Design Lead

Summary

Join AKQA as a Freelance Design Lead and lead the creative vision for a flagship digital product for a global leader in travel and hospitality. This is a freelance, hybrid role starting ASAP and running through the end of September 2025, with compensation ranging from $3,600 to $4,400 per week. You will guide and inspire designers, oversee the development of innovative solutions, and ensure creative excellence. You’ll play a critical role in shaping impactful digital experiences. The role requires collaboration with UX, strategy, and development teams. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in UI design or a related field and proven ability to lead and inspire teams.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products
• Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and managing designers
• Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems, with a focus on scalability and consistency
• Strong working knowledge of user interface, application, mobile, and responsive design principles
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders
• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development, to deliver integrated solutions
• A proactive mindset and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and design
• Thought leadership: A strong point of view and the ability to promote conceptual thinking among the team

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on leadership and art direction, guiding a team of designers to produce world-class digital experiences
• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and innovation
• Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive and impactful solutions
• Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products, aligning with client goals and user needs
• Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight
• Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration and professional growth
• Contribute to new business pitches by generating creative ideas and presenting compelling design work

Benefits

This is a hybrid role, and candidates can work remotely, anywhere in approved US states