Design Lead - Design Systems - Freelance

AKQA; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Job summary

AKQA is seeking a senior UX/UI leader to guide a team in creating world-class digital product experiences. You will oversee complex design systems, shape the creative vision for platforms, and collaborate across UX, strategy, and development to deliver cohesive solutions.

The role emphasizes mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and strong client communication, with a hybrid work model and regular onsite client visits.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in UI design or art direction.
• Strong portfolio of digital platforms and products.
• Proven ability to mentor and elevate designers.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction for a team of designers.
• Oversee design systems for scalability, consistency, and craft.
• Shape creative vision for digital platforms aligned with client goals.
• Collaborate with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Present concepts and design solutions to clients with confidence.

Skills

UI design

Art direction

Design systems

Figma

Design leadership

Cross-functional collab

Client presentation

Mentoring

Communication

Tools

Figma

Prototyping

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.

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

Location & Commitment

• Remote (United States only); Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome; there will be regularly scheduled onsite client visits and meetings
• ASAP through December 23, 2026
• 40 hours/week
• Expected weekly compensation: 2,500 to 3,000 USD

We 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.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.