Design Manager (Visual) - Canonical

About the Role

Canonical is seeking a hands-on Design Manager to lead and contribute to our Visual Design practice. This role focuses on supporting brand and site experiences, requiring a leader who excels in people management, delivery ownership, and strategic thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead a team of visual designers, driving innovation, setting creative direction, and ensuring high-quality delivery.
• Hands-on Design: Step in to craft exceptional visual solutions when capacity or complexity requires it; lead by example.
• Collaboration: Work closely with Marketing, Web Engineering, and the Design Systems Director to define outcomes and influence UI across digital experiences.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee and improve operational workflows and production processes.
• Mentorship: Support the professional growth of individual designers through constructive feedback and coaching.
• Strategy: Evolve design systems and guidelines to ensure consistency and efficiency across all touchpoints.

What We Are Looking For

• A portfolio demonstrating excellence in leading design processes and execution in diverse organizations.
• Experience managing complex projects and teams while remaining actively involved in design work.
• Advanced knowledge of visual design principles (typography, layout, color, systems).
• Strong process understanding with the ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities.
• A clear point of view, balanced with openness to feedback and a deep care for usability and accessibility.
• Professional written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel up to 4 times a year for internal events (up to two weeks long).

Benefits

• Fully remote working environment (remote-first since 2004).
• Personal learning and development budget of $2,000 USD per annum.
• Annual compensation review and recognition rewards.
• Parental leave and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunity to travel to global locations for team sprints.
• Priority Pass for travel and upgrades for long-haul company events.