Director, Design Systems

Summary

Join the Smartsheet Design System (SDS) team as a visionary leader to guide the evolution of SDS and drive its adoption across the organization. Reporting to the VP of Product Design, you will own the strategic vision and execution for the Smartsheet Design System. Lead the delivery of tools, components, and strategies at enterprise scale, ensuring Smartsheet delivers a consistent and high-quality user experience. You will lead cross-functional programs, work closely with engineering, maintain high design quality standards, and champion accessibility and localization. Cultivate a culture of design systems, define the "north star" for the design system, and oversee the migration of existing capabilities to SDS. Build and empower a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and ownership.

Requirements

• 12+ years of proven experience leading and scaling design system teams in a large organization
• 6+ years leading & mentoring UX teams, manager of managers a plus
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working directly with Design Technologists, Engineers and creatives in an Enterprise environment
• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Deep understanding of design principles and practices, combined with knowledge of technology frameworks
• Expertise in developing compelling business cases, leveraging data and insights to demonstrate impact
• Strong people management skills and a passion for developing talent
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively influence senior leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead & Inspire: Define and champion a compelling vision for the Smartsheet Design System, driving adoption and demonstrating its value to stakeholders
• Strategic Roadmap: Develop and execute the SDS strategy, addressing enterprise needs and empowering partner teams to contribute
• Drive Impact: Lead cross-functional programs from ideation to launch, collaborating with designers, engineers, product managers, and business leaders
• Engineering Partnership: Work closely with Engineering to ensure SDS accelerates delivery velocity and provides unique value
• Elevate Quality: Maintain the highest standards for design quality, encompassing visual design, interaction design, and systems thinking
• Champion Accessibility & Localization: Advocate for inclusive design practices, ensuring accessibility and localization are core to SDS
• Cultivate a Culture of Design Systems: Promote and evangelize the importance of design systems, raising awareness and building the reputation of SDS
• Vision & Strategy: Define the "north star" for the design system, addressing foundational challenges and ensuring scalability. Partner with the Design Systems Manager to align SDS with company goals
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Lead cross-functional initiatives, championing systems thinking and fostering alignment across teams
• Innovation & Trends: Stay abreast of design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to ensure SDS remains cutting-edge
• Migration & Integration: Oversee the migration of existing capabilities to SDS, ensuring a seamless transition and optimizing adoption
• Servant Leadership: Build and empower a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and ownership. Lead with humility, compassion, and authenticity

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with enterprise-grade collaboration and work management platforms
• Contributions to open-source design systems
• Some experience with content design, accessibility, localization

Benefits

• HSA, 100% employer-paid premiums, or Buy-up medical/vision and dental coverage options for full-time employees
• 401k Match to help you save for your future (50% of your contribution up to the first 6% of your eligible pay)
• Monthly stipend to support your work and productivity
• Flexible Time Away Program, plus Sick Time Off
• US employees are automatically covered under Smartsheet-sponsored life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability plans
• US employees receive 12 paid holidays per year
• Up to 24 weeks of Parental Leave
• Personal paid Volunteer Day to support our community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development including access to Udemy online courses
• Company Funded Perks, including a counseling membership, local retail discounts, and your own personal Smartsheet account
• Teleworking options from any registered location in the U.S. (role specific)
• Smartsheet provides a competitive base salary range for roles that may be hired in different geographic areas we are licensed to operate our business from. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including, but not limited to, level of professional, educational experience, skills, and specific candidate location. In addition, this role will be eligible for a market competitive incentive opportunity
• $210,000 — $270,000 USD