Product Design Manager

Tailscale is reshaping the Internet by creating software that makes it simple to securely connect people and devices, regardless of location. From hobbyists to global corporations, teams of all sizes rely on Tailscale daily to secure their networks, share internal tools, and more. We’re crafting an Internet that’s intuitive, reliable, and secure—just like it was meant to be. Founded in 2019 and fully remote, we’re supported by Accel, CRV, Insight, Heavybit, and Uncork Capital.
Job Description
We’re looking for an experienced Product Design Manager to lead the Design function within the EPD organization at Tailscale.
Design is essential to making Tailscale accessible and trustworthy for a wide range of users. In this role, you will cultivate a user-centered culture within the EPD team, collaborating with Engineering and Product leaders to ensure that the end-user experience is thoughtful and high-quality. You’ll help guide Product Designers to perform at their best, setting and maintaining high standards for our product and its features, both existing and new. Additionally, you’ll work closely with UXR and Brand Design teams to ensure a consistent brand presence, voice, and experience across Tailscale, from the product itself to marketing materials.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a team of 4+ Product Designers, fostering an inclusive and supportive culture. You will oversee team rituals, including design critiques and offsites.
- Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, ensuring smooth interaction between teams and helping other disciplines effectively engage with Design.
- Advocate for the end-user experience while developing new features and prioritizing improvements to existing workflows.
- Identify areas where systems and processes can be improved to increase the Design Team’s effectiveness and propose actionable solutions.
- Define and uphold standards for quality and consistency across design work.
- Mentor and support designers on your team, encouraging growth through coaching, feedback, and professional development.
What We Are Looking For
- Extensive experience as both an individual contributor (IC) Product Designer and as a leader of design teams.
- Experience working on B2B software in highly technical domains, with the ability to approach customer problems that may initially be unfamiliar.
- Ability to lead new processes by example, helping your team adopt new practices through hands-on guidance.
At Tailscale, we strive to ensure fair and equitable compensation practices across all roles and levels. Our compensation package includes base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits. The salary range displayed in each job posting represents the target range for a new hire’s base salary. Individual offers may vary based on experience and skill set.
US Pay Range:
$189,000 – $236,000 USD
We recognize that individuals from historically marginalized groups often apply for jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage you to break that statistic and apply, even if you don’t meet every single requirement.
What We Offer
- An inclusive, flexible environment where you can be your authentic self. We value diverse voices and backgrounds and recognize their impact on the growth of our people, product, and company. Flexible work hours and locations allow you to integrate work and life seamlessly.
- A competitive total compensation package, including base salary, equity incentives, and variable commissions (for quota-based roles).
- Comprehensive group benefits with no waiting period—health, vision, dental, and more for you and your family!
- All-remote work with the freedom to work from anywhere—whether at home, in a cafe, or at a coworking space like WeWork. Join virtual and in-person events to connect with teammates.
- Opportunities to meet other Tailscalers in person through retreats, off-sites, and a travel budget for team meet-ups across the US, Canada, or the UK.
- Support for personal and professional growth, with $1,500 USD annually for professional development or access to mentorship and internal promotion opportunities.
- Paid time off with a flexible approach to life’s situations—whether moving, traveling, or taking a break. We encourage Tailscalers to take 4-6 weeks of vacation annually.
- A customizable home office setup—choose your company-owned laptop (Mac or PC), receive a monthly internet reimbursement, and $1,000 USD to personalize your workstation.
- Generous parental leave from day one, with top-ups for up to 26 weeks to support new parents.