Product Design Lead

ABOUT APPLY APPLY is the Agentic Customer Experience (ACx) partner for the world's most ambitious consumer and entertainment brands. We bring together deep domain expertise across Retail, CPG, Sports, and Media with AI-native delivery capability, designing and delivering agentic solutions that turn CX vision into commercial reality. We are the partner of choice for brands like Arc'teryx, NFL, Lululemon, and Kraft Heinz. For more information, visit applydigital.com . LOCATION: APPLY is hybrid/remote friendly. The preferred candidate should be based in Canada, working in hours that align to ET (Eastern Timezone) . THE ROLE: As a Product Design Lead, you'll play a critical role in orchestrating complex design projects from start to finish while providing leadership and oversight to design teams. Reporting into the Experience team, you will be responsible for managing multiple client engagements and accounts, leading UX/Creative/Design System efforts, and ensuring high-quality design deliverables align with project objectives and client brand guidelines. You will help drive design innovation, mentor team members, and contribute to the growth of the design practice through leadership. RESPONSIBILITIES Design Leadership & Execution Lead and support design teams in creating high-quality screen designs and prototypes for multiple products and client engagements. Ensure final design deliverables meet APPLY’s quality standards and align with client brand guidelines Lead conversations about design deliverables and their creation, implementation, and maintenance Create, edit, and follow brand, UX and design systems best practices without support, establishing frameworks for team consistency Lead design system work, including handoff processes and clear documentation to ensure consistency and scalability across teams. Translate metrics into design decisions, using data insights to guide scope adjustments and product direction. Manage team priorities and timelines, ensuring tasks are delivered on time and aligned with business goals. Client & Account Management Manage multiple client engagements and accounts simultaneously Lead significant client-facing projects and meetings with autonomy Demonstrate ability to collaborate and gain cooperation with peers and cross-functional teams to address issues and opportunities Present design concepts, decisions, and rationale to stakeholders and clients — connecting design choices to business value with clarity and confidence. Team Development & Mentorship Manage UX and UI design team members from a professional growth perspective Provide coaching, mentorship, and guidance to designers at various levels Share insights and expertise through thought leadership initiatives within the team Strategic Contribution & Innovation Champion and articulate the product vision to stakeholders — then translate it into a clear, executable design plan. Create and execute tactical design plans for projects and multiple work streams that align with strategy Contribute to the growth of the design practice through internal and external leadership content Lead design innovation initiatives while establishing creative thinking frameworks Stay up-to-date with design trends, best practices, and emerging technologies REQUIREMENTS 8+ years of experience in UI/UX design, with demonstrated progression in leadership roles Experience working within agentic frameworks e.g. BMAD Strong portfolio showcasing leadership of complex, multi-product design projects Expert proficiency in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Gemini, Claude, Lovable and other industry-standard design and AI tools Deep expertise in brand and design systems creation, implementation, and governance Proven ability to manage multiple client accounts and engagements simultaneously Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities with experience managing team members Excellent communication and presentation skills for client-facing interactions Ability to resolve complex design challenges in creative and effective ways Experience working in cross-functional teams and collaborating with developers, strategists, product managers and project managers Demonstrated ability to exercise wide latitude in determining objectives and approaches to critical assignments Nice to Have Experience in digital agency, consultancy, or transformation environment Knowledge of front-end technologies and technical constraints Experience with enterprise-level design systems and multi-platform design Background in user research and testing methodologies Contribution to design community through speaking, writing, or thought leadership Experience in Agile teams, supporting iterative delivery and cross-functional collaboration LIFE AT APPLY People are at the core of everything we do at APPLY. We provide you with modern tools, systems and approaches, value your time, safety, and health, and strive to build a work community where you can thrive and grow. Here are a few benefits we offer to support you: Agentic Delivery: Our people work in a modern way to deliver client outcomes. Broaden your skills on a range of engagements with international brands that have a global impact. An inclusive and safe environment: We’re truly committed to building a culture where you are celebrated and everyone feels welcome and safe. AI & Strategic Upskilling: Accelerate your professional growth with generous training budgets and mentorship, with a specific focus on Agentic AI expertise and the critical human skills required for the future of work. Generous vacation policy: Work-life balance is key to our team’s success, so we offer flexible personal time off (PTO); allowing ample time away from work to promote overall well-being. Customizable benefits: Tailor your extended health and dental plan to your needs, priorities, and preferences. Flexible work arrangements: We work in a variety of ways, from remote, to in-office, to a blend of both. APPLY is a safe, respectful, and inclusive community where differences are celebrated. We are committed to equal opportunity and fostering a workplace where everyone belongs. Learn more in our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) section. For recruitment accommodations, please email [email protected] .