New 
Director, Design Operations
 Microsoft | |
 United States, Texas, Irving | |
| 7000 State Highway 161 (Show on map) | |
 Nov 29, 2024 | |
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OverviewThe Consumer Sales Organization (CSO) is a global team at Microsoft responsible for the sales and marketing across Devices & Creativity (Windows, Microsoft 365, and Surface) and Gaming. CSO puts the consumer at the center, helping them discover, learn, and buy through direct and partner channels in over 120 countries around the world. Our team works with ecosystem partners and internal business groups to drive digital excellence and e-commerce capability, as well as accelerating cloud and subscription adoption. Together, we win by delivering compelling at-home and on-the-go experiences combining intelligent edge devices and services that create Microsoft fans for life. The Digital Direct Sales (DDS) team is responsible for the Microsoft Store eCommerce experience. We create a trusted online destination for Consumers and Very Small Businesses to discover, learn and buy the full range of Microsoft products and solutions. The DDS Studio is committed to delivering best-in-class UX, creative design, and operational excellence. We are dedicated to creating innovative user experiences across various web storefronts and customer interactions. We are looking for a Program Manager to join the DDS Studio and lead the coordination of complex UX design initiatives, ensuring seamless collaboration between cross-functional teams, driving innovative design solutions, and delivering user-centered experiences that align with our strategic goals. As the Director, Design Operations, you will play a crucial role in optimizing collaboration, streamlining workflows, and fostering innovation across the Studio. Your main responsibilities will include overcoming organizational silos, making design more impactful at the organizational level, and focusing on AI tools, automation opportunities, and innovation for how we work and support the business. Additionally, you will be involved in strategic planning and act as a liaison with partner teams' leadership to align the design team's efforts with the organization's overarching objectives and drive Studio prioritization. In this role, you will work closely with the Creative Lead and UX Director, focusing on workload and capacity management while ensuring consistency and high-quality design output. Your focus will be keeping the work on track while maintaining and raising the Studio's craft. You will be responsible for offering options and trade-offs, articulating decisions clearly, iterating quickly, and collaborating seamlessly with the business, leadership, Studio team members, and agency partners. You will own and drive the production roadmap for the Studio, managing project intake, schedules, budget, scope, and staffing. Additionally, you will oversee end-to-end production from strategy to delivery on a high volume of simultaneous programs, ranging from small to highly complex, working closely with the Creative Lead and UX Director. Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
ResponsibilitiesManage the day-to-day running of the Studio operations, including driving the rhythm of business, planning and resource management to meet project demands. Develop and implement design operations strategies that align with the business goals and enhances the overall design process and operational efficiency Identify and streamline design workflows, tools, and methodologies to optimize design efficiency and quality of output, while proactively seizing AI opportunities for the team Gather inputs and requirements, understand business strategies and defines program strategies that align with business priorities, advocating for value through metrics and KPIs Monitor and track program activities to ensure alignment with objectives, milestones, timelines, and financial goals Manage design resources effectively, ensuring the right talent is in place to meet project demands. Execute program processes efficiently, including change and risk management and program improvement efforts. Lead and mentor a team of Program Managers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Guide teams to work with cross-functional (e.g., planning, engineering) stakeholders (e.g., business) to design programs from initiation to delivery. Coache teams to produce content (e.g., proposals, strategy walking deck, internal and external pitch content) to incorporate stakeholder needs and ensure the business objectives are met. Simplifies complex inputs into program design. Guide teams to overlook a portfolio of projects including the project plan, timelines, milestones, financial management, performance metrics, and resource needs for programs. Oversee the design operations budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. | |