Senior Design Systems Architect

RR Donnelley; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 66,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision

Paid time off

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Life insurance

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

Tuition assistance

Employer discounts

Job summary

Williams Lea by RRD is seeking a design systems specialist to architect scalable brand languages and master templates, mentoring teams to resolve complex technical and conceptual challenges. The role focuses on creating robust visual identities and systematic design approaches across projects.

You will independently drive design language decisions, conduct reviews with senior stakeholders, and ensure deliverables meet rigorous technical standards while guiding cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Specialized depth of expertise in modular design and scalable systems.
• Sophisticated analytical thought for solving systemic production issues.
• Negotiation skills to influence others to adopt a different technical point of view.
• High-level proficiency in emerging design technologies and workflow automation.
• Ability to lead large-scale technical projects.
• Minimum 5-years experience in professional design or creative services.

Responsibilities

• Architects and directs the development of scalable, modular design systems and master templates to ensure long-term cross-functional scalability.
• Audits creative workflows to identify bottlenecks, implementing file automation and sophisticated toolsets to improve departmental efficiency.
• Leads design reviews with senior stakeholders to build consensus on systematic design approaches and project feasibility.
• Serves as the primary SME for internal discovery and external vendor production, ensuring all deliverables meet rigorous technical and systemic standards.
• Establishes and enforces departmental standards for visual hierarchy through formal peer reviews and technical audits.
• Mentors junior and mid-level designers on design craft, technical execution, and system-level thinking, providing hands-on guidance to solve complex conceptual problems.

Skills

Modular design

Scalable systems

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Design automation

Project leadership

Mentoring design teams

Job description

Williams Lea by RRD is seeking a design systems specialist to architect scalable brand languages and master templates, mentoring teams to resolve complex technical and conceptual challenges. The role focuses on creating robust visual identities and systematic design approaches across projects.

You will independently drive design language decisions, conduct reviews with senior stakeholders, and ensure deliverables meet rigorous technical standards while guiding cross-functional teams.