Fractional Design Systems Lead

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Fractional Design Systems Lead
Company: Kindred
Location: United States
Job Type: CONTRACTOR
Category: Design Operations / GTM Operations (Design Systems Focus)
Date Posted: January 16, 2026
Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5+ years)
Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end creation and architecture of a modular Design System 2.0, defining logic for tokens, components, and patterns across web and mobile platforms.
• Translate Kindred's new visual identity and rebrand guidelines into a functional, multi-platform UI kit, ensuring seamless integration with the codebase.
• Establish and manage a "Single Source of Truth" workflow to ensure design changes are automatically reflected in production code, minimizing manual handoff.
• Leverage AI-driven tools and automation to streamline documentation, audit component health, and reduce manual design-to-development processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Fractional Design Systems Lead," this role is positioned within the broader GTM Operations umbrella due to its critical function in standardizing and scaling the product's visual and functional components, directly impacting Go-To-Market efficiency and brand consistency. The focus on translating brand identity into a functional UI kit and ensuring code-base alignment is a core operational responsibility for a seamless product launch and ongoing development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect the foundational structure for Design System 2.0, encompassing the definition and logic for design tokens, reusable components, and established patterns for both web and mobile applications.
• Collaborate closely with stakeholders to meticulously codify new brand identity guidelines into a comprehensive and functional UI kit, ensuring adherence to the rebrand.
• Implement and maintain a robust "Single Source of Truth" workflow, guaranteeing that any design modifications are accurately and efficiently propagated to the production codebase.
• Proactively identify and implement AI-driven tools and automation strategies to reduce manual design-to-development handoff, enhance component health audits, and optimize the overall documentation process.
• Develop and manage a technical orchestration layer that ensures consistency and efficiency between design specifications and engineering implementation.
• Document system logic, naming conventions, and usage guidelines clearly to facilitate adoption and maintenance by product and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize building a new system ("Design System 2.0") and translating a rebrand, indicating a strategic, foundational role rather than a maintenance one. The focus on "Single Source of Truth" and "Technical Orchestration" highlights the operational rigor required to ensure product consistency and development efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for a lead role with this level of technical and strategic responsibility.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in leading the creation and implementation of design systems, ideally within design-forward companies or high-growth startups. Demonstrable experience in building systems from the ground up is crucial.

Required Skills:

• Systems Leadership: Proven track record of leading the development and evolution of design systems, with a strong understanding of their productization.
• Systems Orchestration: Deep expertise in bridging the gap between design tools and production code, leveraging platforms like Knapsack or Supernova.
• Dev-Ops for Design: Experience in building or managing custom Figma-to-GitHub actions (or similar CI/CD integrations) for automated token transformations and component updates.
• Modern Figma Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Figma, including Variables, Advanced Prototyping, and Code Connect.
• Development Literacy: Strong fluency in JSON/style dictionaries, React component structures, and the ability to effectively communicate with engineering teams.
• AI-First Design Approach: A proactive mindset towards leveraging LLMs and automation to enhance systems management and reduce manual tasks.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI tools for design system automation and documentation.
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and their integration into design systems.
• Experience in a fractional or contract leadership role.
• Understanding of GTM strategies and how design systems support them.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements heavily emphasize technical proficiency and a systems-thinking mindset, positioning this role as a critical operational function that bridges design and development. The mention of "Dev-Ops for Design" and "AI-First designer" highlights a forward-thinking approach to operational efficiency.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design System Productization: Showcase examples where a design system was treated as a product, detailing its architecture, component library, and governance.
• Complex System Logic: Demonstrate the definition and implementation of intricate system logic, including robust naming conventions and clear documentation.
• Rebrand Translation Case Studies: Present case studies where new visual identities were successfully translated into functional, multi-platform UI kits.
• Automation & Workflow Integration: Evidence of building or managing automated workflows, such as Figma-to-GitHub actions, for component updates or token management.
• ROI and Efficiency Metrics: If possible, illustrate the impact of your design system work through metrics related to development speed, consistency, or reduced design debt.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design and Optimization: Examples of designing and optimizing workflows for design system creation, maintenance, and adoption.
• Implementation and Automation: Documentation of processes for implementing and automating design system updates and integrations.
• Measurement and Performance Analysis: Methods used to measure the health, adoption, and impact of a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a fractional role focused on building a new system, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design skill but deep operational understanding of how to build, scale, and maintain complex systems that directly impact product development velocity and consistency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: As a fractional contractor, the compensation is quoted hourly. Based on the experience level (5+ years, lead role) and the demand for specialized skills (Design Systems, Figma, Dev-Ops for Design, AI integration), the estimated range is $110 - $170 per hour. This range is informed by industry benchmarks for senior-level fractional/contract roles in the US tech sector, particularly for specialized positions requiring deep technical expertise and strategic leadership.

Benefits: As a contractor, standard employee benefits may not apply. However, Kindred offers a competitive compensation package and specific perks relevant to this engagement:

• Competitive cash compensation ($110-$170/hour).
• Opportunity to work on a high-impact, foundational project for a well-funded startup.
• Access to Kindred's network and potential for future engagements.
• A remote-first work environment, allowing flexibility in location within the United States.

Working Hours: This is a part-time role, approximately 20 hours per week, with an expected duration of approximately three months. The specific daily schedule can be flexible, allowing for collaboration across time zones within the US.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the provided hourly rate and industry standards for senior fractional roles. The benefits listed in the original job description are typically for full-time employees; for a contractor, the primary benefit is the competitive hourly rate and the nature of the project itself.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Travel & Hospitality, Technology (Proptech/Sharing Economy). Kindred operates in the innovative space of home swapping and community-driven travel, leveraging technology to disrupt traditional accommodation models. This industry context implies a focus on trust, community building, and seamless user experiences, all of which are heavily influenced by a robust design system. Company Size: The exact size isn't specified, but the mention of raising "significant capital from some of the best investors" and having "co-founders are proven leaders from the early team at proptech company Opendoor" suggests a well-funded, fast-growing startup environment. This implies a dynamic, agile culture with a strong emphasis on execution and innovation. Founded: Founded by experienced leaders from Opendoor, indicating a foundation built on scaling technology companies and understanding market dynamics.

Team Structure:

• The Design Systems Lead will likely report to a Head of Product or Head of Design, depending on the organizational structure.
• Close collaboration with Product Managers, UI/UX Designers, and Front-end Engineers is expected.
• The team is described as "vibrant, inclusive, and highly skilled," with a "ferocious protection of team chemistry."

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Approach: The company's investors and founders' backgrounds suggest a data-informed decision-making process.
• Agile Development: Fast-paced startup environment likely employs agile methodologies for rapid iteration and product development.
• Focus on Excellence: Emphasis on "high standards, feedback, and continual growth" indicates a culture that values quality and continuous improvement in both product and processes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on community, trust, and technology, combined with its startup nature and experienced founders, suggests a culture that values innovation, user experience, and operational efficiency. The Design Systems Lead will play a pivotal role in ensuring the product's design and development align with these core values.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is at a senior/lead level, focusing on foundational system architecture and implementation. It's a strategic position that requires deep expertise and the ability to operate autonomously. Reporting Structure: The Fractional Design Systems Lead will likely report to a senior leader within the Product or Design team, collaborating closely with engineering. As a fractional role, the reporting structure might be more project-focused. Operations Impact: The Design System is a critical operational asset. Its successful implementation directly impacts:

• Go-To-Market Efficiency: Standardized components and patterns accelerate product development, enabling faster feature releases and a more consistent brand experience.
• Scalability: A well-defined system supports future product growth and expansion across platforms.
• Brand Consistency: Ensures a cohesive and professional visual identity across all user touchpoints.
• Developer Productivity: Reduces redundant code and design efforts, freeing up engineering and design resources for higher-value tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Project Ownership: Complete ownership and autonomy over the Design System 2.0 build.
• Strategic Influence: Opportunity to shape the future of Kindred's product development workflow and design language.
• Future Engagements: Successful completion could lead to extended contract work or future projects with Kindred.
• Skill Enhancement: Deepen expertise in AI-driven design tools, advanced Figma features, and CI/CD integrations for design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this is a fractional role with a defined end-date, the strategic impact of building a design system from the ground up offers significant experience and portfolio-building opportunities, crucial for career progression in design operations and systems leadership.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is Fully Remote ("TELECOMMUTE" and "remote-first" mentioned). This means the candidate can work from anywhere within the United States. Office Location(s): While remote-first, Kindred has HQ in San Francisco. Occasional in-person gatherings and company offsites are mentioned, suggesting opportunities to connect with the team physically, though not required.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to use digital collaboration tools (Slack, Zoom, etc.) extensively.
• Tooling: Access to and proficiency with design and development tools (Figma, GitHub, etc.) is essential.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities to connect with a "vibrant, inclusive, and highly skilled team" will be primarily virtual, with potential for in-person offsites.

Work Schedule: Approximately 20 hours per week, offering significant flexibility. This allows for integration with personal schedules while ensuring dedicated time for project deliverables. The focus will be on output and impact rather than strict adherence to traditional office hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature of the role offers maximum flexibility, but candidates should be prepared for a digitally-driven collaborative environment and occasional in-person events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely a brief call to assess overall fit, experience, and understanding of the role's objectives.
• Technical/Portfolio Review: In-depth discussion focusing on your design systems experience, technical skills, and a review of your portfolio. Expect to walk through specific examples of system architecture, component logic, and automation.
• Stakeholder Interviews: Conversations with key team members (e.g., Head of Product, Lead Engineer) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Kindred's values.
• Potential Practical Exercise: A small, focused task or case study related to translating a design concept into system logic or outlining an automation strategy might be required.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Systems Thinking: Highlight your ability to treat a design system as a product with its own lifecycle, governance, and user base (designers and developers).
• Demonstrate Technical Depth: Showcase your understanding of how design systems integrate with code. Examples like Figma Variables, style dictionaries, custom Figma actions, and React component structures are key.
• Illustrate Automation: Provide concrete examples of how you've used or would use AI and automation to streamline design system workflows, reduce manual tasks, and improve efficiency.
• Showcase Rebrand Translation: If possible, include examples of how you've translated brand guidelines into a structured UI kit.
• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your approach to defining tokens, creating components, establishing patterns, and building documentation.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value your design system work has delivered (e.g., faster development cycles, improved consistency).

Challenge Preparation:

• System Architecture Outline: Be ready to sketch out or describe how you would architect Design System 2.0 for Kindred, considering web and mobile.
• AI/Automation Strategy: Prepare to discuss specific AI tools or automation techniques you would employ to streamline the process and documentation.
• Figma Mastery: Be ready to discuss specific Figma features like Variables, Auto Layout, and Code Connect and how you leverage them for system building.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Practice articulating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio that showcases "complex system logic, naming conventions, and documentation" and the role’s focus on "AI-First" and "Dev-Ops for Design" suggest the interview process will be highly technical and focused on operational execution.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design System Management: Knapsack or Supernova (or similar platforms for bridging design and code).
• Design Software: Figma (Expert-level proficiency with Variables, Advanced Prototyping, Code Connect).
• Version Control & CI/CD: GitHub (for managing code, custom actions, and integrations).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for this role, understanding how design system adoption and impact can be tracked through analytics would be beneficial. This might involve collaboration with product analytics teams.

CRM & Automation:

• Automation Tools: AI-driven tools and LLMs for streamlining documentation, component auditing, and workflow automation.
• Code Integration: Understanding of JSON/style dictionaries and how they translate into code.
• Web Technologies: Fluency with React component structures is essential for effective collaboration with engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core of this role revolves around Figma, design system platforms (Knapsack/Supernova), and GitHub. Proficiency in these, along with a strong understanding of JSON and React, is critical. The "AI-First" aspect suggests exploration and integration of AI tools for operational efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Treating a Design System as a Product: This is a core value, emphasizing strategic thinking, user-centricity (for designers and developers), and continuous improvement.
• AI-First Approach: A commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology and automation to enhance efficiency and reduce manual effort in design systems.
• High Standards & Execution: The team values technical excellence and a "Best in Class" workflow, driven by founders with a track record of scaling successful companies.
• Collaboration & Chemistry: A strong emphasis on team dynamics and maintaining a positive, inclusive, and highly skilled team environment.
• Continual Growth: A culture that encourages learning, feedback, and personal/professional development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect close collaboration with Product and Engineering to ensure the design system is deeply integrated into the development lifecycle.
• Feedback-Driven: A culture that embraces feedback for continuous improvement of both the design system and team processes.
• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing best practices and learnings, particularly around new tools and methodologies like AI in design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "productizing" the design system and an "AI-First" mindset highlights a unique and forward-thinking operational culture within Kindred.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch (Version 2.0): Establishing a new, comprehensive design system requires significant strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and technical execution within a defined, short timeframe.
• Rebrand Translation Complexity: Accurately translating a new visual identity into a functional, multi-platform system while maintaining code consistency.
• AI Integration Uncertainty: Successfully identifying and integrating AI tools for efficiency gains requires experimentation and a proactive approach.
• Fractional Engagement Constraints: Working within a ~3-month contract requires rapid ramp-up, high productivity, and clear deliverable management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Design System Architecture: Gaining hands-on experience in building a modern, robust design system from its foundational elements.
• AI and Automation Expertise: Developing practical skills in applying AI and automation to design operations workflows.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Enhancing collaboration and communication skills with product and engineering teams in a fast-paced startup environment.
• Portfolio Building: Creating a significant, high-impact project deliverable that can serve as a strong case study for future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly related to the project's scope and the fractional nature of the role, emphasizing the need for efficiency and strategic focus. The growth opportunities are substantial for someone looking to deepen their expertise in design systems and operational automation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building Kindred's Design System 2.0, given our recent rebrand and focus on web/mobile?" (Focus on phased approach, token definition, component strategy).
• "Describe your process for ensuring a 'Single Source of Truth' between design and code. What specific tools or workflows have you implemented?" (Highlight Figma-to-GitHub, CI/CD, automation).
• "Where do you see AI making the biggest impact in design systems, and how would you leverage it in this role?" (Discuss LLMs for documentation, component auditing, code generation assistance).
• "How do you measure the success and adoption of a design system?" (Discuss metrics like component usage, development speed, consistency scores, team feedback).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Kindred's mission and the sharing economy?" (Research the company, its investors, and its impact).
• "How do you handle feedback on your system designs, especially from engineers or other designers?" (Emphasize collaborative approach, data-driven decisions).
• "Describe your experience working in a fast-paced startup environment. How do you prioritize in a high-pressure situation?" (Highlight agility, focus on core deliverables).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly state the problem, your proposed solution (the design system element/process), your execution, and the outcome/impact.
• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visual aids effectively. Walk through Figma files, code snippets, or diagrams that illustrate your system's logic and implementation.
• Highlight Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss specific technical aspects like JSON structure, React component patterns, and the mechanics of your automation processes.
• Emphasize Operational Efficiency: Connect your design system work directly to how it improves efficiency for designers and developers, and how it supports GTM efforts.
• Address the 'Product' Mindset: Frame your design system as a product that serves internal users and has a clear value proposition.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation should focus heavily on practical, systems-level thinking and demonstrable experience in bridging design and development operations, with a keen eye on automation and efficiency.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this fractional Design Systems Lead position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.
• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience specifically related to design systems, UI architecture, Figma mastery, and any experience with automation or AI in design workflows. Quantify achievements where possible.
• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features case studies demonstrating your ability to build and manage design systems, translate rebrands, and implement automation. Focus on system logic, documentation, and technical integration.
• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss your experience with Knapsack/Supernova, Figma Variables, GitHub actions, and React component structures. Practice articulating your approach to system architecture and automation.
• Research Kindred: Understand their mission, market position, and the implications of a strong design system for their collaborative travel platform.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. As this is a fractional, contract role, the scope and expectations may evolve. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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