MLW LogoMost Loved Workplace® Certified Job

Lead Experience Designer

MLW LogoMost Loved Workplace® Certified Job
92% of candidates apply because they are a Most Loved Workplace®
Auckland
User Experience

About the Role

At AKQA, a Most Loved Workplace® certified employer in the Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations space, Design and innovation transforming ideas into world-changing impact.

<p>At AKQA (part of WPP), our Experience Design discipline sets the standard for innovation, creativity, and craft. As a Lead Experience Designer, you’ll imagine what’s next and help make what matters. You will lead innovative work for ambitious brands, creating pioneering digital experiences that feel intuitive, engaging, and emotionally resonant for audiences around the world.</p>

<p>In this role, you will conceive and deliver digital experiences that combine imagination, cultural intelligence, and technology to create meaningful products and services. Working alongside a multidisciplinary team of strategists, visual designers, UX architects, and researchers, you will shape online platforms, design systems, mobile applications, and emerging digital experiences. You will lead by example, mentoring designers, inspiring clients, and delivering visionary work.</p>

<p>As part of AKQA, you’ll work in an innovative and inclusive culture, surrounded by some of the brightest minds in their fields. You’ll have the opportunity to learn and grow within a creative and technically advanced team, with access to ongoing personal and professional development. Our hybrid in-studio/WFH model supports balance and flexibility, and we’re committed to your career growth as well as your work/life balance.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>ROLE REQUIREMENTS</p>

<ul>

<li>Lead and guide a team of Experience Designers to deliver impactful and engaging digital experiences.</li>

<li>Maintain a high standard of design craft, ensuring quality and attention to detail across all work.</li>

<li>Translate brand strategy and user insight into clear, effective design solutions across digital platforms.</li>

<li>Develop and evolve design systems, component libraries, and guidelines that support scalable experiences.</li>

<li>Collaborate closely with strategists, technologists, and delivery teams to ensure ideas are practical, effective, and well executed.</li>

<li>Provide mentorship and constructive feedback to support the growth and development of design talent.</li>

<li>Present design thinking clearly and confidently to clients and internal stakeholders.</li>

</ul>

<p> </p>

<p>QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS</p>

<ul>

<li>A strong portfolio demonstrating high-quality experience design across digital products and platforms.</li>

<li>Solid product design experience, from UX architecture through to refined visual interface design.</li>

<li>Experience leading designers and contributing to the delivery of complex digital projects.</li>

<li>Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.</li>

<li>Excellent visual design sensibility across layout, hierarchy, colour, motion, and typography.</li>

<li>Proficiency in modern design tools such as Figma and other collaborative design platforms.</li>

<li>Experience working within agile, cross-functional teams in agency or product environments.</li>

<li>A genuine passion for design culture, creativity, and continuous innovation.</li>

</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><p><span style="font-weight: 300;">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.</span></p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;">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.</span></p>

<hr>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p>

<p class="x_MsoNormal"><strong><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">About WPP</span></strong></p>

<p class="x_MsoNormal">WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit <a href="http://wpp.com/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">WPP.com</a>.</p>

<p><span style="font-weight: 300;"></span></p></div>

Want to learn more about what it's like to work at AKQA? View our full profile.

MLW Logo

Why This Is a Most Loved Workplace® Certified Job

What It's Like to Work Here

Lightbulb Pioneering Innovation
Users Collaborative Trust
Compass Purpose-Driven Work
Zap Flexible Empowerment
Heart Inclusive Community
Target Growth Ownership
Certified for: Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2026, Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Working at AKQA

Common questions candidates ask about this role and AKQA's workplace

AKQA is a design and innovation company that employs over 6,500 professionals across 20 countries. Awarded the Cannes Lions Grand Prix for Digital Craft in 2023 and named by Gartner as one of the world’s leading marketing agencies in 2021. Winner of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas in 2022, and recognised as a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators in 2020.

Please review the specific job listing or contact AKQA's recruiting team for details on remote or hybrid work options for this role.

Salary information may vary by role and location. Please check the specific job listing or discuss compensation during the interview process.

AKQA is an established organization in its industry. The company is a certified Most Loved Workplace®, highlighting a strong, positive culture and committed workforce.

Key benefit categories include: Health & Wellbeing, Work-Life Balance, Financial & Discounts, Professional Development, Inclusion & Community. You can view more details on their CertCheck profile.

The day-to-day environment is guided by core values such as Pioneering Innovation and Collaborative Trust and Purpose-Driven Work.

The company has committed to inclusive practices including: Empower Through Trust and Accountability and Champion Inclusive Growth and Diversity.

They have earned Most Loved Workplace® certifications including: Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2026 and Most Loved Workplace Most Loved Workplaces® 2022.

AKQA currently has 44 open positions. They are hiring across departments like Operations, Creative, Delivery & Project Management. You can view all current openings at certcheck.mostlovedworkplace.com/companies/akqa/jobs.

The interview process typically involves an initial recruiter screen followed by team interviews. Please contact AKQA's recruiting team for specific details on this role's process.

Apply for Lead Experience Designer

Submit your application directly to the AKQA team. Let them know why you'd be a great addition to their loved place to work.

Most Loved Workplace® Logo
Powered by Most Loved Workplace®

The global standard for company culture certification and employer of choice visibility.

Learn more about Most Loved Workplace®