Your specialized Product & Design Headhunter. Top leader for CPO, Design & Digital Transformation

We find the right talent for your product and design teams – quickly, precisely and with a deep understanding of the industry

Arrange a non-binding consultation now

Why Kooku X?

95%

Occupancy rate

Over 10 years of experience, 500+ projects, 95% success rate – combination of network-based headhunting and data-supported research.

View success cases

28%

Shorter time-to-hire

First shortlist in 72 hours, usually completed in < 30 days. Our processes reduce the time-to-hire by 28 % on average.

Process explained

150+

Companies trust us

Many years of experience as an executive in the digital industry and specialization in expert and executive search for digital transformation.

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How we work in Product & Design Recruiting

Precise briefing
Understanding of context, expectations and organizational structure.
Market analysis & sourcing
Benchmarking, talent pool mapping and active approach.
Candidate calibration
Fast delivery of test profiles and fine-tuning of the shortlist.
Offer & onboarding support
Support throughout the entire process until successful integration.

We fill these design and product roles

Chief Product Officer (CPO)

Strategic product leader with experience in digital business models - drives innovation, growth and digital transformation across the product area.

Chief Design Officer (CDO)

Experienced design leader who defines UX/UI strategies for digital products, sustainably anchoring customer experience, brand differentiation and design thinking.

Head of Product Management

Manager for agile product development with a focus on SaaS and digital platform solutions - coordinates roadmaps, agile teams and product strategies.

Head of UX/UI Design

Leading role with responsibility for intuitive user experiences and creative interfaces - combines design aesthetics with functional user experience.

Interim Product Owner

Immediately available, agile expert role for rapid management of product development teams, ideal for bridging critical vacancies at short notice.

Product Design Director

Management and coordination of multidisciplinary design teams responsible for digital products from conception to market launch.

Senior UX Research Lead

Leading expert position for the collection and implementation of user needs and data analyses in order to consistently align products with the market.

Head of Digital Product Transformation

Responsible for the introduction and implementation of digital product strategies, transforming classic product development into digital and data-driven processes.

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Lead Digital Product Manager (E-Commerce)

Expert role for complex digital products in e-commerce, responsible for the development and optimization of conversion-strong digital products and platforms.

Senior Service Designer Lead

Executive with a strong focus on service-oriented product design, combining customer centricity, user experience and digital business processes.

What do our customers say?

“By far the best finance headhunter I have worked with. Professionally strong, fast, committed.”

“Understands both digital and financial roles. Combines empathy with system.”

“Jan Pautsch brings together network, expertise and speed. He provided us with decisive support in a strategic C-level appointment.”

“Thanks to Kooku X, we were able to fill a key role in the leadership team in a short space of time. Fast, focused, trustworthy.”

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

As Director of the Expert Search Unit at Kooku, Jan brings more than 10 years of experience in the digital industry, specializing in executive search and interim solutions in the areas of product, design and digital transformation. He supports companies in attracting leaders who drive innovation and create sustainable value.

More than 10 years of executive search experience
Network of 150 + digital companies
500 + candidate interviews p. a.

20-minute product talent assessment

Arrange a 20-minute assessment

Take advantage of a non-binding 20-minute assessment with Jan Pautsch:

→ Where do you currently stand?

→ What is realistically achievable?

→ What do benchmarks & the talent market look like?

At the end, you will receive a clear action plan – before you embark on a detailed search briefing.

Latest updates from product and design recruiting in our recruiting blog

Would you like to find out more about product and design recruiting or explore the question of what actually constitutes successful recruiting in product management and design? Find out more in our blog posts:

Design im Wandel - Teil 3 von Jan Pautsch

Design in Transition: Part 3 – The growing role of ICs and fractional leads

Design Leadership: Design in Transition Part 2 von Jan Pautsch

Design in Transition: Part 2 – Challenges in leading product design teams

Product Design Recruiting - Design in Transition Part 1 by Jan Pautsch

Design in Transition: Part 1 – The transformation of the product designer’s role

Product Design Recruiting – Current challenges in filling vacancies

FAQ - Your most important questions for the Product and Design Headhunter

How do I find an experienced Chief Product Officer for my SaaS company?

We support you in finding a suitable Chief Product Officer (CPO) through our data-driven executive search process. Within around 30 days, you will receive qualified candidates who are specifically experienced in SaaS and digital business models.

What does it cost to hire a headhunter for UX/UI design positions?

The cost of a specialized headhunter in the field of UX/UI design is on average 25-30% of the annual salary of the position. At Kooku X, we offer transparent and project-based models to keep your costs predictable.

How long does it take to fill a Head of Product via Executive Search?

Our executive search process usually takes around 30 days to fill a Head of Product position. Within a week, we will provide you with the first suitable profiles for selection.

What advantages does an interim product owner offer in agile product development?

An interim product owner offers fast, flexible support in the event of short-term bottlenecks. These experts are usually ready for action within a few days, bringing a fresh perspective and experience from various industries and projects.

How do I identify the right Product Design Director for my digital product?

Kooku X identifies the right Product Design Director through a detailed briefing, talent pool mapping and a targeted approach. We pay attention to strategic, creative and industry-specific skills and cultural fit.

What are the current salary benchmarks for Lead UX Designers in Germany?

Lead UX Designers currently earn between €80,000 and €110,000 gross annual salary in Germany, depending on company size and location. We will be happy to provide you with precise, industry-specific salary benchmarks in a personal interview.

How does the recruitment process for a Senior Service Designer work?

Our recruiting process for Senior Service Designers takes place in four steps: precise briefing, targeted market analysis & active sourcing, candidate calibration within a few days, as well as final offer and onboarding support.

What experience does Kooku X have with filling product management roles?

Kooku X has extensive experience in product management, with successful placements at well-known companies such as BCG Digital Ventures, Personio and McKinsey Digital Labs. Our expertise includes agile teams and digital transformations.

How does Kooku X support the search for a Head of Digital Product Transformation?

We combine targeted talent pool mapping, direct active sourcing and industry expertise to present you with the right candidates for the role of Head of Digital Product Transformation in the shortest possible time.

What industry expertise does Kooku X bring to Product & Design Headhunting?

Kooku X has deep expertise in digital industries such as SaaS, e-commerce, FinTech and digital services. Our experience includes executive recruitment for product management, UX/UI design and agile product development.

Not sure yet?

Use one of the following options to obtain further information or call us directly:

+49 30 99 404 3660.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Your specialized Product & Design Headhunter. Top leader for CPO, Design & Digital Transformation

Why Kooku X?

95%

Occupancy rate

28%

Shorter time-to-hire

150+

Companies trust us

How we work in Product & Design Recruiting

Precise briefing

Market analysis & sourcing

Candidate calibration

Offer & onboarding support

We fill these design and product roles

What do our customers say?

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

20-minute product talent assessment

Arrange a 20-minute assessment

Take advantage of a non-binding 20-minute assessment with Jan Pautsch:

→ Where do you currently stand?

→ What is realistically achievable?

→ What do benchmarks & the talent market look like?

At the end, you will receive a clear action plan – before you embark on a detailed search briefing.

Latest updates from product and design recruiting in our recruiting blog

FAQ - Your most important questions for the Product and Design Headhunter

How do I find an experienced Chief Product Officer for my SaaS company?

What does it cost to hire a headhunter for UX/UI design positions?

How long does it take to fill a Head of Product via Executive Search?

What advantages does an interim product owner offer in agile product development?

How do I identify the right Product Design Director for my digital product?

What are the current salary benchmarks for Lead UX Designers in Germany?

How does the recruitment process for a Senior Service Designer work?

What experience does Kooku X have with filling product management roles?

How does Kooku X support the search for a Head of Digital Product Transformation?

What industry expertise does Kooku X bring to Product & Design Headhunting?

Not sure yet?