where every individual, irrespective of background, feels valued and empowered. As a Manager, Product Design, you will find a strong support system centered around collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, fostering team members' growth and success.

The Manager, Product Design plays a crucial role in StackAdapt's success by overseeing the development of design solutions that enhance user experiences and operational efficiencies. By mentoring and empowering designers, championing collaborative efforts with other teams, and adapting to market needs, you will be instrumental in keeping StackAdapt at the forefront of the advertising technology industry.

As a Manager, Product Design at StackAdapt, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive salary, RRSP matching, generous vacation days, mental health support, work-from-home reimbursements, and opportunities for personal and professional development. You'll also benefit from a friendly team culture and flexibility through a remote-first setup.

When mentoring designers, I focus on understanding their individual strengths and areas for growth. I provide regular feedback, encourage open communication, and create opportunities for skill development by assigning them to projects that challenge and excite them. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, I aim to help them tackle real-world problems effectively.

One project I led aimed to simplify the onboarding process for new users. By conducting usability testing and gathering user feedback, we redesigned the interface to streamline the journey. The end result was a significant increase in user satisfaction and a 30% reduction in onboarding time.

I utilize a mix of design thinking methodologies and agile practices to ensure adaptive and user-centered design. This includes user research, iterative prototyping, and regular testing with stakeholders to confirm alignment with business goals and user needs.

I prioritize open communication channels to ensure that all stakeholders feel heard. By breaking down design concepts into relatable terms and actively engaging collaborators in discussions, I ensure that feedback is constructive and leads to improved outcomes.

To maintain agility in design processes, I focus on regular stand-ups, clear documentation of workflows, and iterative design workshops. This approach fosters collaboration, reduces bottlenecks, and allows for rapid adjustments based on ongoing feedback.

Success for a design project at StackAdapt is defined by user satisfaction, meeting key performance indicators, and the ability to adapt based on real-world usage. Post-launch, I believe in conducting user interviews and analyzing data to understand the impact of our designs and areas for continuous improvement.

Collaboration is key in design. I have worked closely with product managers and developers to ensure alignment from project inception to final delivery. Creating a collaborative atmosphere means actively engaging stakeholders in brainstorming sessions and maintaining transparency throughout the design process.

Staying current with industry trends involves regular reading of design blogs, attending webinars, and participating in relevant conferences. I also engage with design communities to share insights and gain diverse perspectives, which in turn inform my graphic practices.

I approach tight deadlines with strategic prioritization. Assessing project scope, breaking tasks into manageable parts, and effective delegation helps ensure that we meet deadlines without sacrificing quality. Communication with the team during this phase is essential to maintain morale and focus.

Facilitating user journey mapping involves gathering cross-functional teams to engage in workshops where we outline user interactions from start to finish. Using tools like empathy maps and journey maps, we identify pain points and opportunities for improvement, which guide our design efforts in creating a seamless user experience.