Director, Design Systems (Remote Eligible)

Smartsheet; United States; Remote; USD 210,000 - 270,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading tech company as the Director of Design Systems, where you will guide the strategic vision and execution of the Design System. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to enhance user experiences and drive the adoption of design best practices. With a focus on leadership and innovation, you will help shape the future of work at Smartsheet.

Benefits

HSA, employer-paid premiums

401k match

Monthly stipend for work

Flexible Time Away

Life insurance

12 paid holidays

Professional growth opportunities

Company-funded perks

Remote work options

Qualifications

• 12+ years leading design system teams.
• 6+ years mentoring UX teams.
• Experience with Design Technologists and Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Define and champion a vision for the Design System.
• Develop and execute a strategic roadmap.
• Lead cross-functional programs from ideation to launch.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Design Principles

Influencing Stakeholders

Job description

Join us to apply for the Director, Design Systems (Remote Eligible) role at Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a tech company with a human story to tell. We empower teams to manage projects, automate workflows, and build secure solutions using simple no-code tools. We are revolutionaries, changing the way the world works.

Transform the future of work. Join the Smartsheet Design System (SDS) team. We are at the forefront of transforming Smartsheet into a leading enterprise-grade Collaboration and Work Management platform. Our team builds components, evangelizes best practices, and empowers designers, engineers, and stakeholders to create exceptional customer experiences. We seek a visionary leader to guide the evolution and adoption of SDS across the organization.

About The Role

Reporting to the VP of Product Design, you will own the strategic vision and execution for the Smartsheet Design System, leading the delivery of tools, components, and strategies at an enterprise scale to ensure a consistent, high-quality user experience.

What You'll Do

• Lead & Inspire: Define and champion a compelling vision for SDS, driving adoption and demonstrating its value.
• Strategic Roadmap: Develop and execute SDS strategy, addressing enterprise needs and enabling partner contributions.
• Drive Impact: Lead cross-functional programs from ideation to launch with designers, engineers, product managers, and business leaders.
• Engineering Partnership: Collaborate with Engineering to ensure SDS accelerates delivery and provides value.
• Elevate Quality: Maintain high standards for visual, interaction design, and systems thinking.
• Champion Accessibility & Localization: Advocate for inclusive design, ensuring accessibility and localization are integral to SDS.
• Cultivate a Culture of Design Systems: Promote awareness and build the reputation of SDS.
• Vision & Strategy: Define the 'north star' for SDS, addressing scalability and foundational challenges, aligning with company goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead initiatives, foster alignment, and champion systems thinking across teams.
• Innovation & Trends: Stay current with design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.
• Migration & Integration: Oversee migration of existing capabilities to SDS, ensuring seamless transition and adoption.
• Servant Leadership: Build and empower a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, humility, and authenticity.

What You'll Bring

• 12+ years leading and scaling design system teams in large organizations.
• 6+ years leading & mentoring UX teams; managerial experience of managers is a plus.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Experience working with Design Technologists, Engineers, and creatives in an enterprise environment.
• Ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Deep understanding of design principles, practices, and technology frameworks.
• Expertise in developing business cases, leveraging data to demonstrate impact.
• Strong people management and talent development skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and influence skills with senior leadership.

Bonus Points

• Experience with enterprise collaboration platforms.
• Contributions to open-source design systems.
• Experience with content design, accessibility, and localization.

Current US Perks & Benefits

• HSA, employer-paid premiums, or buy-up medical/vision/dental coverage.
• 401k match (50% of contribution up to 6%).
• Monthly stipend for work and productivity.
• Flexible Time Away, Sick Time Off.
• Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 12 paid holidays, up to 24 weeks parental leave, volunteer day.
• Professional growth opportunities, access to Udemy courses.
• Company-funded perks, including counseling, retail discounts, and Smartsheet account.
• Remote work options within the US (role-specific).

Salary range varies by location, based on experience and skills. The role is eligible for market-competitive incentives.

US Base Salary Range

$210,000 - $270,000 USD

About Us

At Smartsheet, everyone is welcome. We value diverse backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, including nontraditional career paths. Join us to change the way the world works!

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, disability, or genetic information. Let us know if we can make accommodations for your interview process.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job functions: Design, Creative, IT
• Industries: Software Development