Discover and apply for Design Operations Program Manager jobs, a pivotal role at the heart of modern, high-functioning design organizations. This profession serves as the critical connective tissue between creative vision and operational reality, ensuring that design teams can work efficiently, effectively, and at scale. A Design Operations Program Manager, often called a Design Ops Program Manager, is a strategic force dedicated to building the systems, processes, and workflows that empower designers to focus on what they do best: designing exceptional user experiences and compelling brand narratives. Professionals in these jobs typically act as both strategists and executors. Their core mission is to remove operational friction and amplify the impact of the design function. Common responsibilities span a wide spectrum, from high-level program management to granular process optimization. They often own the end-to-end execution of major design initiatives and campaigns, coordinating across design, product, marketing, and engineering to ensure deliverables are on time, within scope, and aligned to business goals. A significant part of the role involves establishing and maintaining scalable workflows for creative intake, project tracking, feedback cycles, and asset management. This includes selecting and managing design tool stacks (like Figma), implementing project management methodologies, and creating clear documentation and reporting systems to improve visibility and accountability. Furthermore, Design Operations Program Managers frequently oversee the operational health of the design team itself. This can involve resource planning and allocation, budget management for tools and vendors, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement through retrospectives and process audits. They may also manage studio operations for in-house creative production, including video or photo studios, handling scheduling, equipment, and freelancer relationships. Ultimately, they are champions of operational excellence, tasked with building an environment where creativity can thrive unhindered by logistical obstacles. The typical skill set for these jobs is a unique blend of structured program management and deep design empathy. Successful candidates usually possess 5+ years of experience in design operations, creative program management, or related fields within an in-house design environment. They require exceptional organizational and strategic planning skills, with a proven ability to prioritize complex, ambiguous problem areas and drive consensus among diverse stakeholders. Proficiency with design and project management software is standard. Soft skills are paramount: outstanding communication, a passion for mentorship and inclusive team culture, and a relentless focus on efficiency and scalability. For those who excel at building bridges and optimizing systems to unleash creative potential, Design Operations Program Manager jobs offer a rewarding career path at the intersection of design, business, and technology. Explore opportunities to become the operational backbone of innovative design teams.
