Digital Design Lead

Gather Recruitment; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dog‑friendly office

Flexible working options

Snacks and team culture

Job summary

Gather Recruitment — Auckland studio seeks a Digital Design Lead to bridge strategy with hands‑on craft, guiding a cross‑disciplinary team across digital products and experiences.

You’ll drive design systems, prototyping, and user testing while partnering with developers and delivery leads to deliver impactful outcomes. A senior, collaborative mindset with a passion for digital innovation is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in UX/UI or digital product design, ideally with leadership experience.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and high-quality execution.
• Deep experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with design systems, accessibility standards (WCAG), and responsive design best practices.
• Confidence working in agile environments.
• Experience presenting and running client workshops.
• A curious, collaborative mindset and passion for digital innovation.

Responsibilities

• Leading concept development and execution across websites and digital products.
• Championing user‑centred design approaches and ensuring accessibility is baked in.
• Building and maintaining design systems, component libraries, and token‑based structures.
• Using prototyping, user testing, analytics, and behavioural insights to inform decisions.
• Collaborating closely with developers and delivery leads to bring experiences to life.
• Supporting and mentoring design team members.
• Exploring new tools and workflows, including AI-powered design tech.
• Presenting your thinking clearly and confidently to clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

UX/UI design

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

Design systems

Accessibility (WCAG)

Responsive design

Agile

Client workshops

Portfolio

Strategic thinking

Collaboration

Tools

Figma

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

Gather Recruitment – Auckland, North Island

We’re working with an independent creative and technology studio in Tāmaki Makaurau that partners with forward-thinking brands on digital transformation, storytelling, and product innovation.

They're on the lookout for a Digital Design Lead – someone who can bridge strategic thinking with hands‑on design craft. This is a senior role with real influence across major digital product launches and web experiences.

You’ll be leading a team of designers, creatives, technologists, and strategists. From unpacking business and user needs to shaping smart, scalable design systems, you’ll play a key part in driving digital outcomes.

The role:

• Leading concept development and execution across websites and digital products.
• Championing user‑centred design approaches and ensuring accessibility is baked in.
• Building and maintaining design systems, component libraries, and token‑based structures.
• Using prototyping, user testing, analytics, and behavioural insights to inform decisions.
• Collaborating closely with developers and delivery leads to bring experiences to life.
• Supporting and mentoring design team members.
• Exploring new tools and workflows, including AI-powered design tech.
• Presenting your thinking clearly and confidently to clients and stakeholders.

You have:

• 8+ years in UX/UI or digital product design, ideally with leadership experience.
• A strong portfolio that demonstrates strategic thinking and high-quality execution.
• Deep experience with Figma and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Familiarity with design systems, accessibility standards (WCAG), and responsive design best practices.
• Confidence working in agile environments.
• Experience presenting and running client workshops.
• A curious, collaborative mindset and passion for digital innovation.

• This is a studio and team culture that values creativity, curiosity, and meaningful work.
• Flexibility to support work‑life balance – Mondays and Friday in the studio and flexible working option the rest of the week.
• A vibrant, dog‑friendly environment.
• Supportive leadership, great snacks, and a team that enjoys what they do.