Design System Lead

VML South Africa; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading creative agency is seeking a meticulous Design System Lead based in Dubai to manage a high-profile banking client's design system. You will work closely with design and development teams, ensuring the integrity and proper usage of the design system. This role offers the opportunity to lead significant digital transformation efforts within the agency, emphasizing collaboration and communication with stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing with an enterprise-level design system.
• Strong experience managing and documenting design systems.
• Excellent communication skills to challenge stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage and evolve design system for high-profile banking client.
• Collaborate with design and development teams for implementation.
• Champion design system principles and ensure proper usage.

Skills

Enterprise-level design system management

Figma proficiency

Collaboration and communication skills

Job description

At VML, we are a beacon of innovation and growth in an ever-evolving world. Our heritage is built upon a century of combined expertise, where creativity meets technology, and diverse perspectives ignite inspiration. With the merger of VMLY&R and Wunderman Thompson, we have forged a new path as a growth partner that is part creative agency, part consultancy, and part technology powerhouse.

Our global family now encompasses over 30,000 employees across 150+ offices in 64 markets, each contributing to a culture that values connection, belonging, and the power of differences. Our expertise spans the entire customer journey, offering deep insights in communications, commerce, consultancy, CRM, CX, data, production, and technology. We deliver end-to-end solutions that result in revolutionary work.

Are you a meticulous and visionary Design System Lead ready to shape the future of digitalexperiences for a leading financial institution? Join our dynamic CX team at VML, where you'llbe the architect of consistency and efficiency for a single, high-profile banking client in SaudiArabia. This pivotal role offers the unique opportunity to drive foundational change andelevate digital product development.As the guardian of the design system, you will not only manage and evolve this critical assetbut also champion its integrity. You'll play a crucial role in challenging conventions, ensuringproper usage by both clients and designers, and meticulously orchestrating updates andoptimizations. This position demands a collaborative spirit, working hand-in-hand with bothdesign and development teams to ensure seamless implementation and adoption,ultimately empowering faster, more consistent innovation.Together, we will drive the progression of the design system across multiple channels, helpingour client achieve their ambitious vision for a unified, scalable, and world-class digitalexperience. This role offers a unique opportunity to significantly contribute to a major digitaltransformation.

To be considered for this role you must have:

• At least 5+ years of experience designing with an enterprise-level design system, with a minimum of 2 years specifically managing and evolving such a system.
• Strong experience in managing and documenting design systems, including component libraries, guidelines, and version control.
• A highly organized and methodical approach to task management, prioritization, and system upkeep.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively challenge stakeholders and advocate for design system principles.
• Expert-level proficiency in Figma for design system management
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration between design and development teams, ensuring smooth integration of design system components.
• Experience in defining and implementing governance models for design systems.
• Please note: This role is purely focused on the management and evolution of the design system; it does not involve any hands-on design work.

You should be:

• Willing to dedicate normal working hours (9-6) to VML, not in parallel with other working commitments.
• Based in Dubai or Riyadh, or be willing to relocate. This role will be primarily office based so remote is not an option.
• Able to communicate your ideas effectively to clients and colleagues alike, particularly when advocating for design system adherence.
• Experienced working with developers and other talented types throughout the agency and wider network.
• Ability to present and defend design system principles and updates to peers and executive-level stakeholders.
• Focus on fine detail while considering the wider strategic context of the client's digital ecosystem.

#LI-EMEA

We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to 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.

When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through ourRecruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read ourCalifornia Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.

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When you click "Submit Application", this will send any information you add below to VML. Before you do this, we think it's a good idea to read through our Recruitment Privacy Policy . California residents should read our California Recruitment Privacy Notice . This explains what we do with your personal data when you apply for a role with us, and, how you can update the information you have provided us with or how to remove it.