About the Role
Route is on a mission to connect the world’s commerce by reimagining the post-purchase experience. We believe that buying online shouldn’t be a stressful game of tracking links and customer support loops. Since 2018, we have built a platform that allows millions of consumers to track, insure, and discover products seamlessly. We are looking for a visionary Sr. Manager of Design to join our high-impact team. In this pivotal role, you will sit at the intersection of Product, Engineering, and Brand, shaping how thousands of merchants and millions of shoppers interact with our ecosystem every single day. This is a unique opportunity to scale a design function that balances speed with quality while fostering a people-first, values-driven culture.
As the Sr. Manager of Design, you will be the primary steward of our Product Design (UX/UI) strategy while overseeing Design Systems, Operations, User Research, and Brand Design. You are not just a manager; you are a player-coach who thrives on being hands-on with the craft while simultaneously mentoring our design talent. You will navigate ambiguity with clarity, ensuring that design remains a trusted, integrated partner in every roadmap decision. Whether you are refining a high-fidelity interface or establishing durable systems that ensure consistency and velocity, your work will directly influence the future of e-commerce for brands and consumers alike.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the end-to-end Product Design lifecycle, from initial discovery and research through to high-fidelity execution and iterative delivery.
- Establish and evolve comprehensive Design Systems and Operations to ensure visual consistency, scalability, and increased team velocity.
- Guide the User Research and Insights function, ensuring all design decisions are grounded in rigorous data and deep empathy for user needs.
- Provide creative direction and oversight for Brand and Marketing Design to maintain a cohesive visual identity across all external customer touchpoints.
- Act as a dedicated player-coach, directly contributing to high-level design work while mentoring and growing our Staff Designer and future team members.
- Partner cross-functionally with Product and Engineering leadership to streamline workflows, influence prioritization, and improve collaboration.
- Champion a culture of "Team Over Ego," promoting high design standards, clarity, and a bias toward action across the entire organization.
- Influence the broader product roadmap by advocating for design excellence and long-term architectural integrity within the product suite.
- 10+ years of professional design experience, with a significant track record of ownership over UX/UI for complex, high-scale digital products.
- Proven experience as a design leader or manager who is equally comfortable in a hands-on execution role as they are in a strategic mentorship capacity.
- Advanced systems-thinking capabilities, with a history of building or evolving scalable design systems and operational frameworks.
- Deep expertise in leveraging user research, data analytics, and consumer insights to inform product strategy and design outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to align brand and marketing design initiatives with core product goals without losing focus on excellence.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders in Product and Engineering regarding roadmap decisions.
- A mindset rooted in humility, ownership, and a desire to thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating sophisticated aesthetic sensibilities and a logical approach to solving complex user problems in the e-commerce space.
- Comprehensive health insurance with 95% - 100% of premiums covered for you and your family.
- Competitive compensation packages including equity incentive plans and stock options.
- Flexible work environment with remote-first arrangements to support work-life balance.
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) to ensure you have the time you need to recharge.
- 401(k) matching program to help you plan for your financial future.
- Formalized growth opportunities, including learning and development stipends and mentorship programs.
- Inclusive culture featuring DEI programs, community events, and a dedicated focus on employee well-being.