Associate Manager Product Design (Design)

Associate Manager Product Design

Bitwarden is the trusted identity security leader for millions of users worldwide, empowering enterprises, developers, and individuals to securely manage and share sensitive information anywhere. Bitwarden makes it easy for all users to extend robust security across their devices with password management, secrets management, and passwordless and passkey innovations. The company is headquartered in Santa Barbara, California. Learn more at bitwarden.com.

As an Associate Product Design Manager at Bitwarden, you will step into a leadership role that blends people management with hands-on product design. You believe security products can be both protective and genuinely delightful to use - and you want to help a team of designers bring that vision to life. You’ll support, coach, and grow a small team of product designers while continuing to contribute to the craft yourself. You’ll collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineering leads, and cross-functional partners to shape the overall design direction across the Bitwarden platform.

This is a rare opportunity for an experienced IC designer ready to take their first step into formal people management - without fully stepping away from the work they love. Bitwarden is an all-remote team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage, mentor, and grow a small team of product designers - running 1:1s, supporting career development, and fostering a culture of craft and collaboration
• Partner with product managers and engineering leads to set design priorities, align roadmaps, and advocate for the user experience across the Bitwarden platform
• Contribute directly to select initiatives - creating user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and prototypes as needed
• Facilitate design critiques and review sessions, helping the team produce consistent, high-quality, and accessible work
• Facilitate user research and testing practices - helping the team plan and execute feedback cycles that inform design decisions with evidence
• Drive cross-functional alignment by clearly communicating design rationale to a diverse stakeholder audience, including leadership
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase design team effectiveness, quality, and velocity
• Uphold and evolve Bitwarden’s design system and standards across desktop, mobile (iOS & Android), web, and browser extension

WHAT YOU BRING TO BITWARDEN

• 3-5 years of experience in product design, with at least some informal experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating the work of other designers
• A portfolio that demonstrates strong UI craft, systems thinking, and the ability to solve complex UX problems across platforms
• Proficiency in Figma and familiarity with other design and developer tools (e.g., Claude, Loveable, Replit, ChatGPT, V0, Adobe, GitHub)
• Experience planning and facilitating user research, testing sessions, and design critiques
• Ability to communicate design decisions with clarity - through sketches, wireframes, mockups, prototypes, and in conversation with stakeholders
• A collaborative and adaptable mindset, comfortable navigating ambiguity and prioritizing across competing demands
• Strong verbal and written communication skills paired with openness and authenticity - you give and receive feedback well
• The desire to grow as a manager: you’re energized by helping others do their best work, not just doing it yourself
• Excitement and enthusiasm for open source software and better internet security

NICE-TO-HAVE

• Experience in a player-coach or tech lead role on a design team
• Startup or fast-growth company experience
• Familiarity with WCAG accessibility guidelines
• Experience designing for security-focused applications
• Experience designing for both B2C and B2B customers
• Cross-platform design experience (desktop, mobile, web, browser extension)
• Front-end development experience or strong familiarity with engineering practices

DESIGN AT BITWARDEN

The Product Design team at Bitwarden is dedicated to simplifying the management of sensitive data for users of all skill levels, with a focus on creating user-friendly experiences that enhance efficiency and security. We aim to provide clear options and guide users toward best practices. Bitwarden’s design team strives to create experiences where everyone can manage their data with confidence, fostering trust through a consistent and transparent approach. With this intention, we aim to enhance user experiences by transforming routine tasks into enjoyable moments, ultimately making every interaction with our products delightful and empowering for our customers.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Meeting with our Recruiting team
• Interview with Hiring Manager
• Interview with team members
• Portfolio review
• References

A FEW REASONS TO WORK WITH US

• The Bitwarden user community loves staying secure, and the feeling is mutual. Come to work each day with a sense of purpose and bring a more secure internet experience to everyone, from friends and family to the world’s largest organizations.
• Become an expert. You’ll become immersed in the prominent technology markets of security and open-source software.
• Bitwarden remains dedicated to building a diverse and talented team. Work remotely with a motivated and supportive team of colleagues worldwide.
• Learn and grow. Take on new challenges with your team’s support and join the Bitwarden #growth-club to continue your personal and professional development.