Lead Design Systems (f/m/d)*

Overview

Lead Design Systems (f/m/d) at Parloa — shape the foundation of how we design, scale, and deliver consistent, high-quality experiences across product and digital touchpoints, including white-labeled environments for partner brands.

This is a strategic, hands-on role at the intersection of platform thinking, design operations, and visual excellence. You’ll set the standard for how design is practiced and implemented at Parloa today and as we grow.

YOUR MISSION

Lead the evolution of Parloa’s design system to support scalability, white-label customization, and brand fidelity across all products and platforms. Define and maintain a robust, extensible component and token architecture that ensures consistency across interfaces, devices, and markets. Collaborate closely with engineering to develop and document reusable interaction patterns that meet high implementation and accessibility standards. Champion and enforce visual and UI quality standards across all digital touchpoints.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL

• Design System Development & Ownership
  • Lead the evolution of Parloa’s design system to support scalability, white-label customization, and brand fidelity across all products and platforms.
  • Define and maintain a robust, extensible component and token architecture that ensures consistency across interfaces, devices, and markets.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering to develop and document reusable interaction patterns that meet high implementation and accessibility standards.
  • Champion and enforce visual and UI quality standards across all digital touchpoints.
• DesignOps, Tooling & Governance
  • Establish and lead a design system governance model that supports distributed contribution while maintaining system integrity and cohesion.
  • Define and evolve workflows, naming conventions, and documentation that enable scalable adoption across teams.
  • Own and optimize Figma operations—including component libraries, design tokens, and file structures—to support clarity, efficiency, and team autonomy.
  • Onboard and train designers to use the system effectively, driving adoption through enablement, rituals, and hands-on support.
  • Work cross-functionally with product and engineering teams to deeply integrate the design system into server-driven UI architecture and development pipelines.
• Mentorship & Design Culture Leadership
  • Provide ongoing mentorship and feedback to designers, helping them level up their systems thinking and visual execution.
  • Promote systems thinking and design consistency as a cultural pillar within the organization.
  • Contribute to team culture and rituals that reinforce scalable, high-quality design practices.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

• 10+ years of experience in product and/or visual design, with 3+ years dedicated to design systems in a scaling tech environment.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systematized design at scale and highly polished visual executions.
• Proven ability to build or evolve design systems that serve product development and brand expression goals.
• Systems-oriented thinker with focus on components, patterns, tokens, and workflows.
• Deep fluency in Figma and modern design tooling, including libraries, token/variable management, and cross-functional documentation.
• Familiarity with design-system integration with front-end development and server-driven UI (SDUI).
• Strong collaboration and communication skills to align stakeholders and influence product and engineering decisions.
• Experience mentoring designers and guiding teams in using and contributing to design systems.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to identify risks and address gaps in complex environments.
• Experience supporting white-label products or partner branding needs.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and internationalization/localization considerations in product design.
• Comfort in fast-paced startup or scale-up settings with ability to adapt quickly.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong time/resource management.
• Bachelor’s degree in a design-related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Fluent in English (native or bilingual proficiency).

WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU?

• Be part of a dynamic, diverse team with flat hierarchies and a collaborative culture.
• Hybrid/work-from-anywhere options with periodic in-office days.
• Attractive compensation package.
• Training and development budget for conferences and courses.
• Flexible working hours, 28 vacation days, and workation opportunities.
• Regular team events and social activities.
• Beautiful Berlin office with facilities and social areas.
• Open to discussing additional growth opportunities to fit your needs.

Why Parloa?

Parloa is a fast-growing startup in Generative AI and customer service. Our voice-first GenAI platform automates customer service with natural-sounding conversations across channels. With recent investment and global expansion, we’re looking for talented individuals to join us on this journey. Parloa adheres to GDPR and ISO standards and is committed to data protection.

Parloa provides equal opportunities to all qualified applicants regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, national origin, disability status, socioeconomic background, and other characteristics.

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