Full Time, Cologne, Remote Product Design Lead

Cleverbridge is the smarter way to sell globally. As a premium Merchant of Record (MoR), we simplify global software sales by combining powerful platform capabilities — including payments, subscriptions, taxes, and compliance — with expert services that fuel growth across the entire customer lifecycle. From onboarding and implementation to ongoing optimization and strategic guidance, our team works as an extension of our clients', helping them remove friction, reduce risk, and expand into new markets with confidence.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Product Design Lead to help shape the future of Cleverbridge’s customer and client experiences — with a special focus on Checkout 2.0 and the evolution of agentic (AI-driven) experiences that bring tangible value to users.

This is a senior, hands-on role for a designer who combines strong product thinking, design craft, and leadership. You will lead and mentor a small design team, support product discovery across multiple teams, and drive the creation of intuitive, tested, and impactful user experiences.

Beyond design discipline leadership, you’ll be a key sparring partner for the Director of Product , actively contributing to brainstorming, ideation, and process improvements . You’ll bring a strategic and creative lens to both product direction and team operations, helping shape how Cleverbridge designs, validates, and delivers experiences.

Your background

• 10+ years of professional experience in product design , with at least 5 years of design leadership.
• Proven record of delivering high-quality, user-centered software experiences end to end for B2B or B2C products .
• Experience leading or mentoring designers and researchers.
• Strong collaboration skills — thrives in close partnership with PMs and engineers.
• Experience conducting or supporting user research and validation.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence through evidence and empathy.
• Experience with eCommerce, checkout, or payments flows is a strong plus.
• Product management experience or product mindset is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a global, remote team environment.

Your responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and grow a multidisciplinary team including mid-level product designers.
• Manage and guide the designers focused on Checkout 2.0 and Agentic experiences , ensuring alignment, quality, and consistency across initiatives.
• Partner closely with Product Managers throughout discovery to support research, problem framing, and fast experimentation.
• Provide leadership and direction to the technical documentation team , ensuring alignment, collaboration, and clarity across design and communication outputs.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Product to brainstorm new ideas , explore innovative approaches, and continuously improve product and team processes.
• Act as a visible design ambassador inside Cleverbridge — ensuring everyone understands and values the impact of design.
• Collaborate across functions to ensure design decisions are practical, validated, and drive measurable improvement.
  

Design & Research

• Oversee and guide the design of Checkout 2.0 , ensuring the end-to-end purchase experience meets user and business needs.
• Support and mentor the designer leading agentic experiences , helping test and validate concepts that create tangible user value.
• Conduct and synthesize user research, interviews, and usability tests to inform design decisions.
• Build rapid prototypes to validate ideas early and enable “fail fast, learn fast” cycles.
• Translate insights into clear, actionable design recommendations and solutions.
• Work tightly with engineering during implementation to ensure design quality and consistency.

What success looks like

• Agentic experiences are tested, validated, and drive measurable user value.
• Checkout 2.0 delivers a best-in-class experience, improving conversion and customer satisfaction.
• The design team operates as a trusted partner in discovery and delivery.
• Design impact is visible across Cleverbridge — everyone understands what design does and why it matters.

Benefits of working at Cleverbridge

Flexible work options

Work hybrid or fully remote with flexible hours (varies by role and team)

Inspiring office environments

Collaborate in modern offices in the heart of Cologne and Chicago

Get gym reimbursement, join wellness challenges, and access other health benefits

Grow your skills with structured programs and a personal L&D budget

Employee support programs

Access 401(k), pension plans, volunteer time off, mentoring, and more

Referral program

Earn cash bonuses when your referrals join the Cleverbridge team

Cleverbridge is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability status, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.

At Cleverbridge, we believe in our people and their abilities to drive impact. That's why we offer a competitive salary, flexible working environment, and opportunities for growth and advancement. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we want you on our team! Apply now and let's build something amazing together.

Still have questions?

Get in touch with us! Whether it’s a role-specific question or a question about life at Cleverbridge, we would love to chat with you and will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

Not the right fit?

We're always on the lookout for unique and talented individuals. Explore other opportunities to join the Cleverbridge team.

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