Head of Design

NextUP, an HRTech startup building infrastructure for digital contractor matching, seeks a Head of Design to lead UX/UI overhaul and design system development. Remote, flexible schedule, equity-only compensation initially.

NextUP is an HRTech startup building infrastructure for selecting digital contractors. The goal is for clients to describe a task and the system to identify a suitable specialist. Starting with SMM, with plans to expand to other professions and the English-speaking market. There is a working MVP, first sales, and a core team. The product requires significant UX/UI overhaul, and the design function needs to be built. Responsibilities: - Understand the product and user scenarios, define priorities, and rebuild key UX/UI areas. - Establish a design system and unified visual language considering future services and platform growth. - Organize work with the current designer and development team, bring solutions to implementation, and test them with users. Main result for the first 2-3 months: updated key product areas and a clear system for further work. Priority areas will be determined together.

Strong product designer with leadership experience. Able to notice a problem, explain it, propose a solution, and negotiate with development without waiting for instructions on every detail. Structural thinking, speed, broad vision, and taste. Ability to create expressive visuals combined with attention to product usability and metrics. Experience in leading design and working hands-on.

Compensation at current stage: equity only. Vesting 4 years, cliff 12 months. Remote work, flexible schedule, no time zone constraints. First two weeks: mutual trial period, also unpaid. After funding round, plans to introduce salary and increase workload. No fixed date yet. Long-term involvement in company building. If regular income is needed now, consider before applying.