Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: Isometric

Location: London, England, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Design Leadership / Product Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-18

Experience Level: 10+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and scale the design function at a pivotal growth stage for an AI-native climate solutions certifier.

• Drive end-to-end product craft, encompassing UX, UI, and systems thinking for complex, technical B2B SaaS products.

• Shape the company's brand identity beyond the product, influencing sales, marketing, and overall corporate presence.

• Foster a collaborative, in-person work environment that values pragmatism and proactive ownership in a fast-paced setting.

• Utilize AI to enhance design processes and elevate the capabilities of the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Head of Design," the description emphasizes "end-to-end product craft" and "UX, UI, the lot," indicating a hands-on leadership role deeply involved in the execution of design, not just strategic oversight. The mention of "agentic workflows" and "certifying physical infrastructure" points towards a highly technical and complex product domain requiring a designer comfortable with intricate systems and data-driven solutions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Development: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing design team, establishing clear quality standards and delivery processes as the company scales.

• Product Design Excellence: Own the end-to-end design lifecycle for complex, AI-native products, translating intricate audit work and technical requirements into intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

• Strategic Design Direction: Define and champion the overall design vision and strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and product roadmap.

• Brand & Visual Identity: Develop and maintain a cohesive brand identity across all touchpoints, including product interfaces, marketing collateral, sales presentations, and company communications.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with product management, engineering, and other stakeholders to ensure design is integrated seamlessly into the product development process.

• Process Optimization: Implement and refine design processes and workflows that enable rapid iteration, maintain high quality, and leverage AI tools for efficiency.

• Hands-on Contribution: Remain actively involved in design execution, including UX research, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and user testing, particularly during critical growth phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic leadership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "complex product that reverses climate change" and "agentic workflows" suggests a need for deep technical understanding and the ability to design for sophisticated, AI-driven processes, going beyond typical consumer or enterprise UX.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• No specific degree mentioned; emphasis is on demonstrated experience and impact. Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in product design, with a strong portfolio showcasing end-to-end ownership of complex digital products.

• Proven track record of building, leading, and scaling small, fast-paced design teams.

• Experience in B2B SaaS or technically complex product environments is highly desirable. Required Skills:

• End-to-End Product Craft: Mastery of UX, UI design, prototyping, and user research methodologies.

• Systems Thinking & Service Design: Ability to design complex systems, understand service ecosystems, and think beyond individual screens.

• Team Leadership & Process Management: Experience building and managing design teams, establishing quality standards, and implementing efficient design processes.

• AI-Powered Design: Proficiency in using AI tools to accelerate design workflows and improve design outcomes.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to define and articulate a compelling design vision and strategy.

• Pragmatism & Ownership: A proactive, results-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership and a bias for action.

• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for climate tech, sustainability, or regulatory certification platforms.

• Familiarity with agentic workflows and AI in operational contexts.

• Experience designing for technical or infrastructure-related products.

• Brand design and visual identity development expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "10 or more years into your career, but we care more about what you've shipped than the number" suggests that candidates with exceptional portfolios and demonstrable impact, even if slightly outside the strict years, could be considered. The "bonus points for B2B SaaS or technical products" indicates a strong preference for experience in environments similar to Isometric's.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating ownership of complex products from conception through launch and iteration.

• Problem/Solution Framing: Clearly articulate the problem addressed, the design process undertaken, and the rationale behind key design decisions.

• UX/UI Design Examples: Provide detailed examples of user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Systemic Design Thinking: Illustrate how you've designed for complex systems, considering user journeys across multiple touchpoints and services.

• AI Integration Examples: If possible, showcase instances where AI was used to enhance the design process or product functionality.

• Team Leadership & Process Examples: Include examples of how you've built processes, mentored designers, or led a team to deliver high-quality design work.

Process Documentation:

• Be prepared to discuss your personal design process, including how you approach ambiguity, collaborate with engineering and product, and integrate feedback.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to establish and maintain design quality standards within a growing team.

• Explain how you leverage AI and other tools to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Head of Design" title and the emphasis on building a team, the portfolio should not only showcase individual design craft but also evidence of leadership, process establishment, and the ability to mentor and guide others. The "complex product" and "AI-native" nature of Isometric's offering means case studies should reflect an ability to handle intricate problems and technical domains.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £120,000 - £140,000 per year

Benefits:

• Equity: Significant stock options or equity package.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits package.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and conference attendance.

• Team Events: Regular team offsites and social activities.

• Impactful Work: Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven company with significant environmental impact.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected based on project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a Head of Design role in London with significant leadership responsibilities and a required 10+ years of experience. The inclusion of "Equity" is a strong indicator of a growth-stage startup aiming to reward early, impactful hires. The mention of "AI-native" and "climate solutions" suggests that benefits might also extend to sustainability-focused perks or contributions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Climate Tech / SaaS / AI

Company Size: Likely a fast-growing startup, as indicated by "pivotal stage of growth" and the need to "build the team." (Company size data from LinkedIn indicates 51-200 employees).

Founded: 2021 (based on public information). Isometric is a relatively young company focused on a critical, emerging market.

Team Structure:

• The design team is likely small and will be built out by the Head of Design.

• Close collaboration with Product Management and Engineering teams is essential.

• The company emphasizes a culture of "doers with a bias to action" and expects everyone to be a "generalist" who navigates ambiguity.

• Reporting structure will likely be to a co-founder or CEO, given the leadership level of the role. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Decisions: Isometric's core business is built on scientific rigor and data for climate solution certification, implying a data-informed approach across the company.

• AI-Native Approach: The company leverages AI extensively in its product and operations.

• Agile & Iterative: The fast-paced environment and emphasis on shipping suggest an agile development methodology.

• In-Person Collaboration: A strong emphasis on in-office presence for collaboration and idea generation.

Company Website: https://isometric.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Isometric's mission to certify climate solutions positions it at the intersection of technology and sustainability, a rapidly growing and high-impact sector. The "AI-native" aspect suggests a forward-thinking, technically adept culture. The "generalist" and "navigating ambiguity" points are critical for candidates to understand the dynamic nature of the work.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Leadership / Head of Function. This role is responsible for establishing and growing a critical function within the company, impacting product, brand, and overall user experience.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design will likely report directly to a C-level executive (CEO, CTO, or CPO) and will be a key member of the leadership team.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a direct impact on Isometric's ability to scale its product, build trust with enterprise clients (like Microsoft and Google), and effectively communicate its mission and value proposition. Design is positioned as a core driver of growth and credibility.

Growth Opportunities:

• Build & Scale a Team: Opportunity to define the design team's structure, culture, and hiring strategy from the ground up.

• Shape Product Strategy: Influence the direction of a complex, AI-driven product in a high-impact industry.

• Brand Development: Play a significant role in defining and evolving the Isometric brand across all touchpoints.

• Leadership Development: Grow as a leader within a fast-paced, mission-driven startup environment.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep expertise in climate tech, AI, and the complex domain of climate solution certification.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a rare opportunity for a seasoned design leader to shape a function and product at a foundational level within a company poised for significant growth in a critical industry. The emphasis on "building the team" and "setting the direction" signifies substantial autonomy and impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, with a strong emphasis on in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): London, England. Specific office details are not provided but are implied to be a functional workspace supporting team collaboration.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Three days per week in the office are dedicated to fostering in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team cohesion.

• Technology & Tools: Expect access to modern design software, AI tools, and the necessary infrastructure to support complex product development.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities to engage with design, product, and engineering teams, fostering a dynamic and interactive work atmosphere.

• Fast-Paced Culture: A dynamic and agile work environment where ambiguity is embraced and rapid iteration is encouraged.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week), with the expectation of flexibility to meet business needs and project deadlines. The emphasis on "bias to action" suggests a results-oriented work culture.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 3 days in the office is a key differentiator. Candidates must be comfortable with and value in-person collaboration. This suggests a culture that believes in the power of spontaneous interaction and team synergy, which is increasingly rare in the tech industry.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio for experience, skill alignment, and demonstrated impact.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: Candidates will present 1-2 key case studies, detailing their process, decisions, and outcomes. This will likely involve deep dives into problem-solving, collaboration, and leadership.

• Team/Leadership Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders, including potential direct reports, peers in Product/Engineering, and senior leadership. Focus on cultural fit, leadership style, and strategic thinking.

• Practical Exercise (Potential): A design challenge or take-home assignment may be given to assess practical design skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to work within constraints relevant to Isometric's domain.

• Final Interview: Meeting with founders or senior executives to discuss overall vision, strategic alignment, and long-term commitment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies to clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges faced, and the measurable impact of your design solutions.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes, user flows) effectively to illustrate your design thinking.

• Highlight Leadership & Process: Since this is a Head of Design role, emphasize instances where you built processes, led teams, mentored designers, and managed design operations.

• Demonstrate Technical Aptitude: Given Isometric's domain, be prepared to discuss how you approach complex technical products and potentially intricate data or AI-driven workflows.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., conversion rates, user satisfaction, efficiency gains).

Challenge Preparation:

• Research Isometric's mission, product (Registry, Certifier), and target market.

• Understand the challenges of climate solution certification and the role of AI in this space.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach building a design team and culture from scratch.

• Think about how design can support B2B SaaS adoption and build trust with enterprise clients.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely be rigorous, focusing heavily on demonstrating practical design skills, strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a strong cultural fit with Isometric's values of action, pragmatism, and collaboration. The portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.

• AI Design Tools: Candidates are expected to be proficient in using AI to enhance design workflows (e.g., AI-assisted wireframing, content generation, design system scaling).

• User Research & Testing: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, Hotjar, or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics, or similar for understanding user behavior and product performance.

• Data Visualization: Tableau, Power BI, or internal dashboarding tools for presenting design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Salesforce, HubSpot (likely used by sales/marketing, design may interact with data).

• Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, or similar for managing design sprints and workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with modern design tools like Figma is almost certainly a prerequisite. The explicit mention of "AI to design faster and better" indicates that experience with or a strong aptitude for leveraging AI in the design process is a key differentiator and likely a core expectation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Bias to Action & Doers: A strong emphasis on execution, getting things done, and making tangible progress.

• Pragmatism: A focus on practical solutions that move the company forward, rather than purely theoretical or abstract concepts.

• Proactive Ownership: Taking initiative and responsibility for tasks and outcomes without constant direction.

• Collaboration & Care: While fast-paced, the team also cares deeply for each other and the mission, fostering a supportive environment.

• Generalist Mindset: Willingness to step outside of defined roles and contribute wherever needed to achieve company goals.

• Long-Term Vision: Commitment to building for the future, not just short-term gains.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Person Synergy: Strong preference for face-to-face interaction to drive innovation and problem-solving.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Seamless collaboration between Design, Product, and Engineering is crucial for success.

• Open Communication: An environment where ideas are shared freely, and feedback is constructive and welcomed.

• Fast-Paced Iteration: A culture that embraces rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration based on feedback and data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Isometric's culture is clearly defined as action-oriented, collaborative, and adaptable. Candidates who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy hands-on work, and value in-person teamwork will be a strong fit. The "generalist" expectation means candidates should be comfortable wearing multiple hats.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Function: Building a design team and processes from the ground up in a rapidly growing startup.

• Designing for Complexity: Tackling the intricate technical and regulatory challenges of climate solution certification.

• Balancing Strategy & Execution: Leading a team while remaining hands-on with design work.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating effectively in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities.

• AI Integration: Effectively integrating AI into design workflows and product features.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership Growth: Develop strategic leadership skills in a high-growth startup environment.

• Industry Expertise: Gain deep knowledge in climate tech, AI, and sustainability certification.

• Product Innovation: Contribute to cutting-edge AI-native solutions in a critical global sector.

• Team Building: Experience in shaping team culture, hiring, and mentoring designers.

• Cross-Functional Impact: Broad exposure to business strategy, product development, and enterprise sales.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are significant but also represent substantial growth opportunities for the right candidate. This role is ideal for a leader who enjoys building, solving complex problems, and making a direct impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building and structuring Isometric's design team from scratch?"

• "Describe your process for designing complex, AI-driven B2B SaaS products. How do you ensure user adoption and trust?"

• "What are your strategies for balancing strategic design leadership with hands-on execution, especially during rapid growth?"

• "How do you stay current with AI advancements in design and how would you leverage them at Isometric?"

• "How would you define and maintain design quality and consistency across a growing team and product portfolio?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Isometric's mission and our role in climate solutions?"

• "How do you see your leadership style fitting into a 'bias to action' and 'generalist' culture?"

• "Describe your experience working in a hybrid environment and your philosophy on in-person collaboration."

• "What are your expectations for working with product and engineering teams in a fast-paced startup?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the solutions you designed, and the tangible business or user outcomes.

• Showcase Leadership: Highlight instances where you mentored, managed, or influenced design direction and processes.

• Explain Your 'Why': Be ready to articulate the rationale behind your design decisions, especially for complex or ambiguous problems.

• Discuss AI Integration: If applicable, explain how you've used AI in your process or product.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Given the nature of Isometric's product, expect questions about your ability to understand and design for technical systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design skills but also leadership acumen, strategic thinking, adaptability, and a genuine passion for Isometric's mission. Be ready to discuss how you tackle ambiguity and drive results in a dynamic environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your most impactful end-to-end case studies that best demonstrate your product craft, leadership, and ability to handle complex technical products. Ensure they highlight your process, problem-solving skills, and measurable outcomes.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience in B2B SaaS, technical product design, team leadership, and any experience with AI or complex systems. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your career journey, design philosophy, and why you are a strong fit for Isometric's mission and culture. Be ready to discuss your approach to building a design team and process.

• Research Isometric: Thoroughly understand Isometric's mission, product offerings (Registry, Certifier), target market, and company values. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their specific needs.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.