Design System Lead

Team Description

This role will lead design system projects through collaboration with the Design, Experience and Research (DXR) team. This role is complemented by two UX engineers, whose remit is to execute on systemic upgrades to the Pendo platform. Together, you will be responsible for creating a more mature design system as well as a consistent, flexible and scalable system of components that helps Pendo maintain a modern, intuitive UX. 

Role Responsibilities 

• You'll lead the strategy and ongoing evolution of Pendo's Prism design system, focusing on optimizing consistency and scalability across various product area interfaces and improving contribution workflows.
• You'll drive significant, platform-wide improvements by making decisive recommendations that help to drive a modern, intuitive UX for Pendo.
• You'll demonstrate leadership by creating alignment with cross-functional peers and leadership across Product Design, Engineering and Brand to drive the next phase of our design system.
• As a systems thinker, you'll evaluate the entire platform holistically, prioritize initiatives with company-wide impact, and build consensus around implementation plans.
• You'll establish and refine governance models for pattern and component libraries. 
• You'll balance maintaining design system integrity with exploring innovative approaches that leverage emerging technologies, particularly AI tools that can transform design operations.
• You'll measure and communicate the impact of design system initiatives on product development efficiency and business outcomes, demonstrating quantifiable value to leadership.
• You'll mentor other designers and elevate the overall design quality at Pendo by implementing and evangelizing design system best practices.

Minimum Qualifications  

• 5+ years of design experience, including responsibilities with design systems and component libraries
• Demonstrated leadership in establishing design standards across complex products (B2B, SaaS products)
• Experience using and implementing AI tools in design workflows (e.g., Cursor, ChatGPT, Lovable, Bolt, Windsurf)
• Advanced expertise with Figma and component-based design workflows
• Proven ability to build strong partnerships with engineering and drive cross-functional initiatives
• Track record of making complex design decisions with significant business impact

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working in the b2b SaaS Enterprise Platform space
• Experience with data visualization design systems and AI / conversational design patterns
• Experience mentoring other designers and elevating team capabilities
• Experience with accessibility, internationalization, and responsive design
• Previous experience with Pendo or similar products
• Experience working with Storybook

Pendo Description:

Pendo was founded in 2013 by former product managers, who combined their heads and hearts to build something they wanted but never had as product managers -- a simple way to understand and attack what truly drives product success.  Our mission is to improve society's experience with software.

Come join one of the fastest-growing startups, supported by best-in-class institutions like Battery Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Spark Capital and Meritech. You will gain experience in a diverse and exciting set of technologies and clients and have a real impact on Pendo's future. Our culture is passionate, dynamic, and fun.

EEOC

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe having diverse teams where everyone brings their whole self to Pendo is key to our success. We welcome all people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives.

Accessibility

Pendo is committed to working with, and providing access and reasonable accommodation to, applicants with mental and/or physical disabilities. If you think you may require accommodation(s) for any part of the recruitment process, please send a request to: [email protected]. All requests for accommodations are treated discreetly and confidentially, as practical and permitted by law.

Compensation 

Our salary ranges are based on paying competitively for our size and industry, and are one part of many compensation, benefits and other reward opportunities we provide.

Individual pay rate decisions, including offers made within and over the expected salary range, are based on a number of factors, including qualifications for the role, experience level, skillset, and balancing internal equity relative to peers at the company.