Director, Design Systems

eBay; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 174,000 - 268,000; Full time

Job summary

eBay's Design organization seeks a Director, Design Systems to lead the team responsible for building and evolving eBay’s design system, partnering with the Principal, Design Systems to set strategic direction and scale impact.

You will be a hands-on people leader, developing designers, shaping team structure, and aligning priorities with product and engineering to deliver high-quality, cohesive experiences at scale.

Qualifications

• 15+ years experience leading and developing design teams, ideally in design systems or complex product environments.
• Proven track record hiring, coaching and growing designers, including senior and experienced talent.
• Deep understanding of design systems and product design with strong craft judgment.
• Experience shaping team structure, capabilities and talent to meet evolving organizational needs.
• Strong people leadership with ability to create clarity, accountability and trust.
• Proven ability to partner across Design, Product and Engineering in complex organizations.
• Strong judgment and communication skills to navigate ambiguity and maintain momentum.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing Design Systems team with an inclusive, accountable environment.
• Coach and develop team members at all levels, strengthening craft and career growth.
• Shape the team for the future by identifying needed skills and capabilities.
• Translate design systems vision into clear team priorities and outcomes.
• Raise the bar for craft and quality with strong design direction and critique.
• Strengthen partnerships across Design, Product, and Engineering to deliver at scale.
• Improve team effectiveness by evolving ways of working, capacity, and resource allocation.

Skills

Design leadership

Design systems

Team building

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Job description

About The Team And The Role

eBay’s Design organization creates seamless, end-to-end experiences that connect millions of buyers and sellers globally. The team is customer-focused, collaborative, and driven by curiosity—working across product, engineering, and business to solve complex problems and deliver meaningful impact.

As Director, Design Systems, you will lead the team responsible for building and evolving eBay’s design system. In partnership with the Principal, Design Systems, who sets the strategic direction for the practice, you will focus on building the team, talent, and environment needed to deliver that vision at scale.

You will be a hands‑on people leader and coach—developing designers, strengthening craft, shaping the team as its needs evolve, and creating the clarity and accountability required to do exceptional work.

What You Will Accomplish

• Build and lead a high-performing Design Systems team, creating an inclusive, accountable environment where designers can do their best work and grow.
• Coach and develop team members at every level and expertise, strengthening craft, systems thinking, leadership skills, and career growth through consistent feedback and development.
• Shape the team for the future, identifying the skills, roles, and capabilities needed as eBay’s design system and product ecosystem evolve.
• Turn strategy into strong execution, partnering with the Principal to translate the Design Systems vision into clear team priorities, ownership, and outcomes.
• Raise the bar for craft and quality, providing strong design direction and critique while building a culture of shared standards and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen partnership across Design, Product, and Engineering, creating clarity, resolving friction, and enabling the team to deliver effectively at scale.
• Improve team effectiveness, evolving ways of working, capacity, and resource allocation to increase focus, velocity, and impact.

What You Will Bring

• Significant experience (15+ years) leading and developing design teams, ideally within design systems, platform, or complex product environments.
• A strong track record of hiring, coaching and growing designers, including senior and highly experienced talent.
• Deep understanding of design systems and product design, with the craft judgment to guide teams and raise the quality bar.
• Experience shaping team structure, capabilities and talent to meet evolving organizational needs.
• Strong people leadership skills, with the ability to create clarity, accountability, engagement and trust.
• Proven ability to partner effectively across Design, Product, and Engineering in complex, matrixed organizations.
• Strong judgment and communication skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, resolve challenges and help teams maintain momentum.

Additional Details

The base pay range for this position is expected in the range below:

$174,000 - $267,500

Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a target bonus and restricted stock units (as applicable) in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as PTO and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employees will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Remote roles are not eligible for U.S. visa sponsorship.

eBay is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and disability, or other legally protected status. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please contact us at [e-mail]. We will make every effort to respond to your request for accommodation as soon as possible. View our accessibility statement to learn more about eBay's commitment to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

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