Job
Description
About Parallel:
At Parallel, we believe that craft, impact, and curiosity drive real innovationWe take on high-stakes, high-impact design challenges that shape industries, building digital experiences where creativity meets function and innovation feels effortless
We started as a boutique studio, and today, were leading the charge in product design
From startups and communities like Healthify, Gullak, and The Product Folks, to leaders like Meta, Delhivery, and Pixxel, we help teams turn ideas into products that create lasting changeAcross Fintech, Healthcare, Logistics, and Public Infrastructure, we focus on tackling meaningful challenges and creating thoughtful, effective solutions that make a real difference in peoples livesWe move fast, cut through the noise, and focus on what matters no endless meetings, no bureaucratic bottlenecks, just rapid experimentation, real problem-solving, and pushing boundaries
At our core, we believe that design has the power to inspire, to connect, and to create lasting impact
Our purpose is to turn great ideas into great products products that dont just function, but truly resonateThat happens when talented people collaborate with intention, challenge assumptions, and bring their best thinking to the table every single dayRole
As an Associate Design Director, youll be instrumental in driving design excellence and fostering team growthYour leadership will bridge vision and execution, ensuring that teams deliver high-impact, user-centered design solutionsYoull work cross-functionally, balancing business needs with creative innovation while setting a high bar for design qualityYoure comfortable with ambiguity, bringing strategic clarity to complex challenges
Your expertise spans product design, brand, and storytelling, and you thrive on mentoring teams while advocating for best-in-class digital experiencesResponsibilities:
Lead by ExampleBalance leadership with hands-on design execution, collaborating closely with teams to deliver top-tier workApply deep expertise in product design, design systems, product strategy, and human-centered design to refine and elevate projects
Set high standards for design excellence, offering thoughtful critique and actionable feedback
Client Engagement & Delivery
Work closely with Account Directors to align design efforts with business objectives, ensuring impactful resultsServe as a trusted design advisor, guiding clients through the design process and addressing challenges proactively
Present design solutions effectively, gaining stakeholder alignment and managing feedback loops efficiently
Strategic Thinking & Project Success
Integrate service design and change management principles to enhance design strategy and executionCollaborate with the Partnerships team to scope projects and identify business opportunities
Cultivate strong client relationships and establish a distinct point of view on design direction and execution
Advocacy & Leadership
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performance design culturePartner with leadership to drive team engagement and uphold a strong company culture
Mentor and develop Design Leads, ensuring a continuous pipeline of design leadership
Represent the company in the design community, attracting top talent and business opportunities
What Were Looking For:
Technical ExpertiseUX DesignDefine quality standards, drive innovation, and lead teams in best practices for research, strategy, and executionVisual DesignChampion exceptional visual execution, staying ahead of emerging trends and new design tools
Product StrategyEnsure design solutions align with product roadmaps, release plans, and market positioning
Critique & CollaborationCultivate a strong feedback culture that enhances both internal teamwork and client relationships
ResearchLeverage qualitative and quantitative insights to inform and validate design decisions
Content DesignAdvocate for clear, impactful communication that aligns with brand and user experience strategies
Leadership & Influence
Selling DesignCraft compelling narratives to help clients understand and invest in design decisionsVisionGuide teams in developing experience concepts that align user needs, business goals, and creative innovation
Creative DirectionEnsure projects maintain strategic and creative impact, from initial concept to client presentation
Systems DesignDefine scalable design systems that prioritize usability, adoption, and long-term sustainability
Brand StrategyLead brand strategy workshops, helping clients shape compelling and meaningful creative directions
Requirements:
8+ years of product design experience, including some in a digital agency or consultancyProven experience managing and mentoring design teams through complex challenges while maintaining high-quality outputStrong communication and presentation skills, capable of aligning and influencing diverse stakeholders
Experience working with cross-functional teams to drive business priorities and deliver user value
Active engagement in the design community, contributing thought leadership through articles, panels, and events
Passion for inclusive design practices and fostering a collaborative team culture
Knowledge of change management and service design principles
Strategic mindset with the ability to contribute to business development and client relationship-building
Why Join Us?
Were looking for someone with the perfect mix of experience, humility, and ambitionYou will potentially be a great fit if:Your craft drives youLarge product companies dont excite you, and smaller startups dont offer the challenge you wantYou crave interesting, high-stakes problems to solveYoure a builder and you care about meaningful work, good people, and a life well-designedYoure a lifelong learnerYou dont assume you have all the answers you explore, question, and evolve
Youre strategic and hands-onYou see the big picture, but youre just as comfortable rolling up your sleeves to get things done
Youve worked across different environmentsYouve seen a bit of everything and can bring rich, interesting, rich perspectives to the table
You prioritize quality of work and lifeYoure driven by good people, good work, and interesting challenges not corporate dramaIf this sounds like the kind of challenge youre excited about, lets talk
We Value People, Not Just Resumes
Studies show that many talented individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every single requirementIf this role excites youif you see yourself in it, even if you dont check every boxwe want to hear from youWe believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives
Thats why were committed to building an inclusive, welcoming team where everyoneregardless of background, identity, or experiencehas the opportunity to do their best workWe hire for talent, mindset, and potential, and we take pride in fostering a culture where everyone belongs
If youre ready to bring your skills, passion, and unique perspective to the table, lets talk
LocationBengaluru
Fee40 to 55 LPACommensurate with ones experienceFor queries, reach out to Apoorva at careers@parallelhq.comShow more Show less