Design Strategist

EPAM is seeking a Design Strategist to join our growing practice. In this client-facing, strategy-forward role, you will dig into complex business and consumer challenges, lead research programs, uncover meaningful insights, and translate them into compelling ideas and actionable solutions. You will collaborate across a multidisciplinary team — including experience designers, engineers, and data scientists — to develop offerings that are consumer-driven, financially viable, and technically feasible. We are looking for a strategic advisor who moves fluidly from insight to implementation, owning the desired experience intent and orchestrating delivery in partnership with developers, solution architects, and designers. A portfolio demonstrating your work is required. Responsibilities Lead or serve as a key contributor across all phases of strategy projects — from client alignment and context-setting through insight development, opportunity identification, and go-to-market support Drive research workstreams end-to-end, including crafting research plans, conducting qualitative and quantitative consumer/user research, and synthesizing findings into meaningful, non-obvious insights Develop visual frameworks, opportunity maps, and strategic narratives to clearly articulate pain points, whitespace, and ideas to both internal teams and client stakeholders Generate and validate ideas for new products, services, and experiences using quantitative and qualitative approaches that balance consumer desirability, business viability, and technical feasibility Act as a strategic advisor during implementation — owning the intended experience vision and collaborating with developers, solution architects, and designers to ensure strategic intent is delivered Run client workshops, contribute meaningfully in client meetings, and create compelling, polished presentations tailored to executive and cross-functional audiences Work cross-functionally within a multidisciplinary team, balancing independent ownership of workstreams with close collaboration across design, engineering, data, and business strategy disciplines Actively engage with and apply AI tools and emerging technologies to enhance research, ideation, and strategy development processes Requirements Demonstrated experience leading user research programs and translating findings into actionable insights Strong command of design thinking methods, ideation and brainstorming techniques, sketching, prototyping, and concept visualization BA/BS or post-graduate degree in a design or creative field (e.g., design, art), a behavioral field (e.g., anthropology, psychology), or an analytical field (e.g., engineering, business, economics) Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills; comfortable presenting to and facilitating workshops with senior stakeholders Openness and enthusiasm toward AI tools and experimentation; prior experience using AI in a research, strategy, or content context is a plus Willingness to travel approximately once per month, primarily domestic US (occasional international travel may be required) We offer Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (Subsidized) Health Savings Account Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter) Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (Company Provided) Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided) Employee Assistance Program Unlimited access to LinkedIn learning solutions Matched 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan Paid Time Off – the employee will be eligible to accrue 15-25 paid days, depending on specific level and tenure with EPAM (accrual eligibility may change over time) Paid Holidays - nine (9) total per year Legal Plan and Identity Theft Protection Accident Insurance Employee Discounts Pet Insurance Employee Stock Purchase Program If otherwise eligible, participation in the discretionary annual bonus program If otherwise eligible and hired into a qualifying level, participation in the discretionary Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Program This Remote Position Cannot be Performed in New York City. In accordance with the LA County Fair Chance Ordinance, you may find a copy of the Notice containing a summary of the Ordinance’s key provisions here: Concept FCO Posting 8 27 24 (lacounty.gov) EPAM Systems, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize the value of diversity and inclusion in creating success for our customers, business partners, shareholders, employees and communities. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, developing and promoting employees without discrimination. As a global employer, this commitment includes complying with all laws in the countries in which we operate. Nevertheless, we believe equal employment practices should not be limited to what the law requires. Equal opportunity and inclusion are essential to motivate, empower and recognize the best in everyone. At EPAM, employment actions are based on individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital or familial status, national origin, ancestry, genetics, age, disability status, veteran status, citizenship status when otherwise legally able to work, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr