Design operation Program Manager

Key projects: This role will primarily focus on two areas: Creative Operations: Collaborate with design leaders and work closely with design teams to create and refine project briefs, prioritize tasks, and facilitate reviews. The goal is to ensure alignment and optimize processes for achieving our objectives; and Production Operations: Create efficiencies in the design and production process, enabling designers to deliver high-quality work on time. Responsibilities include staff and resource planning, vendor management, and overseeing all aspects of delivering our team's work.

Partner with Design, Product, and Engineering leadership to develop understanding product vision

Drive design deliverables for each product cycle

Refine Studio’s design process for maximum efficiency and quality output

Operationalize design process and efficiency to increase productivity

Manage design work items, scope and requirements

Identify capacity and forecast for design workloads

Partner with Design Managers to negotiate scope with partners and leadership according to bandwidth

Facilitate design reviews and ensure actions are captured and communicated

Review tools and the process to optimize cross-team collaboration

Help track resourcing needs and start the conversation on asks with Design Managers

Typical task breakdown and operating rhythm: The role will consist of collaboration with PM Designers and planning and prioritization for upcoming product cycles, especially during certain periods.

Compelling Story & Candidate Value Proposition

What makes this role interesting? - This role provides the opportunity to shape and improve operational processes, enabling designers to maximize their creative time and Involvement in cross-functional collaboration with PMs and engineers, enhancing project management and communication skills.

Unique Selling Points: Direct partnership with design leaders managing teams of 11–20+ designers, offering exposure to large-scale design operations.

Candidate Requirements

Years of Experience Required: 6+ overall years of experience in the field.

Degrees or certifications required: Education in interface business, engineering, design, or highly related field with significant industry experience

Disqualifiers:

Lack of prior experience working in design environments

Insufficient proficiency with Microsoft Office/M365 tools, especially Excel

Best vs. Average:

Strong interest in and aptitude for learning new technologies and skills

Highly effective in a fluid and evolving environment, always ready with a creative solution

• Performance Indicators: Performance will be assessed based on feedback from the design leader they work with, focusing on quality, timeliness, proactivity, and relationship building.

Top 3 Hard Skills Required + Years of Experience

1. Minimum 6+ years experience with program management; prior experience in design ops preferred

2. Minimum 6+ years experience with Proficiency with modern project tracking software (not limited to specific tools) and Microsoft Office/M365 suite.

3. Minimum 6+ years experience with Project management skills, including capacity tracking and prioritization.

Thank you!