Hiring Now: A Founding Head of Product Design for an AI Startup

Great design is not just about aesthetics. It determines how a product functions, how it fits into a user’s workflow, and how effectively it solves real problems. For a startup integrating AI into rental tech, design is not just a layer—it is the foundation. The right design leader will shape how users experience and interact with automation, ensuring the product is not just functional but indispensable.

I am working with an early stage company that has already gained traction. They have a product in market, secured funding, and businesses eager to adopt their platform. Now, they need a designer who can elevate what exists and turn it into a seamless, scalable experience.

WHY THIS ROLE IS A BIG DEAL

Imagine walking into a room where the foundation is built, the investment is secured, and the early adopters are already believers. What would you create?

This founding design role goes far beyond aesthetics. As businesses increasingly adopt this platform, your design decisions will directly impact how seamlessly they integrate powerful AI into their daily operations. You'll be the bridge between cutting-edge technology and the humans who use it.

As the design pioneer, you'll:

• Architect a design system that scales elegantly as the product evolves and expands
• Craft AI-powered workflows that feel intuitive rather than intimidating
• Transform real user insights into thoughtful improvements that solve genuine problems
• Own both high-level design strategy and hands-on execution in this critical growth stage

WHO WILL SUCCEED HERE

The frontier between human and artificial intelligence requires a special kind of explorer. We're looking for someone who sees design as the art of making complexity feel simple. 

You might be our perfect match if:

• You've shepherded complete products from concept to launch, not just isolated features
• You understand the unique dynamics of B2B or B2B2C products and how they drive business efficiency
• You thrive on user feedback and see it as the compass guiding your design decisions
• You balance speed with intention, ensuring every design choice supports the broader vision

While AI experience isn't a prerequisite, your experience with automation, workflow design, or data-rich interfaces would be particularly valuable in this terrain.

WHY THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ROLES

When was the last time you had the chance to define the experience of a product that's already proving its value? Most design roles either force you to build from scratch or maintain someone else's vision. This is neither. 

You will not be stepping into a company that is still figuring things out. You are joining a well-funded, fast-moving startup that already has traction. 

What makes this opportunity rare:

• AI isn't bolted on—it's the beating heart of the product, offering you the chance to design at the frontier of human-AI collaboration
• Real businesses are using the product now, providing the concrete feedback that great designers crave
• The leadership team deeply values design thinking and will give you meaningful influence over product direction
• While remote-friendly, the predominantly East Coast team values human connection with periodic in-person collaborations
• Strong funding means you can focus on building something exceptional rather than chasing the next round

WHERE WE ARE IN THE HIRING PROCESS

Have you ever met someone and immediately known they were perfect for something? That's what I'm waiting for in this search.

I've talked to some good designers, but I'm still looking for someone who gets it. Someone who sees this isn't just a job – it's a chance to own something that matters.

We don't need a robot who can push pixels. We need someone who gets fired up about turning complicated tech into something people actually want to use. Someone who sees a mess of features and thinks "I can fix this." Someone who gets that AI should help people, not confuse them.

IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU, LET’S TALK

If you are a senior product designer who wants to own a design, build something impactful, and work on AI-powered automation, this could be the perfect fit.

Email me. Message me. Let's start with a real conversation about what you're looking for and what they're building.