Product Design Lead (Contract)

The Focus Group; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Focus Group is seeking a Product Design Lead to drive the quality and execution of digital product experiences. This role involves leading design initiatives from discovery to delivery, ensuring user-centered solutions that align with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have 8 to 12 years of experience in Product Design, effectively mentoring and collaborating with various stakeholders to deliver impactful customer experiences.

Qualifications

• Matric / Grade 12 and relevant degree or diploma required.
• 8–12+ years in Product Design or related fields.
• Experience leading complex digital product initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead design processes across products and initiatives.
• Define and drive design vision and standards.
• Translate strategy and insights into product experiences.
• Own and evolve enterprise design systems.
• Champion user research and usability testing.
• Mentor and coach designers.
• Monitor UX metrics and outcomes.

Skills

UX Design

UI Design

Service Design

Information Architecture

Interaction Design

Mobile Design

User Research

Usability Testing

Design Systems

Stakeholder Management

Strategic Thinking

Product Strategy

Process Design

Leadership

Coaching

Innovation

Education

Degree or Diploma in Product Design, UX Design, Interaction Design, HCI, Graphic Design, or related field

Job description

Role Summary

The Product Design Lead is responsible for driving the strategic direction, quality, and execution of digital product experiences across multiple customer journeys. This role leads design initiatives from discovery through delivery, ensuring solutions are user-centered, visually compelling, accessible, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. The successful candidate will champion customer‑centric design practices, oversee the evolution of the organization’s design system, mentor designers, and collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and business stakeholders to deliver measurable customer and business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end design processes across products and initiatives.
• Define and drive design vision, principles, standards, and best practices.
• Translate business strategy and customer insights into product experiences.
• Lead discovery activities, research, journey mapping, and competitor analysis.
• Own and evolve enterprise design systems.
• Champion user research and usability testing.
• Mentor and coach Product Designers and UX practitioners.
• Influence stakeholders and obtain buy‑in for strategic initiatives.
• Improve design operations, governance, and delivery processes.
• Monitor UX metrics and customer experience outcomes.

Skills & Qualifications

Education: Matric / Grade 12 and a Degree or Diploma in Product Design, UX Design, Interaction Design, HCI, Graphic Design, Information Design, or related field.

Preferred certifications: UX Research, Design Thinking, and Leadership qualifications.

Experience: 8–12+ years in Product Design, UX Design, or Experience Design with proven experience leading complex digital product initiatives and design systems.

Required Skills

UX Design, UI Design, Service Design, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Mobile Design, User Research, Usability Testing, Design Systems, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking, Product Strategy, Process Design, Leadership, Coaching, and Innovation.

Portfolio Requirements

Demonstrate leadership on large‑scale product initiatives, end‑to‑end design processes, design system contributions, customer research, usability testing, and measurable business outcomes such as improved engagement, conversion, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.

Team & Environment

Work closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Service Designers, Business Analysts, and Executive Stakeholders in a collaborative, agile, customer‑focused environment.