Design Lead

About the role

Catch Design is seeking a Design Lead to drive strategic and hands‑on design for major digital projects. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, research teams and developers to create inclusive, high‑impact experiences for leading New Zealand brands.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the design stream across large‑scale or complex digital engagements from discovery to delivery.
• Shape design direction, principles and approaches aligned with user needs, business goals and platform requirements.
• Plan and conduct UX research activities such as interviews, usability testing, surveys and analytics reviews.
• Translate strategy and insights into customer journeys, service blueprints, wireframes, prototypes and high‑fidelity UI.
• Facilitate workshops and co‑design sessions with senior stakeholders and delivery teams.
• Maintain high standards for visual design, accessibility, interaction and design systems.
• Collaborate with designers, strategists, developers, content specialists and producers to deliver cohesive outcomes.
• Represent design in strategic conversations, pitches and client engagements.
• Mentor and coach designers, lead critiques and contribute to evolving design frameworks and tools.

Required profile

• Based in New Zealand and able to work from the Auckland office.
• 6+ years of experience in UX/UI, product or service design.
• Proven experience leading complex digital design projects end‑to‑end.
• Deep expertise in user research, design thinking and interface design.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder‑engagement skills, comfortable with senior clients.
• High‑level visual design craft across typography, layout, interaction and accessibility.

Required skills

• Figma