Lead Product Designer

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine learning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

We’re looking for a Lead Product Designer to join our Work Management team, which is responsible for shaping the pre- and post-contract experiences on our platform. As a Lead Product Designer, you'll own and elevate the design strategy for workflows that are core to our customers' success. You’ll play a pivotal role in designing intuitive, seamless interactions that enhance the way clients and talent collaborate on Upwork—from project setup to successful delivery.

Join us in revolutionizing work management design at Upwork and making a significant impact on our platform and users.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the design strategy for pre- and post-contract workflows, aligning with both user needs and business goals.

• Lead end-to-end design execution, creating wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals that improve complex workflows.

• Drive experimentation and A/B testing initiatives to validate design hypotheses, improve usability, and support data-informed decisions.

• Collaborate with cross-functional partners—including product managers, engineers, researchers, and analysts—to influence product direction and ensure design is embedded early in development.

• Translate user insights into impactful solutions that streamline contract lifecycle touchpoints and reduce user friction.

• Provide design mentorship across the team by sharing feedback, insights, and best practices.

• Stay current on design trends, tooling, and emerging technologies to continuously elevate the quality of your work and that of the broader team.

What it takes to catch our eye

• Proven experience designing user flows and interfaces for complex, multi-step workflows—particularly in contract or project management environments.

• Expertise in product experimentation, including running A/B tests and applying data to improve design outcomes.

• A compelling portfolio demonstrating product design excellence across web and mobile platforms, with clear rationale behind design decisions.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with a track record of influencing product strategy through user-centered design.

• Deep proficiency with tools like Figma and experience leading research and usability testing initiatives to inform design.

Come change how the world works.

At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. to learn more about life at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.