Design Lead, Design Systems - Freelance

AKQA; United States; Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 182,000; Full time

Job summary

AKQA is seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to guide a team of designers in creating world-class digital experiences. The role is remote from ASAP through March 30, 2027, with regular onsite client visits and a Seattle-friendly option.

Expect 40 hours per week and active leadership across design systems, art direction, and cross-functional collaboration. Lead with craft, inspire teams, and defend design decisions while collaborating with UX, strategy, and development to deliver

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or related field with a strong portfolio.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor design teams to elevate digital products.
• Expertise in creating and evolving design systems with scalability and craft.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction for designers.
• Oversee development and maintenance of complex design systems.
• Shape creative vision for digital platforms aligned with client goals.
• Collaborate with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Present concepts to clients with clarity and strategic insight.
• Mentor junior and mid-level designers to foster growth and accountability.
• Promote a culture of creative excellence across all work stages.

Skills

UI design

Art direction

Design systems

Figma

Team leadership

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

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 unitecutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world‑class creativity, next‑generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counselin 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.