Design Lead, Design Systems – Freelance

AKQA

. Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction for a team of designers .

Posted 9/22/2026contractUnited StatesSenior💰 $3,600 - $4,000 per weekWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in UI Design and Art Direction, with a strong focus on creating and evolving design systems. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor designers, and deliver high-quality digital product experiences aligned with client goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

UI DesignArt DirectionDesign Systems DevelopmentFigma ProficiencyTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

UI DesignArt DirectionDesign SystemsResponsive DesignMobile DesignApplication DesignComponent ManagementLibrary ManagementCreative Concept DevelopmentDigital Product Design

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationMentoringCollaborationProactive MindsetConceptual Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Figma

Industry Keywords

Digital PlatformsUser InterfaceCreative DirectionCross-Disciplinary CollaborationClient Presentation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction for a team of designers
Guide the production of world-class digital product experiences
Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems
Ensure scalability, consistency, and craft across design systems
Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products
Align creative work with client goals and the needs of a diverse user base
Collaborate with UX, strategy, and development teams
Deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients
Mentor and support junior and mid-level designers
Foster collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
Contribute to creative excellence and distinctive, effective solutions

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field
Strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products
Proven ability to lead and inspire teams
Track record of mentoring and elevating designers
Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems
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 and ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders
Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development
Proactive mindset and ability to adapt to changes in technology and design
Strong point of view and ability to promote and encourage conceptual thinking

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work arrangement
40 hours/week
Hybrid approach including required in-office days
Equal opportunity employment
Accommodations or flexibility discussed during the interview process