UI Design Director & Design Systems Lead in London

UI Design Director & Design Systems Lead in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Zebra People

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead UI design projects, mentor a creative team, and collaborate with top brands.
  • Company: Dynamic experience design agency working with major brands like Adidas and North Face.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a passionate team focused on creativity and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape remarkable customer experiences and innovate in a collaborative setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in digital agencies, strong design skills, and excellent communication.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Looking for a Design Director (Head of UI) to join a well-established experience design agency that combines the power of customer insight, UX and design with constant innovation and experimentation to help leading brands create remarkable customer experiences. They help huge brands like Adidas, North Face and Timbaland to understand the unmet needs of their customers and transform the way they meet them through testing, personalisation and service innovation across all channels.

The role involves working in partnership with the UX Director and Founders. You’ll be a thinker, maker and storyteller that uses design to bring ideas to life, specialising in User Interfaces and Visual craft. You will be responsible for creating and applying strategic and design thinking across projects, while utilising new technologies to create unique experiences. We are looking for a mix of conceptual thinking, innovation, design craft and fearless leadership to create meaningful and memorable work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Mentor and inspire your team through the championing of design thinking across disciplines, unlocking opportunities to help them grow and deepen their craft.
  • Lead multiple projects from concept to delivery.
  • Collaborate with Experience Designers, Head of Development and Researchers.
  • Work closely with project managers & our resource manager to schedule deadlines and resolve resource and delivery issues.
  • Track and monitor progress on development and ensure design quality and consistency.
  • Work closely with our Co-Founder to lead the design craft and execute the creative vision across all work.
  • Build strong relationships with clients of all levels through effective communication and collaboration to aid in cementing creative partnerships.
  • Be actively involved in new business conversations, helping to elevate design thinking and collaborate with the wider team to win new business.
  • Support project managers to scope and define the project approach, deliverables, timelines and team requirements.
  • Be an advocate for creative operations, constantly looking for ways to evolve our current thinking and processes and ensure that we’re delivering the highest quality work at all times while keeping to budgets and timelines.

The candidate:

  • Previous experience of working in a digital agency across multiple clients is essential.
  • A proven track record of working directly with clients across multiple industries.
  • Thorough understanding of and experience in scalable design systems and their context in creating a cohesive overall experience.
  • Highly proficient in industry standard design tools, including Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Outstanding storytelling, presentation and communication skills with the ability to clearly express and sell ideas to clients.
  • Natural charisma, soft skills and experience mentoring a team of UI Designers.
  • A passion for innovation and experimentation with technology.
  • An eye for detail and an obsession with craft.
  • Previous experience of rolling out design processes, taking into account business needs and project needs.

Interview process:

  • 1st Stage – 30 Min screening call with TA
  • 2nd Stage – Meet the UX Director and Founder of the business
  • 3rd Stage – TBC (May not be required)

UI Design Director & Design Systems Lead in London employer: Zebra People

Join a dynamic experience design agency that champions innovation and creativity, where your role as a Design Director will not only allow you to lead and mentor a talented team but also collaborate with renowned brands like Adidas and North Face. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, a supportive work culture, and the opportunity to shape remarkable customer experiences, this agency is dedicated to fostering an environment where your design expertise can thrive and evolve. Located in a vibrant area, you'll enjoy a stimulating atmosphere that encourages experimentation and collaboration.

Zebra People

Contact Details:

Zebra People Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land UI Design Director & Design Systems Lead in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the design world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Design Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your portfolio! Make sure it’s up-to-date and highlights your best work, especially projects that showcase your UI design skills and leadership experience. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use your portfolio as a storytelling tool to demonstrate your design journey.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the agency's past projects and clients. This will help you tailor your responses and show how your vision aligns with their goals. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points to impress the UX Director and Founders!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace UI Design Director & Design Systems Lead in London

Design Thinking
User Interface Design
Visual Craft
Mentoring
Project Management
Collaboration
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Design Journey:When you’re writing your application, don’t just list your skills. We want to see your design journey! Share stories about your past projects, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This helps us understand your thought process and creativity.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application specifically for this role. Highlight your experience with scalable design systems and your ability to lead teams. We love seeing how your unique background aligns with our mission of creating remarkable customer experiences.

Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application! We’re looking for someone who can inspire and mentor others, so don’t be afraid to show us your passion for design and innovation. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Zebra People

Know Your Design Systems

Make sure you have a solid understanding of scalable design systems and how they create cohesive experiences. Be ready to discuss your previous work with design systems and how you've implemented them in past projects.

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

As a Design Director, storytelling is key. Prepare to present your ideas clearly and compellingly. Use examples from your portfolio to illustrate how you've transformed concepts into engaging user interfaces that resonate with clients.

Demonstrate Leadership and Mentorship

Be prepared to talk about your experience mentoring UI designers. Share specific instances where you've inspired your team or helped them grow their skills. This will show your potential employer that you can lead and nurture talent effectively.

Engage in Collaborative Thinking

Since collaboration is crucial in this role, think about how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve partnered with UX designers, developers, and project managers to deliver successful projects on time.