Design Lead

# Design LeadAKQAAtlantaFull-timeUpload your resume once and Scout applies for youApply with ScoutShare this job:LinkedInXSave imageYou’ll lead designers creating digital product experiences for a major travel brand, guiding creative direction and the evolution of its design systems. The role combines hands-on design leadership, client collaboration, and mentoring, with two onsite days each week in Atlanta.* Permanent* Hybrid* 5+ years### Skills and expertiseFigmaDesign systemsUI designResponsive designMobile designApplication designUX collaboration### Key responsibilities* Guide designers and provide creative direction for digital product experiences.* Oversee design systems to ensure they remain scalable, consistent, and well-crafted.* Present work to clients and mentor junior and mid-level designers.## How this job comparesCompared with 15 open lead design jobs on October 10, 2026.Pay: This job does not publish its pay. The 5 open lead design jobs that publish US pay start at $168K a year on average.Similar open jobs: We Love AI Jobs lists 15 open lead design jobs at 10 companies.Remote work: This job is hybrid. 7 of the 15 lead design jobs (47%) are remote.AI in this role: Low. The company works with AI, but AI is a small part of this role's daily work. The role centers on digital product design, design systems, and team leadership; no AI work or tools are specified.## Full descriptionAt AKQA (part of WPP) we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.Design Leads at AKQA bring artistry, craft, and creative vision to complex digital challenges. They inspire and guide designers, champion design systems, and ensure creative excellence across all deliverables. Hands-on and deeply thoughtful, they shape the look, feel, and coherence of digital experiences from early concept through final delivery, elevating both the work and the people around them.We are seeking an experienced Design Lead to support one of the world's most recognized travel brands, a globally admired company whose digital products and services reach millions of customers every day. In this role you will guide and inspire designers, lead the evolution of complex design systems, and ensure creative excellence across a flagship digital product experience. This is a high-visibility engagement where strong design leadership and systems-level thinking have a direct and meaningful impact on the people using these products every time they travel.ROLE REQUIREMENTS• Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction, guiding a team of designers to produce world-class digital product experiences• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and craft at every level• Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products, aligning with client goals and the needs of a diverse, global user base• Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions• Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight• Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth• Contribute to a culture of creative excellence, pushing for the most distinctive and effective solutions at every stage of the workQUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS• 5+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and elevating designers• Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems, with a focus on scalability, consistency, and innovation• Strong working knowledge of user interface, application, mobile, and responsive design principles• Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced component and library management• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development, to deliver integrated solutions• A proactive mindset and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and design• A strong point of view and the ability to promote and encourage conceptual thinking across the teamLocationThis role requires being onsite twice a week with our Atlanta-based client. Candidates must be based in Atlanta or open to relocation, which we support.Explore our extensive range of benefits hereWe believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers. #J-18808-Ljbffr