Lead Product Designer

The AA; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive services provider is seeking a Lead Product Designer for AA-X in London. The ideal candidate will guide a dedicated design team to enhance user experiences and innovate in connected car technology. With a focus on collaboration, you will drive the design strategy and principles, while managing product development alongside engineering and marketing teams. The role requires hands-on experience in product design and team leadership within fast-paced environments, along with strong mentorship skills.

Benefits

Annual Bonus

Cash-Car Allowance

Private Medical Insurance

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Free AA breakdown membership

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in product design in digital or hybrid environments.
• Ability to inspire and mentor design teams successfully.
• Proven track record of enhancing user experiences for better outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of designers while nurturing talent.
• Develop experience strategy and principles for products.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and marketing teams to create new products.

Skills

Product design

User experience enhancement

Team leadership

Design thinking

Mentoring

Job description

Company description

Location: London (hybrid working 2 office days per week)

Employment Type: Permanent, full time

Additional Benefits: Annual Bonus, Cash-Car Allowance & Private Medical Insurance

Believe The AA is just about roadside help? Discover AA-X.

In an era where technology simplifies everything from vacation planning and financial transactions to social connections and career opportunities, the complexities of car ownership and driving have only increased. At AA-X, our goal is to revolutionise the experience of owning and using a car.

We conceive, develop, and scale up ventures in connected car technology. Leveraging data and artificial intelligence, we offer insights into both car and driver, crafting innovative solutions that empower drivers with control, assurance, and a touch of delight throughout our automotive journey.

Joining as AA-X’s Lead Product Designer means being part of the UK’s most reputable and extensive driving organisation. You'll be at the forefront, swiftly creating and trialling user-focused products and services, while ensuring AA members are the first to benefit from our innovations.

Are you prepared to lead the way in a career that keeps you at the forefront of automotive innovation?

#LI-THEAA #LI-Hybrid

This is the job

As the Lead Product Designer for AA-X, you’ll play a pivotal role in our team. You’ll guide a dedicated group of Designers, contribute to impactful work, and engage in hands‑on design tasks.

Closely collaborating with the Head of Experience Design, you’ll work closely with leaders across various functions to enhance our design capabilities, shape experiences, and realise the AA-X vision through a series of successful new ventures.

In your role, you’ll oversee the creative process from start to finish, encompassing strategy and concept development for propositions, designing cross‑channel experiences, managing daily design operations, and fostering talent growth. Your goal is to create exceptional user journeys that significantly benefit our customers and drive business success.

What will I be doing?

• Collaborate with the Head of Experience to foster a high‑performing design team, nurturing talent and an innovative culture, while continuously coaching the team towards success.
• Develop and communicate the experience strategy and principles for our products, using storytelling to inspire and guide the team.
• Work alongside product, engineering, data, and marketing teams to create and refine new connected products and services.
• Manage a small design team, overseeing their development and prioritising design work across various propositions.
• Elevate the customer experience to establish AA‑X as a leading product and design team, inspiring others to do the same.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and agile teams to ensure strategic alignment, smooth delivery, and high‑quality outcomes, while also driving and tracking the impact of user experience on customer and business metrics.

What do I need?

• Extensive experience in product design within either a dedicated digital environment or a blend of both digital and physical realms, adept at initiating projects in fast‑paced environments.
• Proven ability to inspire and mentor diverse design teams, fostering high performance in challenging situations.
• Demonstrable success in creating impactful user experiences that enhance business outcomes and customer satisfaction.
• Deep commitment to understanding and improving the experiences of drivers, with an equal drive to innovate and simplify.
• Significant tenure in leadership roles within design, balancing strategic vision with team management.
• A leader in design thinking, comfortable with hands‑on creation as well as steering day‑to‑day design operations, with a preference for experience in in‑car or physical product design.

Additional Information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA, you will join and learn within a team that’s as driven as they are supportive and have access to a range of benefits including:

• Free AA breakdown membership from day one, 50% discount for family and friends in the first year plus discounts on other AA products
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + the option to buy additional annual leave
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family
• Pension scheme available up to 7% contribution
• Exclusive EV discount scheme
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Access to employee inclusivity networks
• Dental and Critical Illness Insurance cover accessible for all AA colleagues

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.

#LI-HH