Staff Design Operations Program Manager

About the Role

Join our team as a Staff Design Operations Program Manager to build the systems, tools, and rituals that empower our design team to focus on high-impact work. You will define the strategic direction for Design Ops, architect scalable processes, and serve as a key partner to leadership in shaping the future of our design organization.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategic roadmap for Design Operations, including AI tooling integration and workflow optimization.
• Architect and maintain lightweight systems that allow the design organization to scale efficiently while maintaining quality.
• Lead design culture initiatives, including team rituals, onboarding programs, and external brand presence.
• Act as a cross-functional partner to Product, Engineering, and Research Ops to resolve complex, multi-stakeholder problems.
• Establish success metrics and reporting cadences to inform investment decisions and team growth.

Requirements

• Proven track record of independently setting strategy for a horizontal function rather than just executing tasks.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence senior executive stakeholders.
• Strong builder mindset with the ability to own projects from initial concept through to final delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in breaking down silos and navigating complex, conflicting stakeholder interests.
• Ability to anticipate risks and adapt quickly to shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience representing a function's point of view externally through community engagement or employer branding.
• Prior experience in the fintech or SaaS industry.
• Hands-on experience building AI-driven workflows or agents for creative teams.