Figma Systems Designer (all genders)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Figma Systems Designer

Company: FRASER

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Technology & Creative Services)

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and implement scalable design systems within Figma to support multi-localization campaign production across retail, digital, and print channels.

• Develop and maintain robust component libraries and templates that ensure consistency and efficiency across diverse markets, languages, and formats, acting as a single source of truth.

• Drive operational efficiency by structuring Figma files for safe population and rollout by other team members, minimizing errors and maximizing throughput in campaign production.

• Collaborate closely with digital and print production teams to ensure seamless handoff processes and integration of localized campaign assets.

• Apply systems thinking principles to continuously improve design workflows, QA processes, and the overall efficiency of the creative production pipeline.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "Figma Systems Designer," has significant implications for Go-To-Market (GTM) operations and revenue enablement. The core responsibility of building scalable design systems for campaign production directly impacts the speed, consistency, and effectiveness of marketing and sales collateral, which are critical for GTM success. The emphasis on localization and multi-channel output highlights the role's importance in ensuring global brand consistency and efficient campaign deployment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and build comprehensive Figma component libraries and reusable templates designed for multi-localization and multi-format campaign production.

• Establish and manage master Figma files and derivative systems, ensuring they serve as definitive sources of truth for all design assets and specifications.

• Implement localization logic within Figma, leveraging features like Variables to manage diverse languages, text lengths, and regional variations for campaign assets.

• Facilitate efficient campaign production by ensuring Figma files are meticulously organized and structured for easy population and rollout by production teams.

• Partner with digital and print production teams to streamline handoff processes, ensuring all assets meet technical specifications and quality standards for various pipelines.

• Conduct systematic quality assurance (QA) on design systems and production outputs, identifying areas for improvement and driving continuous optimization of design workflows.

• Translate complex design logic and system requirements into clear documentation and guidelines for internal teams and external partners.

• Stay abreast of emerging design technologies and production methodologies to proactively enhance the design system's capabilities and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed focus heavily on the operational aspects of design system management. The emphasis on "structuring files for safe population and rollout," "localization logic," and "seamless handoff across digital and print pipelines" points to a role that is deeply embedded in production workflows and aims to optimize the efficiency and scalability of creative output. This goes beyond pure UI/UX design to encompass design operations and process engineering.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Digital Media, or a related field is often preferred.

• Equivalent practical experience demonstrating mastery of design systems and Figma will be highly valued. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in UI/UX design, product design, or graphic design with a strong focus on design systems and component-based design.

• Proven track record of building and maintaining scalable design systems for complex projects or organizations.

• Experience in a fast-paced agency environment or working with multiple clients is advantageous. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in Figma, including advanced proficiency with Auto Layout, component variants, component properties, and nested instance overrides.

• Strong command of Figma Variables for managing localization, string swaps, and mode switching across different design states and contexts.

• Demonstrated experience building and scaling templated design systems across multiple SKUs, various formats (digital, print), and international markets.

• Familiarity with design tokens and their application in creating a unified design language.

• Proficiency with relevant Figma plugins such as Content Reel, Bulk Rename, Similayer, and Batch Styler, and an understanding of localization tools.

• Awareness of production handoff requirements, including CMYK color standards, font licensing considerations, and InDesign-adjacent print workflows.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset, with a proven ability to restructure and optimize complex systems at scale.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of clearly articulating complex design logic and system strategies to diverse audiences. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other design or prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite) for context.

• Understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS) to better facilitate collaboration with developers.

• Experience with version control systems for design assets.

• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices in design system implementation.

• Familiarity with project management tools used in creative production workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Figma Variables (string variables, mode switching) for localization and copy swaps" and "Awareness of production handoff requirements: CMYK, font licensing, InDesign-adjacent print workflows" indicates a need for a candidate who bridges the gap between pure design and production operations, ensuring that design systems are not only aesthetically sound but also functionally robust for global campaign execution.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A dedicated section showcasing your experience in building and managing design systems, with clear examples of component libraries, pattern libraries, and style guides.

• Case studies demonstrating how you have applied systems thinking to solve complex design challenges, particularly those involving scalability, localization, and multi-channel output.

• Visual examples of templated systems designed for campaign production, highlighting efficiency gains and consistency improvements.

• Evidence of how your design systems have facilitated smoother handoffs to production teams, with clear documentation of processes and outcomes.

• Demonstrations of how you have utilized Figma's advanced features (Auto Layout, Variants, Variables) to create flexible and robust design solutions. Process Documentation:

• Examples of process documentation for design system implementation and maintenance, including version control, contribution guidelines, and QA protocols.

• Workflow diagrams or descriptions illustrating how your design systems integrate into broader campaign production pipelines (digital and print).

• Case studies detailing how you have optimized design workflows through system improvements, automation, or enhanced collaboration.

• Documentation of how you have managed localization logic within design systems to ensure regional accuracy and cultural relevance.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio is critical for demonstrating practical application of design systems in a production-oriented context. The emphasis is not just on visual design but on the process of creating and managing systems that enable efficient, scalable, and localized campaign execution. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their Figma files and explain the underlying logic and operational benefits.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on market research for Mid-Level Figma Systems Designers in Cape Town, South Africa, with specialized skills in design systems and localization, the estimated annual salary range is ZAR 400,000 - ZAR 650,000. This range accounts for the competitive agency environment, the demand for specialized Figma skills, and the hybrid work model. Benefits:

• Hybrid working model, offering flexibility between remote work and in-office collaboration.

• 30 days of annual leave (based on a 5-day work week), providing ample time for rest and rejuvenation.

• Flexible working hours, allowing for better work-life integration and personal scheduling.

• Competitive salary, reflecting skills, experience, and contribution to high-impact projects.

• Collaborative environment with fantastic colleagues, fostering a supportive and engaging workplace culture.

• International exposure through colleagues, clients, and offices in Berlin and Zurich, offering a global perspective.

• Flat hierarchies fostering transparency and a participatory culture, empowering employees to contribute to agency growth.

• Opportunity to actively shape and grow the agency, with potential for increased responsibility and impact. Working Hours:

• A standard 40-hour work week is expected, with a hybrid arrangement allowing for flexibility. The company offers flexible working hours, which can be discussed and agreed upon with the team, supporting work-life balance while ensuring operational needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on current market data for similar roles in Cape Town, South Africa, considering the specific technical skills (Figma, localization) and the industry (creative agency). This estimate assumes a mid-level position with 2-5 years of experience. Benefits are derived directly from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Digital Transformation, Marketing & Advertising, Technology Services. FRASER operates at the intersection of creativity and technology, positioning itself as a "next-generation agency" that leverages data and digital innovation to drive client success. This industry context means a fast-paced, client-centric environment focused on delivering measurable results.

Company Size: FRASER has multiple offices (Berlin, Zurich, Cape Town) and works with a range of blue-chip clients, suggesting a mid-to-large sized agency with a significant operational footprint and client portfolio. This size typically allows for specialized roles and a structured approach to project delivery.

Founded: While the founding date is not explicitly stated, the company's description as "independent, owner-led" and focused on "trend-driven communication and digital product innovation" suggests a modern agency with a forward-thinking ethos. The emphasis on "courage over comfort, and momentum over convenience" points to a culture that values innovation and proactive problem-solving.

Team Structure:

• The operations team likely consists of specialists in design, production, and potentially project management, all working collaboratively to deliver integrated campaigns.

• Reporting structures are described as "flat hierarchies," indicating open communication channels and direct access to leadership, fostering a participatory culture.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, with the Systems Designer expected to work closely with production teams (digital and print), and likely client strategists and account managers. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: FRASER emphasizes a "data-driven mindset," suggesting that decisions are informed by analytics and performance metrics.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The creation of design systems and focus on "efficiency" and "workflow optimization" are central to their operational methodology.

• Automation & Efficiency: Leveraging technology like Figma's advanced features and plugins to automate repetitive tasks and improve production speed is a core practice.

Company Website: https://www.frasertheagency.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's positioning as a "next-generation agency" that combines "award-winning creativity and a data-driven mindset" implies a culture that values both innovation and measurable impact. The flat hierarchy and owner-led structure suggest an environment where individual contributions are recognized and can influence agency direction.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience), focusing on specialized technical skills within the design operations spectrum. It requires a strong foundation in Figma and a deep understanding of systems thinking applied to production workflows. The role is critical for enabling efficient and scalable campaign delivery.

Reporting Structure: As part of a flat hierarchy, the Figma Systems Designer will likely report to a Head of Design, Creative Director, or Operations Lead. They will work closely with project managers, production managers, and potentially client-facing teams, requiring strong collaborative skills.

Operations Impact: The Figma Systems Designer has a direct impact on the efficiency, speed, and consistency of campaign production for FRASER's clients. By creating robust and scalable design systems, they enable the agency to deliver high-quality, localized campaigns more rapidly and cost-effectively, directly contributing to client satisfaction and the agency's operational throughput and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to become a lead in Design Operations, specializing in further optimizing creative workflows, exploring new automation tools, and leading design system initiatives for larger clients or agency-wide adoption.

• Industry Skill Development: Opportunities to deepen expertise in localization strategies, cross-platform design consistency, and integration with emerging production technologies.

• Leadership Potential: With demonstrated success in building and managing critical systems, there's a pathway to leadership roles within the design or operations departments, potentially managing junior designers or leading system implementation projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a Systems Designer in an agency context often involves increasing scope, strategic input into tooling and processes, and potentially mentorship or team leadership. The emphasis on "shaping and growing the agency" suggests that individuals who excel can influence the company's operational direction.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: FRASER offers a hybrid working model, meaning the workspace is a blend of in-office collaboration and remote work. The Cape Town office is located at Main Rd 203 Rockaways 225, Cape Town, 8005.

Office Location(s): The company has offices in Berlin, Zurich, and Cape Town, indicating an international and multi-cultural work environment. The Cape Town office provides a base for local operations and collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model encourages a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and collaborative team sessions (in-office).

• Access to up-to-date technology and software, including Figma and relevant plugins, is essential for this role.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines within the agency, fostering a dynamic and creative atmosphere. Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours.

• Flexible working hours are offered, allowing employees to adjust their schedules within operational needs, promoting a healthy work-life balance and accommodating different working styles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model and flexible hours suggest a modern work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and autonomy, while the international office presence indicates a global perspective and diverse team dynamic.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements. Be prepared to highlight specific Figma proficiency and design system experience.

• Technical Interview: Likely a deep dive into your Figma skills, system design methodologies, and experience with localization. Expect practical questions about Auto Layout, Variants, Variables, and how you approach building scalable components.

• Portfolio Presentation/Case Study: You may be asked to present a case study from your portfolio showcasing a design system you built or significantly contributed to. Focus on the problem, your approach, the system's architecture, its impact (efficiency, scalability, localization), and lessons learned.

• Team/Cultural Fit Interview: An opportunity to meet potential colleagues and discuss collaboration styles, problem-solving approaches, and how you fit within FRASER's flat hierarchy and participatory culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior leadership, focusing on strategic thinking, long-term vision, and how you can contribute to the agency's growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual examples. Include screenshots of your Figma files, component libraries, and examples of how these systems were used in actual campaigns.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, provide metrics on efficiency gains, reduction in production time, or improvements in consistency achieved through your design systems.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically. Clearly delineate between personal projects, client work, and specific design system contributions.

• Highlight Figma Mastery: Explicitly demonstrate your command of Figma's advanced features relevant to this role, such as Auto Layout, Variants, and Variables.

• Explain the "Why": For each project, explain the problem you were solving, your thought process, the trade-offs you made, and the operational benefits of your solution.

• Address Localization: Showcase specific examples of how you've handled multi-language or multi-regional design challenges within a system.

Challenge Preparation:

• **Design System