Associate Design Director

Job Description Parallel is a product strategy and design studio that is stretching the lines of reality and creativity to create an impact that matters. We pride ourselves in creating experiences that drive metrics for businesses and make lives better for millions at the same time. As part of our Project 1B charter, we are on a mission to impact a billion lives through better digital products. Some of our 50+ clients include Co-Win, Meta, Gullak, Delhivery, Xto10x, Kotak, IndusInd, and many AI-native startups from the Bay Area. Parallel has been a boutique founder-driven design studio with a very strong ethos on craft and high standards of delivery for some very exciting problem statements. As we grow, we are looking for someone to take the mantle forward help us keep up the great work, and help make ParallelIndia's most-loved product design studio solving problems that matter and an organization that designers look up to for inspiration. As a Design Director at Parallel, you will be in charge ofshaping and influencing the design and product innovation culture at Parallel.You will juggle between overseeing projects, mentoring product designers,and improving our practice of work. We're on the lookout for someone who can navigate both the big picture and the nitty-gritty details, whether it's in a client powwow or diving into a design file. Your day might call for taking the lead or taking a step back to figure out the best way to back up your team. Being adaptable, humble, and resourceful is a must, given that no two projects (or clients) are cut from the same cloth. Effective communication and collaboration skills are crucial here you'll be interacting with fellow design mavens and various teams across Parallel. Advocating for and shaping the evolution of the Design department is part of the gig. Plus, you'll be the face of Parallel in client meetings and public events, so your ability to read the room, speak with confidence, and sprinkle in some charm is key to our collective success. Most importantly, you've got that unmistakable eye for design, and you thrive on supporting others to bring out their best work. Ready to dive in Your Reponsibilities - Work closely with our founder, and directly lead a 10-12+ person design team. - Collaborate with the rest of Parallel leadership team to keep company engagement high. - Drive the overall Design team's operations and strategy. - Advocate for the design team internally to make sure they're set up for success. - Articulate constructive feedback and ensure the design team is evaluated and supported on an ongoing basis. - Involved in vetting, hiring, and training new members of the design team. - Mentor our team of Sr. Designers and Leads. - Interact with the design team in-person and online daily, and with clients when needed. - Foster an open, collaborative, and inclusive environment for the design team. - Collaborate with the Client Partnerships team to pitch new engagements to clients. - Assist in scoping out the timeline and requirements of design engagements. - Roll up your sleeves, get in the work, and guide several project teams simultaneously. Requirements - 8+ years experience in product design and innovation across different industries and segments like B2B, B2C, SaaS - You have led diverse & high-impactproduct design assignmentsfrom start to finish. - You have previously led a team of product designers and haveexperience in leading, mentoring, and coaching product design teams. - Mastery of various aspects of product design likedesign principles, best practices, design trends, and common design tools (read: Figma). - Enthusiastic leadership style that commands respect and inspires people. - Ability to present designs to clients with credibility, clarity, and confidence - Well-versed in facilitation techniques that enable groups to build clarity and alignment - Understanding of product management and product life cycles. You've led teams building digital projects from scratch before. - Ability to be both a leader, a listener, and a mentor for more junior designers. You can actively build the skills of team members to make them more successful in their careers. - Be active in the design community, representing Parallel and attracting new talent & work. - You are a maker at heart andwant to build incredible products for problems that matter with a passionate team.