Product Design Lead (Contract)

Description Role SummaryThe Product Design Lead is responsible for driving the strategic direction, quality, and execution of digital product experiences across multiple customer journeys. This role leads design initiatives from discovery through delivery, ensuring solutions are user-centered, visually compelling, accessible, scalable, and aligned with business objectives. The successful candidate will champion customer-centric design practices, oversee the evolution of the organization's design system, mentor designers, and collaborate closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and business stakeholders to deliver measurable customer and business outcomes.Key ResponsibilitiesLead end-to-end design processes across products and initiatives.Define and drive design vision, principles, standards, and best practices.Translate business strategy and customer insights into product experiences.Lead discovery activities, research, journey mapping, and competitor analysis.Own and evolve enterprise design systems. • Champion user research and usability testing.Mentor and coach Product Designers and UX practitioners.Influence stakeholders and obtain buy-in for strategic initiatives.Improve design operations, governance, and delivery processes.Monitor UX metrics and customer experience outcomes.Skills & QualificationsEducation: Matric / Grade 12 and a Degree or Diploma in Product Design, UX Design, Interaction Design, HCI, Graphic Design, Information Design, or related field.Preferred certifications: UX Research, Design Thinking, and Leadership qualifications.Experience: 8--12+ years in Product Design, UX Design, or Experience Design with proven experience leading complex digital product initiatives and design systems.Required SkillsUX Design, UI Design, Service Design, Information Architecture, Interaction Design, Mobile Design, User Research, Usability Testing, Design Systems, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Thinking, Product Strategy, Process Design, Leadership, Coaching, and Innovation.Portfolio RequirementsDemonstrate leadership on large-scale product initiatives, end-to-end design processes, design system contributions, customer research, usability testing, and measurable business outcomes such as improved engagement, conversion, customer satisfaction, or operational efficiency.Team & EnvironmentWork closely with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, Service Designers, Business Analysts, and Executive Stakeholders in a collaborative, agile, customer-focused environment.