Head of Design Operations

Vanguard Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking a Head of Design Operations to lead their design function. This role will oversee a team of product designers, ensuring high-quality client-centric experiences across digital platforms. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in design operations leadership and a strong track record in managing design teams. This position is part of a hybrid working model aimed at fostering collaboration and flexibility.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in design operations leadership within a digital-first organization.
• Strong track record of managing and scaling design teams.
• Expertise in design systems and workflow optimization.
• Deep understanding of UX/UI principles and user-centered design.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the design operations strategy.
• Lead and develop a team of c.10 product designers.
• Establish and maintain design systems and standards.
• Champion user-centered design principles.

Skills

Design operations leadership

Team management

Stakeholder management

User-centered design

Job description

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Head of Design Operations

The Head of Design Operations will lead the operational strategy and execution for the design function, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, client-centric experiences across digital platforms. This role oversees a team of product designers and is responsible for driving consistency, scalability, and efficiency in design practices while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Core Responsibilities

• Define and execute the design operations strategy, embedding structures and operating model to run an effective, high performing design function that delivers on business objectives and client needs
• Lead and develop a team of c.10 product designers, setting clear performance standards, providing coaching and development opportunities, and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Oversee the recruitment of permanent and contingent design resources, working with our talent teams to build an effective recruitment funnel across a range of agencies
• Establish and maintain design systems and standards, ensuring consistency, accessibility standards, and scalability across all digital experiences.
• Optimize work allocation and resource planning, balancing capacity with strategic priorities and business demands to drive operational excellence.
• Partner with Product, Research & Insights, Technology, Marketing, and Compliance teams to embed design throughout the product development lifecycle and ensure regulatory adherence.
• Champion user-centered design principles, leveraging research and data-driven insights to deliver experiences that meet client needs and business objectives.
• Monitor and measure design impact, defining KPIs for quality and operational efficiency, and using insights to continuously improve processes.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, introducing best practices in design operations, tooling, and methodologies to maintain competitive advantage.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in design operations leadership within a digital-first organization, ideally in financial services or direct-to-consumer investment products.
• Strong track record of managing and scaling design teams, including recruitment, development, and performance management.
• Expertise in design systems, workflow optimization, and operational governance.
• Deep understanding of UX/UI principles, accessibility standards, and user-centered design.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills,
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, balancing strategic vision with hands-on delivery.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in‑person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission‑driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long‑term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.