Lead Product Designer

ABOUT US

Akur8 is a young, dynamic, fast growing Insurtech startup that is revolutionising insurance pricing with transparent AI.

Since 2016 our skilled R&D team of Data Scientists, Software Engineers and Actuaries has developed unique AI algorithms that automate the insurance pricing process in an unprecedented way.

Our solution is a SaaS platform which allows insurance companies to model their risks 10 times faster, with a higher predictive power than traditional methods, constituting a major game changer for the insurance industry.

Being international by design, targeting all insurance carriers globally, and focusing on more mature markets for faster expansion, we were selected:

• CB Insight’s Top 50 World Insurtech Companies (2022)
• Sønr’s World Top 25 Insurtech Companies (2022)
• FinTech Global’s Insurtech 100 (2022)
• FinTech Global’s Top 100 AIFinTech Companies (2022)
• As 3rd best Software Engineering team (Worldwide) in the CodinGame Fall Challenge (2022)
• LinkedIn's Top 20 French Start-ups (2023)

With 31 nationalities within our team, and offices in Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Milan & Cologne, Akur8’s solution is international by design. Servicing 130 clients across 4 continents and targeting all non-life insurance carriers, we focus on more mature markets for faster expansion.

To get to know more about Akur8, go to www.akur8.com

Akur8 is, in all senses of the term, an equal opportunities employer, examining all applications based on equal skills & applying the principles of non-discrimination.

ROLE

We’re seeking a talented Lead Product Designer to join our team in Paris, acting as a reference for the rest of the Product Design team.

In this role, as well as contributing in an operational capacity, you’ll also work closely with the Head of Design to shape the design direction, processes, and strategic initiatives for our products.

Your seniority will mean that you’re instrumental in driving high-quality design outcomes, both in terms of mentoring the design team, as well as advocating for design excellence across the organization.

Main responsibilities:

• Serve as a reference for the Product Design team, demonstrating exceptional skills in Design craft, encompassing UX/UI design, user research, and design ops.
• Tackle complex design problems by collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
• Inform your designs with both qualitative and data-driven insights on user needs and pain points.
• Uphold a high-quality bar for design deliverables, ensuring they meet user needs and align with business objectives with oversight from relevant stakeholders.

• Lead and mentor the Product Design team in delivering high-quality design solutions, as well as planning and critiquing design work.

• Support the Head of Design in defining design direction and strategic activities.
• Identify areas for improvement in our principles, values, tooling, and processes, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to implement necessary changes.

• Manage stakeholders effectively, communicating design decisions, and evangelizing the value of design throughout the organization.
• Be autonomous and responsible for your time and deliverables.

PROFILE

For this key role within our Product Management team we’re keen to speak to applicants that meet the following criteria. You have:

• 6+ years experience
• Proven B2B / SaaS Product Design experience

• Take a strategic view to everything you do - your work stands the test of time.
• Expertise in UX/UI design principles, with a strong portfolio showcasing your design work.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to tackle complex design challenges.
• Knowledge of Agile methodologies and experience working in iterative design cycles.
• Aptitude for addressing intricate design challenges and steering the development of innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with a demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders effectively and influence decision-making processes.
• Experience creating, using, and maintaining design systems.

• Passionate about craftsmanship and the impact of design.
• Exceptional leadership capabilities, including the ability to mentor and motivate a team towards achieving design excellence.

• Based in Paris OR be willing to relocate.
• Fluent level of spoken English.

NOTE: PLEASE INCLUDE - OR BE PREPARED TO SEND - A LINK TO YOUR PORTFOLIO (INCLUDING PASSWORD IF PASSWORD PROTECTED)

Important: You must possess an employment status: French or Schengen area nationality or a ‘carte de séjour’ that will allow you to work from our Paris office. We are equally open to the visa sponsorship of non-EU candidates as long as they are already in possession of their final diploma / attestation of their final academic results.

BENEFITS

As a newcomer, you'll be joining a diverse, highly skilled and motivated team, with a strong Tech DNA, colleagues that are eager to share their knowledge and passion.

But it’s not all work, you’ll also be part of a dynamic team that enjoys spending time together and having fun, including karaoke, team lunches, playing sports as well as the occasional ‘happy hour’.

In addition to this, we will provide you with:

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Hybrid office / home office policy
• 25 days of paid holidays + RTT
• Gym membership with Gymlib
• On-site gym facilities / corporate sporting activities
• Excellent health insurance (including possibility of family coverage)
• Swile lunch vouchers
• Public transportation reimbursement + sustainable mobility allowance
• Relocation support
• Sponsored crèche access
• Free cafeteria with fresh fruit, drinks and snacks
• Great office in the heart of the 9th arrondissement of Paris