Design Lead, Design Systems - Freelance

AKQA; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA, part of WPP, is seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to guide designers, evolve complex design systems, and ensure creative excellence across a flagship digital product experience. This remote freelance role runs ASAP through March 30, 2027, with 40 hours per week and weekly compensation of 3,600 USD to 4,000 USD.

In this position you will provide hands-on leadership, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver world-class

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or related field.
• Strong portfolio of digital platforms and products.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams.
• Expert in creating and evolving design systems.
• Strong knowledge of UI, mobile, and responsive design.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience collaborating with UX and development teams.

Responsibilities

• 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 user needs.
• Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions.
• Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity and strategic insight.
• Mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration and growth.

Skills

UI design

Art direction

Design systems

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Collaboration

Tools

Figma

Job description

At 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 Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people 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 remote freelance role from ASAP through March 30, 2027.

LOCATION & COMMITMENT

• Remote (United States only); Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome; there will be regularly scheduled onsite client visits and meetings
• ASAP through March 30, 2027
• 40 hours/week
• Expected weekly compensation: 3,6000 to 4,000 USD

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, loyal 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 work

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS

• 6+ 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 team