Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design
Company: Platzi
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Design Leadership / Product Design
Date Posted: October 4, 2025
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and cultivate a team of visual and product designers, ensuring a unified and high-quality design output aligned with Platzi's mission.
• Drive the development of scalable design systems and ensure their consistent implementation across all product touchpoints.
• Foster a design philosophy rooted in curiosity and a scientific approach to understanding human perception and aesthetic principles.
• Collaborate closely with product management and marketing to ensure design strategy directly supports business objectives and enhances user experience.
• Champion a culture of clarity, creativity, and purpose-driven design within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a leadership opportunity within a rapidly growing EdTech company focused on making Latin America a technology superpower. The Head of Design will be instrumental in shaping the visual and user experience of Platzi's platform, requiring a blend of strategic leadership, system-building expertise, and a deep understanding of design's impact on user engagement and learning outcomes. The emphasis on "human perception" and a "scientific approach" suggests a data-informed and user-centric design methodology is paramount.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage a team of visual and product designers, providing mentorship, direction, and performance feedback.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive, scalable design system that ensures brand consistency and efficient product development.
• Guide the team in crafting user-centered design solutions, from initial concept and wireframing to high-fidelity mockups and prototypes.
• Define and articulate the design philosophy and process for Platzi, ensuring a clear understanding of the "why" and "how" behind design decisions.
• Collaborate with Product Managers to define product roadmaps, user stories, and feature specifications from a design perspective.
• Partner with Marketing and Brand teams to ensure a cohesive brand identity and visual communication across all channels.
• Conduct user research, usability testing, and A/B testing to gather insights and iterate on design solutions.
• Stay abreast of industry design trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to continuously elevate Platzi's design standards.
• Advocate for design best practices and user needs across cross-functional teams.
• Manage design project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a need for strong leadership in team management, strategic system design, and cross-functional collaboration. The emphasis on "purpose and process" and understanding the "why and how" indicates a need for a candidate who can not only execute design but also strategize and articulate the rationale behind design choices, linking them directly to business impact and user experience improvements.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphic Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in design leadership roles, managing teams of visual and product designers.
• Demonstrated success in building and scaling design systems from the ground up.
• Proven track record in digital product development, with a portfolio showcasing impactful design solutions.

Required Skills:

• Design Leadership: Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire design teams.
• Design Systems: Expertise in building, maintaining, and implementing scalable design systems.
• Brand Identity: Strong understanding of brand strategy and visual identity development.
• Product Design: Comprehensive knowledge of user-centered design principles and methodologies for digital products.
• Communication: Exceptional ability to articulate and justify design decisions, clearly explaining the rationale and impact.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated success working effectively with product, engineering, and marketing teams.
• User Perception: A scientific curiosity and practical approach to understanding human perception and user experience.
• Creativity & Functionality: Ability to balance innovative design with practical, user-friendly solutions.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling effective communication with diverse global teams and user bases.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the EdTech industry or with online learning platforms.
• Proficiency with advanced design and prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Experience with user research methodologies and data analysis for design insights.
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies and cross-functional team workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for bilingual proficiency (English and Spanish) is critical given Platzi's focus on the Hispanic world. The emphasis on a "scientific approach to design" and "human perception" suggests that candidates with backgrounds in UX research, cognitive psychology, or those who can demonstrate a data-driven approach to design will be highly valued. The experience level of 5+ years leading teams directly implies a senior leadership role with strategic responsibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 2-3 significant design leadership projects, ideally with a focus on product development and scalable design systems.
• Clear documentation of your role and impact within each project, highlighting leadership contributions and strategic decision-making.
• Case studies demonstrating the process of building or managing a design system, including its components, implementation, and impact on product consistency and development efficiency.
• Examples of how you have translated user perception and research insights into tangible design solutions.
• Evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, marketing) and how design was integrated into their workflows.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate a structured approach to design problem-solving, from initial ideation and user research to prototyping, testing, and final implementation.
• Showcase your methodology for defining and evolving design systems, including governance, documentation standards, and contribution workflows.
• Provide examples of how you have established and maintained design quality and consistency across multiple products or features.
• Illustrate your approach to user research and how you integrate user feedback and data into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Head of Design role, the portfolio must go beyond individual design work to demonstrate strategic thinking, team leadership, and the ability to build and scale design infrastructure. Emphasis should be placed on case studies that illustrate process, impact, and the ability to influence product strategy through design. The "scientific approach" to human perception should be evident in how user insights are gathered and applied.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given Platzi's remote-first policy and the "Head of Design" title, combined with 5+ years of leadership experience and bilingual requirements, a competitive salary range for Mexico City would typically fall between MXN $70,000 - MXN $110,000 per month (approximately USD $4,000 - $6,000 per month), depending on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Hardware Stipend: 100% coverage of necessary work tools, including a laptop, smartphone, desk, ergonomic chair, monitor, and other accessories.
• Book Allowance: Access to all professional development books on Kindle, with the Kindle device provided.
• Extended Maternity/Paternity Leave: Generous leave policies to support new parents and promote gender equity.
• Option Pool: Opportunity to own part of Platzi through company shares, aligning employee success with company growth.
• Generous Vacation: 15 days of paid vacation per year, accrued from the start date, regardless of location.
• Online Therapy: Coverage for the first four online therapy sessions per year, supporting emotional well-being.
• Team Syncs: In-person team meetings throughout the year for collaboration, idea exchange, and relationship building.
• Villa Platzi: Annual week-long, all-expenses-paid company retreat in a global location for team bonding, strategic planning, and project discussions.

Working Hours: This is a Full-Time role, typically expected to be around 40 hours per week. While Platzi operates remotely, flexibility may be offered, but core working hours will likely align with key team collaboration times and business needs, particularly for a leadership position.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior design leadership roles in Mexico City, considering the remote work flexibility and the specific benefits package which includes equity (Option Pool) and a comprehensive work-from-home setup. The benefits package is exceptionally strong, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being, professional growth, and long-term engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Online Learning, Professional Development. Platzi operates in a dynamic sector focused on democratizing access to high-quality tech education across Latin America.

Company Size: Platzi has grown significantly, serving over 5 million students and 4,000 companies. While the exact employee count isn't specified, this scale suggests a robust organization with established processes but still retaining a dynamic, startup-like agility. The company operates mostly remote, with key offices in Bogotá, Medellín, and Mexico City.

Founded: Platzi was founded with a mission to empower Latin America through technology education. Its history is marked by rapid growth, community building, and a strong focus on delivering impactful learning experiences. The company's "fanatic community" and numerous student success stories are testaments to its effectiveness and culture.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team: The design team is likely part of a larger Product or Engineering department, working closely with Product Managers, Engineers, and Marketing specialists.
• Reporting Structure: As Head of Design, you would likely report to a VP of Product, Chief Product Officer (CPO), or a similar senior leadership role. You will directly manage a team of visual and product designers.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Expect extensive collaboration with Product Managers to define roadmaps, Engineers for implementation, and Marketing for brand consistency and campaign support. The "remote first" culture emphasizes asynchronous communication and strong documentation practices.

Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: Platzi emphasizes data-driven decision-making. The Head of Design will be expected to leverage user data, A/B testing results, and market research to inform design strategies.
• Workflow Planning and Optimization: The role involves streamlining design processes, implementing efficient workflows, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality design assets.
• Automation and Efficiency Practices: While not explicitly stated for design, the company's overall ethos suggests an appreciation for tools and practices that enhance efficiency, which would extend to design systems and design tooling.

Company Website: https://platzi.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Platzi's culture is clearly defined by its mission, community focus, and a unique approach to recruitment (e.g., the "notrabajar" link). The "mostly remote" operation necessitates strong communication and documentation skills. The emphasis on making Latin America a technology superpower provides a strong sense of purpose for employees.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior leadership position, a "Head of" role, indicating significant responsibility for strategy, team management, and operational excellence within the design function. It's a critical role for shaping the user experience and brand perception of a major EdTech platform.

Reporting Structure: You will report to a senior executive (likely VP of Product, CPO, or CTO) and will be responsible for managing and growing a team of designers. This structure offers opportunities to influence product strategy at a high level and contribute to executive decision-making.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a direct and measurable impact on Platzi's success by:

• Enhancing user engagement and retention through intuitive and compelling product design.
• Strengthening brand identity and market perception through cohesive visual communication.
• Improving product development efficiency and speed-to-market via robust design systems.
• Directly contributing to the company's mission of empowering Latin America through accessible and effective online education.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in scalable design systems, user research methodologies, and data-informed design strategies.
• Leadership Development: Grow as a leader by managing and mentoring a diverse, remote team, and by contributing to broader organizational strategy.
• Industry Impact: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of online education technology and its impact on millions of learners across Latin America.
• Potential for broader GTM/Product leadership: Depending on individual growth and company evolution, there could be pathways to more expansive product leadership roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity for career growth, moving beyond traditional design execution to strategic leadership and operational management within a mission-driven organization. The impact is substantial, touching millions of users and influencing the company's trajectory.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Platzi operates primarily as a remote-first company. While they have key offices in Bogotá, Medellín, and Mexico City, the "TELECOMMUTE" location type and the emphasis on remote work suggest that this role is fully remote.

Office Location(s): While Platzi has physical offices, the role is advertised for Mexico City and is a remote position, implying that the selected candidate will likely work from their home office within Mexico. The company also operates remotely with employees in Colombia.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Despite being remote, Platzi fosters collaboration through virtual tools, regular team syncs, and annual in-person gatherings (Villa Platzi). This encourages strong communication and team cohesion.
• Operations Tools and Technology: Employees are provided with all necessary work tools, including a laptop, smartphone, and ergonomic setup, ensuring a productive and comfortable remote workspace.
• Team Interaction: Opportunities for interaction will be through virtual meetings, Slack, project management tools, and the highly anticipated annual Villa Platzi retreat.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time role (approx. 40 hours/week). While remote work offers flexibility, leadership roles often require availability for critical meetings and team coordination, potentially within specific time zones relevant to the core team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature of Platzi is a key aspect of its work environment. The company invests heavily in providing employees with the tools and resources needed for an effective home office setup, and actively works to build team cohesion through virtual and in-person events.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, focusing on relevant experience in design leadership and systems.
2. Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the direct hiring manager (likely a VP of Product or CPO) to assess your design philosophy, leadership style, and strategic thinking. They will probe your understanding of user perception and design systems.
3. Portfolio Review & Presentation: You will be asked to present your portfolio, focusing on 2-3 key projects that demonstrate your leadership, strategic approach, and ability to build scalable design systems. This is where you'll articulate the "why" and "how" behind your design decisions.
4. Team/Cross-functional Interview: Discussions with key stakeholders from Product, Engineering, and Marketing teams to assess collaboration skills, communication clarity, and cultural fit.
5. Final Interview: Potentially with a co-founder or senior executive to discuss company vision, long-term strategy, and cultural alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the process followed, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes.
• Highlight Leadership: Emphasize your responsibilities in leading teams, mentoring designers, and influencing product strategy.
• Showcase Systems Thinking: Detail your experience in building or managing design systems, including their architecture, governance, and impact.
• Demonstrate the "Why": Clearly articulate your design philosophy and how you approach understanding human perception and user needs. Use data and research to back up your decisions.
• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your design initiatives (e.g., improvements in conversion rates, user satisfaction, development efficiency).
• Tailor to Platzi: Research Platzi's current product and brand. Be prepared to discuss how your approach would align with and enhance their existing user experience and mission.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Exercise: You might be asked to critique an existing design system or outline how you would approach building one for a specific Platzi product area.
• Problem-Solving Scenario: Be prepared for questions that present a design challenge related to online education or user engagement, and ask you to walk through your problem-solving process.
• Leadership Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you handle team conflicts, motivate designers, or manage challenging stakeholder expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "process and purpose" means candidates should be ready to articulate their methodologies in detail, not just showcase final designs. The portfolio review is a critical step, requiring a well-rehearsed presentation that highlights strategic leadership and a deep understanding of design's impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable given modern industry standards and collaborative remote work), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects for motion graphics).
• Design Systems: Tools for documentation and component management (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook, or custom-built solutions).
• Collaboration & Project Management: Slack, Asana, Jira, Trello, or similar tools for cross-functional team communication and task tracking.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Google Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, or similar platforms to track user behavior and product engagement.
• A/B Testing: Tools like Optimizely, VWO, or integrated platform features for testing design variations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly design tools, familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot), marketing automation platforms, and their integration with product features can be beneficial for understanding business context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in modern design collaboration tools like Figma is almost certainly a prerequisite. The Head of Design will need to be adept at leveraging analytics to inform design decisions and potentially work with teams that use these tools for A/B testing and user journey mapping.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Platzi's mission of making Latin America a technology superpower through accessible education.
• Community Focus: Valuing the massive and dedicated Platzi student and company community.
• Curiosity & Learning: Encouraging continuous learning, exploration, and a scientific approach to understanding user behavior and design principles.
• Collaboration & Transparency: Operating in a remote-first environment necessitates open communication, transparency in decision-making, and strong teamwork.
• Excellence & Impact: Striving for high-quality output and measurable impact in all design and product initiatives.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First & Asynchronous: Emphasis on clear documentation, well-defined processes, and effective asynchronous communication to facilitate collaboration across different time zones.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Design is integrated deeply with Product and Marketing, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are shared and developed jointly.
• Feedback-Rich: A culture that encourages constructive feedback exchange to drive continuous improvement in design and processes.
• Purpose-Oriented: Design decisions are framed by the "why" – how they contribute to user success and Platzi's broader mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Platzi's stated values and culture points, particularly the emphasis on their unique "notrabajar" and "cultura" documents, indicate a company that is intentional about its culture. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate alignment with these values, especially around learning, community, and impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring design systems remain robust, scalable, and adopted across a growing product suite and user base.
• Balancing Global & Local Needs: Catering to a diverse Latin American audience while maintaining a cohesive brand and user experience.
• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading, motivating, and fostering strong team culture within a distributed, remote team.
• Driving Design's Strategic Influence: Continuously advocating for and demonstrating the strategic value of design to business outcomes within a fast-paced environment.
• Staying Ahead of EdTech Trends: Adapting design strategies to evolving educational technology and learner expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Leadership: Opportunities to refine leadership skills, strategic thinking, and operational management within a growing organization.
• EdTech Innovation: Deepen understanding of the EdTech landscape and contribute to innovative learning experiences.
• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gain insights into product management, marketing strategies, and business operations within a successful tech company.
• Global Collaboration: Experience working with a diverse, international team, enhancing cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges related to scaling operations and leading a remote team, but these are also opportunities for substantial professional growth. The EdTech sector is ripe for innovation, offering a dynamic environment for a design leader.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design philosophy and how you approach understanding human perception. Can you provide an example of how this has influenced a design decision?"
• "Walk us through the process of building or scaling a design system. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?"
• "How do you ensure design alignment with business objectives and collaborate effectively with Product and Marketing teams?"
• "Describe a time you had to make a difficult design decision that was met with resistance. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?"
• "How do you measure the success and impact of design initiatives within a product organization?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Platzi's mission and our approach to education?"
• "How do you foster a strong design culture within a remote team?"
• "Based on your understanding of Platzi, what do you see as our biggest design opportunities or challenges?"
• "How do you stay current with design trends and incorporate them into your team's work?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": Begin by framing your portfolio around Platzi's mission and how your leadership and design approach can contribute.
• Focus on Impact: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem you solved, your strategic approach, your leadership role, and the measurable business outcomes.
• Showcase Systems Thinking: Dedicate time to explaining your experience with design systems – their architecture, governance, and how they drive efficiency and consistency.
• Tell a Story: Weave a narrative that highlights your journey as a design leader, your problem-solving skills, and your ability to inspire and manage a team.
• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your decisions, methodologies, and how you would apply your experience to Platzi's specific context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of design systems and user perception. Candidates should be ready to articulate their "why" and back it up with concrete examples and quantifiable results, tailored to Platzi's mission and market.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in design leadership, scalable design systems, and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements wherever possible.
• Portfolio Curation: Select 2-3 of your most impactful leadership projects that best showcase your ability to build and manage design systems, drive product strategy, and lead design teams. Ensure your portfolio clearly articulates your role and the outcomes.
• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on storytelling, explaining your design philosophy, and demonstrating how your leadership directly contributes to business goals and user success. Be ready to discuss your approach to understanding human perception and your experience with remote team management.
• Research Platzi: Thoroughly review Platzi's website, product, and any publicly available information about their culture and mission. Understand their target audience and their position in the EdTech market.

⚠️ 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.

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