Design Operations Consultant

Role: Design Operations Consultant

Duration: 6 months (Potential for extension)

Location: Hartford, CT - Hybrid

Notes from the Hiring Manager:

looking for candidates with more of the operational experiences – implementing processes, managing Jira backlogs, overseeing vendor partnerships, etc. Many of the current candidates have really strong design backgrounds but were more on the implementation side instead of the operational.

Position Overview:

This role is for a Design Operations Consultant on a 6-month contract, supporting key projects within the organization. The primary responsibilities will fall into two core areas:

1. Design Tool Development & Onboarding
2. The team utilizes Figma, a widely used design tool.
3. The consultant will work on launching enhancements, developing training, and scaling Figma adoption across the design community.
4. The role requires partnership with Figma to improve features and ensure seamless implementation for designers.
5. Strategic Work Management & Tracking
6. Implementing a standardized work tracking system for the design team.
7. Leveraging JIRA to manage workflows, customize configurations, document best practices, and provide training.
8. The consultant will not be expected to be a JIRA administrator but should have familiarity with similar workflow tracking tools.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including designers, developers, and product owners.
• Maintain strong project management skills to oversee multiple workstreams simultaneously.
• Ensure effective process documentation and best practice dissemination.
• Manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors (Figma, JIRA, etc.).
• Provide training and support to enhance the design community’s productivity.
• Work closely with another Design Operations professional on the team, as well as two additional business operations colleagues.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills:

• Strong collaboration and organizational abilities.
• Background in UX/UI, Experience Design, or Customer Experience.
• Experience working with JIRA or similar workflow tools.
• Strong process improvement and efficiency management skills.
• Ability to document and implement workflows, focusing on reducing friction for designers.
• Comfortable coordinating training initiatives, although the candidate will not be delivering training sessions themselves.

Clarifications on Role Scope:

• This is not a graphic design or marketing role; it is focused on Experience Design (XD).
• The consultant will not be managing UX designers but will be responsible for supporting them operationally.
• There will be no new tool procurement during this contract period; work will focus on optimizing Figma and JIRA.
• The consultant will work closely with vendors to ensure effective tool adoption and training.

Location & Work Model:

• Hybrid: Requires three days per week onsite in Hartford, CT.
• Fully remote candidates are not currently being considered, but this decision is expected to be finalized within two business days.
• Exceptional candidates located in nearby markets (e.g., Boston) may be considered if they can attend key meetings in person.

Career Level & Experience Expectations:

• Ideal candidates will have 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• 3 years of Design Operations experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Candidates with a UX/UI background who have worked in process optimization and workflow tracking may also be considered.
• More experience is not an issue, and professionals who have transitioned from UX into Design Ops are welcome.

Key Challenges of the Role:

• Navigating a large organization with multiple moving parts.
• Establishing relationships across business units.
• Ensuring seamless tool adoption and process improvements.

Top 3 Required Skills:

1. Design tool expertise, particularly with Figma.
2. Project management & organizational skills.
3. Experience in process improvement & workflow optimization.

Additional Notes:

• A portfolio link is welcomed but not mandatory.
• Certifications in Design Ops, UX, or Agile methodologies are a plus but not required.
• Agile methodology is used in product development; familiarity with Design Thinking and Double Diamond frameworks is beneficial but not required.

Generic Description:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Experience Design (XD) Ops Consultant to enhance our Design Operations practice. This role will focus on streamlining tools, processes, and frameworks that empower design teams to deliver exceptional user experiences. The consultant will work cross-functionally with technology teams, subject matter experts, and external partners to support the onboarding and adoption of design tools, work management systems, and performance measurement strategies.

In this role, the consultant will focus on initiatives that enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of design teams. This includes driving the adoption and onboarding of enterprise design tools, improving work tracking and management systems, and developing strategies for measuring and reporting on design impact. They will collaborate with technology teams, external partners, and internal stakeholders to implement scalable solutions that address team needs, standardize practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the design organization.

Ideal Skills and Qualifications

Design Tool Expertise: Knowledge of tools like Figma with the ability to facilitate onboarding and training sessions.

Workflow Management Knowledge: Understanding of systems like Jira, including setup, customization, and best practices for design-focused work tracking.

Strategic Framework Development: Experience in creating and implementing frameworks for assessing and reporting the impact of design initiatives.

Collaboration Skills: Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work across teams, including design, technology, and business units.

Project Management: Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and drive them to successful completion.

Training and Facilitation: Proven ability to create training materials, lead workshops, and provide ongoing support for design teams.

Preferred Experience

• Background in Design Operations or related fields.
• Familiarity with Figma
• Experience in tool procurement and vendor management.
• Understanding of Agile, Lean, and other methodologies related to design and product development.