Director of Design Systems, Smartsheet

• 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

Desirable

• Transform the future of work. Join the Smartsheet Design System (SDS) team
• The Smartsheet Design System team is at the forefront of transforming Smartsheet into the leading enterprise-grade Collaboration and Work Management platform
• We're not just building components; we're evangelizing best practices and empowering designers, engineers, and business stakeholders to create exceptional customer experiences
• We're looking for 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
• You will lead the delivery of tools, components, and strategies at enterprise scale, ensuring Smartsheet delivers a consistent and high-quality user experience
• 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