Head of Product Design & Strategy — AI-Driven, Scalable Design

Piano; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Piano is seeking a Head of Product Design to lead a team of eight designers across Piano Analytics, Subscriptions, Audiences and Activation. You will own design strategy, develop capabilities, and elevate design as a strategic driver of business outcomes.

You’ll shape vision, coach talent, and partner with product and engineering to redefine our product portfolio and drive growth. This role combines leadership with hands-on design influence in a fast-paced, AI-enabled environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading design teams in B2B SaaS or similar environments.
• Genuine hands-on proficiency with AI design tools (not just theory).
• Proven ability to mentor designers and build high-performing teams.
• Experience defining design processes, systems, and standards at organizational scale.
• Strong communication and executive presence.
• Comfort balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

Responsibilities

• Define design vision and direction across our product portfolio.
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing design team.
• Establish design standards, practices, and systems that scale.
• Be the strategic design voice in executive conversations (board, leadership, customers).
• Partner closely with product and engineering on product strategy.
• Lead design work on major strategic initiatives and new innovations.
• Drive how AI tools and processes reshape our design workflow and quality.
• Lead strategic design communications (investor pitches, market positioning, executive storytelling).
• Work on complex B2B SaaS challenges and help the team navigate them.
• Be present on key decisions where design shapes business outcomes.
• Create a coaching culture where designers have clear goals and development support.
• Manage performance and resolve team dynamics constructively.
• Attract, develop, and retain excellent talent.

Skills

Leadership

Design leadership

Mentoring

Executive presence

Strategic thinking

Hands-on design

AI design tools

Communication

SAFe experience

Job description

Piano is seeking a Head of Product Design to lead a team of eight designers across Piano Analytics, Subscriptions, Audiences and Activation. You will own design strategy, develop capabilities, and elevate design as a strategic driver of business outcomes.

You’ll shape vision, coach talent, and partner with product and engineering to redefine our product portfolio and drive growth. This role combines leadership with hands-on design influence in a fast-paced, AI-enabled environment.