Melbourne – Wurundjeri Country, Australia & Sydney – Gadigal Country, Australia
Lead Experience Designer
At AKQA, our Experience Design discipline sets the standard for innovation, creativity, and craft. As a Lead Experience Designer (Visual), you’ll bring brand stories to life through intuitive, emotionally resonant digital experiences. You’ll shape the visual direction, define design systems, and lead teams to deliver world-class design across every platform and screen.
In this role, you will collaborate with UX designers, strategists, technologists, and creatives to translate ideas into visually powerful and scalable design solutions. You’ll inspire teams, mentor emerging talent, and champion best-in-class visual design practices that push boundaries and elevate AKQA’s creative excellence.
At AKQA, you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team united by purpose, craft, and curiosity, working in an inclusive and forward-thinking environment. Our hybrid in-studio/WFH model supports creativity, balance, and flexibility.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
- Lead and inspire a team of Experience Designers to create visually rich, emotionally engaging digital experiences.
- Translate brand strategy and user insight into impactful visual systems, layouts, typography, motion, and interaction.
- Champion craft and detail, setting a high standard for polish and modern interface design.
- Develop and evolve design systems, component libraries, and brand guidelines that drive consistency and creativity.
- Collaborate with UX, strategy, tech, and delivery teams to ensure ideas are beautiful, scalable, and user-loved.
- Mentor and nurture emerging design talent through feedback, inspiration, and support.
QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
- A compelling portfolio showcasing world-class design craft across branding, UI, interaction, and digital product design.
- Proven experience in product design and leadership across digital platforms.
- A keen eye for layout, colour, motion, and typography, with the confidence to direct others effectively.
- Expert in modern design tools such as Figma, After Effects, and Photoshop.
- Strong understanding of responsive design and digital environments.
- Experience in retail or e-commerce is desirable.
- Collaborative and confident working in agile, cross-disciplinary teams and presenting to stakeholders.
- Passionate about design culture, creative innovation, and meaningful, impactful work.
We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we’ve adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
