The Challenge

When Keka approached us to hire a Product Design Manager, it marked a slightly new territory for us, as the role was based in Hyderabad. While most of our earlier engagements had been centered around Bengaluru, this search required us to broaden our reach while staying aligned with Keka’s expectations.

Beyond geography, the role itself carried responsibility. Keka was looking for a design leader who could take ownership of the design function, work closely with product and engineering teams, and help guide designers as the product continued to scale in the HR tech space.

Our Approach

We began with a detailed requirement-gathering conversation with Ashrith and Bharat, who were leading from the design and product sides. These early conversations helped set clear expectations around the kind of candidate Keka was looking for - someone who could balance people leadership, strong product thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.

Throughout the process, we worked closely with Adhulya, whose coordination and responsiveness ensured that candidates had a smooth and transparent experience across stages.

As interviews progressed, Shahnawaz Alam emerged as a strong fit. His ability to think holistically about product design, mentor designers, and partner effectively with product and engineering teams aligned well with what Keka was building at that stage.

What stood out consistently was the team’s emphasis on finding the right person, not just filling the role. Each stage of the interview process reflected careful consideration around alignment, collaboration, and long-term fit.

Outcome & What Made It Work

The engagement resulted in the successful hiring of Shahnawaz Alam as Product Design Manager at Keka.

For us, this collaboration stood out because of the clarity and intent the Keka team brought to the process. Even in a new geography, shared expectations, thoughtful conversations, and open communication helped ensure a strong outcome for everyone involved.