Design Lead, Design Systems - Freelance

58 minutes ago
Contract
Lead
Design and User Experience
AKQA

AKQA

AKQA is an ideas and innovation company that specializes in creating digital services and products. With a team of 2,200 professionals across 20 countries, AKQA is known for its imaginative application of art and science. The company has been recognize...

Media
5K-10K
Founded 1994

Description

  • Provide hands-on creative direction and lead a team of designers producing digital product experiences.
  • Create, maintain, and evolve complex design systems for scalability, consistency, and craft.
  • Define creative vision for digital platforms and products in alignment with client and user needs.
  • Collaborate with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver integrated solutions.
  • Present and defend creative concepts and design solutions to clients and stakeholders.
  • Mentor junior and mid-level designers while fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth.
  • Promote creative excellence and strong conceptual thinking throughout the design process.

Requirements

  • 6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field.
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating digital platforms and product design.
  • Proven ability to lead, inspire, mentor, and develop design teams.
  • Deep expertise creating and evolving scalable design systems.
  • Strong knowledge of UI, application, mobile, and responsive design principles.
  • Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced component and library management.
  • Exceptional communication and client presentation skills.
  • Experience collaborating with UX, development, and other cross-disciplinary teams.
  • Proactive, adaptable mindset with a strong point of view and ability to encourage conceptual thinking.
  • Must be based in the United States; Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome, with regular onsite client visits required.

Benefits

  • Remote freelance work arrangement within the United States.
  • 40 hours per week from ASAP through March 30, 2027.
  • Expected weekly compensation of $3,600–$4,000.
  • Required onsite client visits and meetings, with flexibility discussed for accommodations.
  • Equal opportunity workplace committed to respect, inclusion, and career growth.

Interested in this position?

Apply directly on the company website

Apply Now

Similar Roles

Director, Product Design - AI & Context

Figma 1K-5K Internet Software & Services

Figma is seeking a Design Leader to oversee its Context Platform Pillar, guiding teams across Design Systems, Code, MCP, CMS, and Community to shape AI-enabled design workflows and deliver strategic platform initiatives.

Design Systems Figma
1 day, 1 hour ago

Design Team Lead - Ecommerce Marketing Agency

Hustler Marketing 51-250 Professional Services

Hustler Marketing is hiring a Design Team Lead to oversee ecommerce campaign design, maintain creative quality, and organize and support a remote team delivering work for client brands.

Asana Figma UI Design
1 day, 2 hours ago

Director of Product Design

FinQuery Internet Software & Services

FinQuery is seeking a Director of Product Design to lead its design team and shape AI-enabled accounting workflows for controllers and finance teams, partnering with Product, Engineering, and accounting experts.

Design Systems Prototyping UX Design
2 days, 1 hour ago

Creative Director, Brand (Contract)

Nex 11-50 Leisure Products

Nex is seeking a hands-on Creative Director to lead and elevate marketing creative for its family-focused motion gaming products, translating business objectives into distinctive campaigns and strengthening the creative team and organization.

Copywriting Figma
2 days, 2 hours ago

You're on a roll! Sign up now to keep applying.

Sign Up

Already have an account? Log in

Used by 14,729+ remote workers